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The sounds of the auction house filter into the night, it being the liveliest place in all of Treno, except perhaps for the card tournament building when an event was happening. It always seemed that it was the same half dozen people though, bidding on the same objects over and over again. The fat man in the front appeared to be in it just to shoot the price up, either for some morbid purpose or out of the sheer entertainment for himself. And like the rest of the nobles sitting below, August was here to spend away a piece of his family’s fortune on useless accessories and art. In the balcony beside him is his trusted assistant, Kane, standing like a terracotta warrior over him. On the stage, the gavel slams down, ending the current bidding. “Kane, it fascinates me how these people can sit there, day after day and do this. Don’t they have any lives, any sense of work ethic? Such miserable little people, content in just wasting their fleeting lives away much like their money-“
The auctioneer on the stage introduces the next time, “Our next item on the docket is a Pre-Zanarkand piece. Biding will be starting at 5,000.”
The item on auction appears to be some sort of strange device, artistically crafted yet with a touch of ancient simplicity. Its beautiful, an object that catches the eye of August and holds it captive, never wanting to let go until he can hold it in his grasp. Old technology, he ponders, perhaps he can tinker with it and unlock its ancient engineering.
“Well, hate to say it, but now its time for me to be a hypocrite.” August humorously mentions as he raises his hand. “6,000.”
The bidding war begins, the price of the object being driven ever higher with each raised hand. Seven thousand it goes, ten thousand, and higher and higher. The fat man in front keeps pushing the price higher, while the lady in the red hat exasperates the matter with her ignorant bidding for the sake of bidding on something unique. It was becoming annoying how they did this, what use was it for them other then another thing to put on a pedestal in their card room. Twenty-five thousand now, it was not the money that concerned August, just the time. The longer the bidding war waged on, the longer he had to sit here. It was no use chiming in for now, until they grew bored with this passing entertainment or found the price not worth the object, specially if something even more shiny should come up next. He runs his hands down his face, tracing through his fur before slapping them down on his legs. “This is becoming painful, Kane, be a good lad and go snap their necks for me will you?” Kane replies with a light chuckle. ”No jury would convict me, not after how long this has taken. Could claim they were killing me by wasting my time with pointless squabbling over an arbitrary price war. Self-defense, that’s still a valid plea, is it not?”
The price was now bordering a hundred thousand. Absolutely ridiculous and August has had enough. “120,000.” He exclaims with a raise of his arm, the nobles down below glance up to him in the state box. Those caught in the bidding war quickly silenced themselves, it was now too risky to try a bid for something they were less than thrilled about. A curiosity was not worth the price, for them at least.
“120,000. Any more bids?” … “Going twice.” … “Sold, to Mr, Krasnow.”
The gavel slams and bidding ends. August delightfully stands, smiling contently in his purchase. Ancient technology from an advanced civilization, what more could an tinkerer such as him ask for. Take it apart, see what makes it tick, find a use for it, backwards engineer the thing and there you have it. And should it prove useless for his purposes, least he will have learned something that perhaps will prove useful later. He turns to Kane. “Bring it to the estate, I feel like a stroll while the night is still young.” Kane nods and leaves the box, August soon follows suit, taking one last glance down at the auction floor. He wished to head out, perhaps partake in a drink at the nearby social club or just walk to the walls and enjoy the perpetual night air.
------------------------------ Word Count: 739 Exp: 123.2
The night air was crisp and cool and the city alive with the bustle of activity, a marvelous city of lights and magic. Bohemian and bourgeois mixed brilliantly like the colors of the oil brush of a master painter. The lights, architecture, the fusion of two distinct classes all neatly packed into a rotunda of a city, its high walls acting as a sort of funnel, allowing all the wealth and creativity of a society to be sucked into a single spot on the planet. Though lacking in the technological prowess of many of the other nations, it must be expressed that technology isn’t everything that makes a place influential, art and culture can outlast any technology or advancement if only allowed to flourish and take on its own life, and that is exactly what Treno is, a living entity of art and culture, masked under a cloak of everlasting night. And not to mention the amount of wealth and power its noble residents have cannot be overlooked, either.
