<font color='#000000'>Day: 49 Quarter: Tessera Year: 81377 The great underwater city of Aurius. A ever-present marvel of pendragon creativity. Most people would gasp at the mere glimpse of the color-shifting domes that protect the city from the perilous ocean depths. As Kuem exited the portal from Bhim, he merely yawned. This wasn't his first time in Aurius. And, he had little doubt that it wouldn't be his last either. For Aurius was home to some of the more prominent members of the pendragon society. People who lived their entire lives in luxury. People who preferred to hire others to do that which they wouldn't dare. He wouldn't complain though. People like them were the reason he was living a somewhat easy life. At least, easy in comparison to most of the dregs of society. He had come a long way from his former home in the badlands of Dhruv. And, he had long since made a name for himself among fellow practitioners of his craft. But, still he felt uneasy being among common people. In many ways he preferred the lifestyle of the Black Market over places like this. But, then secretive was a necessity of his craft. Trotting along at a slow pace, the heavy armour he wore made a steady, rhythmic sound that reverberated well around the dome. He had opted to wear the armour more for show than for protection. Though it was more of a burden than anything else. Yet to the average city dweller, he would be seen as someone of stature. Someone that they needed to avoid. It took little time for Kuem to make his way to the 'Royal Arms.' It was one of the older hotels of Aurius situated near the center of the city. It was his regular hotel during a trip to Aurius. Quite expensive, but a little luxury never hurt anyone. Upon entering the building he went straight to the front desk. It took little time for the manager to cross the floor to greet him anyway. <span style='color:green'>"Welcome my friends, to the Royal Arms. Ah, Master Myjshfemp, a pleasure to see you again. Oh, and who is this lovely young lady?"</span> Not for the first time did Kuem actually forget that he was no longer travelling alone. Glancing at Ronnica, he was half-tempted to say he had no idea, and that the manager should send for a patrol. But, he wouldn't, she had healed his wing which unfortunately meant, to him at least, that he owed her. So if she wanted to follow him as if she were on some grand adventure, he would tolerate it. For now anyway. <span style='color:red'>"This is my...daughter, Kejka."</span> <span style='color:green'>"D-daughter?"</span> Any further questions the manager intended to ask died with the look Kuem gave him. <span style='color:green'>"Ah, yes, your daughter. She looks alot like...her mother...yes...quite lovely. I'll have your usual suite prepared at once."</span> Kuem growled softly as the manager trotted off. <span style='color:red'>"I'm known as 'Ylaumpaj Myjshfemp' around here."</span> He spoke in a near whisper to Ronnica. <span style='color:red'>"Try to remember it.</span></font>
<font color='#000080'>|:| O O C |:| Timestamp? Oh, and I hope I've described the insides of the hotel correctly. If it's a completely modern building witha lift etc, just say and I'll change the post |:| I C |:| If Kuem wasn't in the least excited by the wonders of Aurius, one could say the exact opposite for Ronnica. Even though she kept the flow of endless questions at bay, for the sake of not annoying her companion, she couldn't keep herself from positively staring at all the things they passed. The huge complex of all the exits from various places around the Ramath-lehi, with its polished surfaces and nifty-looking officers, who worked there, often neglecting their duties, waving pendragons on and away into the city like flies. The tinted see-through domes that covered the city, often casting shadows of different colors over it. The artificial lights, that together with what sunlight got here from the surface made everything around visible. The luxurious buildings, made to caress their rich owners. And the streets, the crowds of pendragons milling here and there, babbling about everything and nothing, hurrying to their own destinations. It was enough to make Ronnie's head swim. Yet still, she felt a little uneasy. Every time she looked up, she kind of expected to see the blue sky and the shining sun. Instead, her gaze met a cold artificial glare, and beyond that... the deep blue sea. Even though Ronnica didn't have the need to wear clothes, an unnecessary complication to her moves, here she decided to make an exception. Most of the inhabitants were used to being pampered, and clothes were a way of showing exactly how rich and over-sensitive they were. Otherwise, the clothing served no other purpose, the air here being warm and just a little humid. Not as if you would freeze to death or anything. Before descending to the city, while waiting for their exit's turn, Ronnica had joined the local "birdermen" (from fishermen) in catching the many seagull-type avians that inhabited the rocky coast. Having succeeded at caging a few, she thus traded them for a simple set of clothes, a khaki tunic and a sash. When she donned the latter, she looked just like any other young girl in Sumundra. Ronnica followed Kuem down the street, looking around and being impressed. They arrived to a grand-looking hotel, 'Royal Arms' lettered in gold above the double doors. The older pendragon knew his way around here, but then again, Ronnie reminded herself, he probably wasn't here for the first time. She drew her breath in as she scanned the whole building. It looked like all the other buildings they had passed earlier: luxurious, rich, and well cared for. A knot formed in her neck; she had never been to a place like this. What if, by some means, she broke the etiquette and offended someone? The fog-colored pendragon took another deep breath and looked stubbornly forward. She could just hope that that kind of thing won't occur. Not a muscle moved in her face as she heard Kuem introduce her. She simply nodded at his instructions, obediently