phyrofwild

[phyrofwild]

There were many things in life he valued way more than money, but he knew all too well money was something that one had to have to live in that world, unfortunetaly. A debt, for exemple, was something he never thought he'd have, and yet now he owed thousands to a Bank of all things, and that was quite funny to him, and also very exciting to think he could be entrapped by his contract - maybe he'd let that happen just so he could experience something new? No, that would be unfun. That store was just a shell for what his mind had created for the future decade anyway, it was a means to an end, but that didn't mean he did not care for the place.

The Genasi had recently bought plants and flowers as decor for his shop from a beautiful intricate place in another part of Lysara, the Wildflower Well, and, now that they had arrived, he was trying to find the correct place to position them. That was one of the reasons he only ever noticed someone had come in when he heard the steps closer to the balcony, turning towards the visitor and possible client with a huge smile.

"Man of mystery?" He asked, furrowing his brows slightly and then letting out a short chuckle. "I'm not as mysterious as one might think, really." That was not true, but he'd rather pretend he was an open book than have others try to figure him out and find things he didn't know he had to hide. "Good thing your friend speaks greatly of my store, though. Who would that be, I ask? Maybe a discount on their next purchase is in order." Not too much, he was still an indebted man. "I am Zephyr, the owner of The Eastern Wind." He offered a hand towards the other, over the glass balcony. "Nice to meet you...?" He awaited an introduction.

Location: The Eastern Winds For: Zephyr | @phyrofwild

Vash enjoyed shopping. Of all the sins now reflected in his monstrous form, the desire to adorn himself in comfortable fabrics and colors, to wear a ruby ring and a teardrop ruby earring, to eat fine food, and to step into places where he was not welcome—these sins were the ones he most easily accepted. While the horns that marked him as twisted were easily hidden, and his cloven hooves could largely be masked, his rectangular pupils would always give him away. So, he wore slightly tinted glasses. He was not so much a devil in disguise as he was a monster imitating a peacock for its elegance, attempting to draw the right attention and dissuade others from looking too deeply at him.

The desire to enjoy his time and explore was what caused him to seek out a new store—one he hadn’t been a customer of yet. The store, The Eastern Winds, was not an established store by any means. He wasn’t sure if there would be a crowd or whether it would be quiet (he hoped for quiet). Though, whether it had a dedicated clientele or not didn’t matter, and it didn’t matter that there was nothing Vash truly needed.

Right now, he was high on humanity. The feeling of euphoria wouldn’t last forever; the soul he had devoured would eventually lose its flavor, leaving him hollow. For now, though, he could enjoy the feeling of being alive—having the purity of a non-blight-tainted soul residing in the cage of his skeleton gave him a moment of peace. He didn’t deserve it. He shouldn’t partake so liberally of souls… he should suffer. Penance. Fire. Pain. He should suffer because he didn’t deserve peace and comfort.

He would force himself to suffer tenfold in the coming weeks. Starting tomorrow. Or the day after.

Today, he would follow the path she had told him about. Her name forgotten, he remembered her as the beautiful young woman with hair the color of raven’s wings and eyes that sparkled with blue fire. She had giggled and nuzzled against him, speaking about the store and the mysterious things it held, as well as the enigmatic shopkeeper. She had offered to go with him. “We could make it a date,” she had said, and he laughed, pressing her back into the soft bed. He could have let her go… she was kind, doting, sweet… she had the voice of a songbird and the potential to sing on stage… but he wished to add the sound of her giggle, and her songs, to the symphony of misdeeds he heard in his mind. He wanted to keep her, and because he knew he couldn’t—he selfishly made sure that no one would be able to enjoy her as he had.

Drawing himself out of his memories, he saw the sign indicating the entryway to the shop. It moved back and forth with a slow swing, as though there were wind to push it despite the humid, calm day. He studied it for a moment before allowing himself inside. There, he saw the shopkeeper. Or the one he assumed to be the shopkeeper. Perhaps it was an assistant. Or a clever thief who had murdered the shopkeeper and stashed his body underneath the floorboards.

“The man of mystery, I presume?” Vash greeted. “The stories a friend of mine told me about your store said it was as peculiar as the one who ran it. I wanted to see it for myself.”

