Strange Company (Thief Group, you know who you are! XD)

[Anonymous]

Taverns were probably the best place to go to for stealing gold. After all, half the people inside it were already drunk - or buzzed, at the very least - and the tavern owners were relatively easy to bribe. A few extra coins slipped into their pockets every now and again, and they were content enough to turn their heads a little at a few missing pouches of gold or valuables.

Thus, Saira made it a point to regularly perform at a tavern or two, especially in the big cities. She stayed away from the low-class ones. The patrons there often didn't have much to offer in terms of gold and whatnot, plus those places were filthy and rather disgusting. But the better taverns scattered around the big cities had so much more. The regulars carried around enough gold to buy themselves several rounds of good, strong ale and a little extra for some feminine company, and it was these people that Saira set her eyes on.

As the tavern owner announced her name, Saira slipped on a circlet of bells around each ankle, adjusted her headscarf a little, and stepped onto the makeshift platform that would serve as her stage. It was a simple wooden one, and Saira hoped she wouldn't get any splinters in her bare feet, but it was good enough for a few dances. The men cheered, and to tease them a little, Saira winked at a man sitting nearby. He grinned back lazily at her.

A quartet of amateur musicians sat beside the platform and raised their instruments to begin playing. Saira took up her beginning stance, a tambourine in one hand and a silken scarf in the other. As the music began, Saira could feel the air around her crackle with energy as she twirled around and stamped her feet, swinging her curvy hips and playing her tambourine in rhythm with the bells on her ankles. It wasn't long before the men were completely entranced by her graceful movements. Then, Saira tilted her head back and began to sing and chant in her smoky voice, an almost wordless melody. Of course, her audience would not understand it, as the few words that were sung were in her native tongue, but the foreign, unknown words were enchanting to the half-drunks around her.

The men cheered her on and even tossed a gold coin or two her way. She performed for a while longer before she bowed and stepped off the platform, removing the bells from her ankles and wiping the beads of sweat that had gathered on her brow. The tavern owner approached her and grunted in approval.

"Yeh did a good job up there. Do I owe ya anythin' or are ya doin' the usual routine?"

Saira grinned at him. "The usual. But first, I need a drink. My throat is dry and I'm a little tired."

The owner grunted again and went behind the counter to fetch a glass of cider, Saira's favourite. Saira, meanwhile, scanned the room, assessing the crowd for potential targets. Most were the usual working-class men, probably spending their entire day's wages on drink rather than on their families. Saira ignored these men, as usual. What she was looking for was a rich man, a man who had enough extra gold to buy everyone in the tavern a round of drinks. A man who was worth her efforts for a heavy bag of gold.

[Anonymous]

I had stepped into the tavern just before Saira hit the stage.  I came here since my exoticness helped business. Being it was a big city helped even more.  Wealthy men have been asking me back to their home for a bit this whole day.  I came into the tavern hoping to get a drink.  I found something that I hoped would come to a good business.
 
 Saira was called out but what seemed like the tavern owner.  I went to the bar and got some hard lemonade.  Sipping it, I watched as the girl enchanted the drunken men at the bar and tables close by. She swung her hips to the rythm of the jingling on her ankles.  Then unexspectably she started to sing, in some native language but it was beautiful. She sound like Layla did...Maybe she'll help me with money troubles, she enchants, I pick pocket she gets a share.  Just like me and Layla.  I waited to come ask her to help me with the money problems while she talked with the owner.  I didn't see any money exchanged. Maybe she's a thief like me?

 I watched as she was delivered a drink and she scanned the room.  I sashayed over to where she was, twisting my hips, hoping to catch the eye of some drunken wealth.  I was still in my street outfit with a small flowy tube top and short shorts.  

 I came up behind her, my stillettos hitting the floor with slightly less noise than was usual.  I tapped her shoulder and grabbed her wrist, just in case she tried to yell, so I could quickly grip her mouth and tug her in.  "Hello, you don't have to turn around, I am not harmless but I don't mean you any harm.  I'm Lyia Sarnaum, I've come to ask you a business question.  If it doesn't appeal to you, I will leave without a second thought.  I saw you dancing up there, you are quite beautiful and have a lovely singing voice. I have a proposition, while your doing your little routine, I can steal from the drunken idiots that think they actually have a shot with you.  You will get 50% of all I steal from the people that you perform in front of.  If you want we can do more or less depending on how you feel about it.  But first, say yes, if you want to do at least a part of this deal or no, if you don't.  The offer still stands, I'll leave a number with the tavern owner for you, if you decide to change your mind if you say no.  Although if you try and trick me, I have no qualms with killing you.  Say no, I dissapear leaving only and name and a number. Say yes, you may turn around and we'll conduct business, Ok?"  I looked into the crowd to make sure noone was looking at her or this way. Nobody, good.

[Anonymous]

The "no weapons" sign that led up to the rooms upstairs in the tavern didn't disconcert Xerxes at all, his two obsidian daggers at his side.  He stretched his muscles and walked down the stairs heading where else but straight to the bar.  The bartender watched him as he made his way over and said, "Xerc, you know no one's allowed to bring weapons upstairs."

"Look, Danekis, you know your rules don't apply to me, your best paying customer.  And besides, I've never hurt anybody anyways," he replied taking a shot of the drink placed in front of him.

"It doesn't matter.  Others will think I allow special privileges to those who pay more.  I could get hurt for that."

