Rangers in Foreign Lands - RPLOG
Participants
Date
21/5/479
Log
It's early noon in Firmament, and it is warm today. The warmth is not helped in the least by the light rain that patters down upon the city. While it might cool things a little, it also makes the air thick and muggy, but business must go on. A trading ship has arrived in the docks today and while that is not an unusual thing in this city, it has brought with it a visitor looking for Freeswords to handle a job. Seated on a crate near the docks is a tall Panda being, his leaf green cowl tugged up against the rain while he idly carves away at a scrimshaw, awaiting any interested business partners.
Fenris saunters down the docks, humming idly to himself. He is back in his familiar stripes and his familiar, long, black coat. It hangs open today and he has returned to the sleeveless look as a concession to the muggy heat, his fluffy white chest exposed. The big tiger saunters up to the panda and shoves his hands deep in his pocket. "i heard there was a job to be had around here?" he asks with a smile.
Natska is not far behind, drawn from the relatively more comfortable confines of the Freesword's tavern by talk of a potentially interesting job. The jaguar is fully armed and in her armor, with a thin cloak with the hood pulled up to ward against the rain. She gives Fenris a small smile as she spots the tiger, then inclines her head towards the panda.
Given that the meeting place is not far from where she lives and works, Cirra is not too far behind the others as she approaches. While it may be hot and muggy, she seems to be enjoying the wetness. New to most folks present though, would be a brand in the shape of a blacksmith's hammer on her caudal fin. She gives a wave to the jaguar. She may be less haeavily armored, but she is no less prepared.
Peter strides along the docks with folder arms, nose wrinkled in disgust at the poor weather combined with the docks being the docks. The little chipmunk is dressed in his usual business attire, though it seems one part of his kit has gotten an upgrade, with some crystals studding the holt of his sword now visible. He arrives in front of the panda rather quickly, stopping and turning on his heel to face their business partner. He opts to avoid talking just yet, instead nodding in agreement with the tiger. He also takes some time to look the jaguar and the shark over, chewing his lip with a hint of anxiety from being around all these strangers.
"Aye, that I do!" The gruff being replies, shoving his hunting knife back into the sheath on his chest. "My apologies for being so vague in the job posting. I couldn't risk the wrong people knowing. Well, wrong person. As far as I know, he's alone on this." He reaches into his satchel for a moment and pulls up a roll of parchment and opens it before the group, depicting a wanted posted with the rough sketch of a robin being on it. "Meet Gerald. This fine being here stole something precious from the wrong people and skipped town. Naturally, they want it back. And him. And unfortunately, I have no authority here," he says, setting the parchment away again. "That's where you come in. If you would, I'd have you seek him out within town for me and... Lure him outside the town gates. How you go about this is your business. Use your wily tongues or drag him out, your call. But alive. I'm not here for bodies."
Fenris looks over the Panda's clothing and raises an eyebrow. "Your an Auroon Manhunter," he says with surprise, "You are a very long way from home, my friend. This Gerald must have taken something impressive if you have followed him all the way to Firmament." He examines the wanted poster, giving a greeting nod to Natska, Cassidy and Cirra. There would be time for reunions later. "Any idea where he might be?" the tiger asks.
Natska raises her eyebrows at the mission, then nods her head and spends a moment studying the sketch. "Mmmm... fortunately I do not recall seeing too many feathered beings of that plumage. Do you suspect he has been attempting to sell his goods? Or is he hiding?"
Cirra frowns to herself, looking over her gear. Looks like she's definitely going to be improvising a lot. She shrugs a bit, content to see what the others are going to do. She herself has the same questions as the others, so she doesn't feel the need to try to get someone to speak for her.
Peter peers at the robin in the image, nodding along with the large panda as he explains his situation. The others do seem to be doing a good job of speaking for the group, and so he shuffles over beside Cirra, lowering his folded arms and giving her a nod and a quick & quiet "Hello ma'am."
The Panda snorts and nods at Fenris. "That's our job. We go where the guard cannot," he says, before looking out over the city. "And I know not where he'd be. I've not been to this city before. Wherever fugitives go, I suppose," he shrugs, leaning back and propping one leg over the other. "If I had to guess, he's trying to sell it. Monastic artifacts probably fetch a high price to those that know what they are. I certainly doubt he has any personal connection to it. If he did, he'd probably have respect enough not to steal it."
