Post by Keleanth Windspiral on May 5, 2009 23:01:43 GMT -5
(For Thorn and Espona)
Espona
Life was not particularly complicated in the Northlands. One did all they could to survive, or they died to make way for those who were more successful. This was not to say that life was easy. In the North, nothing was ever easy. The sky was often overcast and stormy, the warmest of days would have a tinge of winter’s chill, and the vermin were in abundance. It hardly seemed one could take five steps without blundering into a river pirate gang, or stumbling across a small tribe somewhere. It made travel on the roads exceedingly dangerous, and travel on the many rivers was not much better. So much trade was usually going through that it was inevitable the caravans would be preyed on. This almost entirely new way of life was separated entirely from the world of Mossflower and Southsward and all those other halfway civilized areas by a big whopping mountain range that split most of the land in two, reaching from the truly frozen arctic tundras down past the boreal forests, on into the much more temperate woodlands and valleys further south. So on top of snow, summers good for war-making, and no easy way out because of the mountains, inhabitants had to live with whatever raiders came down from the snowy peaks (usually wolves). Survival know-how was a must. It was a rough, quick, and often violent way to live, one reason the whole region was sparsely populated. Espona, fortunately, was a rough, quick, and often violent individual.
He found himself in a rather comfortable establishment on the southernmost border of the Northlands and its endless brooding forests and mysterious mountain hideaways. The river otter male had never really expected to end up here, but here he was, and for a very good cause. Money mostly. The life of a mercenary was what made him rough and quick and violent, because mercenaries had to adapt to changing conditions on the flip of a copper. They went first for whoever paid the most, and gradually shifted allegiance to the winning team later, if everything went well.
Right now he was working for the former.
He lifted a dark furred paw and the goblet it was grasping, and swigged down a gulp of ale. Cheap ale. Never any damson wine or brown beer. Or even just a regular drink. No, it was always home brewers here with their “special recipes” and their ridiculous brews, sold at exaggerated prices because of some secret ingredient or another. Then again this was the limit of the “civilized” South, that is, the place that had the least wars on at any given time. It was a pretty calm region with a sizeable population and no reason for anybeast to kill each other. That didn’t mean they didn’t try of course. It was just an agreeable place to rest one’s head before the final push into the Northlands.
The tavern here was crowded, since they were sitting at the edge of a busy river that flowed all the way down into the marshes and tributaries down south. The village nearby was called Trigoviste Town, but the details about it weren’t really important. Jut an average trading post in the middle of nowhere. A good place to start Espona’s search. He finished his cheap drink and reached into his pocket, pulling out a little roll of parchment, damp and weathered with time, but still readable.
It was an evocative image, a grim and tough stranger looking over a mysterious piece of paper, but the writing was succinct and straightforward. Apparently, he was supposed to meet somebeast near here and get information on the best path to take north. It was there his target was. A famous engineer named Skarge had been hired by some formerly unknown and unimportant vemin leader to commit to some kind of big mining operation way up in the mountains, and nobeast knew why. Obviously they were looking for something important. And it was his job to go in, find out what it was, and get it. Secondary objectives included killing Skarge, the warleader (named Borcha), and sabotaging the mines. He was given freedom to finish any of these with any means at his disposal, as he should. It was a dangerous mission. So he had to hope his “partner” was up to the task, and worth their part of the paycheck. If he had it his way, he’d never have to partner with anyone. But it was important enough that his clients (some rich nobles somewhere, it wasn’t his business as long as he got paid) decided that he needed some insurance. Both would continue the mission for each other if one failed.
He watched the door to the tavern in earnest. They had to get moving in a few days if they wanted to make it to the mountains before the snow broke.
It was winter here in the Borderland, and that meant little to no activity on the path to their quarry. If they got moving they’d be able to arrive once the snow broke in a few weeks and work began again, and Espona had been here for two days already. Though he had heard tales that Skarge and Borcha had been pushing the slaves and the workers to their limits, working through the winter. It was definitely pressing on their minds, whatever they wanted to get, and nobeast would ever see it again once they found it.
But before he could do anything, he had to wait for his partner in crime, whoever it was. He didn’t know the exact details. In fact he didn’t know anything. He had just been told that this other creature would find him, a situation he found most disagreeable. He was already somewhat suspicious of his own employers. The one who had hired him was an older, bent over rat with a long red cloak and distinct, cloudy eyes. He worked for some supposedly royal vermin house called Lancel back south. Espona had checked it out, and it seemed legitimate. The rat had had all the proper papers and everything. That didn’t stop him from wondering about all the things that could go wrong. But that wouldn’t help him. He had to focus on the job at paw.
He fondled his sword pommel, looking around at the other occupants of the tavern. They were all consumed by their own business. None of them would even spare a glance to Espona, even though he was dressed like some kind of mountaineer. He brought his wardrobe of thick, plain traveling tunic and jerkin and other assorted winter wear with him, topped off by a broad cloak with the hood down. He had no need to hide his face here. The rest of his supplies were elsewhere.
"At this rate," he muttered to himself, "I'll have to go myself." Not that the idea bothered him. It meant, if the mission was successful, that all the glory and all the gold went to him. Being a mercenary that was pretty much all that Espona cared about these days. He had seen a lot of war and death and starvation, suffered through these trials, and come to the conclusion that it just wasn't worth it getting worked up over idealistic causes. There was too much trouble involved in just staying alive to really worry about sticking to a righteous cause. Of course, to keep a clear conscience and sleep at night, he generally stuck to certain hills to die on, like not murdering or thieving or any of the "basic" do's and dont's of common society. But in every other matter he was as all mercenaries were: concerned with getting out alive, preferably with the gold (no matter where it came from).
