Los Lobos: When things are bad, they get worse

[Caterpillar]

# Right, here it is - I'm in hurry so I didn't have time to do spell Check #

The port city Los Lobos. Never was a good word heard from that place. It was nest of corsairs and greed and the corruption that followed those two. But what it lacked in morality and virtue, it gained in goods and treasures. On the streets of the city you could find the best trading goods ever seen in the whole Southern Coast - and maybe even in the inland. With right amount you could purchase wonders brought beyond the sea - even small miracles if you knew where to look. City that was both rich and poor, lucky and unlucky. Glamorous and foul. It always depended on either you were winner or loser.

The current season's weather didn't help to improve city's image, not a least bit. There was a heavy moisture in the air like gray wet cloak hanging over the port city, dragging down the shreds of sunlight which managed to pry through thick dreary clouds that never left the sky. When it rained, it rained hard and if anybeast got caught by it, he wouldn't get any wetter even if you jumped right ahead to the sea.

At this far off south winters weren't never cold, but the sea become more unpredictable when warm and cold collided on the open waters. More storms roamed over the sea and many ships perished into them. Now, yet another storm was coming. Every sailor worth the sea-salt in his fur could smell it from the air. There were those who dared to set the sails anyway. Those madcaps who had unwavering trust in their sailing skills and were reckless enough take up the challenge to prove themselves among all seadogs.

Those, who weren't as restless - or brave - settled for waiting. There was many vessels anchored in the docks, meanwhile crew members searched warmness of indoors and the comfort of log-fire.

The Glorious Crew Tavern was - as any customer's payment respecting tavern in the city - open in this late hour. Although the mouse-bard Steck Vennet would think of tavern's name as some kind of ironic joke: there was really nothing glorious in the whole place. It was like spitting image of Los Lobos' reputation, being as shady and crowded by corsairs and sea-beast whose nasty sneers made you want sleep you other eye open. But thinking again, this was Los Lobos: not particularly the first place where you should seek out friends - that is, if you didn't want befriend with some cut-throat-thugs or other swindlers. So guess every tavern had this kind of costumer base.

Not that Steck complained: he had always been talented in adjusting himself in and this place paid good enough from lifting the atmosphere. Cheerful beast always ordered more even though they already had one too much.

As the last tune of his song left from his lute's strings, Steck seized the opportunity for small break, as he adjusted the lute's strings while gazing on the loud and laughing, more or less drunken, crowd of beasts.
Well, this was rather tight situation he had got himself this time, it really was... For starters, he had ended up too far off south he would have liked. He usually avoided going far in this particular direction, but he really hadn't had say to it? He had made an error to abroad wrong ship which captain turned to be a person with a loosely ideology in keeping deals. That nasty encounter had landed him here, in this port city.

He had collected some of new songs and stories, but overall this city wasn't alluring him to stay. True winter would be easier spent in the city, where he could easily trade his profession for his keeping. But Steck really wasn't that keen spending the whole winter holing up in city like Los Lobos. Places like this were bound to cause you trouble in some point. He already had more unpleasant encounters with locals, than he cared to collect. If they kept piling up - and Steck knew they would, if he stayed too long - he would eventually be forced to take up graver means ensure his safety. As Steck thought of this, he could almost feel like his curved daggers, sheathed behind his back, were burning his lower back right through the leather and tunic's fabric. As if reminding of their existence, which Steck sometimes so badly wanted to forget. Uneasiness swept through the mouse-bard, but he quickly shook it off, as he let his fingers run over the strings. The bard let the music ease his mind, as he played couple of tunes before starting new song


# ...And I have absolutely no idea what's an exact location of Los Lobos. In this thread I have made an assumption that it isn't so far south coast that snow is unknown thing there. If I was wrong in my assumption, my humply apologies... ^^''
EDIT: Ok, modified the post. ^^ #

[Rausaro]

OOC: I'm not exactly sure, but I think it was potentially sub-tropics. I'll have to hunt down some of the old topics to double check.

