Two Swords: A Tale of Two Witchers

[WanderingJester]

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The Characters:

Spoiler

Name Char: Thilway (of Haakland, informally)
Char type: Witcher
Profession: Witcher (School of the Lion)

Appearence (optional, Human+ chars must have one outward mutation though.):


Standing at around 6'2-6'3, Thilway (or Thil, as those close to him calls him) is built and cut like the average witcher from the Lion school: strong enough to deal with the larger monsters he'll encounter out in the world like fiends, but lean enough to keep up with the speed of higher vampires (at least better than the average man.  The trial of the grasses left his originally ashy gray hair almost black with a slight tinge of blue on his head.  Thilway have the handsome face of a mid 20- early 30s year old (probably because that's his age in regards to the witcher scale, though he doesn't seem to look like he's getting any older even with time).  A single scar cuts diagonally from near the left corner of his mouth to past his eye.  If it weren't for the vertical slit eyes, people may mistake him for nobility, not for the non existent air of pretentiousness around him, but the posture that Thilway holds himself at most times is one of good (one may even say perfect) form.  This came from years of fighting vampires, where a single mistake could cost one's life.  He also sports a five o'clock shadow (the beard for some reason, probably damaged the Trial of the Grasses, won't grow any longer), as he hasn't shaved in a while (and from a hygiene standpoint, probably should).

Primary equipment: Steel Sword, Silver Sword with a shade of red snaking through it (the Bloodbane).
Secondary equipment: None.
Tertiary equipment: Rations, Lion Medallion, a red handkerchief from his mother.
Armour/clothes: Standard Lion Witcher gear (gauntlets, torso, trousers, boots).


Bio:


Out of all the monsters in the world, Thilway have the greatest distaste Vampires due to his family (along with his entire village) being slaughtered by a particularly powerful Katakan.  Before it could finish off Thil, it was slain by a Witcher of the Lion School, Rodrick, later Thil's mentor during his training.  When he trained at Kaer Isen, the older witchers noticed Thils intense study of vampires and ways to kill them.  The young witcher, after finally receiving his dual swords, set off to world.  His distaste caused him sometimes to lose out on money from contracts, as he would take any and all contracts that seemed to lead to vampire targets.

It started with lesser Vampires, like the Ekimma and Fleders, and before long Thil tracked his first higher vampire, a merchant who's traveled from town to town, making each of his destination a feasting ground for himself, leaving several, even a dozen or so corpses behind.  The young witcher managed to track down the Vampire, and a hard fight began on the rooftops of Haakland's capital.  Ultimately Thil managed to fell the vampire, but not before losing his horse, Tempest, early in the fighting and being tackled off of the rooftops and into a shed, giving him his scar.

As he went through the body to take the head for payment, Thil found a strange metal ingot of pulsating red.  The young witcher took it to back to Kaer Isen, where the blacksmith there used it to infused it into a new silver sword that the young witcher had commissioned.  After setting off again, Thil found himself a few villages away from Kaer Isen when he was confronted by the regenerated merchant and a few other Vampires as well, demanding the ingot back.  As a response, Thil drew his silver sword, and for the first time in living memory, the Vampires had a bit of fear mixed in with the look of great surprised.  They charged, and, after another battle which took Thil a week of rest to fully recover, died, this time permanently.


It turned out that the material was the only thing that could take out a Vampire, any Vampire.  It came from the Vampire's home before the conjunction of spheres, where the elder headsmen would use it in the execution weapon instead of his teeth to dish out punishment issued from the head.  This type of weapon, in the hands of a human, does not sit well with the local clan of Vampires of course.  They began assault after assault on Thil, all of which gave the young witcher, already well learned against them even by witcher standards, all the more experience in fighting them, and as it was kill or be killed, his victory only further thinned the ranks of the Vampires, causing it to drop to levels not seen since the Conjunction first happened.


The Vampires retaliated by hunting down other witchers from the school of the Lion.  This of course escalated into full scale war between the clan and the witcher school.  At the end, knowing that this couldn't go on, the elder of the clan came forth and challenged Thil himself at a field near Kaer Isen.  Impossibly fast, freakishly strong, the elder managed to shove a clawed fist straight through Thil's stomach.  As he basked in his victory however, to everyone's shock, Thil took the last strength in his arms and swung Bloodbane at the elder.  Not expecting the blow, the elder managed to avoid losing his head only to have his right arm and left leg cut clean off.  Now bleeding to death, Thil slipped into the darkness as he watch the elder forced away by the other witchers, never regaining the arm, leg, or speed he had once had.


The witchers took Thil back to Kaer Isen as fast as they could, amazed that the boy still shallowly breathed.  Three present members of the council agreed for a hail mary for the young man, while a fourth, the School Master, objected.  They would subject Thil to another batch of mutations, as at the rate he was going, only a new set would help him regenerate enough tissue and blood to stave death off (the school of the Lion had experimented with mutations for a long time, usually on animals, but occasionally tested on volunteers.  This was an untested procedure).  Quickly rushed into the trial chamber, Thil was given the mutations, during which he died and was brought back no less than three times.  Finally, his condition, critical but stable, left him bedridden for months.


When he could walk and train again, Thil walked out of testing chamber to see that the Council assigned him to move beyond the Blue Mountains to the West.  They would like to use this as both a time where he could gather news of the situation there, as well as give him some distance from the events that occurred, not to mention as a gesture of goodwill to the remaining Vampires in the region; those that either helped the witchers or remained neutral during the war.  Now he finds himself in Lyria, trying to find a decent job to bolster his empty money sack and maybe familiarize himself with the region a bit.

As to the personal life, Thilway haven't actually given it much thought. While he does not spend time chasing women, he graciously accept all offers from the pretty individuals of the opposite gender.  With his looks and posture, Thilway gets a decent amount of offers.  However, he have considered settling down (or at least practice monogamy) with a single woman provided that he finds himself a suitable match. It's just he hasn't really met anyone in his path so far (and the opportunity have been few due not only to the nature of his work but also, as mentioned before, he doesn't really seek those of the opposite gender out).


Additional Attributes:


Due to his training with a dear friend (who dual wielded swords), Thil's swordsmanship is well above average.  His ability to foreseen a Vampire's move and sense their movement with only sound and feeling is unparalleled (honed by many, many Vampires trying to end his relatively short life so far).  The additional mutations also added an unforeseen side effect.  His blood toxicity level is way above what is normally safe.  While that doesn't mean his blood would burn or kill anyone who touches it, Thil's found out back in Kaer Isen that potions doesn't really increase his toxicity, nor does poison or other effects work on him.  On the downside though, that means he can't actually get drunk, or hallucinate after ingesting hallucinogens.  Thus certain brands of alchemy and magic doesn't work for him.