Espona had something of a reputation. He had taken assassinations (twice), served as a soldier in a few foreign armies, and mostly whiled away his time doing bounty hunting and scouting, and stints as a guard here and there. He had even, in his early days, served on ships that sailed the ocean.
In his spare time, if he had any, he was a carpenter. He had always liked the idea of retiring as a carpenter, but right now a stable job just wouldn't keep him going, and he'd be a slave to some other leader's whims. At least this way, selling his sword to the highest bidder, he had a measure of freedom and say in how his life would end. For above everything else, Espona loved his freedom, and would sacrifice it for very, very few things. Perhaps that was one reason he refused to hunt slaves.
He stood up suddenly, making little to no disturbance in the busy tavern, and headed for the bar. If his mystery partner was going to identify him he might as well make it quick and easy. He nodded to the barkeep, refraining from ordering another drink, and settled in once again for what he hoped would not be another long, lonely night.
Thorn
Dreary. That about summed up Thorn's opinion of the northern lands and territories. Sure, it was dangerous, harsh, and frigid, but all in all, the otter felt it was just dreary. The sun didn't seem to shine quite as brightly here. Not only that, but the endless snow, ice, and brown/yellow of the landscape made for an uninteresting view for travelers. The only thing that remotely caught her interest in the otherwise unremarkable terrain was the mountains. While the riverdog had been over mountains in the past, none had matched these formidable peaks.
Well, that at least would make life interesting. If she was going to come up to this miserable place, she might as well find some entertainment along the way. Then again, she might fine some entertainment tonight. Her brown eyes had finally spotted the lights of the town she'd been trying to reach for the past few days. Weather and a few miscellaneous vermin had held her up, but tonight she would sleep within walls. Hopefully she'd also have a room with a warm fire. The otter's mind drifted to the note currently stashed in her pack. It contained brief instructions, along with directions to Trigoviste Town. Normally Thorn wouldn't have taken this type of commission. She didn't consider herself a mercenary, or any type of beast-for-hire. The reward that had been offered in this case had been enough to change her mind. The one drawback to the whole thing was that her employers, if they could be called such, were requiring that she work with a partner.
The entire deal had almost been called off right then and there. Still, the beasts had been persuasive, and in the end the otter had agreed. After all, if the beast managed to get himself killed then she would no longer have to worry about working with him. The mahogany furred beast finally strolled into the town with a sigh of relief. She might not be happy about the circumstances surrounding this little adventure, or where it had brought her, but at least she was finally here. Now...where was she going to be able to find a meal and some information?
One eyebrow lifted as her eyes lit upon the signpost for the tavern swaying in the slight breeze. The sun had departed a few hours back, and only a few dull oil lamps were left to illuminate the main street of the town. One of those lights had been conveniently placed close to the door of the tavern, making it clear that it was one of the few locations open for beasts to gather during their hours of leisure. Thorn had seen better places, but she'd also eaten in worse. It would give her a place to start and maybe she could get some information both on the town and the beast she was supposed to meet.
Her entrance was quiet enough. She took a moment to get acclimated before pushing her hood back so she could get a better look around the room. It was busy, but for the time being things seemed quiet enough. There were a few beasts sitting at the bar, but no open tables. With a quiet sigh and a mutter the otter headed in that direction, her walking staff still firmly at her side. The nearest open stool was beside another otter. While she wasn't looking for company, Thorn figured he might know something about the town. He had the look of someone waiting for a companion, and someone who had been in town for awhile. She settled gingerly on the stool next to Espona and nodded to the bartender. He lifted an eyebrow in question and she held up a claw, indicating she would like a drink. The type didn't really matter, she wasn't going to drink most of it anyway.
The staff was leaned casually against the bar, and Thorn set her pack down at her footpaws, where it would be easy to watch and guard. She didn't figure on finding any trouble, but it always paid to be cautious. The bartender returned with her drink, and she slid a coin over to him before taking the mug in her paws. While the contents didn't seem particularly intriguing, they didn't seem poisonous either. The otter took a sip, then set the mug down again as her mind turned to the mission at paw. First things first...she needed to find her so-called partner. Her eyes scanned the room, only to return to the otter beside her. This tavern was probably the best place to meet up with someone. Her mind made up, she spoke in a low voice meant only for Espona's ears.
"You been 'round here long?"
Espona
Espona had felt the chill of the outside air brush over the tops of his ears, the only thing not bundled in his thick traveling outfit. He didn't turn his head to see who had arrived, nor did he even do anything of any importance at all. Who cared who came in the door? He wasn't about to turn his head to give every stranger the affirmation of an indifferent glance. He was interested only in finding his supposed partner, who had yet to arrive. He didn't show it, but he was rather miffed at having to wait two or more days for the new arrival. Were they new to the North and didn't know how to find their way around? That would have been horrid. He didn't feel like baby-sitting somebeast who couldn't watch their own back in the North. But their steps were light and quick and sure. And they were headed straight for him.
Espona supposed he deserved it. He was the only half-approachable creature in the tavern, though by that it was meant he didn't look like he would draw a sword on a stranger at first glance, or wasn't already engaged in conversation. But even then, he wasn't one for company, especially the uninvited kind. If this newcomer was not the contact he was waiting for, he'd just brush them off and wait until they left, he decided as the pawsteps drew closer. He did his best to look uninterested as Thorn sat down (right next to him, did she have to just plop down right there? There was etiquette to consider!) and ordered a drink. He chanced a glance at her out of the corner of his eyes.