On this particular perpetual night, August found himself strolling through the bohemian streets of this fair city of lights. Leaving the auction house, he decided to walk in a roundabout clockwise direction through the city, which will take him through some of the seedier streets that the city contains, yet this bothered August little. Most nobles preferred to stay closer to the water, never venturing to the outer regions unless completely necessary, and even then, they would routinely send their servants on the task then dare dirty themselves or risk being held up. August however, didn’t fear the lower classes as a man shouldn’t fear a rat for more then it’s sapping of resources to feed its tainted brood. Vermin, that is all, vermin cannot harm you unless you let it. That’s what August knew, a little secret of the world. It also goes without saying that any attempt to harass a noble would result in the guards swiftly descending upon them – there was no need to trial a proletariat in such situations, they were just dragged away and dispatched. Quick, clean, and efficient, just how August preferred it.
There was also a specific reason he decided to take this path instead of the more scenic and direct route around the water-front, there was something morbidly fascinating to August about the poor districts. There’s something raw and profound and yet commonly unique to him about it, a strange genius loci. It was beautiful in its grime, like pictures of naked tribes in distant lands. He could never quite put his finger on it, but something about it appealed to him, not that he sought a simpler life, he was quite content in staying atop the social hierarchy but this was more like a morbid fascination. Call it an open zoo, without bars but the ones their social status has put in place, preventing them from journeying forth from their place in a harsh society. And with him there, in all his blatant wealth, he felt like the zoo keeper walking into a pit of hungry but beaten and demoralized hyenas too scared to act upon what their ancient instinct compels them to do. It was a wondrous feeling, watching their salivating mouths licking at the thought of diving into him yet knowing full well the cost should they. Such a splendid system, a perfect system that one cannot dare go against else they’d find a rope around their starving necks, tightly squeezing away what miserable existence is left beneath their wretched skin. It’s good to be the king.
He passed the local bordello, the one place where you can find clandestine nobles sneaking away for a late night tryst, a romp with fantasy, while their husband or wife were not the wiser. Though it wouldn’t even be far-fetched to say that a husband and wife wouldn’t cross paths accidentally in that place. Sex and love in the noble world was something purely for power, dull and bland and just to please their stock holders and family. Marry, produce an heir, don’t get caught enjoying your darkest fantasies and nobles had some twisted kinks. Too much money and too much time, mixed with a dash of inbreeding and a sprinkling of madness produced in the class’s mind dark demons lusting to be expelled. The bordello could slate these cravings, anonymously, and for a fair price which was never out of reach for the wealthy. Rumor even has it that some of the noble ladies and gentlemen of this fair city are even on the menu from time to time, using pseudonyms to mask their identity in their pursuit of excitement and danger. It was an appealing place all in all, when one was bored with everything else. Stop on in for an hour or two, have a drink, enjoy some company, release stress, and leave without any strings attached. So simple and to the point, which is grossly missing in the world of wealthy. August amuses himself with a notion, coining the term ‘communist daughters’, or how he referred to the women as well as the men that laid on their backs for whoever could afford. Here, the class that feared sharing the most partook in the pleasures of everyone, delightfully ironic.
There grew a slight chill in the air as he arrived at the front gates of Treno, flipping his collar to the cold as he entered the little plaza there. It has a spectral view of the city from here, its unique architecture and the view of the city was perfectly panoramic. Everywhere you could see, spying like gods upon its tiny creation. He stopped for a moment to take in the view, the waterfront, the auction house, card house, the estates; all were in perfect view from here. He stays for a few minutes, just watching under the lamb light. After this, he turns, hearing the trickle of the fountain behind him and approaches. To the average onlooker, a fountain such as this only merited artistic value, if even that. But, to one such as August, he can marvel at the engineering involved to bring water up to this level from the reservoirs under the city. Simple and elegant, yet so amazingly complex in its simplicity of design it is. He takes from a pocket a gil piece and flicks it into the fountain, perhaps, as the myth goes, his wish will come true tonight.
------------------------------ Word Count: 1090 Exp: 181 Total: 1829wc/304exp
The coin makes a delightful little plop as it sinks into the water, swallowed forever. August watches it sink to the bottom of the fountain, eyes down as he wraps his arms together to shield from the chill of the night. It makes him appear as a dark silhouette, smoldering in a corner of the plaza, like a statue in the shadows. He remains like this, captivated by the fountain till a giggling young couple flirt by and stop beside the fountain for a little tryst. With this intrusion into his private moment; August decides it is time to be on his way back. He has spent enough time on the streets for one night and there was still much to do.
