Private Tales City Nights

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

The merchant business is hard. But it's mostly because Tzuriel made it hard on himself, but that's just how he was. He never let himself get lazy or fat on his incredible wealth, he loved to go out with his caravans, travel the roads with his employees and see all the places in-between. Even fighting monsters and bandits was a thrill he lived for.

However, there were precious few moments where he could simply relax. But one of those few moments was whenever he had just completed a trade run and had returned to his base in Alliria. He had just returned to Alliria after a trade run to and from Elbion and he and his men needed some well earned R&R.
So, in the wake of his caravan crew, he entered the respectable tavern and ordered food and drinks all around for his employees.

He and his men took a seat at a round table for the eight of them with their drinks in hand while they waited on the food. The tavern was quiet today, but the evening was still early and the night life had yet to come alive.
Tzuriel passively looked around the tavern at the few other faces present. Other regulars enjoying their evening meals before the night crowd shows up.
The bard was playing a relaxing tune and collecting the occasional tips.

Tzuriel relaxed back in his chair. It was good to be back home.

 

[alphabunny]

Rou had been traveling for days. She finally got to Alliria, the sun was setting and she was in desperate need of something strong. Earlier on she managed to sneak into an inn, have a hot bath and steal some clothes off of a wash line. Fortunately for her they fit her style perfectly. Some leather pants, and a white blouse that was just see-through enough for her to attract the attention of men, in hopes they would buy her a drink or to and simply spear her some coin. Her raven black, curly hair was tied back, drawing all attention to her eyes which stood out against her tan skin.
Head high, she strolled into a tavern, a few streets away from the inn.

Talk about fancy. This place was nothing like she was used to. It seemed rather decent, clean and the people seemed well mannered. The men were rather handsome as well, nothing like the peg-legged men with rotting teeth she had become accustomed too. Would she stand out? If so, would people treat her differently if they found it she came from The Shallows? Only one way to find out.

The band began playing more upbeat music and customers slowly began to flow in. Rou sat down at the bar and watched as the nightlife slowly awoke.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Body language, expression, movements, twitches, quirks, Tzuriel considered himself a student of people and loved to watch the different lives that the street level offered. Travelers, adventurers, merchants, mercenaries, thieves, even the occasional noble that wasn't above coming down and spending time with the less fortunate.
Over his lifetime as a merchant he's seen all kinds and had become very adept at reading people with deductive reasoning and keen observation skills.
The callouses on a mans hands could tell you whether he wields a sword or a pitchfork, the way someone's eyes darted around a room could tell you whether she's nervous or simply cautious.

The eyes of the elf that came through the door showed signs of both... And they were quite the multicolored eyes. Of course it was practically a given that an elf would be beautiful if you ever saw one, but even for a man who's been to the Falwood and Fal'Addas many times, the beauty of this elf still struck him like a lightning bolt.
Her form and her dress were quite pleasing as his gaze examined her features.
He sipped his drink as he openly watched her. Elves where the one mortal race that he could never quite get a read on, their age was practically variable no matter how they appeared, she could be five hundred years old for all he could tell. They rarely retained physical faults or blemishes so it was difficult to determine what they did for a living without asking.

But he wasn't opposed to asking, talking to people was a specialty of his, but he still remained seated sipping his drink, trying to draw out as much information about her as he could before he approached. A glimpse, a slight turning of her head, the nocked ear obviously nicked by a blade. Possibly the only signs of hardship you could find on the body of an elf was that of physical injury.
He drained the last of his drink and left his companions to get another one, going to the bar and taking a seat.

 

[alphabunny]

Rou felt what one did when you instinctively know someone is watching you. Was what she feared happening? Would someone grab her by the hair and pull her out onto the streets? Either way. Rou was a fighter and she had the scars to prove it. The only visible one being that which was on her ear - nothing compared to those she tucked away. Ignoring the gaze she felt she ordered herself another drink, a shot of some sort. Rou wasn't accustomed to Alliria ale or any of the sort and what she had tasted tonight was nothing compared to the ass-kicking liquors she had a taste of back home...Home? Where even was home at this point. Rou did not know, as usual she acted in the spur of the moment. This usually sent her into a few tight spots every now and again but she wormed her way out of it, usually with the use of her bow or her favorite dagger she had tucked away in her boot. A bow, something she needed to acquire the following morning. She left her home in such a frenzy she barely had a chance to think.