An otter. He hadn't been expecting an otter... and a female at that. Why had she come? Probably, it was just insecurity involved with sitting alone, or being drawn naturally to others of her own kind. She looked vaguely familiar at first glance, or perhaps he just wished he had a girl he could remember in his life. He had never been one for long-term relationships, platonic or otherwise. It distracted him from his main goal of making sure he could retire comfortably. She had the look of a traveler herself, what with the staff and the pack she carried. He wondered vaguely if she was just starving for companionship. Then it struck him that he didn't really care who she was or why she was here. She was in his personal space.
"You been 'round here long?"
"Did it ever strike you as rude to just fill up the empty space 'round a beast without even a howdy-do?" was the blunt response. "I certainly wasn't savin' that spot for you."
And immediately after he made the mistake of being unfriendly, the thought struck him. What if she was the one he was supposed to meet? Oh, perfect way to start, Espona. Just sling some barbs their way. He buried his embarrassment under callous indifference. If they couldn't take him being rough around the edges, well, he certainly wasn't going to go out of his way to change.
"But since we're obviously such good friends, askin' questions and all," he went on, rolling over whatever indignant reply she might have concocted, "lemme ask you if you actually have business with me or this town. If not, free that space, please. I'm waitin' for somebeast and I'm getting a mite impatient."
Thorn
"Did it ever strike you as rude to just fill up the empty space 'round a beast without even a howdy-do? I certainly wasn't savin' that spot for you."
Thorn's eyes widened a touch at the harsh response. Well...that was enough to wake a beast up. It was also enough to push her one step closer to losing her temper. Unfortunately her unwitting companion wasn't finished berating her.
"But since we're obviously such good friends, askin' questions and all, lemme ask you if you actually have business with me or this town. If not, free that space, please. I'm waitin' for somebeast and I'm getting a mite impatient."
The female gave Espona a long, withering look, her formerly neutral expression melting into one of disgust. Anger flickered in the deep brown eyes, and her lip began to curl, revealing sharp teeth. She wasn't in the mood to banter with anyone, let alone argue with a beast who was obviously unwilling to waste any time in conversation with her. Her paw tightened around the mug of ale she'd been given. She contemplated dumping the contents of the mug over her neighbor's head, but decided it was too late in the day to provoke the that type of fight. It had been a long day of travel, and she'd started by telling off a pair of vermin that had tried to rouse her from her bedroll. She just wanted information, a quick meal, and a warm bed.
Thorn's grip relaxed, as did her expression, though her eyes lost none of their simmering anger. She gave no indication that she was planning to move, despite Espona's hasty words. If anything the otter appeared to settle even more on the stool she occupied. It wasn't a comfortable seat, but her posture indicated that she could really care less about that. Her gaze had yet to shift away from Espona, and there was no sign of fear or intimidation to be found.
"Well 'scuse me for tryin' t'make meself comfortable. Figgered you might like a bit o' company, seein' how y'have none an' all. Guess now I know why y'don't. Yore just a miserable excuse 'f'a beast, ain't you?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Thorn's mouth. She was starting to get warmed up, but she cautioned herself not to go too far. No need to start a tavern-wide fight just because one beast had gotten under her skin. She took a sip of the ale, then let her eyes leave Espona's form to roam around the room.
"I don't see anyone else comin' t'find you t'night, matey. So it looks like yore stuck with me." She grinned, then allowed herself to continue, "An' me business is me own. But since y'asked so nicely I guess I'll tell you what brought me 'ere. It ain't the town, an' I ain't leavin' this spot 'til I get some food." Another smirk as Thorn shifted her weight on her stool. "Y'may be in luck, mate. Turns out I'm lookin' f'someone too."
With that said she let her gaze shift back to the bartender. A raised paw caught his attention and brought him within earshot so the otter could give her order. She expected the food to be about the same quality as the ale, but she was hungry and she didn't feel like rummaging through what was left of her rations. She was watching Espona out of the corner of his eye, gauging his reactions as she waited for him to speak again.
Could this be the beast she was supposed to meet? She hadn't been expecting another otter. Thorn rolled her eyes and bit back a sigh. She didn't want this male as her traveling companion. She'd rather go alone than continue on to her destination with him. She had a feeling that he would fight her every step of the way, and if he wasn't fighting her, she'd be fighting him. That was a new idea for the female. Usually she was the one who started the disputes. Her gaze finally landed back on her companion and she settled in to wait for his answer.
Espona
Most of Thorn's insults flowed off Espona's back like water off a duck. They weren't all that imaginative, and he wasn't in the mood to continue a fight. Even if he had probably just started one. The female's outburst at his malcontent was to be expected. But the fact that she didn't leave, well, that was a new one on him. She was supposed to just go away after a scoff of disgust or something. But for some reason she seemed to be intent on staying here and antagonizing him even further, after he had told her to shove off. He may have been a miserable excuse for a beast, but she seemed to be unable to just take a hint. And he certainly wasn't going anywhere, this was his seat. He wasn't going to get scared off by a little sniping from a female. Tonight was certainly going to turn out interesting if she was just going to try his patience.
Fortunately the rest of the bar didn't seem any more interested in him now than before, even with the snippy female next to him. He tapped the bar with his claws and stared off into space, doing his best to ignore the stranger next to him.
"I don't see anyone else comin' t'find you t'night, matey. So it looks like yore stuck with me. An' me business is me own. But since y'asked so nicely I guess I'll tell you what brought me 'ere. It ain't the town, an' I ain't leavin' this spot 'til I get some food. Y'may be in luck, mate. Turns out I'm lookin' f'someone too."
"Maybe they're tryin' to hide; you have a knack for invadin' personal space after all," he muttered impulsively under his breath, but it was more than loud enough for the prickly female to hear. But then inspiration struck.
Espona's eyes narrowed suddenly, and his brain went into overdrive. If she wanted a reaction, his would be a little odd, his back straightening, his ear twitching, his muscles tensing just slightly. Looking for someone? Her too? Could it really be possible that of all the places he could have gone to, all the towns they could have separately chosen to visit, the ones who were supposed to meet ended up bumping into each other in this one?