Strolling back to the noble quarter led August along the city’s high wall, from here, you can see for some distance onto the plains that nearly surround Treno. It also gives you the false impression that the mountains which Treno backs into of being small then they are. The town had the feel of a bed, in some respects; with the headboard to the back and a long expanse out till you reach the cliff’s edge and the all consuming mist below. It made the city exclusive, separated from the rest of Alexandria except for the tiny backwards village of Dali some distance away where most of the city’s produce came from. Everything was in its place like this, making comfortable those on top through a type of trickle-down economics. We have all the money, they want the money, they give us what we want for the money and never do we dirty ourselves in the process. Win-win for all involved.
Down off the wall, into the café district, August glances about as he walks through, taking note of the socialites dining with nobility. Scaling the dizzy heights of high society they all are, armed with checkbooks and family-trees. He hated these conflicting feelings he had about the people he lived with. On one hand, he knew he was superior to the squabble of unwashed masses, yet he loathed how hollow and gilded the wealthy were. They kiss up to anyone with more money then themselves, it was a sickening sight. Of course, the lower class did the same thing in hopes of scraps from the table. August felt he is above all this, he wouldn’t let himself fall into the false faces that others of his ilk have done.
Passing by the social club which he frequents, he decides that all this thinking has left him with a slightly upset stomach, something with a bit of anise would be help that. He steps inside the warmly lit place, with its dark wood walls and many lush high-back chairs and polished tables. The place smelled of pipe and cigar smoke, sweet and slightly spicy, pleasant really. He said hello to those he must but keeping his eyes on the target – the bar. Flipping some gil to his usual barkeep, ordering a liquor, he waited. His eyes looked around the club, feigning interest in the card games and conversations of the other gentlemen. When his drink arrived, a clear liquid with ice that slowly becomes cloudy as it stirs with the ice. He takes a sip from it, thanking the barkeep and heads for the door. Though you are not technically suppose to take the glasses from the property, who would stop him? Once back outside, he stirs the drink with a swish of his hand and takes another sip. He stands on the walkway, watching the other nobles mingle and walk past. ”Really hate some of these people…”
--------------------------------- Word Count: 620 Exp: 103.4 Total: 2449wc/408.2exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
After several minutes, August finishes his drink. Setting the empty glass in one of the potted plant that line the walkway beside the social club, he wasn’t going to waste his time walking back inside and risk getting caught in a trivial conversation just to return a two gil glass back to the bar. Their club fees should make up more then enough in revenue to cover the cost of this single glass that this petty matter concerned him little. He had more important matters on his mind and it was time that he got taking care of these matters before they passed on. He turned down the path, heading off into the upper-class residential district. It’ll be a short, chilly walk back to his family’s estate.
Once through the gates, nodding to the guard, he takes in a deep breath of night air as he passes through the gardens. Up the stairs to the front doors, where upon they open without him even having to reach for the brass; Kane has been waiting for him to return and to greet him. “Did you bring the item to my lab?” August asks, looking to Kane as he removes his gloves, slapping them together and handing them to Kane, followed by his long-coat. “I’ll be with my father for the next hour, bring down some tea to my lab after. I have a long night with the device ahead of me.” Kane nods, while August walks away, up the grande staircase of marble, brass and long flowing carpets to the second floor of the mansion. He walks through the billiards room, the gothic study, and a large assembly room for guests – much like a smoking room.
The entire mansion was like one giant museum, though not the largest of the estates in Treno, it had some of the best design and use of space of any in the city. It have the inside appearance of a castle, more elegant then even the Castle of Alexandria. Classical art, murals from masters, woodwork and mosaics that rival royalty’s own. This extravagance, hallmark of the wealthy, amazing in its bravado, screaming power and money around you panoramically; no matter where one looked wealth is flaunted. This sign of wealth followed August to the master bedroom, where his dying father lay, waiting for the hours of his death – which couldn’t come any sooner for August. His father has been dying for years, but the old fool kept hanging on – obviously afraid to loose everything he had, that earned or inherited. Through the eye of the needle.
Opening the double doors, August finds himself in a ‘Venetian’ style room. Furnished with the finest art and décor money could buy. It is set in an unusual muted green color, but the darkness hide most of this, only the bits of candle light provided any sort of illumination, and just enough as to not bump into anything. The bed, against the wall was flanked by an in-house nurse, which August dismissed upon entering. Once she had left, keeping watch of her as she departed, August approached the bed, pulling up a chair and sat beside. He leaned over his dying father, calling his name.