"Don't worry about that.  If anyone ever tried to interrupt your business, I'll take care of them.  Now give me a bottle of the stronger stuff," he said pointing to a new bottle on the shelf.  Danekis retrieved it and set it on the counter.  He then reached down to get a glass, but before he could even set it down Xerc had already opened it and had finished half the bottle.  He sighed and put the glass back, "Yeh coulda told me you were gonna drink the whole bottle.  You better be payin' for that."

"Oy mate you complain too much.  I give you 15 % of whatever I "earn" and you know well enough that that's more than enough.  And you know I'm good for it," he replied wearily.  Reaching into his bag he pulled out a diamond the size of a baby's hand and slid it over to the bartender without flinching at the thought of losing something so valuable. "That ought you pay for the next 3-6 months," he laughed.

Danekis gasped and clutched it closely in his hands, "By my father's name! Where on earth did you get this?"

"I hit a goldmine in the market a few days ago. It's yours to keep."  Xerc laughed again and watched the woman dancing on the stage.  By now the entire bottle was finished and he shook his head in dizziness.  Catching his breath he said, "Who is that dancing?"

The bartender grabbed the bottle and replied, "That's Saira; doing her usual routine."

"Oh, she's really good." His eyes became entranced on her moves.  He shook his head to get his mind off of things, or at least as much as he could.  

Danekis laughed as Xerc laid his head on the counter, "Was that drink just a little too strong for you?"

"Oh shut up!" He put his hand over his head to shut out the noise.

[Anonymous]

[and i finally make my appearance, lmao.
acrossthefire: sorry about taking so long with that Anjte post. i didn't even know you replied until yesterday ><]


Riches to rags within a day - she had disgraced herself, her proud blood, and her marriage. Everything she had worked so hard for during her life, everything to bring to beautiful and amazing heights of opulence and magnificance [not just herself, but her people as well] and it had all been lost, a be-damned rebel uprising. It ended everything she and him and built towards. Now, after months of his death, and a mere month after her melt-down, she had picked herself up with what little grace and dignity she could muster after her severe blunder which would certainly earn her the lowest seat in hell.

And here she was, stealing just to keep herself afloat. The queen of the one of the greatest people to ever live was reduced to petty theft and drudgery of every-day lives. She had done such things since the earliest years of her life. Jorie could hardly remember those years in which she had struggled to live, and the following years where she had slowly worked upwards. It was a wonder how she had ever managed to get the position she had.

But what did that matter?

She was now back to where she had begun. A little street wench.

Her stark white hair was freshly cut, her skin the color of ivory, and her eyes were the deepest pools of maroon. She was just above average, standing at five foot seven, slim with a bone structure one might just consider delicate. In all respects, Jorie looked icy.

But it took all kinds.

She apparoached the stool and slid onto it, ordering herself a strong drink in which she sipped lightly, her eyes fluttering from Xerc, the bartender, and to the entirety of the bar. She had just briefly caught some of the woman's performance, and a whisper of a bitter smirk caught on her lips. Oh, she remember the entertainers of the palace. And how marvelous they had been.

She scolded herself, having so easily forgotten her goals, her eyes sought the room again, appraising the individuals closely. The only thing of value she wore was the matching bracelet and necklace with a serious of blood-red stones with silver entwined around them, holding them securely in place. She wouldn't trade them for the world. She managed to hold onto some riches of her life, but she would never be excused if she would sell such gifts.

Jorie sat delicately, left leg crossed over the right, hands settled into her lap gently, taking measured and careful sips in a mindful manner. After months of being so uncharacteristically dirty, she had scoured herself until her flesh had been raw. She had used every scent to try to revive herself, and the last of it was on what she declared the ending of her period of grief. She had to regain her self-possessed nature once more or forever shall she be doomed. At least, that was what she thought.

She was already lining up the people to steal from in her mind in quick succession. Her eyes darted to a man with a gut and well-groomed beard. He dressed and carried himself well, but was quickly losing himself to the liquor he inhaled. She studied him quietly, astute as ever, tuning in the conversations around the room, catching whisps of information. Taverns were a spring of data. They just needed to be properly tapped into.

However, the man was not alone. He had two other men with, drinking only very occasionally, and only then the weakest drinks. They were observant as she, in what she assumed his guards, or some sort of escort. She thought about this, taking another swig of her drink. She was numb to the taste and her tolerance of drinks was high [much of it acquired over the past few months of non-stop drinking] - it was almost like water.

[Anonymous]

Saira sat at a table off to the side where she could drink in relative peace, sipping a glass of cider and watching the crowd with mild interest. A small glint of light at the bar, however, caught her eye, and there stood an elven man speaking rather amiably with the tavern owner. The source of the reflected light had quickly disappeared, though, leaving Saira to wonder what it was. Was it gold? A jewel? Or merely just cheap metal?

Before she could think any further, a hand grabbed the wrist of her free hand from behind. Saira's glass of cider stopped halfway to her mouth as her eyes turned to the side. She did not turn her head or body, however, in compliance with the stranger's words.

Saira listened and when Lyia finished her speal, she set down her glass on the table and smirked a little. Still without turning, Saira said quietly so that only Lyia and herself could hear, "You're a thief, aren't you? I'm afraid I must turn down your...ah...generous offer. I have other things to do with my time, and I assure you, they will be much more productive."

And just at that moment, Saira's eyes focused on a portly man guzzling drinks at a table a little further away, seated with his two burly friends. No...not friends, it seemed. They did not converse as friends usually did, and they were obviously limiting their booze. Bodyguards, then? Perhaps. It wasn't uncommon for the wealthier men to have them around.

