Ironclaw [Open]

[Kendra]

OOC: An Ironclaw setting for Jasper and Alborio, but others are welcome to join in.

IC:
Jasper rested against the corner of a building which gave him a clear view of the busy market. His large hat was pulled down over his face, his legs crossed over one another, one arm across his chest, while the other held a dagger up in front of him as he lazily used it to pick his teeth. For all appearances, the well-dressed fox was completely inattentive and uncaring. He appeared to be a noble of high class, and his clear dismissal of the city proper, out in the open for all to see fed that perception. Many of the market goers glanced his direction with shakes of their heads, believing him to be naive to the dangers of stating his wealth so obviously to the common folk, traveling without escort. Jasper just smiled.

No thieves dared attempt to pick the pockets of this fox. He was no noble, at least not by birth. He been working his way up through the ranks of the thieves guild for the last few years now, a skilled, intelligent, talented, young upstart. His quick wit and quick hands had landed him with task of scouting new blood. Thievery was not random in this city. It was strictly controlled and regulated by the guild, and any found to be making a profit without pledging themselves to it were swiftly put in their place. Of course, enforcement was a completely separate task, one Jasper could have managed but had used his cunning to be sure his higher-ups did not appoint him. Enforcing left him little maneuverability. No, talent scout was far better suited to his designs.

And so Jasper watched the streets. Everyone in the thieves guild treated him with proper deference and respect. His pockets were safe from filchers. His appearance marked him as a clear target to those not yet a part of the guild, those unaware of his status, those desperate and foolish enough to attempt slipping under his radar. As he waited for just such an urchin to make themselves known, the fox scanned the streets for any signs of law enforcement- soldiers, guards, the city militia. Most thieves made it a point to avoid them; Jasper took a certain joy and pleasure in toying with them. Another, sly smile spread across his lips, and the young dog-fox slipped his dagger back into his sheath as he spotted a likely prospect snatching an apple from the fruit vendor.

[Netreemic]

Alborio watched with hooded eyes as the fight filled the bar, the sound of snapping wood and shattering ceramic filling the air. He swirled the ale in his tankard and glanced sideways at the nervous barkeep. The old squirrel was hoping foot to foot, each twitching anxiously as his hands wrung his rag.

“Breaking, breaking so much. Oh, go away. Stop breaking my place.” A few boars at the end of the bar quaffed at the helpless squirrel, knowing the spindly creature stood no chance if he tried to get involved in the brawl. His red eyes glanced around the bar, surprised that the barkeep didn’t employ some muscle. Wide ears twitched at the next loud crash. And to think he had hoped to have a peaceful drink on his arrival in the new town.

“Hey, dog!” His ears flicked back against his skull at the word. His folk were wild, none of those city bred pups. Alborio glowered at the squirrel and the barmaid behind him. “Hey, you merc right? Tam say you came with caravan. I’ll make it worthwhile if you clear these out!” Tail twitching madly, dewy eyes bore desperately into the slouching mercenary. Groaning, Alborio leaned away from the counter, leather straps groaning as he pulled in a deep breath.

“Keep your coin, squirrel. You’ll need it for repairs.” He drained his mug and set it back on the counter. “That gets a free refill though.” He planted his furred hands on the counter and hefted himself up.
---
Give a mouse a pastry. It was a favorite of his youngest niece. At this moment he thought it should be If you give a squirrel a hand… He had bashed a few heads, thrown some beasts around, mended two tables, five benches and even repaired a portion of the roof. Not that it was wasted effort though. Despite all his attempts to dissuade the squirrel, the ex-soldier had left with a decent jingle. So, coin in hand he thought it best to visit the market. He had snapped a leather band on his arm guard during the fight, the old brittle leather finally breaking. On that note he knew he should look into some leather oil for the rest of his armor. Eyes roving side to side, he wove through the crowd, sniffing the air for the tell-tale whiff of a leather booth.

[Kendra]

"Good morning, Mrs. Treakle," Jasper said, loudly and clearly, whipping his cloak back behind him and taking off his feathered hat in a flamboyant gesture. The badger fruit-vendor just gave the fox a huff, used to his outgoing personality. The young fox smiled and tossed her a coin, flicking it to her extravagantly.

She caught the coin deftly, not playing into his game. She kept her back to him as she delt with another customer, but Japser didn't seem to mind. Usually, being so ignored would upset the attention-seeker, but he was used to the ways of this badger. It was one of his many games. He came here often, his speech and gestures becoming more and more outrageous with each visit as he tried to draw even the slightest smile from the vendor, or even a chuckle if he was lucky.

