Private Tales Truths In Blood

[Theron]

Now he knew her name.

It brought a smile to his face, as if he had won a prize, but that smile faltered as he soon began to realise how fortunate she was to have a fan so readily in hand. He was glad for the distance now, allowing the warm breeze that came through to do at least something for the heat. Seyah was proving to be intriguing and surprising, as he noted where it was she was leading him.

The goblin dens.

It wasn't something to smile over, nor was it something he felt as if he should have expected.

"Curious." But Polgir had a man in every profession of different shapes and sizes. "Where are you leading me, Seyah?"

 

[Seyah]

"To my friend, Dearest Theron." She told her companion, the warm smile on her face never disappearing.

Tyr had been founded by their peoples, named for them, but every Tyrian knew would not have made it were it not for the other two tribes that joined them. First came the Ogre's, in their great flight from the Dragons in the mountains. They became the backbone of this great city. Founding the Deathwatch and aiding the Tyrian's in the defense of their nascent home.

But after the Ogre's, came the Goblins.

It was the greenlings, as Tyrian's sometimes affectionately called their diminutive brothers, which saved Tyr. Not through battle or blood, but ash.

When they finally found Tyr, the Goblins found a city starving. Having grown beyond what it could support, the peoples of the City of Crimson Rivers found their belly's empty and mouths dry. In their arrival, the Goblins brought with them the secrets of farming within the Volcanic ash that surrounded the city.

It was this expertise, and the labor the Greenlings provided that allowed Tyr to survive. Thus, came the third founders.

Though the Goblins of Tyr were just as assimilated into the city as the Ogre's or those who held it's namesake; there were some among the tribes who still wished to live as their ancestors had. Taking up residence beneath the Temple District, it was here that one could find the Goblin Dens. Home to every criminal of green skin in Tyr.

She glanced back at Seyah as they reached the entrance to the Dens. A doorway of ramshackle steel that lead to an treacherously designed and built stairway. "Don't worry."

Seyah said with a wink.

"I'll protect you." The mirth within her words sang into the air as she began her descent.

 

[Theron]

"Ah," he smiled in her wake as she began to take the stairs, "I should have known."

The Dens were a place not many of the Watch bothered to go, only if matters were pressing. If anyone had gone to disappear down below, then the Watch hired bounty hunters to do their work as they put their attention elsewhere in Tyr.

"Best hold my hand. You know, to better protect me and my fear of being underground." His boots hit each step behind Seyah, his eyes scanning their surroundings as they became apparent the more they descended into the Dens. It was a jest, but this was actually his first time here. There were others that knew the Dens in and out that were on the Watch, and often this sort of job would be left to them.

But not this time.

This was unsanctioned work, done in secret with just Seyah and himself in the know.

Theron let out a low whistle. "Fuck, it's bigger than I thought it was, and in my head it was fucking massive."

 

[Seyah]

As they continued down the rickety steps, Seyah let out a small laugh. "Oh, I think you'd rather want my hands to be free."

The Taverness quipped cryptically, gracing Theron with a smile shot over her shoulder. A quick wink flickering over her eye before she turned back and continued down the steps. The warrens of the Dens slowly opening up around them as the massive underground city came into being.

His words, in all truth, were a reflection of her own thoughts when she had first visited this place. The Dens were a nightmarish maze to those who did not know them, and not all those who dwelled here meant to be friends.

"Fear not." She told her companion. "I know the way."

Seyah assured Theron. "Tell me something, Theron."

She asked.

"What brought you to your side of the streets?" Joining the Watch was an honor for any Tyrian, but each had their own story. She was curious to know his. Curious to know if he could be...helpful in the future.

 

[Theron]

He forgot what it was like to talk to someone that was not a colleague of his, and ones he saw every day.

Seyah had been someone easy to talk to, to understand what she wanted would benefit him and the Watch. It seemed she caught on to the same idea when she asked him of his choice to join the Watch.