Fenris stares. Monastery artifacts out of Auroon. "Are you sure he doesn't have a death wish?" the tiger asks, "And how did he even get it out? Are we expecting a fight?" He looks to the others and scratches at the thick fur on his chest, fiddling with the large, ornamental pendant he wears. "The Pig might be the best place to start," he says. If only Natska had been on this mission with him, he might have tried some. . . alternative methods of information gathering, but with the others involved, he would have to limit himself.
"Mmmhm. The Pig would be a good start, I think, and the other taverns near there," Natska agrees. "Even if he had run to ground in the Shanties, he'd need to do some networking to try and find a buyer." She turns back to the panda and bows her head. "We will track him down, sir. And may I ask your name?"
Cirra gives a short wave and sings to the chipmunk, not expecting him to understand. <I can't talk. My apologies. I am Cirra Stormborn.> She looks to the others, curious why Fenris seems to be fidgeting. She waits for the others to move out.
Peter nods in agreement at the suggestion of checking the pig, the chipmunk growing more uncomfortable by the minute in the poor weather. "We're gonna git 'um," he murmurs in agreement with the Jaguar, giving Cirra a curious look at her signing. He furrows his brow and tilts his head, waving his hands in vague gestures in return. "I don't know how to talk with my hands, sorry," he says before stopping his gesticulating.
"He's a good thief. This isn't the first time," The Panda says, slipping off the crate and landing with a thump of his boots. "But he's never taken anything so significant. He's... I suppose you would say he's one of the ones that does it for the 'sport.' Chasing ever bigger scores. Well, this time he's gone too far with it. I am Poro," he introduces, bowing and tugging his cowl up further before scooping his large crossbow from where it was resting against the crate. "If you find him, bring him to the edge of the forest," he says, patting the knife on his chest. "Look for this knife in a tree. That will be the spot. Bring him there and I will take care of the rest."
Fenris nods solemnly to Poro, then turns to the others with a huge grin. "Well," he says, "No worries, then! Shall we?" The tiger stuffs his hands into his coat pockets and saunters away, stopping from time to time to chat briefly with sailors on the docks or people in the streets. This would certainly be easier with Amos's contacts, but his own might do the job. He looks over his shoulder at Peter and Cirra. "Cirra is just saying hello, Mister Pitkin," he calls, "And lamenting the fact that you don't sign! Good to see you again, Cirra!"
Natska turns to give Cirra and Peter smiles, glad to have them along on the job, then falls in after Fenris. "Mmhm! It is great to be working with you again, Cirra. And I don't believe we've met, mister Pitkin? I am Natska Solacious."
Cirra nods as Fenris covers for her with the newcomer, flashy a slightly too toothy grin. She's no good at tracking in her current state, but wishes she could get more information about the artifact. She taps Fenris, pointing to the panda. <Can you ask him what the artifact is in particular? I want to know what to look for if he's already pawned it.>
Peter listens to the panda's explanation and nods. "Sounds no good," he adds quietly, having very little to contribute in terms of actual planning and mission work. He's quick to follow after Fenris, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword and the other on his hip as he marches off to follow him. He bows his head to Fenris as he provides an explanation, giving Cirra big grin. "Hello to you too ma'am, and I apologize!" He doesn't seem to notice the use of his name until Natska says it as well, the young chipmunk furrowing his brow. "How come you know me?" He is quickly distracted again by Natska's name, however, improving his posture tenfold and his marching becoming much more military at the mention of Solacious. "Oh, gee! An honour to meet you my lady!" He stops to bow, scurrying to catch up after. "Peter Pitkin at your service!" He glances aside to Cirra as she signs, but lts out a little sigh, unable to understand.
If anyone had further questions for the burly bear, they'd have to come soon! He already seems to be on his way to prepare for whatever he had planned. And Fenris has no trouble striking up a conversation with the dockworkers, it seems, and an observant being might catch a couple of points towards Mange Square.