Saira grinned, almost as if a cat had spotted a mouse. She pried off Lyia's hand from her wrist, drained her glass of cider, and made her way to the man's table. The two burly men stood up as she approached, but as soon as Saira smiled sweetly down at the man, he waved dismissively at his guards.

"'eyy, let the dame siddown, let 'er rest an' have a drink," he said, his words obviously beginning to slur. "'ey, barman! Get this lady somthin' to drink, eh?"

Saira pulled up a chair beside the man, as close as she could manage, and gave him the slightest peck on his reddening cheeks. "You're too kind, uh, Mr...?

[Anonymous]

(oh no worries.  It might take me a while to reply back because I have no idea what to write.)

Xerc attempted to escape his realm but to no avail.  The drink had been so strong he had no choice but to stay in the real world.  But that was a problem he was used to.  The smell of liquor from the breath of rowdy men laughing their heads off because they're so drunk that they couldn't even keep their balance much less think straight.  The drink was good and it soothed the eternally dry cracks of his mind.  It made living in such a harsh world easier because one didn't have to think about it when they could make their way out anytime felt, with a good strong drink.  And if not, at least large amounts of a weak one.  Thus, comes the birth of a drunk.

He returned to the natural sound of the tavern.  Men laughing and tossing coins to the dancing woman.  Their state made many a good target to steal from and it was nights like these that Xerc often looked forward too.  He would hit back a few to clear his mind (it made it easier to keep a straight face) and then devise his plan on how he would steal the jewels and goods from drunken fools about him.  Of course he wasn't stupid enough to get drunk before attempting to perform his intended tasks.  Such an event happened once before in his life and he had taken quite the beating when he was discovered.

Scouring the room for an accurate target, many lined up for the taking.  Not all of the stood out like the large man a few tables away from him who was obviously drinking with his body guard buddies.  This might be a difficult one to hit, Xerc thought.  The laughter of the man was so obnoxious Xerc had no choice but to wince in annoyance.  Strike that, this is going to be a difficult one.  And if not difficult, surely annoying, he reassured his mind.

[Anonymous]

I was almost not surprised when she declined my offer.  I'm not the friendliest of business people. I laughed in spite of myself.  The dancer didn't realise I was a girl untill my name was spoken so I am at an advantage there.  I was surprised however when she ripped her hand out of mine.  I first growled and ran to the corner of tavern.  I watched as she made her way to a small table.  I pulled some random guy from a table, started to kiss him, and spun around so I was able to keep an eye on her.   The table she was going to contained three men.  One of the men, seemed rich, he had all the points, he was fat and well-groomed plus he was very drunk. The other two were drinking light stuff, things that only a baby could get drunk on, it was water to me.   Body Guards...I'll see how she does.  The rich one let her sit at the table, ordering her a drink, after telling the guards off.

I ripped the drunken fool off my face with a soothing tug. Something that I had learned early on. "All right then if you got some money we'll head upstairs," I whispered.  The man stepped back and shook his head. Damn these poor people. I'll never get off the streets like this. I continued to watch Saira as I slinked off to the bar.  As I walked I put my hair up with a pearly clip.  It was my last thing I had from my mother before she died. I sat on one of the many stools.  I leaned up against the bar my arms close to my body making my chest almost come out of the top of my top.  "Hey what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here."  The bartender came over after he finished talking to a man a couple of stools down. "What'd ya like?" I looked across the counter. "Hmm...What's the strongest thing you got here? Actually surprise me just give it to me and tell me how much. " He went around the bar and poured out a whole mug of a very dark liquor, close to black. "Fer ya, 20 silvers." I sliding over the money and pulled him closer and gave him fierce kiss.  "Thanks, " I said lustily, giving him a wink.  I sighed and turned around.  I spread my arms out leaning out on the bar.  I watched as Saira worked her magic and looked for someone who was rich. Damn she's got the only very rich one.

[Anonymous]

Jorie's scarlet eyes narrowed into slits, clearly vexed by something. And what she was vexed at? The little girl who was now swooning and gushing over her primary target. She had three options - 1. let it go, 2. kill the guards and steal the man's money, 3. use magic. She pursed her lips slightly. What had this girl done in the last 800 years that merit her to take away Jorie's prey? Nothing, she'd bet. And Jorie had done plenty in those 800 years.

Her eyes, half-lashed, seductive, she repossessed herself, her cheeks flushing slightly with a lively color, her hand resting upon the counter delicately. Her other hand came up to touch her necklace, fingertips rubbing against the stones as she inhaled one shuddery breath. Her voice quivered, laced with quiet, nearly overwhelming magic and power as it delicately danced into a low, seductive, chilly whisper towards the man. It was nearly inaudible to anyone but her.

The man, in response, his meaty hand firmly planting over his purse, completely taken with her magic. It rarely worked with anyone but her species - well, unless they were drunk out of their mind to be influenced by it. Like this man.

He stood quickly, as if he had somewhere important to go. Her voice reached him - she wasn't speaking in common, as it soothingly called him, a warmth from her core drifting and melting away the chill that was formerly held in her voice. It was low and continued to whisper, beckoning in a language he could not understand, his hand over his purse, waving his guards with him, and leaving Saira as if she weren't there.