"One of your finest apple pies," he said, his flamboyance for more than her benefit. The young theif he'd spied snatching an apple from her stand had been drawn by his gestures as well, and the sound of a pie had the little urchin licking his lips in anticipation. Jasper almost chuckled, but knew doing so would throw off his allure.

Mrs. Treakle simply nodded an affirmation as she finished collecting a payment from a mother hare, three of her little sprouts hopping beside her. The young rabbits were staring up at the loud, colorful, finely dressed fox. One even had it's mouth wide open in surprise and awe. When they realized he was looking at them, they shyly huddled behind their mother, who gave an authoritative stomp of her foot, drawing Jasper's attention. Her glare was clear- don't dare bother my children.

Jasper just chuckled and tilted his hat in greeting. "A fine day," he said.

She nodded in return and, making sure her younglings were following close behind, hopped away.

"You'd better not be scaring off any of my customers," Mrs. Treakle said, as she dug around in her wares for a large apple pie, fresh from the oven.

"Me? Honestly, Mrs. Treakle. It's like you don't even know me." The fox leaned over the counter, displaying his white teeth in a wide smile and wagging his large red tail behind him proudly.

"Hmph," the badger replied, setting her pie in front of him. "Had a feeling you'd be stopping here today. Had one sitting inside the oven on old coals to keep it warm."

"Why how thoughtful of you, milady," Jasper bowed in thanks. "I will be sure to enjoy it promptly."

"Hmph," was all she said, as she returned to sorting her wares and saw to another customer.

Jasper smiled again, enjoying himself very much. His fun had not been as creative as usual, but then, he was on a mission. This pie had been retrieved for a very specific purpose. He walked by the young thief, never giving him any direct attention, playing the part of the lordly wealth, oblivious to the ways of the hungry urchins. He played up the part very well, even exposing his coin purse to the greedy little hands. It had the expected effect.

The dog-fox caught glances of a hungry little runt following after him, drawn by the scent of the delicious apple pie, greedily ready to snag a piece or even the whole pie should opportunity present itself. He made his way through the very center of the market street, brushing by many individuals, the crowd an easy place for a prospective thief to practice their pickpocketing skills. His tag-along, never even made an attempt though, eyes on the coveted pie. Jasper smiled. This was one who would go after the prize.

He would have to give the young one an opportunity soon, or he would lose heart. So Jasper turned off the main road toward an alley, just past the leather booth.

[Netreemic]

[sorries, unedited and written periodically through the last few weeks...being devoured by school~ ^-^]

Al peeked into the variety of stalls. It was all a bunch of useless item, at least for a mercenary, but looking had always been one of those inexplicable pleasures he indulged in. He couldn’t help but think that it would be nice to settle down. To have a house with that woven rug to soften the pups play area…those plates to hold the food he hunted that day with the pack…But he never slowed and the shop owners’ eyes went right past him. He really didn’t look like a potential buyer for their wares. Why waste the effort when so many other targets were available? His large ears flicked back, annoyed with the sinking sensation in his chest. Someday…for now he’d keep working and keep his siblings families well cared for.

He paused, suddenly rethinking the leather he was about to indulge in. He could probably catch the courier who was taking his caravan job payment to his pack and add his newly received coin. Huffing lightly, he moved forward once more. His sisters had been rather peeved the last time he went home, broken ribs hampering his movement. His last chest plate had been a bit of a cheap purchase and terribly brittle under freezing conditions and faced with club wielding badgers. Last thing he needed was a broken wrist because his wrist guards were uncared for. So, the leather booth.

Red eyes tracking over the heads of most the crowd, Alborio saw leather strips hanging from an awning. Side stepping a trundling lizard-drawn cart, he wove through the last of the crowd and ducked under the colorful awning. The wide entryway was flanked by racks of lizard hides in strips and slabs, a variety of sandals, and multitudes of different sized bags. All the items were under the wary eye of a robust otter leaning just to the right of the door. The two eyed each other silently until the shop owner stepped through the doorway, the bears paws wiping across his apron.