“My… son.” August’s father calls out weakly, his voice trembling from the disease that ravages him. His face and fur has lost its entire luster, his muzzle now just a sickly gray and white. His eyes are dark and much of their life has long gone. “You come… to… see your father… in such… shambles?”
August takes his father’s hand, gripping it tightly. “No father, came to see how you’ve improved. The nurse says you’re getting better, you were even able to eat tonight, were you not?” August was feigning his concern; this pandering to his father’s sense of immortality was just part of the dance he’s been subjected too since the day he was struck ill, nothing more. It was growing quite tiresome.
“Lies… you were… never good at it.” His father says, groaning in pain. “If you say so, father.” “Why… I always loved you… more than your siblings… I understand you. You and I… are the same. Ambitious… you know the true… value of wealth.” The man rambles on, and on, like he did every night. It’s always the same thing, praising himself all the while projecting it on August. The senile old fool, his tiresome lecture made bile build in August’s throat. He didn’t want to sit here and listen to it for another night, the things you do for family. “Father-“ August interrupts, trying to steer the conversation back on track and why he stopped in tonight instead of going to his lab first thing. “About the estate, have you taken care of everything? I left the will with you this morning, if anyone should know the importance of keeping their affairs in order, it should be you.”
His father painfully nods as he reaches for the marble nightstand, handing a rolled scroll to August. “Please… check it over for me. My eyes aren’t as… good as they were.” He chokes a cough. “As your wish, father.”
August unfurls the will and reads, taking a long moment to go over it while his father beside him coughs himself up into a frenzy. His eyes scan down the paper like a typewriter clicking away and sliding back. He absorbed every word, every clause, the document in its entirety. His time working away at his father appears to have paid off, the rot of his brain was such putty in August’s hands, it amazes him that it took this long to get this done. Infact, perhaps he should of done this sooner.
“Is… it in order?” Asks his father. “It is, the changes are proper. This must of taken a lot out of you father?” “A little… but work is never done. Even… near death.”
August sets the will down, rolling it up as it was before and sets it on the night stand, where it originally was. He stands, pushing the chair away from the bed and releasing his father’s hand, which falls like dead weight to the bed. “Yes, so it seems. Well father, I best let you get your rest.” August says darkly. “Let me adjust your pillows so you may rest more comfortable.” “Thank you… son. A man of character…” His father explains as August takes a pillow from the bed that was propping his father’s head up. “Is one who… takes care of… their elders.” ”If you say so father…” With the pillow in hand, a cold demeanor on his face and eyes darkly, August fluffs the pillow then brings it slowly down upon his fathers head – who looks on in horror once he realizes his son’s intent. “Goodnight, father.” Smothering the geriatric man with a silken pillow of down, August puts his weight into the deed, completely covering his father’s head. His father flails but has no real strength to fight back, even his attempts at screaming are too feeble and muffled to be of any use. Who would come though? The servants were either asleep or otherwise preoccupied, besides; it was safer for anyone under the employment of a noble to have selective hearing, least loss your job or worse.
Once the flailing had stopped, his father’s chest no longer waxing and waning, did August then remove the pillow. His father stared up at him with dead, glassy bloodshot eyes. Open, as if accusing his son of the dead, they even appeared to follow his movements. His maw was seized open as well, stuck in a permanent scream, tongue hanging just slightly out. August just stood coldly above him, replacing the pillow behind his dead father’s head. He ran his hand over his father’s eyes, closing them, then shuts his mouth and adjusts the body to appear as if sleeping. When the nurse came in the morning, she’ll have found him dead, having passed in the night peacefully.
He looks to the rolled will, taking it up and placing it inside his shirt. He replaces the chair to its rightful place in the room and heads to the door, blowing out the candles as he leaves. He exits, shutting the doors behind him quietly, just as the night nurse was arriving to check on them. “My father is asleep, please don’t disturb him.” The night nurse nods and returns back to her quarters down the hall, August watching with his hands still on the doors till the nurse returns into her quarters. He then turns and departs, walking to the gothic style library. Once there, he approaches a spot on a bookshelf on a far wall, under a mural of his grandfather. He pulls one book out, it makes a click, and a clean wall of stone rumbles, revealing a complex safe embedded inside it. He approaches the safe, fiddles with it, applying the correct sequence causing it to open, where upon he replaces the will into a special box inside the safe and closes it up. Once evidence of his work is done, he leaves the library for the first floor and from there to his lab in the basement level, located down a passage behind the grande staircase.
