<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td> Timestamp: Quarter: Dyo Day: 14th Year: 81378 (4) Character: Name: Nurano Unraja Age: 21oo Sex: Male Primary: Spy (Apprentince) Secondary: Elemental Sorcery (Apprentince) "Speech" Thought {Telepathy} </td></tr></table> IC: Nurano turned his jet-black head, scanning the pier he was on. The timbers creaked below his feet, and the salty sea breeze drifted overhead. The sky was turning brilliant colors in the sunset. It was a lovely location, but Nurano was here not to visit the sights, he was here to get information. Nurano knew that there were several Pro-grader and Anti-grader clans popping up, but he wasn't one for politics, and so hadn't become involved with either. Personally, he was Anti-grader, but not enough that he would join one of the groups and risk his life. He didn't want to incur the government's wrath, the were vicious. For some of his spy work, however, Nurano knew that he would have to have an alias or two that was Pro-grader. He was here tonight to visit some of the local pubs and to listen for gossip about the clans, to see if he could get information by that route. But first, Nurano had to disguise himself. He was a fairly distinctive looking fellow, being jet black except for the white gradiant on his tail. Because of this, he had chosen to come in his bipedal form, wearing clothing. The body coverings consisted of a pair of loose khaki colored pants, a t-shirt of a none-descript green color, and a long coat, grey, that went from his shoulders to half way down his calves. The important part of the costume was the coat, because it covered his tail. His tattoo was also gone, covered by the pants. Nurano had also enlisted the help of his Seductress cousin Jyta in this mission, and she had added a destinctive pair of markings to his face with dye, a large white splotch over each eye. I'm probably over prepared, but better safe than sorry, eh? he thought to himself. Once Nurano had assured himself that nobody was watching him, he meandered on over to a nearby pub. Jyta had told him this place was great for finding out gossip, and he had decided to take her advice. Even if he didn't find any information, the beer there was supposed to be great. He stepped inside the bar, finding it nicely full, but not too much so, with 'dragons sitting at various locations and talking in quiet voices. There was a large window towards the ocean, and somebody had left a table free there. Nurano walked to the bar and ordered a beer, then went with his glass to the empty table, waiting for the right 'dragon to come along.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Name: Javelin Valimos Alias: Terrir Race Age: 18oo Gender: Male Primary: Spy, Journeyman Secondary: Shapeshifting, Journeyman Tetiary: Musician, Journeyman Quatenary: Songwriting, Journeyman Profile: http://shadowlack.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=1655View</a>.</td></tr></table> <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Pubs were the best place to be whenever one wanted to get information. Jace was a careful spy. Because his markings were very distinctive - going so far as to be utterly unique - the salt-and-pepper Pro-Grader spy tended to cover them up wherever he went. He had various aliases, ones that he used at different times. Today in particular he was Terrir Race, a relatively unknown pendragon, seeing as it was a disguise he rarely used. One that involved faking that he was neutral in his stance as far as the Graders went. As if he were just a money seeker, as far as spying went. Hired out to whoever paid the most, whether they were Pro or Anti-Grader. All he had to do in order to be Terrir was dye his fur a rich midnight blue, which allowed his black markings to melt very well into the background. Except under direct sunlight, they weren't visible. He wasn't planning on roaming around under the sun's piercing rays, anyway. To complete the transformation from Javelin to Terrir, the male had donned a variety of discreet clothing. From the black cowboy hat that adorned his head, complimented by a dark black trench coat, covering the rest of his body in its swooping embrace. As a matter of fact, various weapons were hidden beneath, only the edges of pale denim jeans visible near his feet, which were covered in cowboy boots - black. Like most of his attire, otherwise. Though he wore a pair of silver earrings, to compliment the silver contacts he wore to make Terrir a more complete character. Beneath the hat, if he ever took it off, was a black bandanna that pulled his ears back, so that they were plastered tightly to his head, though the tips peeked out, and it didn't limit his hearing by any means - strange though that might seem, it was a design he had used time and time again. It made him seem like he might be harder of hearing, when it truly did nothing to handicap his senses. Javelin approached his favorite "gossip" spot with a careful saunter to his steps that was confident and somewhat intimidating in nature. The sharp glances back and forth with silver eyes also indicated a keen nature. As he approached the bar, the pendragon gestured grandly at the 'keep and ordered a subdued drink, though one that caused a few stares to be sent in his direction. The barkeep didn't miss a beat, handing him the desired beverage in an iced mug. Valimos tossed glances in both direction and spotted someone sitting all alone - strange, for this pub - so he wandered in that direction. A careful smile was plastered on his face, though there was a significantly wary tilt to his head, even as he spoke in a seemingly casual manner. <font color=maroon>"Mind if I sit 'ere 'r were y' s'pectin' someone?"</font> The accent was Terrir's, not Jace's, but it was in keeping with the character. Thus it was supposed to be. Even if it was a bit hard to understand for some.
