Spiteful weather [OPEN]

[Gearr]

Why was he sat here again? Oh, yeah right... Because there was nothing. Else. To. Do. Wasting your life away sat at a bar may have sounded pretty damn bad, but frankly it was far better wasting your life away doing nothing. Or so Mordecai thought. The truth was he didn't much care for either, especially considering how this damn ale had a rather suspicious after taste that was something along the lines of dog piss, better not to inquire as to how he knew that. Lets just leave it with the comment that you may actually be reading to much into this already.

Eugh whatever, all the fellow could do was drink it anyway. A sad fact was that in this run down town this was the damn best place to get a drink, and so despite the fact no one much cared for it they still used it. In effect it was like the crazy old uncle you'd lock in the cellar. No one much liked him so to say, but you'd grin and bare it simply because you knew that somewhere along that lines he was going to die and then bam, you get his entire fortune left to you because you were so very caring enough to let him wallow around in some damp little area that you'd managed to forget even existed at all. A strange analogy perhaps, but in this context it fit, it worked, and it was actually right... That in itself was a somewhat scary thought.

So why was he still here if this place was so bad? Simple, it was the best place here to avoid having one of them bastards try and put a freaking collar on him... Actually not really, but lets not get into that. No, the real reason was the fact that even though this town was full of thieves and pickpockets he found it more comfortable than being in one the he larger areas. Yes logically this was a bad move, a move that had so far worked for four years as it so happened. Yet it was also a move that couldn't last. Soon a new one would need to be made, one that would have the siblings face a place larger and more bustling than this.... He was gonna need a hell of a lot more alcohol before that was an option. Nyeh, the only problem with that was that he'd have one mean hangover on the next day. It really was a tough ol' life. Get wasted, or stay in some rotten hell hole. Downing the last of his drink it wasn't clear what he'd chosen.

Standing he quickly tossed the bar tender a couple of coins before stalking off and pushing his way out of the rickety old door, carefully shifting his impractically long tail of of the way so as not to trap the damn thing. Been there done that, safe to say it wasn't the funniest of things to do. Whatever, with a sigh he shook his head, teal eyes casting up to the heavily overcast sky just as the first drop decided to fall, hitting him square in the face. Well thank you very much. God damn weather with it's pain in the ass timing. Whatever. Hands shoved in his pockets he trundled of down a muddy street. Great day this was.

(-hates starting like fffft- Open to anyooooone, and I don't care how it ends up..... Make it interesting fo srs >:[)

[Draven]

Carden might have been a hellhole to most people, but there was at least one individual who was capable of seeing positive things. For one, plants seemed to thrive here. They were steadily choking the roads, yes, but these were more than weeds. Why, when the season was right some of them had flowers! Those flowers were lovely, and it just so happened that some were blooming currently.

A ferret scampered among the foliage, dead set on mauling one of those flowers. For whatever reason she despised the delicate things, felt the need to obliterate them. Some distance behind the white troublemaker, her owner, a rather small man, gave chase. "Quill, no! Come back! Leave the flowers alone!" Why would a male give a rip about flowers? Were you to ask Draven that, he would ask "why not?" Ladies enjoyed them, so wasn't it in one's best interest to preserve them in case he met someone exceptionally attractive?

In his rather frantic sprint, Draven managed to slip on a wet bed of moss, causing him to fall flat on the ground. True, he had landed on plants, but they weren't much protection from the hard ground beneath. He laid there, dazed, and eventually his pet darted over to him. Was she concerned? Hard to tell, considering she was an animal, but Draven interpreted her running over to him as such. She propped herself on her hind legs and stuck her snout in his right ear, prompting a lighthearted giggle. "Gracious, that tickles." The man would sit up then, before picking up Quill and setting her on his shoulder. "There is a good girl. Now," he began while getting to his feet, "let us figure out where my brother got off to."

Let's see, where to grouchy mutes spend their time? That may have been a riddle to some, but the location of Draven's grouchy mute was rather obvious. His brother tended to gravitate towards taverns, and since Carden really only had one half-decent one, that is where Draven headed.

Meanwhile, Quill had settled herself behind her master's neck, draping over it like a little scarf. She stayed that way until a raindrop hit her nose. Once that happened she let out an irritated snarl and slid into the back of Draven's jacket. Draven laughed. "A little water will not hurt you, silly." Quill wasn't buying it. She wiggled through Draven's jacket until reaching a pocket, which she ducked into for a nap.

The downpour had truly begun when Draven finally caught sight of his brother. While he wasn't in the tavern, the color of his face hinted that he had been there recently. As Mordecai made his way down the street, Draven made his way up. Once the two were together he turned around and began walking alongside his brother, stretching his arms and letting out a cheerful sigh. "Ahhhhhh, is this rain not splendid, Cai? So refreshing is its frigid water. And just think, now we need not find a bath! Nature herself shall cleanse us today. One less expense to fret about!" Naturally, though, in his conversing with the silent sibling Draven neglected to watch where he was walking. The result of this was his right foot landing smack in a deep puddle of water, causing an instant sensation of cold that made him yelp. He quickly shook it off and laughed, however. "I do believe my foot is clean now, Brother! Yes, that puddle most definitely seeped through my shoe."

