Kim
"***Good because I need s-***" Tarin spoke a little too fast but stopped and let the clerk speak instead. "***Um... Of sorts.***" 

Turning his gaze to the flier he'd taken moments prior Tarin read over the thing. Missing person, potion maker, *Ripest strawberry?* The cursed man was a little confused by those types of remarks but he just assumes whoever wrote this has an eye for the woman who's gone missing. He looked back up at the clerk for a moment, noting the look in his eyes- he wanted him to say yes, so it was *Him* Who wrote the flier.

"***Fine.***" He sent the flier down on the counter with relative calmness, looking around the shop a moment before his gaze turned back to the clerk.

"***I'll find her for you. Don't need anything in return.***" His rather impassive expression made it hard to tell how Tarin truly felt or what his attitude was. "***Happen to have anything of hers lying around? Something she's touched or worn? I track better by scent than anything.***"

Completely deadpan, he plans to track this women down with scent at first, his usual when it comes to finding anyone be needs to.
Charles
*In mere moments, the once gloom merchant begins to lighten brighter than the snow that reflects the sun just outside. His lips quiver in excitement and it's becoming abundantly clear just who posted the notice on the board. He doesn't even ask any follow up questions and instead moves towards the back to grab hold of something per Tarin's request. The dread on his shoulders gone and a spark reignited in his eyes. He sets down two items of interest. First, there is an empty vial with a small red ribbon attached. Looks like a minor healing potion though it is missing its core component, the healing liquid itself. The packaging itself is rather sleek, pretty even, surely made by a woman. The second item is a single handkerchief with a small phoenix embroidered at the bottom right corner.*

"You are a truly kind soul!" *The gentleman gasps out as he then scoots the items closer towards Tarin.*

*Then a flush of embarrassment waves over his cheeks as his eyes settles on the handkerchief. Why does he have this? The world can come to it's own assumptions but a handkerchief made from a lady tends to mean that some shared affection has been given... Should be shared. Nonetheless, he calms himself down, fixing his posture and standing tall like a proper man rather than a boy hopelessly in love.*

"I apologize for my eagerness and the burden of this. Her name is Esme Cutler, a potion seller. She also is a healer and has served the town for a few years. In just two days we have been slammed with orders, orders that she normally would fill and take."

*Truth be told, a missing healer is a big deal. Where medical services are hard to come by, expensive too depending on where one lives. But even fewer actively study in the art of medicine let alone knowing the importance of botany. This gentleman here is just a peddler and the people he likely serves cannot keep up with the demand that their contracts likely have set in place. So if one merchant falls, the chain can snap. It is a big issue and this man's desperation cannot be based on pure romanticism.*

"She has a distinct smell sir, rosemary. She always has that fragrance on- You are funny, you speak like you have the nose of a wolf!" *He chuckles loudly before slowly his smile fades, intimidation setting in as Tarin's stare is rather... Intense. This causes him to fiddle with his ink quill and become more reserved.*
"Yo-you sure you don't... Need anything?"
Kim
Noting the excitement and joy held within the man's expression Tarin cannot help but find some sense of jealousy added to his heart. Of course anyone but he could seem to be tied to another person so much that the very idea of their safe return is as if every problem they've ever faced is washed away. He was near to growing upset at the fact but he quickly pushed those feelings down, there was a job to be done and his word to keep.

As he reached for the incomplete potion the cursed man paused as the words reached his ears, *Kind soul*, never once has he heard such a kind thing for anyone. It felt... Good, for a moment, but once he fully registered the words meaning his hatred for his bloodline- his family and his name, *Himself-* The compliment felt wrong.

"***Hm.***" A low toned and short response, almost as if he wasn't agreeing or disagreeing with the clerk.

Tarin picked up the potion bottle and then grabbed the handkerchief with his fingers and began to hold the items near his nose. His gaze shifted for just a moment towards the man, he could tell what he was dealing with, nothing to be ashamed of. 

"***No need to hide the excitement, it's good that you care for someone this much. I wish I did.***" Sarcasm or not, no way to tell.

*Healer aye? No wonder she's gotten into this boys heart, maybe a love potion? Tarin, now you're being an ass.*

** **
"***Rosemary huh? Good, easy to track. As for my nose, a wolf doesn't even come close.***" Tarin replied with a small smirk, his own ego showing for a moment, before he took a long and drawn-out nasal inhale. Immediately the scent kicked in, and given his powerful sense that can allow him to track for miles on scent alone- hear a heartbeat change rhythm the same distance and "See" Others by just feeling how their movements disturb the air- *He found her already.*

"***Nothing. Perhaps if I simply pay a good deed forward for a change I might chip away at my...***" Tarin caught himself, knowing that he probably shouldn't let this man know about his curse.