Rou snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a bar stool slide. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a handsome man. Without giving away she had noticed him, she did her best to take in his appearance.
Absolutely delicious, probably a horrible personality to match though. Rou was no stranger to Handsome men with dirt personalities. Often when travelers came through The Shallows they all posses the same personalities if they had good looks. Rou took her shot and turned her attention to the music.
Do they even dance in the city? She had a lot of learning to do if she wanted to blend in.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Even prettier up close..." Was the first thought that went through his head. Elves were actually a commonplace sight in Alliria, but that only made Tzuriel wonder even more, why did this one stand out?
He put a few copper on the bar and ordered another drink, while also paying for her drink simultaneously.
He glanced over at her again but again he didn't hide the fact.
"Is this seat taken, or would you prefer your own company?"
The bar tender put the bottle on the counter and he picked it up, ready to leave if she preferred. But he was smiling at her, a slight upturn of the corner of his mouth. But his blue eyes were steady, almost intense as he scanned her with that penetrating stare.

She was listening to the music. Most elves from the Falwood wouldn't have given it a second thought, given the elvish music played there far outshines anything of human craft. So he could confidently assume that she's not from the Falwood, or maybe not raised there.
"I hope you don't mind I payed for your drink. Introductions at a tavern are awkward to say the least."

 

[alphabunny]

Rou turned around, what a brave little bloke. She rolled her eyes, humans. She looked him straight in the eye, a smirk playing on her lips. "The seat depends on whether or not you're sharing that bottle."
Rou decided that maybe, this man could help her in her future, better to make friends now then enemies...she had enough of those.
"Rou Stonewall. Thanks for the drink and you are?" Her plump lips were now almost in a natural pucker. Lets see how far this one gets before he realizes i'm here for his booze, maybe a good dance and nothing else.
Did he have alternate motives? Probably. Did he seem like nice enough company? Rough wasn't sure but he had the looks and judging my his peers that were obviously watching the scenario form the table, he was rather puller. He dressed well and was well kept. Keep him on my goodside. Rou knew he could take her places.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"The seat depends on whether or not you're sharing that bottle."

"Rou Stonewall. Thanks for the drink and you are?"

His smile evolved into a smirk.
"Whether or not I share my bottle depends on how close you want to get with a total stranger, Miss Rou Stonewall. Though we can change that status pretty easily.
My name is Tzuriel Alanthis, a pleasure and a privilege."
He offered his hand to shake, since he got the feeling that bowing and hand kissing wouldn't fly too well with this one.
He took a swig from the bottle then quirked his eyebrow at her, presenting the bottle in a silent offer and wondering if she was serious or not. She had her own drink so his offer could just as easily be taken as a joke and be left at that.

"I noticed you didn't have a cloak when you came in, have you been in Alliria long or are you staying nearby?"
His companions were used to him leaving with some pretty lass whenever they went out, they weren't any better as they accosted another group of girls that came in dressed to impress. People were coming in and the tavern was getting busy as more people took tables and sat at the bar.
This tavern wasn't known to get rough, but it's happened in the past.
The lone bard was joined by another and they started weaving tunes together in an impromptu melody on their lutes.

 

[alphabunny]

"Tzuriel? Quite a tounge twister that one. I prefer Tezzy."
Rou shook his extended hand and accepted his offer of the bottle and took one big swig, placed the bottle back infront of him. She didnt even flinch, it tasted like water. "Don't tell me this is your preference?" She points at the bottle and asks him in a mocking tone.
Many men would normally be put off by her comment but something told Rou this was no ordinary man. He rediates confidence and power.
"I just arrived earlier today. I come from The Shallows." This was now a true test. Rou knew The Shallows were looked down apon, especially their people - generally seen as low-lives and nutorious criminals.
Rou wouldnt allow Tezzy the chance to think whether or not she was deserving of his company. As the music began to pick up she stood, a whole 5'4 and extended her hand, "I hope you know how to dance." She gave hik a little wink, retracted her hand and let down her silky hair and gave him her signiture smirk.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

The nickname was adorable, and was honestly the first. But this was ultimately why he liked meeting strangers, they didn't know who he was, didn't recognize his name, and therefore didn't have any presuppositions about his importance.
""Tezzy"... I like that!"