Spoiler

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(No elf ears, black hair and brown eyes)


Name


Ekrah Feyrn


Age


26


Gender


Female


Height


5' 11"


Weight


140 lbs


General Appearance


Due to her part elven and part Zerrikanian decent, Ekrah's appearance is a bit odd. First you have a skin tone a touch darker than an intense skin tan, then a tall yet decently muscled form and broad build. Her hair is a deep black along with her eyes following suit with a rich brown hue. She has somewhat angular features with rounded edges and ears tips just enough to rouse suspicion.


Abilities


- Due to being raised as a witcher despite not undergoing all the mutations...


• She is skilled in agile swordplay taught by School of the Cat though is terrible with a crossbow and can't cast signs.


• Ekrah knows how to brew most alchemical formulas though she is unable to actually use the potions or risk killing herself due to the toxicity.


• Forced memorization of just about the entire witcher bestiary.


- Decent on horseback, riding that is. Mounted combat is all but impossible.


Personality


Ekrah as a child used to be never one to act but instead sit back and observe. Silently gathering information before backing away without a word. Yet she wasn't as passive as that seems. If action was necessary, she would take what she said and in a polite manner reply how she saw fit.


But, that was before she was collected by a School of the Cat representative.


Now, after undergoing partial mutations and being raised as a witcher she's become much less passive and more resembling the "classic witcher" though with a few differences such as being a bit more emotional depending on the situation.


History


Ekrah's past is similar to many others that train as witchers. The problems were rooted with her parents, mother a human and father an elf. When she was 4, they lost just about everything when she has to witness her father's execution for a crime he didn't commit but as blamed for anyway.


The next few years grew increasingly worse, as you might expect for the lower class living within a city. Her widowed mother was struggling to make even the smallest amount of coin, she even attempted to do so by less honorable means but at her age, that wasn’t going so well. Yet when Ekrah reached the age of 9, recruiters offered her a place to train in School of the Cat. Despite being a bit confused, her desperate and most likely dying mother begged her to accept. And unless you were dropped on your head as babe, how could one refuse a place to live over being on the streets?


The one thing they didn't mention, however, was that it was for experimental purposes. Putting females though the rest of the trials. It was fully supported until about the second batch, all deceased. It was soon stopped immediately, only giving the rest partial mutations yet still full training.


Yet after quite a few years of complaining and a couple threats, the school bended and finally allowed the group to obtain medallions and leave where as previously they had been either kept to do basic work around the fortress or sent away without being recognized as fully fledged witchers. This was 8 years ago, Ekrah now being 26 years of age has apparently stumbled into quite the predicament.


Played by @StoneWolf18

None Canon NPCs:

• Veren: Dwarven Defender from Mahakaman.  Friend of Thil and Ekrah.
  
• Alian: Oxenfurt Scholar. Friend of Thil and Ekrah.
  
• Kiraan: Vampiress. Friend of Thil and Ekrah.
  
• Sevirus (Sarge): Trainer at Kaer Isen.  School of the Lion.
  
• Marval: Dual wielder witcher from Kaer Isen.  School of the Lion.  Friend of Thil.
  
• Mila: Cat school witcheress.  Friend of Ekrah.
  
• Ahzid: Cat school witcher.  Trained Ekrah.
  
• Grecore: One eye witcher from Kaer Isen.  School of the Lion.
  
• Qiilaan: Doppler.
  
• Uthil: Witcher from Kaer Isen.  School of the Lion.  Friend of Thil.
  
• Sharize: Witcher from Kaer Isen.  School of the Lion.  Friend of Thil.
  
• April Wenhaver: Sorceress.
  
• Granwatt: Mage at Kaer Isen.  Part of the Circle of Magi in Haakland.
  
• Arkal: Witcher at Kaer Isen.  Grecore's younger brother.
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Revillo Ulima (Lantern Barrier): A demon.  Marked Thil for debt.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Cemart Aries: Opposition Leader to Emperor Emyhr in Nilfgaard.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Olivia (Orly): A girl that's a magic source.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Master Kenmar: School Master of the Lion Witcher School.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Master Lorith: Fortress Master of the Lion Witcher School.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Master Torlin: Hunt Master of the Lion Witcher School.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Master Yono: Quarter Master of the Lion Witcher School.[/COLOR]
  
• [COLOR= rgb(152, 157, 160)]Master Jewlon: Peacekeeping Master of the Lion Witcher School.[/COLOR]
  
• Denemodies: Captain of the Claw, an elite witcher unit of the School of the Lion.
  
• Erillianeiskment: A golden dragon.  "Lord" of the Fiery Mountains.
  
• Exton (Giant Lion): A witcher of the Lion School.  Friend of Thil.
  
• Morganna (Mori): A cook at Kaer Isen.  Romantic interest of Thil.
  
• Rah: Zerrikanian Witcher.
  
• Conall: Ekrah's instructor.  Witcher in the Lion School.
  
• Zaltef: Lion School witcher.  Lover of Qiilaan.
  

 

[WanderingJester]

Lyria, Nilfgaard Province, 1274.


Thilway stood in front of the notice board at the outskirts of town, scanning the postage for anything of interest.


The witcher had just arrived in the Northern Kingdoms after a particular trek through the frozen trails of the Blue Mountains.  What was supposed to be a straightforward climb had turned into a nightmare, with a blizzard trapping the convoy up in the mountains for two extra weeks and forcing them to resupply at the only stop on the trail, which fleeced the members for everything and anything valuable on them.  They cutthroat merchants there even eyed the swords on Thil's back greedily, but when he made it clear that the only way they would get the swords would be the blade swinging for their necks, they backed off, contenting themselves with taking every last Novigrad crown off of the witcher, along with everyone else, instead.  Thil had almost wished they tried for his head.  He wouldn't have minded simply taking the food and supplies for free.  Still, as they had not, he relented as well, not about to lower himself to the level of mere bandits unless the other party attacked first.  After another week at the rest stop to wait out the blizzard, the convoy set off again, finally breaking out of the mountains after a fierce encounter with an Ice Giant, which Thil slain.  Of course, the grateful people who were in the convoy couldn't pay him in anything outside of some of their own supplies, given what happened.  Thil waved it off before taking the giant's head, hoping to sell it in the first town they get to for a few nights of rest in a decent tavern there.