Inside, he finds Kane has left a piping hot kettle of tea and cup on a work bench. Beside that is the little device he just won at auction a few hours earlier. He pulls up his work stool and pours himself a cup of tea, the steam filtering past his nose, smelling delightfully tantalizing. He sets the hot cup aside to take the strange Zanarkand artifact into his grasp to inspect closely. ”So, my little new friend. What secrets do you hold for me, Master Krasnow.” He mumbles to himself with an ever growing smile on his muzzles.
--------------------------------- Word Count: 1676 Exp: 279.3 Total: 4125wc/687.5exp
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 10, 2009 8:54:43 GMT
In the early morning, August is interrupted by a butler coming to inform him his father had passed in the night. He feigned surprise, knowing full well the condition of his father prior to this morning. He sets aside his work of the night, fiddling with the Zanarkand artifact, seeing what makes it tick in order to unlock its secrets. August informs the butler to contact the family attorney, he also inquired about his mother. “Has my mother been informed?” ”Not yet, young master. She is still on her ski trip in Cetra, shall I send word?” ”Yes, let her know…heaven forbid something should happen to her on her journey home...” “And what of your siblings?” ”Let them know after my father’s will has been examined, there’s no need to rush them with this. I’m sure they’re busy with their own affairs as it is.” “As you wish, Mr. Krasnow.” The butler departs, leaving August alone once more. He chuckles under his breath at the situation, finding the entire thing quite amusing. Now, for the next few days, will be a game, a show for the nobles and family. How the death of a noble can generate such fanfare. In a few hours, assuredly, old business partners of his father will show to express their ‘deepest’ condolences and offer to help August during this trying time, but August won’t have any of that farce. He only cared what is written in the will, the entire estate and nearly the whole fortune awaits him in just a few hours after the attorney confirms it. So amazing and yet so simple what a few strokes of the pen can do, change your entire life with barely a breath between paragraphs.
Hours pass, doctors come and go while his father’s body left in repose for the time being as the attorneys flutter over the legal documents like vultures. All the while August enjoys a stiff drink over ice in the smoking room, waiting for the moment he is needed. He neither expresses grief or unconcern, but remains like an emotionless creature driven to complete what needs to be done before the scope of the situation kicks in, never letting emotion overshadow proper business demeanor. The sooner this was settled the better, in August’s mind. Not so much the fear of being caught by authorities, no one would dare being such an accusation against a noble in the first place unless the constable witnessed the event first hand – and even then the idea of plausible deniability remains strong in this city. Soon, the attorney informs August of the contents of the will, sitting down with him to go over it. He pays little attention to what the man says, opting instead to watch with awe the swirling brown liquor in his glass swirl around with each nudge of his hand. He knew what was in there already; this was all old news to him. The question now will be, as to what to do with his fortune and estate. He didn’t really wish to spend his entire time here; the place was far too large for just him. Perhaps, he contemplates, that he will travel about a little. It would be good to learn of the various new technologies around the planet, striving for innovation to bring back home – hmm, but that blasted war and Sin lurking about. It is all something to consider before he jumps too hastily onboard such an excursion.
Once things quieted down around the estate, August decides to once again go for a quiet stroll through the noble quarter. He knows that by now word of his father’s death will have reached all corners of the inner circles, and assuredly his quiet stroll will turn into a path of condolences and well wishers, but perhaps through all this, he can clear his head and decide on where to go from here. Surely it was now time to spring from the nest and spread his family’s name beyond the boarders of Alexandria.
----------------------------------------- Word count: 685 Exp: 114.6 Total: 4810wc/801.6exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 10, 2009 22:48:24 GMT
((OOC: Very much so, I'll pm you with what he has in mind. You can start posting here if you like, August is currently walking around Treno, near the Card Tournament Building. If you're familiar with FFIX.))