"Don't tell me this is your preference?"

He gave a good natured laugh, "Certainly not! I'm not exactly a connoisseur, but I prefer the wines from Oban. They've turned the wine making process into an art, at least by human standards."

"I just arrived earlier today. I come from The Shallows."

She was truly not from around here then, or even the Falwood. The Shallows would have been his last guess though. He had only one tenuous trade rout to that place and that was mostly because there were very few communities large enough to trade with. All he really knew about it were rumors and that their most valuable exports are fish, magical herbs and ingredients found in those wetland biomes, and intricate bone trinkets.
"The Shallows? I wasn't aware of any elf colonies there, though I imagine you would know better than I. I've never been there myself. But how do you like Alliria so far? It must be quite a shock to go from The Shallows to one of the largest cities in Arethil!"

"I hope you know how to dance!"

He matched her smirk with his own and stood up, offering her his arm to escort her to the dance floor and answering her challenge with his own.
"I hope you can keep up!"
He'd danced with the best, as well as the worst, and he always enjoyed every minute of both! From the slummiest and slimiest bars and taverns along the trade routs to the high courts and balls of the most elite. He was a gifted dancer and he knew it.
She had let her hair down in a breathtaking display, a wave of the void cascading around her shoulders, it caused his blood to stir within him and that put him mentally on guard. It always happened whenever he felt desire for someone else, the old lusts seem to awaken as well. But he was prepared now and he knew he could enjoy himself.

He went to the dance floor quickly and immediately stepped into the swinging rhythm of two lutes now joined by a pipe and a pot bellied drum.
He took her by the hands and pulled her with him. The beat was fast and the melody quick, so there were ample opportunities for spins and twirls as they wove in and out.
A few other couples joined in from the audience and the atmosphere in the tavern became one of joviality and cheer.

 

[alphabunny]

Without even a chance to answer any of his questions, Tezzy and Rou took over the dance floor. She missed this, dancing.
Their feet moved fast and her hips swished and swayed every which way. When she danced was the only time she allowed her walls to fall. She closed her eyes and felt the music move through her. Every now and then she would tease Tezzy with seductive move or two. But all in all. She was loving every second on the dance floor.

Alas, the song ended and everyone left the dancefloor.
Rou ordered herself a new drink even though she had barely touched her previous one.
"Wine you say?" Rou let out a surprised sound. "How aristocratic of you Sir Tezzy." Rou didnt like all these questions. She took a large sip of her fresh drink. "Enough about me, why dont you tell me what you and your blokes are up to? You dont seen like a regular band of friends."

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

He had to admit, she could certainly keep up and then some! Sometimes you just gotta hand it to an elf's natural grace. She was a joy to dance with, and an excellent partner. And whenever she moved seductively against him it was all he could do to keep his head and stay on beat. If it were a dance competition, he would say she fights mean!

"Wine you say?" "How aristocratic of you Sir Tezzy."
"Enough about me, why don't you tell me what you and your blokes are up to? You don't seem like a regular band of friends."

He joined her at the bar and picked up his drink again, taking a long gulp to cool off. He was panting a little but happy nonetheless.
"We're coworkers, caravan traders based here in Alliria. We just returned from a supply run to Elbion and we're now celebrating with our hard earned coin."
Of course he didn't tell her that he actually owned the largest trade empire in Arethil, and that these "coworkers" were really his employees... What she doesn't know can't hurt her, right? Besides, there's not really any easy way to go about saying, "I'm insanely rich." without sounding like a prick.