Incidentally, that town (or rather, city) was Lyria, of the recently conquered Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia.  Now under Nilfgaardian occupation or protection, depending on how one saw it, it operated with business as usual, with the presence of a local Nilfgaard garrison, which has shrunk given the recent cuts to the military's budget and redeployment of troops to more troublesome territories.  The young witcher managed to sell the head for a few coins that immediately went to repairing his gear, and housing him, his horse, Tempest, as well as food and supplies for the two of them.  Of course the coin purse became quite empty after that, and so now Thil stood in front of the notice board, following the time honored tradition of looking for contract work in order to make a living, as well as get a sense of this new world around him.


Now the relatively young witcher stood in front of one of the many notice boards in Lyria, with his two swords on his back.  Thil had left his horse at one of the public troughs at the city, and while his armor by looks alone would startle and offend the typical Toussiant Knight, it was in fine fighting condition.  His eyes fell upon the first notice.


"Beware the man by the name of Bornis Koran!  He has a dark brown hair, rough face and full beard.  Stand at about the average horse's level."  That looked promising, and so Thil reached up and took the sheet off of the board.  The handwriting, while not neat, was legible at least.  Several places of the parchment had been punctured by the quill.  "The scoundrel not only skipped his bill at my tavern but took the time to dishonor my daughter on the way out!  If any establishments see the bugger, toss him out on his arse immediately!  Or better yet, tie him up and hand him over to me.  A reward of mutton curry and a mug of ale will be given, on the house!  -Milton"  Thil shook his head.  While the mutton curry sound good, he was looking for more pay than that.  Tossing it aside, he turned to the next post.


"Shepards wanted!  We've had to fire our last two because they kept sleeping on the job, and three of our sheep fell into a nearby ditch, breaking their legs.  Strength will be needed to both guide the sheep and defend them against occasional wolves.  Alertness required, experience preferred.  Payment can be discuss upon arrival and agreement of work schedule.  See Bill on the edge of town."  Thil tossed this one aside as well.  While he was looking for work, this was not the type he hoped for.  Lyria wasn't as centralized as Novigrad or even Vizimar, and he can't be tied down there at the moment.  Scanning once more, he spotted something that seemed more attractive than the rest.


"Hunters and strongmen want!  Attacks on local trade caravans!"  Thilway grabbed it and took it down.  "Merchants of all trades as well as patrols have been reporting strange sounds and tracks by the southern roads.  To those traveling those roads, beware!  To hunters and those armed, we seek assistance in ridding of this threat so close to our fair city!  We had already deployed soldiers, but to no success so far.  See the merchant's guild for more information about both the attacks and rewards!"  Thil smiled, before tucking the notice in his back pocket.  Looks like some work after all.  He turned towards the general direction of the city square and set off, heading in the guild's direction, hoping to pocket some more coins in his pouch and perhaps even another trophy to sell.

 

[StoneWolf18]

Ekrah expected it. Hell, she shouldn't even entered the city. But here she was, being dragged and pushed forcefully down the street, the steel clad men muttering various things along the lines of calling the witcheress a lying whore and that women couldn't be the monster hunter she claimed to be. The woman’s gender and mixed blood didn't help the situation that much either. It was partially their fault for not posting a guard at the gate, but hers for thinking it was a good idea to enter in the first place. Her swords still in their sheaths while her medallion swayed upon its chain, it was obvious what her profession was.


As Ekrah was forced down the cobblestone street, getting looks, a few stones thrown, and spat upon when a man they slowly past caught her eye. Specifically, his eyes. A witcher...A few pangs of jealousy struck deep as the accused imposter continued to be hauled down the path.


(I'm so sorry for the length. I can definitely manage more though it seems I'm not feeling all that well. I hate to make excuses but I just didn't want to keep you waiting any longer. >.<)

 

[WanderingJester]

Thil walked down the Lyrian road, thinking of what a nice day it was when suddenly he saw a commotion ahead.  Walking over, he saw a woman being dragged out into the street by several men in armor.  They pushed her down into the middle of the road, and began tossing stones and dirty looks at her between their spits, before dragging her away again.  Thil leaned to one of the on lookers and asked, "What's going on?  She commit a sort of crime?"  The man turned briskly, as though preparing to throw a fist at Thil's face, before seeing his eyes and the two swords on his back.


"Ah no master witcher!  This here's a lyin' wench who claims to be one of youse, but the guards don't see no cat eyes on her, so she must've stolen the swords and such from some poor witcher of the trade.  Nows the guards decided to drag her to court, where she'll be tried for theivin and other crimes!"  Thil looked over at the young woman, and spotted the dual swords on her back, along with the Cat Medallion around her neck.  School of the Cat huh?  Were there even such a thing as witcheresses?  He remember vaguely that they had been considering the experiments back when he was last at Kaer Isen, but nothing beyond talks.  Could the Cat School have done what the Lion couldn't have?  He shook his head.  The only school that could rival their own in alchemy and mutation research was the Manticore, and they're too traditionalist to even consider a woman for the position.


Still, as the witcher watched the woman being dragged down the street, Thil wondered if he should let them.  After all, if the stories were true, the Cat School's been rendered to little more than an assassin organization, and earned no love from the other schools either, except perhaps the Viper.  On the other hand, regardless of her guilt, the guardsmen would likely have their way with the girl before any trial takes place, if there would be a trial at all.  His eyes flashed over to the two swords on her back.  Why hadn't she drawn them yet?  Any witcher he know would've started fighting before they got to this point, and cut off the tongue of the first man that spat at him.  As Thil wondered that, the woman's eyes met his, and for a second he detected... jealousy?  Thil shook his head as the contact broke.  Must've been a trick of the light or something.  Still, behind those eyes there also seemed to be a plead for help to Thil.


I'm going to regret this later, the witcher thought as he stepped forward and got the guard's attention.  "What's going on here?  I hear that this woman pretended to be one of us?"

 

[StoneWolf18]

As the male witcher stepped in, she was quick to speak. "Pretend my a-" Yet she was cut off be a guard that was gripping her shoulder. "There 'ere whore is claiming to be one of 'ours master witcher. She even stole the medallion 'nd swords!" The woman frowned bitterly before growling "They weren't stole-" But the same guard sent a steel clad knee into her gut. "Silence! Do your kind ever listen?" Giving the witcher an apologetic look whilst the so called criminal doubled over whilst trying to return air into her lungs. "Would you like to 'ave a word with 'er? Before we take 'er to the judge? I'm sure you, master witcher, would like to ask the bitch a few questions, eh?"