No, it couldn't have been. Still, the thought was nice. It would certainly make things more convenient for him.
He turned his eyes away from the wall and back to the female next to him. They were still narrowed slightly, but they didn't seem malicious. Still, she had proven to be a little annoying, given that she hadn't taken the hint and walked off when he had wanted her to. Of course now that things were different, he was glad she hadn't. But she still hadn't. Regardless, it was time for answers.
He began hesitantly. If she knew more than she was letting on, there'd be the devil to pay for wasting time and a formerly "good" mood.
"This... one you're lookin' for... would he happen to be here, in this town? Because I have a certain letter from a certain group of creatures directin' me to seek out my company in Tirgoviste."
Thorn
Espona's snide remark only drew a wry smirk from Thorn. She wasn't going to argue with him about that. She did have a way of invading the personal space of other beasts. Then again, they often intruded upon her personal space first. So the otter considered turnabout very fair play, even if she was the one doing the intruding. It was a good way to keep others off balance, and an even better way to keep them away from her. Besides, she'd acted this way so long now she'd forgotten how to be anything or anyone else.
Her eyes lifted as she heard a plate sliding in her direction. She caught it with a steady paw and eyed the contents with a leery expression. The ale here had left something to be desired, and the food looked like it was going to be little better. Her gaze shifted back to Espona, and she lifted an eyebrow as she noted the slight changes in his posture and expression. Well, wasn't that interesting? Something she'd said must have struck a nerve. Thorn snorted, then let her eyes drop back to the plate resting on the scarred wood in front of her. She might as well get this over with while her friend regained his composure.
The otter used one scarred paw to draw the smaller of the two daggers sheathed beneath her cloak on her belt. It was obvious the blade had seen some hard use, but it still held a keen edge. Thorn was not lax when it came to the care of her weapons. She used the tip of the small weapon to prod the dubious lump of breaded something on her plate. She thought it was supposed to be some sort of fish, but its true identity had been lost in the cooking process. Wrinkles appeared along her muzzle as she curled her lip, then shoved the plate away. So much for a hot meal she didn't have to cook. She'd have to find something else to eat before turning in.
"This... one you're lookin' for... would he happen to be here, in this town? Because I have a certain letter from a certain group of creatures directin' me to seek out my company in Tirgoviste."
"So 'e speaks." A twinkle jumped in the brown eyes as Thorn shifted on her stool. For a moment it looked like she didn't intent to answer his question, but that wouldn't get her anywhere. If this was the beast she was supposed to partner with for this venture then she had to find out somehow. "Don't know who I'm lookin' for 'xactly. All I've got is a note from some beasts that said t'come 'ere. Told me I was s'posed t'meet me travelin' partner here an' then move on."
A scowl worked its way onto the female's face as sarcasm seeped into her voice. "Didn't tell me nothin' else though. Let me guess. It's goin' t'be you." There was no mistaking her displeasure with that idea. Bad enough she was practically blackmailed into this. Now she was going to have to travel with some snit of a male who was going to try to push her every time she turned around. He probably didn't even think she could hold her own in a fight. Well...that was one thing he'd find out quickly enough.
No...Thorn didn't have any kind of chip on her shoulder. Then again enough betrayal and pain would do that to any beast. She snorted under her breath, then shifted again on the stool to get more comfortable. The dagger was still held in an absent-minded fashion in one paw, as if the otter had completely forgotten she was holding it. Her eyes rested on Espona, silently daring him to answer her question. She just couldn't wait.
Espona
"Don't know who I'm lookin' for 'xactly. All I've got is a note from some beasts that said t'come 'ere. Told me I was s'posed t'meet me travelin' partner here an' then move on."
Espona stared in silence at Thorn, trying to work out a good solution to this problem. He had already decided he didn't much like this female, and yet it seemed more and more like interests were coming together, racing to a converging point. But it didn't feel like a good convergence. It felt more like he was about to run fill tilt into a brick wall. He rapped his knuckles on the bartop and pursed his lips, waiting for the implications to sink in for Thorn too. He had already figured it out a few seconds before Thorn did, and when she spoke what he was thinking, he winced.
"Didn't tell me nothin' else though. Let me guess. It's goin' t'be you."
Espona shrugged.
"That remains to be seen," he said with a measure of optimism. "I mean... you could just pick any other beast in this tavern." He waved his paw around at the other occupants, who were doing their best to ignore each other. All in all they looked a rather well-traveled but surly bunch who were best left alone, unless for some crazy reason somebeast wanted to start a tavern brawl. He glanced around the room, half hoping he'd find some other mysterious stranger with an odd note from a shaodwy employer telling them to come to this specific town to find a specific but unnamed traveling partner.
No dice. He turned back to Thorn.
"But I think we both know that's not goin' to happen," he said knowingly. "So I suppose, for the time being, we're goin' to have to give each other the benefit of the doubt and assume that, for now, we'll have to travel with each other in a general Northernly direction."
He forced this out through gritted teeth. He didn't like this female, and her dislike for him seemed to be quickly boiling over into very obvious, snarky rancor. He turned in his stool until his back was resting against the bar, elbows up on the top (and not really caring if they nudged her plate or otherwise got in the way of her eating). He chewed on his bottom lip, wondering if there was another way out of this. His employers had given him very vague instructions. But instructions that vague could only possibly apply to one creature at a time. It seemed that they really were stuck together. At most they would stay together until they found their real partners. But at the back of his mind he had a good idea that Thorn really was his partner, and life was about to get very, very... annoying.
