Thunder crashed through the air, causing whatever strays that still remained in the streets to scamper off in search of shelter. A storm was brewing in the magical little hamlet, and it looked like it was going to be a big one. The clouds were so thick that they formed a blanket of darkness over the town, making it nigh impossible for anyone to see where they were going. Not only that, the wind was so strong that it could easily knock someone off their feet. Realizing that it would be insane to try and brave the approaching storm, most of the villagers finished their business early and turned in for the evening.
The weather had reduced the normally bustling city into a veritable ghost town, making it look like a place torn right out of a horror novel - which was strangely appropriate, considering what was about to take place.
Strolling down one of the abandoned paths was a frighteningly large man. He was clearly not from around these parts, as his thuggish clothing and unkempt appearance would be very unbecoming for a mage. A scowl was plastered on his unshaven face, and his beady eyes stared off into the distance, trying to see through the darkness that pervaded the town. He had one hand buried deep in his pants pocket and appeared to be holding something, likely a knife that he would not hesitate to use anyone foolish enough to give him any trouble.
"Bloody hell!" he grumbled under his breath as he made his way down the street, trying to ignore the wind that was blowing in his face, "This is gettin' ridiculous... Here I be wandering around in the rain, and that smarmy git is takin' his sweet ass time! When I get ahold of him, I oughtta give him what-for..."
Walking alongside the ruffian was a little girl no older than eight. Her body was wrapped in a thick purple cloak, and her hair was sopping wet from the rain. She kept her eyes fixed on the ground below her and said nothing, obviously terrified of the man. There was a sorrowful expression on her face, and she looked severely depressed - almost as though she had lost the will to live.
Glancing over at his companion, the criminal wrinkled his nose in disgust and pushed her forward slightly, then gave her a strong kick on the behind. "Keep walking, ya little brat! And would it kill ya to smile, or something? I want ya to look real pretty for the nice man. Hehehe..."
The child winced from the blow, but remained completely silent. Crying wouldn't get her anywhere, and she knew trying to run away from her captor would be a mistake. Having no other options, she simply continued to walk alongside him, silently hoping that this was all a terrible nightmare.
The criminal scowled at her. "Stupid little..." he muttered to himself, then continued on down the road. Seeing an alley in the distance, he smiled widely. "Looks like this is the place. Let's go wait for the nice man, shall we?" he laughed sinisterly, pulling the young mage along.
Looking both ways to make sure no one was watching him, he dragged the girl into the alley. He slowly came to a stop and looked around again, then leaned against a nearby wall. "Better show up soon..." he sighed, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a piece of chewing tobacco. He plopped it into his mouth and waited impatiently for his employer to arrive.
((OOC: Getting a bit on the long side, so I'm going to cut it off here. My actual player character will make his debut in the next post.))