Fenris laughs pleasantly at Peter's surprise. "I guessed right, then!" he says, producing a sealed letter, "Friend of yours asked me to deliver this. Elephant answering to Igor? He took over for me on a caravan passing through Firmament." The tiger passes the letter to Peter, then turns to Cirra. "Should have thought of that myself!" he says, shaking his head. "Poro!" he calls, "What did he take?" The tiger waits just long enough for an answer, slipping a coin or two to some friendly tale tellers, then leads the way to Mange Square. "My firends back there claim they saw him," he explains, "Probably hoping to fence it with the thieves' guild. . ." He looks nervously around at his companions. "I don't suppose any of YOU have memberships?" he asks.
Natska shrugs her shoulders at Fenris. "I've done business with them in the past, but no, I never joined. Strictly professional. And I only just heard your name now, from Fenris, mister Peter." She gives him a bow, then looks at Fenris, pondering. "I imagine you have some friends of friends there... but we can do well enough on our own. Let's make haste. Perhaps we could even pose as potential buyers."
Cirra is thankful She caught fenris in time to ask about the item. She shakes her head at talk of the Thieves' Guild. Not her. Talk about spirits, talk about religion, talk about military and archaeology, but the underbelly of the city? Not where she's been. She signs to Peter, noting his name with the signs for pit and family, given what his name means and proper names don't translate well in sign.
"Yes sir, I'm quite the master criminal if I do say so myself," Peter says sarcastically, folding up the envelope enough tostuff it away into one of his belt bags for later reading. "I'm glad Yegor never died!" He glances over to Natska, and give her yet another bow, in return for hers. "You don't need to call me mister Peter my lady, just Peter's good." At the continued signing from Cirra, the munk attempts to imitate her, clumsily repeating his own name in sign language. "What'sat?" he asks, wrinkling up his nose as he idly repeats the gesture again whilst following along.
Poro pauses, glancing over his shoulder. "A sword. The sword of one of the city's founders," he answers. "I am sure you'd recognize it if you saw it. Silver hilt, jade inlays, curved blade. Hard to miss amongst all the straightswords you're likely to see out here."
There's no way a person could mistake a Jadeland ceremonial sword with a local tool. "Well," Fenris sighs, "I guess we will just have to do the best we can." He looks at Peter with a little smile. "I think it is a sign for your name," he says in answer to his question, "But I'm sure she will refine it later. And your Yegor seemed very much alive when I saw him." The tiger then pushes the door of the disreputable tavern, The Diseased Pig, and slips inside. The tiger hunches up in his coat as he walks, his movements becoming shifty. Even his face seems to change, appearing older and more weathered. The tiger would probably be amazing on stage he does not seem like himself at all. He slips up to the bar and starts to talk briefly with the bartender. "Gotta see Todd, Mangle," he says, "I gotta buyer looking for something exotic."
Natska follows Fenris into the Pig, pulling her cloak closer around herself. She doesn't go up to the bar herself; rather the jaguar lurks in the background, near enough to Fenris to keep him in earshot.
Cirra nods about how she was signing his name and she decides to wait outside the bar. No need to spook the mark if it isn't needed. She is a bit annoyed that she only has what is to her a barebones description, having never been to the state in question.
Peter grins excitedly, repeating his own name over and over in sign language. "Sounds like a mighty fine blade," the chipmunk comments aside to the others, soon growing bored of his signing. Upon their arrival at the pig, Peter grins sheepishly to the bartender, doing a U turn and scurrying out to wait with Cirra instead of facing the stink of the Pig. He then realizes that a sign language speaker might not make the best company, turning his U turn into an O turn and swiftly returning to the bar, taking a seat to chew his lip idly.
"You know the drill," The bartender replies to Fenris, jerking a thumb towards the trap door. "Shop's downstairs. If you're looking to buy." He looks towards Peter, then, eyeing the chipmunk. "You lookin' for somethin'? Doesn't much seem like your kind of place," the Gorilla bartender says with a laugh.
"Yeah," Fenris says gruffly, "I know the drill." The strangely shabby tiger shuffles over to the old trap door, looks around and slips through. Hopefully he can do this fast.
Natska nods her head at the bartender as she moves past to the trap door as well; not many people would cause trouble in their place of business, but she wanted to keep an eye on things regardless.
