Crows Murder

[06:00:17] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s rounds through Avarra had become almost habitual by now. He moved without hurry, his attention drifting naturally across the streets, faces, doors and the small details most people passed without a second glance. He slowed near Eva’s Perfume establishment. Something was wrong. His eyes settled first on the middle doorway or what remained of it. The door had been violently destroyed, glass scattered across the shop floor and the stairs outside. Splintered wooden beams lay in the street, while inside, one of the displays had been knocked over, its wares broken across the floor. He did not immediately enter. Instead, his eyes traveled over the damage with the detached precision of someone accustomed to examining scenes after something had happened. Broken glass. Torn wood. A fallen display. He looked at the frame of the doorway, studying the direction of the damage and searching for anything that might tell him how it had happened. “That wasn’t an accident.” His gaze moved slowly across the street. No weapon was drawn. No immediate threat presented itself. But he had learned long ago that a quiet street did not necessarily mean an empty one. He stepped closer, careful not to disturb the glass, and examined the splintered beams. “Someone wanted their way through.” His eyes shifted toward the interior of the perfume establishment. “And judging by the mess…” A faint narrowing of his eyes. “…they weren’t particularly concerned with being invited.”

[06:04:58] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s attention shifted as he noticed the details that had been hidden at first glance. The shattered door was one thing. The blood was another. He crouched near the edge of the steps without touching anything, his eyes following the faint trail inward. “Blood.” His gaze moved from the entrance toward the display. Something had entered wounded. Or had been wounded after entering. The damaged food display drew his attention next. A few treats had clearly been eaten, others crushed into the surface and carpet. The large dent in the display suggested considerable force, while the long damage across the carpet caught his attention more than the scattered food. “Something came through here.” His eyes followed the trail carefully as it continued out of the Book Nook and toward the neighboring perfume establishment. Crow slowly straightened. “From the Book Nook… into the perfume shop.” He looked back toward the shattered doorway, then down at the blood once more. The destruction was not random. There was a direction to it. A trail. And he had learned that trails were rarely accidental. He stepped toward the Book Nook, deliberately avoiding the blood and debris. “Now the question is whether it was looking for the food…” His gaze settled on the blood trail. “…or whether the food simply happened to be in its way.” A faint narrowing of his eyes. “Either way, something wounded is moving through Avarra.” He glanced toward the street, quietly checking the surroundings before following the evidence any further. “And I doubt it stopped at the next shop.” his thoughts back to the tarn of the other day.

[06:12:33] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) cries out, her body tilting backwards until she stumbles down a few steps. Her clothes, barely miss the large paw of the beast, train flailing in the wind but catching slightly on one claw. The thin fabrics tears, not so much as a tug allowing her to regain her footing as she falls, hands hitting the ground with a thud. Her eyes fly wide, breathing increasing with growing fear, as there was nothing around to assist her. Nothing to ensure a bit of hope that she could get out of this situation uninjured. She stays on the step, hands stinging from the blow of her fall, gaze never wavering from the larl. “Stay back,” she calls out, voice shaking from both being out of breath, and the adrenaline of her predicament

[06:14:44] Crow (melchior.wardell) stopped. Ahead, the sight of the black larl immediately changed the rhythm of his rounds. He knew better than most that appearances could be deceiving. A larl could be trained, handled, even trusted by someone who knew it well, but that did not make its teeth any less capable of ending a man. His eyes moved first to the beast, studying its posture, ears, tail and breathing. Then to Zareen standing before it. Was she controlling the animal? Was it accustomed to her presence? Or was she simply standing very close to something that had not yet decided what it wanted to do? He made no sudden movement. His hand remained well away from his weapons as he stopped at a respectful distance, his body turned slightly rather than presenting himself squarely to the larl. “Easy…” The word was directed toward the animal, quiet and even. His voice was calm, firm. His eyes never left the black larl. “Slowly. Stay where you are.” he called to Zareen. He watched the animal’s head, shoulders and paws, looking for the smallest indication of whether it was preparing to advance. A trained beast might respond to its handler. An untamed one might interpret sudden movement as an invitation. “Don’t make any sudden movements. Let me determine what we are dealing with before either of us makes a mistake.”

[06:17:40] нαzєℓ ßιαςкωợợd (jasmine.vandyke): The larl wasn’t in the least bit put off by the woman telling her to stay back. She lunged forward, about to attempt another vicious swipe when the game changed. Another human was there adn she’d abort her lung, hind legs slamming into the ground as she sat back on her haunches, circling around to appraise the situation, tail swishing wildly as she paced back and forth. The fact it was only attempting to use its paws and not its teeth was a clear sign the creature was being more playful than hungry…

[06:18:03] нαzєℓ ßιαςкωợợd (jasmine.vandyke): lunge*

[06:22:44] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) hears a voice, somewhere from behind her perhaps, but not once does she turn to face it. She sits, back straight, eying the creature with spinning thoughts. The train that had been torn, flutters to her side, landing softly on the ground beside her. “It’s a bit late for sudden movements,” she calls out, unsure if her voice would carry the distance. There was a throb to her hands, and she was sure that the skin of her palms would be scraped. Even still, she pushes up, rising once more to her feet on shaky legs. “Back,” she commands unsteadily. In all her years, she was not familiar with the ways or training of a larl, but she was familiar with the game of survival. “Stay back,” she repeats more fiercely, her own body stepping behind her to lower on the stairs

[06:26:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the larl circle, his attention following the swishing tail and shifting weight rather than the teeth. The change in posture does not escape him. His shoulders ease by a fraction, though he makes no attempt to approach. His gaze flicks briefly toward Zareen before returning to the larl. “Don’t run. Whatever you do, don’t make yourself the more interesting target.” A faint, dry smile touches his mouth. “And perhaps someone should explain to your companion that greeting people with claws is considered poor manners.” Whoever said that Assassins had no sense of humor, clearly hadn’t met Crow. His eyes remained fixed on the larl as Zareen rises. Her command earns only the slightest tilt of his head. The animal’s attention remains on her, but its posture still lacks the commitment of a true attack. “You’re right,” he says quietly. “The sudden movement has already happened.” His gaze flicks briefly to her scraped hands before returning to the beast. “Don’t back away any faster. Let it decide that following you is less interesting than whatever else has caught its attention.” He shifts one measured step sideways, placing himself where the larl can see him without blocking its view of Zareen. “Easy…” he murmurs again, voice calm and even.

“So you are two.” he stated to the animal. He had left his home with enough weapons to either end or correct the animal. But he was very much aware that he was no match if the animal would simply leap their way.

[06:29:05] нαzєℓ ßιαςкωợợd (jasmine.vandyke): The larl lilted her head, an ancient memory triggered in it from when she had been a tamed best. A soft growl came, but she backed up, her eyes still pinned on the pair. Her demeanor changed slightly, both aggression and playfulness leaving her as she stilled, no longer pacing, no longer hunting.

She was still far from the tamed beast she used to be but it was apparent that it had been some time since she’d been under the command of a human, more than half wild now. It turned, keeping half an eye on them as it went to the top of the stairs and onto the small landing there, keeping a wary eye on the pair.

[06:34:42] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) turns her head then, looking for a long moment over her shoulder at the man dressed solely in black. Her eyes narrow slightly, though nothing of true anger behind their depths. “I can’t be anything but interesting. My presence isn’t one that can be dimmed,” she says slightly haughtily. Her head turns, and she brings her attention back to the beast once more. It retreats, further in the direction she was once going and she releases a breath of relief. “For the best,” she says, trembling hands brushing down the front of her dress. She turns, looking to the man more fully now and crossing her arms. “And what is someone such as you doing on this day?” she asks, clearing her throat as the fear dwindles from her veins. Every so often, her gaze shifts in the direction of where the larl once stood.