The answer made him grimace, shrugging. "I had the gift for smelling blood since I was young. It made me curious. Learned to fight scrappy on the streets looking for those that spilled blood, and eventually I was catching the eye of the Watch. I was at that age that as a boy, I knew I was worth more. I would be a legend with this gift if I was part of the Death Watch." Not honour or glory, not to seek helping others.

Theron wished to be known, to be remembered.

And the pay was better than he thought. Most of it went to his parents, to help pay their home off and give them a much needed ease of working to provide for themselves. It left him with little money at the end of the month, but it was worth living in a shoe box than to watch his ageing parents struggle with fatigue.

"The hunt excites me. I sometimes wish and dare someone believes they can get away with it, but even if they wash their hands clean from blood, I can smell it on them the instant I can lay my eyes on them." Here, he flicked his gaze down at her descending in front of him. "And you? Always wanted to run a tavern?"

 

[Seyah]

Seyah listened to every word, the cadence of his tone, the inflection of his voice.

Every little bit was a clue. Every syllable was a breadcrumb. It was all something that she could read, all valuable in it's own way. All that he said she took in, and all would later be used to the fullest effect.

That was her job, after all. Talmanes had not given her the opportunities she had because of a pretty face. One day there would be a moment where she could use all of this. One day there would be some opportunity in which Theron would be useful.

The truths he offered would only make those points more clear. "A tavern?"

She chuckled, her amusement carrying through the caverns in their surroundings.

"No, dear, The Orchid is so much more than a tavern." Seyah flashed him a brief smile. "Do you know when men most spill their secrets? When women breath their relief?"

The mistress shook her head. "I won't be shy, Dearest Theron. A tavern is the least of my designs."

Slowly, she looked up at him, flashing her charms.

"There are steps to take in our fair city, ones that lead to power." The Taverness mused. "But I intend to build my own."

 

[Theron]

Theron smiled, then it broke into a charmed grin.

"Alright, I stand corrected, Seyah." He chuckled. "Must say, never ventured over your way in my nights. Shame my first visit was to see a dead body and not one of your girls."

But he was picky.

"And this power you are building, am I part of the plan now?" He asked, eyes trained on the steps for a few seconds before casting the golden hues to the cavernous hollow in the earth. Their voices were lost in the size, but he could hear it face to echo if he strained his ears enough. "We are working together to put a stop to someone the Watch have been after for so long, how does that benefit you and your vision for power?"

 

[Seyah]

The Taverness’ face was a porcelain mask. Her expression was one of small besument that gave nothing else away as Theron spoke. In another life she might have made the perfect politician, or poker player. The calm she exuded could have stopped the midst of a tavern brawl. ”You'll have to come back.”

She insisted.

”I promise you, we have much more to offer than mysteries to solve.” A smile flashed across her lips, a mischievous twinkle sparking in her eye. She did not think he would be one to fall to any feminine wiles, but it was always worth a shot. Some men bent easily, others had to be made to.

The smile on her lips lingered as they continued down the rickety steps. Moving eventually through winding corners and tight spaces. The Warrens closing in around them as they came closer to their destination and their conversation continued.

”Of course you are, my dear.” She admitted without the burden of lies. ”In my world, and yours, there are those who stand above. Some who deserve to take up that space, and others who do not.”

As they reached an unassuming, almost ramshackle building, Seyah slowed her steps. ”We are removing someone who does not deserve the space.”

Another smile blossomed as she knocked upon the buildings door. ”After that? Well, perhaps we'll see just what my plans might be.”

The Taverness purred.

 

[Theron]

It was with those words that Theron decided he liked his new friend.

They wanted the same thing, and willing to outsource to make it happen and for good. The idea of being one of those aiding in the downfall of Polgir made him feel a surge of strength and power.