“What can I do for you?” Eyes darting over the items one last time and deeming the work quality, Alborio loosened his armguard, slid it over his hand, and held it out. The bear grunted as he flipped it over, claws tracing over the leather. “Hmmm…seems like the broken strap is the only shoddy one.” His dark eyes roved to Al’s other arm. “These are Timboli work, right?” The merc nodded, inwardly amused by the bear’s haughty sniff. “Thought so. Trust those imperial slackers to shirk doing the whole job well. Just because the Lord pays their wages…” The leathersmith ambled back into the back area, leaving the two standing there again. Awkward.

----
Cinching the guard tight, Alborio paid for the work and stepped from under the awning. A giant cart, far too large to belong on a street so packed, forced him into the nearest alleyway. Baring his teeth and snarling at the idiot driver, the mercenary turned and started down the new path. Arguably, he probably would have taken it anyways to avoid the swarms but he hadn’t had time to check it out before imminent paw crunching forced him into it. What if a thief had been waiting to knife him? Like that little urchin that was tailing the….walking hat. His head cocked to the side. That…is one hell of a hat. One more rich critter about to be swindled. He honestly considered leaving the alley. The kid looked like he could use a square meal and the hat looked like he could afford to provide. Compromising, he leaned against one of the buildings flanking the alley and waited to see how it turned out.

[Kendra]

Caught up in the excitement of the moment, the normally observant Jasper did not even notice Alborio. Of course his sweaty, leathery scent was masked by the leather vendor, and any noise he made was masked by the bustle of the street, so it would take actually looking his direction to realize he was there. The fox was too interested in his tag-along.

The young thief was smart- sticking with the shadows, just behind him and out of sight. He was downwind of the strong scent of apple pie, and he knew it. Jasper had made sure by shifting his position enough that the youngone would have to move to stay downwind, and he did. The veteran was impressed.

Talent did not go unnoticed, and when Jasper let slip a few coins from his purse, so he had to bend down to retrieve them, he was not disappointed. In a flash, the apple pie was snatched from his hands, and the little urchin was dashing down the alley.

"Hey!" Jasper shouted, continuing to play up his part. "Come back here! Thief!"

At this point, he shook his head. Inexperience had finally proven the downfall. Instead of fleeing back to the main street and the busy market, the youngling ran the opposite direction. He would be easy to hunt down. Perhaps, he had counted on the status of the "rich" fox he had just robbed preventing him from giving chase. A high standing individual would hardly go rushing down dark and dirty alleys after a little pie.

Jasper smiled. He was not your typical "nobel". The wild dog at the end of the alley unnoticed, the fox gave swift chase, dashing up the side of a building for a higher vantage, and following the path of his new prize.

[Netreemic]

Red eyes narrowed, Alborio watched the events play out. The coins, the pie, and the quick cry of the fox. Honestly, it all seemed for the best. It wasn’t like the kid had stolen anything valuable from the primped up beast…who was darting up a wall. His ears flattened against his head in surprise. Beasts of his standing should not be scrabbling up buildings. Very odd.

But absolutely none of his business. He turned, intent on returning to the road he had been so forcefully ejected from. After all, he wasn’t built for clambering down alleys and certainly not up buildings. Probably get stuck in a tight space this city was infested with. He just hoped the little urchin managed to find one of those spots and lose the strange beast.

Cursing, he swiveled and stalked deeper into the alley. For all he knew the fancy fox was one of those. Hunting down the youths that wouldn’t be missed. Luring them in with apple pie no less. His eye twitched, black lips peeling back. Sick and twisted gits came in all shapes and sizes, disguised in many ways.

Still growling, he set off down the slim alley. Stealth wasn’t the key at the moment, just keeping the last wisp of the youth’s tail in view was difficult enough. As such, a number of crates were knocked around and spilt across the hardened dirt. He kept an eye on high, hoping to track the fox. And snagged his foot on a fallen clothes line for his troubles. The end still tied to the building snapped off, bouncing along behind. Hoping on one foot, he was able to shake it off while keeping up his momentum, but he was falling behind nonetheless. These confining spaces were getting worse, buildings leaning inward and greater clutter filling the inbetween spaces. This…is not going well. Teeth gritted, he plowed on.

[Kendra]

Drat. He’d picked up an unwanted follower… Jasper had the youngling clearly in his sights, and yet, not far behind him was a lumbering tag-along. His size and stature left Jasper first wondering if he might be an overzealous guard come running at his call of thief, but no. A simple cursory glance showed him to be an exotic, clearly not your typical dumb-witted city guard.