 

[alphabunny]

Rou pondered on his comment for a moment, "Im surprised I havent seen you in The Shallows." Rou tried not to reveal to much, merchants were normally her and her fathers main targets, they were forgein and never really knew what to look out for.
"We have a rather... extended amount of trading oppertunities." Rou tried to keep the conversation flowing, talking about general trade routes and the different types of merchants she had encountered, meanwhile she kept eyeing Tezzy's attire... Definitely not cheap, she thought. He must have a bit of money.
" Say," she pushed her drink aside and leaned forward, showing cleavage and fluttering her eyelashes. "Why don't we go somewhere a little more private."
Rou ran her fingers down Tezzy arms in a slow, inviting manner.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Spoiler

Gotcha. Even if we did it would have to fade out to afterwards. This site is meant to be PG.

"I'm surprised I haven't seen you in The Shallows."

"We have a rather... extended amount of trading opportunities."

He shrugged, "Like I said, I've never been there. I think there are some associated caravans that make the trip, but I've never been on them. My rout is usually between here and Elbion, or even Oban on rare occasions. I've been to Belgrath a couple times though, the rout goes right by The Shallows."

"Say," "Why don't we go somewhere a little more private."

Was telling her that he's a merchant too much? It was almost like a shift in the air with the way she talked about it. As someone who's foiled countless attempts to marry into his fortune he's learned the signs, even though as an elf she was hard to read it wasn't impossible...
But now the question was, what was her true game? If she was after his money, why? And if she was willing to sleep with him to get it, should he just give her some money and send her on her way?

While nobody has ever gotten away with picking his pocket, there have been times he let them keep what they were trying to steal especially if it was a child or someone who looked in desperate need.
But what category did she fall into?
He smiled gently at her, his eyes searching her own multicolored hues for any hint of her true intentions. But as always, the elvish physiology defeated his observation skills.
"I think I'd like that. There's an inn across the street, should have some room to talk still available."
He'd go along with her scheme, whatever it was, for now.

He paid the bartender and bade his companions goodnight, they gave him joking looks of hopelessness, as if this wasn't the first time he left their company for a woman. He pulled on his black travel coat as he left the tavern with Rou.

 

[alphabunny]

The inn, what if he was planning to take her to the one where she had pulled a little trick earlier. No, that wouldn't do. "How about we take a moonlight stroll instead?" Rou needed to get this man under her spell with some femine charms - not like she had many. Rou was always tom-boyish. A rough background, no mother and only a few boys to play with? Eh. The humans in The Shallows never really allowed their daughters to play with her.
Only as they got up to leave did Rou notice Tezzys full stature, if she was open to finding love she could see him as a candidate, from what she has seen he seems to have a decent enough personality, was an amazing dancer and got more then his fair share in good looks. Rou hooked her arm into Tezzys and leaned into him for warm. The flimsy blouse she wore wasnt enough go keep her warm for an evening breeze. She hadnt consumed enough alchohol either for it to be able to heat up her body temperature.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"How about we take a moonlight stroll instead?"

He shrugged indifferently, "As you wish."
Certainly an odd approach if she intended to seduce him, or perhaps a quick stab in a dark alley was more fitting. He was curious now more than anything, as to what she intended to do.

So until he discovers what her ultimate game is he would enjoy blissful ignorance and playing his role for the sake of his own curiosity. Besides, no red blooded man could complain when a woman willing presses herself against him, even if just for warmth. He chuckled and opened his coat for her to be wrapped in with his body heat, "Didn't exactly come prepared for an evening walk, did you? You're new to Alliria, is there anywhere you would like to see? Or do you just want to walk, come what may?"
There were a few people out and about, tavern goers enjoying the night life, but Tzuriel knew where to go to get away from the revelers. She did say somewhere "private", and besides the best places to be alone in a romantic setting he could also point out the best places to kill someone without being seen. But of course he didn't let on about his suspicions.

 

[alphabunny]

Rou was happy he had invited her to keep warm, under other circumstances tonight could have become one of a blossoming romance. Poor Tzuriel, he was as unsusprcting as a dawrf crossing an unmarked troll bridge. "Why don't we sit down?" Rou led him to a nearby bench. The nightlife was either drunk or to busy in their own endeavors to notice what she had planned. "I'll have to grab myself a coat tomorrow, just incase most evenings are chilly like this one."