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr had arrived a few moments early and had already taken his place on the table, legs resting stretched over each other on the floor. His fox mask worn cleverly to hide his features from other thieves, not wishing to find trouble in his business, although he didn't really care that much. He remained silent with a soft smile on his lips as the other spoke. Contrary to regular day-to-day interactions, the Genasi found it easier to deal with this kind of transaction when he kept his mouth shut. That person was someone he found was great at doing jobs like this, and, respecting the other's work, he did not question the ledger's contents. It was usually a quick exchange, but the other seemed to be interested in talking for a change. "Oh?" The Genasi spoke for the first time. "I didn't take you for greedy..." He withdrew his legs, leaning forward over the table with his elbows, his sharp gaze fixed on the other. "Tell me then, if I were to move in, what percentage do you think would be fair for you to 'continue your good work', dear?" He inquired, wishing to know how far the other's greed would take him, since that was something he didn't have in him. Intel was much more interesting than gold.

who?: @phyrofwild when?: neptunalia where?: some secret hideout in westreach

The instructions for the drop were followed to the letter as per usual. Aegean arrived at the safe house, face shrouded by his hood and his weave, with the ledger deposited on the lone table precisely at the specified time. “Every detail of each Iskaran merchant and trader’s disrupted foreign shipping deals. As of the time of collecting this data, none have been able to resume business.” Just as he did not need other thieves inquiring too deeply into his movements, Aegean minded himself and did not even attempt to probe Phyr's thoughts. He kept his eyes trained forward. Secrecy was a condition of these intel drops and the last thing he needed was to incur the ire of someone who paid him decently for jobs like this, call if professional courtesy. “I wouldn’t dare assume what your intentions with such information are, but should you choose to move in on these ventures you'd surely see sizable profit returns,” he says, thankful that Calla was requested personally to assist the Agents with clearing refugees. “Returns that I can expect a percentage of if I’m to continue my good work for you, no?”

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr had already forgotten of the things he'd probably done to the woman back in their little adventure, but it was clear he had not, and that was quite the story he didn't know he wanted to hear more about. "I'm not even going to ask what you did to that woman, but I'm glad you had fun." He laughed it off with a shake of his head. "Yes, the typical merchant behavior indeed." He agreed. He himself wasn't an usual merchant so he could relate to the other. "I'm still upset I didn't introduce myself and talked about my shop to the Matron of the Spriggans... Maybe she'd be interested in a Peacepipe..." He sighed. "Oh, no, definitely not! And never more, I say! I did make friends with some stray cat and a pidgeon the other day, though..." And they probably were happy with his sandwiches. "Don't tell me you're interested in chasing water fowl now? I highly advise against it..."

Nero thought birds must know quite a lot but he wasn't going to argue with the other man by any means. Mostly because it was more amusing to go along with what it. Swan's he thought were a special kind of evil, a bit of an upgrade from geese. Somehow he thought Lysaran swans in general had to be entitled, perhaps it had thought the sandwich beneath it. "My friend, does a woman fifteen feet tall sound like fun?" Melava would surely be missed, but he could never commit to someone with that amount of intensity in not just her heart, but in her thrusts. "I fought some trees, helped a mother. You know, typical merchant things." He offers Phyr a little pat on the shoulder. "What of you? Chasing more water fowl?"

[phyrofwild]

"Oh? Lucky me I don't usually deal with shiny things." He chuckled. Although sometimes the things he dealt with were, indeed, shiny. It was cheap, too cheap at that, and that was a steal in more than one ways, if he was to be honest. "I can't offer you only that much..." He spoke his heart. Stealing wasn't a practice to be condoned, but he also would never condemn someone who had their reasons for such a thing. "How about this... I'll pay you a meal today and then I can offer you a few gold pieces for the broach." He offered with a kinder smile, interested in her story.

"I find amusement in taking shiny, stolen things." A grin tugs at her lips and she's never had much motivation for the greater good, the only morally redeeming thing about her is that what she takes from the rich will sometimes find their way into the hands of the poor. She grew up only wanting to survive, which being alone in the wilderness with her touch being one that harmed allowed her to grow careless for the fate of others. "Gotta stay one step ahead of the law at all times, staying still has never really benefitted me." One of her shoulders lift. "Enough to eat will do."

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr knew the witch in front of him was well aware of his connections to Druidism, but his true nature as a Genasi was a secret hidden from the world that few would really know about, so the other's words were to be expected. "A Druid can never lie..." He spoke with a theatrical short bow and the scoff that followed. A truth he found so easily manipulatable since people seemed to trust them so easily due to that belief they didn't even have to lie about anything, they just had to omit the truth from their words and perform their ever-so-righteous part on that play. "Their beliefs blind them from what really matters. They hide behind their pretty words and virtues and only see things as black and white, never all the shades of gray... Hypocrites." He said the last part under a sigh, taking a long sip that finished his cup.

The merchant stopped for a second and decided to look beyond his own personal experience, as it did not matter. "I think I've just drank too much." He laughed it off. "It doesn't even really matter... The Druids may be assholes, but they can be helpful to the right people." If that aligned or did not interfere with their notion of balance and equilibrium, that was. So far as the other's wishes were fair, he could find answers in their Ancient Stones. The Genasi stood up from his chair. "I think we'll see how that goes... Good luck, young friend." He chuckled, leaving a few coins to pay the bill on the table and left.

The homesickness he wrestled with wasn't easily placated, but neither was Alrik the type to wallow about his misfortune. He'd been through worse and survived far more terrible things than displacement. Alrik would always make due, he was a survivor and he'd endure Lysara's backwards customs as well.