[06:37:01] Crow (melchior.wardell) studies the change carefully, watching the larl’s ears, the angle of its head, and the way it withdraws rather than advancing. The soft growl earns no reaction from him. He simply remains where he is, giving the beast the distance it has chosen. “Good,” he murmurs, almost to himself. His attention shifts briefly to Zareen. His mouth twitches faintly at her words, though whether it is amusement or simple acknowledgement is difficult to tell. His gaze follows hers toward the landing for another moment before returning to her. “I had noticed,” he says dryly. “You do seem to possess a certain talent for attracting attention.” He glances down at the black covering him, then back to her. “As for what I’m doing…” He pauses, considering how much of an answer she has actually earned. “Walking. Observing. Learning the city.” His eyes briefly travel toward the damaged shops and the direction in which the larl disappeared. “Today, apparently, that includes avoiding hungry beasts and investigating why one of them has decided Avarra is its dining hall.” He looks back to her, expression calm. “And you? Aside from commanding larls and making yourself impossible to overlook?”

[06:42:07] нαzєℓ ßιαςкωợợd (jasmine.vandyke): The larl saw nothing more that interested it in the pair, starting to slowly stalk off while keeping its ears flicked back to listen for any movement of an advance towards her, the large feline having all the grace that came with being exactly that. Its tail swished as it continued on its way, giving a hard shake of its head and a loud yawn. Thankfully for the woman, she had feasted on the supplies the inn, tavern and cafe had had to offer and ancient memories in training had resurfaced. it would appear the danger had passed for now.

[06:44:22] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) studies him, her gaze falling upon each aspect of him silently. There is no comment made, only a quiet appraisal of the man before she finally speaks. “Do you read?” she asks, never one to assume things about anyone. Again, she glances up the stone stairs, her breath bated in preparation to run if needed. “There have been many signs around the city that speak of the beasts…..I simply never expected to run into one…..call it naive hope for the safety of my well being.” She sighs, shoulders relaxing a bit more. “What is it that you have learned of the city? Beyond perhaps that there is danger lurking within its gardened walls.”

[06:47:42] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the larl move away, noting the relaxed tail, the yawn, and the absence of any further interest in them. Only once the beast has put sufficient distance between them does he allow himself to focus more upon Zareen. “That,” he murmurs, “went considerably better than it might have.” He considers the question for a moment, his eyes briefly following hers toward the stairs before returning to her. “Do I read?” A faint hint of amusement touches his expression. “Yes. It is generally more useful than pretending to know things.” His gaze moves across the street, taking in the buildings, the people moving through them, the signs of recent disturbances. “As for what I’ve learned…” He was weighing his words. “Not enough yet to claim I understand Avarra.” he paused there once more. “The beasts are another matter. Signs of them were visible before I encountered one. That tells me the danger isn’t entirely unexpected. What interests me is how prepared the city actually is to deal with it. Signs tell you something is wrong. They don’t tell you who is responsible for fixing it.” His gaze returns to her, quietly curious. “Isn’t it irony, that a man that murders for his profession, sees to your safety while the warriors are no where to be found?”

[06:57:42] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) hums, fingers extending to their fullest length, deliberately avoiding her palms that still stung. “I must be inclined to agree with you,” she says looking down at the train of her dress. “I will take torn fabrics over an injury….or worse, the loss of my life. I should have known better than to leave home without my dagger, but I was in a rush. Foolish of me,” she mutters. “Avarra is beautiful in its own right. There is much to be studied and learned…..preferably without the presence of such animals destroying the beauty of it.” In her mind, an image of the poster floods her and she shrugs a bit. “Is it not the people of the city’s responsibility to deal with it. We each have a purpose, a role in which contributes to our society. The responsibility lies not on one person or caste….Although, for someone who murders for a profession, would it not be in your line of work to handle the beasts?” she asks, a small smile touching the corners of her lips beyond her veil. “I suppose I should thank you for your assistance. I am sure your presence helped scare off the larl.”

[07:02:21] Crow (melchior.wardell) gives a quiet huff of amusement at her final remark, his gaze settling on the torn fabric before returning to her. “Scare it off?” he says, almost thoughtfully. “I would prefer not to give myself that much credit.” he glances toward the direction the larl disappeared. “It had eaten. You were no longer particularly interesting to it. I merely happened to be standing there when it decided to leave.” He looks back to her, the faintest trace of dry humor in his voice. “As for your dagger… forgetting it once is foolish. Forgetting it twice would be a lesson. But I doubt it would have done you any good. The moment you were able to stab, the animal was already way to close.” He folds his arms loosely. “And no. Killing is part of my profession. That does not mean every creature that inconveniences a city becomes my target.” His expression grows slightly more serious. “Though I will admit… I’m becoming increasingly curious about where these beasts came from.” His eyes return to her. “And curiosity has a habit of becoming work.”

[07:09:02] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) purses her lips. “It is a good day when the killers are preoccupied with things beyond the murder of others.” She looks him over again and raises a brow. “You aren’t working now are you?” A pause. “Actually it is best if I do not know, but for one who is wanted by the warriors, you walk without much fear. Do you think yourself immune to being thrown into prison upon capture?” Subconsciously, she reaches for the empty space at her hip. “Foolish indeed,” she repeats softly, the words being carried only barely by the wind. “I will do well to remember.”

[07:11:48] Crow (melchior.wardell) regards her for a long moment, one brow lifting slightly at the question. His expression remains almost entirely unreadable. “Immune?” A quiet breath of amusement escapes him. “No.” His gaze briefly travels over the street. “Warriors have every right to arrest me if they believe they have cause. Whether they can keep me there is a separate question.” He adjusts his stance, relaxed rather than careless. “Fear has its uses. So does knowing when it is unnecessary.” A faint smirk touches his mouth. “And at this particular moment, I’m not working. If I were…”, looking at her pointedly, “…you would probably be better off not asking.” He lets the silence sit for a heartbeat before adding dryly: “Though I suppose you already arrived at that conclusion.”

[07:17:48] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) nods her head in agreement. “I am sure they would love to have one such as yourself stand on trial, but I am also sure that one such as yourself does not leave behind traces that would give them cause to do so,” she says with a slight laugh. It is short but there nonetheless. “I know a great many things. I am a physician’s apprentice, we see all. Perhaps more of your own kind as well even if we do not realize it. We work in tandem with you….in a way. You make more work for us.” Her eyes narrow again and she point at him. “I do love my work, but it is never a good day when I have to do it,” she says, wincing a bit when her fingers curl onto her scraped palm.

[07:20:17] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s eyes drop to her hand as her fingers curl against the scraped palm. For a moment, the amusement fades, replaced by the practical assessment of someone accustomed to noticing injuries. “Physician’s apprentice,” he repeats, looking back to her. “That explains the questions.” A faint smirk returns. “And perhaps explains why you seem entirely too comfortable discussing what my kind does.” His gaze settles once more on her injured hand. “As for making work for Physicians…” He pauses. “I suppose that depends on the Physician.” He gestures subtly toward her palm. “You’re making work for one right now.” His expression remains perfectly dry.

[07:25:13] Zareen Barbosa (tinylulu) huffs and lowers her hand. “One can only learn if one asks questions….I do not ask that many,” she adds, the words sounding almost petulant. “It is not my fault that beasts decided to take over the city. I was between losing my life or falling down the stairs….” She gestures to the space where they stand. “I chose the latter of course. A few scraps is much more manageable, and with the right salve, it’ll be healed before the day ends.”

[07:28:40] Crow (melchior.wardell) gives her a sidelong look, the faintest hint of amusement touching his expression at the petulant defense. “Of course not. You simply ask questions until people begin to suspect you’re collecting answers.” His gaze drops briefly to her palm again as she lowers it. “And you chose correctly. Stairs are considerably less troublesome than claws.Though I wouldn’t be quite so confident about being healed before the day ends. Salve can do much. It cannot make poor decisions disappear.” Suddenly his attention is taken once again. “Best to stay low, lady.” as he starts to advance to see where the tarn was heading.