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Why don't we sit down?"

Of course he complied and they found a bench to sit on, but he was all the more curious as to what she was planning. If this was to be murder she was either a fool or extremely bold. If this was a simple purse snatch she had good enough opportunity, though it was far from crowded enough to lose someone in a chase.

"I'll have to grab myself a coat tomorrow, just incase most evenings are chilly like this one."

What he couldn't learn from her physical appearance she seemed to give away with her words. While it wasn't conclusive her words indicated that she didn't own a coat yet, and if what she said about being new in Alliria was true then that meant she's either lost everything or never had it to begin with. She could have survived without those basic necessities all the way from The Shallows to Alliria by cart jumping, stowing away, and sleeping in barns... provided she didn't have coin to buy a room.

Well, they were seated now. He with a potential thief wrapped in his arms under his coat... "Potential" being the operative word since she's yet to steal anything from him besides a night reveling with his employees. Well, with his arms around her running would be very difficult, he was watching and waiting for her to make her move, almost anticipating it. He knew exactly where his coin purse was located and was even working out different scenarios in which she might take it...

It was killing him, he wanted to show her his hand so bad, to reveal to her that he had the ace in the hole. But his better judgement tempered him to wait.
He rubbed his hands up and down her shoulders to help warm her up, "You are cold. Maybe I could take you to a seamstress in the morning and get you some proper outdoors clothing."

 

[alphabunny]

Take her to a seamstress? Who even is this guy? Rou was rather set back. Did he deserve any of this? Probably not. But the world was unfair and only those who were willing to fight survived.
Over the years Rou had become rather good at hiding her emotions. Had she given away anything? Either way it was now or never.
"You know Tezzy, you are rather welcoming and willing when it comes to a girl you met in a tavern of all places." Rou leans in and softly places her lips against his, with a quick movement draws her dagger from her boot and places the sharp blade threateningly, and effortlessly next to his crotch.

She pulls away and her eyes grow dark,"Give me that lovely purse I saw you flashing earlier or else your little friend here is going to get a rather unpleasant surprise." She moves the blade so that its sharp tip can be felt through his attire.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Give me that lovely purse I saw you flashing earlier or else your little friend here is going to get a rather unpleasant surprise."

Ah, so that's how it was. He could honestly say he was surprised, he really didn't expect her to ask for it or threaten him at knife point. But still the dagger was only secondary for his attention, it was the kiss that was at the forefront of his mind, a traitors kiss but a kiss none-the-less. Enjoyable and warm even if it was meant to hide a proverbial dagger for his back.

After the initial surprise his face relaxed, with only a slight wince as the tip of the blade punctuated her threat.
"I must say, miss Rou Stonewall, If that's your real name? You really had me guessing. A dagger in public and it's not even the slums. You are bold, I'll give you that."
He leaned back on the bench with his hands in plain sight to show her he's not trying anything.
But it was like his face just died, no smile or smirk, just the intense natural stare of his eyes boring into her as if they could see right through her soul.
It might have been a trick of the light, but for a brief moment it seemed like his eyes flashed a predatory gold.

He didn't move a muscle or give her an excuse to do anything with the knife, but he wasn't tense and didn't show any signs of stress.
His voice was even and measured, calculating and cold, a vast difference from the charm he presented to her all evening.
"You're obviously new to Alliria, so I'll cut you a break. Indeed most people here recognize my name right off the bat, so you were a refreshing change of pace. You stand to possibly gain a lot more coin by befriending me than by taking the paltry amount I have on me."
He made no sudden, quick, or threatening movements, he remained slow and steady with his "Package" being held hostage, but it was like his confidence was unshakeable.
"In the merchant's trade, you're used to pickpockets and con artists, swindlers and loan sharks all looking to take what gold you have. Thuggery and bold theft like this is almost a lost art here since nearly every merchant is accompanied by an entourage."
He gave her a shrug and broke his glare to smirk, "I'm obviously not one of them. Foolish me, you think?"