As the he awaited a response, Ekrah had a few more stones pelted her way, one hitting its mark and  slamming into her side. Muffling a groan, she grit her teeth and glared harshly at the few people that lingered the streets, wondering which one had thrown the projectile.

 

[WanderingJester]

Thilway watched as the men responded to him.  They seemed to respect witchers, or at the very least used their name in order to bloody their knuckles or get their kicks in.  As another few stones flew at the girl, he crossed his arms and stared at the group of guards skeptically.  "Last I checked, pretending to be a witcher isn't a crime.  If she stole the medallion and swords, this would be considered witcher business, not the state's.  Has the woman actually committed a crime against the people of this city or are you boys just trying to get your kicks in for the day?"  He looked at the guards, though his senses reached out, measuring the crowd of bystanders nearby.  Worse comes worst he would have to cut through them all, if this turns into a lynch mob.  It would be a hassle, not to mention toss that contract notice in his back pockets right into the gutter.  Thil rolled his shoulders a bit, hoping that the fact his hand was away from the sword on his back gave a bit of ease to the guards and people alike.


"What are you deaf witcher?  We just said she stole them swords 'nd medallion!  That's theft!" One of the guards responded before spitting at the woman once again.  He was a grizzled and somewhat dirty man, with grit and such clinging to his skin and unkept beard while his armor would horrify a typical Nilfgaardian.  Still he had a sword at his side, an iron helmet over his head and the black hawk of Lyria and Rivia over the yellow shield painted on his chest.  The others had similar uniforms on, with a variety of weapons at their side.  The good news was that they weren't in the guardsmen's hands.  The bad news was that this would make things much more difficult should this devolve into a fight.


Thilway raised an eyebrow.  "And as I've just said, that would make this a witcher matter, not the publics.  There's a reason regular folks don't tend to walk the halls of a witcher fortress.  If this is a crime committed against the trade, then the trade will address it, not the town guards or the local judge."  The man, while angry, looked unsure as well.  He glanced over to his comrades, hoping that one of the others would have an answer to the witcher.  Thil was actually bluffing.  He hadn't been around this side of the Blue Mountains long enough to learn of its laws and ethnics, and just assumed that such a law existed.  Given the mistrustful glances and the occasional insults tossed his way since he arrived in the region, the general people have a much more... strained relationship with the witchers than the folks back in Haakland or even Zerrikenia.

 

[StoneWolf18]

The guard was momentarily at a loss for words before responding. "Well she also is disgracefully mutt, that outa justify our actions against 'er. You can't trust 'em, which is why they need to be detained." The other man that held Ekrah's left arm was growing steadily impatient. "Listen here mutant, we 'r gonna do with 'er as we please, so move along before my blade finds its way up your arse." He obviously didn't share the same respect for witchers.


It was at this moment that their guard lowered and grip loosened.


You can imagine what came next.


The witcheress easily slipped out of their metal gauntlets, the men rather surprised, screaming their curses while drawing their blades. The woman did as well, removing her steel sword from off her back, she readied herself for one of them to swing. The man who held respect for the mutants took a step forward and swung lazily, easily allowing for her to block before knocking the weapon from his grasp, sending it skidding across the pavement. Surprise etched itself deep into the man's face before anger slowly replaced it. "YOU WON'T BEST BE!" He roared whilst rushing towards her, his fists up as if he was going to land a punch. But Ekrah effortlessly sidestepped as she sunk her blade into the back of his partially exposed neck.


If the other guard and male witcher didn't believe her claims now...there wasn't much else she could do.

 

[WanderingJester]

Thilway raised his eyebrows at the man who barked at him, but before he could respond to the confusing words of the first man the woman struck.  The guards had apparently loosened their grip enough for her to reach her weapons, which in hindsight made no sense to the witcher.  If one was to be dragged to the local judge, shouldn't one be disarmed first?   Still, Thil looked around and saw the head of the one that spoken to him rolled by.  His hand instinctively raised, but before he gripped the steel sword on his back, he considered the situation.  The woman had either stolen or killed another witcher, one from the school of the Cat.  If she didn't, she had murdered a guardsman now in broad daylight, and thus earned he quick and direct trip to the local dungeons, if not the gallows.  Still, the guardsmen were more or less unreasonable in their treatment of her.  Yet on the other hand, she had barely raised her voice in defense of herself, now had her steel drawn along with the guards themselves.


For one, Thil could come to the woman's defense.  Even had she stolen or murdered a School of the Cat member, it was no great loss to the world.  They were trained assassins at best after all.  However, doing so would likely have them both run out town, and forfeit that potential contract he was looking at.  This would be less problematic had he a health amount of crowns in his coin purse, but as was the case often, it contained nothing but air and possibly a few crumbs inside.  Therefore, Thil crossed his arms again, before taking a few steps and leaning on a nearby wall, before calling out to the girl and the guards in general.  "Well, you look like you've got the situation handled as is, any reason I should stick around?"  One of the guards, not the rude one that spoke before, snarled sideways to the witcher as they spread out to surround the woman with the steel in her hand.


"Help us take down this whore, and we'll load your pocket with Novigrad crowns witcher!  Otherwise stay out of our buggering way!"  The guardsman had a hatchet in his hand, and nodded to another with a small blackjack as they both closed in on her.  Thil whistled.


"Well that's one offer, what say you good lady?  You've got a better one lined up for me?  Or should I help these good men keep the law and order?" he said this in an amused, almost jest like tone.  As was the case, either way this engagement turned out would be fine to the witcher.  If the girl wins, they would head to their separate ways.  If the guardsmen wins, they wouldn't be able to charge him with any crime, and he would head to the merchant's guild as well.  Win-win, so to speak.  Therefore Thil merely observed the situation, and though seemingly relaxed, kept alert for anything unexpected to occur.

 

[StoneWolf18]

Ekrah cussed silently as more guards surrounded her. It wasn't looking all that good, and they made it worse by asking the witcher if he'd step in for a full coin purse. Another guard, the one with the hatchet swung strongly towards her that was parried before being countered, a slash right towards the opening of his helm that the man barely avoided. It was moderately simple for now, although she knew that if it kept up her tiring would be inevitable.