"The only faith I place is in myself." Alessia's betrayal still sat on his shoulders, there had been a time when he thought it would be the two of them against the world. It was only in retrospect that Alrik realized how childish it was, their paths diverged and from here on he would walk his alone. Phyr's candor surprised him though, "I didn't expect to hear that from one of their own." Alrik had eyes, insight, and history with the merchant beside him. That they were both hiding in plain sight in Yggdrasildal wasn't lost on him. Alrik, who'd never met a witch he trusted, then asked, "What made you so jaded?"

[phyrofwild]

He chuckled as she ruffled his haird. "And if Fate doesn't, I'll find my way back to you eventually..." He assured her. As Zephyr heard of the card, his demeanor changed for but a second, he knew it didn't mean literal death, but he saw that as an omen, he hoped it didn't mean the end of them, of his connection to the nature or of the influence of the Circles; maybe Death could be hope? Maybe it meant the end of the old values of the Dúnedain? There was still a chance he could convince them to fight against the ever-growing evil of this world instead of standing their ground and just watching as it consumed Iskaldrik. To Phyr, the worst evil wasn't the threat of the darkspawn and the creatures of darkness, but the prejudice that came from within, that turned ally against ally, that corruption that prevailed in that Kingdom of mad rulers and idiotic powers.

Nonetheless, that wasn't a topic for today. He offered Sakkara a kind smile. "You are right." He agreed, his mind always looking for ways to find the brighter side and hoping that she had a better knowledge on that than he did. If she said it didn't mean bad things, he could trust her, right? She certainly knew what she was talking about. "Maybe I can expect the start of my sleep soon." He joked, offering a teasing smile to her. It was almost time for them to go to bed since the day of tomorrow was something they were yet to see. "I'm sure I'll be dreaming of that life you told me about, though." He was a dreamer after all... He got up from his seat and started preparing their camp for the night.

"Oooo, Aunty Kara," she repeated, her eyes bright with equal glee and amusement. How Sakkara loved children, innocent little beings with such potential and such wonder in their eyes. Phyr was a protector, someone who looked after other's. She silently promised herself that whatever life Zephyrus made for himself, children or no, she would love the family he gathered up for himself. She expected he would. Phyr had always been prone to be far less isolated than she, and someone who collected many to his side while Sakkara only waited for them to come. His loved ones would be her own, and she would care for them. "I like the sound of that." She would not elaborate or continue speaking on her desires of seeing him as The Keeper, nor would she say it outright with words. Fate weaves as it wills, and Sakkara is not brave enough to voice her deepest desires into real words.

"You might need to stop that before I grow an ego," she teased him. But Phyr's question had her then reaching over and ruffling his long, dark hair as she grinned. "If Fate wills it, a long time from now." A long time could be defined as years, and druids still lived to a ripe age. If she was lucky, Sakkara would leave this world an old woman again - her staff serving as a cane instead, laugh lines on her face and a sense of peace that she would not be returning again this time. "Because we still need to make it to Lysara, don't we? Astoria has been exhausted, you have learned everything you need here. I wanted to keep it a surprise until I was sure but tonight I am. I've continued drawing the card of Death in regards to your path as a student. As I've told you, it isn't a scary card, especially not for you. It just means the end of one thing," She looked hopeful and excited, thinking of all the opportunities a new country would have for him. "It's time to expect the start of something new."

[phyrofwild]

When asked about his shop, a bigger smile appeared upon his features. "It's not a big shop yet, so don't build your hopes up too much, but it is big enough to show its colors." He explained, thinking back to the establishment, trying to capture its essence within his words. "I deal with trinkets of powers beyond their appearances... I recently bought an amulet that changes your luck, if you believe in this kind of things. I have tested it out and it seems to be real, but it also might be a coincidence." He laughed it off. It obviously was not a coincidence since he could feel magic flowing out of the piece, but to others he prefered to be seen as a mere merchant of goods and valueables. "Please, do not hesitate to visit my shop if you're ever in the area. I think we could find a thing or two of your liking there..."

Zephyr would say he was the type that didn't deal with first impressions, and it was true, but he knew many others weren't as he was. Thankfully she seemed to be one to look past the awkward interaction they'd had before, which was a good sign. Maybe he'd misjudged her before, when he was given a recommendation by one of the members of his organization to invite her - at the time he only saw her as someone who would turn a blind eye to both good and evil, too cold to care, and that did not suit his vision of The Link. He didn't know if the status of refugee had changed her or if he'd just missed something on his analysis, but it was interesting to see he'd been wrong, as it was not a common thing in his world.

