In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Eren on 02-01-2009, 22:16:10</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 22:16:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a rather nice day in Waterdeep. Sunny and bright, with a bit of wind to keep the air from becoming too stale. Birds were singing, people were going about their usual rounds, the guards appeared mostly well-rested and even wellmannered. Everything went smoothly. <br><br>Except that in the farther reaches of the city, in a little but colorful tower, one tiefling was working himself into quite a tiffy. <br><br>Well, Karas had every good reason to be angry. It was not every day your benefactor threw you out of the place you had lived in for the last five years. Said benefactor, a halfling wizard of the more craftier persuasion, was currently explaining as to why Karas would have to leave.<br><br>"It is not for long, I have every confidence that he will manage to locate this little trinket for me quite quickly and then you may bring him back." <br><br>"If you have every confidence, then maybe you should not send me along," Karas replied, even his morning sweeping forgotten. The broom he was holding, was in grave danger of actually snapping in half, since his fingers itched to break something. As it was definitely not going to be the wizard's neck, it had to be something else. His yellow eyes were almost slits, and his tail twitched in a quite noticeable way. <br><br>**<br><br>Speaknifty Quietbear, regarded his student (housekeeper, more likely, the tiefling did not have a bone suited for magic in him - quite strange when you considered the fiendish blood) with an air that was more amusement than anything else. To be honest, it was not like he trusted this fey'ri rogue Arun (with the whole being kind of elvish, kind of demonic and a rgoeu thing). However, he was also quite keen to have Karas out of the house for at least a few months. Besides, perhaps the tiefling could irritate the fey'ri so much that Arun would work extra quickly to complete his mission.<br><br>Provided of course that he accepted said mission. Rateater was already back from his little run - the black cat familiar was currently lounging on the windowsill, enjoying the sun. The letter had been delivered, and Speaknifty expected the fey'ri quite soon. He had done his research. It would be perfect. And if Arun and Karas both could not find the Heart of Mazar, then he would send someone else. He had waited for years, he could wait a little longer.<br><br>"Now, Karas, do not be like this. A change of surroundings would do you good, and I am quite sure your hands would prefer the swords to the broom any day." <br><br>The tiefling snorted and threw his head back. However, Speaknifty knew he had him now. <br><br>While Karas would have rather died than admitted it, he did want to get out of here. The company would be strange at first, but Speaknifty knew that the tiefling would simply deal with it. <br><br>"Besides, I need you to watch him." <br><br>**<br><br>When Arun woke, he could find a letter placed on the stand beside his bed and the window hanging open. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>02-01-2009, 23:59:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The sun had not been up long when the sound of something small could be heard scurrying out his open window.&nbsp; Fiery crimson eyes slowly blinked the slumber from Arun's eyes, his nude form hidden under the thin fabric of the linen sheet that covered him.&nbsp; The previous night had been quite productive and entertaining.&nbsp; <br><br>The Fey'ri began the evening by 'acquiring' funds for the nights festivities.&nbsp; His target was perfect as well, a wealthy and decadent nobleman.&nbsp; Arun had made his move just as the city market was wrapping up, a simple brush past the man, a nimble hand pulling a bloated sack of coins from his belt, and the deed was done.&nbsp; The planetouched male walked away a few platinum richer.&nbsp; <br><br>The rest of his evening was spent drinking and gambling in one of the more upscale city taverns.&nbsp; He'd met a handsome man while playing cards, one of the city guards who was out for a bit of vice in the city which he protected.&nbsp; The two remained playing together until early the next morning, retiring after one final drink to the Fey'ri's room at the inn.&nbsp; They spent the night, bodies pressed together, in bed until the guard had to leave a couple hours later before the sun would rise.&nbsp; A quick kiss from the man's lips landing on a deep red cheek was the only remnant Arun would have of the man, another one who had become charmed by his exotic looks and mysterious personality.&nbsp; It was a routine for the Fey'ri, a new companion each night until he left the city for his next destination though this day, his destination was chosen for him.<br><br>Arun sat up, turning to allow his feet to touch the floor before slowly standing up.