"Mind if I sit 'ere 'r were y' s'pectin' someone?" Nurano looked up, slightly startled. He had stopped really paying atttention to his surroundings for a moment, and hadn't heard the pendragon coming over. Before his inaction was noticed, he nodded and made a sweeping gesture over the seat. "Go right ahead." His accent had been changed slightly, most pendragons probably wouldn't have noticed. Although he was from Bhim, he had changed his accent slightly to be the same as his girlfriend Nafel's. She was, as far as he knew, from Swaraj. The change was slight, it had more to do with enunciation and phrasing than anything else. Nurano sat, studying the 'dragon. He was dark, with the midnight pelt and black hat and trenchcoat. Silver eyes and earings, as well. He was certainly impressive, more so than Nurano in his laid-back khakis and t-shirt. Not that I'm complaining. Anything that helps me fade into the background is fine by me. Nurano took a sip from his beer, swishing it around in his mouth before swallowing. He drank slowly, as this was to be his only beer while he was here. Even if he did have the high tolerence that was hereditary, as could be whitnessed by his cousin who could drink him under the table, he didn't want his tongue to be loose tonight. Too bad, this beer is good. I'll have to come back some other time. While Nurano probably would have struck up a conversation had he been off duty, so to speak, he was silent tonight. He wasn't going to introduce himself unless he had to... Or unless the 'dragon gave a clue as to his political views. Nurano stared into his tankard, his reflection staring back at him.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Sorry that this was delayed. xx;</td></tr></table> <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin gave a slight smile at the startled look on the face of the other male. Of course it was to be expected, seeing as Valimos hadn't come in with a flourish. It had been a subtle entrance, one unnoticed by any but those who cared to look. Then there was Nurando, who had been interrupted by the fact that he needed company. In order to get information, after all, it was necessary. There was no way for him to get that out of himself. Seeing as the reason that he sought it was because he didn't have the information. Otherwise there would be no reason for Valimos to be here at all. It wasn't as if he would prefer to spend his time here in a pub, rather than enjoying a bit of peace and quiet with his beloved, Okkie. Even if she was, currently, likely to be in classes. He could have joined her. Or vice versa. The only reason that the spy was being a bit flashy was because it was part of the character. One that had been created long ago, earlier in the career of the very young eighteen-year-old. Terrir was an interesting one to play, seeing as a lot of the land's residents would recognize him for one reason or another. He dabbled in artifacts and little magical trinkets as well as spying. A reputation that he had established long ago, so that it was set in place, and none would dispute his right or reason for being here. Something that had gotten a lot of pendragons in trouble, in the past, not thinking things through. The male pendragon had to be aware of everything, every potential and everything that wasn't simply probable, it was impossible to escape. So many facets that he had to observe in order for it to be absolutely complete. Perfection was something that Jace sought most avidly. The gesture to sit was taken with a slight nod of gratitude, Valimos sinking into the seat with a slight elegance that lent power to his presence. Though it wasn't intended to convey itself to the entire bar, merely to Nurando. To make sure that he didn't think Jace was merely being showy. To prove that it was reality, he was here and was in charge, confident. That was the way that Terrir was. A bit of a showy 'dragon, too, though, so if it came off as somewhat fake and intended to impress, then so be it. That was something Terrir would do, so it was no big deal if that was what Nurando thought. Tilting his head a bit to the side, Javelin pondered what to say, and, abruptly, spoke. <font color=maroon>"So, lad, wh's a youngin' lik' you doin' 'round 'ere?"</font>
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>'Tis fine, 'tis fine. And sorry to bug you about this, but it's Nurano, not Nurando. </td></tr></table> IC: As the newcomer made a slight show of taking a seat, Nurano raised his eyebrows. While he normally would have taken that as an annoying personality trait and given a cold shoulder to the other 'dragon, tonight he ignored it. Nurano took another sip of beer before answering the 'dragon's query. He was being slow that night. His character, Anras Terami, was not the brightest of the bunch. He was polite, yes, and kind, but he was also stupid and very very slow to do anything. <span style='color:gray'>A lad, he thinks me. Either that, or he's just being condescending. Lovely.</span> Setting the beer mug down, Nurano replied to the question in a tone that made it seem as if every word had to travel on its own to his tongue, instead of in a sentance. <span style='color:gray'>"I'm just,"</span> there was a slight pause there, as if he was thinking, <span style='color:gray'>"Getting a beer. What about you, sir?"</span> <span style='color:gray'>Again, very polite.</span> Nurano still had to think about his current alias. This was a bit of a pilot mission for Anras. <span style='color:gray'>I probably won't use him much after tonight, though. Once I find out enough information, I'm off to make a new one. A Pro-grader.</span> The character Nurano normally used here had met an untimely end due to bad buissness decisions. Several unsatisfied customers had come after him, or what they thought was him. In reality it was a small creature with an illusion over it, big enough to pass for the wiry 'dragon, but nonetheless the "death" of the shopkeeper made it unwise to make an apperance in his garb. If the 'dragon across from him checked with anyone, they would not know enough about Anras to track him down or find out that he was an alias. <span style='color:gray'>At least, I hope.</span>