Hearing her speak of the refugees was fascinating. "I see..." He replied with a nod. "When I left Lysara to venture through Iskaldrik, I was firmly advised otherwise by friends I had made... 'It's a land of brutes and cruelty', they said... 'They'll chain you up and eat you alive'..." He looked away from her, to the waters of Tiber Bay. "But I didn't find that there. I found a land of prideful brave people... Of people who could endure injustice and grew stronger when faced against it. Misguided and mistreated..." He smiled over at her. "What I mean to say is that there is prejudice within Lysara as there was within Iskaldrik. But, as in times of need most of you grew to see past the innate prejudice against magic, it's just a matter of time until one can see past the surface of the other here." He shrugged it off. "Soon enough you'll find something good for you here, I'm sure."

Freydis thought about his suggestion that it was the sudden, new adopted lifestyle that made her feel like time blurred itself, but she wasn’t so sure. A life of being just a refugee was something she might have chosen if she had the option and hindsight–not that the others had it easier than she did. But she felt the shift in her fortune had included a total change in lifestyle as well as the troubling memory of what had been demanded of her to survive in the broodmother’s lair, fighting the whole way back to the encampment, and the inherited memories of an inconceivable lengthy lifetime that was hers and not hers all at once. “I supposed it does,” she agreed quietly in favor of trying to explain all of this to him. He was a perfect stranger, and even those she trusted most hadn’t been told the better half of what she carried with her now. 

“I suspect you may know more about it than you’re letting on,” she responded, playing into his pretend ignorance for a moment or two, but his shop did interest to her, if only as an easy topic over which to engage in small talk. “Would you tell me a bit about it? Perhaps I’ll stop by before I leave the city, or the next time I return.” She didn’t have much coin to spend despite the fact she’d held a high station back in Iskaldrik.

Her eyes shifted to him again and she spent a few moments trying to decide how much it made sense to share with the unfamiliar man. His question seemed genuine, but a part of Freydis still wondered if she was more of a joke to him than anything else given their initial conversation back at the barrier. “I suppose part of it might boil down to culture shock,” she finally answered after some consideration, “and another part of it comes down to preconceived notions about me, about Iskarans in general. It seems many of those who hold higher station here think we’re savages, and perhaps as a society, we do lean a little more heavily into that sort of thing than they do here. But they look at us like we’re animals sometimes.” She was quiet for a moment before adding, “Especially the ones of us who…. Were taken.” She hoped that was all the explanation Zephyr would need to understand her meaning.

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr let out a short laugh, it was funny how she categorized him as a thief of all things. He'd hardly considered himself as such even if that was a title that came with his position within the Thieves' Guild, and that was because he would never get his own hands dirty, although he did deal with those who did. "You call me a thief but I doubt you've ever seen me steal anything..." He spoke and offered her a wink. He'd leave it up to her how she'd take his words, if he was suggesting he was that good or saying he resort to stealing.

Her next words, however, spiked his interest, and the smile he had on his lips turned a bit less mischevous. "May I ask what you need that sort of information for, Captain?" He asked. They both knew all too well she didn't have to answer that question as long as she had something of value to offer, and she seemed to be offering the one thing he once wanted from her, but also a thing that was hard to accept since the barrier was still up and no one from the outside knew if those who mattered inside were still alive or had already been consumed by either the war or the darkspawn.

The Genasi didn't say anything for a moment, but soon looked over at the bartender who'd brought them two cups of ale, thanking him with a nod and watching as he went away. "I could give you the information you want, but... f Iskaran refugees can't be saved through your methods, what will you give me instead?"

“Let’s find out if it is worth the price, or if I will have to find something more interesting for you,” she drawls, stepping into the Cisterns behind him, eyes flickering around to see the usual crew she finds every time she chooses to visit the rumored bar before her gaze settles back in Phyr. Careful eyes note the exchange between the bartender and Phyr, and Valdís adds the interaction to the growing list of evidence she had of Phyr going around more than she had known. The more evidence, the better, for it meant that his information network was as thorough as he claimed. He has not led her wrong, so far, but it never hurts to be careful. 

Valdís is taken by surprise when the other manages to clear a table with a look and a gesture, but she keeps her face neutral as she tucks away that bit of information. It is different, she thinks, from having a vast information network, and she supposes she might have to keep a closer eye on the thief than she had initially decided to. Clearly, what he hides goes far deeper than she thinks. 

“A thief and a gentleman, what a pleasant surprise,” she snarks as she takes the offered chair and settles comfortably, leaning into the table and resting her head on her hand as she observes the thief through narrowed eyes. The Captain of the Ran Armada considers the informant for a moment, before the answer slips through her lips. “I want information on Iskaldrik and the survivors. What happened, what is happening, who made it out. That sort of thing.”

The barrier makes it so there will be no excursions into Iskaldrik for a while, but sooner or later it will fall, and she will be ready.

[phyrofwild]

That first answer didn't suit the persona he'd already created in his own mind of the man in front of him, it was too simple, too easy to acquire, so it made the Genasi squint slightly at the sound of it, smile still intact brightening his otherwise unsatisfied features. He could smell lies from as far as one could tell them, but he reckoned that answer was just for show. The next moment, however, the other did recover from that disappointing answer by giving him something to remain interested, so he would not complain just yet, he wanted to see where it was going.

