Finding Home (Open)

[Dingus]

Corruption and greed lurked every corner of Scara Brae. Figures of power had their prices and more often than not they could be bought. Ignorance played a key role in modern society, sculpting it into a festering pile of chaos. That's what brought me here though. I judged my task here would be swift and I would soon be on my path to endless power. Power that could not be measured with heroic prowess but rather with gold. Sadly I currently was a mere minnow in the power pond of Scara Brae, but that was destined to change.

The dirt below my feet compacted with each haste filled step I took towards the four story business. The closer I approached the flawed brick structure, the more I could sense a dark force emerging from within. It wasn't your typical evil power house either, but from my knowledge this place had a rap sheet that had ties dating back thousands of years.

A sea of seemingly wealthy people flooded into and out of the place like ants in a hole. Their dark intents were unmistakable, they like I had a hunger. A rumble in our guts that drew us to seek power and riches. The closer I got, the more my mouth watered.

Cyrik and Sons, I read the rusting letters on the sign ahead. From the forests of Concordia to Scara Brae I had travelled, but I had a feeling that was the easiest part of my journey so far. Cyrik was known for his endless connections and for the strings he pulled. He was a ruthless puppeteer and I was his newest puppet, but unlike the others I posed a threat to him. My strings could only be tugged so hard before they snapped.

Now if I had to compare the interior of the office building to anything I had seen in my 173 year life span, I couldn't. Every reeked of raw dark energy. Power flowed endlessly like a river coursing into an ocean. Surrounding me in the lobby was a sea of unfamiliar faces belonging to the countless races that made up Althanas. The place was frantic, far more than a hundred different conversations blended together in my ears, creating an annoying ring.

The rustic furniture around the lobby was elegant to say the least and it gave the office an old fashion appeal. I would value it all higher than any amount of gold I had ever accumulated. This was the high life and I was it's newest recruit. Who would've ever thought a Syver like me would find himself surrounded by such wealth. It was a bit overwhelming and I was cast into a state of awe. My trace was quickly interrupted by the warm voice of a lady, a beautiful one at that.

"Hifendorf I presume? Of course you're Hifendorf, it's not everyday you meet a Syver!" The voice seeped from plump lips that moved rhythmically with her flowing dark hair. She was obviously a human, she reeked of mortality.

"Yeah, but most people just keep it simple and call me Hif."

"Would it be a good assumption to say your trip from Corone went well?" Her eyes scanned my face, as if she were searching my face for the answers to my questions.

"I ain't really the seafaring type of guy but besides that it was alright."

"Well hopefully that is something you can get over. Our agents seem to end up travelling quite often, usually over seas."

"I guess I'll just have to learn to fly." I winked at her but only received that same piercing stare in return. Jokes obviously weren't second language to the folks here at Cyrik and Sons. "So when can I expect to meet with mister Cyrik?"

"Well that's the thing actually, he asked if I would give you this and have you return in three hours."

She handed me a small note and a sack that clanked when it was passed. The sack was larger than my palm and couldn't contain any less than 100 gold pieces. Generous, I could really get used to this place.

The note simply read:
Hif go get a bite to eat and a drink, sorry to keep you waiting.
Cyrik

"Now if you'll excuse me Hif, I have more than a days worth of work left to do. Unless you have any other questions for me I will see you in a few hours."

"I never got your name." I said to the secretary's emotionless face.

"No, no you didn't." She tilted her face back down to work on whatever it was she did. She put on a strong front, but I wasn't exactly her type. I was a blood stained thin demon and she was stunning. I knew soon enough my pockets would be full enough with gold that I could bag any woman I wanted. I simply smiled and turned to the door, hoping a bar was nearby because I was getting tired of all this damn walking.

[ranzkiedoodles]

Arcadia sat on a barrel, watching the people of Scara Brae from under her hooded cloak, a cynical smirk on her face as she licked her lips, watching them with their finery, lace and jewels. Yes, she had indeed missed those things, and banished as she was, she could easily steal, knowing she had no name to protect. Heck, they stripped her of her name as well. Hellfyre, was how they called her. But people here in Scara Brae didn't know that. She leaped off the barrel soundlessly, moving into the crowd, blending right in as she weaved between the people, occasionally muttering an apology for small bumps she made, heading towards the tavern. She pushed to doors open, and stood there for a second, amazed at the people. They didn't even look up as the hooded stranger walked into their midst.

I guess because they're so used to having strangers here in the city.. Arcadia thought as she headed for the bar and took a seat, ordering a mug of ale. She winced, knowing full well that her pouch was getting empty. She would have to find work soon or she could steal.

Ruin the elven name, as they ruined me. Arcadia thought, chuckling to herself as the barman looked strangely at her as he served her drink. Despite her secretive nature, Arcadia found the picture they made so funny that she smiled up at the barman, making him wonder what she was up to.

[Dingus]

I looked across the note that I had received earlier for Cyrik and couldn't help but grin. What was this guy thinking telling me what to spend that money on. I am a damn demon and am strictly on a liquid diet, one that consists of only liquor and blood. Right now though I didn't quite have a thirst for blood, but was very tempted to hit the bottle.

The first tavern I saw was a dump. Rickety oak doors and shattered windows, I could only imagine what I had to look forward to inside. I pushed my way through the doors and entered a world of binge drinking and stench. As I crossed the bar I noticed several things that validated my opinion that this place was trash. The first was the difficulty involved in lifting my feet from the sticky ground, which had obviously never felt the cold wet tendrils of a mop head. The next thing I noticed were the patrons, most were husky stubble faced humans. This place didn't seem very diverse which was somewhat unsettling for me, but hell I was the newest agent for Cyrik and Sons which made me virtually untouchable. Lastly I noticed the stained grey cloth that virtually covered every wall in the entire room, an obvious lack of class.