Jorie slid from the barstool, her hand reaching out and hooking around his as he came near. She murmured something else, and she escorted him from the tavern, the purse firmly stuck between the man's body and her's - she could feel it, still full and heavy with coins. They followed her out, and only a few moments later did she come back in.

Her face was impassive - she would not let any of them see just how pleased she was over such a victorious match. Really, she could be quite competitive. And she would not look at Saira, either. She would not let the girl know what she had done - that she had done it purposely. The girl was probably either a tramp or a thief - or both. And she had just robbed her of her evening's pay. It was a delightful feeling, but she wouldn't let Saira know.

Jorie had even stolen the guards' purses; not nearly as heavy, but still adding a small sum. She already thougth about finding the man and going to his home, stealing what she could carry. He was wealthy and certainly his objects would fetch a good price. She slipped back onto her previous stool, each purse tucked firmly and securely into her last under garment where she'd know if anyone would try to steal it.

Later, she'd find him. She'd steal it all. Right now, she'd allow the effects of the magic to wear off - if used to much, a persuasive spell could kill someone. Especially if they were human. She'd follow her prey through the last strands of her magic, a clear trail for her, and then she'd take what she pleased.

"I would like milk, please," she spoke politely, but the tone was chill and firm.

No longer would she drink. But she still had to celebrate somehow, didn't she?

He slid across a glass of milk and she studied it briefly. The equivilant to milk in her homeland was much more bitter, and often served hot. Sweeteners were usually added in public places at the palace, but where she had been raised they had drank it straight, and over time, she gotten used to the bitterness. But if she ever dared to go back to her homeland, she'd find it hard to get used to that taste again, with this milk that soothing and gentle. She had heard a 'cow' had been the source. She'd probably seen a cow before, just didn't remember. Still, she wanted to know what this creature looked like.

In any case, she took a practiced, well-mannered sip before resting the glass back on the counter.

[Anonymous]

Xerc laughed at Danekis' bewilderment from the unusually fierce kiss.  The bartender's eyes were as wide as train tunnels but they quickly returned to normal by Xerc's laughter.  "What're ya laughin' at?!" he questioned with raw temperament.

"The look on your face," he replied still snickering.  "I've never seen a man look that stupid from a kiss."

"Oh shut it you stupid fool!"

He snickered until Danekis slammed a shot glass in front of him and filled it with wine to shut him up.  And to his relief, it did.  Xerc grabbed eagerly and filled his mouth with the drink, savoring all the flavor.  He slammed it down on the counter and said, "You know me too well."  The bartender just grunted at him in return.

Xerc observed, from his seat, a change in the atmosphere.  Something had been moved from it's former place and put somewhere else.  He could feel the change in the air in the tavern but he didn't know exactly what.  He continued to ponder the source of the shift.  And then his eyes widened inside his mind.  The man.  Something was not right as he watched the fat cat be escorted out the door by the beautiful woman.  He jerked immediately out of his seat as the woman sat down once again and suddenly, he knew.  The money was gone.  Oh damn! he thought. I knew I shouldn't have been fooling around.  Now I've missed my chance.  But wait, I can still...yeah *chuckle*

He moved his stool back into it's place and said to the bartender, "I'm going out Danekis.  Watch my room for me."  Xerc whistled aloud in the direction of the upstairs rooms.

~Upstairs~
This creature, larger than the average dog and definitely smarter than one,  got up from her spot at the sound of her owner.  The large creature just so happened to be Lethenia, Xerc's wolf-dog mix.  Her big paws pounced down the staircase in two quick leaps.

~Back in the Tavern~
"There you are my girl!" he embraced the animal.  He spun on his boot heel and made his way out the door as Danekis ran after him.  But Xerc was gone into the evening before he could hear him shouting, "What did I tell you about bringing that ruddy dog in here!"

[Goldie]

(ooc: so it took a little long than anticipated...but I am here now! XD )

ic:

Petaekka thought that she had been doing well, at least she did before she had been caught in Adela, forcing her to use all of her guile and cunning to escape their clutches and run to another city.  Serendipity seemed like the best choice.  After all, she had never been in the city, so her guises would not be recognized.  At least not for a while.  Noble were usually too stupid to notice anything amiss until it was too late.

Today, however, she was not going out for business.  Tonight, she simply wanted to relax...relax and maybe find a healer who could erase the brands left on her skin.  It had only been a few days ago when the men who had unravelled her act abducted her.  It had been a hard few days.  Harder than starving, and harder still than being caught by the palace guards and thrown in a jail for a time.  Bruises still lingered on her pale cheeks, but she had managed to escape without any major broken bones, minus a few ribs.

But how could she be sure that it was just a few days?  After all, she had been locked up in the celler.  There had been no light to guide her sense of time, only that she dreaded the hour they would return and finish the beatings they had begun.

Unfortunately for them, they forgot that she was good at what she did.

And they were stupid enough to tie her hands with rope.

Petaekka had managed to escape, and carried with her every ounce of treasure that had left loitering in the home.  Silver candlesticks still clanked softly in her shoulder bag, and a ruby necklace was twined around her upper thigh, underneath her shorts, reminding her the profit that was gained through all of the pain.

Ah....tonight...tonight she would simply relax.  She would live...Gods would she live....she was alive, and happier than ever.  It made her appreciate her job even more.  At least it made her angry enough that she didn't care from what bastard she stole.  Men were all the same, and she would willingly strip them of their inheritance before they could lay their filthy hands on her.

