Gilded Eye and Ruby Heart (Closed)

[Flamebird]

The Shivering Salamander.

A sturdy wine glass slammed against a rough, oak table. Laughter, talk, and small squabbling filtered in and out of flooded hearing range as two figures conversed in the corner. The shaded edge of the inn seemed to hide from the rest of the tavern. Dull golden light flickered across the cramped, crowded room as its torch flames flickered. The tables were tightly pulled into one another, awkwardly legged chairs having to squeeze as many diversifying adventurers and wanderers chattered over beer and maps, battle plans and treasure hunting parties. Usually, she would be joining them, jumping into the action sword swinging. However, with her more distinct goal in mind, she was avoiding much attention. There was indeed a prize she hunted for in Alerar. It was no bounty, jewel, or technological wonder, however. She searched for what could be seen as one of the greatest wealth’s of all: knowledge.

More specifically, knowledge on something important to her. A long time ago, an alchemist started it, then forced it onto her. Now, she was determined to finish it, put together the pieces. Unfortunately, it would prove to be a grueling task.

“Felicity,” the person holding the glass spoke, “You’ll have to be careful.”

Leaning against the wall, holding pear in her hands, Felicity blinked in bored annoyance. Her flame colored hair greatly contrasted her dark blue shirt and tan pants. Worn travelling boots relaxed against the table, she scowled, “You don’t think I realize that, Gwen?”

As she took a large bite from the pear, glare unrelenting, the hooded and cloaked boy sighed. He lifted the red drink up to his lip, long strands of white hair falling over his face, “Lassie-“ he took a small sip, then lowered the glass, “-You don’t get it. This is the Fourth Guild you are tangling with.”

She sucked the juice falling down her hand. Her green eyes never darted from his amber as she responded, “Who else knows the secrets of my powers though?” She sighed, lowering the fruit, “Daisuke doesn’t.”

The boy leaned forward, shaded outfit rippling as he chirped hopefully, “You know I know. I could always just tell-“

Felicity shook her head, “You can travel back in time, but can you somehow memorize a recipe that was never written down? Get information from a hidden lair?” She chuckled in a scoff, “You may be a Thayne, Gwenael, but you can’t magically fix everything.”

He sighed, hunkered over, “You’re risking so much.”

“You’ve seen my entire life, Gwen,” Felicity spoke with a smirk, “You know this is within my normal bounds.”

He did not say anything, only glancing aside. Wandering into thought, he looked into nowhere. There was only the sound of her finishing her pear as he pondered. The eighteen year old soon tossed her scrawny core onto a ravaged platter. Numerous bones from meats, pits and cores from fruits, and crumbs from bred sprinkled the multitude of plates. It was obvious that she ate all of it, grease and chicken sauce splattered onto her face. Gwenael paid no mind, however, as he warned her, “Just don’t make it obvious. Blend in.”

She turned her eyesight to the glass. He pulled it closer to himself, smirking, “This is grape juice, by the way. Can’t stand wine…”

He tossed coin onto the table, standing up. The chair cried out as the floorboards moaned beneath his feet. “Your meal is taken care of too!” He chugged down the last of the beverage, then disappeared into the crowd. As the sea of bodies engulfed him, Felicity sighed. He was right, she needed to look inconspicuous… maybe a bounty could help? She stretched her arms, yawning. Alerar was probably the strangest land she had ever encountered. Even stranger than Dheathian! She wished her half drow friend Yvonne was here to guide her. Alas, she was alone in a world of futuristic technology, gears, endless clatter and noise, wastelands…

If she were to take a bounty, it would help her to familiarize herself with this odd country better. She needed to be in a group though. No way was she facing Alerar completely alone, especially when her “guardian angel” could only offer limited help. She pushed the platter away, dished clanging, and rested her chin against the table. Footsteps sounded again. Her eyes batted up lazily, watching a tavern keep walk up to her. The black haired, green skinned drow spoke charmingly, “Are you in need of any more refreshment?”

Felicity looked back towards the plates, “Some water would be nice, please?"

He collected the pay and walked back towards to counter to get the drink. Within this moment, the door to Alerar’s stuffy, polluted streets opened. From the smog and smoke, newcomers arrived.