Zephyr listened to Alrik speak, acknowledging his words and the feeling that he expressed through them. "I know the feeling of missing home..." He really did. When he faced the arches he did not once feel alone or even have a single thought of going back to his old household, and years went by seeminglessly as he studied the way of the Druids before eventually he found himself alone in this world, no family alive to call his own, it was only then that regret filled his heart that he could not be there for their final moments, but all stories have an ending. "Don't put all your hopes on their ancient stones and comforting words, though..." It was clear he still was not over his past with the Dúnedain. They had abandoned him once before. "They're known for being pricks sometimes."

"Place me first in line for a demonstration when you do, friend." Time. A fair request but when Alrik thought about the boon of time he silently thought of shackles as well. His life had felt long already, he couldn't imagine what it would be to live past a century, for two, or for three. One painful decade would roll into another, maybe he'd find bliss, but with years like that, it was inevitable to see that happiness ripped away. If time were a river then Alrik was happy to close his eyes and drift. "Another drink." It was a cheap answer and he felt that, so after the momentary smirk, his mouth faltered.

"Then a hint, as is fair." Alrik took a beat, it wasn't in his nature to divulge anything that might make him vulnerable in any way, but the displacement had left him with an air of absolute certainty. He was a violent creature, he knew this, and he was hardly fair toward those who trusted him most. Alessia among them. "I don't know, yet I'm not without options. The world is happening around me and I-" Alrik paused for a moment as he chipped away at a piece of the bar, earning a scowl from the wench before he ceased his fidgeting. "I don't see my place in it. I want to go home, but there's a barrier between me and Iskaldrik. The druids once traveled through the mist, I'm hoping to find my solution among their old stones." Another beat passed, "Home," Alrik added, "that's what I'd buy."

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr had once been one to say nothing could go on in Taravell without him knowing of it, but now that The Link had been weakened by the war as its members did what they could to help refugees and save their own asses, it was hardly so. He heard her question and couldn't help but smile, noting that she could be someone he could work with. "I find amusement in owning shiny stolen things, what can I say?" He giggled to himself. His gaze followed the item as it was tossed to the bird. "Why? Are you in a hurry?" He joked. "It all depends on the price you're asking for, darling..."

Raven didn't like being noticed, wasn't used to others observing her as she took by her whims and her heart had hardened from loneliness that she cared little for the consequences of others. She went where she wanted and it wasn't her first time in Eterna, she had learned many years ago that beyond the smiling faces and polished street corners was a selfish mean underbelly of a city. Still, she had found a home by the highway, a place to steal and keep very little to her own name. "Why do you want them?" An eyebrow cocked and her tone indicated that she was willing to make a deal, examining a shiny broach in her hand, she tossed it upwards where Bojangles caught it in his mouth. "Act quick before it's all gone."

[phyrofwild]

It had been so long since they tried to agree on the terms of extraction for magic refugees in Lysara that the Genasi almost forgot about it... Almost. He kept a smile on his lips as she spoke, wondering how much she knew of what was currently happening in Iskaldrik. Now refugees that had not yet reached another kingdom had long lost their hopes and probably mostly their lives, be it to the blade or to the chains, if he was to say. It'd been to long. Besides, without the Legion to keep watch, the darkspawn probably had already started moving inside the fallen kingdom. "That will only depend on the information you seek..." He replied.

At this point, he's been to the Cisterns enough times to be able to recognize a few people inside as he slips in, greeting the bartender with a tip of his head and a smile, although only the first part was mirrored by the tall man, and greeting a few other members of the Thieves' Guild before finding a table he liked, one that he usually sat at. There were two talking at this table, so he gave them a look and gestured them to leave and so they did, before he turned to the captain. "Please, have a seat." He offered, pulling a chair to her, although just as a fun performance before he took his own seat across from there.

The fox gestured to the bartender and the message was received by him as the large man started preparing two cups for them. "So, Valdís Wavebreaker... What do you wish to know from us?" He specifically said 'us' instead of 'me' to make sure she knew she wasn't talking to the man Zephyr, but to the organization behind him. He was sure she knew how that usually went, if he didn't have the information at hand, he could ask his robins to search the intel later, and he'd hardly accept payment before their service.

A moment flickers as she considers her options, before Valdís throws her head back and sighs as she realizes a relatively easy offer to make that could garner the thief’s interest. Unfortunately, it requires her to listen to a spiel she had long since decided to ignore, but alas, if making the offer to listen covers the cost of the information she wants it might be well worth it. 

“If I were to allow you to try and sell me the idea you mentioned last time, would that be a worthy price? Or has that ship sailed now that the situation has changed?” She doesn’t doubt that there are still people attempting to leave Iskaldrik, and if it were the case, her ships are likely to be a better escape than the long ass journey the troupe had made North. But perhaps the logistics are too complicated, now that Phyr is here and not over there. “And if not, do you have any preferences as for what you wish to know in exchange?”