In the cool, dank night, Los Lobos was an unwelcoming place to savory beasts. While the ports occasionally saw a few good beasts in the form of merchants, the vast majority of the inhabitants were rogues and wavescum. Safety was out of the question; only unspoken law and corsair honor kept the violence in check. Not even such agreements could prevent a creature vanishing in the night as payment for a debt....the bodies were rarely found.


The wharves creaked as the cloaked squirrel silently made his way across the docks in a matter befitting his name. While his kind were not unknown here, it always paid to stay out of attention. As he stepped to the side to avoid a group of drunk sea rats, he bumped his head into a gold gilded sign. Partially illuminated by torchlight, it looked like it would serve his purposes. With a quick movement he slipped into the establishment.

Inside, the usual nightly clamor had largely subsided, with many of the more violent drunks already unconscious or sleeping. Wisp gingerly moved past the sprawled figures, careful not to step on the broken glass. He found a corner to lean against on the far wall, where he removed his bow and began to clean the string. His fortunes of late had not been kind on his budget; he would need to buy new fletching supplies soon.

A pleasant tune wafted over the tavern, unusual for such an establishment. Looking for the source of the sound, he realized it was a mouse. Most unusual...

[Caterpillar]

# All right -- If yoy tell me what you find, then I can modify my first post to match the facts if necessary #

The tune Steck was playing was indeed soft and slow - and because of that, it felt so misplaced on tavern full of hardboiled sea-beast whose looks would turn even sweetcake sour. In tables nasty glares were shot towards the bard as none of them hadn't come here to hear a lullaby. But if bard himself noticed the displeased grunts he seemed choose not to heed the obvious warnings. With gentle voice, like the tune he was playing, mouse started sing:



"Let me tell you this, how harsh it can be
Living your days out on the wide blue sea
Vessel could sink. The captain is a slink. Now get my hint
Don't get overboard
Ye get bitten by shark. They're more than just a bark. But right after the dark
We'll get our reward
Now pour it in me mug - But leave the jug - I drink it with one gulp
Me thirst never ignored
I is me lord and king, now let mugs go ping, while ye hear me sing..."


There was ever so brief pause as the bard-mouse left the last tunes hanging in the air - just before his fingers started moving over the strings with rapid speed, creating brisk and colorful tunes that bounced all over the tavern's walls. And when the bard continued the song, his singing had changed too, matching in this new wild rhythm:


"Ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Fill my cup once more!
Ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Let us drink 'till we snore!"


Puzzled look spread over all faces as in a flash the sleepy solo had transformed into boisterous drinking song. In back of his mind Steck laughed merrily - since he didn't enjoy nothing more than amaze the audience with something unexpected.


"Horde of beast with killing-spree
Monsters of Dark Forest no match for me
They can try as they might
but I'll be having me drink tonight
Sing ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Fill my cup once more!
Ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Let us drink 'till we snore!"


Steck raised from his seat, dancing round and round as his tail and hind paws beat the rhythm, accompanying his clear voice and fast melody of the song:


"Ye tough sea-dogs know whit I mean
Ev'rythin' can come across on the sea
But even if it's frigging purple whale
I'll still be back for my mug of ale...".


As the drunken vermin got hang on the chorus, there was no stopping them from joining in. And they were singing in terrible discord as you can expect from drunkards whose sense of rhythm was washed away with everything else.


"Siiiiing ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Fill meee cup once moreeee!
Ho-'ooray-ho-hooooo
Let us drink 'till we snoooooore!"

"So me mates reef the sails
bend yer backs, crap the bails
There's nay storm we ain't been
So here ye lads, have drink on me!
And sing ho-'ooray-ho-hoo!
Fill yer cup once more!
Ho-'ooray-ho-hoo
Let us drink 'till we snore!"