Cirra keeps an eye out for the chipmunk. She herself doesn't belong there, but if Mr. Pitkin gets in over his head, she'll make sure to bail him out. She's mostly just trying to stay out of the way of the ones who know what they are doing.
Peter keeps on his sheepish grin, nodding to the bartender in agreement. "I'm lonely!" he announces, as if that was enough reason to be at a bar. He seems to have no further explanation available, though he does continue to stare dead ahead toward the bartender.
The Gorilla stares at Peter for a long moment before giving a boistrous laugh. "Franz! We've got a friend here for you," he calls over towards one of the booths. Not long after, a large Rhino thumps his way over and seats himself next to Peter, looking down at the chipmunk. "You are lonely? They call me Franz the Friendly. I can help with that," he says, flashing a wide, toothy grin.
It's business and fun as usual in the Guild below the tavern. Fences buying wares, brokers selling information, nobles playing games and spending too much money on their gambling habits, and a robin with a bundle on his back striking up a conversation with a group of beings. "... I assure you, you'll not see a deal quite like this again! This is a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of history. It would go fantastic above your mantlepiece, I am sure! And think of the conversation starting possibilities!" The suave bird pitches. "Truly a way to impress your guests!"
Fenris sidles up to the group around the Robin, listening with interest. He does not look at the Robin, but it is apparent he is listening. "Sounds like your selling old bones," he growls, "We got plenty of those 'round here."
Natska moves up to the other side of the group, her head tilting as she hears the Robin's pitch. "What is it, another looted cobble from Mossy Stone? No thanks to that, either."
Cirra shakes her head. Definitely needs to probably save the rodent's butt. She keeps listening for a bit, ducking inside to watch and shes a spell hovering on the edge of completion in case he needs it.
Peter stares wide eyed at the approaching rhino, yet again facing intimidation from massive, burly men. He flashes a big, buck toothed grin to the rhino, nodding at his introduction. "You seem friendly!" he says. He turns his head to the bartender and digs out a few sceptres from his jacket pocket, tossing them to the gorilla. "Buy him somethin' that ain't so bad that he'll kill me for the gesture," he says cheerfully, putting on his most confident face among friends. After a moment of consideration, he asks, "You are not familiar with how they are making friends in snowhame, da? I'd rather not get learnt that lesson all over again." The boy sure can ramble.
"Not old bones, and not old stones!" The Robin answers the two new comers, spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture. "No, what I sell today, friends, is old steel! Untouched by time, cared for by generations of descendents! And it could be yours, if you've the coin to prove that it would not be improperly treated! Indeed, only the most esteemed could possibly own something such as this. Ah, but don't take my word for it! See for yourself," he says, taking the bundle from his back and unwrapping the cloth to leave the blade on display. It was not unlike a scimitar, and true enough the hilt was inlaid with stones of jade, freshly polished. "Surely such a beauty is worth the price."
The Bartender chuffs and takes the coin, meeting it with a tankard of ale for the Rhino who wraps a burly arm around Peter. "No, I am not from the north! I am Sweetwater born and raised! And you are a kind Being, to so generously offer drink out of your pocket!"
Fenris raises an eyebrow and bares yellowed, ugly teeth. "Now THAT is interesting," the somehow miraculously mangy tiger says roughly, "I spect I got a buyer for a thing like that." He turns his gaze on the lowlifes around him. "Any of you bozos bidding against me?" he asks, one eye seeming to flash into milky blankness for just a split second before returning to normal.
Natska tilts her head the other way, then raises her eyebrows at Fenris. After a moment she shrugs and looks back at the robin. "Bit ostentatious for me, but I know a fox who collects old swords who would probably throw handfulls of gold at that one. Hmm.."
Cirra looks over the menu, selecting one drink, pointing it to the bartender and providing the coin. She might as well get something now that she's here. And if the others flush something out, she'll be around to catch. But for now, she's just watching.
Peter slouches a bit beneath the heavy arm, laughing along. "Well, yes sir! I'm Sweetwater born myself, I know my manners!" He looks the rhino over and rolls is shoulders, trying to escape from his arm. "I'm practically a saint with my kindness." He's doing his best to keep up that smile, but is clearly growing uncomfortable. "I'd ask you to be as well mannered to give me a little bit of space, bud! I know you had to get the nickname somehow, but I myself am Pete the prickly." He nods sagely.