repeating the name a few times in her mind. A huge clock on the wall ticked away the time, cutting it in many equally long moments, in which none of them spoke. The faint sound of the crowd could be heard through one of the open windows. A few minutes after their encounter with the ratty manager, with his twittering whiskers and beady eyes, an employee - or a servant? - wearing a livery with the words 'Royal Arms' on the front, bowed them out of the entrance hall, into another hall and up the huge marble staircase with ivory-and-ebony banisters. A carpet snaked its way up the steps, keeping honored - and paying - guests from tripping on the slippery footing. It dulled their footsteps as the trio mounted the staircase and continued along the wide corridor on the first storey. Tall windows offered view of the nearby streets and squares, with the exit complex glittering in the far distance. Tapestries hung on the walls, weaved in light colors and gently accompanying the white walls and dark oaken doors that jutted out of the fabric covered wall ever so often. At last, they stopped in front of a door with the number 6 protruding out of the smooth surface. It was the last door in the corridor, and Ronnica could glimpse another staircase a few feet away from them. It was probably used by servants and maids, for it was nothing more than a completely ordinary set of wooden steps, half-hidden by a drapery. The servant handed Kuem a few keys held together by a chain, bowed for the last time and made for the back staircase. He gave the pale female a look full of curiosity, the same surprise she had seen in the manager's face written all over his own. Ronnica knew better than to attempt "The Look" Kuem was so good at silencing others with. So she just looked away, realising that she was probably going to be stared at in this manner for the whole time of her stay. "Oh well, I can cope with that," she muttered to herself softly, "It's just the fate of Kejka Myjshfemp."</font>
<font color='#000000'>(OOC: I knew I forgot something in that post. And, your description is great. ) After the servant left, it was time to unpack what little Kuem brought. He tended to travel as light as possible due to sudden departures. Crouching next to a large leather dufflebag, he began to sift through it, checking to see if everything was how he left it. A spare set of armour, lighter than his regular armour and pure silver as well. It was for more formal occasions, which he had a feeling he may be facing more sooner than later. A large pouch of jewels, mostly used for trade during travels. He never took too much with him on his travels, but enough to get him back home. He still had more than enough to last him several or more months. In luxury at that. Some spare rations, for the times he was nowhere near a city. Which he was currently running low on. He would have to pick up some more before leaving Aurius. And, last but certainly not least, his sword. While true, it was designed only for combat in a bipedal form, he never left home without it. In some ways, the blade meant more to him than anything else in the world. It defined him. It gave him purpose. But, for the next few days, it would simply be for show if he chose to wear it with his armour. Kuem stretched briefly before glancing at the bed. It would've been nice for him to catch a few hours of sleep after his journey. But, business came first. He needed to find a local, preferably a child, someone who would do practically anything for something sweet or shiny. His mind set, he turned to face Ronnica. <span style='color:red'>"If you're willing to help, I could use your assistance. I need you to find one of the local youths. Someone around 1 300 to 1 400 should do. Especially someone whose been here their whole lives. I need a...guide if you will. Who may help me find...an associate."</span> Children had a tendency to see everything, even if they didn't realise they did. A child who may have accidently heard mention of the name Elliumu Rlyypnyym. They may not immediately recognize the name, but when offered a sweet they tend to find that bit of forgotten information. Even those who know nothing are typically willing to help, if they know that more sweets await their return. In short, sometimes a child actually could be better than a real spy. Cheaper too. As for why he asked Ronnica to approach a child, well it would be seen as normal for a child to confront another child. She could blend in among the younger generations alot better than he could. Perhaps he could get a bit of sleep after all.</font>
<font color='#000080'>Even though Kuem tended to travel unburdened, Ronnica was even less bothered by taking things with her. The only items that were in her possesion at the moment was her tunic, sash and a few pouches hanging on a string around her neck. Most of them contained her healing supplies, though one was full to the brim with small, shiny gems. They were worth less than they looked, and were mainly used for small bargains. Usually used by youths or students at various schools, but not looked down upon by adults either. Either way, these gems were an ideal way to attract a potential... guide. "Of course," she answered Kuem, fighting the urge to call him mockingly "Dad". He looked tired and by the looks of it, it wasn't the best time for fun. Ronnica walked over to one of the windows and peered through the glass. She saw a deserted courtyard, with a couple of large dustbins tucked away in one corner. A gate, half-open, allowed access to the world outside, leading - as it seemed - to the back of the building. The pale pendragon turned back to Kuem. "I'll lead them to this courtyard and call out. Just leave the window open," she said, pushing the windowpane ajar. Then she was out of the room and suite, the oaken door clicking shut behind her. Out in the first floor corridor, Ronnica headed towards the second staircase. She pulled the drapery away, descending the wooden steps. They didn't make any sound, which surprised her, for she thought the