[Mieux~]

Sheltered within a cloak as thick as her own fur, the Navali entered the slum with relief at the rain's beginnings. The swelter of the only clothing keeping her hidden from the eyes of the humans that filtered through this town was getting to be overwhelming despite the overcast sky. Her own sunlit eyes peered out of the hood as it shaded her head. Of course her feet gave her away, what with their cat-like claws and large paw pads. It wasn't as if the Navali could simply slip on peasant's shoes or anything. At least she didn't have a tail.

Keeping her furred arms within the cloak, Mieu attempted to draw as little attention as possible despite the paws that gave her away. She began to enter the center of the city and found herself surrounded by other animals, feral ones. As a canine's eyes caught her own, her scent drew it to a frenzy. Its saliva was flung from its jaws as they emitted a sound that struck terror into the very core of the Navali. Flinching away from the rabid mutt just as its chain pulled it into restraint, her cloak nearly fell backward. Her forepaws reached instinctively for it and the creature's owner gasped.

The realization upon his visage was the image which haunted her waking life. Her legs carried her away with an over-rushed briskness as she pulled her skull deeper into the hood.

Two men. How in the world was she supposed to find two men? There were a dozen men all standing about in such a manner of pairing. Certainly she couldn't check them all. Besides they were expecting a granddaughter of a human, certainly not of her race. Yet Grandfather had insisted that she be called his own. Would they even give her the package? Well.. they had to.

The furry girl lifted an ornate pocketwatch from it's place on her neck and opened it to check the time. Nearly three in the afternoon and she would be spending the rest of the evening looking for a pair of men. In other words, her needle in this Carden haystack. Oh except that when it came to this place it was more like looking for a strand of fur in a needle stack. With the watch open she noted the orientation of the moon was nearing full.. another fact she didn't wish to acknowledge at the moment.

Scanning the scene, Mieux directed herself towards the two most non-threatening men in the viewing area. The taller of the pair appeared a bit more fierce, but at least these two didn't have guard dogs. The Navali's talented ears needed no proximity to hear their conversation, though she supposed it was more of the shorter man's monologue anyways.

"H-hello," she began feebly reaching out for the slightest bit of attention, "Do you have the watchmaker's box?" The words were a puppy's whimper. Absolutely as pathetic as they could possibly be, but at least they were audible. This was the code, to which the merchant was to reply with: 'Do you have the watchmaker's watch?' Really she hoped to only have to ask once.

[Gearr]

Then the downpour started, that biting rain that hammered down so hatefully. Rain in itself he had no problem with, no, his real problem with the dappling little drops that rained down from above was fact that his hair and fur alike were thick, thick enough to hold enough water that it was just a plain ol' drag for the warlock. Shoulder's hunched up he stalked forward, going no where in particular as he trudged on through the grimy streets, simply further allowing for the mud to clamber up his boots and take a further hold on him, forcing him down to submit to this land. The sad fact was... He'd probably have to one day. Oh we could go through the whole, 'I'll never bow!' speech, but how many times did that work? How many people had that come through for at the end of the day? None, in the end everyone submits. Draven already had, that dog's collar around his neck was proof enough. Yet thus far he himself had evaded such. To that thought he couldn't help but subconsciously pull the scarf further up his neck. One day, but not today.

"Ahhhhhh, is this rain not splendid, Cai? So refreshing is its frigid water. And just think, now we need not find a bath! Nature herself shall cleanse us today. One less expense to fret about!"

With a somewhat shocked expression he looked down to his side, the look quickly dissipating as he realised who it was. Perhaps he should have been more aware of what was going on, anyone who'd taken ill intent to him would have had an easy job. But no, instead it was just Draven, the little chatterbox he was. His topics of conversation were always rather odd, rather strange. Yet to the nickname he went to clip his brother over the back of the head. It wouldn't be a hard blow, by no means did he want to hurt his younger sibling, no, it was simply to get the point across. Stick with his name. It wasn't Cai, nor Mord... And by god it wasn't Mordy. He couldn't help but grimace at that name. Thankfully the only one who called him it was that odd Snerf who'd hire him. The problem there though was that he couldn't very well just hit something that was a lot bigger and heavier than him. He really didn't much care to meet those claws. To the rest of his sibling's statement though he just rolled his eyes, waving a hand as if brushing the comment away. Moving it on.

Annnnnd then his brother showed just how daft he could truly be.

"I do believe my foot is clean now, Brother! Yes, that puddle most definitely seeped through my shoe."