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Shooot... sorry about that. I completely misread, heh. :3</td></tr></table> <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Ah, it was very much Terrir to call someone older than him "youngin'", as if the other pendragon had seen less merely because they weren't Race. Now if he had been a real pendragon, the arrogant and self-important Terrir would have been rather disliked, if secretly feared, by most everyone around here. Seeing as if he had spent more time in the bars, there would have been more reason to be afraid of him. Race was a self-absorbed little cheapskate, though. Just out to make a quick buck on information, whether it influenced the ways of Ramath-lehi or not. Heck, if he had known where the Graders were vacationing for some reason, Terrir would have sold that information in a heartbeat. Along with the best way to kill them and the passwords into their presence. Which, naturally, meant that it was a very good thing Race was merely a Pro-Grader's character. One who would never betray such information, though outdated stuff was occasionally sold by him. There were rumors that he had been told a lot of information, though, about the Grader movement as well as the Anti-Grader one. As anyone who lived here and dabbled in a bit of idle gossip might know. Not so idle, really, but Jace wasn't about to let on that it was anything but, seeing as it assisted him in more ways than one. This beast of his creation needed a bit of a reputation, after all. The male's eyes narrowed a bit at the comment of the other, as if in silent contemplation about something. Leaning forward conspirationally, he murmured a few key words. <font color=maroon>"I'm out here in search of someone... someone who has information I want."</font> He replied with an exagerrated wink, drawing his finger up to tap it against his muzzle in a "shh, our secret" sort of way. With that, he leaned back, then looped his fingers through the handle on his glass and lifted it for a quick sip. It cooled his throat as it rolled down, entering his belly and giving him an instant happy buzz. One that he ignored, as he was on a job. It was one of the things he had been specifically trained to do. Drink a large amount of alchohol and never miss a beat.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Heh, it's fine. ^_^</td></tr></table> IC: Nurano raised his eyebrows at the his companion's comment. <span style='color:gray'>"You can trust me, aye."</span> He grinned and gave a big wink. Nurano hoped he practically screamed "farmer's boy", and that this mysterious male would treat him as too dumb to remember anything. Perhaps he would let his guard down, and let some information slip. Nurano took another sip of his beer. It looked like a big gulp, but was in reality a small sip, barely a few drops. <span style='color:gray'>That's a useful sleight of hand, that is.</span> Anras, had he been more than an alias, would have been extremely good about guarding this rare information. He was fairly subservient, probably a farmer's second son. Very polite, but not very bright, he'd do whatever he was told. All in all, Nurano hoped he'd give off an aura of idiocy; people were less likely to watch their tongues around those that they thought dumb. <span style='color:gray'>So... he's here to meet someone. Maybe. Either that, or he's lying. Let's see if I can find out, eh?</span> Putting his beer mug down, Nurano spoke up. <span style='color:gray'>"M'name's Anras."</span> He held out his paw for the other to shake. <span style='color:gray'>"An' don't you worry, sir, your secret's safe with me."</span> <span style='color:gray'>Now let's see if he says anything more.</span> Nurano kept his hand out, smiling like the country bumpkin he hoped he looked like.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Delayed again. Hopefully this is the last time... 'm sorriiie. xx;</td></tr></table> <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Jace wasn't easily duped and this kid seemed like he was playing the game. Not many that weren't hung out around here. Even fewer would have wanted to hear about the information that Javelin was seeking. Though the spy wasn't even too sure that he was inclined to let any of his own knowledge slip into someone else's fingers. Only harmless stuff could be told and that was often not what someone else wanted to hear. They didn't care what the Graders were having for dinner - it was far more top secret info that they wanted. A fair trade would mean that if he told them the Graders were having something for dinner, they would, in turn, tell him what their movement's leaders were eating. Which wasn't anything that he cared to know, either. All of this was just an example, naturally. They didn't generally discuss that sort of thing. Mostly because not even members of the groups tended to know what it was that their head honchos were chowing on, anyway. The swig of a drink that the other male took was observed with keen eyes, but there was no way of telling how much the other had consumed. It was unlikely that it was as much as it seemed, unless the other had a very high tolerance. Which might be something that a country bumpkin would have. Especially if his parents were the sort that made alchoholic beverages at home. Then it might be something that they drank as frequently as water. Not uncommon, really. Though Valimos was extremely wary of the overly innocent appearance of the other. His completely trustworthy way. As if the spy should just melt and spill his guts to a complete stranger. Maybe the one who seemed inclined to avoid revealing the truth was also a spy and thought his act was a perfected one, one that a spy of over ten years wouldn't catch. It was possible, but it wasn't that the act was a bad one. Merely that Jace wasn't inclined to believe it. It was too good of a scenario to be true. <font color=maroon>"Oh, I don't worry at all, be assured."</font> The spy replied with a congenial smile, reaching out his hand and taking the other's firmly, a slightly hardened manner suddenly curving his lips. <font color=maroon>"Race. Terrir Race."</font> His grip was similarly hard, muscles tightening firmly so that he could give a handshake proper to a man. The sort that wasn't meant to intimidate - merely to warn. If the other was going to think he could outmanuever the midnight blue spy, he would be sorely mistaken. Yet the other's mitt was released as quickly as it was grasped, Jace leaning back comfortably once more and watching the other keenly, all traces of the hardness from earlier vanished. As if he had never been that aware and knowing male which had shown earlier. Though he had revealed it on purpose.