"I hope you at least know what you're supposed to be doing up here other than being a thorn in innocent creatures' sides."
Espona
Life was not particularly complicated in the Northlands. One did all they could to survive, or they died to make way for those who were more successful. This was not to say that life was easy. In the North, nothing was ever easy. The sky was often overcast and stormy, the warmest of days would have a tinge of winter’s chill, and the vermin were in abundance. It hardly seemed one could take five steps without blundering into a river pirate gang, or stumbling across a small tribe somewhere. It made travel on the roads exceedingly dangerous, and travel on the many rivers was not much better. So much trade was usually going through that it was inevitable the caravans would be preyed on. This almost entirely new way of life was separated entirely from the world of Mossflower and Southsward and all those other halfway civilized areas by a big whopping mountain range that split most of the land in two, reaching from the truly frozen arctic tundras down past the boreal forests, on into the much more temperate woodlands and valleys further south. So on top of snow, summers good for war-making, and no easy way out because of the mountains, inhabitants had to live with whatever raiders came down from the snowy peaks (usually wolves). Survival know-how was a must. It was a rough, quick, and often violent way to live, one reason the whole region was sparsely populated. Espona, fortunately, was a rough, quick, and often violent individual.
He found himself in a rather comfortable establishment on the southernmost border of the Northlands and its endless brooding forests and mysterious mountain hideaways. The river otter male had never really expected to end up here, but here he was, and for a very good cause. Money mostly. The life of a mercenary was what made him rough and quick and violent, because mercenaries had to adapt to changing conditions on the flip of a copper. They went first for whoever paid the most, and gradually shifted allegiance to the winning team later, if everything went well.
Right now he was working for the former.
He lifted a dark furred paw and the goblet it was grasping, and swigged down a gulp of ale. Cheap ale. Never any damson wine or brown beer. Or even just a regular drink. No, it was always home brewers here with their “special recipes” and their ridiculous brews, sold at exaggerated prices because of some secret ingredient or another. Then again this was the limit of the “civilized” South, that is, the place that had the least wars on at any given time. It was a pretty calm region with a sizeable population and no reason for anybeast to kill each other. That didn’t mean they didn’t try of course. It was just an agreeable place to rest one’s head before the final push into the Northlands.
The tavern here was crowded, since they were sitting at the edge of a busy river that flowed all the way down into the marshes and tributaries down south. The village nearby was called Trigoviste Town, but the details about it weren’t really important. Jut an average trading post in the middle of nowhere. A good place to start Espona’s search. He finished his cheap drink and reached into his pocket, pulling out a little roll of parchment, damp and weathered with time, but still readable.
It was an evocative image, a grim and tough stranger looking over a mysterious piece of paper, but the writing was succinct and straightforward. Apparently, he was supposed to meet somebeast near here and get information on the best path to take north. It was there his target was. A famous engineer named Skarge had been hired by some formerly unknown and unimportant vemin leader to commit to some kind of big mining operation way up in the mountains, and nobeast knew why. Obviously they were looking for something important. And it was his job to go in, find out what it was, and get it. Secondary objectives included killing Skarge, the warleader (named Borcha), and sabotaging the mines. He was given freedom to finish any of these with any means at his disposal, as he should. It was a dangerous mission. So he had to hope his “partner” was up to the task, and worth their part of the paycheck. If he had it his way, he’d never have to partner with anyone. But it was important enough that his clients (some rich nobles somewhere, it wasn’t his business as long as he got paid) decided that he needed some insurance. Both would continue the mission for each other if one failed.
He watched the door to the tavern in earnest. They had to get moving in a few days if they wanted to make it to the mountains before the snow broke.
It was winter here in the Borderland, and that meant little to no activity on the path to their quarry. If they got moving they’d be able to arrive once the snow broke in a few weeks and work began again, and Espona had been here for two days already. Though he had heard tales that Skarge and Borcha had been pushing the slaves and the workers to their limits, working through the winter. It was definitely pressing on their minds, whatever they wanted to get, and nobeast would ever see it again once they found it.
But before he could do anything, he had to wait for his partner in crime, whoever it was. He didn’t know the exact details. In fact he didn’t know anything. He had just been told that this other creature would find him, a situation he found most disagreeable. He was already somewhat suspicious of his own employers. The one who had hired him was an older, bent over rat with a long red cloak and distinct, cloudy eyes. He worked for some supposedly royal vermin house called Lancel back south. Espona had checked it out, and it seemed legitimate. The rat had had all the proper papers and everything. That didn’t stop him from wondering about all the things that could go wrong. But that wouldn’t help him. He had to focus on the job at paw.
He fondled his sword pommel, looking around at the other occupants of the tavern. They were all consumed by their own business. None of them would even spare a glance to Espona, even though he was dressed like some kind of mountaineer. He brought his wardrobe of thick, plain traveling tunic and jerkin and other assorted winter wear with him, topped off by a broad cloak with the hood down. He had no need to hide his face here. The rest of his supplies were elsewhere.
"At this rate," he muttered to himself, "I'll have to go myself." Not that the idea bothered him. It meant, if the mission was successful, that all the glory and all the gold went to him. Being a mercenary that was pretty much all that Espona cared about these days. He had seen a lot of war and death and starvation, suffered through these trials, and come to the conclusion that it just wasn't worth it getting worked up over idealistic causes. There was too much trouble involved in just staying alive to really worry about sticking to a righteous cause. Of course, to keep a clear conscience and sleep at night, he generally stuck to certain hills to die on, like not murdering or thieving or any of the "basic" do's and dont's of common society. But in every other matter he was as all mercenaries were: concerned with getting out alive, preferably with the gold (no matter where it came from).