The Robin grins and looks amongst those gathered, confident he'd turn a pretty coin today! Many of the potential bidders back off at Fenris' curious gesture, but it, in turn, attracts another. A tall, well dressed Lion steps forward from the sidelines, taking a sudden interest. "I'll bid against you," he says in baritone, grinning at the tiger. "Such a sword should not be given up without contest. Even if it's a contest of coin."
The Gorilla quietly takes Cirra's order, serving up the drink as requested while Franz is a little more reluctant. He yields, though, settling back in his own space. "You do not seem very prickly to me. You seem small, and soft! But there is nothing wrong with that!"
Fenris is not especially pleased to see the lion step up, but he does not object. "I will give you one thousand crowns for the sword," he says, shooting a frown toward the lion. Trust the old Frienemy to show up now.
Natska sighs softly and crosses her arms, falling silent as she eyes the lion. The... familiar... oh. That lion. She gives him a small nod of recognition, and bides her time.
Cirra frowns a bit as she sips her drink. Did Fenris and Natska find the thief or the artifact? What was taking them so long? She shakes her head, scanning the inhabitants of the pub for signs of their quarry. She does let the spell fade, thinking Peter has his situation under control.
Peter smiles, letting out a sigh of relief as Franz backs up a bit. "Thank you kindly!" he says, resting an elbow on the bar. "Aw, heck, you know, you'll make me blush talkin' like /that/," he says sarcastically, smirking to the rhino. "Looks can be decievin', don'tcha think! I bet most people don't think you look so friendly based off bein a big ol' rhino and such." He rests a hand on the hilt of his blade. "Me lookin' so cuddly and such is only a result of my pretty prestigious Pitkin pedigree," he assures him. "I got all the muscle I need down here, no softness about it. No smallness, either." He grins.
"Starting off big," Reinhard says with a soft laugh before holding his hands up. "Alright, maybe I underestimated you lot. Two thousand, but not a scepter more." Natska gets a nod in turn before he flashes Fenris a grin.
"It is good that they don't," Franz says, nodding resolutely. "It means they do not mess with me. I do not like being messed with. I just want to make friends! And you are plenty small. Well... Maybe not Small Folk. But small for Heavy Folk like me!"
Fenris bares yellowed teeth at Reinhard, though there might have been a wink in there. Or maybe just an eye twitch. Hard to tell. "Makes me think you're workin' with the red bastard." He hesitates a little, but lifts his chin to the Robin. "Fine. Two thousand and ten. Take it or leave it."
Natska makes a small noise, then shrugs her shoulders. "More than I would offer for it. " She considers the bird for a few minutes, then smiles.
Cirra silently chuckles at Peter's appropriate alliteration, but warily watches. Granted, most heavy folk she's met have just been rather large lumps of meat that like hugs that are too tight. She continues to sip at her drink, trying to think about where a thief might have gotten off to. Probably not back to the docks, since incoming ships would probably hold people looking for him.
Peter nods along with Franz. "We can be friends!" he declares, puffing up his chest proudly. He didn't expect for this mission to be so easy! What was the mission again? He glances aside to Cirra to make sure she is still present before continuing to converse. "I ain't plenty small! I'm average as it gets! And heck, I'm pretty big for a chipmunk!" he says, planting a hand on his hip. The other lifts up and wraps around Franz, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
Franz smiles at that and nods. "Friends, then! Franz watches out for his friends, let none tell you otherwise." He turns his gaze to the side, looking at Cirra. "Another friend? A friend of yours, Pete?"
"Me? Never," Reinhard says with a soft chuckle before waving his hand. "But you win. You've bested me twice, now. I'll have to even up the score at some point," he comments as he returns to his work overseeing the Guild. The Robin, meanwhile, looks on with glee as he starts to wrap the sword again. "Wonderful, wonderful. Do you have the coin with you, then?"