Nurano dropped his hand onto the table, released from the shake. He blinked slowly, and turned his head out towards the bar, feigning people watching. There were some interesting characters there, including a female with a gossamer-delicate tail flame. It was very lovely. Nurano pretended to take great interest in it. Meanwhile, he was thinking. <span style='color:gray'>Gods, I think he's a spy. Lovely. Just lovely.</span> Nurano didn't know why he thought that, but something about the other seemed... fake. Like he was playing with Nurano <span style='color:gray'>Damn. I've been acting far too innocent. I need a reason... I'm just newly moved here, I suppose. Here on business for my father.</span> Nurano paused, thinking. <span style='color:gray'>No, that won't work. If I'm on business I wouldn't be so naive. Hm...</span> Nurano thought for several minutes, taking a swig of beer now and again. He didn't bother faking how large the swigs were, Nurano did have a very high tolerance. As Nurano thought, he further filled with dread. <span style='color:gray'>Bloody... Think. Gods, I should've had a story. I should've had a story.</span> Nurano switched his gaze to a different spot of the bar, just so that it would not seem that he was transfixed with the femme. <span style='color:gray'>I know... My father is old, and has sent me to stay with relatives and be trained. I've just moved here, explaining my naivety, and I'm not required to know much, which explains my stupidity. Good! I shan't tell him unless he asks, though.</span> Nurano turned his head back at his companion and took another sip of beer. His mug was about half empty now. He figured that he needed to think of something to talk about. Something neutral, hopefully. Bars would be a good topic, he figured, since they were unpolitical and made sense to talk about, if he was a country boy that was new in the area. <span style='color:gray'>"So, Terrir sir, is this bar the best in the area? I just moved here, and this place has good beer. Weak though, compared to what me dad makes, though."</span> He smiled, waiting for a reply.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin smiled thinly as the attention of the other male turned from Valimos himself to a somewhat stunning specimen of female off somewhere else. The tail flame was an interesting mutation, one that caused a half-interested glance from the spy. Of course he didn't care much, as far as actual attraction or whatever might be considered, seeing as he had a mate. One that he wouldn't leave for a goddess, much less another mere mortal who just happened to be lovely. Which meant that he could appreciate her beauty, but had no other reaction besides that. It would seem that the country boy had further interest, though. Either that or he was trying to hide something. Which seemed more likely to Jace. Then again, he did like to assume it was the worst, but hope for the best. Oh, but the spy was having fun. There was something intensely interesting about toying with the mind of this other man. The one who had an identity developed poorly. Maybe he was this flat, though, and was truly some innocent bumpkin who just happened to set Jace's nerves on end. The spy had learned long ago to follow his instincts, though, knowing very well that his opinions could be easily muddled by the fake actions of someone else, and desiring the sweet purity of something he didn't control. It wasn't manipulated, it was completely true to what pendragons were, as a species. Created by the gods to keep 'dragons alive. All animals had base instincts, though more intelligent beasts had more developed ones. That was the case of the pendragons. Well, the male's companion certainly seemed fascinated by the strange lady that was nearby. Javelin was surprised that she hadn't stalked over and slapped the other male for his direct gaze. Then again, it was more relaxed here than in a lot of bars that he had entered. More peaceful and far less dangerous. So many here truly were fresh and unaware. So oblivious in their nature that they were blissfully ignorant of the blood that was spilled daily, of the warfare between factions. Though it wasn't an obvious battle, so there were a lit of Ramathian citizens that were unaware of the state of things. It was all going to hell. That was what it felt like to Valimos, anyway. Everything was in a downward spiral and the rebellious Anti-Graders were on the rise. It wouldn't be long before they had a large group together and led a civil war. Taking another quiet swig of his drink, the midnight blue male gave a congenial grin in the direction of his newfound "friend" as the kid turned his eyes back toward Jace, rather than gaping at the woman. Though he was actually older than Jace, the spy often found himself thinking of others that were his age or a bit older as still young and so fresh. Because few had been in the business he was a part of for as long as him. Unless they had, somehow, come into their abilities early, as he had. Eleven years. That was how long he had been in. Very odd for an eighteen-year-old pendragon. <font color=maroon>"Well, lad, it's my favorite. There are some other places with more heavy beer, though, for the harder drinkers. Definitely something special about this place's stuff, though."</font>
In response to the other 'dragon's reply about the beer, Nurano smiled. He had a fair idea of what was in this beer, actually. It was rather interesting, beer brewing. It wasn't something that Nurano had much time to indulge in, being busy with his studies and whatnot, but it was something that he thought he might take up when he was older. That, however, was beside the point for the ebony male. He was beginning to be scared. Not in a this-is-unusual-and-a-little-dangerous way, but in a I-could-seriously-get-hurt way. It was not a feeling he was used to. Being from Bhim, he had learned how to dodge most attacks from his fellow 'dragons at a young age. His parents had taught him some things as well, and when he had begun to study Magic his specialty had been spells to defend himself. He was fairly adept, but no where near as good as many 'dragons he knew, such as Nafel, and she was much his younger. Nurano knew that there was no reason to assume that the 'dragon didn't have similar or superior amounts of skill with magic. <span style='color:gray'>Hope for the best, plan for the worst. I don't know that he's malicious, but why take chances?</span> He knew that he had to get away. <span style='color:gray'>But how? It must be subtle, or at least normal seeming and not too abrupt. I can get the information another time, it's not worth me getting hurt over. Actually... forget subtle. I just need out.