Slapping his palm to his face he shook his head, utter disbelief clear on his face. How could he be so happy about it!? I mean come on, if your foot was now saturated would any normal person be acting happy. I think not my good sir! Yet that was the thing, whilst Mordecai was rough and realistic... Draven was just so happy. He was always happy. The thing was though, it didn't rub off, at all. The stability in Mordecai's moods were what made him so efficient at what he did, they stopped him overreacting, stopped him doing anything stupid. They were a boundary that kept him alive, he'd let people through, but that was so far as it went. Pointing to his own eyes, brows furrowed, he pointed to the path of head soon after, making every attempt to lecture his brother on looking where he was going minus the actual lecturing part of the whole deal. Pulled from thought by a figure coming closer he moved quickly trying to force his brother behind him as eyes narrowed. One could never be to careful in this place.

"H-hello, do you have the watchmaker's box?"

Furrowing his brows a deep frown pulled his face, obviously disproving of whatever this whining thing was. In response he shook his head 'no'. He perhaps seemed rude, and yet it was the best he could be besides writing it out for this thing. Turning his head slightly, vision slanting to his shorter sibling, he swiped a hand through the air in a clear motion of 'no'. He knew his bouncy little brother was going to try and help this thing, he knew he was. And then of course he'd get pulled into helping this... Were those paws?! Eyes narrowed further as the corner of his lips twitched slightly. Dammit to hell, he knew exactly what this thing was... And with that he knew his brother was definitely going to fall for the cute factor, oh this day was going to the dogs faster than he could pickpocket a blind cripple. Great... Great! With that he couldn't help but wonder if Cora could carry this much weight. Eugh. He could hope.

[Draven]

As the cold water soaked through his rather pathetic excuse of a sock, Draven became aware of a slight pain in the back of his head. He rubbed the area with his hand, tilting his head to the side and slightly pouting his lip as he tried to figure out what had happened. He hadn't hit the back of his head when slipping on the moss, nothing had landed on his head...but there was definitely a small bump forming. How peculiar. He gasped, smiling, when he finally figured out what had happened. Cai had slapped him! Perhaps for calling him Cai and not Mordecai? Hmmmm yes that seemed about right. Would Draven cut it out, though? Heavens, no! Cai was much easier to say and Draven was confident that his big brother would never do him real harm. Having figured out that little riddle, the young man now became aware of his brother's pointing. Cai's face was stern, which Draven knew to mean he was telling his little brother off. Pointing ahead...ah yes. Mordecai was telling his brother to watch where he was going. Draven let out a small giggle. "Yes, I suppose I should mind my step. Refreshing as that was it would not do me much good to get my left foot this wet. Goodness, then I would be so cold in the feet that you would need to carry me!"

Just as he was about to continue walking down the road, Mordecai pushed the pipsqueak behind him. Though he wondered why his brother found that was necessary, he didn't resist it. Draven did, however, peek around the taller sibling, his black tail curling against his right side. His one good eye caught sight of a rather tall cloaked individual. Said person was walking towards them, though their gait caused Draven to guess they were not very confident. Naturally, he had to reassure them. "Not to worry, friend. I do not bite and my brother rarely does."


"H-hello, do you have the watchmaker's box?"

Draven lifted an eyebrow, thoroughly perplexed at the girl's words. The watchmaker's box? What? He looked up at his brother, seeing the ginger shake his head. Just as Draven was about so say something Mordecai made another gesture that clearly stated (to the younger brother, anyway) "Do not help her." But Draven absolutely could not comply. This girl, she was simply precious, the way she spoke. Such a shy girl. She needed to be shown some kindness. "I have no idea the meaning of your words, Miss," he said as he stepped around Cai and towards the girl, "But I am certain my brother would be able to help. And he will help, will he not?" The last three words would be said as Draven looked over his shoulder towards the ginger. Draven would give yet another of his many smiles, this one silently saying "We are going to help this girl whether you like it or not."

After his attempt at persuading his grouch of a brother, Draven turned his gaze back towards the girl. This is when he noticed her feet. Why, they appeared to be paws! Was this perhaps a creature of the Folk? It was difficult to tell when all he could see of the girl was her feet. Whatever the case, he would gasp. "Oh my goodness, your feet!" He would look directly at her then, concern on his face. "Are they not absolutely frozen in this weather? We must find something that will fit over them comfortably!" He would place a hand on her shoulder then, before once more looking back at Mordecai. "Mordecai, where is the nearest cobbler? I cannot remember." Again, looking at the girl, "I am Draven. What may I call you, Miss?"

[Mieux~]

((I'm sorry! This will be short, but my next replies will be longer promise! ))

As the elder male shook his head, the Navali's sunk. Perfect.. let the search continue. However, before she could turn or even take another breath, the other human seemed to explode with a vocabulary as quick and great as the other man's was lacking. They seemed to be quite opposite now that Mie had a chance to see the other. One was short and dark and the other a tall ginger, though each had their own particular oddities.