[07:31:58] Tweet (voraciousbirb) had been circling above the Scribe’s hall for a while until he advanced for the stairs. His gaze swept the area, barely noticing the humans below, he was looking for something. A few droplets of blood fell down upon the steps before he flew back towards the Scribe’s hall and crashed down where a trail of blood led into the building.

The tarn straightened himself, that massive head lowered to rearrange the cut feathers and trying to pick at them to pull them out of the claw wound on his stomach. Blood still dripped down, landing on his feet and the ground beneath him.

[07:32:28] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s attention shifts abruptly upward, his eyes catching movement against the sky. For a moment he says nothing, simply tracking the tarn as it circles above the city. His expression changes almost imperceptibly. “I know that tarn.” He watches its flight, remembering the scarred bird from the wreckage and the broken cage yesterday. His gaze follows every turn, every correction of its wings. He watches it descend toward the Scribe’s Hall, then hears the faint patter of blood striking the stone. He moves toward the stairs, his attention fixed on the trail of blood rather than the massive bird itself. He stops several paces away, giving the tarn room, his eyes narrowing as he studies the trail. “Yesterday you were hunting.” His gaze shifts briefly toward the Scribe’s Hall, then back to the tarn. “Today you’re wounded.” He crouches slightly, examining the blood on the steps without reaching toward the bird. “And you’ve come here looking for something.” A quiet pause. Crow’s expression hardens with recognition. “Whatever you’re looking for, … it seems something found you first.”

[07:37:32] Tweet (voraciousbirb) let out another screech after the human spoke, his wings spread momentarily and he’d carry that massive body over to the the first door, nudging at the broken window with his beak. He couldnt fit in there, but something must have taken his attention. The tarn was out for revenge after his failure the day prior, however that furry four legged beast hid better within the buildings and he was too large to go snoop around.

[07:41:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the tarn move toward the broken window, his eyes narrowing as the pieces begin to fit together. He doesn’t approach the tarn, instead following its attention toward the building. “So that’s what you’re after.” He would approach careful and slow. Hoping the animal understood that he meant no harm due to prior experiences. He was sure the animal remembered. They always did. He studies the tarn’s wound again. “You’re trying to get inside?” he asked wondering if the animal searched the Larl he had encounted a moment ago.

[07:44:40] Tweet (voraciousbirb) began to remove the glass shards poking out from the door frame, tossing them aside until nothing was there that may injure someone who decided to walk in. Sure, the human could have just opened the door but the tarn didnt think that far, he was hunting still and he wanted someone or something to go shoo out whatever may be inside, if, it was inside.

There was no sign of threat towards the two-legger, having remembered he pose no threat to him the day before and let him eat in peace. The feathered creature also recalled the other one who accompanied him too, but he was not present. Inside the building was blood on the wall, on the curtain and more trails leading through the Scribe’s hall.

[07:48:28] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the tarn clear the remaining shards from the frame, his expression remaining unreadable. He had expected the animal to simply force its way through. Instead, it had removed the danger from the doorway. “Considerate,” he murmurs dryly. He steps closer to the now-cleared entrance, but pauses before coming to close. His eyes move over the blood on the wall, the curtain, and the trail disappearing deeper into the Scribe’s Hall. He looks back “You want me to go in there?” He studies the tarn’s wound again, then the blood trail. “You’re bleeding badly enough that following your quarry may leave you unable to finish what you started.” It wouldn’t be a first that he tended to a injured tarn. His own loyal companion was harmed more than once.

[07:52:45] Tweet (voraciousbirb) required help, so he tried to show the need of assistance. The tarn was not wild, he had a rider before yet during a war, the man was shot off the back of the black beast and the large bird tried to save him, which ended up with him diving into the water yet all hope was too late. Men retrieved the tarn and the body, burning the remains of the corpse and the tarn was not able to be handled due to grief. They had opted to bring the bird away, to find another place where he may forget what happened, so, the beast wasnt just wild and free, there was some training still in him.

With his head lowering, that beak scratched along the stone wall and he’d sit, as if waiting for something. Those yellow eyes fixated upon the human and he made no more anymore.

[07:56:37] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the tarn settle, the movement of its massive body oddly deliberate. His eyes remain on those yellow eyes, studying the bird rather than the blood for a moment. There was something familiar in the posture now. Not obedience exactly. Expectation. His gaze shifts briefly toward the wound before returning to the tarn. He steps closer, but slowly, giving the bird every opportunity to object. “You remembered me from yesterday. You remembered I did not threaten you.” He glances toward the blood trail disappearing into the Scribe’s Hall. “And now you’ve brought me here.” He studies the bird’s face, then the injured feathers around its stomach. “You’re trained.” The realization comes with a slight narrowing of his eyes. “Not tame. Not anymore. But trained.” “Let’s see if you can trust a Black Caste Assassin long enough to let me look at that wound.” He extends one empty hand, palm visible, but does not yet touch the tarn.

[08:02:47] Tweet (voraciousbirb) ‘s head tilted a bit as the extended hand was offered, palm visible yet nothing in hand. He’d lower his head with that same tilt, casting his gaze up onto that hand and let it travel back to his face. The tarn didnt snap at him, he didnt even puff himself up, remaining there rather calmly even though he was hunting something and believed it could still be inside.

Any sound from within the Scribe’s Hall would have been noticed should something stir and move around, but it was completely silent.

His large feet shifted a bit, pushing themselves over the stone ground with the claws leaving faint marks, but he only did so to not rest the wound on his feet. He was hurt, it still phased him in a way.

[08:06:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) studies the tarn in silence, watching the small adjustments of its feet and the way it keeps the wounded side from resting. The bird is clearly hurting, but it remains calm. That matters more than the blood. He slowly lowers his extended hand, keeping it within sight rather than forcing the contact. “You’re hurting.” His eyes move over the wound again, assessing without touching. “And you’re trying very hard not to show it.” He glances toward the silent Scribe’s Hall, then back to the Tarn. Nothing stirs within. Whatever the tarn had been hunting was either gone or was very good at remaining still. “You brought me here because you need help with that wound.” he paused”And because you want me to look for whatever is hiding inside.” He takes one careful step closer, stopping well short of the bird. “Two problems. One solution.” His gaze remains fixed on the tarn. “Let me see the wound first. Then I’ll see what your quarry has left behind.” His voice was calm and his demeanor showed no fear, but simple understanding of what the animal could do. There was a natural kind of authority to him. One that had been taught from an early age. As a tarnsman he knew that his calmness was essential.

[08:11:49] Tweet (voraciousbirb) turned his head towards the broken door, as if watching it while the human got closer. He still showed no sign of threat but he did stand up again. Knowing how low he sat, the two legger would have to nearly crawl underneath him and if something dangerous was out there, the human would be in great danger since he’d have to come out from underneath and get up.

The wound on his belly bore deep claw marks of a larl, the tarn had ripped some feathers out to get to the wound that hurt him yet he couldnt heal himself, still, everything around it bothered him. Luckily, he had evaded alot of the attacks, so it was only one injury, but one was enough.

[08:15:01] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches as the tarn rises, immediately understanding the problem. Getting underneath the enormous bird would put him in a poor position, especially with whatever had wounded it potentially still somewhere inside the Hall. His eyes settle on the deep claw marks across the belly.”Larl.” The word is quiet, but certain. He studies the wound without reaching for it. The missing feathers tell him the animal has already tried to deal with the irritation itself. “You’ve done what you can. Pulling at the feathers may have made it worse.” His gaze shifts toward the broken doorway, then into the silent darkness beyond it. He doesn’t step underneath the tarn. Instead, he circles slightly, keeping both the bird and the entrance within his sight. “You’re right not to trust that doorway. Whatever hurt you may still be inside. And I’m not going to crawl beneath a wounded tarn just to find out. Come outside with me. Let me see the wound where I can actually reach it.” His tone remains calm, almost conversational. “Then we can decide whether your little hunt needs finishing.”