There were the final spin and last flick on the string: Steck grabbed his green hat and made a low sweeping bow.
"...Aaand that was the last one for the time being, fellows. I bid you good evening"
There was no clapping since... Well, this really wasn't tavern where well-mannered beast dwelled. But there was another sounds of approval like whistling or pouching something against the tables' surfaces: usually bottoms of mugs, daggers' pommels or bare fists. Couple loud voices called for more, but Steck ignored them as he put his hat back on its place and returned his seat where his belonging were. In some places it never hurt to keep your possessions - no matter how valueless they might be - in reach of your hand. For two reasons: firstly to keep thieving hands away from your belongings. Secondly, you never knew when you had to make a quick exit - and it was always nicer to have your stuff come with you.

With them he made his way to tavern's counter where bartender - an old, hoary vixen with many ear piercings - was drying tankard with stained cloth. Steck leaned against the counter with big bright smile as if greeting his good old friend.
"Well, my good ma'am -- have I not earned my supper for this night too? I wager your barrels must be running quite dry seeing how many fine chaps are here tilting their tankards"
The old vixen grunted - there was no telling if it was a masked chuckle for mouse's fancy words or if she really was annoyed of bard's way of talking.
"Ay, it's been good night", vixen muttered, actually more pleased than she let show. She didn't know why this travelling bard had stayed Los Lobos this long - usually travelers continued their way like there was fire under their tail - but she really didn't even care. It was good alternation for the usual pattern where sea-beasts got drunk, started the fighting and ended up destroying her property. Having bard around here actually saved her money and time.

"Ther's soup and bread in kitchen lik' always. Help yourself"
"Actually I was thinking I would like have my meal in here tonight. So would you kindly pour me ale..."
Steck said as he turned towards the hall, peering over the tables until he found what he was looking for: dark figure leaning against the wall in corner of the tavern hall. The one that had entered just before mouse had started his final song. Steck had noted the other's arrival, as he noted everything that happened around him, but this one had especially caught his attention. Mainly because that particular beast stood out from the rest of customers as he wasn't dressed as a corsair. Which made Steck curious. Granted, he had only stayed in Glorious Crew but a couple of days, but nevertheless this was the first time he saw beast that apparently maybe wasn't freebooter. Another wanderer maybe? The bow implied as much but appearance could be deceiving... Well, he just had to find out himself, didn't he? Steck turned back to vixen as she was placing mug of ale in front of him.
"Forgive me my change of mind -- but pour me one more".

It didn't take long before Steck was threading past the tables, making his way towards his destination, carrying two tankards filled with foamy ale in his both hands. And then there he was: standing right in front of this newest arrival.
'"For you, fellow wanderer" Steck said with wide smile when he placed one of the mugs in squirrel 's reach.
"In hopes of starting a friendship between we two most unusual beast here tonight."

[Rausaro]

The ebony squirrel smiled as a he took the mug from the bard, raising it towards him. "Indeed. Many thanks." He took a sip of the drink, savoring the strong but pleasant flavor of Glorious Crew Ale. "Not often I see a good-beast in these parts. Most unfortunate. So, you seem to be a bard, methinks?" Wisp subtly glanced over his shoulder, checking for the ever-present eavesdroppers, and then turned back to the smiling mouse. "What brings you to these parts?"

Usually, the squirrel had kept to himself in such bars, but the presence of the bard had interested him. Business had been poor the last few months, especially with the increase of Northward bound slavers; there simply were too many to stop. Few of the dangerous creatures, such as the adders, had dared to come this close to shore. Worst, the rumors of a vixen's ship needing crew had dried up, leaving the squirrel high and dry when it came to finances. He wasn't about to work with some of the corsair crews, either. Maybe the bard would have an idea...

The ruckus of the establishment had subsided to what could be considered a more pleasant atmosphere.

