Private Tales Petty Thievery

[Ademar Acero]

VEL LUIN

To his annoyance, it was a shame his skills would be put into work for something so insignificant. Not so insignificant for the Noble House that lost something just recently. Oh, yes, those pretentious nobles were quite upset and annoyed they had been robbed by something something precious to them, and they wouldn’t alert the local authorities or any servant of the law to deal with this matter. In secret this would be kept, not even the other houses would know of this.

They could only trust two Dreadlord mentors and their apprentices. Selected apprentices that was.

In truth, Ademar was mused to hear the house who required his services. It wouldn’t be much of a favor as he was ordered, but that wasn’t the point. This was an opportunity to impress these nobles and remember his face, perhaps one day, if he chose to swear allegiance to their house, would fancy around him and give special privileges to him.

At the cost of finding this stolen possessions of theirs and bring it back.

Ademar and his fellow apprentice arrived by horse to the fortress coastal city of Vel Luin, adjacent to the Cortosi Coast which allowed it to build vessels, mostly to provide for Vel Anir’s navy. If a thief was to steal something of worth and were to runaway with it they most likely would prefer to evade by sea than by land. More difficult to trace the waves of the sea than the footprints of earth.

“I say we make contact with the governor here and have him shutdown the harbor to prevent any ship leaving,” the Dreadlord addressed to Daria, this being the second time to have the pleasure of working with her. A daughter of Crane she was, a name still spoken today after hearing the veteran Dreadlord desist. She was still carrying his legacy and remind those of the bloodline she hailed from.

Daria

 

[Daria]

Daria surveyed the length of the city, her expression empty as her gaze careful examined the different districts and their discernible exits and entrance points.

This was just another assignment to her-- a thing to do and complete as swiftly as possible so she could return to the academy and complete her training.

She did not have a mentor yet, but the pressing training and extra tutorage her father arranged for her had her completing assignments at the level of those that did.

Some may view it as advancement. A sign of potential. Special treatment. She knew it was nothing more than a test. One she was unwilling to fail.

"That embargo could not hold long." Despite the sway and power they held. You could only stop a city from moving for so long before it snapped and burned you in whiplash. "And they could always paddle boat out on one of those channels."

Which meant time was of the essence here. Once the thief got out, the chances of keeping their tail were very slim.

She looked up to him, her features flat. "What do you think?"

 

[Ademar Acero]

What did he think?

The first thing he could think right off was how the hell were they going to look throughout the whole fortress city for a personal object? For two Dreadlord Apprentices with no other help besides each other?

Fuck

Some features of annoyance on his face as he tried to think of something quickly. Nothing came to mind except what he suggested. It was a good start, though Daria was right. The city wouldn’t allow a stall such as this for too long. Merchants needed to leave or enter the premises of the docks for business, warships too needed to be shipped off to allow the next wave of product to be started.

“Other than speaking to the governor? If I was a lowly thief that stole from a noble, I’d probably surround myself with the same filth. Brothels, taverns, gambling pits. Or seclude myself outside the wall, on the beach or marshes.”

He looked at her, her face blank exactly as Ademar’s. Only to break off his gaze as seconds passed to not make it...weird.

“And your thoughts?” he asked as he commanded his horse to continue on, waiting for Daria’s response.

 

[Daria]

Daria mused for a long spell of time, so much so that it almost seemed like she wasn't going to answer him. Her gaze skimmed the fortifications, trying to strategize out a way to dominate the black market with only two of them.

But then she realized.

If a Dreadlord could not reach these answers, then what more could a common thief do?

Her parted, her voice quiet but firm as she answered. "If I was a lowly thief, I wouldn't have connections. I wouldn't even know how to begin to break out undetected, never mind possess the funds to reach a better port to sell it off."

"...No. They will sell it here.Then go."

 

[Ademar Acero]

Any answer was viable nor incorrect. They had nothing to go off with and had to use their wits, even if what they could think was unorthodox or ludicrous. What Daria suggested wasn’t a wrong answer, exactly, but he just couldn’t accept that. Go through the trouble of stealing an invaluable artifact and then just sell it to anyone?

“Then why go through all the trouble just to sell it?”

But then he realized she had a point. The person was a lowly thief and having little wealth before these recent events? To whom they sold it to would determine how wealthy they’ve become. Not only that, but the thief also probably valued his life and wouldn’t want to go against the Dreadlords of Vel Anir. Wouldn’t be much of a challenge.

“I see your point. Even a scummy thief would value their life and not risk it unless they were stupidly bold.”

The duo continued on, arriving at the capitol building of Vel Luin. Ademar dismounted from his horse, no doubt Daria at his side as they entered the great design of the building. There were guards stationed at every corner and one with decorations on his person approached the Dreadlords. The captain of the guard he was.