He relaxed against the bench again with his hands open and at his sides.
With a smile he teased her a bit, "My purse is on my belt under my right arm. I think I'm too terrified to move, I'm afraid you'll have to reach in and get it..."
He grinned at her, almost daring her to try it.

Spoiler: If you go for it.

To all appearances he doesn't move a single muscle as she reaches into his coat to reach his purse. It's there, but his smile only widens as she starts to pull it out.

 

[alphabunny]

To her surprise, the kiss wasn't as bad as she had thought, normally this strategy led men to want some significant making out. This was the case, not like she gave him the chance though anyways.

"You are one cocky bastard Tezzy," Rou removes her dagger and places it back into her boot. She leans back against the bench. "Merchant or not, a lady has to find a way to survive and seeing as you are offering," Tzuriels confidence and calm takes her by surprise.

By now she would normally have either stolen the purse and run off or else if he had decided to fight back she wouldn't hesitate to take part.

"I need to buy myself a new bow, so dont mind if I do."

To all appearances he doesn't move a single muscle as she reaches into his coat to reach his purse. It's there, but his smile only widens as she starts to pull it out.
What on earth is he up to...

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Ultimately nothing happens as she pulls out the fairly weighty bag of assorted coins... Except that there is now a knife in his hand... Her knife... His skill in slight of hand puts many of the best pickpockets to shame. Instead of a knife in her boot there's a stick.
"You know, I think I've given away more coin to people who tried to steal it than I have to people who simply asked for it."
He twirled the knife in his hands before he casually put his arm around her shoulder with the flat of the blade tapping her collarbone.

"I'm not going to hurt you, if anything I want to help you. With that coin you could purchase a new bow of fair quality and a quiver of arrows, perhaps even with enough leftover for a warm coat."
He flipped the knife up and caught the blade, presenting her the handle.
"But run with me, and I could set you up with gear, equipment, everything you need including the opportunity to use them to protect some of my caravans. I could even get you a reference into The Adventurers Guild if you want."

Once he returned the knife he backed off with his hands up once more, and an apologetic smile on his face, "Trust me, I'm worth more as a resource than a one time hit. The coin is yours, but you'll give it back if you want my help."

 

[alphabunny]

Talk about a slight of hand. Rou was immensely impressed. What other hidden talents did this man have?

Rou pondered for a moment. He had to have some sort of alternate motive. Does he think I'm some kind of whore? Oh hell no. But then again, an adventure was just what she was looking for.

"Now why would you," Rou took in his appearance, stature, clothing and talents, "want me, a girl from the slums who obviously isn't as good at thievery as she thinks." Her voice was glazed in sarcasm and dripped skepticism, "want me to join your crew?"

Rou handed Tzuriel back his purse and folded her arms. She raised an eyebrow, quite for a second or two then decided to do a bit of digging. "I don't think any of your little girlfriends would appreciate me tagging along."

Rou knew from the minute Tzuriel approached her in the tavern he was defiantly a ladies man. "Besides, what is it you and your little band of misfits do Tezzy dear? And don't you dare give me any bullshit. There is no way you can look this put together by being a simple merchant. We'll not from what I've seen anyways."

In the back of her mind Rou continued to wonder, his eyes, there was something about his beautiful blue eyes, was her mind playing tricks on her? She decided to push that thought back, now wasnt the time to think about those eyes, that seemingly saw into her sole. She was determined not to let them break through her walls.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Now why would you," "want me, a girl from the slums who obviously isn't as good at thievery as she thinks." , "want me to join your crew?"

He held up a hand and began ticking off reasons on his fingers.
"First, my business thrives on the protection of private contractors, adventurers, mercenaries, and monster hunters.
Second, You may not be good at thievery but that's not to say you're not good at other things.
Thirdly, I like you. You're bold and you take initiative, and a damn good kisser."

"I don't think any of your little girlfriends would appreciate me tagging along."

He gave a little laugh as he re-secured his coin pouch.
"My "little girlfriends"? If they stick around it's because they work for me and enjoy a healthy payment like everybody else."