Then the shorter of the two said a word that startled her. Brothers? Well at least he hadn't said twins because that they surely weren't. Perhaps they were half-brothers, who knew? The point was they were going to help and that sparked a most wonderful delight in the doe's heart. "Assistance would be much appreciated!" her voice chimed with joy though she was hard-pressed to keep up with his words, despite her talented ears.

As the young human noticed her feet she flinched once more, drawing back a few paces quickly. Would he fear her race? Perhaps reveal and desire to kill her? Her eyes darted to the larger human, his own gaze was filled with tension or fear, as his body took an even more protective turn. Obviously he had already encountered those of her kind. Her form shrunk beneath the heavy cloak as she tried to appear less threatening. Her voice trembled softly as she stuttered, trying to make out some kind of words. None were formed in the awkward pause before the black-tailed human spoke again, barely seeming to have noticed the moment of shock that had overtaken the other two.

"Oh no! I promise you sir they are quite warm despite the chilled rainfall," her voice chimed once more with a pathetic reassurance, "They are quite fluffy you see, it keeps them warm." Her slender face slid somewhat out of the hood, revealing her salmon-hued nose and glimmering yellow eyes. If he was not afraid of her feet, would he fear her face? Was it even a face as much as a muzzle? She would allow him to be the judge of that.

"I am looking for two men. They are supposed to be carrying a package for my Grandfather. He is a watchmaker and they are some of his supplies. Will you help me find them?"

[Gearr]

"I have no idea the meaning of your words, Miss."

Wait for it....

"But I am certain my brother would be able to help. And he will help, will he not?"

There it was. He'd had a damn suspicion that was coming, of course his service would be volunteered, when he'd normally charge for it. He already knew trying to worm out of it would fail, and that there was no way in hell he was getting damn well paid. If there was one thing that would push him into doing something free of charge besides the occasional act of chivalry he could on the odd time be known to preform it would be Draven. It wasn't even because he was soft enough to do what the boy said, no, it was simply because he knew he'd run off to help and then get himself hurt. He could tie the boy up he supposed, but that would make a right old shitstorm that... He didn't want to deal with. No, it really was just better to do what Draven was asking to avoid whatever issues would arise from his ill thought through actions. In the end this was saving both time and heartache. With a firm shake of his head 'no' he folded his arms and looked off to the side. He would, but right now he was to stubborn to admit it.

"Assistance would be much appreciated!"

Drumming fingers against his upper arm he snorted. Yes of course it would, assistance was all that most people needed. It could bring you back from the darkest of times, resurrect a broken soul... It could be the confounding variable in the most carefully organised of ploys.

He couldn't help but watch with a mild fascination as the thing quailed though, shying away from the fact her species had apparently been discovered. He understood why, their kind... Got mixed responses. Now he personally didn't care, associating with a talking Snerf tended to dull your feelings toward other species, instead melding it all into one. He had no interest in her for now, yes their fur was valued, however there were easier ways to get it than killing the damn things. Frankly that just seemed a waste but hey, each to their own, who was he to decide what each and every rouge out there decided to do. It all just ended in her having nothing to worry about... from them at least. Other people here however were unlikely to be so kind. Indeed already people were noticing what he and his sibling had. A matter not helped by his damned brother's exclamation.

"Oh my goodness, your feet! Are they not absolutely frozen in this weather? We must find something that will fit over them comfortably! Mordecai, where is the nearest cobbler? I cannot remember. I am Draven. What may I call you, Miss?"

Yeeeep, there he went off on some odd tangent... This one was odd even by his standards though. I mean really, going on a tangent about feet was strange even by the standards of the ginger warlock. He'd seen a lot of random crap in his time, but that was pretty up there. He really wasn't sure if he was amused or frustrated... With him it was just possibly a mix of , in fact one could near certainly presume that was the case. Something was clear to him though, alas not to Draven. Trying to catch his siblings eye he gestured quickly at her claws before making a ripping motion through the air. Now he knew well enough those claws would butcher even the most expensive of shoes, there was no way in hell he was getting freaking shoes when they'd only be destroyed shortly after. That and he just plain didn't want to give anything to this furry thing. He owed it nothing, was getting nothing from it, and so would give it nothing that he damn well had to buy.

"Oh no! I promise you sir they are quite warm despite the chilled rainfall. They are quite fluffy you see, it keeps them warm."

Dammit what was she doing!? With something close to a roughed up growl, the nearest to any actual noise you'd get from him he snapped a hand out to grab the rim of her hood and jam it back down over her lithe little head. If he succeeded he'd soon after grab for her collar and try to haul her ass closer. She was a fool. Using his free hand he'd grab for a tuft of her fur, pulling it slightly before letting go to pat his pocket, giving the sound of clinking coins. From there he'd usher a hand at the people around, making a jerking motion to pull her face to his before teal eyes narrowed sharply, a snarl on his face. He wasn't so furious as he may have seemed. Without the ability of speech he relied on gestures and expressions, each and every one exaggerated to get the point across. He couldn't use words to describe anger, and so he took an almost feral appearance. Presuming all this had worked he'd let go and step back, only to shadow himself behind his smaller brother.