Another huff of amusement echoes in her chest as her eyes flicker to meet Phyr’s with a playful smirk, as the raider wonders what similarities is the information broker zooming into. What comes to mind is their dislike of the law, and their desire for information, but who knows with the information broker. 

“Well, that is one thing we don’t have in common,” she muses as she falls into step next to him and heads for the Cisterns, opening the door for Phyr once they reach it and gesturing him inside. “Best you go first and secure the seats, what with this being more your territory than mine.”

[phyrofwild]

"Not yet." Maybe having a tail would be cool? Alrik's next question made him think, but not for long since he already had the answer, he just didn't think it was a good one. It was his nonetheless. "Time." As a Genasi he had time to spare for himself, but often did others worry about that, so he'd give it to those who needed it. If he had the chance back then, he'd have given it to his adoptive parents and to his siblings, and they'd still be around; it was a lonely life that of a Druid, he knew it through the arches, and it was even lonelier the life of a Genasi, tempered by the Dark One's power. "How about you?" He offered his best smile.

Zephyr shrugged. "Definitely none," And the many he'd met throughout life could attest to that, one thing that really made him rethink his disguise more than once before. "But haven't we established we're good friends already?" He teased back, stretching and crosing his legs shin to calf under the table. "I'm sure I will be needing your services in the near future, so I certainly will send a message when the time comes." There were many things he wished to know yet.

"Like a cat with two legs, do you have a tail as well?" Alrik turned the empty remnants at the bottom of his cup around as he swirled them idly. His dark eyes followed their stir resentment for the uncertainty of his circumstances bubbled. He had a single coin that could buy him... Anything, but what did Alrik want? What did he really need? The things that Alrik desired were beyond the reach of any coin. "If you could buy just one thing, regardless of cost, what would it be?"

Alrik laughed, "Why would I ever do that? What honor is there among merchants?" Teased, but only lightly, he raised a brow in Phyr's direction before he gestured toward the bartender for another drink. "If you have need of my services again, you can get a message to me. I do still need work and the Lysarans toss more coins at stray dogs than they do a dock worker." Capitalism - she was a fucking bitch.

[phyrofwild]

If he were to say what was in his mind, he'd say there really hadn't been that long at all, since time was something he had to spare, but he knew that wasn't so for most people, and most would value their time above most things. To Zephyr? A few hours and a few years were basically the same, the difference would be that people around him would change with the latter. "I think a refugee lifestyle does that to a person..." Losing track of time and yet missing every second, it wasn't something he could relate to, but he'd met enough refugees in his lifetime to know of the feeling well enough. Way before the war, there were people like them, persecuted by a kingdom just because they were who they were, touched by magic when Iskaldrik would see them as no more than a threat and a hindrance.

There was something to her answer that didn't seem genuine, but he might be thinking too much into the look into the distance before the answer was presented. He wouldn't consider them close enough to ask, anyway. "Getting by is good." He replied simply. The man's expressions soon would show false innocence and deep thinking. "You know... I heard the same thing? What could that be all about?" He joked, playfully pretending he didn't know what she was talking about, but then offered another smile as he giggled. "Yes, luckily trades have gone well so far... You should come by the shop sometime, I'm sure you'll find something to suit your likings." Even if he said that, he knew how she felt when she said she said that about a place for her. "What makes you think there's no place for you here?"

Location: Tiber Bay

Closed: @freydis-freydat

Sales were going great even if he was such a bad merchant at heart, selling his items for far cheaper than one might've put them up for, and maybe that was the main reason his seemingly unending debt would haunt him in the shape of visits from fellow merchants in which's eyes he could clearly see the desire for his ruination, even though their sweet tongues told lie after lie after lie... That was not a life the Genasi wished to live for long, he longed to see the world, he had his connections to reestablish and had his web to rebuild after the disaster of Iskaldrik. Luckily, a few of his most important acquaintances resided elsewhere, in Lysara, in Ankhuria, in Astoria and even in Sinaria, so The Link never really died, but his connection to it was deeply severed, even as their leader, some might even think he was dead.

And yet there he was, cracking his head as he planned for a grand return, should he call for a meeting with the powerful links? To show he was still breathing and well? Or should he let them figure it out as information seekers themselves? As he walked alongside the water, his unamused gaze fell upon the familiar figure and a smile appeared, soft, on his features. "Ms. Freydis." He called with a short nod of his head as a greeting. "It has been a really long time since we last spoke, hasn't it?" It was a rhetorical question, since they'd only spoken to each other once at the Lostlands and then he barely saw her at the ball before she vanished. "I hope you have been well?"