He was obviously not a city native, as such a creature would ignore the goings on of the alleys. There were only two options. Either he had recognized Jasper and was on the hunt- the dog-fox had certainly crossed enough people that it was rather feasible he’d have assassins on his tail at some point, or he had an overdeveloped hero complex and thought he could either help the bested noble (a rather ill-judged assessment) or save the youngling from the apparent attacker (more intelligent but still incorrect).

While assassin was a possibility, this exotic dog did not fit the profile. He was large, slow, and clumsy, all characteristics that made him easily avoidable. If he were trying to help Jasper by catching the youngling, he would have to be very, very dumb-witted. Even some minor intelligence would make it obvious the fox was in no need of help in retrieving his pie, and what kind of hero went around rescuing pies anyway? No, clever mind as quick as his feet, Jasper was certain he had been mistaken for a pup-snatcher.

So, what then were his options? Jasper certainly enjoyed putting his wits to the test, toying with others, but he’d never come across any of the hero-types. These had a mindset very uniquely their own, one the fox had not had the opportunity to study and understand. While such a prospect would normally make him more apt to test his wits, the circumstances were not the greatest. He was in pursuit of one of the most talented younglings he’d ever spotted. Stopping to play with the overgrown dog would cause him to lose his catch.

He certainly could not give the little one an initiation into the thieves guild with watching eyes, though. Oh, what to do. He could easily lose the wild dog, but would he ever find him again? It was a large city, and while the exotic had a very unique profile it was unlikely they would cross paths again. Perhaps, he could slow his pursuant just enough that he could catch the youngling and deliver his pitch before the hero arrived. Yes… that might be just it.

As he ran, Jasper toppled some boxes and cut a couple clothes lines, not stopping or waiting to watch the wild dog get tangled in the ensuing mess. He felt certain enough that the lumbering creature would be slowed. The fox took a few other quick and simple measures to slow the pursuit, always just behind and even getting a little ahead of his own prey.

The youngling slowed when he reached a makeshift leanto, hidden in the corner of a dark alleyway. He looked around, sniffing uncertainly. He then calmed, apparently feeling safe and he called gently to someone inside. An even younger pup romped out of the leanto and dove right into the pie without a word. So the youngling was looking after someone. That made it even easier for Jasper to offer his pitch.

Quickly, having to accomplish his deed before his follower caught up, Jasper leapt down from the building roof, landing right behind the pups and placing a paw on the little thief’s shoulder. He felt the youngling tense as he curled around him bringing a finger to his lips to motion for silence. The younger ran back inside the leanto, cowering.

“Get back!” His catch shouted, attempting to fight.

“Easy, easy,” Jasper gently cautioned, easily avoiding his blows. “I’m here to help. Your work in retrieving that pie was quite impressive. How would you like it if feeding your friend there wasn’t so difficult?”

A glance at the cowering little one left the thief docile, and he looked up at Jasper, hope now in his eyes but clouded with skepticism.

Jasper smiled. “I am a talent scout for the thieves guild, and you have passed the first test. You can do far better than snatching scraps from vendors. If you accept this invitation you may even find yourself a home. A family that will protect you and yours, and you’ll never have a hungry belly again. Just think about it. If you would like to take me up on my offer, go to the monestary at midnight. Look for the hat.”

The fox winked, tipping his large feathered brim. “I’ll be waiting.”
Without another word, Jasper dashed out of the corner alley, glancing behind him to see how close the wild dog had come during his little chat before deftly climbing back onto the roof-tops.

[Netreemic]

[D: *pulls Al to self protectively* h-h-he’s just big for his age]

Alerted to the danger presented by the clotheslines, Alborio was avoiding the others with increasing ease even as they trailed across the thin alley. However, he was quite aware the lines were not popping themselves free from their wall hooks. The fox clearly was aware of his presence and was trying to impede his progress. It certainly was not an action of an honest beast out for some rooftop exercise.

He leapt over a pile of fallen barrels, grunting as his paw slipped some of the spilt contents. Pickled something. Skin crawling and fur bristling, he tried to ignore the foreign substance squelching between his toes. The city made far too many strange things available for consumption that he honestly never wanted to know about and often wished he could wipe from his memory. And, at the moment, from his foot.

The youth was beyond his sight, but the destructive path of the fox was somewhat easy to follow. Clothes were still fluttering to the packed earth, the rumble of tipped boxes sounding as he rounded corners. Like bread crumbs…which in his experience lead to traps. He’d deal with that if it arose, but for now he needed to make sure another pup didn’t disappear like so many others.