Espona had something of a reputation. He had taken assassinations (twice), served as a soldier in a few foreign armies, and mostly whiled away his time doing bounty hunting and scouting, and stints as a guard here and there. He had even, in his early days, served on ships that sailed the ocean.
In his spare time, if he had any, he was a carpenter. He had always liked the idea of retiring as a carpenter, but right now a stable job just wouldn't keep him going, and he'd be a slave to some other leader's whims. At least this way, selling his sword to the highest bidder, he had a measure of freedom and say in how his life would end. For above everything else, Espona loved his freedom, and would sacrifice it for very, very few things. Perhaps that was one reason he refused to hunt slaves.
He stood up suddenly, making little to no disturbance in the busy tavern, and headed for the bar. If his mystery partner was going to identify him he might as well make it quick and easy. He nodded to the barkeep, refraining from ordering another drink, and settled in once again for what he hoped would not be another long, lonely night.
Thorn
Dreary. That about summed up Thorn's opinion of the northern lands and territories. Sure, it was dangerous, harsh, and frigid, but all in all, the otter felt it was just dreary. The sun didn't seem to shine quite as brightly here. Not only that, but the endless snow, ice, and brown/yellow of the landscape made for an uninteresting view for travelers. The only thing that remotely caught her interest in the otherwise unremarkable terrain was the mountains. While the riverdog had been over mountains in the past, none had matched these formidable peaks.
Well, that at least would make life interesting. If she was going to come up to this miserable place, she might as well find some entertainment along the way. Then again, she might fine some entertainment tonight. Her brown eyes had finally spotted the lights of the town she'd been trying to reach for the past few days. Weather and a few miscellaneous vermin had held her up, but tonight she would sleep within walls. Hopefully she'd also have a room with a warm fire. The otter's mind drifted to the note currently stashed in her pack. It contained brief instructions, along with directions to Trigoviste Town. Normally Thorn wouldn't have taken this type of commission. She didn't consider herself a mercenary, or any type of beast-for-hire. The reward that had been offered in this case had been enough to change her mind. The one drawback to the whole thing was that her employers, if they could be called such, were requiring that she work with a partner.
The entire deal had almost been called off right then and there. Still, the beasts had been persuasive, and in the end the otter had agreed. After all, if the beast managed to get himself killed then she would no longer have to worry about working with him. The mahogany furred beast finally strolled into the town with a sigh of relief. She might not be happy about the circumstances surrounding this little adventure, or where it had brought her, but at least she was finally here. Now...where was she going to be able to find a meal and some information?
One eyebrow lifted as her eyes lit upon the signpost for the tavern swaying in the slight breeze. The sun had departed a few hours back, and only a few dull oil lamps were left to illuminate the main street of the town. One of those lights had been conveniently placed close to the door of the tavern, making it clear that it was one of the few locations open for beasts to gather during their hours of leisure. Thorn had seen better places, but she'd also eaten in worse. It would give her a place to start and maybe she could get some information both on the town and the beast she was supposed to meet.
Her entrance was quiet enough. She took a moment to get acclimated before pushing her hood back so she could get a better look around the room. It was busy, but for the time being things seemed quiet enough. There were a few beasts sitting at the bar, but no open tables. With a quiet sigh and a mutter the otter headed in that direction, her walking staff still firmly at her side. The nearest open stool was beside another otter. While she wasn't looking for company, Thorn figured he might know something about the town. He had the look of someone waiting for a companion, and someone who had been in town for awhile. She settled gingerly on the stool next to Espona and nodded to the bartender. He lifted an eyebrow in question and she held up a claw, indicating she would like a drink. The type didn't really matter, she wasn't going to drink most of it anyway.
The staff was leaned casually against the bar, and Thorn set her pack down at her footpaws, where it would be easy to watch and guard. She didn't figure on finding any trouble, but it always paid to be cautious. The bartender returned with her drink, and she slid a coin over to him before taking the mug in her paws. While the contents didn't seem particularly intriguing, they didn't seem poisonous either. The otter took a sip, then set the mug down again as her mind turned to the mission at paw. First things first...she needed to find her so-called partner. Her eyes scanned the room, only to return to the otter beside her. This tavern was probably the best place to meet up with someone. Her mind made up, she spoke in a low voice meant only for Espona's ears.
"You been 'round here long?"
Espona
Espona had felt the chill of the outside air brush over the tops of his ears, the only thing not bundled in his thick traveling outfit. He didn't turn his head to see who had arrived, nor did he even do anything of any importance at all. Who cared who came in the door? He wasn't about to turn his head to give every stranger the affirmation of an indifferent glance. He was interested only in finding his supposed partner, who had yet to arrive. He didn't show it, but he was rather miffed at having to wait two or more days for the new arrival. Were they new to the North and didn't know how to find their way around? That would have been horrid. He didn't feel like baby-sitting somebeast who couldn't watch their own back in the North. But their steps were light and quick and sure. And they were headed straight for him.
Espona supposed he deserved it. He was the only half-approachable creature in the tavern, though by that it was meant he didn't look like he would draw a sword on a stranger at first glance, or wasn't already engaged in conversation. But even then, he wasn't one for company, especially the uninvited kind. If this newcomer was not the contact he was waiting for, he'd just brush them off and wait until they left, he decided as the pawsteps drew closer. He did his best to look uninterested as Thorn sat down (right next to him, did she have to just plop down right there? There was etiquette to consider!) and ordered a drink. He chanced a glance at her out of the corner of his eyes.
An otter. He hadn't been expecting an otter... and a female at that. Why had she come? Probably, it was just insecurity involved with sitting alone, or being drawn naturally to others of her own kind. She looked vaguely familiar at first glance, or perhaps he just wished he had a girl he could remember in his life. He had never been one for long-term relationships, platonic or otherwise. It distracted him from his main goal of making sure he could retire comfortably. She had the look of a traveler herself, what with the staff and the pack she carried. He wondered vaguely if she was just starving for companionship. Then it struck him that he didn't really care who she was or why she was here. She was in his personal space.