[phyrofwild]

"I'm sure you'll do alright for yourself too, friend!" He exclaimed, happily. Zephyr's eyes went to meet the distance as he thought about her words. "Variety is the spice of life..." He repeated to himself, allowing a single mention of a laughter leave his chords before he returned his gaze to the young soul. "That is something I'd never heard before... Thank you!" He would certainly add that to his list of wisdom quotes he'd try to slip in conversations from time to time to seem more knowledgeable than he really was.

The Genasi offered her a renewed smile as she asked how she'd know about that. "In Lysara they worship a different set of Gods, I'm sure you know that... Amongst the myths, the Wind Gods are my favorite... Boreas the North-Wind, Notus the South-Wind, Eurus the East-Wind and Zephyrus the West-Wind." He tipped his head at the last name, which his own name was an homage to. It was weird speaking his siblings' name out loud after so long. "I might give my shop a name that refers to one of them... Not sure which one yet." Of course that was quite a lie, if it was for a shop he was already locked on the sibling he'd choose, his brother Eurus, the one who most enjoyed peace and quiet, which was what he saw having a stationary store as. "Oh, but don't worry too much, if you don't remember this, you'll hear about my shop, I'm sure." He was confident in what he had to offer, even if merchant life was not really for him at all and he most likely lost more money than he earned back in his travels.

It was after a second that he finally got up from his seat, bringing his empty plate together with him. "I think I've taken up too much of your time. If you wish to exchange stories, I'm always around! For now, I think I'm going to see if they have some leftovers from yesterday's dinner that I can bargain for." He winked, leaving the table. "See you around!"

𝒯𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝓊𝑒𝒹…

It pleased Juneau to hear his high opinion of the skill that garnered the most pride when she thought about it. Not that his opinion mattered, of course. She stared back at his smile, her expression as flat as ever, but she didn’t doubt that Zephyr was as open to trying to figure her out as she was to try and figure him out a bit for lack of any other meaningful entertainment. “We do what we have to,” she agreed, though she did not elaborate any further. She shrugged her shoulders when he suggested she had the mettle necessary to see things through to the end and come back stronger for it. If she put her mind to it, sure, she probably did, but her recent streak of misfortunes and misery had drained her of much of the mental energy that would be required to bounce back. “I’m sure I’ll do alright for myself,” she responded vaguely–and she half believed it with people like Alder, Jamie, and Adrian looking out for her.

She nodded. When the occasion called for it and she had the opportunity to prepare she could get by undetected, or minimize the threat people perceived her to be. It was easy to make herself look younger than she was, which often put people at enough ease that they didn’t give her presence a second thought when she really worked at it. “What is it they always say? Variety is the spice of life?” she asked when he pointed out how different his personality was from hers. She stared at him considering the invitation, and ultimately decided that one more interaction with him to determine if there was depth beyond the showman’s surface wouldn’t hurt. “How will I know how to find your shop?”

[phyrofwild]

Zephyr only knew what she'd told him about the massacre that took place during the First Age. Past lives were a newer concept to him than it was to other Druids, he wasn't an old soul, or at least he didn't know anything yet, but her stories he'd still keep with him for as long as Iskaldrik lived under those unlawful rules they followed. He knew of a lost child, one that she would never speak about, that she made seem like something she'd long moved on from, but he still remembered the day he'd learned his family had long passed, his adotive parents, his siblings... And the feeling of sorrow and regret that filled his heart even though he knew that was just how life was for those around them.

To him, her not speaking of her daughter from a past life was the same as him not talking about his family, but hers was a pain he would never understand, and yet still fueled his desire to fight against injustice. He was no hero, and he would never be known as a hero, even though his whole childhood was spent daydreaming about adventures saving the people of this world, but if that cause could relieve the pain that his found sister hid from the world, he could just as easily turn into a villain for all he cared. To Zephyr, immoral and evil could never be justified as necessary for the balance the Druids seemed to give importance over doing what needed to be done.

"Of course! That would be my pleasure." He was quick to reply with a grin. It was a great future that she saw, one so simple he could even allow himself to dream of, but that was it, that was all it was... A dream. If one day his path would lead him to such a happy ending, it would be a blessing. A life in which he could pass on the teachings not of the Circle but of Sakkara herself and guide new generations of Druids through a wider perspective than the one offered by the Dúnedain would be much more than he could ever desire, and he knew by following the path he intended on following that would hardly be the result. "You gave me such a good life in your mind... Let's hope it becomes reality one day." At least that he could do. "But don't wander too far into the mountains, my children will still want to meet aunty Kara." He said, playfully.

It was hard hearing her say things like that because it showed how many expectations she had for his future, however, he couldn't understand why she spoke like she was running out of time when she was the one who taught him all he knew about the many lifes of a Druid. Once her time was up, she'd come back in a new life, wouldn't she? She had to... Her serious expressions didn't help. "No one could ever be as great as you are." She was the best Druid he ever met, not only due to her knowledge, but also because of her heart. Now that he thought about it... No... She was the best person he ever met. His mentor, his friend, his found family. "When are you leaving?"