His eyes scanned the area, taking in the building that his new friend lead them towards. It was nothing of note, but still, he looked it over before bringing his gaze to the door. He almost missed catching her smile, one that kept his gaze on her a second longer than he would have liked.

Her voice was ensnaring, but before he could speak, the door opened and a gruff growl invited them both in. Were they expected?

"This your friend, I take it?" Theron asked in a low voice, giving Seyah a doubtful look.

 

[Seyah]

”His doorman.” Seyah countered with a quick smirk, and then stepped into the ramshackle manor.

The inside of which would perhaps leave Theron in a small amount of shock. An almost direct contrast to the fallen wooden boards and broken windows presented to the outside; the decorations of the manor were utterly impeccable. So fine and tasteful they very nearly put those of The Black Orchid to shame.

Nearly.

“Auntie Seyah!” A voice rang out from the bannister above, the sound of a small goblin girl leaning upon a railing. She quickly jumped up and down, rushing over the nearby steps and practically throwing herself into the Taverness' arms. “It's been so long! You haven't visited in weeks!”

The little goblin shouted as she embraced Seyah. ”I know I know, my dear, but I've been very busy. Is your father here?”

The girl nodded, unlatching herself from Seyah’s side as she turned on her heel and quickly began to rush back towards the stairs. “He's in his office! I'll go get him!”

”She's always been an excitable little thing.” Seyah whispered to her companion with a small smile.

 

[Theron]

Doorman?

Theron's brief bewilderment vanished as soon as a child's voice called out. He jumped as the thing came rushing past, enveloping the Taverness in an embrace he wondered might be vice like.

"Hells..." He muttered, watching the small child take off again. "She needs weights to slow her down before she bowls us over."

But her smile coaxed a small one from him, allowing him to ease up once more. "I had younger sisters that made me believe children were all well behaved. Until those young sisters grew older and reminded me of such realities." Theron wandered deeper into the room and glanced around, a low whistle blowing through his lips.

"Your friend has done well in life. And a doormen as well..." If only he could afford to give his parents such luxury. He turned his head to look to Seyah, smirking. "Why don't you have a doorman?"

 

[Seyah]

Seyah offered Theron a side eye. "Because I want the Orchid to be welcoming."

She answered with a smile, though didn't mention the three former Death Watch Ogre's who all acted as bouncers within her Tavern. Tumi, Vazur, and Koltic were all good boys, but their reputation had been dragged through the mud within the Watch.

It was doubtless that Theron would know of all three, and not for favorable reasons.

"A doorman tends to be for keeping people away." She mused, remembering a lessons taught to her long ago. "It's bet-"

Before she could finish her sentence, a loud voice suddenly boomed out from above. Another Goblin appeared, this one dressed in what could only be described as a Tuxedo. An impeccably crafted suit jacket hanging from his shoulders as he moved towards the steps, his right eye adorned with a large monocle, and his head seeming fit for only the tallest of hats.

"Seyah! What a surprise to see you here this evening, and with a friend! Who might this be?" The Goblin asked.

"Caltus, lovely to see you." The Taverness said, offering a gentle wave towards her companion. "This is Theron, we are here on business, I am afraid."

A cackle escaped the dimunitive business man. "Ah! What else would it be?"

 

[Theron]

Theron was about to share his agreement in her view of a doorman, not at all bored with any manner of conversation he had with his new companion. Seyah was unlike everyone else he worked with within the Watch, as if she were fresh air to breath and he was hanging on to take advantage of it.

But he almost forgot they stood in another's home, when the being in mention came to greet them. At Seyah's introduction of him, Theron bowed his head in casual greeting.

"Seyah and I are working a private investigation... so some discretion would be appreciated." He started. Leave Seyah to be the one to play negotiator, for the Bloodletter was never known for his kindness or tact.

The goblin gave him a grin, one akin to dangerous waters. "Wouldn't want to trouble my friend here." And Theron knew his friendship extended to Seyah in that matter.

Theron continued.