whole hotel would hear them creak under her weight. As she stepped down the last step, she was confronted by three doors, one on either side of a small landing, you could say, though it was on the ground floor. She took her pick and pushed the middle one open, sunlight flooding immediately the small area. Ronnica blinked, then closed the doors and crossed the courtyard she had indeed descended to. Through the gate she went and down a dirt path that circled the building and finally dissapeared amidst the mansions of Aurius. Ronnica walked down the streets, trying to feel relaxed and blend in with the surroundings. She kept her eyes and ears open for the tiniest hint of some young child who could be some use. But the only teenagers she saw wore embroidered robes of deep colors, sometimes complete with a crest on one of the sleeves. They didn't look like someone who'd topple themself over for a couple of cheap gems. Ronnica pressed on though. She didn't know where she was heading, but she needed to get to a poorer quarter of the city. But as time ran and the only things that met her eyes were more and more mansions, villas and manors, the girl began to get agitated. This is just impossible, she though to herself furiously, There must be some place that isn't inhabited by the rich! It didn't look like it though. Ronnica had been wandering about for two hours without the slightest hint of success. The street she had turned into led her to a marketplace. Hmm, marketplace. There's bound to be some vagabond kid lurking around here, went her thoughts as she circled the complex. It was huge. There were hundreds of stalls with almost everything one could think of. From food to clothes to machine parts. From machine parts to pottery to magic wands. Ronnica stalked through the crowds, tightening the string around her neck. There were pickpockets around for sure. Bingo! Where there were pickpockets there ought to be "guides" as well. And true enough, soon Ronnica glimpsed a couple of individuals sitting in the gutter, a good distance from each other. Their eyes penetrated the crowd hungrily, searching for some opportunity of snatching a couple of unguarded shinies. The cloud-hued pendragon regarded them from a distance, weighing her choices. One of those poor children was too young - she doubted he could even talk save for the usual "gimme" and "shuddup". She didn't like the look of the one next to him - too sly and calculating. He'd probably rob her blind in a wink if she went too near. A girl, kneeling further away, looked too uncaring and cold... a born lier. No, no, no. Ronnica looked at the last kid she could see. A young Nioti, just entering his teenage years, was sitting on the edge of a pool, attempting to catch the goldfish inside while their seller wasn't looking. He looked like a local, and he evidently knew the ways around here. Whistling softly, Ronnica neared the boy and crouched down a couple of feet away from him, not even glancing in his direction. She produced a small but shiny gem from her pouch and started to play some form of solitaire marbles with it. The jewel slid over the trodden down ground, catching the sun sometimes and sending its reflection away. Ronnica toyed with it for a few minutes, until a shadow fell atop her, blotting out the light. She glanced up and saw her "prey" crouching before her. He was a dirty beige, and his light eyes were glued to the gem as Ronnica hurriedly enclosed it in her paw. "Do you like it?" she asked, raising her eyebrows and pointing to her closed fingers. The boy was about to nod, but he stopped short and frowned, his look suddenly dangerous. "What do you want?" he growled, "You wouldn't be here showin' that 'round if you didn't want somethin'!" In her mind, Ronnie smiled. How bright. On the outside, she donned a look of puzzlement and incomprehence. Then she allowed a smile grow on her face. "As a matter of fact, I'm lost," she admitted. It wasn't a lie, she was lost, but it was also a form of finding out whether the boy lived here long enough. "If you know your way around here, and show me the way, I'll let you have the shinie," she continued, her paw opening up a little. The Nioti in front of her smirked and extended his hand towards her, palm up. "I sure know this city," he said, "But I want three of them. And that's cheap." A finger pointed to Ronnie's hand. The female let a look of clearly distinguishable horror pass her face. "What!? Three? Look, I can just ask one of your pals about the same thing, and they'd go with one!" she exclaimed, drawing her hand away. The beige creature caught it though and his grip was hard. "OK," he agreed unwillingly, casting a dirty look at his friends, "Let's say two. That's our price around here, you won't go lower than that. Call that a deal?" "Before you agree: I haven't got more than one with me here," she retorted, hanging her head a little in pretended shame. "I already spent the rest. But if you want to keep up, I'll give you both of them when I get home." She wriggled out of his grasp and made a move sideways, as if changing her mind. In a flash he was sitting in front of her, barring her way. "It's a deal," he answered with a sigh; he didn't like it one bit, but the gems were worth it. "Where do you live?" He didn't flinch a bit when Ronnica told him the name of the hotel they were staying at and set of at a brisk pace, the pale female keeping at his side. They crisscrossed streets, squares, even climbed over walls and backyards. But in less than twenty minutes they were standing in front of the building, "Royal Arms" welcoming Ronnica for the second time in the same day. Now it was her turn. She led her guide to the courtyard, and was relieved when she saw the window still open. "I'll just call to my father to open the door," she said softly to her companion, "You can't open it from the outside." She had no idea if it was true or not, but the doors sported no handles. She cupped her paws around her mouth and called out softly towards the first storey window: "Ylaumpaj! Open up!"</font>