I'll do my best to make you proud. I promise. Zephyrus reminded her a lot about Stiorra, her daughter in another life. Sweet Stiorra, brave Stiorra. Her grown child should have survived to see Lysara when they had been fleeing the druid massacring in Iskaldrik during the First Age. But her daughter had faltered, lagging behind to defend them all against those that pursued them. Sakkara never mentioned her daughter by name to anyone in this life, too pained to relive her death the way she had in the Arches. Zephyrus knew mention of her, but only fleetingly. He'd known Sakkara had lost a daughter in Iskaldrik, but that was another life. He would have gotten the impression she had moved on. The Keeper didn't mention Stiorra now as she looked into Zephyrus' eyes and thought of her. Both headstrong, but eager to live up to expectation. Somehow, someway, the resemblance worried her more than anything.

But the druid in front of her was more little brother than child, old and wise enough to know things that even she did not. Things that young Stiorra never got to learn. Both druids around the campfire tonight were around the same age, and she trusted Zephyrus would be everything that her daughter never got to be. "Tea that I will assume you will be treating us both with," she said with a little grin. Sakkara did not and likely would never have much money, nor roots settling in one place. "I can see you now... a little shop in Eterna or Lórien'dal, one of those big cities. A spouse in a little cottage, waiting for you to come home in the evenings. I would definitely retire to the mountains by then. It would be your turn to gather around the new druids, teaching them all the things that I intend to leave to you. In this life, and the next..."

She would never be here again, something she also hadn't told anyone. The Arches had been clear: this was her final life. "You may not have too much time to talk to me anymore, but I will always be there. No matter what happens in any life." She leaned forward, her smile becoming an expression that was more serious. "There must always be a Keeper... One that calls upon those that came before them." Without so many words, Sakkara finally expressed what she hoped would come to pass - that Zephyrus might be the next Keeper.

[phyrofwild]

The Genasi giggled to himself as she said those words about her intentions while seeking their meetings, certain that would be the case. "I thought as much." He revealed, still very engrossed in their conversation so far. The captain certainly knew how to keep him interested. Hearing that she was looking for The Link only made him even more curious about what she had questions about. "Indeed they are... But it could cost you, depending on the information you seek..." Most times the organization would not charge their clients on money, often requesting intel of equal importance or possessions that would cover the costs, but money was also an option.

"Perhaps we do..." There was some fun to his tone as he said that, fascinated by coincidences that he saw as no more than fate itself working its way around things. Whatever was left of a Druid in him, maybe? "Oh, hardly. I'm Lysaran myself!" That was no secret, although now he'd consider himself more of a citizen of the world than anything else, as he'd spent more of his life elsewhere rather than in Lysara. His memories of the queendom were from decades ago at the least. "Then, first, let's go get ourselves a seat at our common destination, before we start talking business." It would be easier for the both of them, so he made his way towards the entrance of the Cisterns.

“Now, dear thief,” Valdís murmurs as she raises a hand to her chest in mock honesty as leans forward so the only privy to their conversation is the two of them. “You know I only seek our meetings for the most unlawful of reasons.”

Her hand drops quickly, though, and she shrugs at his question, offering a more sincere answer if only because she would rather get to the point quickly. “Nothing particularly bad for you, I am just looking to buy information and your sources tend to be more credible than most others.” There is still a degree of unreliability and suspicion when she addresses the thief, but it is far better than with most other informants she deals with. At the very least, she has begun to realize some of Phyr’s motivations, and that makes him more predictable in her eyes. “Funnily enough, that is my destination too. Perhaps we have more in common than I realized,” she drawls in amusement as she steps forward and gestures for him to follow. “This is not the first time in this country, is it?”

[phyrofwild]

Location: Tiber Bay

Closed: @freydis-freydat

Sales were going great even if he was such a bad merchant at heart, selling his items for far cheaper than one might've put them up for, and maybe that was the main reason his seemingly unending debt would haunt him in the shape of visits from fellow merchants in which's eyes he could clearly see the desire for his ruination, even though their sweet tongues told lie after lie after lie... That was not a life the Genasi wished to live for long, he longed to see the world, he had his connections to reestablish and had his web to rebuild after the disaster of Iskaldrik. Luckily, a few of his most important acquaintances resided elsewhere, in Lysara, in Ankhuria, in Astoria and even in Sinaria, so The Link never really died, but his connection to it was deeply severed, even as their leader, some might even think he was dead.

And yet there he was, cracking his head as he planned for a grand return, should he call for a meeting with the powerful links? To show he was still breathing and well? Or should he let them figure it out as information seekers themselves? As he walked alongside the water, his unamused gaze fell upon the familiar figure and a smile appeared, soft, on his features. "Ms. Freydis." He called with a short nod of his head as a greeting. "It has been a really long time since we last spoke, hasn't it?" It was a rhetorical question, since they'd only spoken to each other once at the Lostlands and then he barely saw her at the ball before she vanished. "I hope you have been well?"