</span> He took another sip of his beer, wiping his muzzle with the back of his paw. He had decided his course of escape. Looking at the nearby timepiece, he fumbled in his pockets. He placed a fairly authentic look of dismay on his face, and raised his empty paw disbelieving me to his face. <span style='color:gray'>"I'm truly sorry to ask about this, sir, but my aunt told me to meet her and m'uncle at their house here in about half an hour, and I've lost the directions. Do you know the best way to get to 382 Dastil St. from here? I know the general direction, but no more than that."</span> He tried his very best to look like an innocent country bumpkin, and nothing more.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin was rather enjoying himself. It wasn't him that was squirming, after all. His guise was perfect. Terrir was just a bit of an annoying pendragon. In fact, Valimos rather disliked him. Which was odd, considering the fact that Valimos and Race were, in essence, one and the same. It wasn't a facet of him, though, it was a character he had created for the purpose of information. Because simply being Jace wouldn't work. No, indeed, the black-marked male knew very well that Terrir Race was an imagined beast who could never and would never exist. Thank the gods. He was quite the irritating little bugger, so it was a good thing that Jace would never have a chance to meet him. Seeing as he would have to strangle the midnight male and that would be a waste of his first kill. Yet it was clear that there was something going on behind the other man's eyes. Not that it was evident what, exactly, was happening, but that whole country bumpkin thing didn't work when Nurano was having so many pauses. If he had been from out among the crops, Jace would have expected him to be eager to learn from a city dweller. In awe, too, if he hadn't been around someone as "rich and interesting" as Terrir Race. Would probably be looking to possibly get a job with "Master Terrir". This man seemed disinterested, though, in charming Race, which was odd. Every other newcomer to the Piers had been inclined to get their grubby hands on some of Javelin's riches because they had never seen anything like it before. They were often lost, too, in a place like this. Aware of their surroundings in a keen fashion. Being country people as they were. Taking another sip of his drink, Javelin gave a warm, entirely fake smile. It looked sincere, of course, though the thought never reached his eyes, which might be evident to the observant. This other pendragon was getting steadily more suspicious. What sort of bumpkin had the polite manners of this lad? Surely not any that Valimos had ever met. Most of them drank and enjoyed toasts, too, because that was what they did at home. Often they were proud of their high tolerance, too, and flaunted it by chugging as much as they could, trying to drink a partner under the table. Then again, Jace was picking out so many flaws that might just be different about this particular male. Unlikely though it was, it was a possibility that the spy reluctantly considered. There was his proof, though. The fact that the other "accidentally forgot he had to be somewhere". Of course he did! It was an escape route, of course, something that Jace took in with a slight nod and an amused chuckle, as if he was Terrir the helpful, at the moment. Prepared to help a poor country kid get to his destination. Not Javelin Valimos, who was going to trail the other and demand the truth from him. Even if he didn't want information, still, Jace was merely curious. That was how the male's mind worked. <font color=maroon>"Sure. Take a left after you leave here, go straight for a couple of blocks, turn right, go down the first alleyway you see, and you just cut across. Then you'll be on Dastil. From there you should be able to find your way."</font>
Nurano studied Terrir's face. Even if he had just given him a quick glance, he would have known that the smile was fake. Though the mouth was posed realistically enough, it didn't reach the eyes. Either Terrir was completely uninterested and strongly disliked "Anras", or he was on to Nurano. Nurano was pretty sure it was the latter. Nurano knew his escape plan was flimsy, and knew that the other 'dragon (if he was half as intelligent as he seemed) would be aware of it also. At this point, he didn't really care. Either way, he was just wanting to leave, and if the other 'dragon followed him, so be it. If he tried to hurt Nurano, the midnight colored male could hold him off for a little while, at least. It'd be long enough for Nurano to get away. Hopefully. In response to Terrir's directions, Nurano nodded. He actually would have gone about it a different way, but he was pretty sure that Terrir's version would get him there just as quickly. <span style='color:gray'>"Left, straight a couple've blocks, right and down the first alleyway? I think I can remember that."</span> He smiled, and his was just as sincere as Terrir's. Meaning it wasn't. Nurano stood, picking up his mug and draining the last few drops of beer. <span style='color:gray'>"Well, Terrir sir, I must be going. My thanks for the directions, I should be able to get there without any trouble."</span> Nurano smiled and nodded, placing his mug back on the table. His plan now was to beat a hasty retreat, and, following Terrir's directions, head to Dastil. Nurano actually did have an aunt that lived there, his father's sister. She ran a small tavern, and lived above. She knew what Nurano's trade was, and would let him in without question. Knowing this, Nurano headed towards the door, nodding and waving at the bartender. Stepping into the slightly salty air, he turned left, starting on the directions. It was just towards the tail end of sunset, and the water was quite pretty. He turned his head away from the water and concentrated on where he was going, so as not to trip. Nurano hoped he wasn't being followed.