[Caterpillar]

It seemed like squirrel had accepted his offer of goodwill and the company -- you couldn't always judge book by its covers, so Steck had taken this approach to see first, if the other beast approved company. The mouse was pleased see it was so as he himself was longing for fellowship other than drunken sea-vermin (and Steck really hoped the other wasn't one, even though he was squirrel). Even if it was just for one night. He was getting tired of associating with no-good-beast as it was always like handling two-edged blade without the hilt. First of all you always had to keep your guard up and be ready to show you weren't easy to pick on. Because if you didn't you'd become a target to prey upon. But being too hostile brought only unwanted enemies and that was unlucky thing to happen, as there was only one you but many of the enemy as they usually had allies to back them up. So in situations like those odds were badly against you and you could end up an a carcass floating in dock's waters. Steck had his tricks and wits handle himself in company of no-good-beast, but still he had managed to rub some encounters in a wrong way.

Steck took the seat next to the squirrel.
"Well, I do hope my performance over there would indicate that much", he laughed as he sat down. "But not just a bard - an entertainer", the mouse corrected merrily. "And also a traveler as many in this career tend to be. And that's also the very reason I'm here now..."
Steck took long sip from his drink. Cold foamy ale tasted even better after hours of singing.
"...Though I must admit, I might have taken rather questionable turn to found myself in this charming establishment."
As Steck lowered his tankard, the mouse examined his companion with bright, curious eyes.
"How about you, my good sir? How have you ended up in this exotic locality? Forgive my assuming, but you don't look like beast from cruising vessel"

[Rausaro]

At the Mouse's question, the squirrel chuckled. "No mate, I hail from the forests outside the kingdom of Southsward, some leagues to the north of here. I came to this port for a job a few weeks ago, but it seems to have dried up." It had been several seasons since he had left the emerald safety of the southwestern forests, but in the end there was no way he would allow himself to end up like some of the squirrels there, weak, and overly reliant on the security of a distant castle. No, he had craved adventure, which he had found in the form of mercenary work. Some seasons had been ripe, others....not so much.

Seeking a more reliable occupation, Wisp had heard of a friendly fox captain some time before... but he had been unable to locate her or her crew. A pity, as they were one of the few non-corsair crews in the southern waters, and he had assumed they might have use for a squirrel lookout. Just as well, he had no love of the ocean.

"I just do the odd job here or there...for the right price. Though, I haven't found many jobs I'd take lately. Like I'd help some of these scum..." And it was true. On the other hand, the Ebony squirrel had no interest working for the scum of these wharves... he was forced to rely on some unusual contacts instead. He took another deep drink of his ale and continued to consider the situation. If he wasn't able to find some employment soon, he would be forced to move on.

"What name do you go by, friend?"

[Caterpillar]

From the Sothward, eh? It sounded like this new company had made his share of traveling, Steck thought as the squirrel went on. So maybe the other was familiar with the wilderness surrounding the Los Lobos? If that was the case, he might have stumbled upon a good opportunity leave this port-city.

The very reason why Steck hadn't yet left this town on his own was the fact that he was terribly unfamiliar with the territory. As it had been said earlier: he never traveled this far south hence this land was utterly unknown to him. So it really didn't sound like a good plan wander into it without proper preparation. While he might have enjoyed this venture to unknown as a chance of good adventure (and adventures were always worth of song), let's not forget that they weren't only corsairs who traveled to Los Lobos. Land-vermin also knew this haven of castaways, so there was as many bandit-groups traveling to the Los Lobos as there were the ships arriving to the port. And Steck didn't want to run into any slaver-group. So it wouldn't hurt to have someone to accompany you. Someone who might know some save routes.
"So what kind of odd jobs you do, then? If I had to make a wild guess...", Steck took a moment to view the squirrel from ears' tufts to the tip of the tail, as if one look could tell everything he needed to know. "...I would wager on something doing with scouting"

The bard-mouse's whiskers twitched, as if in shock. Steck always made spectacle from everything.
"Heavens, where are my manners? I forgot introduce myself!" Steck gasped, then grinned, winked his eye and offered his pawn to the squirrel, inviting other to shake hands. "My name is Steck Vennet - pleasure to make your acquaintance"

[Rausaro]

Wisp promptly returned the Mouse's pawshake, and smiled. "A pleasure." He glanced at the ceiling as he spoke next. "As for the odd jobs, you'd be right. Scouting, harassing,and the like is my game. no-beast in these parts could challenge me on trees or rooftops. Not been much demand for that lately, though." He paused. "Why are you looking for a scout?" He cracked a knuckle. "I know the pathways to the north, back to the lands of Southsward and such. Do you need passage that away?" If he did, Wisp would have all the excuse he needed to leave this sorry wharf, with a companion, no less. And moments later, he had no choice.