Thoughts momentarily elsewhere, the protruding wooden overhang, sagging dangerously, clipped his shoulder on a blind turn. Quickly overcoming his surprise and hands snapping out, Alborio grabbed a dislodged beam and shoved it under the quaking construction. Catching the terrorized eyes of the mouse inhabitants as he returned to his pursuit, part of him took note of the area and promised to return. Damaging property. The fox may think nothing of laying waste to these creature’s possessions…

His ears snapped to attention as the cry of “Get back!” rebounded down the alley. It sounded terribly faint. Cursing how far he had fallen behind, Alborio desperately hoped he was still headed down the right path in this jumbled mess of cross alleys. Increasingly worried when he heard no further struggle, his mind concocted images of the fox already whisking the unconscious youth into some darkened doorway or simply a beaten, bloody mess…

“mon…air…night. Lo……the hat. I’ll be waiting.” Sliding in a skid, he nearly missed the darkened path as the fox darted back to the roofs with a flourish. Eyes darting to track the fox for a second, his attention quickly returned to the pup…and his companion. While relieved to have found the youth undamaged from the encounter with the strange fox, the final parting was worrisome. They looked hard-pressed and open to suggestions. Who knows what the fox would hold in waiting.

The smallest pup wrenched his eyes from the foxes nearly magical escape and let out a yip of fear when he noticed Alborio. Clearly, only so many strange beasts were acceptable in one day of these kids’ lives. Before he could even begin to explain himself or hope to convince them to avoid the fox, the pair was shooting down the alley and through a tiny bolt hole. Hands clenching in frustration, his head whipped around to the path the fox had taken. Ears flattened against his skull and red eyes narrowed, he knew he had little hope of following.

But how hard could it be to find character such as the fox? Dandy foxes in large hats were not to be seen at every street corner. Shooting one last glare for the rooftops, Alborio walked back out the alley towards the dim roar of the more populated areas...and the closet tavern. Someone in this city had to know of the beast and getting information had never been an issue. Given his particular mood, today would be no different.

[Kendra]

[lol. It's okay Net. I'm not the one who thinks Alborio is lumbering and oversized . It's Jasper.]

Satisfied with the results of his scouting, confident that the youngling would meet him at the monestary later, and glad to be rid of his pursuit, Jasper decided to grab himself a much needed meal and maybe a little entertainment. Grinning, he remembered that this was the time a large group of buffoons tended to frequent the DreadWolf Tavern. They were quite fun to mess around with. Unfortunately for Alborio, said tavern was clear across town, and he certainly wouldn't be running into the fox again any time soon.

The nearest tavern, the Bearclaw, did however have some frequenters who knew of Jasper and his ties with the theives guild. They were not easy to get information from, especially pertaining to the sly fox. No one wished to divulge information on the theives guild, and even fewer information on the mastermind seemingly almost ready to take it over. Crossing him just wasn't a good idea.

At this time of day, there were few customers in the Bearclaw. The tavern keeper- a large bear with a commanding presence (hence the name)- was standing at the counter, cleaning out a pint with a rag. An old coon sat near the fireplace, at a table in the dark, with his head flat on the surface, clearly sound asleep. A pair of city guards sat closer the window, discussing something to do with their day in the barracks. A jovial rabbit, a young skunk couple, an energetic ferret, a studious horse, and a lone fisher cat were the remaining patrons.

None of them really fit the profile of a thief. None of them really had a suspicious attitude about them, but that didn't mean they knew nothing. Of course, Alborio had no hints yet leading him toward the conclusion that the fox was a thief, so it wasn't like he would be setting out looking for a seedy, shifty character to provide him with information.

Jasper, unaware of Alborio's mission, overpassed this tavern as uninteresting, even though it was close. He wasn't looking for ale or any other beverage or food for entertainment. He was looking for very specific company. The blacksmith and a few of his friends were frequent patrons of the DreadWolf, and they had a tendancy to get very drunk, so drunk that he could play all kinds of nasty tricks and mind games on them. He figured, this could keep him entertained, until they left or the tavern keep kicked him out.