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Tell me if this seems powerplayish for whatever reason? Because... I worry, heh. <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin was far from acting like a jovial beast just for this other male's sake. As a matter of fact he was disinclined to add any comfort to his newfound companion's status. There was no reason to pretend otherwise, not anymore. Besides, Race as a character wouldn't have been inclined to be entirely polite or totally true with this other man, either. Which made it all the easier to be a bit aloof and untrusting in his actions. Slightly less forward than some might have desired out of the darkly dyed pendragon. Such was the way things had to work, though. At least for now. This other was an unlucky one, having caught the attention of a Pro-Grader who meant business and would get the information out of his "victim" whether the other was willing to give it or not. Things had changed drastically from when Valimos had first gotten here. The male before him had been so smoothly a part of his role, then, acting his part as well as he could. Maybe it was just that Jace was suspicious of anyone at first which brought the usually rather kind male to believe that "Andas" was not who he claimed to be. He could have met with Zamfir Grader himself and been wary that it wasn't actually the great Ramathian leader. That was the way that a spy's mind had to work, though. Otherwise he might have missed one of the signs that showed the truth: this was no country bumpkin. Doubtless it was another spy who was trying to glean information off of the unsuspecting. Unfortunately for him that wouldn't be happening today. At least not here. Jace listened to what the slightly older male had to say with a tight smile on his lips. He had caught the insincerity that mirrored his own and was vaguely interested to see it. So he wasn't even going to pretend anymore. Now it was just the getaway that occupied his companion's thoughts, assuredly. A desperation to be out in the fresh air, to be away from Terrir Race. Which wasn't really all that shocking, seeing as he had been "discovered" and any spy would recognize that for what it was. Then again, this hasty retreat he was beating put the other male onto rather thin ice. Who was to say it wouldn't crack and break beneath the other as he scrambled for safety? The kid was smart, though, in a sense. Though Valimos could feel the tension, this other spy - at least he presumed the other male was also a spy - seemed to retain a certain part of his character. At least he remained polite and almost reserved, in a sense, as if he was hoping that Javelin was showing the wrong hand, hadn't realized the truth. As Nurano spoke in farewell and entirely fake gratitude, "Terrir" smiled, lips skinning back from his teeth in a not-quite-vicious manner. It was more toothy and dark than would have been normal for such an end to their meeting, but Jace didn't care anymore. The other male had clearly already discredited his own story. <font color=maroon>"Oh, no problem, lad. Best of luck."</font> Taking a swig of his own beer, the male remained sitting there for a count of fifty, then another count of ten. Lifting his mug and draining the remainder of his beverage, the male walked over to the bartender. Sliding the cup to the owner, the spy tipped his hat in farewell, then walked after his companion. Obviously the other was planning on taking the directions that Jace had given - so as not to appear suspicious to Terrir, naturally. Which meant that Valimos could easily cut him off. So long as the spy hadn't been wrong in his presumptions about where the lad was going. Thankfully, he hadn't been, and the male easily slid into the alleyway before his "friend" got there. So it was similarly easy to step out of the shadows and tilt his head, addressing the other male with calm authority. <font color=maroon>"So who are you really?"</font>
Nurano knew, as "Terir" (for he was quite certain now, as he had been for some time, that the other was not who he seemed) stepped out from the shadows, he shouldn't act surprised. Disobeying his instincts to jump, he blinked calmly. <span style='color:gray'>So he followed me. No surprise there.</span> Nurano tried his best to look as calm and composed as he knew the other probably was, and he felt that he had mastered his fear fairly well. After all, that was what he'd been trained to do since he'd first come to Janardian, and before that, in Bhim. Done composing himself, Nurano replied. His tone was not loud, but it was more than a whisper. Anyone outside of the alleyway would have trouble hearing him, but not the 'dragon to whom he was speaking. <span style='color:gray'>"Who am I? I'm a Spy, as you no doubt know. After all, you're one yourself, correct?"</span> Nurano raised his eyebrows slightly. Although his attention seemed focused entirely on "Terrir" (for Nurano still did not know his name), part of it was on magic. Well, Fronima, to be more precise. Nurano was siphoning of energy from Fronima, slowly setting it into place as a shield. The spell was invisible to any eye but his, and perhaps another mage if he or she was looking for that spell specifically. To him, it appeared as a slightly blue-tinted bubble around himself. It was transparent enough that it didn't interfere with his vision. The spell took a large amount of energy to build, so it was nowhere near completion yet. However, the bubble would still protect him from minor things. Not that he thought he was in immediate danger, yet. It was likely that he would be soon, though. <span style='color:gray'>Hopefully the shield will hold off the worst of what he decides to do.</span>
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Again, feel free to tell me if this is powerplay... ... haha, been meaning to bring up his sorcery scenting, though. The opportunity never presented itself. And now it has. :D <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin watched the other for any signs of fear and admired the fact that the other male showed none of the telltale signals. Which didn't mean that his emotions were entirely hidden, merely that they weren't obvious. Then again, Valimos was probably making something out of nothing. After all, he was very sure that the other male was going to be surprised, at least slightly. Because if he had suspected that "Terrir" would trail him, then this other man would probably have dissuaded himself from the idea, at least partially, daring to hope that he was wrong about Jace. Which he wasn't. Poor chap. As the other male spoke, Jace permitted a slight smile to curl silently around his lips. This kid was good. Or, rather, had the potential to be good. Great, even, perhaps, if he tried hard enough. It wasn't hard to deduce that Valimos was a spy as well, but there was something about how Nurano had acted earlier that struck a particular chord in the dark Pro-Grader. It would be a shame if today came to harm, as this other pendragon seemed more likable as a friend than an enemy. The spy had very few real friends, but this one appeared to be the sort he could get to know and like rather quickly. Which, actually, made Valimos all the more wary. It was always the most innocent ones. Though he wasn't a mage, his family was renowned for having sorcerers and the like, of