[08:19:30] Tweet (voraciousbirb) didnt quite understand what the human wanted, but when he stepped away, it irritated the bird to the point he’d call out, almost like he was complaining. One last gaze went through the broken door and he’d walk down the three steps. Unsure if the building was safe, his head turned back again to keep an eye on it.

The only reason the tarn had come here, was because he saw the trail of blood that led into the building, the blood inside was a give away for a potential attack too and considering he had met a kaiila that didnt seem to willy nilly attack people, a tiny sleen that could never do this much damage, this had to be the larl he fought against the day before.

[08:24:24] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches the tarn descend the steps, and the complaining call earns the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. “Yes. I heard you.” He follows at a measured pace, keeping himself to the side rather than directly in front of the tarn. His eyes move from the blood trail inside the Scribe’s Hall to the wound on its belly. “The blood brought you here.” He studies the marks on the stone and the torn feathers. “I think I met your ‘friend’ earlier.” he states as he glances back to where the tarn wanted to go. “I bet you on all your and my feathers it is a sleep. But let us not detain. We do not know how long it sleeps after it has toyed with womens dresses.” He now closed the distance as he moved with confidence. “You have shown me the wound. Now let me work without having to put my head underneath you.” His tone remains calm, almost dry. “After that, I’ll follow your trail inside.”

[08:30:27] Tweet (voraciousbirb) didnt take his eyes off of the building and the items inside. He was looking for movement, anything that may give away his enemy within the stone walls. The tarn remained unmoving, merely the faint breeze brushing through his feather coat. As the human moved, his head snapped forward briefly, watching him come closer and scanned the area for any other who may walk up, but no one was there. He turned his head again to observe the hall. Hunger caught him suddenly and the bird spread his wings, gazing back to the human again to nudge against the rim of his shield, as if telling him he would be back again before flying off.

---

Predators Know Predators

[06:30:50] Crow (melchior.wardell) slowed as the sight ahead caught his attention. A tarn stood where it perhaps should not have been, restless and agitated, its wings shifting with sharp, defensive movements. Something lay beneath and around it forms that, from this distance, looked disturbingly like bodies. Crow did not immediately approach. He stopped first, studying the animal rather than the apparent scene around it. The tarn’s posture. The movement of its wings. Its breathing. Whether it was frightened, wounded, guarding something, or simply reacting to the presence of people. His eyes then moved briefly over what lay beneath it, searching for movement, blood, weapons, clothing anything that might tell him whether these were truly dead bodies or merely appeared so from where he stood. “Easy…” His voice remained low and even.

[06:34:28] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius) moved down to a crouch and pulled out the tarsk jerky from his pockets on his belt and tossed it through the gates. He was quiet, deathly silent. He watched through the open visor on his helm and noted the way the tarn moved. Vesper was also a predator of sorts and one predator knew and understood how other predators moved in the wild, with respect.

[06:37:14] Tweet (voraciousbirb) had spotted a small sleen and tried to chase it, but that morsel was fast and managed to slip away from him. The jet black tarn decided to fly off and soar within the skies, his wary gaze maintained downwards towards the shipwreck that had occurred not too long ago and the sight as scent of the crimson evidence soaked into the ground brought him to land with a heavy thud.
Large wings spread to intimidate any beast that may still be around but quickly noted he had been alone and lowered his massive head to clamp his beak into one of the torn off limbs of the crew that laid scattered and obviously dead – even dismembered. He’d toss the snack up and caught it, gobbling it down until his yellow gaze shot over towards the two two-leggers. His large posture puffed up, feathers ruffled to seem even larger then he already was. This was his meal and he was not going to share it with anyone. A loud screech of warning was given by the free Tarn.
Despite another, even smaller snack, being tossed through the gates,
he was more interested in the bodies near his claws.

[06:40:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) slowly lowered his posture, making himself less threatening, keeping his movements deliberate. He made no sudden attempt to reach for the tarn or whatever it was guarding. “Easy…. I am not here to take anything from you.” He remained at a careful distance, allowing the animal to see him rather than cornering it. His gaze never stopped assessing. A frightened tarn was dangerous. An injured tarn was worse. And a tarn guarding bodies was a problem he had no intention of making larger by rushing into it. “Do you see anything that might give away who it is he devours ?” He was sure enough that the animal wouldn’t give its prize by simple argument. “We can’t safe these victims but we might be able to inform them as to what has happened.” He was not truly shocked or pained in what he witnessed. He was a murderer too. A cleaner one, but just as vicious.

[06:48:03] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius) watched the movements of the great bird, his head tilting to the side slowly. There was a way that Vesper moved that showed understanding for the animal, as if there was something that flowed in his veins that was like a great beast itself slouching toward the gate. He slowly moved up to stand and, while he listened to the Caste Master, his awareness moved past him and to the bird and what it guarded. He did not speak, not for a long while as his movements were slow and precise. His arms were held to his side. He did not puff up his own body, nor did he cower it. He watched, everything, carefully. Only when thousands of data points coalesced into reasoning would he whisper, “The bodies are waterlogged, note the way they are slightly swollen….little in the way of clothes. Could they have been rowers on a ship? What has the weather been like of late..many of them together, clumped.” He looked at the tarn. Eyes locking and then he slowly started to blink. Eyes opening and closing in a way that showed no threat was meant.

[06:51:25] Tweet (voraciousbirb) ‘s gaze flicked rapidly from one to the other yet seeing or at least, believing his intimidation was working and one had made itself smaller, he’d seem to calm down, the feathers smoothening more but that didnt mean he was relaxed. The tarn remained as sharp and wary as ever and ready to attack if it was needed. He still wouldnt share. They may be lucky to have some left overs if he lost interest in the bodies, then some of the corpses had no bite marks or even torn off limbs, they must have died by the sheer impact the ship had gone through, sending part of the crew flying against the stone edge of the stair’s wall and snapping necks, breaking backs and ribs to the point lungs were pierced. A few bodies didnt have the typical torn evidence of a tarn ripping limbs off, there were claw marks, bite marks, even an open torso where ribs were showing yet the organs and intestines within bitten into and halfway ripped out. He was not the only predator on the lose right now. He seemed to have lost interest in the one that had made himself smaller, but that intense stare slipped over to the other, standing there the same way as he came, without puffing up. His head began to twitch sideways, snapping left and right as if trying to read how the smaller individual blinked at him. He’d let out a short call with faint clicking of his beak before turning back to eat again. Plucking another hand from the ground that had been torn off and tossing it up to catch it and gobble it down again.

[06:54:28] Crow (melchior.wardell) remained still as Vesper joined him, his attention shifting briefly toward the other Assassin before returning to the tarn. He watched the slow blinking, the posture, the deliberate lack of threat. There was a familiarity in the way Vesper approached the creature that he recognized immediately. His eyes moved back toward the bodies. “That would make shipwreck more likely than a land killing. Especially if they came down together.” His gaze followed the scattered forms, studying their positions rather than the bodies themselves. He looked for anything that contradicted the first impression: ropes, remnants of a vessel, cargo, weapons, signs of impact. He glanced toward the great bird again. He had been a tarnsman before he was a man of the dreaded caste of Assassins. Once a warrior of Ar. “If she found them after they washed ashore, she may simply have claimed the place. But if she came with them…” He left the thought unfinished. He slowly lowered himself another fraction, keeping his hands visible and his movements measured. His voice became quieter. “Easy.” His eyes remained on the tarn’s. “We are only looking. No one is taking what is yours.” He allowed several heartbeats to pass before moving again, giving the animal the choice to accept his presence rather than forcing the matter. “You eat. We watch.” His eyes continued their methodical sweep of the area. “If there is another predator here, I would prefer to find its trail before it decides we are more interesting than the dead.”