With a small smirk on her chapped lips, Peta pushed her way into the tavern, and jumped up onto the bar stools.  She had always been short, moreso that average as the crown of her head barely brushed 4'10".  That was the beauty of her act.  No one could resist a sobbing little girl, abandoned by her parents and forced to scrounge for food...

HA!  If they only knew that was was 22 years old.  That would turn their heads.  Of course, they only saw her when her chest was tightly bound and her short golden tresses tied back in limp, pink ribbons.

"An ale" she told the bartended when he asked what she wanted.

"I'm sorry, lass, but how old are ye?"  Rolling her eyes, she pulled down her shirt, revealing what could only be a woman's chest.

"Need to see more?" She sked with a sly grin, "Although, that would cost ye."  With a blush, the man went to fetch her drink, while Peta adjusted her top to it's original position.  She almost hated herself for how quickly she could slip back into the role after what had happened.  But it was her life, and it was engrained in her mind for better or worse.

Speaking of which....

She closed her eyes, and when they opened, her left eye had changed from its natural blue to a gold.  Scanning the room, she took note of all around her who had any form of gold in their pockets before blinking again, returning the eye to blue as she accepted the drink from the man and took a long swig.

So much for no work tonight.

[Anonymous]

I listened only for a moment the conversation between the man at the bar and the the tender himself. Ha..I have that reaction to most people. I looked to Saira, she was working her magic, but then the rich man suddenly got up and told his guards to follow him.   I guess she's not that good after all, she's nothing like Layla. The man was definately rich, I could see his purse bulging at the side of his body.  He left the tavern accompanyed by a younger girl.  After a while she came back and sat on a stool on the bar.  The man who was originally talking with the bartender now had gotten up and had a wolf/dog thing hugging him.

Well, if Saira couldn't get him maybe I can, even take some for her.  Being the nice person I am, since she actually went through the trouble of talking with me.  I walked slinkly towards the door and hollared towards the bartender, "Hey, if you wait, I'll come back and give you more than a sample." I winked and walked out of the bar.  The man and his guards were walking down the road about 5 yards away.  I summoned a small demon. "Hey, you see that rich man and the two muscles." the demon nodded. I need you to distract the two guards send them down the block or something, just get rid of them but not permanently.  I don't need the attention. " The demon nodded again "Oh and one thing, they might not leave unless the rich man tells them too." the small thing thought for a second and transformed into a small urchin.  He had short black hair, ratty clothes and dirt everywhere.  "Good, now go." He poofed and I noticed he landed by a nearby alley way by the group.  I myself went through some alleyways and crossed back down behind where the urchin was now.  <font color=red> Do not come back this way I am behind you, get them lost and go back. I shall call you when I need you again. </font>

The urchin ran across the road, he bumped into the rich man, knocking himself down.  I could tell that he had snatched what seemed to be the rich man's purse. "I'm terribly sorry sir," He said as he ran away down another alley way. The man looked confused and suddenly noticed his purse was gone.  "Guards go after him! He took my money! NOW!" The guards were after the small urchin with lightening speed. I'm glad I didn't do that myself. I waited a little while then came out of the alley.  I walked up to the man, swaying my hips from side to side and my boots clunking gently on the ground.  "Hello sir, you look worried, I can make you more relaxed, if you'd like." I said in a sultry voice. He looked down, "I'm sorry but I have just been robbed I couldn't pay you." I laughed inspite of myself. "That's alright, I wouldn't mind doing something that isn't business, so mister, where's your place?" I said as I put my hand on his, placing it on my hip.  I leaned on him kissing his neck while he spoke.  I put a finger on his lips, "No don't speak, show me..." I said and he smiled. I continued to kiss his face as he lead me to his house.  As we were walking, I felt the demon go back to his world ten blocks away.

[Anonymous]

[OOC:Is my character the only guy here?:? ]

His shadow stuck to him like pasta to a stomach.  He wouldn't release his grasp on the rooftop bricks as he gazed down at the dark city streets below.  There was hardly anyone out this evening.  The only real lights were the glowing stars that hung so beautifully and delicately above everything in the night sky.  Sort of as if governing all the creatures and inhabitants of the city, like a parent.

Xerc couldn't believe how much time passed when he first awoke from his nap in the tavern to his scouting outside.  The street lamps had just been lit, he could tell from how they flickered gently in the cool, crisp air.  But the light elf was always used to air feeling like this considering the fact that he could generate the element.  It always kept him cool, even in the grueling summer heat.  He could use it to create distractions for enemies, move at incredible speeds, scale heights with ease, and even fly (to an extent).

Lethenia sat low beside him crawling on her belly.  He gazed down and watched as a woman walked out of the tavern and summoned a small creature to her side.  She spoke to it, but even with his advanced hearing, what she said was inaudible.  The demon looked across the street and saw the rich man walking with his two bodyguards.  The liquor had obviously taken its toll on him as he couldn't walk in a straight line.  If one of the guards intended to hold him steady he would shove him off and yell at him.  Yet they stayed close for he was probably their only form of pay.  Soon they passed an alley, where the small demon reappeared as a ragged man.  "Hmm.  The little girl's got some magic in her, eh Lethenia," Xerc whispered to her.

He continued to watch as the demon bumped into the drunk and made away with his purse.  Immediately he sent off his two gaurds that ran with the wind.  The disappeared they turned the corner, but Xerc could still feel their movement in the air for he was one with it.  "Looks like thats our call," he said to her softly and motioned a command.