"Seyah says you have information. I am willing to pay a price for answers, but I need your verbal agreement to these terms." Promises held power as much as blood. Hells, Theron would have drawn up a contract and asked for it to be signed with blood if they had time, but time they did not have much of.

 

[Seyah]

There was a moment, a brief moment where the Goblin seemed to hesitate. There was doubt there, Seyah could see it.

She couldn't blame him of course. Crossing a man like Polgir was altogether a different thing. Selling a bit of info was to be expected in their business. Letting Seyah know about one route or another wasn't a big deal, maybe a slip here or there.

But selling him out like this?

In the way that the two of them would want?

The little Goblin, though demutive as he might have been compared to his Tyrian comrades was no fool. He knew what game would be played tonight, he knew what he had to gain from it, but he also knew what he had to lose.

A girl, who had already greeted them. "I will do as you say."

He finally said, and Seyah let out a breath that she had not even realized that she had been holding. Never exactly sure if he had had it in him to take the step forward. There would always be those who would block their own ambition.

Those who did not have the strength to take the next step. It was always disappointing, and she was glad that she would not have to count her friend among them. They would all rise together, she would make sure of it by the end of it. That was why she was working with Talmanes, why the daughter of one Exile had made a deal with another.

"Then I believe we should speak somewhere more comfortably." She suggested, glancing at both men.

"I doubt we will be here for less than an hour." No, there was much to speak about after all. "So why not some tea."

The little Goblin did not hesitate, apparently remembering some practiced speech he had once been taught by his social betters. "Of course! Right this way, please. We built the sitting room for a reason."

 

[Theron]

Theron caught Seyah's look, held it a moment longer, before nodding and following their host to the sitting room. His trust was working off from her own, for he had no such friends or contacts willing to put their life on the line for this.

The sitting room held the same grandeur as the previous room they were received in, and such finery did not enchant him this time. He cleared his throat, stepping aside to allow Seyah to take a seat before he did. He chose to sit on the setee, giving him the chance to sit opposite from the goblin and see his face.

"Do you know me?" He asked.

The goblin stared, took in Theron for a few quiet moments before he came to the conclusion and shook his head. "Cannot say I do, forgive me."

Theron smiled, the wicked kind often found on the lips of tricksters seeing a shortcut to win. "The Bloodletter perhaps?"

The goblin sat up straight. Cleared his throat and held his head high. That was answer enough.

"Polgir tried to buy my loyalty too many times, and still I refused his bloodied coin. My loyalty is to the Watch. To the values we uphold to Tyr and our allies." He looked to Seyah, as if waiting for her to steer the conversation now he had introduced himself.

 

[Seyah]

Seyah held a pleasant smile on her face as she watched her old friend bandy introductions with Theron.

She watched the little Goblin's eyes flicker over towards her for just a brief moment. There was a wondering in that gaze, a question. Had the Taverness somehow managed to ensnare Theron when Polgir could not? Was this some kind of trick by the Watch? Had Seyah been working for the authorities all along?

Would this get him killed?

The Taverness saw all of those questions within his eyes, watched the thoughts tumble forward. But she knew Caltus, and she knew which question would rule him most of all.

How much can I profit off this?

"I respect such notions of course. Our laws are sacred, Tyr would not stand with out them." He flashed a toothy grin, with everyone in this room well ware that at least two of the parties involved believed in absolutely no such thing.

"Of course, and Polgir betrays those values daily." Seyah said, lending credence to Theron's own words. "So, would it not be our duty to aid in bringing him into the hands of justice?"

She smiled. "We could be of some assistance with that, could we not Caltus?"

The Goblin glanced back towards his old friend, the settings finally clicking into place for him.

"Yes, yes I believe we could be of great assistance to the Watch." He said with a nod. "I have several Records which might offer you some expediency in your investigations."

 

[Theron]

Theron looked between the two, amusement threatening to show on his face.

"Good. Perhaps there may be a better future for Tyr after all."