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
((I was hesitant to join this site, well because I'm not, but I heard this rp group was good so I went for it. I'll try and soak up as much as I can though)) *Draco found himself in yet another city. He had been traveling all over, and found how scarce forests were, and how much he needed to rely on money to eat in other countries. He had hired himself out many times, killing, tracking, etc. Unfortunately like many times before Draco found himself penniless, which he was ok with, and out of supplies. He quickly grew lost in this new city. He stumbled around looking at billboards, posters and signs trying to find a suitable job. Much to his dismay people in this city didn't need a hunter, they needed servants, and that was not something Draco was able to be* {We could just kill everyone here and take their money} ~ No Daimon I shouldn't just kill random people, for whatever they are carrying in their pockets, and we should remember that there could be people here much stranger than us.~ * Though he trusted his instincts that if he went with Daimon's idea he would die, the thought still rolled in his head, making a headache form at the base of his skull* ~We're not going to summon you just for that~ *Even though Draco was used to such headaches he still was a little uneasy, so he went to lean on a nearby building. It had something to do with cards, but Draco really didn't care* ~Why do people bother with such trivial things? I swear I will never understand society~ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ((Still not sure to how this exp thing works)) 282 words 28.2 exp earned?
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 10, 2009 23:53:23 GMT
August’s stroll to clear his head and sort out his future was met with nothing more then a headache. He could hardly walk a few feet without someone inquiring about his late father, it was growing more and more frustrating with each passing minute. He decided then it was best to head towards the region of the city where nobles didn’t dwell, of course this would take him past the card house, a lively place of activity of all sorts, but perhaps there weren’t many of August’s associates there at this hour. Leaving the café area, he casually strolls in the direction of the card house with his hands clasped behind him on the small of his back.
The card house is a large place, far larger then it would really need to be for a silly little game. People from all over will come to Treno to partake in the games, though August never found it interesting or worthy of his time, and neither did a man standing against the building – or so it seem. August stops, something in his gut was telling him there is something in the man’s aura that appealed to August’s sensibilities. Still standing on the main path, August turns to look at the silver haired man in armor. He was some type of warrior, perhaps a mercenary by the way his equipment looked. This could just be the type of person he was looking for. With his eyes deviously looking shifting, making sure the guards were no where around, he approaches the tall man.
“You, sir.” He says as he approaches Draco. “You look like you need some work and I happen to need some work done.” As August speaks, his eyes examine the man up and down, scanning him. “If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, we might be able to work out a deal. Meet me in the east district in twenty minutes. There’s a little market just off the wall, you continue down the path here, up onto the wall walkway into the slum. You’ll see a little wooden ramp leading down into the market place just off the wall, meet me behind it and we’ll discus business. Come alone, if you're interested.” With little more then a nod to the man, August turns and continues down the path, heading to the east and eventually into the slums.
----------------------------- Word Count: 404 Exp: 67.3 Total: 5214wc/869
*Draco looks up to see a man, who begins talking quickly. Draco didn't come in until the man said "get his hands dirty"* ~Hmm a business man, well lets see what he has to offer.~ *Sadly instead of a job description, Draco got instructions. He was used to this as some clients like to have some inconspicuous meetings done. Draco was fine with this, but it meant he would have to waste time to go get instruction, which meant less time to get money. Though, this man seemed to have an abundance of it so maybe he would be worth the extra time....or maybe this man could actually hire Draco for a length of time. He listened to the directions and watched the way the man headed* ~Not even a name, alias or otherwise. That's kinda odd. Maybe this isn't what it seems to be.~ {Let's not be so scared all the time, We can't live without risk. Or maybe this is a trap, and we shouldn't. Not to mention, how dirty will our hands get?} ~Stop it. This mission may require both of us, and if we behave, we just might unlock you.~ {....We shall see}
*With new hope and motivation, Draco's spirits are uplifted. He climbs the lowest building, and races across the rooftops. He keeps racing till the rooftops become low, and too few. He follows the man's instructions and quickly finds himself something close to what the man described. There was a path to the ramp, which led to the wall. Out of anticipation Draco extends his blade half way, watching it shine in the moonlight* ------------------------ WC: 280 Exp: 28 Total exp: 56.2
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 11, 2009 0:32:43 GMT
August was there, smoldering in the back of the market, away from prying eyes. He appeared unarmed and just stood darkly there, waiting for Draco to arrive. He was inspecting his pocket watch for the time; it was getting close to the twenty minutes. If he didn’t show when it reached twenty-one minutes, August was going to leave and pretend this never happened. There were plenty of unsavory types in this city one could hire, all the credentials you needed is a willing to do work, whatever it may be, without asking too many questions and then disappear for a little while. Simple, profitable, all a man could ask for.
He continued to wait, tapping his foot anxiously. This was not a place a noble would want to stay too long, even someone as cocky as August felt uneasy in this part of the slum district. The guards rarely entered here unless called or chasing a fleeing suspect and they too refused to stay longer than what was necessary to complete their job. A noble was a prime target for a mugging, especially hiding in the back recesses of this dank and dark place. Anxiously, August checks his pocket watch again. ”Almost past time…” He mutters. ”Perhaps he won’t show… pity.” He crosses his arms and continues to wait, but for how much longer, he wonders.