"I suppose you will," Fenris says, a little smirk flashing across his face as he watches Reinhard go. Then his attention snaps back to the Robin. "The sword," he says, holding out a hand, "And I have half of the coin here. We will have to travel to my employers house for the rest. Madman built himself a tower in the eastern woods and likes his history and his luxuries." The tattered looking feline produces a pouch heavy with coin and lets it fall to the table with a satisfying clank of coinage.
Natska wrinkles her nose. The jaguar watches the exhcange, then turns and heads back for the trap door; she makes the climb back up into the tavern and looks for Cirra, taking a seat with the shark and watching the exit from the thieve's guild.
Cirra smiles as the Jaguar joins her. She's not sure how Peter is going to respond, since she did just meet the guy, but she doubts it could get her into trouble. She signs to Natska. <Any luck? Songbird or skewer?>
Peter nods, pointing a thumb back to Cirra. "Yeah! That's my friend, uhh.." he says, peering at Cirra. "Cirra!" Once he spots Natska returning, he shoots her a wink, his attnetion soon on Franz again. "Awesome! Yeah, we're all friends. I was waitin' for my friends and made a whole new one! This place is great!" He unwraps his arm from Franz, sitting straight up in his seat and adjusting his pants, getting ready to leave. "Oh, Cirra can't talk any though, so."
"Perfect, perfect," Gerald says, tucking the coin away. Though he doesn't hand over the sword just yet. "I will present the sword directly to your employer, yes? But worry not, I will accompany you every step of the way. Lead on, yes? I am a stranger in this town, you see!"
Franz stands and claps his hands together. "Wonderful! New friends, then! Quiet friends are friends, too. I think I saw her around the Docks. The docks that I must be getting back to. Take care, new friends. If you ever need strong arms, call upon Franz!" The boistrous rhino says as he marches towards the door with little ceremony.
"Like hell you will, con man," Fenris growls, taking the robin by the elbow in a surprisingly firm grip, "I'm not letting you outta my sight 'till that thing is hung over the mantle. Now march." He leads the Robin up the trap door and almost directly out of the Pig, not looking at any of his compatriots as he goes. ahopefully they will get the cue.
Natska takes a moment to adjust her pendant, then settles into her seat again; she speaks quietly for Cirra, still watching the exit. "I think he's about to come up. Then we can tail th- oh. There they are! Let's follow, quietly." She waits for Fenris and the bird to move past, then gets up, taps Peter on the shoulder at his table, then falls in to tail the pair.
Fenris spends 1000 Crown to: Outrageous Bluff
Cirra spends 6 Crown to: drink and tip
Cirra makes sure she leaves a tip for the bartender as she follows Natska and Fenris out the door. once outside, she surreptitiously casts a bolstering spell on her comrades so that they have an easier time with the bird.
Peter looks a little disappointed as Franz gets up to leave, giving him a wave. "Okay, you too, if you need small arms!" At Natska's prompting, he murmurs "yes ma'am," hoping to his feet and moving to wait beside Cirra, spotting the approaching tiger with their mark in hand. "Oh gee," he murmurs to the mute, moving to assist Fenris with transport, a hand rested on his sword's hilt.
"Hey, what gives?" The Robin says as he's grabbed. "I did say I would walk with you, did I not?" Even for a grip like Fenris, it's not hard to figure out how he managed to get away with his thefts in the first place, twisting about and working himself free with a graceful flourish. Like trying to grip a wet snake. "That you would think me a common con! You offend my honour. Tch," he brushes his sleeve off and scoffs. "I honour my business deals. I do not know how you do it in these parts, but where I am from we do not go back on our deals." He tightens his grip on the sword. "I carry no weapons, save the one you have bought, as you can see. I am simply asking you to lead me to where this deal is to be concluded."
Fenris does not let the red bird walk behind him, but continues to lead the way. "You are a slippery one," the tiger says, some of the rasp gone. As they leave Mange Square behind, the tiger straightens up and produces a handkerchief, carefully removing makeup and carefully placed false teeth. At least, that must be what he is doing, because when he is finished, he looks clean and well groomed, possibly even moreso than when he entered the Diseased Pig! "You will forgive me for the deception," the tiger says, "And my rudeness. A gentleman of means is generally unwelcome in a place like the Thieves' Guild. Come along now. We've a bit of a walk." The tiger hurries along, and glances sidelong at the Robin and the sword. "I don't suppose you would be willing to let me have my sword now?" he asks.