It was an odd show, but with a good reason. This was the worst town for her to show her race in. It was a town of crooks and thieves, people who'd kill for a single gold coin. Her pelt would fetch a damn good price, a price the people here would take. It had been for her own damn good, but also that of he and his brother. They too would also be in danger if any took an interest,and he sure as hell wasn't getting hurt due to some fluff ball. The tip of his tail twitching, now getting dangerously close to the ground due to the water weight, he couldn't say if either would decipher what he'd meant. Frankly he didn't care, just as long as she kept her damn hood down.

"I am looking for two men. They are supposed to be carrying a package for my Grandfather. He is a watchmaker and they are some of his supplies. Will you help me find them?"

Draven would answer, that he knew. He'd leave that to his raven-haired brother until he was needed, and right now he was not.

[Draven]

"Oh no! I promise you sir they are quite warm despite the chilled rainfall. They are quite fluffy you see, it keeps them warm."

In addition to the girl's reassurance, Mordy chimed in with his own little pantomime. He gestured at the girl's claws and then swiped his fingers through the air. Now, while Draven was fairly good at interpreting his brother, this was not a gesture he had encountered often if at all. He stared at the place Mordecai had raked, a calmly curious look on his young face. His left hand would come to rest under his mouth while his eye once again wandered upward. Pointing at claws, raking the air...he snapped his fingers. "Ha ha! Right you are, Brother. Those impressive claws would likely tear through your average shoe. In addition to that, She just got finished saying that her feet are fine." He looked at the girl again, wide smile on his face. "I daresay I am a bit envious that you need not spend money on shoes, Miss." It was then that Draven noticed the snout poking out from under the hood. Upon seeing that adorable pink nose, Draven let out a delighted squeal very uncharacteristic of his age and gender. "Mordecai, look! Look look look! Her nose! Absolutely precious!"

His older brother, however, had already noticed the girl's nose. He was making an attempt at yanking her hood down, then pulling her closer. If he managed to do that, he would then tug the poor girl's fur before jingling his pocket of coins. Draven simply could not let this continue, however. "Mordecai, be gentle with the dear lady! You will frighten her to the grave, handling her like that!" Once Draven had given his reprimand, however, pieces began falling into place. The feet, the snout, the way Mordy had tugged at her fur...Draven's right eye widened with the realization. She must be a Navali! He would approach her then, with the intention of placing one of his hands on each of her shoulders. "You are very brave indeed, Miss, wandering this side of town. If you had any fear before, you need not anymore. I will not let harm come to you." What a knight in shining armor he was! He would valiantly guard this Navali from poachers, maybe even give his own life to spare hers!...Yeah, right. Well at least he could conjure a barrier if someone tried to attack! He'd leave the skull bashing to his brother.

"I am looking for two men. They are supposed to be carrying a package for my Grandfather. He is a watchmaker and they are some of his supplies. Will you help me find them?"

"Most certainly, my dear!" he responded without a single moment's hesitation. "I cannot stand idle when a maiden is in need. This is a dangerous place, after all! It would not sit well with me if you were harmed in some way. However..." he stroked his chin, a somewhat sheepish smile on his face. "I have a dreadful sense of direction. But do not fret! My brother more than compensates for my poor navigation skills. I am certain he can find the fellows you seek."

At this point, Quill had been awoken by all the chatter happening outside. Grumbling, she climbed out of Draven's pocket and made her way to his right shoulder before focusing her blue gaze on the Navali. She growled quietly, but, to Draven's surprise and relief, she didn't attempt to attack the Navali. "Well, what do you know. It appears as if Quill is willing to tolerate you, Miss." Draven looked at Mordecai, a cheerful glimmer in his eye. "Need you any more proof, Brother? You know as well as I that Quill is usually vicious towards strangers. Surely if she feels alright with this dear, you can as well?" He'd put a hand on his brother's cheek then. "Come on, Mordecai. What harm could possibly come from aiding her in her search?"

[Rip]

ooc: may I join? Or are you guys full up?

[Gearr]

PFT JOIN AWAY <3
The more the merrier ^-^

[Rip]

Tai Archer didn’t hate the rain, but he didn’t appreciate its way of choking the world of color. Water rushed in little, aggressive streams off the shambled rooftops and into the gutters. Down the city’s throat and out into some obscure swamp. The sky above stretched out in a flat, sightless ocean of ash. No pregnant clouds, just a grey haze of apathy and a shroud of cataracts. The place underneath it, Carden, city of the lost, went on as usual. People walked the streets dressed in cloaks and sheltered beneath umbrellas. They had business to attend to, and though the world was trying to damping everything, quite literally, they either didn’t care or spouted off a very clear ‘fuck you’ towards the clouds.