&nbsp; His deep red skin highlighted his naked form as he stretched to rouse his body.&nbsp; A pointed crimson tail flicked from side to side behind him before settling to its dormant state.&nbsp; It was now that he spotted the folded parchment on the small table near the bed.&nbsp; He reached over to take it in his hand, unfolding the letter to read its contents.&nbsp; It was from a halfling...a halfling wizard who apparently was willing to pay handsomely for a job which required his unique talents.&nbsp; Arun chuckled after reading it.&nbsp; There was nothing really unique about his talents, he was just good at them.<br><br>After dressing and a bit of breakfast, the leather clad humanoid made his way through Waterdeep toward the wizard's tower indicated in the note.&nbsp; Upon arriving, the door opened itself to allow the Fey'ri inside where he waited at the bottom floor as the letter had instructed.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>03-01-2009, 10:42:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As he arrived, Arun could hear quite the loud...commotion going on upstairs. As to the decor of the place he was in, well, this just might have been one of the strangest wizard towers he had ever been to. Between the stuffed exotic birds and the luridly toned composition of carpets and walls, that is. <br><br>There came the obvious sound of a cat screeching, and there might have been a few spells, and someone smacking someone else very hard with something. And then there was the halfling wizard Speaknifty, who walked down the stairs in a swagger that could have fitted more a rogue than a wizard, who was supposed to be well...serious. <br><br>"Very good that you arrived," Speaknifty said. "Come on upstairs. We have tea." This last statement was accompanied by a wild grin. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>03-01-2009, 15:09:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Arun raised a golden eyebrow upon seeing the decor.&nbsp; Not that he'd been in many wizard towers, but he'd certainly seen more organized and better decorated interiors than this.&nbsp; However, the noises he heard were not unexpected for a wizard tower.&nbsp; The Fey'ri rolled his eyes before walking around the room to inspect the various treasures within.&nbsp; He wasn't stupid enough to lift anything from here though.&nbsp; The male had learned that lesson already because if its something a wizard will keep track of, it is everything that enters and leaves his tower.<br><br>His head turned to the stairs when he heard the small footsteps enter the chamber.&nbsp; Speaknifty was lavishly dressed with an exotic flair just as most wizards, only shorter.&nbsp; He wore a dark blue robe with a slight shimmer as he moved, and his boots were a deep black velvet.&nbsp; Arun noticed the rings on various fingers, a sucker for expensive trinkets.&nbsp; Too bad he wouldn't be able to get at them.<br><br>Without a word, he followed the halfling up the stairs to a slightly smaller chamber.&nbsp; "No, thanks.&nbsp; Tea doesn't sit well with me."&nbsp; He lied, but he wasn't sure that anything consumed in this tower would sit well with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>09-01-2009, 15:57:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is a very good blend, if I may say so," Speaknifty continued, but did not appear perturbed. "However, we could find you something else to consume. Have you had breakfast yet?"<br><br>The room they arrived in, was as garish as the foyer had been. It also contained a sleek, black cat lounging on the windowsill and an irate tiefling sulking in the corner. Said tiefling pulled himself up from the chair and loped towards the pair. <br><br>"My apprentice, Karas," Speaknifty said, introducing the tiefling with a flamboyant wave. Karas' yellow eyes fixed right on Arun, his expression having turned into something unreadable. He was tall and well-built, with pale skin (but noticeably so) and a thick man of black hair, most of it in little braids. He also had horns and a tail that was currently twitching. He was dressed much less colorfully than his employer, having opted for simple dark pants and a tunic that looked quite worn. And he was holding a broom. <br><br>"Hello," Karas said finally, not looking happy at all. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 00:36:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, thanks.&nbsp; Upset stomach this morning.&nbsp; I wouldn't want to ruin your lovely decorum."&nbsp; Another lie, but the Fey'ri was not about to eat anything while inside whether he brought it in himself or not.<br><br>Crimson eyes met yellow ones in a stare which held a silent animosity.&nbsp; Being a descendant of demonic blood himself, Arun was aware of the implications of employing the likes of those such as himself.&nbsp; His own red tail swished to the side, showing itself from behind his back as if it too was staring with a wary gaze at the Tiefling.