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[ He's actually been looking for an avenue like this for a few good weeks. His old job? It paid the bills, but he didn't earn near enough to afford the luxuries he was used to. It also didn't feel natural to him, to go in at the same time each day and clock a certain number of hours doing the same, mundane thing. It didn't leave him very satisfied.
While he's here to find out more about this mess they've found themselves in, he also wants to make a contact for the future.]
You're the guy in charge of this place, huh? [ He then spots the bird and ... frowns. It's definitely dawning on him that he's seen that bird before. ] That bird --
[ Rude. Stop spying on him?? For no reason at all, Chuuya has a small salamander sitting on the rim of his hat, so this is the meeting of two edgy guys with cute animals. ]
While he's here to find out more about this mess they've found themselves in, he also wants to make a contact for the future.]
You're the guy in charge of this place, huh? [ He then spots the bird and ... frowns. It's definitely dawning on him that he's seen that bird before. ] That bird --
[ Rude. Stop spying on him?? For no reason at all, Chuuya has a small salamander sitting on the rim of his hat, so this is the meeting of two edgy guys with cute animals. ]
[ The man initially only takes a brief glance, but he finds himself raising his brows at the salamander. It wasn't often he was graced with the company of another small animal lover. ]
You are correct. [ The bird leans closer to his ear, and he slowly smiles. ] It is a pleasure to be in your presence, Chuuya. How can I help you?
You are correct. [ The bird leans closer to his ear, and he slowly smiles. ] It is a pleasure to be in your presence, Chuuya. How can I help you?
[ Seeing that bird feed this man information like that is making him wish his useless salamander could at least do that for him. Instead, all it does is slime up his hats and refuse to be moved. Sad. 
]
I've seen that bird around, and it just told you my name. This means you've been using it to watch people, haven't you?
]I've seen that bird around, and it just told you my name. This means you've been using it to watch people, haven't you?
You keep your own companion close by as well... Does that mean you use a salamander to see what you are too short to?
[ The bird turns its head towards the salamander, blinking in its direction. It looks as doubtful as a creature can. ]
You are correct yet again, however. I would not worry, unless you have something you would like to hide... and you would not be here if you weren't willing to exchange what I may not know. Ask another question, and I will begin asking mine.
[ The bird turns its head towards the salamander, blinking in its direction. It looks as doubtful as a creature can. ]
You are correct yet again, however. I would not worry, unless you have something you would like to hide... and you would not be here if you weren't willing to exchange what I may not know. Ask another question, and I will begin asking mine.
[ Byerly sits as Cree greets him. He takes pains to look comfortable and relaxed, legs crossed at the knee, leaning back with a casual smile. But his eyes are bright and watchful, and he's arranged in such a way that he can push off from his seat at a moment's notice - elbow braced to give himself leverage, left foot flat on the floor. It's absurd, of course: he may well have walked into a lion's den, and if they decide he's dinner, holding his stick tighter won't let him fight them off. But it makes him feel better.
In response to that greeting: ]
Ah, the whole world runs on the exchange of favors. I certainly don't mind scratching a few backs if it means I can have my own itches soothed.
[ But: no wasting time. This handsome fellow is, no doubt, not someone who has a great deal of it to spare. So By immediately settles into his questioning, asking: ]
I've heard you're a fellow who knows about matters both high and low. Tell me, what was all that with Simwe and Shanrian? They seem to have quite the history, and such deep emotions.
In response to that greeting: ]
Ah, the whole world runs on the exchange of favors. I certainly don't mind scratching a few backs if it means I can have my own itches soothed.
[ But: no wasting time. This handsome fellow is, no doubt, not someone who has a great deal of it to spare. So By immediately settles into his questioning, asking: ]
I've heard you're a fellow who knows about matters both high and low. Tell me, what was all that with Simwe and Shanrian? They seem to have quite the history, and such deep emotions.
[The weather is hot. Too hot for a man like Victarion to be truly comfortable, even if he has been sailing the southern sees of Essos of late. It's why the weather finds him wearing less armor than what he would truly like. In a den of scum like this, a man was oft in need of protection from a shaded blade. Even so, a big man like him was the sort that did not invite trouble.
He sat as instructed and leaned back into the seat as his eyes spent more time on the peculiar surroundings than on the man in front of him.]
I have been hunting the man who poisoned my kin. Many of his agents are dead and with Olympia abandoned, his snakes have all fled into their holes. [He leans forward.] I thought mayhaps this might be one of them.
He sat as instructed and leaned back into the seat as his eyes spent more time on the peculiar surroundings than on the man in front of him.]
I have been hunting the man who poisoned my kin. Many of his agents are dead and with Olympia abandoned, his snakes have all fled into their holes. [He leans forward.] I thought mayhaps this might be one of them.
[Mai's not exactly a creature of great subterfuge. She had been pretty bad at faking an attraction to Kei Lo when she first tried to play him for information and she still isn't that great at pretend. What she does have though is an excellent pokerface and a lovely apathetic exterior. And after playing both security and model at Shades Darker, she's started to learn to use both to her advantage and has grown more comfortable with these sorts of surroundings.