"***No. I don't need anything, but thank you. I'll return soon.***" And with that Tarin sent both the vial and handkerchief down before leaving the potion shop without another word.
Charles
"O-oh well I barely know her. Only see her briefly when she comes in at the beginning of the week, aye?" *The boy stammers as he begins to rub the back of his head.*
"She doesn't even look my way- anyways... I just want to make sure she is safe. It's kind of my job, don't want any of our partners in dire straights."

*Upon realizing that he is rambling to Tarin, the man is quick to fall silent and giving him a tiny nod over. To him, his words make little sense. How can a human possibly have a better sense of smell than a wolf? This causes him to chuckle and soon the boy loses his chilled demeanor. At least briefly until he realizes that Tarin is indeed serious, his gaze carefully watching as the vial is taken. This wouldn't be the first time the town has had... Unique individuals to say the least.*

"G-good luck sir! Her shop is just off the north roads! In between the for- he's gone... Okay..." *He then grumbles to himself, his shoulders slumped forward as he attempts to keep himself occupied with shelf cleaning.*

"Weird guy..."

***Outside...***

*Again, the town seems very much awake. But with Tarin's unique abilities, it shouldn't be too hard to focus in on such a clear and distinct scent. Rosemary, a fragrance often used in folktales to ward off demons. Perhaps the woman is paranoid or she has her other reasons. The scent not only stands out around the town, but it is quite strong and the scent trails before him will prove to divert itself on the road leading out of the town.*

*On one road, it seems to move East. Rumors of the fated woods know no bounds. The monsters that lurk within, the missing children and worst of all, the strange whispers that can be heard at night. Likely all stories to keep the kids at bay but the path forward seems to point there just as much as it points to the other direction. Why a healer would would frequent herself to such a cursed place is simply asking for trouble. Or perhaps she needed the herbs found inside. Nonetheless, it is an option.*

*The second choice is to go north as the shop keep had suggested. A path also well taken as the scent trail seems equally strong. But it too leads to another forest, though not as cryptic as the woods to the east. It is a road well travelled, one often taken by merchants and those alike. But that also means it attracts bandits and those preying on the weak. Carriages are seldom robbed but it is not completely unheard of, of single merchants getting jumped on their way to the town.*

*Then a faint heartbeat, though not weakened, it beats steady... But where?*

*At first the scent is strongest towards the woods but the beat is calling in the opposite direction to the merchants road. It seems her location is locked in the place of where bandits roam and plague those very roads. A typical case of likely abduction no doubt. At least she isn't dead.*

*In fact, going that same direction are two individuals dressed in black. Their heads low and their posture quite unsavory. It isn't all that uncommon for torn adventurers to make their path forwards in places most dangerous. But if Tarin is paying attention, they seem to be passing a small bit of paper from one hand to the next. Giving a nod at each other before one moves deeper into the town while the other, whom of which has received the note, makes their way towards the road. They seem paranoid and as the person looks back, a brief flash alluring grey eyes hidden beneath the cloak that conceals them. Their form is quite small, likely a woman.*
Kim
*Now isn't the time to dawdle Tarin, focus, track the scent. Follow every detail. Listen, smell, feel. You know the way.*

A brief pick-me-up was all Tarin needed to get back on track, realign his focus with the task at hand. He took another inhale, breathing out with a sigh and rubbing his nose-

"***Strong, easier to track but damn, I'll be smelling rosemary for a week.***"

-before following the smell. He came to the edge of the town, noting that the paths diverged and his senses pulled him to either or direction.

"***East... Could prove right, maybe some exotic herbs or mushrooms needed picking and a monster caught her. Or... North, like the clerk said. Could have been snatched on her way back? Lone girl by herself, probably doesn't look half bad, maybe bandits? Hm... Usually it's not this hard.***" Tarin mused aloud to himself, rubbing the back of his neck and sighing loudly.

"***And I didn't even ask for anything... What am I*** *Do-*" A heartbeat, faint, but still- where? Where had that come from? He turned his head towards the sound, merchant roads? Odd. What are those two... Curious. He noted the two figures clad in dark robes, looking all too suspicious for his liking. Did they pass a note? Perhaps he should investigate such a thing, maybe assassins, maybe not.

As the figure looked back towards Tarin he had vanished from sight, seemingly disappearing entirely. However, as the figure turned back Tarin would be standing right infront of them with his hands on his hips- close enough to leer down at them from his imposing height. His speed is indeed that great.