[07:01:41] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius) patterned his movements on the bird, slowly moving forward, stair by stair to stand alongside the elder Killer. He was thoughtful. His hand slowly moved out to point toward the bodies and his voice, a mere whisper, more of a resonance in his chest spoke to the Caste Master who he had followed for over 600 years, “Note the different markings on the bodies. This is not only the work of one hungry tarn. You and I both know what some of those marks mean, note the claw marks, bite marks, and the way the intestines have been eaten. Look around for the six paws in the ground. Do you see any footprints? If the prints are not here, then something else may have occurred to these bodies prior to their demise elsewhere. Question is, aboard the ship, or on land? We have a problem if what carried the bodies here is still alive.”

[07:09:03] Tweet (voraciousbirb) continued to feast, having picked up and gobbled down a few limbs before his massive foot pushed down one of the ripped torso’s and dug his claw into it, making sure it remained in place while his beak dug into the exposed huge wound to tear out a few damaged organs from whoever injured the man before. The men laying scattered were of the ship wreck, all seeming to have tried to flee the scene yet were brutally mowed down by something. About three swords were on the ground, guards clearly as their helmets were either still on their heads after colliding with the stone edge of the stair’s wall or just laying around. There was a heavily dented large cage halfway submerged next to the ship wreck, the cage big enough to hold a kaiila within. The ground to the stairs left several footprints behind, sizes varying from small to huge. The beasts were not just adults. Upon closer look, the former war Tarn had a few nicked feathers around his head, scars beneath, some were on his chest and a few on his belly. He was not unfamiliar with the harsh Gorean life as a war Tarn but he also couldnt speak his own story, yet it showed by his feather coat.

[07:14:23] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s attention followed Vesper’s pointing hand, and his expression hardened slightly as he studied the ground around the bodies.”Exactly.” His eyes moved across the scene again, but this time with considerably more interest. The swords. The helmets. The cage. The footprints. His gaze stopped at the cage. “A cage…” He stepped no closer, instead studying the heavy dents and its position half beneath the water. “Large enough for a kaiila. And apparently important enough to have been aboard.” His attention shifted to the footprints leading toward the stairs. Small ones. Large ones. Far too many variations to dismiss as a single creature. “Those are not the tracks of one beast. Young and mature.” He let the conclusion settle before looking toward the tarn again. The scars and damaged feathers did not escape his notice either. A former war tarn, by the look of him. The evidence of an old life written across its body. “That tarn has survived battles.” There was no pity in his voice. Something closer to recognition. He studied the nicked feathers around its head, then the scars beneath them, the chest, the belly. “And whatever happened here, he survived this too.” His attention returned to the tracks. “Now we have a different question.” He pointed subtly toward the cage. “What was inside it And more importantly…” His gaze followed the varying footprints toward the stairs. “…what got out?”

[07:17:48] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius) eyes moved beyond the great bird and outward to where the wind was causing ripped sails to flap on great masts that were strewn around the rocks. The bird had his full attention to begin with, but now he was starting to piece together what may have happened. The helmets on some of the men meant one thing to him, “What men who had trained for war could not handle.” was his only response. He let that phrase sink down and land heavy, like the blood that was soaking into the ground itself. “Predators……know predators, Killer.”

[07:23:25] Tweet (voraciousbirb) lowered his head to wipe some of the guts off of his beak on the ground.
Whether the crew had a crucial incident on the ship itself and it crashed against the rocks at the shore or the navigator had done an error in reading the map was unclear. The only thing clear with the massacre at the Tarn’s feet, death came fast and ruthless. These beasts were hungry and they showed no mercy. Trained or not, would be just an unclear.
The gate they stood by was just as dented as the cage half submerged, a few tufts of fur stuck on the edge of the open gate. There was little blood smeared over the wall on the men’s left side, barely injured beasts leaving a trail up the stairs. They werent just near the shore, it was leading into the city. The tarn finally seemed to be sated for now, raising back to his imposing height again and stretched his wings before shaking his heavy form. That wary gaze snapped back towards the two men, watching momentarily before giving another call out, as if offering them the rest to
feast on. His attention snapped up the stairs with a tilt or two of his head, something must have caught his attention earlier before he came down here, then he had been hunting and lost his prey before.

[07:29:16] Crow (melchior.wardell) ‘s gaze followed Vesper’s toward the torn sails and scattered masts, his expression becoming still. The words required no explanation. “Predators know predators.” He repeated it quietly, almost testing the weight of it. His eyes returned to the tracks. Small. Large. Too many. Then to the cage, the dead guards, and finally the scarred tarn feeding as though none of it concerned him. “No trained warrior survives what he cannot recognize.” A pause. “And these men recognized something.” He crouched once more, examining the nearest footprints without touching them. “They ran.” His gaze followed the trail toward the wreckage. “That tells me more than the swords.” He rose slowly. “Whatever came out of that cage was not something they intended to fight or wanted to loose.” His eyes shifted toward the dark spaces beyond the wreck, scanning for movement. “And if there were young among them…” he turned to Vesper. “I think these beasts must have been tortured to become as vicious. Perhaps starved … and with the
dreadful currents a small error could be just enough for an opportunity.” A faint narrowing of his eyes. “I think we aren’t only looking at a wreck site.” He glanced toward Vesper. “We may be standing at the edge of an escape and what ever it is … “

[07:34:45] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius): me watched the great black tarn settle after its feast, studying the scars beneath its nicked feathers and the way its behavior toward him had changed. Warning cries had become watching, clicking, and finally eating comfortably in his presence. His head tilted slightly, mirroring the bird. “I have been thinking that I need a tarn.” His eyes dropped to the severed hand disappearing down its throat. “There may be logistical complications. I am uncertain how many bodies I can reasonably provide each week.” A pause. “Failed lads might reduce expenses, but I doubt they constitute a nutritionally complete diet.” He moved another careful step closer. “You were a tarnsman once, Killer. I suspect the first lesson is convincing one not to remove your head.” The faintest amusement touched his expression before his attention shifted to the battered cage. “Although perhaps we would understand one another.” He glanced at Crow, holding his eyes knowingly. “You have seen me cornered.” Crow had. More than once. When every calculated escape vanished and someone finally believed Vesper trapped, something colder emerged. Everything became a weapon. Every weakness became an exit. Somehow, the corner always ended empty. Vesper looked from Crow to the broken cage, then toward the tracks disappearing into the city. “Perhaps we should assume whatever was inside that had much the same opinion of cages.”

[07:38:51] Tweet (voraciousbirb) had been lucky to be an airborne beast, he at least wasnt stuffed into a cage but kept down by chains that dug into his feather coat. He was not a tarn of those who had lost their lives, but something that was to be transported elsewhere. The tarn rose a wing to groom himself between the feathers, picking at a few wood splinters that had embedded themselves into his dark coat. He shook himself again and a single ring of steel from the chain that held him down was flung towards the gate, through it and hit the wall next to Crow before dropping down with a clank. The voyage of the beasts was a tiring thing, leaving each irritated by the chatter of the crew, the laughter, the songs, the lack of attention for food for these animals. It wasnt just a ship filled with any beast of Gor, it didnt hold a giani, or a leem, nothing gentle emerged from it. Seeing the two didnt move for the food on the ground and merely chattered in their own language, he’d spread his wings and took flight, aiming to fly right up into the city as if he was looking for someone – or more, something.

[07:44:32] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s mouth twitched at Vesper’s assessment, though his eyes remained on the battered cage. “I remember.” His gaze moved briefly to Vesper. “And I remember that being cornered never made you less dangerous.” He looked back toward the tracks disappearing up the stairs. “Perhaps that is what we are looking at here.” He looked closer to the damaged gate. His eyes examined the fur caught against the metal, then the dents, measuring the direction of force. “As for convincing one not to remove your head…” He looked at Vesper again. “Best not to buy one from those that sold you Bertram.” His expression settled into something more thoughtful. “But this one has chosen not to attack us. He watched. He tested us. He decided we weren’t a threat to what remained.” But when it suddenly took a different motion he would step back, measuring the danger once again. “So. You weren’t the cargo.” His eyes followed the great bird as it spread its wings. “You were the prisoner.” The tarn launched itself upward, powerful wings
driving the air around them as it climbed toward the city. He watched its flight path carefully. “He’s looking for something.” His gaze remained fixed on the dark shape until it disappeared among the buildings. “Or someone.” He looked down at the discarded ring of steel. “Which means the cage may not have been intended for him at all.”