[Netreemic]

Putting his nose to the wind once more (vaguely regretting it as something unpleasant roiled through the air on the breeze) Alborio got a bare whiff of Essence of Tavern. Gathering ground for information and those stewing in enough liquor to drop the convenient hint. Sighing, he moved through the crowd. It seemed perhaps he should not have spent money on himself and the leather repairs. Though he was aware of his intimidation acting as added incentive, some tongues were easiest loosened by coin. As much as he could dream that the welfare of the city’s youth would inspire good will, he was no fool to believe any beast would truly care.

But if he could find anyone with an issue with the fox…he might be able to understand what was going on.

Appreciating that he did not have to duck into the bar, Alborio pushed lightly against the worn ‘door.’ Taking in the appearance of the burly bear cleaning tankards he could understand the extra dimensions in the architecture. Red eyes roved across the scattered assortment of occupants. Noticing the unconscious raccoon blissfully drooling onto the table in the corner, he had a moment of doubt in this establishment. Turning farther, however, turned up a pair of guards.

From his own experience, he would react less than favorably to being interrupted during his scant minutes of rest from duty. But, they would also have better knowledge of criminal activity. Body already falling into its well-learned soldier stance, he walked with purpose towards the window-lit table. Neither looming nor cowering, he came to a stop beside their table.

“Excuse the interruption,” nodding curtly, Alborio spoke directly and seriously. “But a concerning matter regarding a certain fox has come to my attention and I was wondering if you might have some knowledge about him.” Momentarily setting aside the issue of the pup on the grounds that the guards might brush it off as unimportant, he simply went on to describe the beast. Holding his hand low in example he continued, “Perhaps this tall and very agile. Notably wearing a cape and a rather flamboyant hat.”

[Kendra]

The guards looked up at the wild dog respectfully, recognizing some comraderie in his stance and attire. Their age and comfortable demeanor showed them to be rather experienced in their work, the lynx even sporting some visible scars that were likely the result of guarding traveling caravans as this town seemed unlikely to see any major fighting or battles. The other was a more portly badger that had probably grown far too comfortable in his position and thus found his skills rather lacking in keeping trouble off the streets.

"Hah!" the badger practically snuffed into his tankard at Alborio's description of the fox, as the lynx folded his arms and glowered across the table. "Yeah we know all about him, don't we Marx?" He seemed to be chuckling to himself at an inside joke that did not please his companion. Laughing to himself, he returned to his drink.

The lynx, while somber, appeared a bit more forthcoming in the information department. He motioned for Alborio to sit with them at the table. "Take my advice," he said, leaning in as he spoke. "If you have a quarrel with that beast, you'd best leave it be. He's harmless really, just enjoys causing us guards grief."

"Pfft," the badger snuffed once again, this time practically spattering his beer across the table and causing his lynx friend to lean back in disgust. "And you would know, wouldn't you?" he said. "Don't let his stand-offishness fool you. Marx was quite interested in hunting that particular little pest down until just a couple weeks ago. Got him tangled in a rather embarrasing assortment of feathers and bonnets."

"He's a trapper with no direction and likes to pick on others to amuse himself," Marx redirected, hackles raising slightly at the discomfort the retelling of his experience was causing. "If you don't let him bait you in, there is nothing of interest and he'll find something else to entertain his time."

"I tried telling you that the first time he got you, but would you listen?" the badger smiled. "Oh, no. And you got your nose burried in skunk musk for your troubles."

"Please, Bargal," Marx said as he brought his hand up to rub the bridge of his nose. "We do not need to relive my entire sordid with that fox."

"Sorry," Bargal chuckled. "It just brings back so many happy memories."

"Indeed," Marx offered, not in the least amused as he turned his attention back to Alborio. "Any matter concerning the fox would be best ignored to save yourself the embarrasment."

[Netreemic]

Sliding into the proffered seat, Alborio watched the familiar banter with a pang of jealousy. Even if the lynx – Marx – was less than amused by the other beast’s crude antics, there was a past between the two. A history of brothers-in-arms. Years exiled to the mercenary business had left him bereft of such relationships, adrift with strangers and enemies. Listening to the warning, he inwardly fought against his spirits falling further. There would be no team to call on. No tactician to outwit a mastermind fox that clearly had the guards chasing their tails. Nevertheless, he shook his head, bangle letting out a dull jingle. “I cannot let a child be used for his amusement, as you put it, no matter the threat to my dignity.” He snorted in self-depreciation. Whatever dignity a merc could possibly strive to have in a world such as this.