The man jokingly asked if she had a better offer, and despite the clear humor in his tone. "If you would be so kind as to assist me-" The woman suddenly cut off by stepping backwards to avoid a swing from the blackjack. "You'd be saving a rather small race from extinction." Once Ekrah finished speaking, the men became more aggressive. Closing in tighter they swung more frequently, making it even more difficult for the pinned woman.

 

[WanderingJester]

Thilway watched as the guardsmen all clustered upon the women, the closest swinging away at her while she tried to dodge or parry each blow.  Her response wasn't what he had expected, but it lacked the implications that might motivate him to get involved.  He straightened up from the wall, and uncrossed his arms, but still seemed unconvinced.  "Oh and what race might that be?"  He asked, despite not expecting an answer in return.  What would a witcheress from the Cat School care about a race going extinct?  The girl had to focus on the situation at hand, or risked losing a limb or something more valuable.  Thil looked at her, as she seemed... pressured.  The witcher looked around, at the multitude of people watching the scene occur in front of them, as well as the road and alleyways around.  He pitched his nose, before softly speaking to himself.  "I'm sincerely regretting this already."


Then Thil ran forward, he shoved an unexpected guardsmen aside.  The man, not quite ready and off balance, fell on his rear.  He opened his mouth to say something, but Thil already slammed his hands down on the back of the helmet of another, this one closer to the girl.  The action tipped the helmet forward, covering the eyes of the guardsman and preventing him from seeing.  Racing to the girl, he closed the distance quickly, side stepping her readied blade and reach for her shoulder, trying to turn her around.  "Follow me, and make sure you have an explanation for all of this when this is over."  Either succeeding in turning the girl or not, Thil took off into one of the alleyways of the city, zig zagging down their labyrinth.  Behind him, the witcher could hear yells and loud footsteps giving chase to him.  He only hoped that the girl was as fast as she seemed.

 

[StoneWolf18]

Ekrah hadn't had time to respond as the male witcher entered the fray, tossing unsuspecting guards to street below before turning the woman in the direction he was to head and asking for an explanation once this was was finish. Without hesitation, she was quick on her feet and sprinted after him, easily catching up. The angered guardsmen yelling and cursing the two and they stormed behind them, but only sort of able to keep up as their armament slowed them.


Once she was within earshot of the man in front, she asked "And where do you intend to go?" Her breathing steady and light, unlike the straining group behind them. This should've been expected as her school was focused upon being  nimble with speed to back them.

 

[WanderingJester]

As they ran through the alleyways, Thilway kept count.  He listened to the amount of footsteps and how far they were behind them.  He took the effort to remember what corners they turned, what general direction they were heading.  He paid attention to the buildings around them, how they turned from the more expensive marble and stone ones to the wooden, more shoddy architecture, all the while making sure the woman next to him didn't turn her sword on him.  The witcher gave her a glance before replying, his breath barely uneven at all.  "Somewhere with less witnesses."  He made a quick turn to the right, but made sure to be slow enough that their pursuers caught a glimpse of his foot.  He suddenly stopped, grabbing a plank off of a nearby crate.  Turning, Thil swung the plank just in time to connect the wood with the man's helmet, hard.  The guardsman went down, and with a quick stomp of Thil's boot, lost consciousness.


The next one turned the corner and swung his hatchet at Thil's head.  The witcher merely stepped into the man's reach, grabbed the extended arm and toss the guard over his shoulder, armor and all.  It actually didn't require much strength to be exerted, given the momentum of the man already running and his weight.  Slamming guard to the floor, Thil quickly threw a strong and precised punch into the man's face, knocking him out.  The last guard came around, sword in the guard position in front of him, and had an Axii sent straight into his face.  Thil looked bored as he ordered the man.  "Go get reinforcements, your squad just got attacked by the local thugs."


The confused man lowered his sword and nodded, muttering to himself.  "Damn watch doesn't patrol this area enough."  Turning he ran off, shouting in the distance, "Help!  We got jumped by bandits!  I need some more swords over here!"  Thil turned to the nearest unconscious man and began going through his body.  At the same time he addressed the girl.


"Now that you know I can keep up with you, I hope you won't try and run.  You should start talking, the guards will likely be back in a few moments, and before you suggest that we should talk somewhere else, I still haven't made up my mind as to capture you myself and toss you over to the guards for all of this trouble you brought me, so I think an explanation here is just fine.  Oh and put your sword away.  There's a reason I knocked these buffoons out instead of killing them.  You might be a known murderer in these parts, not me."

 

[StoneWolf18]

As the guard ran off and he commanded her to start talking, the woman sighed before flicking the blood off of her blade and returning it its sheath that hung upon her back. "When guards are posted, I'm not allowed anywhere near city gates. Usually it's because of my heritage which I'm sure you're smart enough to guess what that might be, and also my profession. When The School of the Cat had their falling out with that of the Wolf, a small number of them had their heads screwed on just right. In an isolated part of this rather grim continent they decided to figure out what many couldn't, that being if women could survive the trials. And so the recruited little girls like myself at the time and set them to run through the trials. The first set was how it was traditionally done...all of them ended up deceased. The second had only little variation to see if it made it easier to endure, but the results were the same. The third and finally group, the one I was apart of they decided to spare, only giving partial mutations, nothing of real note, before keeping us around to do basic chores for they feared the reaction we would receive if we ever left." Ekrah pauses momentarily to assure that no one was coming before continuing. "Yet after a few months of complaining, they finally allowed those that wanted to, to receive their medallion and try and make it on their own. Which is what I've been doing ever since, but with a similar reaction to what you saw hear today."


She fell silent, leaning on the wall of the alleyway before briefly closing her dark brown eyes. "Yet whether I try to continue that is up to you, if you even believe me of course. I've only told one other witcher, and he laughted heartily in my face before calling me a lying whore like those guardsmen did back there."

 

[WanderingJester]

Thil listened to the woman's story as he searched the bodies of those on the ground.  The Cats tried to make female witchers?  Was that even possible?  He finished going through the bodies.  Of course, not a crown between the two.  Still, got himself a chicken sandwich and two pairs of mediocre weapons out of it, so there was a silver lining.  Getting up, he turned back to the woman and listened to her heartbeat.  They were even.  So either she was a pathological liar, quite possible given the people's treatment of her, or she was telling the truth.  Still, given that she didn't try and run him through with her sword, the witcher decided to give the girl the benefit of the doubt.  "They would beat you just because you're half Zerrikenian?  What kind of country is this that that's even permitted?  Isn't that a diplomatic incident should a mob attack an envoy?"