&nbsp; He nodded in reply to the sour greeting, more a gesture of acknowledgment of presence than a greeting.&nbsp; He wasn't sure why Karas was there, but he didn't like it.<br><br>The Fey'ri walked over to a mid-sized round wooden table, pulling a rickety chair out and sitting down like he owned the place.&nbsp; He would notice that the Tiefling was not to pleased by his presence and even less amused by his arrogant demeanor, so Arun lifted his feet and propped them on the table, crossing one over the other.&nbsp; He did love mocking people so.<br><br>"So what's the job that has you offering a king's ransom?"&nbsp; Arun said blatantly.&nbsp; He never liked beating around the bush, so he figured they'd might as well get down to business.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 21:29:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Karas bit his lip, and gave no reply. He simply stared at Speaknifty, as the halfling looked at his cat with that same sparkle in his eye. Nine Hells damn him, the wizard was going to ruin the next few months of his life as thoroughly as possible. He did not want to go tromping off on an "adventure" with a Fey'ri thief of all people. <br><br>An arrogant Fey'ri thief, he concluded. <br><br>"Ah, the job, of course," Speaknifty spoke and launched into a complicated explanation that included not a few gods, historical battles, several mentions of years, nubile elven ladies and other...interesting things. In conclusion - there was an item called the Heart of Mazar (Mazar having been an elven lich), and Speaknifty wanted Arun to bring the thing to him. In exchange for enough money to let him live in luxury for the rest of his life if he wanted so. <br><br>Karas had already heard the long and convoluted story, so he leaned against a wall and did his best to look completely disinterested. He could not help sneaking glances at the Fey'ri, though. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 21:42:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The crimson skinned rogue listened seemingly intently though he was only really taking in the important details which was basically the item's details and the amount of money he'd be paid for retrieving it.&nbsp; "This must be some artifact."&nbsp; He said with mock reverence, bringing his feet off the table to lean a bit closer.<br><br>Arun was well aware of the glances that Karas was giving him, being adept at watching those around him from the corner of his eye, and his impression of them was that they were looks of resentment which the Fey'ri passed off as he usually did.&nbsp; "Something this rare usually entails danger in the process of 'retrieving' it.&nbsp; I hope you are not expecting to have it in any kind of hurry."&nbsp; He spoke plainly to the wizard.&nbsp; The situation was simple.&nbsp; He never worked rush jobs because they were too risky.&nbsp; It was how he earned what small reputation he had as an expert 'treasure hunter,' a self-proclaimed title.&nbsp; Most everyone else just settled on 'thief.'<br><br>"I <em>am</em> willing to find it for you, however.&nbsp; What can you tell me about its whereabouts?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 23:17:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have waited for years, I think I can wait a little bit more," said Speaknifty, sounding serious for a change. "Whereabouts? Hmm...my latest source places it somewhere in the South, Amn or Tethyr perhaps. However, there has been no definite information." <br><br>Great, Karas thought. He would be going South, with a Fey'ri. Wonder how long it would take before people tried to kill them just for looking different and having tails. The good thing about Waterdeep was that in a city like this - a tiefling was really nothing new. Nor anything special. He let out a little huff of annoyance and settled on watching the damn cat instead. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 19:26:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Arun listened carefully, formulating a plan of action as the halfling spoke of his precious artifact's hiding place.&nbsp; This would be an interesting job, indeed, heading south into the territories of Amn and Tethyr.&nbsp; He recalled a lovely night at the Wandering Serpent, an inn along the Esmel river which ran through the heart of Amn.&nbsp; The Fey'ri's charm and wit had won over the heart of some young maiden, and when the time was right, he swiped the heavy jewels from around her neck.&nbsp; He was nearly caught too if it hadn't been for the cover of night, his dark red skin blending perfectly with the darkness of a cold eve.<br><br>The red-skinned man stood, tail swiping to the side as he stood to his full height of 5' 10."&nbsp; "That's all I need to hear.&nbsp; I'll have it for you as soon as I can."&nbsp; He nodded before turning to leave, short golden hair shifting as he moved.&nbsp; The Fey'ri had nearly reached the stairs before Speaknifty stopped him with a few words.&nbsp; <br><br>"One more thing..."