Despite the sticky floors I finally managed to make it to the bar counter and gladly stole the last stool from some unlucky chump. The bartender acknowledged my arrival and stuck his pointer finger in the air signifying he would be with me momentarily. While I waited I took the time to scan the patrons on both sides of me. To my right was a guy with exceptional looks. In his case that was a very bad thing though. I almost cringed truthfully, his face looked like it had been rubbed the wrong way with a cheese grater continuously for the last four months. I ruled his company out and turned to my left. I couldn't quite tell if I wanted to talk to this character due to their hooded nature, but from what I did see the person and I had two things in common. We were both alone and not overweight, which was quite different from the rest of the host here.

"What'll it be partner?!" The over worked bartender scratched his forehead, as if he were mentally questioning what exactly my origins were. I guess they don't see to many demons in a place like this.

"I'll have what my neighbor's having man." I nodded in the direction of the hooded patron trying to catch his or her attention. As the bartender scurried off to retrieve my order I slid the stranger a gold piece. "The next one's on me pal!"

[ranzkiedoodles]

Arcadia did not know who the man was talking to until his hand slid towards her, a gold piece with it. She turned a bit, careful to keep her face hidden until she glanced up, and looked at the man, who was in fact, not a man. Arcadia narrowed her brilliant green eyes at him, but her lips quirked into a shadow of a smile.

A Syver.. it's been a long time since I've seen one.. very long indeed. Arcadia thought as she turned back to her mug and sipped her ale quietly, finding solace as the ale went down her throat, warming her up a bit. Even though it was only a bit after midday, the damn place was cold. She remained quiet for a few moments, finishing her first mug and allowing the barman to refill her mug. Arcadia wrinkled her nose for a second, seeing the dirty bottom of the mug, but then, she downed her drink without a care before speaking to the demon.

"What brings one you so far from home, demon? " Arcadia asked without looking at him. She reached up and pulled her cloak's hood even lower and drew it around her tighter.

[Dingus]

I was surprised to hear the voice of a strong willed green eyed woman hidden under the cloak. I was surprised really, because I was coming to the conclusion this was a gay bar. She was an 'Old One,' commonly known in Althanas as an elf. Her voice hinted there she had encountered my kind before.

"Ah, an elf." I said in a low tone, trying not to be ignorant to the obvious fact that she didn't want attention. "I could ask you the same question, but that information is a bit personal to throw out to just anyone. Exspecially to someone without a name, I figured an elf of your obvious wisdom would know that..." I paused to look to the pathetic bartender as he returned with my mug. I gave him a nod and tossed him a few gold pieces.

"Just let me know when you're ready for another buddy." He said turning back to serve the other patrons.

"I'm Hifendorf, but my friends call me Hif." A warm smile spread across my face as I tried to solve the mystery behind her emerald eyes. "And you are?"

[ranzkiedoodles]

Arcadia finished her drink and set it down, shaking her head as the barman came nearer for a refill. She had had enough of the vile ale. It's taste was so that to say that it was nothing compared to the wines at home was to compliment the damned drink. She turned to the demon, resting her elbow on the bar and her chin on her palm and studied him, her face devoid of emotions.

"And you throw your name out as if it was not personal...Hifendorf?" Arcadia asked, smirking a bit as she looked around and shrugged with disdain, as if taking in the appearance of the inhabitants of the tavern was a bad taste in her mouth.

"But then again, one does not expect much of these ale-swilling swines," Arcadia said, cocking her head towards the humans who were drinking around them. There was no one there who felt remotely dangerous, and it didn't take one to know that the most damage those drunks around them could do was to mess up the tavern good.

" Arcadia... " Arcadia said, pausing as if to add a last name, but then she closed her mouth and inclined her head slightly towards the demon, some sort of a bow, damn those ingrained manners.

" What brings you to Scara Brae? " Arcadia asked again, eyeing her reflection on the metallic sheen of the mug she had emptied.

[Dingus]

"I'm in search of power, Arcadia. According to several sources Scara Brae was a good place to start." Something about Arcadia felt oddly familiar to me. As if she reminded me of someone who I had long forgotten. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I figured I needed more time with her to come to a conclusion.

"In all honesty Arcadia, I'm also here to make a name for myself and what better way than to start a business where rich folks can come and hire me to do their dirty work. Nothing is out of the question really. Murder, assualt, theft, I'll do whatever they want, and I'm sure I'll get apid a pretty pot to do it. Currently I'm waiting for a meeting with Cyrik, whose apparently a big wig around these parts. He is going to hook me up with the plot of land I require for my business, in return I will turn over thirty percent of all profits to him." I scanned the bar to make sure her ears were the only ones paying me any attention.

"I got to get going to my meeting with Cyrik soon, but after that I'd be more than happy to employ you. It's going to be pretty rough on the wallet for a while but once the gears start turning there's no telling how far we can go!" I looked eagerly into her emerald eyes, hoping she would agree. She seemed to pocess more skills than the rest of the patrons in the bar, and I hoped to find out what she reminded me of.

[ranzkiedoodles]

Arcadia cocked her head to the side, pondering his offer. Yes, it was true she needed money, and she would really rather eat her shoe than steal. She still had some honor in her after all. She'd work for this...Cyrik, for a while as she plotted her revenge on the elves. Quickly pulling out a silver coin, she motioned for the barman to refill both their tankards and raised it.

"I supposed we should drink to it," Arcadia said, raising her tankard to meet his. Yes, this day was turning out just fine.