"You been 'round here long?"
"Did it ever strike you as rude to just fill up the empty space 'round a beast without even a howdy-do?" was the blunt response. "I certainly wasn't savin' that spot for you."
And immediately after he made the mistake of being unfriendly, the thought struck him. What if she was the one he was supposed to meet? Oh, perfect way to start, Espona. Just sling some barbs their way. He buried his embarrassment under callous indifference. If they couldn't take him being rough around the edges, well, he certainly wasn't going to go out of his way to change.
"But since we're obviously such good friends, askin' questions and all," he went on, rolling over whatever indignant reply she might have concocted, "lemme ask you if you actually have business with me or this town. If not, free that space, please. I'm waitin' for somebeast and I'm getting a mite impatient."
Thorn
"Did it ever strike you as rude to just fill up the empty space 'round a beast without even a howdy-do? I certainly wasn't savin' that spot for you."
Thorn's eyes widened a touch at the harsh response. Well...that was enough to wake a beast up. It was also enough to push her one step closer to losing her temper. Unfortunately her unwitting companion wasn't finished berating her.
"But since we're obviously such good friends, askin' questions and all, lemme ask you if you actually have business with me or this town. If not, free that space, please. I'm waitin' for somebeast and I'm getting a mite impatient."
The female gave Espona a long, withering look, her formerly neutral expression melting into one of disgust. Anger flickered in the deep brown eyes, and her lip began to curl, revealing sharp teeth. She wasn't in the mood to banter with anyone, let alone argue with a beast who was obviously unwilling to waste any time in conversation with her. Her paw tightened around the mug of ale she'd been given. She contemplated dumping the contents of the mug over her neighbor's head, but decided it was too late in the day to provoke the that type of fight. It had been a long day of travel, and she'd started by telling off a pair of vermin that had tried to rouse her from her bedroll. She just wanted information, a quick meal, and a warm bed.
Thorn's grip relaxed, as did her expression, though her eyes lost none of their simmering anger. She gave no indication that she was planning to move, despite Espona's hasty words. If anything the otter appeared to settle even more on the stool she occupied. It wasn't a comfortable seat, but her posture indicated that she could really care less about that. Her gaze had yet to shift away from Espona, and there was no sign of fear or intimidation to be found.
"Well 'scuse me for tryin' t'make meself comfortable. Figgered you might like a bit o' company, seein' how y'have none an' all. Guess now I know why y'don't. Yore just a miserable excuse 'f'a beast, ain't you?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Thorn's mouth. She was starting to get warmed up, but she cautioned herself not to go too far. No need to start a tavern-wide fight just because one beast had gotten under her skin. She took a sip of the ale, then let her eyes leave Espona's form to roam around the room.
"I don't see anyone else comin' t'find you t'night, matey. So it looks like yore stuck with me." She grinned, then allowed herself to continue, "An' me business is me own. But since y'asked so nicely I guess I'll tell you what brought me 'ere. It ain't the town, an' I ain't leavin' this spot 'til I get some food." Another smirk as Thorn shifted her weight on her stool. "Y'may be in luck, mate. Turns out I'm lookin' f'someone too."
With that said she let her gaze shift back to the bartender. A raised paw caught his attention and brought him within earshot so the otter could give her order. She expected the food to be about the same quality as the ale, but she was hungry and she didn't feel like rummaging through what was left of her rations. She was watching Espona out of the corner of his eye, gauging his reactions as she waited for him to speak again.
Could this be the beast she was supposed to meet? She hadn't been expecting another otter. Thorn rolled her eyes and bit back a sigh. She didn't want this male as her traveling companion. She'd rather go alone than continue on to her destination with him. She had a feeling that he would fight her every step of the way, and if he wasn't fighting her, she'd be fighting him. That was a new idea for the female. Usually she was the one who started the disputes. Her gaze finally landed back on her companion and she settled in to wait for his answer.
Espona
Most of Thorn's insults flowed off Espona's back like water off a duck. They weren't all that imaginative, and he wasn't in the mood to continue a fight. Even if he had probably just started one. The female's outburst at his malcontent was to be expected. But the fact that she didn't leave, well, that was a new one on him. She was supposed to just go away after a scoff of disgust or something. But for some reason she seemed to be intent on staying here and antagonizing him even further, after he had told her to shove off. He may have been a miserable excuse for a beast, but she seemed to be unable to just take a hint. And he certainly wasn't going anywhere, this was his seat. He wasn't going to get scared off by a little sniping from a female. Tonight was certainly going to turn out interesting if she was just going to try his patience.
Fortunately the rest of the bar didn't seem any more interested in him now than before, even with the snippy female next to him. He tapped the bar with his claws and stared off into space, doing his best to ignore the stranger next to him.
"I don't see anyone else comin' t'find you t'night, matey. So it looks like yore stuck with me. An' me business is me own. But since y'asked so nicely I guess I'll tell you what brought me 'ere. It ain't the town, an' I ain't leavin' this spot 'til I get some food. Y'may be in luck, mate. Turns out I'm lookin' f'someone too."
"Maybe they're tryin' to hide; you have a knack for invadin' personal space after all," he muttered impulsively under his breath, but it was more than loud enough for the prickly female to hear. But then inspiration struck.
Espona's eyes narrowed suddenly, and his brain went into overdrive. If she wanted a reaction, his would be a little odd, his back straightening, his ear twitching, his muscles tensing just slightly. Looking for someone? Her too? Could it really be possible that of all the places he could have gone to, all the towns they could have separately chosen to visit, the ones who were supposed to meet ended up bumping into each other in this one?