[07:47:18] Hosokawa Kinsei – Vesper™ 細川金星 (razius) looked to Crow, “It hunts. The tarn is the harbinger. It is the messenger just as much as if it wore the golden slash along its helm.” He paused a moment. “Do you have a contract with gold secured with the city? You know now that the tarn is the ticket to find what it may still wish to devour. It is the guide to what waits still in the city.” He watched the great beast soar higher in the sky. “Perhaps, after we have secured a place of refuge, that knowledge could come in very handy during contract negotiations?” His gaze followed the black shape between the buildings, measuring each turn of its wings rather than merely admiring its flight. “Whatever escaped that ship scattered into the city. The tarn was chained beside them. It knows their scent, their sounds, perhaps their habits. And unlike us, it does not need tracks in the mud to follow them.” His eyes briefly dropped to the steel ring lying near Crow’s feet. “Someone transported a collection of predators together, starved and restrained them, then lost control of all of them at once. Now one predator is showing us where the others went.” The faintest smile touched his mouth. “There are men who would pay considerably more for that information after they discover what happens when they do not have it.” He looked toward Crow again. “No need to frighten them with possibilities. Let the city discover the problem for itself.” His attention returned upward, following the tarn. “Then we can offer the solution.”

[07:51:21] Crow (melchior.wardell) watched the tarn disappear between the rooftops, his expression thoughtful as Vesper laid out the possibilities. “A harbinger.” His gaze dropped briefly to the steel ring near his feet before returning to the city. “Then we don’t need to chase what it hunts.” A faint, knowing smile appeared. “We only need to watch where it goes.” He considered Vesper’s question about the contract, then gave a slow shake of his head. “Not yet. I have been learning Avarra before offering anything. A contract made before understanding the hand you’re dealing with is simply gambling.” His eyes moved across the city below. “But this…” He gestured subtly toward the fading silhouette of the tarn. “…is useful information.” Hs attention sharpened.”If the city discovers several predators moving through its streets before anyone understands where they came from, there will be panic. Panic makes people talk. It makes officials act. And eventually, someone will want the problem solved.” He looked toward Vesper. “And then we don’t sell them fear. We sell them certainty.” His gaze followed the tarn’s last known direction. “First, we need to know what it is leading us toward. How many there are. What kind of predators escaped. Whether they remain together.” A faint smirk returned. “And whether our harbinger intends to lead us to the problem…Let Avarra discover the danger.” He started up the stairs. “We’ll discover the value.”

[10:44:34] Crow (melchior.wardell) continued along his way, his attention moving naturally across the street until a familiar face caught his eye. He slowed, recognizing the woman from their previous meeting in Var Kor, or what was now known as Valaris. He inclined his head respectfully. “Greetings, Sir and Lady Neeve.” His gaze lingered for a moment, quietly taking in the pair. He was still learning Avarra. Who was who, what position each held, and how the various pieces of the city fitted together. For now, he was content simply to greet a familiar face and observe.

[10:48:18] ᴅᴏᴍɪɴɪᴄ ᴅ’ᴍᴀʀɪ ɢʀᴇʏ (shawnmec): “Tal sir.” he responded with a nod and a smile as he turned on his heel to view the location of the voice that greeted him “How is the day treating you sir?” he asked as his blueish grayish eyes too in his black outfit and it didn’t take him long to assume why but what he did with his life was not his business

[10:49:50] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) turned at the familiar voice, recognition coming quickly as she spotted Crow. A warm smile touched her features and she dipped her head in greeting. “Tal, Crow. It is good to see you again.” Her eyes flickered briefly toward Dominic as he offered his own greeting before returning to the man dressed in black. “I see you have found your way to Avarra as well. I hope the city has been treating you kindly so far?” There was a slight amusement in her expression. “It can take a little while to work out who everyone is and where everything is around here. I still occasionally discover something I swear wasn’t there the day before.” She gave a soft laugh. “Have you settled in, or are you still finding your way around?”

[10:52:12] Crow (melchior.wardell) returned the greeting with a slight inclination of his head, his eyes briefly taking in the man before him. The green attire had already told him enough to make an educated guess, but assumptions were rarely as useful as answers. “Tal, Sir. Another day without the need of any of your caste. So I can not complain.” A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his expression. “I am still learning Avarra. There are indeed many faces I have yet to place and even more names I have yet to attach to them.” His gaze settled on the man but than he broke his gaze as it turned to Neeve. “But I find walking the city is a good way to correct that.” He paused casually. “And you? Has Avarra been treating you well?” he tipped his head to the infirmary. “A beautiful spot … very efficient and a lot of space.” it was clear he had been here before.

[10:57:06] ᴅᴏᴍɪɴɪᴄ ᴅ’ᴍᴀʀɪ ɢʀᴇʏ (shawnmec): “Yes its always a good day to not find yourself on one of mines or Lady Neeve Beds” he chuckled as he listened the man. He could see they were friends and to further not disrupt the reunion he decided it best to take his leave “Well it was nice meeting you…But I need to step away…please take care” he smiled as he took his leave ((Rl calls real quick will be back soon))

[11:00:32] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) gave a small laugh at Dominic’s words, turning her head towards him as he made to leave. “Hopefully neither of us shall be occupying one of those beds anytime soon. Take care, Dominic.” She offered him a warm nod before her attention returned to Crow, her gaze following his gesture towards the infirmary. “Avarra has treated me rather well, thank you.” Her smile broadened before she regarded him with a touch more curiosity. “You sound as though you’ve already had a rather thorough look around the infirmary, though.” One brow lifted teasingly. “Efficient, spacious… that is quite the assessment for a man merely walking the city and learning its faces.” She chuckled softly, gesturing towards the building. “Have you had cause to visit us already, or have you simply been inspecting the important places first?”

[11:04:23] ʟᴀɪɴᴇʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʀᴇᴀᴜx (dollytamalie): Greetings, Free,” she says as she bows her head. “I am in search of the acting scribe. Could someone please direct me to the right location?

[11:04:56] Crow (melchior.wardell) dipped his head towards Dominic’s in farewell. The motion betraying a high caste upbringing. “Be well, Sir.” His expression shifted into the faintest hint of amusement at her observation. He inclined his head toward the infirmary. “Not visited. Observed.” His eyes briefly moved toward the building again. “I find it useful to know where the important places are before I have reason to need them.” He looked back to Neeve. “And physicians tend to be important.” A small pause, his tone remaining casual. “I have been learning Avarra from the outside in. The temple. The gates. The places where people gather. The people who seem to matter.” His gaze returned to her, curious rather than intrusive. “But now you’ve made me curious, Lady Neeve. If I am putting together the pieces of Avarra…” His eyes briefly flicked toward Dominic’s departing direction. “…who is it that holds the reigns in the infirmary?” he turned to the new arrival and dipped his head “Greetings lady.” To your left.” he instructed.

[11:10:12] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) smiled towards the newly arrived woman and dipped her head in greeting, lifting a hand to point her towards the large building with blue flags nearby. “Tal, Lady. You should find the Scribes that way. If not, someone within should be able to point you in the right direction.” Her attention drifted back to Crow, and the smile upon her lips turned decidedly more mischievous at his question. “I’ll give you two guesses,” she offered, folding her hands neatly before herself. “If you don’t get it, you owe me a drink.” A soft laugh escaped her, clearly rather entertained by the prospect. “You have been observing Avarra so very carefully, after all. Temple, gates, gathering places… people who seem to matter.” She repeated the last part with a teasing lift of her brow. “Surely a man conducting such a thorough investigation has noticed who spends an unreasonable amount of her life wandering in and out of that infirmary?” She tipped her head towards it, giving him absolutely no further help. “Two guesses, Crow. Choose wisely.”