Wisp lazily glanced around the corner as he finished the last of the strong ale, curious at the sound of a slamming door near the front entrance.He instantly pulled back around the wall to the table he had been leaning from, nerves icy. He had no idea who was at the door, but judging by the looks of their tattoos and bolas.... they were probably slavers. The squirrel tried to keep his cool at the thought of potentially fighting vermin in these quarters, and thought better of it. He hadn't kept a low profile lately, considering many of the vermin hadn't cared about his existence. But if there was one to thing be had on the docks, it was eyes and ears ever vigilant for a piece of gossip. A reward of grog was enough to loosen many a lip.

Worse, they were woodlanders. He didn't know if this particular group was aware of his activities, but rumor had it there weren't above snatching beasts that stood out.

Wisp held up his finger to his face, and motioned to the rear exit. Steck had a puzzled look on his face, but Wisp was not about to turn about and explain it.

[Caterpillar]

"You hit the nail on its head, my good fellow", Steck answered squirrel's question, sounding cheerful.
"I have been looking for means to leave this port quite some time now, but..." Steck's voice went slowly silent when the mouse noticed how the squirrel had become slightly tense, just after he had looked around the corner. Change had been inconspicuous, but it had been there, and Steck's eyes were always sharp in noticing even smallest shifts in others body languages (well, he had been trained for that). Something had unsettled his chatting partner and Steck raised his brow, leaning over so that he could peer a glance over the corner and see, what had made his companion so anxious.

He saw arrival a new gang of land vermin: a weasel, a fox, two rats - and a marten who seemed lead the group. Or at least the vermin was walking in front of the others and was glaring nasty looks around him like a beast who owned the whole place. They were making their way from the door to the center of the tavern and Steck leaned back to the concealment of the wall before approaching group could caught a glimpse of him. Steck might not be well-versed in telling apart vermin-groups or their activities, but he still could recognized a bunch of slavers when he saw one.

Steck returned his eyes to squirrel. The mouse was attempting say something, but was immediately interrupted as the squirrel held up a finger, making Steck fall silent in instant.

Indeed Steck was looking the squirrel motions with perplexed expression over his features. Other was going to sneak out of the backdoor? The situation was implying like squirrel didn't want to get seen by those particular slaver-vermin and Steck could second that thought: he either didn't like to get attention from slavers whatsoever.
For a heartbeat Steck just sit there, looking at the squirrel, pondering his next decision. But that instant was over quickly as Steck moved to grab his drink, finishing it with one quick gulp before slipping off his chair.
"I would recommend the kitchen's door", he whispered in low tone. "It leads to the back alleys"



# What should those slayers do? Chase them? Capture them? Di you have plans? ^^ #

[Rausaro]

OOC: They were actually slavers, but slayers they be. As for plan, very loosely, was going to see how it flowed.

IC:

The black squirrel quickly nodded, and snuck a quick peek around the corner. Unfortunately, one of the vermin glanced his direction.

Wisp bit his tongue and urgently whispered to the mouse. "We need to get out of here quick. I have no idea who these guys are, but they are bad news. I'll tell you later, c'mon." The duo ducked low and quickly around a table of drunk sea rats that were passing around a tankard of some exotic grog. Even in a pub such as this, he winced at every chair he nudged trying to slip through the patron. Ahead, he saw Steck motioning to him from around a corner. He glanced backward, and noticed with discomfort that a tattooed rat was examining his table, looking every which way. The rat's grey was ragged and scarred, showing some sort of tattoo through the hair. He racked his memory for an idea of what it might be.... and was brought back to attention by a sharp rap on wood by Steck, who was urgently motioning for him to keep moving.