Tai was dressed in neither a cloak nor umbrella. His method for keeping himself dry was a simple and completely drenched red bandana. Normally dangling below his neck, it now covered his rusty brown hair. The rest of him, from the ends of his sleeves to the tips of his fingers, was saturated. He didn’t seem to mind, else he had things preoccupying himself to keep his thoughts off the cold.

And boy did he have something, alright.

His boots, old as hell and held together with tape and bandages that could use replacing, sloshed through the temporary lakes in the middle of the street. He smiled with his arms behind his head, fingers clasped together, water dripping down the ends of his bangs. He passed pretty girls and the grin widened; a very charming looking smile, so they said. The girls either giggled or made a ‘tch’ sound, or perhaps ignored him all together. Whatever their reaction, the result was always the same. He always walked away with some of their money hidden in the coil of his long monkey-ish tail. They never knew they were robbed. Usually. He was quick with his hands and even quicker with his feet. If someone shouted ‘thief!’ he was already halfway down the block.

As it were, he was pleased with himself. On such a drab day, he had made quite a few snatches and hadn’t come up empty handed on any of them. They weren’t particularly good hauls, but it was still more then he left home with. Oh well. Glass half full and all that.

He was about to consider doing something a little more exciting—he’d been dying to go into Red Ax for the past few days—but just as he formulated a few strands of a plan… he walked past a shady looking threesome. One fellow with long hair was pulling someone else very close, someone in a hood with a suspiciously female figure underneath the clothing folds.

A lot of strange and despicable things happened in Carden; he should know, having lived there all his goddamn life. But that didn’t mean there weren’t at least somewhat well meaning people in the city. Even if the well meaning people happened to succom to a few ill meaning habits. Like pickpocketing.

Still, he was not one to allow girls to get manhandled by big dudes.

Slick as an eel and just as fast as the black haired boy’s ferret, Tai slid right up to them and put an arm around the supposed girl’s shoulders (unless she moved away beforehand).

“Such gentlemen in Carden, eh?” he said, a pleasant smile spreading across his face, looking at her. He couldn’t see in the hood, but there was an odd smell, like wet fur. Ah well. “You shouldn’t let people push you around like that. They might get the wrong idea. Walk all over you!”

If she allowed it, he’d guide her just out of arms reach of Cai. His tail flicked behind him, coiling at his ankles.

“This place is running with the wrong sort, you know?” Another grin, and he turned back to the boys. “I’m sure neither of you are the wrong sort though, am I right?”

Damn I hope one of them is at least carrying a change purse. Tai thought.

[Mieux~]

"Oh, you may call me Moonfawn," she informed the shorter male after he went on to call her 'Miss' once more. She had nearly forgotten that he had asked that question. "I believe the men are messengers from the Grey Lands. They are carrying a box with a golden gear on it's lid. That's.. all I know."

The Navali nearly squealed as the male that beckoned to Draven pointed out her nose in his own utter delight. It was suppressed by the growing awareness of the attention she was drawing. Her paws were in motion to cover it but the action was interrupted by the sudden grasp of Mordecai's hand to her hood and then his arm wrapping around her to draw her near. Her bright yellow eyes flashed open as her cheeks flushed, though her fur would have covered the pink flesh anyways. Her extended audits could hear his heart beating as quickly as her own and as she was turned about she realized just how many people were staring at her. His miming was very clear, this fur is worth too much to reveal. She had obviously done enough, as had his sibling.

She wanted to look up to Mordecai, see into his eyes to read them. One's eyes always told her much, but she kept her head down. She didn't want to be this close. She didn't know him, or really completely trust him, though they were offering her so much. What did they want in return? The promise of protection in a place like this was almost as valuable as her skin itself, maybe they would turn on her, she couldn't be too safe.

The breath she had been holding unconsciously was released. She held her cloak tighter over her body. Mordecai pulled away as Draven continued to agree to helping her along. A small creature--oh, a ferret or perhaps a weasel--crawled upon Draven's shoulder. It seemed to want to be protective, but she knew its keen eyes would notice it's evolved cousin. They were related on some level she was sure. Moonfawn's hand trembled, wishing to reach out to it, and invite it closer. But she was in this place, it was dangerous, instead her great orbs reached out, pleading to the creature. Everything was alright, maybe.. Her mind became lost in the swirling thoughts of betrayal. Were they protecting her race so they could take her life? Would they follow her along to take the parts she was receiving? Would they follow her home and take her Grandparents for all they had? Would they--

Before another thought came to her mind she was scooped against someone new. She drew further into her cloak. Unfortunately for the man, he would find nothing on her, and if his tail decided to sneak its way up her cloak he would certainly feel the wrath of a female Navali's natural self-defense.