Thil got up and took a look at her.  The black hair on her head framed her face nicely, and she didn't look half bad considering she just got dragged through the streets.  Certainly good looking enough that Marval back at Haakland would've hit on her.  Then again though, Marval would hit on any half decent looking woman, so that's not saying much.  Outside of her two swords and cat medallion, the girl had on some scruffy clothes, perhaps even some light armor underneath.  Contrasted to Thil's medium armor, she practically had wool clothes on though.  He gave her a look over before staring at her for a moment, and then shrugging.  "Haven't given me a reason to mistrust you yet.  Come.  We can walk and talk."  He began to walk out of the alleyway, and reached up to grab a piece of cloth off of a drying line.  The witcher tossed it to the witcheress.  "Use that as a hood.  If you're as unwanted as you claim, I don't want to be interrupted on my business.  Have you considered wearing the medallion on a less noticeable part of your body also?  Had a friend that kept it wrapped on his arm.  Though, to be fair, he was also a bit odd."


Thil walked out into the streets, expecting the girl to follow.  They were in a less affluent part of the neighborhood now, with grim and sewage running down dirt roads and such.  Strumpets worked the streets along with other hooded individuals, with some shady venders setting up shop here and there.  The buildings look worn down, though obviously still strong enough to support their weight.  "So I guess we can start over, without the angry and bloodthirsty guards this time.  I'm Thilway, of the School of the Lion.  We're based over the Blue Mountains.  M'friends call me Thil.  You are?"

 

[StoneWolf18]

"You're missing another part. Last time I checked, elves weren't very respected." She added as he finished examining her before speaking about her decent. Catching the cloth and wrapping it around her head, Ekrah followed behind the male witcher. "It's passed through my mind once or twice, although I feel more comfortable having it visible around my neck." The part of the city wasn't all that foreign to her considering she had grown up in slums like this, it brought her mother to mind though that was soon pushed away considering she knew that after all these years there was no possible way for her to still be alive.


As they walked a bit further and the man she now knew as Thil. "Ekrah Feyrn, of the School of the Cat." 

 

[WanderingJester]

Thil listened to Ekrah as they walked.  It seemed that she had been much through the years, though that was her business and he would leave her to it.  His eyes scanned the windows until he spotted what he was looking for down the street.  "Not liking elves?  What?  Do they hate all non humans here?  And here I thought the Northerners reserved their disgust to us witcher folks."  He passed some street vendor who tried to get them to stop at his stand.  The older man smiled crookedly at them, exposing his gums and gaps where his teeth were missing.  His cloth stank of beer and piss, though he acted as though he served goods to the Emperor himself.  Trying to wave them down, he gestured at the goods on the small table beside him.

"Best price you can find around Lyria for a bottle of Viziman Champion!  Or are you looking for more of a kick to your day?  Fisstech will fix ya right up.  First sample's free!"


Thil shook his head before continuing to walk.  "No thanks, broke anyways."  The old man's smile disappeared faster than a wrath.


"Well be gone with yee then freak!  I only serve proper customers."  Thil threw up his middle finger over his shoulder, before continuing forward.  He gave a tilt of a head over to Ekrah.



"Ekrah huh?  Pretty name.  Guessing if your story's true, you ain't from the Great Oven over to the East.  Where are you from?  And what are you going to do now?"  Ahead was what looked like a run down shop, with its windows dirtied and sign missing.  Pushing the door open, Thil waited for Ekrah to walk in before he followed.  In a lower tone so that only they could hear, he said, "You know you don't technically have to follow me now right?  I'm probably not going to stop you if you want to be on your way or do something else, so long as you don't try to kill me or anything."  The shop was as disorganized as it was dirty.  A pair of rats fought over something in the far corner, and a few low burning candles scattered around randomly, dimly lighting the place where the sunlight couldn't penetrate the dirt encrusted windows.  To the side sat some boxes stood on a pile and a man was rummaging through one of them.  Raising his voice, Thil called out to the pair of buttocks draped over the side of the crate.  "Oi!  Good man!  You run this... establishment?"


Apparently not having heard them enter, the man freaked and fell into the box.  Climbing out quickly, it showed a middle age, balding man could be mistaken as a sibling of the two rats in the corner.  Rubbing his hands together, he started forward with an eager smile.  "Why yes!  I've got goods from the Blue Mountains all the way to Oxenfurt.  If you'll like I just got these beautiful silverware-"  Thil held up a hand and took out the mace and small blackjack he had acquired from the fallen guardsmen earlier.



"How much for these?"  The witcher tossed them onto the table, where the rat looking man scurried over them, muttering.


"Hmm... shoddy craftsmanship... signs of use... poorly cared for."  Thil watched with a tinge of disgust as the man examined them, before switching over to full disinterest as the vendor looked up.  "80 crowns for the both of them, not one cracked one more ser."


Thil frowned and crossed his arms, "I ain't no ser, as you can see, and these aren't toy swords on my back either.  So if you don't cut the crap, you better hope that I'll only take my goods somewhere else."


The vendor started sweating, biting his lips.  "Ur... 100 crowns then!  But that's final!"  Thil narrowed his eyes at the man.


"150."  The vendor's eyes widen.


"Absolutely not!  110 and no more!"  Thil pretended to think about it, while pacing and looking around.  The vendor's eyes followed him warily, as though the witcher was a kid and in his candy shop.  Thil reached out and picked up a leather roll and turned back to the vendor.


"120, plus I keep this."  The vendor muttered inaudibly for a few moments, eyes darting seemingly randomly around the shop before looking back at Thil.

"Fine!  120 plus you keep the tool kit."  He held out his hand as to shake on it, but Thil shook his head and nodded.


"Go get my crowns then, before I get impatient."  The Vendor scowled, but lowered his hand, turned and began going through his possessions for the currency to pay Thil.

 

[StoneWolf18]

Ekrah sighed. "I haven't been able to remeber for quite sometime and nor to I want too. I have nothing to go back to so why would it matter? As to what I'm doing now...you're a smart man. That should be obvious. Don't most people want to finish what has been started?" She kept on following until they reached the shop and the man mentioned that she could leave whenever. "I don't have anywhere else to be nor am I taking any interest in killing you so I don't see the harm in it. Unless that is you are rather...antisocial." Ekrah fell silent as he began to barter with the rather unappealing man.