Urgently, he slipped behind the counter.... (more tomorrow, will format)

[Caterpillar]

# Oh, foe is me! I meant "slavers" but wrote "slayers"! U___u' (probably mixed them up since they sound alike) It seems that my english-skills have still much to improve. I'll correct that error right away, since our plan was encounter with SLAVERS, not SLAYERS x) #

[coolcoyote]

OOC Hazzah! I finely found that forum thread that you were talking about! After I spent two minutes looking for it >.> how i missed it before I shall never know. Well, Baro my fox thief is schedualled to make an appearence with caterpillars mouse in a different scene but if you need any npcs I can toss a couple in, or if you need me to play an existing npc etc etc. This is my first time forum role playing but it seems more or less like mucks, just more detailed and with out all the fancy coding in the background

[Caterpillar]

# I'm not against you to join in with us, but I do not know what is the policy of NPC-playing in this forum. O.o Luckily, Rausaro is here too! Hey Rau, can coolcoyote join us while playin NPC-caharcter? ^^ #

[coolcoyote]

ooc : wow looks like i caught you online, im posting this 3 minutes after you just got done posting. I shouldnt see to much trouble myself but as you said, policies and that which I also do not know. Also...HI! nice to meet you both. :3

[Rausaro]

OOC: I'll actually have to dig through the archives to figure that out, honestly. On the other hand, it shouldn't take too long if you want to jump in. Wow, sorry for the long afk >.<

Carefully, the pair managed to slip out a back door, though Wisp wasn't exactly sure if they'd been unseen. Vermin like the ones apparently looking for them had a tendency to be more competent than they looked. Too much brew and a bit of coin could get most of the creatures to talk, anyway. He glanced down the backside of the wharf as the mouse bard checked the door one more time, and fastened his gear. This night was quickly becoming interesting.

He turned to the Bard. "I don't know what that was all about mate, but we need to be gone. Now. We can discuss where you wish to go later, but I'm not heading back here for awhile either way. And just in case, I would recommend that you don't, either. There's a place I know that we can go to sort this out." Gesturing for silence, he quickly led his erstwhile ally across the misty docks to the dark hills beyond.

***

About 2 hours later, they stopped on a sandy overlook north of the town. Of in the distance, the many moored ships could be seen admist the poorly lit docks.

The Squirrel sighed. It had been his hope to join a crew on one of the few non-vermin ships, but that chance had sailed. Now, he was faced with the prospect of heading back North to Sourthsward or Mossflower with little supplies. His moral couldn't be higher. "So, Steck was it? Where was it that you wanted to go?" Seating himself, he pulled out a map and placed it on the ground before the mouse. "Southsward? Salamandastron? Noonvale?

[coolcoyote]

Ooc sorry for slow reply. Pro boards ate my reply and I never noticed. If it is OK I can spoof in some random pine marten. I work pretty good with NPCs actually. Also I have not seen catapiller in a while. But up to you guys where or when or if you want me to pose in :3

[Caterpillar]

OOC: If someone should apologize for absence, it should be me. U__u I'm really sorry folks, there has been lot of things going on and keeping me away from RPing.

Also Rausaro, please could you give me some time to react to the situation you're creating. ^^ There is so much potential in the plotline and I have ideas of my own, which would color the story nicely making it more interesting but I don't have chance to use them if you make significant leaps in your posts. I can't add my own plot twists in the story if the situation is already over and the story has jumped forward to another place and time. Does this make sense? n__n

Coolcoyote: What kind of role you want to give your pine marten? n_n Is he/she slaver chasing our characters? Bystander who gets pulled into all of this by chance? Or have you an idea of your own? When we know what is your NC's story, it's easier to take him/her in.

...