In the meantime, she wasn't sure that she should respond to him but she stayed still as his voice coiled about before flowing delicately into her ears. It was very pleasant and smooth as warm, melted caramel. His strong grip began to guide her away from the other two, and the opening of her hood swiveled back in their direction. Would they do something? And what was this man doing? Had he even noticed that she was not human at all?

In that moment she remembered what she was here for. Perhaps this was her messenger! "Do you have the watchmaker's box?" her mind absently questioned in a hurry. Was that why he was pulling her along? The messengers would know what they were looking for, and she wasn't particularly ordinary or easy to miss. If he wouldn't answer correctly, she would pull away. She was here to get what she needed, not particularly for socializing.

[Gearr]

"Most certainly, my dear! I cannot stand idle when a maiden is in need. This is a dangerous place, after all! It would not sit well with me if you were harmed in some way. However... I have a dreadful sense of direction. But do not fret! My brother more than compensates for my poor navigation skills. I am certain he can find the fellows you seek."

Could he? Yes probably. The real question you needed to be asking was would he, and right now it looked grim the the fluffy tailed witch was going to do so. He really didn't at all want to get involved with a nivali, especially not one in this town of all places. Honestly, there were so many safer things he could be doing, like.... Fighting the military? Yeaaah, frankly he'd rather be doing that, that or being swung around by his god damn tail. Really either option was better, either way he'd be better off than been here right now. With a snort he quickly swung his tail forward to catch his brother in the face, an action often followed through when he got damn sick of something he was doing. Now usually the large fluffy thing... Really wasn't that much of a weapon, it was more like a retardedly long feather duster without the cane in the middle. Now though heavy with rain... Well you work it out..

"Well, what do you know. It appears as if Quill is willing to tolerate you, Miss. Need you any more proof, Brother? You know as well as I that Quill is usually vicious towards strangers. Surely if she feels alright with this dear, you can as well? Come on, Mordecai. What harm could possibly come from aiding her in her search?"

He was so trusting, to trusting. How did he do it? Mordecai really couldn't at all see how exactly he did it, in this world, in this town, in this lifetime... How did he remain so freaking happy? Make no mistake, Mordecai was hardly dreary and depressed, that he certainly wasn't, but ever the realist he just didn't see how it was possible. Though he supposed it was more possible than him going along with this because that's what his silly pet wanted. Rolling his eyes he shook his head before gesturing around. Here was his proof, this town, the people she wanted could be anywhere. Hell, for all this furry girl knew they may not even be here. Feeling a hand on his face though he looked back, a more sombre look this time. What harm? With a slow blink a calculating look came to him before he gestured at the younger boy's lost eye. What harm could come from helping? Had you asked them that all that time ago they'd have never guessed.

“Such gentlemen in Carden, eh? You shouldn’t let people push you around like that. They might get the wrong idea. Walk all over you!”

Bristling he looked over this newly arrived boy... What? Oh sweet jesus, just what he needed, another derpy fool. At least Draven was his derpy fool, that made it more bearable. With this though he was liable to get a freaking stupidity overload and have something close to an aneurysm. Now as fun as that sounded he really would rather avoid it if it all possible, it was too cold to be pissing around with things like that right now, it really was. At his heroic little speech though a hand fall from his chest to his coat, left hand slipping quickly under the undamaged side of his jacket. He really couldn't say he'd trust anyone that randomly came to the help of some stranger. In this lace people only ever tended to look out for themselves unless they had something to gain from helping, in this case he knew so well that that there was a lot to gain.

“This place is running with the wrong sort, you know? I’m sure neither of you are the wrong sort though, am I right?”

Looking at this Moonfawn girl eyes flicked back to the stranger, a glare sharp on his face. Wrong sort? Wasn't everyone here the wrong sort? It was both naive and deluded if this boy thought anything other, or what... Did he see the world as sunshine and rainbows? He could only hope not, that was more his little brother's thing, and the last thing he needed was another like him right now, especially one that seemed oh so very witty about things. Smart ass. Did he think it made him look special? Or was it just a ploy...? He didn't know, and frankly he had no desire to find out, the further away from he and the small raven haired boy the better. As far as Cai thought he could have the damn girl... And yet he knew Draven would probably throw a shitfit if anything happened to her, eugh, he supposed he was gonna just have to deal with whatever the hell happened, for better or for worse.

"Do you have the watchmaker's box?"

What was she doiiiiing?! Oh my god, really, really? She'd said she was looking for two men, now asking he and Draven before had made sense, there were two of them. Yet asking this prick was just stupid, did there look like there was two of him? No? Good, I'm pleased we freaking got that one sorted. With his free hand he rubbed his temple slightly, yeaaah, he really was getting a pretty bad headache from this. The problem was, he just wouldn't pat it past this fellow to say that he had the box, or knew where it was. Then Moonfawn would follow, the Draven would follow... And off on a merry chase he went. He was frankly getting rather sick of this. Something was going to go wrong, he didn't know what, nor when, but he knew something was going to get messed up. It was just a waiting game. And how he loathed games.