Ask her questions wisely, hm? Mai sits for a moment contemplating just what she wants to know first. She hasn't exactly had the chance to dig much yet so she might as well start at the beginning.]
So what's the deal with Olympia and Wyver? What's got them fighting in the first place?
[Sure, it's a question probably anyone could tell her an official reason on. When it came to politics though, the official reasons were hardly ever the whole story.]
Ask her questions wisely, hm? Mai sits for a moment contemplating just what she wants to know first. She hasn't exactly had the chance to dig much yet so she might as well start at the beginning.]
So what's the deal with Olympia and Wyver? What's got them fighting in the first place?
[Sure, it's a question probably anyone could tell her an official reason on. When it came to politics though, the official reasons were hardly ever the whole story.]
[Magnus feels a little guilty during the trek to Wyver. He spent the hours and days after the market bombing focused on tracking down the attackers, despite knowing that an entire guard was available to do that. Sure, he still helped with his job at the Sanctuary to the best of his ability, but he knows he should have done more. He should have helped make sure the market recovered, that there was food, that the sick were safe. That's the job he decided to take on, not running off to fight bad guys. But fighting bad guys is just what he does, and the attack especially angered him, reminding him far too much about similar attacks on his own hometown. Now that they're in Wyver, there's a lot more he can do useful, as a carpenter and to help the sick, but he needs to take a break from trying to be peaceful and constructive and do something.
Fortunately, he did manage to find one lead, which lead him to this place. There's supposed to be someone here who has a lot of information, and while he didn't get a sense that person was trustworthy, he thinks he can probably get some useful info.
He walks into the establishment and doesn't bother to pretend he's here for any other reason, approaching Cree right away. As soon as he sees Cree, he bends down a little to make direct eye contact with the bird on his shoulder.]
Hail and well met. I've heard plenty about you. [Apparently he's just assuming the bird is Cree. Why.]
Fortunately, he did manage to find one lead, which lead him to this place. There's supposed to be someone here who has a lot of information, and while he didn't get a sense that person was trustworthy, he thinks he can probably get some useful info.
He walks into the establishment and doesn't bother to pretend he's here for any other reason, approaching Cree right away. As soon as he sees Cree, he bends down a little to make direct eye contact with the bird on his shoulder.]
Hail and well met. I've heard plenty about you. [Apparently he's just assuming the bird is Cree. Why.]
Hmph. [ A vague answer. He can't tell if there's more to it or not. He's really ... more used to doing the grunt work than he is trying to figure things out.
He's also a little surprised that Cree figured out his intentions this easily. Is he that easy to read? (Yeah...) Or maybe he knows about those times Chuuya's snooped around the fighting rings looking for opportunities. While he doesn't like being read so easily, he's also not the best at masking his intentions. There isn't a point anyway. Might as well answer the question honestly. ]
She's a good boss, but it doesn't pay enough. Bartender work is also a waste of my talents.
He's also a little surprised that Cree figured out his intentions this easily. Is he that easy to read? (Yeah...) Or maybe he knows about those times Chuuya's snooped around the fighting rings looking for opportunities. While he doesn't like being read so easily, he's also not the best at masking his intentions. There isn't a point anyway. Might as well answer the question honestly. ]
She's a good boss, but it doesn't pay enough. Bartender work is also a waste of my talents.
[ The hideout reminds Qrow of his past, and he doesn't like it. Growing up in a tribe of bandits and murderers was the worst. Still, despite his disdain for his background, he doesn't seem all too uncomfortable. He sits across Cree, leans back on his chair, and cross his legs.
A quick glance at the bird, then at Cree. It's easy for Qrow to differentiate if a bird if special or not.
He doesn't spare a greeting, but he does wave a hand as he speaks. ]
So, is this temporary truce going to do any good for either city once it's over?
[ He doubts it. The whole situation is an awkward mess, and from the display he saw between Simwe and Shanrian, things remain tense. It's probably best to hear from an "expert's opinion" at this moment, though. ]
A quick glance at the bird, then at Cree. It's easy for Qrow to differentiate if a bird if special or not.
He doesn't spare a greeting, but he does wave a hand as he speaks. ]
So, is this temporary truce going to do any good for either city once it's over?
[ He doubts it. The whole situation is an awkward mess, and from the display he saw between Simwe and Shanrian, things remain tense. It's probably best to hear from an "expert's opinion" at this moment, though. ]
[ Cree notices easily, and seems to find amusement in the way Byerly seats himself. He shifts his own position so he's leaned further back into his seat, crossing his ankles and placing his hands at his sides. It makes him much less braced to up and go— apparently, a gesture of good will. ]
They are such deep emotions, born from war that began before they took their roles. Those two have been so blinded by grudges between their land that they refuse to acknowledge they can end it all in one fell swoop, instead performing this song-less dance. Simwe knows much but does so little, and Shanrian is too short-sighted to see how large the scale of this conflict truly is.