Two of them lowered themselves down and tiptoed through the tavern, trying their best not to be seen by the group of slavers. Steck managed to take the lead: oddly it seemed like the mouse was very familiar with sneaking around as he moved pass the tables and chairs with ease and without catching anyone's attention. Steck looked over his shoulder - and saw the squirrel staring at a grey rat (who had just arrived their table, looking at it closely) unmoving, like he was trying to remember something really hard. Steck had to ponder reasons for it later: right now there wasn't time for stalling, so he tapped the floor with tip of his tail, to get squirrel's attention. And then motioned him to follow. As doing do his gaze wandered past his companion, in the direction of the gray rat. Thew slayer was looking in his direction - his eyes moved here and there (like he had seen glimpse of something and was trying to find it again), but he definitely was looking in this direction. Oh dear... Maybe they were spotted?

They slip through the door into the kitchen. It was dimly lit, air full of aroma of food, herbs and burning wood. There were some tables and shelves rounding the room and on the right there was big stone-oven. In front of it stood young vixen - daughter of the tavern's owner - who was looking the door, startled.
"Oh, it's you Steck", the vixen said, relaxing bit. She was carrying in her hands a basket full of newly baked bread buns, fresh out of oven. "I set your soup ready --"
Her sentence was cut short when she saw black squirrel coming through the door, just after the bard. Customers weren't allowed in the kitchen, she was very strict about that, but before the young fox-maiden could angrily announce it aloud, Steck leaped right beside her, big innocent smile on his face.
"Ah, Nesse, thank you so much of your kindness - here, let me help you with that...", the bard interrupted the vixen before she could say anything, turning her away from the squirrel, as he ever so helpful took the basket from her hands and placed it on the table near by. Meanwhile the bard's other hand was secretly motioning the squirrel proceed to the kitchen's backdoor while he was distracting the vixen. Without pause Steck's speech went on:
"...However, I must regretfully decline your delicious meal. Time has come to part our ways", the bard took off his hat and made sweeping bow. Nesse stared him, not anymore knowing what was going on. Which was good, Steck noted. Since now Nesse forgot to question, why he and his companion were taking shortcut through her kitchen and the most importantly: forgot to make ruckus out of it.
Steck took her hand as he continued:
"Please pass my message to your generous mother: it had been pleasure make business with her and I ask her forgive me my rudeness for leaving without proper goodbye. But the Tides of Fate have turned so quickly and now I must venture into the night"
The vixen eyes widened in disbelief as she didn't know what to think or say anymore. The mouse was acting like he was some kind of hero from the old stories. Seriously, who in their right mind talked with dialog like that? Furthermore he was making her feel, as laughable as it sounds, like she was the stories' graceful maiden. Holding her hand and looking into her eyes so earnestly... It made tavern's daughter blush. She had never received this kind of treatment and it made her speechless. A top of that, the mouse even pressed a light kiss on her hand and vixen's jaw almost dropped on the floor.
Steck's eyes were sparkling. "I would owe you the moon and the stars if you would kindly say, who ever asked, that we didn't come this way"
Still lost in words, Nesse just nodded. The bard beamed.
"Thank you and farewell my fair lady", Steck said and in instant sprinted after the black squirrel, reaching the door right on his heels. Nesse stood like stone statue, jaw still hanging, not even noticing that some of the buns from the basket were mysteriously disappeared. What snapped her out of her state of mind was rumbling sound right behind the kitchen's door and her mother's disapproving voice. The door opened and the voices become clearer: someone was coming in - in fact, many of them. Her kitchen was turning into some kind of public thoroughfare.
Oh, I don't think so, Nesse thought as she reached for the handle of iron pan. She had just tidied up here. No-beast was going to ruin his hard work with their dirty, muddy paws...


When Steck stepped to the dark backalleys and closed the door behind him, he looked at his companion. Whatever the mouse thought about Squirrel's words, it didn't show from his face. There was only small smile playing on his lips.
"Then you lead the way", the bard said, gesturing the Squirrel take the lead. And then he followed after him.