[Draven]

Draven had not at all been expecting his brother’s reaction, a rather stupid mistake on his part really. He should have known that his generosity was pissing off the more realistic of the two, should have known that it was only a matter of time before that fluffy (formerly fluffy, one should say. Now it was utterly drenched) orange tail met with the small man’s face. Draven cried out in alarm, though due to the water released into his mouth it was more of a pathetic spluttering, and his backside made contact with the wet but solid ground. “Owwwwwww,” he whined as he placed a hand on his now sore behind, “That was not at all kind, Mordy! What is your problem with helping this sweet girl?” Mordecai pointed at Draven’s irreparably damaged eye then, making the younger man flinch. He blinked a couple times then laughed nervously. “Pardon me, Mordecai, but she does not appear to possess a chisel, or anything that might be used as a weapon for that matter. Well, not besides her claws, but then we get to the fact that she seems quite docile. I do not think my other eye will be in any danger from helping her.” Yes, that’s right, move as far from the subject of Father as quickly as possible. Even if Draven did not hate Lucifer for what had happened, he didn’t like to talk about the man. It was hard to keep up his bubbly mood when talk turned to possibly the only person who wanted Draven’s head on a stake.

Another man appeared as Draven finally got to his feet, this one also possessing a tail though it wasn’t nearly as fluffy as those the brothers had. He placed an arm around Moonfawn’s shoulders, to which the Nivali reacted by retreating further into her cloak. Draven smiled at the fellow tailed individual and wiggled the fingers of his right hand in his own version of a wave. “Greetings, friend! Lovely rain we are having, yes?”


“This place is running with the wrong sort, you know? I’m sure neither of you are the wrong sort though, am I right?”

“Oh,gracious, what a thought.” The young man laughed and toddled after Tai, determined not to let Moonfawn out of his sight. “Would the wrong sort seek to aid a maiden with no expectations of a reward? I think not! I do believe that is something the right sort would do. This dear is seeking out a pair of men with a package for her grandfather, and my brother and I were just about to help her seek them out. Would you care to join us on this little adventure, sir?” Surely Mordecai would be slapping a palm to his face at this point, considering just how naïve his younger brother was being. A quiet and unassuming Nivali was bad enough, but now he was trusting an unknown man as well! Well that’s what happens when you can only see the good in people.

"Do you have the watchmaker's box?"

“I do not think he does, dear Moonfawn, but it appears as if he is willing to help us find those that do!” Draven ran ahead of the little group a bit before cupping his hands around his mouth and hollering to his brother. “Surely you cannot protest coming along now, Brother? With three men to protect her, how can anything bad possibly happen?...Oh!” Remembering his manners, Draven thrust his hand at Tai. "Draven Zedock! And you?"

[Rip]

ooc: WHOA sorry guys, I didn't notice Draven posted until Mieux pmed me. Post coming tonightttt

[Rip]

Walking into three conversing strangers in the heart of Carden is not smart. You could, in fact, argue that if the approaching person was not naïve, they must be suicidal. Thieves, whores and mercenaries wander the streets. Druggies and vicious, rat-like people dart in and out of the shadows. For Tai, a grinning boy who looked harmless, this was a bad situation.

Just kidding.

The guy with red hair gave Tai a look he didn’t like, and he returned it. It was a sharp steal of a glance, and the smile on his face twitched at the edge of his mouth. They were in the middle of the street, open to the public, and the people here love to see show downs. Hopefully the guy wouldn’t try anything. Tai didn’t like needless violence.

Needless chaos was okay, though.

The other man, the black haired fellow with a cat tail, was talking his ear off. Well, wasn’t he all sunshine and marshmallows? The target of theft changed soon as Draven opened his mouth. Tai didn’t have any problems stealing from girls—that wasn’t the reason. Maybe he just had a problem being called ‘sir’.

“Yeah, sure,” he said, just before the girl looked at him straight on, and it was then he noticed the pink nose and fur. Big eyes. Animal face. Oh fuck, she was nivali. Surprise faltered his tongue, but only for a second. It wasn’t every day a weasel girl appeared in front of him, and now he didn’t quite know what to do about it.

“Uh, no, I don’t think I do. Didn’t you set a meeting place?” He wanted to ask ‘who would send a nivali girl hunting boxes in Carden’ instead, but the former seemed more polite. “Carden’s big, even for people who know its secrets. I you get my meaning here, kitten.”

And then the black haired man was there. The sudden motion might surprise most people, but Tai was watching him. He saw the shadow lunging over, and almost went for his knife when he turned and saw the empty, extended hand. Tai smiled and imagined a snarling dog to make up for his frustration.

“Tai.” He shook hands… and if Draven lost his attention just for a second, he might lose one of his possessions. If Tai could steal anything, it’d be in his pocket in seconds. If he couldn’t… well, there was always next time. “Who’s the guy glaring at me? I think he likes me.”