[11:11:33] Leol (camcam0731): Would be walking about the city holding wickers of wine seeing persons he had not met before in this new place and would give them all a gentle bow. “Tal Master, Mistress and Mistress.”

[11:13:22] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): Greetings Kajirus

[11:13:36] Crow (melchior.wardell) ‘s brow lifted slightly at the challenge. He glanced toward the infirmary, then back to Neeve, clearly considering the possibilities. “Two guesses and a drink if I fail?” A faint smirk appeared. “You make this sound less like learning Avarra and more like a wager.” He studied her for another moment before answering. “First guess… you?” He let the silence linger for a heartbeat. “Though I suspect you’ve made that one far too obvious.” His eyes narrowed slightly in thought. “Second guess…” A pause. “…someone who has made herself particularly difficult for me to overlook.”The corner of his mouth twitched. “Now, Lady Neeve, I believe I have just discovered why you suggested a drink rather than simply giving me the answer.” he turned to the slave. His eyes would take him in as he was unfamiliar to him. “Greetings slave.” he paused wondering why the slave had interupted the conversation. Surely there was purpose to it?

[11:15:14] ʟᴀɪɴᴇʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʀᴇᴀᴜx (dollytamalie): Bowing her head once again, she offers a smile that stretches the seams of her veil. “Thank you lady. I wish you both a wonderful day,” she says, noticing the person approaching. She bows her head once more and makes her way in the direction where she needs to find a scribe.

[11:19:31] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): me offered Lainey a warm dip of her head as the woman departed. “And you, Lady. I hope you find who you seek.” Her gaze shifted briefly towards the approaching kajirus, acknowledging him with a small nod before turning her attention back to Crow. A rather smug little smile began to creep across her features. “Oh, Crow…” she laughed softly, shaking her head. “So very close, but I’m afraid close does not win wagers.” She lifted a finger as though correcting an especially important detail. “I am the Assistant Head of the Physicians’ Caste here in Avarra, not the one who holds the reins entirely.” Her smile widened triumphantly. “Which means, technically, neither of your guesses was correct. And technically…” She let the pause linger deliberately. “…you owe me a drink.” His other choice of words hadn’t escaped her either, and one brow lifted. “Although I am rather curious about this woman who has made herself particularly difficult for you to overlook. She sounds troublesome.” The innocence in her expression was entirely unconvincing. “Perhaps you can tell me more about her over that drink you now owe me.”

[11:20:30] Leol (camcam0731): “Please be well.” He would speak softly to all , not wanting to pass without word or seem rude, before continuing on his search, glad there were signs pointing to all places necessary.

[11:23:14] Crow (melchior.wardell) gave a quiet chuckle, accepting the loss with a small incline of his head. “Then a drink it is, Lady Neeve. A wager is a wager.” His gaze lingered on her smug expression for a moment before he added, “Though I suspect you knew precisely how to arrange that outcome before you offered me the two guesses.” At the mention of the mysterious woman, his expression became just slightly more guarded. “Troublesome? Perhaps.” He glanced toward the infirmary, then back to Neeve. “But I have learned that the people worth remembering are rarely the ones who make themselves easy to overlook.” A faint smile returned. “As for telling you about her… I think I’ll let you earn that story with the drink you just won.” As the slave passed he would follow him with his gaze. Giving it not much thought as he did so. “But I guess the man of just now might be the Head of Caste?” he now assumed. It was one face had seen enter more often than once.

[11:31:07] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) nodded and gestured for Crow to follow, leading the way down towards the terrace where she knew they could find something to drink. “Yes. Dominic,” she confirmed as they walked. “I appointed him recently, after putting him through a rather difficult trial which, to his credit, he passed.” There was a small note of pride in her voice despite the thoughtful expression that followed. “He is still finding his feet in the position and there are things he will need guidance with, but under the right tutelage I believe he will make a fine Head of Caste. The city will be watching him for a while, of course. A title can be given, but trust and respect still have to be earned.” Reaching the terrace, she glanced back at Crow, that earlier mischievous smile returning. “So it seems your observations weren’t entirely terrible. You merely chose the wrong physician for your second guess.” She settled herself comfortably before adding, “Now… about this drink I so terribly and unfairly manipulated you into owing me.” Her brow arched. “And afterwards, perhaps I’ll decide whether I’ve earned the story of this supposedly troublesome woman who is so difficult for you to overlook.”

[11:34:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) followed along toward the terrace, listening quietly as Neeve spoke of Dominic. His attention sharpened slightly at the mention of the trial and the expectations placed upon the new Head of Caste. “Then Dominic has been given a position, but not yet the weight that comes with it.” He glanced toward Neeve. “That will come with time. Watching how a man handles authority after receiving it usually tells you more than watching him earn the title.” As they reached the terrace, He only settled after she had. “And yes, Lady Neeve. I concede the wager.” A small, amused smile touched his features. “But I am beginning to suspect you have made a habit of turning innocent questions into profitable ventures.” He regarded her for a moment. “As for the woman…” He paused, deliberately letting the words hang. “You have already earned the drink. The story, however, may require considerably better wine.”

[11:41:37] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): me nodded thoughtfully at Crow’s observation of Dominic. “When you’ve watched enough men take up such positions only to flaunt the authority that comes with them—or allow their own prejudices to dictate how they wield it—you learn to be cautious.” She gave a small shrug. “Some want the title and the power far more than they want the work and responsibility that comes with it. I ended up taking the position myself in Var-Kor for much the same reason. Those who came before simply didn’t have the muster for what the caste needed.” Reaching the table, she slipped gracefully into a seat and caught the attention of a nearby slave, instructing them to bring Crow whatever drink he desired before adding, “Larma juice for me.” Her gaze returned to Crow, accompanied by a soft smile. “So I’m afraid your considerably better wine will have to wait, Sir. I still have plenty of tasks ahead of me before the day is done, and a Physician ought to approach her work with a clear mind.” Her brow lifted, amusement returning. “Besides, now you’ve told me the story requires better wine, you’ve only made me more curious. I shall simply have to remember that you owe me the tale when I eventually permit you to buy it.”

[11:45:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) listened without interrupting, one brow lifting slightly at Neeve’s admission. There was no surprise in his expression, only the quiet recognition of someone speaking from experience. “Then you did not take the position because you wanted the title.” His gaze settled on her for a moment. “You took it because leaving it in the hands of those who lacked the will to carry it would have been worse.” A faint, almost amused curve touched his mouth as the slave arrived to take his order. “Something strong enough to be worth drinking, but not strong enough to make a Physician question my judgment.” He looked back toward Neeve. “And now I am apparently in debt twice. First for the drink, and then for a story I have not yet decided whether I should tell.” A quiet chuckle escaped him. “You are remarkably skilled at collecting debts, Lady Neeve. I suspect that may be another talent of the Physicians’ Caste.” He leaned back slightly, studying her with mild amusement. “But very well. Keep your clear mind. Do your work. And when you eventually decide the day has earned better wine…” His eyes narrowed faintly with that familiar dry humor. “I will remember that I owe you a tale.” he turned to the slave and stated. “Bosk Milk, please.” he paused as he turned to her. “I believe it might be smart to keep my mind clear too.” he winked there. If one did not know he was perhaps that old tarnsman of old, charming and one that took life upon the chin.