"***So, what's on that paper?***" He asked assertively, showing no signs of an argument or discussion to his tone- more a command to speak that an option to question.
Charles
*As Tarin approaches, the hooded figure glares as he gets so close. To be bold enough to even ask about business that does not concern him. A loose tongue like this should be cut, curiosity unchecked, snuffed. The woman glares as the note is promptly tucked within her sleeve. A flick of the cape and her frame is mostly concealed as she lets out a loud scoff. Turning on her heels and walking ahead. It is likely she is armed. The blades do not need to be seen for Tarin to know this simple fact.*

"It is not of your concern, fuck off." *She snarls, still stomping ahead.*

*She clearly isn't phased by his height or overall build and given how she walks, how alert she is. It is likely that the woman is truly trained inn the art of combat. A traveler no doubt, a bandit? Possibility. Of course this does not stop her from glancing over her shoulder to ensure his nose does not keep him following. Not that she has walked all that far. But due to the nature of the fact they are just on the outskirts of town, patrols are nearby. She cannot afford to make a scene.*

*Which is why she opts to just ignore Tarin. Most who have been this stupidly curious have met their end to her blade and clearly she is more than confident despite the size difference. Her cockiness could easily be her undoing but she hasn't been killed yet. Likely capitol scum, at least that is what she assumes. Her ebony cloak flowing behind her, she stands out in the contrast of a vast sea of white. Bits of her midnight bangs falling past the hood itself and a scar that spans down her right eye. Likely a claw from a beast rather than a sword that did it.*

*The smell of rosemary is not on this woman though. Her business could truly be her own and the path forward seems completely sperate from her. The heart beat remains steady so at least there is time... Perhaps. Following after this woman could waste it and if the girl is being transported, it could cause the lead to be lost forever... If the scent can truly count as one. The road is slick, the air is cold. If nightfall comes, given it's already been two days. A steady heartbeat can quickly turn weakened and no potion can stop the harshness of the winter season. It would be even worse if she is actually in the woods where the so-called monsters lurk.*
Kim
Part of him wanted to kill her just because he knows he could. That sick and dark side of him he never truly overcome, the killer forged into his very bones- lifetimes of bloodshed and war.

"*Nevermind her, idiot, focus.*" He had to reprimand himself mentally as the woman walked away from him, she is not the target. She's likely not even part of his job anyway, kidnappers wouldn't just leave their prey alone to be found and wander into town- so, leave them alone.

"***Touch a hair on the head of anyone in this town and I'll find you.***" He spoke aloud to the woman as she walked away, better safe to be sorry, but the way his tone matched with his stature- *His cursed nature*- the wandering woman could have sworn the shadows around her seemed to smile at his words. A monster disguised as a man.

After standing there for just a moment more, truly letting this woman comprehend the weight behind his words, he decided to follow the sound. He first started to walk, a leisurely stroll with his hands in his pockets- but, slowly but surely he built up speed. A walk turned into a jog, a jog into a sprint, and then a sprint into speeds beyond mortals- *Fast.* He moved like a demon, his visage becoming near impossible to track by even the most skilled- his nose and ears leading the way while he allowed his superhuman body to push him onwards.
Charles
"Tch, and who are-"

*Before the woman can even finish her words. Gusts of winds barely able to keep up with the sheer force that is Tarin slams her in the back. He is like a bolt of lighting and her own voice is lost the sudden force that pierces through her like a an arrow. Her eyes widened as her hood slowly falls from her head, unveiling long locks of midnight black hair. Speechless as the man is nothing more than a speck now, her body completely still. For someone to run so fast, it is inhuman. Bringing a quivering hand to her chest, the woman sees the note in her sleeve. She then shakes her head and turns around. No amount of pay is worth that.*

*As far as Tarin's legs take him, the scent of Rosemary becomes stronger. It is likely suffocating to a man of his talents, as if he himself were drenched in it. Still, there is no strawberry-haired beauty to be found. Just a few carriages making their way down the road, Tarin startling them as he rushes by. The horses whiny carrying in the winds, all deafened by that steady heart beat. It is rhythmic, peaceful even. One may wonder if the girl is even in any trouble. But if her description is accurate to the original posting, then it is likely she is not meant to survive such cruel territories. It is just odd how calm her heart is.*

*Greens expand past the horizon, snow begins to trickle down to further coat the un-melting ground. Ice daring to form now as the air becomes more crisp. Tarin would find himself following the trail off of the road, no shocker there. Not even footprints can be found as the snow has long covered them if anything had passed here. The brush becomes thick, thorns from the nearby bushes daring to test his unstoppable power. Digging and clawing their way into cloth should they latch on. Not even a bird chirps here, the silence unsettling. Which can only mean that danger is afoot, or at least something is going on nearby. The scents around here swirl in a strange concoction. Of course the scent of Rosemary remains, but it is getting drowned out by something more intense. Cedar? Perhaps from the trees but there is a more acrid scent in the air. As if someone had taken these very cedar trees and burned them. Yet... There is no smoke to be spotted. At least not yet. It is time to look for* ***Clues***.

*Upon reaching a clearing, Tarin will find a small camp. At least one that looked once used. Scattered about are* ***Empty bottles***. *Near the firepit are old bits of charcoal and other* ***Burned pieces of scrap***. *Whatever tents that could have been pitched are also long gone. But the small divits in the ground indicated that they must have been pitched for a day or so when they were. Looking past the camp, there is even a small* ***Bag*** *Hanging lazily against a broken branch.*

*Signs of bandits? Perhaps a traveling party. No potion seller and no signs of any immediate struggle.*