He sighed, ears flicking back in momentary dejection. “But, it seems like it will be a moot point. The most I know is that the fox is dragging the pup into it tonight. Far too many places in the city to search in one night.” Al snapped his teeth against that concession, angered at the inherit whine in such a sentiment. His eyes snapped up, narrowed and focused. “But I will find him. Harmless or not,” he growled and stood, armor creaking as he rose to full height. The northern region of the city had the less than prestigious honor of being the cesspit – best place to start bashing heads.

---

Dreadwolf. Hoi snorted derisively, wiry whiskers pulling back in a sneer. Deadwolf would have been a more apt name given the smell wafting from the joint. And the battered paws he saw sticking from the alleyway. They had stopped twitching a minute ago. Thirty seconds ago some mangy looking muskrat had darted away from the alley with a bundle. The otter had taken position across the way, arms crossed and leaning against a dirt-encrusted wall, to check out the place.

The boss had flat out told everyone to keep to the center of the city – visiting temples, resting in the flowering park, or earning a little extra coin of their own on the cleaner street corners until the show tonight. He had pulled in a decent haul with the crowds of families cooing over his fluid motions but if he really wanted it to add up to anything he needed to up the stakes. Needed a different kind of creature. But that did not mean he was going to let his taste for a challenge send him blindly into a bar unfriendly to performers. He had dodged a number of bards, jugglers and mimes (those had been the most thoroughly beaten ones) as they were bodily relocated, raucous laughter following their hasty flight. As of yet, the only things, other than the smell, to exit the Dreadwolf were a few decently drunk patrons.

Nodding to himself (even if nothing better than a few drinks resulted, it would not be time terribly spent), he bobbed leisurely across the street. Dark eyes hooded in general disinterest, Hoi slid through the door and towards the bar. The place was a bit more crowded than he had expected. The large group in the corner seemed more intoxicated than the rest as well and were receiving a number of subtle glances – fear, wariness, and annoyance.

“A pint ohf hunnywhine,” he whuffed, leaning heavily on his Southern lilt. He’d picked it up years ago, finding it a handy tool in skewing perception. Best to never be known as yourself.

[-w- Not sure if Al was going to find Jasper…excuse the added chara of desperation to resuscitate my ability to write.]

[Kendra]

[Hey, the more the merrier ]

"Probably giving the pup a much needed lesson in minding his own business," the badger chuckled in response to Alborio's concerns. He seemed to care little about the wild dog's distress, even less than he cared about the distress Marx had experienced at the hands of the fox. He had dismissed Jasper as unimportant, a beast what leaves you alone so long as you leave him alone. Harmless...

Marx watched Alborio rise from the table with concern. Stature and attire marked him an experienced warrior, and while most mercenaries had questionable morality, the fact that the wild dog was determined to find the fox in order to help an unknown pup... resonated with him. It was... noble, self-sacrificing. Clearly, the exotic visitor had nothing to gain from an encounter with the flamboyant mastermind.

"Hold," he called out to the retreating figure. "You say a youth is mixed up with the fox? What concerns you about the matter? Do you think he will come to harm?"

*****

Jasper took no note of the otter's entrance in the Dreadwolf. He was in familar surroundings, among familiar people, confident and assured. Pride removed caution, and someone meaning him harm could easily have entered the tavern unnoticed. His inobservance would not have mattered, as the keep would tip him off to any hostilities. He sat in the shadows, his table in the darkened corner near the blacksmith's uproarious group. Next to their raucous antics, the fox passed as part of the background in the eyes of the patrons. His hat and cape hung on a peg at the buildings entrance, leaving his appearance at the table rather unremarkable.

Eyes on the blacksmith, the fox sipped carefully at a tankard of ale, a finger resting on the end of a dagger he was twirling absentmindedly, tip digging into the oaken wood. The boar was a mess. The manners of his friends equally distressing to any obsessive clean freaks, and so it was a good thing that the keep was a surly uncaring wolf. So long as the coins were rolling freely, the behavior of his guests mattered little.

And so, passing the time until his monestary rondevous at midnight, Jasper devised a little game for himself. The barmaid, a sultry mink, all smooth fur and supple movement, came to the group's table with more drinks and Jasper slipped a little pouder into a couple of the cups, unnoticed. It was a simple concoction that would loosen the tongue and heighten emotions, making them easier to toy with. Already he had managed to slip around the table, tying several boot laces together, and figured it would be amusing to start a brawl and watch them all stumble about in a tangled mass. He just had to wait for the right moment to bump an elbow, tip a drink, or trip a foot.