“We need an audience with the governor, it’s urgent and it shouldn’t take long. And I won’t take no for an answer.”

This would’ve been a time he would enjoy Talus’ company. The two worked compatible with each other even if their personalities conflicted with each other indirectly. Talus seemed to be diplomatic, trying to find compromises with his words to achieve what he wanted. Ademar? He demanded and was blunt with his words, never bothered to mince them to be polite with whoever it was he conversed with.

A frown struck the captain’s face before replying.

“The Governor is busy, but perhaps his lieutenant can attend you.”

That wouldn’t do.

“The governor, captain. I’m sure the man can get off his ass and spare two minutes for us.”

Talk about needing to develop more social skills.

 

[Daria]

Daria was really no better at speaking, a fact she knew and shied away from as she left Ademar to do all the talking.

Whether or not the governor was willing to risk his neck to the formidable Dreadlords, the attendent certainly wasn’t. He have a large swallow, nodding his head as he turned on his heels. “Alright then. Let me try again.”

Daria stood comfortbaly in the silence, still as she waited patiently for the man’s return. When he did come back, there was a thin sheen of sweat across his brow. He swiped at it with a handkerchief, swallowing hard again.

“Of course, the governor will see you know.” He hestered to the large oak doors.

Daria pushed forward with no other invitation, her footsteps heavy as she approached the middle of the man’s office. The contents of a half finished meal sat scattered across his desk and trolly. The governor half choked in his haste, wiping his mouth clear of crumbs.

“Right. Right. Sit down. Would you look something to eat? Perhaps a refreshment,” came the formalities.

 

[Ademar Acero]

That’s what he liked to hear and see. Subjects respecting him out of fear that he could instill others with his hulking physical appearance, his status in society, and his magic. The attendant escorted them before a great oak door that led to the office of the governor. They were opened and the two Dreadlords marched in, their feet stomping the floor from the incredible strength they possessed as well as the weight from the armor on their person.

As they approached Ademar saw the governor that resembled much to what he expected. Fat and indulging to the riches his position as governor could afford, luxurious objects and delicious food. Ademar didn’t hide his face of discontent for the man nor did he even made an attempt at it. An open hand raised up before speaking, “That will not be necessary at all, Governor. We only came to request something from you. We need the harbors closed for a while and no ship is to enter or leave Vel Luin whether by port or any other way besides that.”

He was careful with his words as in to not come and ask a favor, but to demand it and giving no room for proper etiquette. They had a mission to complete, and a dire one.

“You must be mad! We have merchants coming and going as well as completed ships! I believe I can-“

“On orders of the nobles of House Luana, the harbor will be closed temporary, Governor. Unless you wish to defy the wishes of the lords and ladies of House Luana,” his voice roared, interrupting the governor with annoyance in his voice. Once he brought up the authority of the house they received their assignment from there was little the governor could to refuse this.

“I...I can have it closed for a few hours, I cannot promise a days worth of it vacated.”

That would work even though he’d like more than what he was given

“That’ll do,” before turning on heels to walk out of the Governor’s office with Daria at his side. They were limited on time and must use it wisely.

 

[Daria]

Daria walked silently besides him, moving briskly out of the space only to stop and pause at the front desk. Detailed directions were given to find the black market district, though it took a few denials before the secretary even admitted to knowing of its existence.

Daria wasn’t here to bust some clerk’s chops for buying forbidden herbs or whatever she had gotten her hands into. They had more important matters to deal with.

She squinted up into the sun as she stepped out onto the street, using it to catch her barring and find her way. She started walking left, glancing briefly over him before commenting.

“If word gets out Dreadlords crashed the market they will hole up. Best to hide your insignias. Split up. And ... try to maybe ... smile.” The words were awkward to say. But she put them out there anyway.

 

[Ademar Acero]

He looked back at her as she parted towards his left, confused of her intentions before she spoke. Only then did he understood and gave a nod towards her. They had information to the black markets of the city and other discreet, shady merchants with items beyond from a legitimate business. Ademar could hear the last bits she said, it was painfully awkward for her to say and maybe it would’ve been for him, too. They weren’t exactly tuned with their emotions. He only smiled at the sight of victory, but out of love or happiness for someone or something else? That never happened, or maybe yes; just he never noticed it.

“I’d pay money to see a Crane smile,” and a forced grin came with the comment. Awkward too.

“Wear worn garments if your have to, to cover yourself up. Blend in with the crowd as much as you can. We can meet at the Twins once we’re done searching.”

Hopefully they’d come across something useful in their search.

“Good luck, and...don’t find trouble.”

The hell that was supposed to mean? He shook his head at began walking his own path within the districts and find the pits of these low life creatures.