As they had their yelling match, the woman examined the various items that the man had scattered around the building. Sacks of unknown contents, a few weapons here and there, but one item in particular caught her eye. It was a rather large gem, an emerald to be specific. It sat on top of a small piece of parchment located on a rickety wooden shelf. It reflexed the dim lighting of the candles and weak rays of sunlight in an odd fashion, which was partially why she was drawn to it. The shop keep, who was busy getting Thil his crowns noticed and exclaimed. "Ey, step away from that! Many say it's cursed but it fetched quite a price!" She glanced briefly at the man before moving towards the shelf it sat upon. "I would like you to rethink such a statement, considering you've seen our swords and his eyes." Ekrah, although not believing the man was still weary about touching the object, carefully sliding the paper or from underneath. Unfolding it, she let her eyes quickly scan the elaborate script.


'To whoever may have possession of this gem, It is of upmost urgency that you get it too a Mage by the name of Larinth as soon as possible.'


It was short, but got right to the point. "Where did you get the emerald?" She asked the shop keeper with a slightly harsh tone, seeing as it was a bit more than your standard gemstone. "I'm not at liberty to say! All exchanges must be kept confidential." Walking back over and handing the other witcher the paper she replied. "Mmmm...we'll see about that..."

 

[WanderingJester]

Thilway considered Ekrah's words for a moment as the mousey man get his coins.  "Maybe, but usually those don't involve a great likelihood of an extremely painful and slow agonizing death, as well as a life of ridicule afterwards."  He placed his hand on the table in front of him and began tapping his fingers.  "Fair enough, feel free to tag along.  I'm not the anti-social one anyways, that'll be Loren."  He kept an eye on the shady vendor as he turned to her.  "Why do you want to be a witcher anyways?  I mean, as you are, you can probably go and make a new life somewhere, raise a family or whatever else you want.  Just because folks aren't as... welcoming around here doesn't mean all the world's like that."  When the commotion occurred and the vendor got distracted, Thil pulled out his hunting knife and stabbed it into the table.  "My crowns, good man."  He hissed out the last part.  Whatever this jewel was, the witcher would not be robbed of his coin.


The vendor gulped, before quickly shoveling the coins into a pouch and handing it over.  Thil tossed the money pouch on his hand, feeling the weight.  It was around the right amount, give or take one or two.  Tucking away the crowns, he took the piece of paper from Ekrah and read it over quickly.  Shaking his head, the witcher gave the paper back to the witcheress.  However, when he got close to the jewel, his medallion hummed.  Frowning, Thil tried to ignore the increasing pit in his stomach.  "Just leave it Ekrah.  Got a bad feeling from it, and it's definitely magic, curse or not.  Surprise you didn't feel your medallion.  I can hear it humming from here, just like mine."  He turned back to the vendor.  "I trust that you'll understand: this transaction never took place?"  The vendor nodded vigorously, before turning back to the witcheress.


"Please my good lady.  That gem's very valuable and can fetch quite a price in the right market.  I'm saving it for my retirement.  So unless you have several thousand crowns tucked up in those pants of yours..."  Thil cleared his throat, before speaking up.


"What's in her pants aren't any of your business.  I would advise you quit that train of thought what you have those things between your legs still."  The vendor gulped and looked as if to say something more, but didn't.

 

[StoneWolf18]

The woman looked to the man behind the counter with a harsh glare. "I would listen to him, because I'm not sure you want me to explain that I'm not here for your entertainment." Still, he remained at a loss for word. Now focusing back upon Thil, she continued speaking. "Despite not having the mutations, I was reared in a similar way. Not something you can easily push behind you." And she rolled her eyes as he mentioned her medallion, she had felt it, hearing's a different story. Opening her mouth once more, Ekrah spoke again "But, wouldn't make you curious? Don't say that you don't meddle in business that doesn't pertain to you because you just saved my hide, didn't you?" The rat-esc man couldn't hold his tongue any longer. "Aye! What'd yah do? I won't tolerate thieves or criminals within my walls!" 


This is was slowly beginning to get on her nerves.


 Ekrah moved to the tabled, easily removing the dagger the other witcher had embedded into its surface, she examined its blade before taking a few steps back towards the door. "I do wonder if I could make it from here...specify between the eyes." Her tone was crisp without a hint of humor, although she woudn't kill him. Not unless he began the fight of course. The man's eyes widened  as he remained transfixed upon the rather small weapon the woman held. "P-please miss!" He exclaimed, clearing not wanting his pitiful life to end.

 

[WanderingJester]

Thilway shrugged, ignoring the squirming merchant.  He sat on the table slightly.  The old furniture creaked loudly, as if to complain about the witcher's weight on top of it.  "I don't actually.  Trust me that if you were some princess or foreign dignitary that was in need of help, I'll likely walked right past where they were dragging you on the street.  That or if I'm getting the feeling in my gut right now.  I'm surprised you of all people don't adhere to the old saying.  Curiosity did kill the cat after all," Thil finished with a slight grin, before holding out his hand.  "My knife please.  If you want to skin the poor shopkeeper over there, you'll have to get your own.  I might not meddle in other people's affairs, but I do keep what few of my own possessions close to me."  After receiving it, he turned back over to the vendor in the corner.  Apparently from the wet spot growing on his already dirty pants and floor, the man had soiled himself.  "Good day to you.  I hope you two have a productive chat then."


The vendor cried out in desperation, "W-wait!  You're not going to leave me here with her, are you?"  Thil shrugged as he reached the door.


"I might've considered it had you agreed to 150 crowns, but as is, I'll offer this bit of assistance."  The witcher turned back over to Ekrah.  "You'll likely not learn anything more from him.  The man's already terrified, and fear does nothing to jolt someone's memory.  Though if you want to have your fun, feel free.  Don't expect me to stick around though."  Thil gave a quick mock salute at the vendor.  "Well, good luck with this... conversation then, as well as your ventures."  With that he began to exit the shop, grabbing the door and pulling it open.

 

[StoneWolf18]

Handing him the dagger, she responded. "Yet satisfaction brought him back." As Thil went on about the merchant being terrified and not wanting to be around if she did choose to do mess with him, the man stepped towards the door. As he pulled it open, the woman glanced from the man to the back of the witcher's raven haired head before walking back to the shelf. Finding a rather patchy scrap of cloth, she use it to pick up the large emerald, it having a bit of weight to it. Wrapping the gem before sliding it into a pocket along with a note, she tossed the shop keeper a few crowns before exiting the building as well.


Catching up too Thil, she waited a moment before asking. "You said you were from the School of the Lion, yes? I'm not sure I've heard or read much on them..." It was her best idea to start a conversation, and she was rather curious. That and though it wasn't outwardly shown, Ekrah was enjoying the non hostile company.