A future that he no longer had to deal with Polgir or his men meant so many lives and businesses would not choke under his threat. Would not lose their graciousness under his greed.

He looked at the goblin, raising his brows as he leaned back into his chair comfortably. "What is the nature to these documents? How damning are they to his operations?"

 

[Seyah]

One more look was offered towards Seyah, and then the goblin began to spill. "The documents themselves will not be enough."

She had to bite her tongue to keep the snarl from her throat. Nothing was ever easy.

A part of her had hoped that Caltus would have everything they needed to simply bury the wretch. It would have been so much easier, but Polgir was no fool. He had been in control for long enough that there was a reason for it.

"They will be a first step, a good one." The Goblin explained as he headed over towards a small lock chest. "Most of them are scraps, taken from shredders or incinerators. They begin to paint a picture of Polgir's business, and more than...hint at a few transgressions."

Caltus plucked one document in particular. "This, I believe will be a good start."

He said, offering the parchment to Theron.

"It is a letter, written by Polgir's own hand...which references the disappearance of Lady Tamara Altori..." Caltus said, his words slowly slipping away as he mentioned the famed case which had rocked all of Tyr.

 

[Theron]

Theron's relaxed state came undone as he quickly leaned forward, hands taking the parchment with restrained eagerness.

"Lady Altori..." He breathed, almost giving way to his anger. "I lead the search on that case but I could not find her anywhere in the city." Her blood had been at the scene of the crime, left behind in an obvious altercation. "The family gave up after two years of investigation... nothing new turned up for the Watch to go off of..."

And it had infuriated him to no end that that had been his first failure on the Watch.

He leafed through the letter, his jaw tightening and loosening as the words told him plenty.

"Is she still alive?" Or would he have to bear sad news to her family when this was all said and done?

 

[Seyah]

"I don't know." The Goblin answered honestly. "But, your best lead will be found in that letter. An Ogre by the name of Throgmir."

Seyah frowned for a moment at the mention of the name. He was one of Polgir's lieutenants, known for his...particulars, but none of those involved women like Lady Altori. She frowned for a moment, glancing towards Theron. "The Altori's are a major dealer in Rhimesteel are they not?"

She asked cautiously, recalling the unique metal the family mined outside Tyr.

"If Polgir has their daughter..." She said slowly, leaving the implication within the air of just what kind of leverage that might have to offer.

 

[Theron]

"... Then she may be alive."

Theron leafed through the letter with a grave face. He did not want to voice just how alive she may be, but a visit to this Throgmir was worth an investigation... "I just can't make up my mind if we should visit the family first, see if Throgmir or any others of Polgirs has made contact with them threatening their daughter's life."

It reminded him of something he had seen as a young boy, something that he had witnessed and turned the other way. Word had gotten back to Polgir, and promises were made in exchange for Theron's silence. He remembered scoffing, walking straight to a Deathwatch orc, and looked back at the man. He had grinned, as if amused by the sheer cheek of the young Tyrian.

But Theron didn't say shit back then. Present day, he would. Anything to get him off the streets.

 

[Seyah]

Seyah frowned for a moment, considering Theron's words. Asking the family would be straightforward, but if Polgir's Lieutenant was holding their daughter it was likely he held some sway over them to say the least. Of course they would scramble to save their daughter, they might even tell Theron everything...

But would they risk it? "I..have an alternative suggestion."

She said softly to Theron.

"The Family knows you, yes?" He had been investigating the girls disappearance after all. "But they do not know me."

Seyah drummed her fingers for a moment on the arm of her chair. "I could approach under false pretenses, pose as one of Polgir's. I can get them to speak on some of what has happened, and without endangering the Girl."

In truth, she was mostly concerned the family themselves would blow their investigation. If they let one slip of a word loose to Polgir, all of this was doomed.

She would rather trick a scared gaggle of upstart nobles than endanger her rise.