"Besides, what is it you and your little band of misfits do Tezzy dear? And don't you dare give me any bullshit. There is no way you can look this put together by being a simple merchant. We'll not from what I've seen anyways."

He gave her an incredulous look, but it soon broke into a grin.
"Well... I AM a merchant, but I wouldn't say theirs anything "simple" about it. Of course, when I say I'm a "merchant" I really mean, "The head of the largest trading empire in Arethil.""
He folded his hands behind his head and leaned back in the bench.
"That's why it was so refreshing to meet someone who didn't recognize my name. If you walk into any given shop in Alliria and mention my name you would immediately have a complete map and instructions to my administration building and a list of all of my products that they have in stock. I was even offered a position on the Merchants Counsel so that they might have a chance to keep an eye on me and my business."

He looked over at her, "So, to answer your question; I am, for all intents and purposes, the most powerful man in Alliria... That so happened to be enjoying a night at a middle class tavern with his employees after a long journey abroad at coincidentally the same time a beautiful elf decided to make an appearance and try to rob me."

 

[alphabunny]

He held up a hand and began ticking off reasons on his fingers.
"First, my business thrives on the protection of private contractors, adventurers, mercenaries, and monster hunters.
Second, You may not be good at thievery but that's not to say you're not good at other things.
Thirdly, I like you. You're bold and you take initiative, and a damn good kisser."

Protection? This wasnt exactly knight hood but if he gave her the chance, this would be perfect. She would see real combat.
He called her a great kisser, Rou stifled a giggle. A giggle, really Rou? Pathetic.

"My "little girlfriends"? If they stick around it's because they work for me and enjoy a healthy payment like everybody else."

"No significant other hey? Poor little lover boy." Rou pouted, her eyes glistened in the moonlight.

Well... I AM a merchant, but I wouldn't say theirs anything "simple" about it. Of course, when I say I'm a "merchant" I really mean, "The head of the largest trading empire in Arethil."

Either Tzuriel was extremely confident and told the truth, or he just over played his hand, pretending to be someone he was not. What exactly did he trade then? I better not be on his list. He said it wasn't simple so Rou could only expect the worst. Not that anything would surprise her. She grew up in The Shallows for goodness sake.

e a beautiful elf decided to make an appearance and try to rob me."

Rou took in everything he had said, she really was fooling around with another big boss. Most definitely best to stay on his good side, he had power. Real power.

"Tezzy dear," Rou stretched her arm across the back of the bench and crossed the one leg over the other.
"Why exactly do you feel it necessary to tell me all about your lavish life style, power and so much more? How do you expect me to react to all of this information? Fall at your feet? Beg to be your mistress?"

She turned on a little posh accent, one that people in power and royalty in the elven clans would have, "because my darling I do not care for such things."

As the evening prolonged the temperatures began to drop, a cold shiver ran down Rou's spine.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"No significant other hey? Poor little lover boy."

She got that condescending tone down pat, just what he might have expected of an elf. Though coming from her it was far less offensive since she wasn't as high brow as those he'd met.
Again, its's refreshing to be treated like a human.
"No one has yet been able to tie me down or split my fortune. And that's fine by me."

"Tezzy dear,"
"Why exactly do you feel it necessary to tell me all about your lavish life style, power and so much more? How do you expect me to react to all of this information? Fall at your feet? Beg to be your mistress?"
"because my darling I do not care for such things."

He gave her a sheepish look, "Well, to impress you is certainly high up on my reasons. If you wanted to do those other things I certainly won't complain. But it's partially to let you know that when you were robbing me you were in over your head, and partially to let you know of the arrow you dodged by robbing me instead of someone else, and partially to paint a picture of the situation your in and what you stand to gain by working for me."
He gave a little laugh, "You probably wouldn't work for someone if you thought they couldn't pay you."
He unlaced his fingers and crossed his arms over his chest.
"That being said, I'm taking a risk by offering to hire you without knowledge of what you're really capable of. But then, I've always been good at reading people and I have a good feeling about you."

He saw her shiver and opened his coat again with a kind smile.
"What do you say, Miss Rou Stonewall?"