After two hours of rushing through the streets and alleys of Los Lobos, finally Squirrel came to halt. Steck was breathing little heavily while wondering, how much detouring it had took them for arriving here. Then - as Squirrel folded out a map and started to inquire his destination, Steck couldn't help but feel little bit suspicious (you had to be at least bit suspicious to survive on place like Los Lobos). There were some things he would liked to ask. Still, he replied:
"Away from this port-city, anywhere except further the South... I'm not picky. However I'm not yet supplied to long-distance travels and looking at you, I would wager neither are you."
For a long journey they needed rations and other necessary supplies, bought from stores which were, most probably, closed for the night. They had to wait till the dawn... And he still hand't decided if he really wanted Squirrel for his guide. Steck rubbed his temple - he was tired after long night of performance AND the two hours rushing through the city. Some sleep would do good, but now wasn't the time.
"Look... I can't pay you a wage - there won't be enough for it after paying all the things needed for the travel - but I can, however, pay the necessary preparations for me and you", it might be better set that thing straight, in case Squirrel was expecting his reward in coins.
"You get supplied what you need and I get a guide. And we both get a chance leave Los Lobos. I understood you haven't had job offers for good time? So why not try out someplace else? I think it's good deal for both of us."
Steck gave the squirrel a meaningful look.
"But before any of those, I would wish to know the company I'm getting involved in."
He wasn't just going to take blind leap of faith on this squirrel... Whose name he didn't even know. Granted, he usually put in an appearance like he merrily trusted anyone until proven wrong, but after that ship-fiasco he wasn't yet ready play the role of gullible fool. Oh yes, it was easier take the turncoats by surprise as they didn't expect any danger from a harmless looking bard, but now he really didn't feel like playing that part.

Steck lifted one finger, as if counting on something. He didn't smile anymore, but his expression and voice were calm. Overall he looked like a beast who wanted some answers.
"For the starters, your name, good sir. I don't think I caught it in this hassle", the bard said. The hen lifted second finger.
"Secondary I would wish to know if those 'odd jobs' you mentioned have anything to do with slayers. To me it looked like you have a good reason to avoid them"
The squirrel had said he knew nothing about it - and that must be a lie. The squirrel knew something - some circumstance had made him want to leave the tavern right after the slayers arrived. No-one juts sneak his way out like that without reason. The squirrel hadn't given much of details of what he actually did for his living and while Steck was always ready accept silent agreement for mutual privacy - which let the both sides keep their secrets - he did want to know what kind of mess he was getting into. If there was one.

[coolcoyote]

OOC:
I would prefure getting wrapped up in the crazyness as opposed to tossing in a npc slaver this late in the game otherwise it raises the possibility of tossing a wrench into the mix. But I can swing both.
I have two martens I can toss in that i have used before on other rp sites. Both marten's will have a simular build, brown fur, light yellow patch on their chest. Wearing blue cloth vest and tan pants. Both leaning to the pudgy side.
Liam is a male marten, ex slave who, when his debt was repaid was given the choice of freedom or continue working for his master as a perminant slave, took freedom to travel the world. Liam is a suave beast who likes to try and talk his way out of problems.

The other beast is Savi. She is a treasure hunter of sorts, a bit of a thief and a scoundral. She is loud mouth, cocky, and thinks a bit too highly for herself. She has a cutlass but doesn't use it very well.

I can spoof one or the other in pretty easily, which would you guys prefure? And where would be a good place to enter?

[Caterpillar]

# OOC:
Dang, both characters sounds like lot of fun and each one's can be easily merged in the plot. Sorry, I can't decide! xD I'm happy with any of those two. So take the one you want play the most, coyote n___n

As for the good place to enter... I think Steck and Wisp are returning to the port-city as they do need their supplies. So what if they have run-in with your character there?

The other idea I just came up with... What if Savi/Liam was pestered by slavers nearby? And Steck and Wisp would hear the ruckus and investigate. Given Wisp background he would surely help save any beast who's been captured by slavers. Or what does the Rausaro think? #

[coolcoyote]

ooc I think I will bring in Savi the pine marten. If we want, I can bring in Liam at another time. From what I understand we are in a large port city? I'll work on a pose in and post it later today. Feel free to pose around me still ^^