Lethenia licked his face and turned in the direction of her commanded task. He  smiled and swerved his hands through the air as if performing in a dance and motion as if pulling a rope.  He tugged hard at the air and the two running gaurds were yanked back as if by and invisible rope and knocked unconscious.

Meanwhile, Lethenia took a running leap from the roof top they were currently on to the tavern roof.  Her heavy paws took light steps and she leaped from rooftop to rooftop tracking down the demon that ran full speed.  She smelled his foul stench through the night air, so tracking him would have been no problem even if she couldn't see him.  When the creature looked back behind him and saw that there was no one there he stopped into a short walk and attempted to return whatever realm it had came from when Lethenia, bracing her future action, took a few steps before bounding off the roof and landing directly on the demon.  A shrill cry came from it as it fell to the ground and the bag of gold flung out of its hand.  Her size would probably even frighten a child of the dark, but the demon, even for it's size, was surprisingly strong and tossed her off.  She growled ferociously as it charged at her and she, in turn, pounced on him.  In heat of the brawl she opened her jaws wide, hot breath splattering on the demon, and she closed them quickly over its arm, crunching it's bone beneath her jaws.  The cry once heard before occurred again, but in the distance they were in, it could only be heard in the immediate area.  With its good arm it tossed her too the side in sheer fear and ran down the road, literally disappearing in a red flash.  It went back to wherever it was that it came from.

Lethenia licked the blood from her lips, which tasted good to her, and saw the sack of gold tossed aside.  She stepped over too it and grasped it into her mouth and ran off to the alley behind the building she jumped from.  There were boxes, of assorted items, stacked upon one another. She stepped onto them and jumped on the rooftop and bounded back to the elf that saved her life as a pup.
~
"That's my girl!" Xerc said merrily he once again embraced the dog and grabbed the heavy sack from her mouth. He attached it to his belt, half of the coins inside Lethenia's collar, and had gazed the woman put her movement magic on the fat man.  He was all over her as she walked him down the road.  He moved from his observance spot and called his dog to follow him.  He had a prize much bigger than a bag of gold that he intended to get.

[Anonymous]

((acrossthefire: Yep, I do believe you're the only guy in this RP XD If you want another male character, I might be persuaded to throw Jin into the mix ^^; ))

Saira's golden eyes widened as the man - her target - stood up and left with some woman. The nerve! He hadn't even answered her questions. She had been sure he had been hooked the moment she approached him. Hell, she probably even had him hooked as she was performing on stage! It took all her willpower to keep from grabbing her sabre and slashing the woman to pieces. Instead, Saira settled for biting the edge of her thumb hard with narrowed eyes, enough to send waves of pain down her thumb but not quite enough to break the skin.

The woman reappeared in the tavern again and Saira watched her carefully. There was something strange about her, but she couldn't discern what it was. But the rich man also reappeared, seemingly unharmed and still filthy rich. What had that woman done?

But then all hell broke loose when another man bumped into the rich one, snatching his gold as he passed by, and Lyia promptly snatched up the rich man in her arms and led him outside. Damnit! Why was everything going wrong tonight?

Saira heaved a frustrated sigh. It seemed like the only good target in the tavern was the target of several people, but wherever he went, Saira would follow. She was determined to not let this night go to waste. So she leapt up from her seat, dashing behind the barman's counter, grabbing her satchel and sabre, and sped out the door.

It was dark outside, the only source of light the occasional lantern on the street and the moonlight and starlight in the heavens above. Saira allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness around her before kneeling down on the ground and searching for clues. Hurried steps seemed to go one way and steady steps, broken up by an obviously stumbling person (probably the drunken rich man) went another. Well...it was clear which way Saira wanted to go. Wherever the gold went, she went.

She shouldered her satchel and stuck her sabre into her belt before speeding down the street, her skirts flying and her bangles and metal discs on her skirt jangling. She skidded to a halt as she saw two large shadowy figures before her, one obviously a humanoid of some sort and the other a large canine. However, the figure of the canine was holding something large and heavy in its mouth. A gold purse.

Grinning despite herself, Saira whipped out her sabre.

"You there! Why don't you hand over that purse there? Give it back to its rightful owner?"

[Anonymous]

[aww. yeah. you are the only guy. enjoy. -snickers- i could possibly join a random male. -scratches head- i'll think about it.]


Jorie had left the tavern to, well, pawn off the things she had stolen. The guards and that rich man had kept some small keepsakes, or what have you, on their person. Along with a good sum of gold [the rich fat guy had apparently thought himself protected well enough by two guards and had been carrying a vast sum, which she had only took half.] And the guards had silvers and coppers, and few gold pieces. Still, she had took all of their money. What sense that made, she hadn't bothered to figure out.

Then she had investigated some houses; creeping around sleeping house members, stealing dowries of young girls, finding the best jewels until she felt fettered and hindered by the wait in which she carried these belongings. Oh, she would be back. Perhaps later after she had snuck through the nobles' houses. After that, she'd leave. She couldn't stay in a place too long if she was going to steal - and it seemed the place was overcrowded with thieves as it were.

And then she came across the most amusing seen. A canine and that man from the tavern and the girl she had stolen that man from. How interesting! A show of sorts? Maybe she should watch. But she was unsettled with how many valuables she was carrying... the pawn shop or a show? She was sure she could protect herself against these children... but still. Her scarlet eyes narrowed to slits as she watched from the shadow of an overhang of a building, securely holding her possessions. She whispered a simple word in a foreign language, pain tingling up her arm as she pressed her fingertips together and produced a small, fluttery little insect. It seemed almost real, and yet at the same time, intangible. She spoke another word and it divided itself multiple times to produce a small group as they fluttered up and around herself.