No, it couldn't have been. Still, the thought was nice. It would certainly make things more convenient for him.
He turned his eyes away from the wall and back to the female next to him. They were still narrowed slightly, but they didn't seem malicious. Still, she had proven to be a little annoying, given that she hadn't taken the hint and walked off when he had wanted her to. Of course now that things were different, he was glad she hadn't. But she still hadn't. Regardless, it was time for answers.
He began hesitantly. If she knew more than she was letting on, there'd be the devil to pay for wasting time and a formerly "good" mood.
"This... one you're lookin' for... would he happen to be here, in this town? Because I have a certain letter from a certain group of creatures directin' me to seek out my company in Tirgoviste."
Thorn
Espona's snide remark only drew a wry smirk from Thorn. She wasn't going to argue with him about that. She did have a way of invading the personal space of other beasts. Then again, they often intruded upon her personal space first. So the otter considered turnabout very fair play, even if she was the one doing the intruding. It was a good way to keep others off balance, and an even better way to keep them away from her. Besides, she'd acted this way so long now she'd forgotten how to be anything or anyone else.
Her eyes lifted as she heard a plate sliding in her direction. She caught it with a steady paw and eyed the contents with a leery expression. The ale here had left something to be desired, and the food looked like it was going to be little better. Her gaze shifted back to Espona, and she lifted an eyebrow as she noted the slight changes in his posture and expression. Well, wasn't that interesting? Something she'd said must have struck a nerve. Thorn snorted, then let her eyes drop back to the plate resting on the scarred wood in front of her. She might as well get this over with while her friend regained his composure.
The otter used one scarred paw to draw the smaller of the two daggers sheathed beneath her cloak on her belt. It was obvious the blade had seen some hard use, but it still held a keen edge. Thorn was not lax when it came to the care of her weapons. She used the tip of the small weapon to prod the dubious lump of breaded something on her plate. She thought it was supposed to be some sort of fish, but its true identity had been lost in the cooking process. Wrinkles appeared along her muzzle as she curled her lip, then shoved the plate away. So much for a hot meal she didn't have to cook. She'd have to find something else to eat before turning in.
"This... one you're lookin' for... would he happen to be here, in this town? Because I have a certain letter from a certain group of creatures directin' me to seek out my company in Tirgoviste."
"So 'e speaks." A twinkle jumped in the brown eyes as Thorn shifted on her stool. For a moment it looked like she didn't intent to answer his question, but that wouldn't get her anywhere. If this was the beast she was supposed to partner with for this venture then she had to find out somehow. "Don't know who I'm lookin' for 'xactly. All I've got is a note from some beasts that said t'come 'ere. Told me I was s'posed t'meet me travelin' partner here an' then move on."
A scowl worked its way onto the female's face as sarcasm seeped into her voice. "Didn't tell me nothin' else though. Let me guess. It's goin' t'be you." There was no mistaking her displeasure with that idea. Bad enough she was practically blackmailed into this. Now she was going to have to travel with some snit of a male who was going to try to push her every time she turned around. He probably didn't even think she could hold her own in a fight. Well...that was one thing he'd find out quickly enough.
No...Thorn didn't have any kind of chip on her shoulder. Then again enough betrayal and pain would do that to any beast. She snorted under her breath, then shifted again on the stool to get more comfortable. The dagger was still held in an absent-minded fashion in one paw, as if the otter had completely forgotten she was holding it. Her eyes rested on Espona, silently daring him to answer her question. She just couldn't wait.
Espona
"Don't know who I'm lookin' for 'xactly. All I've got is a note from some beasts that said t'come 'ere. Told me I was s'posed t'meet me travelin' partner here an' then move on."
Espona stared in silence at Thorn, trying to work out a good solution to this problem. He had already decided he didn't much like this female, and yet it seemed more and more like interests were coming together, racing to a converging point. But it didn't feel like a good convergence. It felt more like he was about to run fill tilt into a brick wall. He rapped his knuckles on the bartop and pursed his lips, waiting for the implications to sink in for Thorn too. He had already figured it out a few seconds before Thorn did, and when she spoke what he was thinking, he winced.
"Didn't tell me nothin' else though. Let me guess. It's goin' t'be you."
Espona shrugged.
"That remains to be seen," he said with a measure of optimism. "I mean... you could just pick any other beast in this tavern." He waved his paw around at the other occupants, who were doing their best to ignore each other. All in all they looked a rather well-traveled but surly bunch who were best left alone, unless for some crazy reason somebeast wanted to start a tavern brawl. He glanced around the room, half hoping he'd find some other mysterious stranger with an odd note from a shaodwy employer telling them to come to this specific town to find a specific but unnamed traveling partner.
No dice. He turned back to Thorn.
"But I think we both know that's not goin' to happen," he said knowingly. "So I suppose, for the time being, we're goin' to have to give each other the benefit of the doubt and assume that, for now, we'll have to travel with each other in a general Northernly direction."
He forced this out through gritted teeth. He didn't like this female, and her dislike for him seemed to be quickly boiling over into very obvious, snarky rancor. He turned in his stool until his back was resting against the bar, elbows up on the top (and not really caring if they nudged her plate or otherwise got in the way of her eating). He chewed on his bottom lip, wondering if there was another way out of this. His employers had given him very vague instructions. But instructions that vague could only possibly apply to one creature at a time. It seemed that they really were stuck together. At most they would stay together until they found their real partners. But at the back of his mind he had a good idea that Thorn really was his partner, and life was about to get very, very... annoying.
"I hope you at least know what you're supposed to be doing up here other than being a thorn in innocent creatures' sides."