&nbsp; The wizard hadn't told him anything about his travel companion yet...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 20:49:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Karas will be accompanying you," Speaknifty said. <br><br>Looked like the only one even remotely happy about this idea was the halfling wizard himself. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 20:56:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Both eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise at this new piece of news.&nbsp; The Tiefling would be tagging along?&nbsp; How was he supposed to retrieve a 'powerful artifact' if some half-witted warrior was there breathing down his neck?&nbsp; He didn't look like he was good for much more than brute force which wasn't ideal for a delicate operation such as this.<br><br>"Thanks, but I'm afraid he'll just get in the way."&nbsp; He shot a look at the pale-skinned male as he said this.&nbsp; Arun worked alone, always has, always will as far as he was concerned.&nbsp; However, he did not count on the insistent nature of this halfling. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 21:55:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I insist," Speaknifty said. "I have every confidence in your abilities, with or without any tieflings tagging along, however I would like you to take him." <br><br>Karas glared back, revealing ivory-white fangs, apparently an instinctual movement which he corrected seconds later. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 22:01:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Arun narrowed his eyes in defeat.&nbsp; There was no point in arguing with the wizard.&nbsp; As he said, he's waited so long already, why not a bit more?&nbsp; If the Fey'ri pressed the issue anymore, the halfling could just find another adventurer for the job.<br><br>"Fine.&nbsp; I'm not a babysitter though.&nbsp; His life will not be in my hands."&nbsp; The fangs bared at him did nothing but stoke the flames of his growing irritation.&nbsp; <em>The things I do for money...</em>&nbsp; The thought ran through his head as he turned and hurried down the stairs, not even waiting for the Tiefling to follow.&nbsp; Maybe he could lose him on the way to Amn...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 19:15:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, I most definitely believe that Karas will be able to handle himself," Speaknifty said to Arun's leaving back, and gave a rather pointed look to Karas. <br><br>The tiefling glared back, got his bag from the corner, hoisted it to his back and bounded down the stairs after Arun. Karas barely managed to shut the door behind them as they went, and on the street he made sure to keep up and not just trail behind. He was still a bit sulky, and the pair did not go unnoticed by the other people in the street. However, due to the metropolitan nature of Waterdeep, even a tiefling and a fey'ri quickly stopped being curiosities. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ryven</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 19:48:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Arun rolled his yellowish eyes as he bounded down the stairs.&nbsp; The tiefling looked able enough, but certain situations required a quiet form and a steady hand.&nbsp; He couldn't have the male getting the both of them killed because he's a lumbering brute.<br><br>The two walked along through the streets of Waterdeep, drawing a few looks here and there, but the people soon turned their gaze elsewhere.&nbsp; It was one reason the Fey'ri loved this part of the continent.&nbsp; It seemed more tolerant than other places, so he was going to miss being here.<br><br>He glanced over at his apparent companion for this adventure.&nbsp; Karas seemed a bit perturbed by having to be going on this little journey as well as the company he was keeping.&nbsp; It was probably the only thing the two had in common, other than their demonic heritage.&nbsp; Arun sighed softly, deciding that if he was going to be around, he might as well have a bit of conversation.<br><br>"So...Karas, was it?&nbsp; What's your story?&nbsp; Seems odd to be keeping company with a halfling wizard."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: In Good Company (Deathstalker and Ryven)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eren</strong> on <strong>29-01-2009, 14:54:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It was," the tiefling replied brusquely. <br><br>Karas himself had a hard time figuring out whether he was angry at being driven out or being sent to steal something. Or maybe he simply did not want to leave the place he had stayed in for the most of the last ten years. His ten years of freedom. His eyes flashed for a moment, but he collected himself then and figured that if he had to go along with this Arun, then he could at least try. Talking, or something.<br><br>"He did me a favor." 
			</dd>
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