------------------------------ Word Count: 232 Exp: 38.6 Total: 5446wc/907.6exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
*Draco noticed that all his lolly gagging over the roof tops had cost him time. He put on a new burst of speed. He even thought of going into his beast form, but then he might end up killing his contractor. He speeds through the market place and jumps the wall to see a man, well the man. Tapping his foot with a pocket watch in hand* ~Well that was alittle rude of me to get sidetracked~ "Sorry to keep you waiting, I had a little trouble navigating this...place. Not that you care. Hello my name is Draco." *Draco found out early on better to be polite, and have a contractor who doesn't care, then to not be polite, and lose a job.* --------------------------- WC: 126 EXP: 12.6 Total Exp: 68.8 Total WC:688
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 11, 2009 1:09:47 GMT
August puts his pocket watch away, dropping into his long-coat’s pocket as Draco appears before him. His face remained expressionless; showing neither concern nor excitement at how Draco emerged before him, to him, this was just another business deal. No different than the happenings of the social clubs, just set in a different venue.
“Don’t need names, as far as either of us are concerned, this meeting is not happening.” Draco can see that the man’s eyes never stopped moving, always scanning the area around them. Not out of nerves but out of concern someone may be watching. “Before I get into any details, I want to know what you’re willing to do for a price. Money is no option but remember, you’re one of many of your types in the city and I could easily find another that’ll do this for me but, I came to you first because something tells me you can get things done. Am I correct in this assumption or am I barking up the wrong tree? Another thing, can I trust you to keep your mouth shut about any dealings you have with me?”
------------------------------ Word Count: 197 Exp: 32.8 Total: 5643wc/940.5exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
*Draco noted how the man didn't give his name. He also noted how the man's eyes kept darting around. And lastly how a man could trust a total stranger, this was always a tough one that is usually asked* "Well then Mr Smith one, I will just charge you what I need to keep going. now how can you trust a total stranger, well this is always a hard one to answer, either hire me or don't so I can find another job. Your whatever was right I can get the job done. Now what is this job that is needed to be done?" ----------------------------- WC: 107 EXP:10.7 Total EXP:79.5 Total WC: 795
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 11, 2009 2:49:20 GMT
“Mr. Smith?” August questioned with a raised brow, he wasn’t sure what that was suppose to imply but it didn’t matter. Draco told him what he wanted to hear, someone that didn’t boast their abilities like medals on a general. Those are the good hires, they are less likely to brag about their work at the end of the day and end up blowing the whole deal and causing the authorities to show up, asking too many questions. “Well, that’s what I was hoping you’d say.” August says as he slides a hand into his pocket. “There’s a certain woman who I need to have meet a slight detour on her journey home here.” He removes from his pocket a single, tiny photograph and hands it to Draco. “Her name is Natalia Krasnow, a Viera woman of some importance in the city. She’s returning for the funeral of her late husband – she can’t make this funeral.”
Something rattles nearby and quickly August’s head turns to see the source of the noise… just a cat rummaging through trash. Sighing, he looks back to Draco. “I want you to kidnap her when she enters Treno tomorrow. There’s a canal system in this city, located under this district, there are many abandoned warehouses and facilities there. Take her there and send a ‘ransom note’ to Lawnwood estate 4 detailing a money drop off right where we are standing now, the amount is your choice and will be your payment. Further instructions will be included with the ransom money. Can you do this and not get caught?”
------------------------------- Word Count: 270 Exp: 45 Total: 5913wc/985.5exp
*Draco thought it over for awhile. He wished he was just killing someone, at least that was simple. Get in, kill, get out. This was a little much for him. He knew he could capture, and hold the lady, but picking up his reward money* ~Daimon, I think we may need you in this.~ {Ahh it's been to long since we have worked together} *Draco stood there for awhile thinking of different angles, because this was new for him*
"I'm not sure. You see there are a few problems. First of all what am I to do with the woman when I'm done. Second, how am I sure the ransom will not be a trap. My last concern is how will I leave the city. My proposal, you pay me. I'll make a ransom, whatever amount you want. You can have the ransom, or just leave for some wretch to find it. I'll just take a small fee, and leave this city undetected....though that still leaves what is to be done about the woman. Any suggestions?" *Draco wasn't sure about this. Way too many black areas, no back up, and honestly with a city this large there may just be someone who could stop him. Draco wasn't sure if he could take the job unless "Mr. Smith" would accept his terms* ------------------------------------------- WC: 229 Exp:22.9 Total EXP:102.4 Total WC: 1024
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 11, 2009 3:47:47 GMT
August, or Mr. Smith, shakes his head no. “Perhaps you don’t understand how imperative it is that this appears like an actual kidnapping. If there is money handed off now, you could just take it and flee the city before the work is even done. No, you’ll get your money during the ordeal.” August didn’t like someone second guessing him, especially someone of the lower classes. He didn’t go to the finest schools in order to be second guessed.