[11:53:53] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) considered his words for a moment before giving a slow nod. “Something like that. I never particularly sought the title. I wanted the caste to function as it should, and eventually it became apparent that complaining about those doing the job poorly was considerably less useful than simply doing it myself.” Her expression softened somewhat. “Though, truthfully, I didn’t mind the title in the end. There was a certain joy in knowing I could make sure the city received the quality of care it deserved. I could concern myself with patients, training good Physicians and ensuring the infirmary was run properly, rather than wasting my time on politics, petty disputes and those who cared more for power than purpose.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “That part of leadership I could happily do without.” Her attention shifted towards the slave as Crow made his request, and she couldn’t help but laugh when the formidable drink he’d described somehow became bosk milk. “Bosk milk?” Her brows rose as she turned back towards him. “Sir, moments ago you requested something strong enough to be worth drinking. I fear your reputation may never recover from this.” She caught the wink and shook her head, clearly amused. “Still, perhaps keeping your mind clear is wise. I would hate for you to later claim this mysterious tale became exaggerated by drink.” She paused a moment “So I shall hold you to it. Better wine, another day, and the story you now most certainly owe me.” She raised her cup slightly towards him. “To clear minds, worthwhile work and outstanding debts.”

[12:00:49] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s expression remained composed, though the faintest hint of amusement appeared as he glanced down at the cup of bosk milk that had been placed before him. “Reputation is a curious thing, Lady Neeve. It seems mine has survived considerably worse than a glass of milk.” He lifted the cup, considering it with exaggerated seriousness before taking a measured drink. “And you misunderstand. I did say something worth drinking. I never specified that it had to be fermented.” A brief smirk accompanied the words before his attention returned to her. Her explanation of leadership had caught his interest more than the teasing had. He gave a slow nod. “That, I can understand. There is a certain efficiency in removing oneself from the politics and simply making certain the work gets done.” He turned the cup slightly between his fingers. “Power for the sake of power has always seemed rather inefficient to me. Responsibility, at least, produces something.” His eyes settled on her raised cup, and he lifted his own in response. “To clear minds, worthwhile work…” A pause. “…and outstanding debts.” He took another drink of the bosk milk, then added dryly, “Though I suspect the debt involving the wine is considerably more dangerous than this one.” He admired the woman for how she viewed leadership. Strangely that he had similar views and yet was faced with his position because another was not able to truly deliver.

[12:08:21] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) touched her cup lightly towards his in acknowledgement of the toast before taking a small sip of her larma juice. “Very well. I shall concede that bosk milk is, technically, worth drinking. Though I reserve the right to question whether that was what you originally had in mind when you asked for something strong.” A playful smile lingered. “And the wine debt is only dangerous if you continue making the story sound increasingly interesting. At this rate, I’ll expect quite the tale.” As she lowered her cup, however, her attention remained upon him. There had been something subtle in the way his manner shifted when they spoke of leadership and responsibility. Nothing she could readily put a name to, merely a change she had noticed—the slight distance in his expression, perhaps, or the way his thoughts seemed to wander somewhere beyond their conversation. The teasing slowly softened from her features. “You look as though something I said has set your thoughts wandering somewhere considerably less pleasant than bosk milk and outstanding debts,” she observed, her tone gentler now. She turned the cup slowly between her fingers, studying him for a moment before giving a small shrug. “Forgive the curiosity in me. I tend to notice when someone’s manner changes.” She leaned back slightly, deliberately leaving him room rather than pressing him for an answer. “Is everything well?” A pause followed before she added, “You have spent much of our conversation learning about me and my place in Avarra, yet I’ve barely asked about yours.” Her brow lifted faintly. “So perhaps it is my turn. What brought you here, Crow? And have you found what you were looking for?”

[12:13:40] Crow (melchior.wardell) was quiet for a moment, his fingers resting loosely around the cup. Neeve had noticed the shift. That alone told him something about her, not merely that she was a Physician, but that she paid attention to people when they thought they were giving nothing away. His gaze lowered briefly to the bosk milk before returning to her. “Everything is well enough.” The answer came simply, without dramatics. After a moment, he added, “But you were correct. Something you said did set my thoughts wandering.” He considered his words before continuing. “Responsibility. Purpose. Taking a position because someone has to make certain the work is done properly.” A faint, thoughtful expression crossed his face. “It reminded me that there are places where people take responsibility because they must… and places where they take it because they want what comes with it.” He gave the smallest shrug. “I have spent enough time watching the difference.” Her question about why he had come to Avarra drew a slight smile. “As for what brought me here…” He looked toward the terrace, letting his eyes wander briefly over Avarra below them. “Curiosity, initially. A new city is information. Who holds authority. Who actually exercises it. Which institutions function as they should. Who talks too much. Who listens.” His gaze returned to Neeve. “And who notices when someone’s manner changes.” There was a hint of amusement in that last remark. “As to whether I have found what I was looking for…” He took another drink of the milk, apparently deciding it was safer than the wine. “Not yet.” A pause. “But I have learned considerably more than I knew when I arrived.” His eyes narrowed slightly with quiet amusement. “And today, apparently, I have learned that the Assistant Head of Physicians in Avarra is exceptionally good at collecting debts.” he would let that drift in the air before adding “I am pleased to see and hear that you are doing well and here. Let us hope that my craft will never thrive here.” he wished genuinely.

[12:18:37] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) listened quietly, her expression thoughtful as he spoke. There was clearly more behind his words than he was inclined to share, but she wasn’t going to pry. Instead, a small smile appeared when he returned once more to her apparent talent for collecting debts. “Exceptionally good? I’ll take that as a compliment.” She lifted her larma juice towards him before taking one final sip. His last comment drew a more genuine laugh from her. “On that, Crow, we can certainly agree. I hope your craft finds Avarra terribly disappointing and mine has little more to contend with than the occasional scraped knee and an overly dramatic patient.” She set her cup down and rose from her seat, smoothing her robes as she did. “Unfortunately, responsibility calls, and mine presently appears to have taken the form of an unreasonable amount of paperwork waiting for me in the infirmary.” She gave a resigned little sigh before looking back at him with a warm smile. “It was good to see you again, Crow. I’m glad Avarra has given you reason to linger long enough for our paths to cross.”Taking a few steps away, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder, that mischievous look returning. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten. I fully intend to collect my debt—the better wine and the story that accompanies it.” She dipped her head towards him. “Be well, Sir. I suspect I’ll see you around the city soon enough.” With that, she turned towards the infirmary, apparently destined to spend the remainder of her day fighting paperwork rather than patients.

[12:22:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) watched her go for a moment, the faintest trace of amusement remaining upon his features. At the mention of paperwork, his expression turned almost sympathetic. “Paperwork.” He shook his head slowly. “Of all the dangers a Physician faces, I suspect that may be the most difficult to treat.” His gaze followed her toward the infirmary before he looked down at the cup in his hand. “And yes, Lady Neeve. I suspect our respective crafts may both benefit from Avarra remaining pleasantly uneventful.” A brief pause, then that dry smile returned. “Though I make no promises.” He raised the cup slightly in farewell. “Be well. And try not to let the paperwork win.” As she disappeared toward the infirmary, He remained seated for another moment, quietly considering the conversation. The lady had given him more useful information than she likely realized, not only about the Physicians’ Caste, but about the woman herself. He finally rose, setting the empty cup aside. “And the wine debt…” A quiet smirk. “Apparently Ihave created my own problem there.”

Crow did not arrive in Avarra with banners.

He brought no proclamation from the Black Caste, no demand for land, and no announcement that an Assassin had taken interest in the city.

He simply found a place where men were willing to lose money.

A gambling den.

It was not the grandest establishment in Avarra, nor did Crow require it to be. What mattered was its location. The right sort of people eventually passed through places such as this.

Merchants with too much coin.

Warriors with too much confidence.

Officials who preferred their conversations away from the ears of the city’s halls.

Men who drank too deeply and spoke too freely.

And occasionally, men who believed that because they held a position of authority, they were beyond consequence.

Crow understood gambling.

Not merely the games.

The people.

Every wager revealed something.

Who took unnecessary risks. Who cheated. Who watched the dealer instead of their cards. Who became angry when they lost. Who became generous when they won. Who always seemed to know when to leave.

It was an excellent place for an Assassin to listen.