Natska continues following along behind Fenris and the robin, keeping herself close enough to react should the bird try to bolt; still, Fenris seems to have the mark in hand, and she isn't too worried now that they are heading out.
Cirra walks along behind the others, not joining up directly with them until the whole group until outside the city gates. She keeps herself loose incase she needs to cast magic to trip up the robin.
Peter wrinkles his nose as he watches Fenris suddenly change in appearance yet again, a mix of disgust and concern on his face. "Holy smokes," he murmurs to himself adjusting his grip on his sword's hilt as they pass out of the dirty square. He's following less that subtly after the bird, and he decides to keep his sneer on, in hopes of looking intimidating should the bird check his surroundings.
The Robin glances over his shoulder at the followers. "No, that's quite alright. I'll hold onto it. I'll pretent it directly to your employer in turn for the rest of the payment. If I wanted to cheat you and run, I'd already be gone." He keeps it tight in his arms, looking around at the buildings as they cross the city towards the gates.
"Dear man," Fenris says, "I AM my employer. I only want to see the thing I have already paid a small fortune for. It is an exquisite piece!" He holds up a hand to forestall any comment from the Robin. "I could not possibly care less how it came into your possession," he says, "So long as it passes into mine." He follows the Robin's glance to those following. "Oh," he says, "Don't mind them. Just some extra protection for hire."
Natska flashes Fenris a grin when she sees him looking back. Looks like she needs to work on her lurking skills some more; her ears perk and she edges closer as she listens to the two chatting, keeping a watchful eye on the robin.
Cirra... doesn't have lurking skills. But, she decides that numbers MIGHT be better for the group to keep an eye on the Robin, if nothing else to intimidate him into sticking with the plan. So, she summons her water elemental.
Peter powerwalks ahead to catch up with the Robin, noticing his gaze wandering to the buildings. He keeps a bit of distance, now walking by the side of the bird, hopefully blocking him should he try to dart through any alleys between the buildings. He has no interest in being subtle whatsoever.
"Then where are we going?" The bird asks, not stopping his step as he eyes the tiger skeptically. "You DO have the rest of the payment, yes? You shall receive the sword when I have it. With your numbers, if I gave you this sword you could easily decide to break for it and I'd be left with only half of what is owed. I'm sure you can understand, being a gentleman yourself, that such a thing simply won't do! Besides, I am a stranger here. I simply want to take my pay and go seek the next big score. The sooner this is out of my hands, the better, but not before the rest of the coin," he says before pausing at the gate for a moment. "Is this the way?" He asks before starting forward again.
Fenris continues to stride ahead, keeping even with the Robin and not sparing another glance for the rest of the party. They are just furniture after all. "Yes," he says, "This is the way. You can see the edge of the forest from here. My little getaway is just inside." He runs his fingers through his hair and shrugs. "I told you," he says, "I don't carry that much money on hand. You will have the rest of your pay when we arrive." Not much further. The tiger keeps his stride relaxed and even.
Sure enough, in a tree near the edge of the forest sits a dagger, thrust into the bark. It's just up ahead now, but the robin doesn't seem to have noticed it yet. "You shall have the sword when we arrive then!" Another glance around, but there doesn't seem to be anyone else out here this early in the day save for a farmer in the distance pulling a hand drawn cart behind him. They don't seem to have noticed the group yet, though. Or if they have, they give no indication.
"Very well," Fenris says, grudgingly, "Never fear, I have your money. You should be able to the place presently." The tiger pulls a hand from his pocket to scratch idly through the fluffy fur on his exposed chest as he continues to lead the way, hoping that none of his companions get impatient. Poro should have this covered. The Auroon rangers had quite the reputation, after all.
Certainly, it doesn't take long before the sharp witted bird DOES notice the knife in the tree. Just as they pass by it. "Hmm, I haven't seen one like that in- Oh no." He doesn't have time for for realization to fully settle in before he cries out in pain. It's not hard to figure out why, either, with a crossbow bolt protruding from his side.