both light and dark sorts. Thus when the shield came up, Jace's eyes widened a bit, fingers flickering upward in warding. For a second he hadn't been able to sense if it was aggressive or defensive magic, so it was best to start his own anti-magic defenses. He wasn't capable of anything but the very simplest of spells (household stuff, the kind his mom had taught him) but he could sense it. Magic was a reek to him, something he could smell, taste, and hear, in a sense. His father had viciously taught his son this trait, even though Jace had refused to learn sorcery. It was good, for a spy, anyway, to be able to sense magic. It wasn't an acquired skill, though, it was something "inborn". That was what Javelin's dad had called it, anyway. A smart move, to protect himself, for this other male. However, it just irked Jace more, because he could feel it. The thrum of sorcery was unpleasant, because it brought back memories, things left buried in his mind. Of forced lessons with his uncles and father, the anger in all of them when he refused to use the talent they were sure he had. Which he probably did, the spy had just never been inclined to dig deep and find it. Then again, his father wasn't his sire, which he had told the older man when __ insisted that it was a family role. Then again, __'s family also had a history rich with magic. One of the reasons that the pair had married. Political, but also full of love, was their marriage. <font color=maroon>"Bloody hell, couldja wait for me to attack you to put on that cursed shield? 's rather irritating to the senses."</font> Jace commented, glaring balefully at Nurano. It tingled his senses and reminded him of home; two things he didn't particularly like. <font color=maroon>"So are you going to be a polite young man or must I force you to have manners? I really do prefer the former, you know. Oh, as for your question... I'll just leave that unanswered with your presumptions. What about your purpose, lad?"</font> He almost immediately cursed himself for saying "lad". That was more in character than anything, as he wasn't older than Nurano. It was a gentle enough inquiry, though, because the spy didn't want to hurt the other male. In truth, it wasn't much in Javelin's nature to be cruel.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Why indeed the opportunity did. ^^; No powerplay, life is good. *nod* </td></tr></table> IC: At the other's request, Nurano was surprised. He was surprised both that the other had sensed the shield (sense he hadn't put one of his own up, Nurano was fairly sure he wasn't much of a mage), and that it had triggered such a reaction in him. It seemed to touch a nerve, but Nurano wasn't sure why. Nor was he ever likely to find out, unfortunately. Nurano hated leaving questions unanswered. Nurano dropped his shield, albeit cautiously. Growing up in Bhim, he had quite quickly learned the truth in "Better Safe than Sorry". If you didn't protect yourself there, no one would go out of their way to do so. <span style='color:gray'>"Apologies for the shield. I'm a cautious sort when it comes to keeping my own hide unscathed. Keeps you alive."</span> He smiled slightly at that, knowing that in this situation the principle held most true. Nurano shifted slightly, thinking about how to answer the other's question. On the one hand, he didn't seem eager to hurt Nurano, really. Not at the moment, at least. On the other, if he did reveal his purpose, it might anger the other. Nurano was unaware of his "friend"'s political affiliation, and if he was fervently Pro or Anti-Grader, it might make him angrier. Finally, Nurano decided to tell the truth. Not because he really wanted to, but simply because the other was a seemingly superior spy, and could probably smell the lie a mile away. <span style='color:gray'>"I'd quite prefer to be polite, myself. Unless I'm given reason not to be, 'tis my default mode."</span> He continued, after drawing in a breath. <span style='color:gray'>"My purpose was to find out how I could go about joining one of the Pro-grader groups. I myself am neutral, I've not got a head for politics, but certain 'dragons are more likely to tell you information when they know you're on their side."</span> Nurano had really only been hoping to get information for his back story, he didn't care about the Graders' secrets. He thought it best to add that. <span style='color:gray'>'I'm not interested in political information, really, I don't care about the Graders' secrets. I just wanted a back story for one of my aliases, nothing more."</span> He stopped, thinking that he had answered the other's question as best he could.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Grr... I'm sorry. I really thought I had replied to this. I've really delayed this thread and for that I apologize again. xx; <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin shifted slightly, so that his weight was more evenly spread across both of his legs. It was a simple movement, one that conveyed nothing of the spy's emotions. Some might be foolish and take it as nervousness, but that would be their fault, and they could go on thinking that. Because it wouldn't hurt Jace to have them believing that. It might make them do something brash and stupid. Of course, the quiet, stony look on his face would make the slight movement very insignificant. At least to anyone who was paying attention to details. Which, it was possible, Nurano wasn't. Then again, as he was clearly a spy, Valimos doubted it very much. There was a certain tension to the joints in his fingers, which were cleverly hidden by folding them over his forearms, that showed how grating the shield was on Jace's senses. Of course it wouldn't matter if Nurano kept the magical barrier up, as Valimos would simply have to make things physical to make the magical shield go away. Then again, maybe that wouldn't work. It really depended on the situation. Maybe Jace would just leave. Which would probably be what the other spy wanted, ultimately. Because the Journeyman was sure that his presence wasn't pleasant. Javelin gave a slight nod in response to what the other said, the slightest smile acknowledging the truth of Nurano's words. It was true, better safe than sorry. However, things might get worse if the mage kept the shield up and agitated the nerves of his current companion. Thus the removal of said barrier was quite intelligent of Jace's new "friend". Of course things might have still remained polite if the other hadn't removed it. It just depended, really. It was hard for Valimos to say when it hadn't happened. The young adult would really prefer to find this all out through decent conversation, though, rather than having to go into a darker mode. One that Nurano didn't want to see, that was something that the Pro-Grader spy knew for sure. As the other spy continued, Jace listened, taking in the story with a fair ear. It sounded reasonable to him, though he wasn't sure how to take the fact that the other could be using information gained to sell to the Anti-Graders. After all, there were some things that might appear insignificant among "friends", but it could be very important in the hands of the enemy. However, there seemed to be honesty in what the other said. Warily, Jace nodded. If that was all, then he sure had been skittish after he learned that his company was no normal bar visitor. <font color=maroon>"Then why the hasty exit? You sure seemed edgy back there."</font>