They'd keep watch. If she was too watch this small show she'd prefer to have lookouts.

[ugh. not quite sure what to post. sorry it sucks. i just kinda.. pulled random things out.]

[Anonymous]

The sound of woman's voice stopped him dead in his tracks.  Xerc whirled around to gaze upon Saira standing before him, sabre ready at hand.  But he was not shocked at the sight of the large weapon, instead he just smiled and said, "Why it already is.  But thank you, how considerate of you."  He grinned slyly and crouched low prepared for anything.

In the heat of the night's adrenaline, a good fight was something Xerc was always well prepared for.  That or to flee, which was another thing he was good at too.  He put his hand to purse at his side and slowly and concealably moved his hand to the dagger hilt at his side.  He clutched it readily and readied his night vision.  Elves seemed, at most times, to have more heightened senses than and ordinary human, night vision included.  Everything seemed much more visible, and in a lightening's instance, he bolted away from the weapon-bearing woman.  Lethenia obediently followed her master any which way he went.

Over walls and boxes, he jumped, leaped, and ran as fast as possible, perhaps to escape his death or other wise...

[sorry short post, but i had a lack on inspiration]

[Anonymous]

Suddenly I heard some noises down the street.  I ignored them and nibbled on his ear.  But unfortunatley the rich drunk heard them too and decided to not ignore them. "What was that?" He looked back, "Nothing honey," He looked at me questioningly and backed away, "Um...I need to go home..alone." Damn, there goes my money  "Ok hun, My name is Lyia come search me out again." I said as I kissed him and turned towards the noises. The man darted out of sight a few minutes later.

I'll kill whoever did that...well maybe. As I walked summoned 2 demons the size of my shoulders.  They looked quite ugly probably would have scared me a lot if I didn't just summon them on a daily basis. <font color=red> Hello, I'm your master. Someone or someones just made my money runaway we steal all they have unless they have a better idea.  We will try and scare them. </font>  

We turned around the corner and there I see the girl who originally had taken the guy I tried to the get the money from, Saira, and the guy from the bar.  Some wolf was there too.  I walk into the area to see the man running down the alley with the wolf with him and the other girl there looking to run after them.  I summon another demon. <font color=red> Change of plans each of you pick one of them, one goes after the man, and the two girls try and capture them or make them follow you here.  If you can steal anything off them without them noticing good job.  Don't steal the huge bag of money on the man though.  That's mine...If you do I've been to hell, I know worse tortures then they have and you will get to know them intimately if you do steal it. Ok </font> I could see them shivering almost. <font color=red> Ok come on! Go!</font> I said with a snarl. They left very quickly after their targets. I waited for them to come back with them.

[Anonymous]

The distance he ran was nothing short of what he wasn't used to.  Over a box he somersaulted and landed nimbly on his feet.  Lethenia did the same, but sliding a bit on the moist cobblestone of the cold night air.  His boots hit the ground softly with every step for they carried the wear of years of use.  But even now not even his breath was worn down.

Then out of the shadows he had hit a dead end.  The wall was so tall he couldn't even see the top of it.  His dog stopped as well and whined anxiously unknowing what to do.  Xerc looked behind him and didn't see anyone there.  He then took a few steps back and took a running leap to the wall.  But to his demise he landed flat against it, just barely able to visibly spot the top.  He landed hard on his heels and fell back on his back.  *Oof!*

He got to his feet and once again attempted to scale the wall.  He hit the wall without hope.  His efforts were futile.  "Damn!" He said hitting the wall with his fists as hard as he could.  Once again, Lethenia whined pitifully as if feeling sorry for him.  He looked to her when she did it again and wheeled around to find two demons before him.  It startled him with utter shock.  The wolf stepped closer to him but growled the vicious growl of a caged beast.  Xerc immediately reached for his daggers.  He pulled them from his sides and spun them in his hands expertly.

Demons of two approached him, saliva dripping from their mouths.  Xerc crouched down as Lethenia did the same, ready to pounce at the first instant.  All of a sudden the one closest too him made a dive for him, scatching at his thick leather tunic with large, sharp claws.  He gasped yanked it off him, tossing it with full strength as afar as possible.  Lethenia jumped, claws and jaws, at the second demon that too darted after her.  Her jaws clamped down at it but it dodged just in time and made a slash at her.  She yelped in sheer fright but parried before it was too late.  Then both demons made for Xerc, attempting to slash at his skin, but his blades were quick and had sliced the arms of them both.  Pieces flew faster than the gust of wind.

Lethenia bore scratches and minor cuts on her skin, where the second demon's claws had caved in.  Her thick fur saved her from any severely fatal injuries.  But Xerc sustained a large, dreadfully bleeding cut along his forearm and some clawmarks had made their way past the hide and onto his abdomen.  Tearing away cloth bracers from his wrists, he tied his arm wound and winced disgustedly at the sight.  The sight of the dismembered bodies before him that is.  He checked this canine who sat comfortably beside the tall wall.  He gathered up the remains and tied them into a sack from a nearby cloth that covered some boxes.  That damn girl, he thought angrily.  She summoned this god's forsaken demon after me.  Well, then, I'll just have to be kind enough to thank her for it by giving her a gift of my own.