Natska blinks, then hurries forward; ready to intercept in case the bird bolts. Ha ha. She remains silent, and wary.
Cirra blinks, closing the distance to the robin as she looks around for the attacker. This wasn't in their agreement. She instead prepares her field medicines. If nothing else it will assuage her conscience to know she tried to save the bird.
Peter jumps a bit as the bolt impacts, stiffening up like a board. "Holy smokes!" he calls out, drawing his sword from his sheath. He soon gathersh is shield as well, turning to look around for wherever the bolt came from.
"You did this," The Bird seethes, narrowing his eyes at the others. He tries to make a run for it, but he doesn't get far before he staggers and falls over. This, fortunately, makes it easier for Cirra to do any tending that she needs to do. And he doesn't appear to be in any -dire- danger. But nor does he seem to be able to move anything but his eyes. The farmer in the background is ambling closer now, cart in tow. "Fine day for hunting isn't it?" He calls out jovially, setting the produce cart's front end down.
Fenris spins when the bolt hits home, a sachet of something in his hand, ready to throw, but he stops when he sees the Robin go down. "That was masterful," he says, looking to the apparent farmer, "Did you even fire that shot?" Whatever glamour the tiger was using seems to have faded and he is simply back to his ordinary, slightly shabby self. He steps over to the fallen Robin andsquats down to look at him, picking up the sword if it is available.
Natska keeps pace with the robin, until he collapses; then she turns to watch the approaching farmer, giving him a small nod. "Yes it is," she agrees. "A fine day, and an easy enough hunt."
Peter grimaces, looking on to the bird and stowing away his weapon and shield. "Jeez," he sighs, folding his arms as he watches the bird hitting the ground. He fidgets uncomfortably, rubbing his arms up and down as he sees the Bird lie still.
The farmer removes his straw hat and tosses it back onto the cart, taking a long black bag from it instead. "I sure did," Poro says, tapping his brow in greeting as he strides forward. "I do appreciate the help. I can't exactly get away with doing that inside the city, after all. And he's rather slippery to take by hand. But still! You lot are the real heroes of the day," he says with a wink kneeling down next to the bird. "And yoooou Gerald have been a thorn for far too long. But not anymore," he says with a chuckle, laying out the bag to start working the robin into. "I should have him back and onto the ship before that drug wears off."
Fenris lifts up the ornate sword and looks it over, turning it slowly in his hands to catch the light. "It is a beautiful piece," he says, then passes it to Poro, holding it out with two hands, one on the hilt and one on the blade, "I trust you will see it back where it belongs?"
Natska inclines her head to the panda, her ear flicking. "I noticed when he slipped Fenris' grip. I am glad we were able to get him here with a minimum amount of fuss; all is well, then."
Peter watches in horror as the robin is stuffed into a bag, holding the hilt of his sword tight in his hands. He looks like he doesn't want to be here any more. "Uh.. what else we do?" he asks, looking around uncomfortably. "That feltp retty easy."
Poro reaches out for the sword, taking it in one hand once he's standing again. "Ahhh, yes. Never you worry. We are all sworn to loyalty. I also happen to have a rather nice stack of coin waiting for me back home when I turn these two in," he says with a little laugh. "And it wasn't meant to be hard, truly. It could've been if you'd tried to take him by force. But consider this a... Hmm." He takes a few equally counter pouches from his belt and offers them out in his burly hand. "A way for us to know that we have found friends here. Trade is increasing as of late. I am sure we may call upon you again for more... Possibly more risky endeavors. If that is your kind of thing. Who knows what the future holds."
Fenris holds his hands in a ritual salute from his time in the Jadelands. "Any service for the rangers of Auroon," he says with a smile, "I have heard only the best of you." He accepts the payment with a nod of thanks and retrieves another pouch from the unconcious bird.
Natska smiles at Poro and gives him a short bow. "Of course. It is the sort of work we Freeswords do; you can be sure that there will be people ready to help when next you arrive in our city. I hope your return trip is pleasant."
Peter reaches out to take payment, tucking it away on his belt quite quickly afterward. He glances around at the woods, seeming extremely uncomfortable with the circumstances - in fact, he immediately begins ojgging back to the gate once he has his payment.