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>No problem. My party thread has been keeping me plenty busy. ^_^</td></tr></table> IC: Nurano nodded slightly at the other's question. It was fair, he had beat a hasty retreat, and he had panicked. Though in his mind it was simply a fight or flight type base response, he knew that it looked suspicious. Especially to a Spy, or even an observant 'dragon of reasonable intelligence. The black male took a moment more to compose himself. He settled firmly on his two feet, shoulders back, dark brown eyes meeting Javelin's. He wanted to project an aura of truthfulness and courage, so as to seem stronger than he was. It was an acting trick, a small thing, but one that had served Nurano (and countless generations of actors) well. <span style='color:gray'>"The edginess and hasty retreat were simply because I didn't know your intent. I knew I had gotten as much information as you would possibly give within reason, and I was quite possibly wading into dangerous territory asking for more."</span> This was the truth, albeit slightly watered down. Nurano knew that he probably shouldn't have panicked like he did and run, but he had, like an inexperienced student. It was simply a slip, and he knew that he would be beating himself up for it an hour after he quit talking with his interrogator. <span style='color:gray'>If I'm still around to do so...</span> He would have smiled at the thought, had he not been in front of Javelin. As it was, his stony expression remained. He flicked his ear slightly, waving away a fly or a gnat. He didn't bother looking to see what it was, his too was busy maintaining eye contact with Javelin. Another actor's trick, it allowed him to see what the other's reactions were more clearly. It was helpful in catching split-second thoughts that might escape and be of use. Nurano, fully prepared to face anymore questioning, waited for a reply
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Yay! I actually replied fast(er) this time! :D <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> In truth, Valimos grew tired of this interrogative talking. He wasn't the type to enjoy putting another - seemingly innocent - spy on the spot. Of course no spy was entirely innocent, but the Pro-Grader was disinclined to presume that this other male was anything but what he said he was. After all, what would be the point in lying? Then again, there were always secrets to be hidden. There were often too many in the hearts of those who lived the lives that Nurano and Javelin had chosen. They had to keep, transfer, and find secrets. It was part of their duties and one that sometimes weighed heavily on the heart of the young Journeyman. He was suited for this kind of work, but who could live all of their life without feeling a twinge of guilt? If there was such a pendragon, the Spy would love to meet them. After all, they must have some secret as to how they did it. It was all that Jace could do to keep from chortling out loud. There was something strangely comical about the way that the other male set himself up, as if he was a statue who needed a specific look or the artist would be dissatisfied and destroy his work. Of course he couldn't let the other spy know that his stance wasn't as intimidating as, assuredly, Nurano hoped it was. Maybe it would have been, in normal circumstances, but Javelin was an odd one in general and he found amusement in many things that others would regard quite seriously. Now that he looked again, there was a certain amount of confidence portrayed by the position, he simply couldn't accept it at face value, because he had laughed out loud, inwardly, when it first started, and it was almost impossible to change the spy's mind about something when it was set on a specific idea already. Right now, he had to remain firm in his interrogation, despite the fact that Jace would much rather shake hands with this other spy and go have a more open conversation in a different pub than the one they had been at before. Speak about nonsense such as what their friends were up to and stories of their childhood. Then again, maybe it was just the loneliness speaking again. It came and went so frequently these days, striking the male's heart repeatedly. Because he had no friends. That was what spies were like, though, they had to live in such a way that to have comrades would just endanger them. Dark eyes remained expressionless, though, as did is face, despite the raw pain that was currently haunting his soul. It passed quickly, though, locked away again by the talented and trained spy, who had no reason to rely on emotions and often had to rid himself of all of them. Ah, it was too bad for the other that Jace rarely showed emotion, even around his family. In fact, his father had commented, the last time he visited, on how little his eldest son did show. So rarely did a true smile break out, because he was so used to controlling and maintaining a character that he often forgot what his real personality was. He had to be his character, after all, and very few of them were the jolly sort. As Nurano spoke, the male's ears remained attentively focused. A light chuckle escaped Jace's lips at the words, though it was hollow and odd sounding to the spy's ears. Somewhat amused, sure, but not entirely truthful, which was how he intended to convey it. <font color=maroon>"Your hastiness was also rather foolish, though, I hope you realize. You let too much of your nervousness seep through, I think. Either that or I was expecting you to do something of the sort. What do you say we stop all of this interrogation stuff and start talking like peers? Which we are."</font> Javelin said with a slight quirk of his lips that was sympathetic to Nurano's position, but also vaguely admiring of the way that the other spy had handled himself after he was "caught", so to speak.