Xerc grinned in spite of himself and hauled the sack upon his shoulder, the stench already settled with him and Lethenia following him.

~
The girl from the tavern, whom he was sure, had summoned the monsters.  Xerc stood upon the roof near her and called out to her attention, "Hey, I think these belong to you."  He tossed the bag out to her and smiled farewell, disappeared out of sight.

[Anonymous]

I ran after him finally I caught up with him. "Stop!" For what he did he owes me money. I summoned a 7' demon named Helixenene. <font color=red> Hello, I just need you to stop the man in front of me, you can kick his little dog to the side if you'd like.  If you could also snatch his bag of money on his side that you see there. </font> I looked him up and down the demon that looked like a man. <font color=red> If you could do this to me and I'll have sex with you. </font> Helixenene looked me up and down and nodded to me.  He teleported in front of the man and the wolf.  He punted the wolf in the side flinging him across the street and picked up the man. As he did he grabbed the money purse and flung it at me.  "Thank you, sorry I had to do this, but you made my money for the night go away. You scared him off with all the rucus you made. Oh and sorry if your dog is hurt."  <font color=red> You can put him down if you want, and teleport where you'd like</font> I said with a smirk.  <font color=red> Oh one thing before that just drop me off at the tavern I was just at I need to leave something there. </font>  

He dropped the man and teleported with me to the tavern. <font color=red> Wait here. </font> I said giving him a passionate kiss. Mmmm...tonight would be fun. I walked in and up to the tavern owner. "Hello again," I said with a wink, he blushed.  "Could you make sure you get something to Saira? I'll know if you take some of it." the man nodded, "Ok, here is 20 gold this is for her, tell her Lyia left it for her, she'll know who I am." I waved goodbye and walked outside. <font color=red> Ok, I'm ready now. </font> With that, he teleported me away.

[Anonymous]

(Lys, isn't that powerplaying? o.O;; )

Saira chuckled at the elf's response, for even in such a tense situation, she could still appreciate a joke, even if it was weak. She gripped the hilt of her sabre ever tighter, her knees bent slightly, waiting to either defend or strike - whichever came first. But unexpectedly, the elf and his wolf friend dashed away into the darkness.

Saira blinked in surprise. She hadn't been expecting that. Inwardly cursing in every way she could think of, she stuck her sabre back into her belt and took off into a run in an attempt to catch up with him. 'Damnit, you have my money! You're not getting away so easily!' But after running for several minutes at break-neck speed, however, she found no sign of him whatsoever, not even a glimpse or a footprint. Cursing silently again, she stopped and knelt down, inspecting the dirt on the ground closely. No recent footprints and definitely no pawprints. 'Damnit!' she swore silently again. She had been led astray. Her determination and anger combined had made her blind to the tell-tale tracks that would have led her to the dratted thief and his puppy.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Saira felt her shoulders slump in defeat. Wherever the thief and his dog were, they were probably long gone by now. Sighing heavily, she pulled off her headscarf, allowing the cool evening wind to glow through her hair. The headscarf was slightly damp from her sweat and it felt good to have fresh air on her head once again. She then made her way back to the tavern. The night was not over yet. There was still a possibility of grabbing a decent amount of money before the night ended.

When she reached the tavern, she went immediately to the barman at the counter and ordered a cold glass of water to ease her dry throat.

"Oh, Saira, by the way, I have somethin' for ya," he said.

Saira raised an eyebrow. Tonight was full of surprises!

"What is it?"

[Anonymous]

His body skidded onto the slick ground upon making contact.  It had all happened so fast, that damned demon in front of him.  If he hadn't been caught off guard perhaps he'd have been better prepared for such a cowardly attack.   When Xerc got to his feet, he saw Lethenia on the ground, knocked out of proportion.  He rushed to her, his eyes in red with alarm and sympathy.  "Lethenia!" he shouted cradling her in his arms.  Then a sharp pain stuck him on his side.  He touched his side and felt a softness where a hard rib should have been, so he had been broken.  He thought nothing of it.  What was more important to him was lying before him, blinking slowly. Blinking! The thought expanded in his mind as he heard the crying whine of a dog in pain.

"It's okay, girl. I'm here," he said.  Xerc moved his hands gently across her body.  Her fur was warm under his hands, most likely from all that running he had been doing this night.  She whimpered severely when he had reached her knee and ribs.  And than he realized that she had a few broken ribs just as he had and a dislodged knee.  As carefully as he could muster, Xerc picked her up into his arms despite the constant shocks of pain coursing through his body.  Down the road, he walked a pace mostly unmatched to get to the tavern.

Finally he arrived after 30 minutes of painful whimpers and shocks.  He could feel her hastened heartbeat as he carried her.  The entrance was just ahead of him, all he had to do was step inside, but something in the back of his mind told him to find another entrance.  He walked around back alley and gazed up at the windows of the tavern rooms.  Some where lighted with shadows moving here and there with a few of the panes opens.  One was opened ever so slightly, with no light in coming from the curtains, just simply the air gracing them. That's the one.

Xerc lowered his body closer to the ground and flew to the window and through the opened slit.  His nightsight couldn't exactly see the surroundings in here for the aroma of an unnatural black much darker than night lingered here; he knew there was something amiss.  He was not the only one in here.  Slowly he set down his dog to the side., cautious of anything that would jump out.  He clutched his dagger hilts as he called out, "Who goes there?"