 

[WanderingJester]

Thil left the building, a pouch of crowns richer and feeling rather well, considering the events of the day.  Just as the witcheress caught up with him though, he passed a hooded figure walking in the opposite direction.  At first glance the individual denoted little of interest, wearing what looked like dark leather bound clothing, possibly having armor in it.  What first made the witcher stop and turned was when his medallion hummed slightly, and what caused Thil to stare after the man as he entered into the shop they had just departed was that even the witcher's enhanced hearing couldn't pick up the figure's footsteps, and had to trace the individual by his steady heartbeat.  Staring as the door shut behind the patron for a moment, the witcher shook his head and turned, continuing down the street.  After a few steps, Thil realized that Ekrah had asked him a question.


Heading to the nicer part of town again, in the direction of the Merchant's Guild, Thil replied offhandedly.  "Yup, the Lion School.  I'm not surprised.  We're a relatively new school, probably the latest and the last one to be established.  Most of our contacts are with the Manticore School down in Zerrikenia, but we do have a few members over the Blue Mountains, such as myself."  He took a few more steps and watched as their surroundings transformed from the rickety old cabins and buildings into the more well built stone ones.  Thil felt the cobble under his feet as the ground turned into from a dirt to a paved road and they walked into the market square.  Here, respectable merchants peddled all sorts of goods, and a bard gathered a small crowd as he sung a tune.  Thil headed towards the main building of the square.  "We're based in Haakland, at Kaer Isen, though it's been a few years since I've been back home myself."

 

[StoneWolf18]

When Thil paused, his eyes intently focused on someone dressed in dark clothing or possibly armor heading into the shop they had just left, Ekrah knew why. Her medallion had reacted in the same way, rousing a small bit of suspicion. Yet as he continued to walk along without a word, the woman followed in suit. As the male witcher spoke while they entered a clearly wealthier part of the city, she listened and thought it over for a moment before offering up a response. "Ah...I unforyan unable to give an a location as to where I grew up, I'd most


likely be skinned alive. Though I can say that I haven't returned in a similar amount of years which makes me wonder if anyone is left at all..."


(I needed to make this quick, I'm so sorry! Class isn't out yet...)

 

[WanderingJester]

Thil listened to Ekrah's short response before chuckling a bit.  "I gave you a name, not a location.  To be fair though, finding Kaer Isen isn't that difficult, provided you know the general area of where it should be.  Getting there though," he gave a low whistle, remembering the sheer amount of hidden defenses and defenders back at the Lion School's fortress, "that's another matter entirely."  Like before, when they reached the door leading to the Merchant's Guild, he opened the door for the witcheress, before entering.  Unlike the hobbled store before, the guild's trade post was highly organized and well lit.  The expensive glass that lined the window allowed the sunlight to pour in, as well as a rich fireplace that illuminated the fine wooden room.  Behind a counter, a man, well dressed in a red and blue merchant's outfit, busied himself with scribbling on a piece of parchment, looking over to another sheet of parchment every once in a while for reference.  He had on a bi-spectacle typical of those of his trade.


Walking up to the counter, Thil pulled out the piece of paper from his back pocket.  "Greetings, I saw this notice from the board."


The man looked up skeptically, only to change his expression into one of a smile when he saw that Thil was a witcher.  "Ah yes master witcher.  We've had problems with attacks, monsters from what the witnesses described.  The city has not been able to deploy extra men to keep the south road safe, and since it's the main way to Rivia, we're quite concerned with the situation."


Thil cocked his head to the side.  "Going to need a bit more information than that.  What type of monsters did your men see?  When did the last attack occur and where?"


The merchant scratched his chin.  "They didn't manage to spot much, as most were riding or running for their lives.  The monsters did managed to jump and pull one of the riders off of his horse as they passed though."  At the second question, he looked at one of the parchments on the counter.  "The latest attack... at yes, this morning's delivery.  We had a convoy come in that didn't receive the warning, and they got ambushed just south of the city.  The survivors managed to make it into Lyria, but their goods were lost though.  I still have to see about possible compensation for them..."  He began muttering inaudibly to himself, before Thil interrupted him.


"Fair enough.  I'll see what I can do, provided that we can come up with an agreeable price."  The merchant looked up with a smile.


"Of course, you are a tradesman like me after all.  What would you like?"  Thil smiled in return.


"260 crowns for the job."


The merchant thought about it.  "Agreed, though total for the two of you..."  He looked unsure at Ekrah.  Thil waved a hand.


"She's just a friend, I'll be handling the contract for you.  So just me."  The merchant nodded with understanding at this.


(All good I understand )

 

[StoneWolf18]

Nodding to Thil as he held the door, this building compared to the last was night and day, though that was to be expected. Neatly organized merchandise set upon rather elaborately carved shelves, the man dressed in actual cloth behind a proper counter rather than a lopsided tabled that stood in front of the rat-like shopkeep that wore what could be considered rags. As the other witcher entered, the witcheress stood beside him while he inquired about a contract. Apparently there had been monster attacks recently, and despite not knowing what was actually causing them, he still wanted it dealt with. It seamed reasonable enough.


Until she wasn't involved.


Ekrah frowned lightly before speaking up. "Don't think I can be tossed aside so easily. And good sir, you're a smart man so you must know that witchers don't take their coin lightly." The man examined her momentarily, opening his mouth to most likely disagree about her until the medallion around her neck as well as the swords on her back caught his eye. "Yes....although do enlighten me...I wasn't aware that woman can, um..." The well groomed man trailed off, it was clear enough what he was implying. "How and why is none of your concern." Blinking a few times, he nodded hastily. "Right, right, well then Master witcher and witcheress, how about...425 to split between you?"


Whilst awaiting a reply from Thil, Ekrah removed the cloth from her pocket, unwrapping it to reveal the large emerald, her medallion humming steadily, loud enough for even her to hear. "I'm also wondering if you could give me an estimate on price, if at all possible? Although I would avoid physically touching the gemstone." Laying it down upon the counter, at first the storeowner's eyes glinted curiously but after a few moments it was soon replaced by a look of distant. "Well, if the emerald was just that, it'd be worth a hefty amount of crowns, possibly more than you could carry. But because it contains some sort of unknown magical energy, I'm afraid it be too dangerous to be sold." 


Taking the large gem back and returning it to where it had previously been kept, the woman sighed before replying. "Alright, thank you anyways."