“After the ‘ransom’ is paid, instructions what to do with her will be detailed in the note left with the money. Before then, do with her as you wish. Just keep her quiet and confined.” He can tell that Draco was unsure about all this, and why shouldn’t he be. “If you’re anxious about the authorities getting wind of this, rest assured that the constable is paid out of my pockets and as for your escape.” He takes a moment to breath. “There’s an underground tunnel system, called the Gargan Roo that will take you to Alexandria. From Alexandria, you’re free to carry on with your life, Treno’s authority doesn’t extend beyond the city’s boarders.”
He folds his arms, looking frankly at Draco. “If this is too much trouble for you, I’m sure someone else will enjoy my money. If you stick to the plan, by this time tomorrow, you’ll be on your way to wherever you want a far wealthier man. Do we have a deal or not?”
--------------------------------- Word Count: 261 Exp: 43.5 Total: 6174wc/1029exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
*Draco felt a bit better with the authorities paid off, and an escape route planned, even if the plan went to hell at least he wouldn't fight his way out of the city. Alright all he needed to do now was set up the place. Draco's face relaxed a bit more than before as his plans became more clear, and less was likely to go wrong*
"Ok, sorry about the second guess, but I'm not used to keeping people for ransom. I would prefer just to kill her and call it a day, but it's your money so ok. I just have to be clear on one thing how will I know the bag won't be being tracked. Just tell me wither it is a problem or not and I will be on my way."
*Draco already had his planned, and he planned for the worst, the money could be tagged and he might need to kill a few people, but Draco never held life in high regard.* --------------------------------------- WC: 176 EXP: 17.6 Total Exp:120 Total WC: 1200
Post by August Krasnow on Dec 11, 2009 4:17:04 GMT
August figured he’d ask this, it was a viable concern after-all. “As I said, the authorities are paid-off. I plan to keep this an in-house manner. The only ones you need to worry about is the lawyers and if they will buy it and that really won’t be any concern of yours, this will be long over by then.” He checks his pocket watch for a moment, flipping its golden cover open and gazing at its face for a moment. “If you’re still worried, you can walk away with nothing but time lost. Mrs. Krasnow shows up in the morning, meet her at the gate and ‘convince’ her to come with you… just don’t get caught by the authorities. She is expecting a guard sent from her estate to escort her through the city, pretend to be that guard if you feel it’s necessary.” He shuts the watch close and pockets it again. “The choice is yours. I must however depart, if you choose to do this, the ransom note will be proof… oh and just to be sure, send a snippet of her hair with it – just to be sure. Until we meet again, good evening… Draco.” With that last departing word, August walks away. He rounds the corner of the market and disappears back onto the main path, heading for parts unknown.
--------------------------------- Word Count: 232 Exp: 38.6 Total: 6406wc/1067.6exp
They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
*Draco spends the rest of the night setting up the place he was going to hold Krasnow. He also placed his gear in his escape tunnel. He trusted "Mr. Smith" and had everything ready. By the time he was finished he had a few hours left before he had to pick up Ms. Krasnow. He was on edge and didn't need that. A few cities back Draco found an item that intrigued him, something to calm his nerves. He tried it once, and decided to keep some for emergencies. So he pulled one out lit the end and began smoking, while heading to the place where he would meet his target....no not a target. Targets were killed... she was more like his objective. He was thinking how much he disliked capturing people, and ransoming. This really wasn't worth the trouble, but he needed the money, and already accepted the mission. Not to mention all the time he had already put into this. Could he really waste all that time? No he couldn't. He got in postion and waited* ----------------------------- WC: 183 EXP: 18.3 Total EXP:138.3 Total WC: 1383