They are such deep emotions, born from war that began before they took their roles. Those two have been so blinded by grudges between their land that they refuse to acknowledge they can end it all in one fell swoop, instead performing this song-less dance. Simwe knows much but does so little, and Shanrian is too short-sighted to see how large the scale of this conflict truly is.
[ He relaxes very, very slightly, recognizing that gesture. Not that it really means that much - By doesn't doubt that Cree doesn't need to personally cut throats if there's a throat he wants cut. But still. ]
The follies of pride and history. [ So not personal enmity, then, but something deeper-rooted... ] One wonders, then, which path towards harmony would be easier. Could one more easily stir Simwe to good action, or lead Shanrian to some sort of enlightenment?
The follies of pride and history. [ So not personal enmity, then, but something deeper-rooted... ] One wonders, then, which path towards harmony would be easier. Could one more easily stir Simwe to good action, or lead Shanrian to some sort of enlightenment?
[She shows up as Noir, because of course she does - not that it will actually do a damn thing to actually hide her identity, but it does make her feel a little less intimidated by all of this.
So. Here she is. She imagines a lot of the questions she has are being asked by other people already, but this is a rare chance, so she has to try to get something from this.]
It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. [She's polite despite her unease, bowing to him when they finally do meet face to face. As she straightens up, she looks him over, her brows knitting together.] ...what those people did... it didn't come out of nowhere. And I'm not foolish enough to believe that all of them were caught. Is there anything that needs to be done to prevent them from impacting the efforts to find what's needed for a cure?
So. Here she is. She imagines a lot of the questions she has are being asked by other people already, but this is a rare chance, so she has to try to get something from this.]
It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. [She's polite despite her unease, bowing to him when they finally do meet face to face. As she straightens up, she looks him over, her brows knitting together.] ...what those people did... it didn't come out of nowhere. And I'm not foolish enough to believe that all of them were caught. Is there anything that needs to be done to prevent them from impacting the efforts to find what's needed for a cure?
[ Cree considers Victarion as he surveys his surroundings, gaze trained his every move. His position shifts to one more braced to stand should the need arise, his eyes filled with discernment. ]
You speak as though you are a predator, but if my memory serves correctly... You are but a snake that has fled his hole to chase others into theirs. What makes you so different than those who have poisoned your kin, when you were in a cell they may occupy now?
You speak as though you are a predator, but if my memory serves correctly... You are but a snake that has fled his hole to chase others into theirs. What makes you so different than those who have poisoned your kin, when you were in a cell they may occupy now?
[ though archer had mostly been focused on his own survival for the past few weeks, he had retained contact with some of the people in olympia he had trusted. though there were numerous motives for risking his location to get information, the first and foremost had always been one thing: finding the person responsible for his predicament.
it hasn't been long since he arrived in wyver on foot, but what the information he'd managed to piece together and uncovered had led him here. almost immediately he's sure he's found what he was looking for: this place seems to reek of deceit. ]
I've been looking for you.
[ his tone is guarded, but he can't entirely mask his hostility. what would be the point? this man almost surely knows that archer hasn't come here for a pleasant chat. ]
it hasn't been long since he arrived in wyver on foot, but what the information he'd managed to piece together and uncovered had led him here. almost immediately he's sure he's found what he was looking for: this place seems to reek of deceit. ]
I've been looking for you.
[ his tone is guarded, but he can't entirely mask his hostility. what would be the point? this man almost surely knows that archer hasn't come here for a pleasant chat. ]
What drives anyone to such conflict? They believe the customs of their neighbors are below them, refusing to accept their way is not any better than others'. Olympia has been allowed to nurture a sense of superiority, fueled by their technological advancements. Wyver finds strength in nature, fueled by their faith in beasts of old.
[ Cree sighs, waving a dismissive hand. ]
If you raise your children to believe if they do something they will be grounded, they will not do that thing in fear of losing what is precious to them. These societies have been built on the belief that if they share the same playground, they will lose their toys.
[ Cree sighs, waving a dismissive hand. ]
If you raise your children to believe if they do something they will be grounded, they will not do that thing in fear of losing what is precious to them. These societies have been built on the belief that if they share the same playground, they will lose their toys.
[ This is so not his scene, his forte, his area of expertise - his anything, but here he is, regardless. After chasing the Shady Man's associates all over Olympia, this is the only real lead he'd been able to come up with, and everything else he'd heard - true or otherwise - has only served to frustrate his conscience further. It's probably a bad idea - no, it's definitely a bad idea - to get tied up with this guy, but...he has some things he has to know.
So he'll sit across from Cree, tight posture forcefully relaxed as he leans back in his seat, knees bouncing wildly. This is going to be...something, he can tell. What's with the bird? ]
Weeellllllll, full disclosure: I'm totally winging it right now. [ When in doubt, employ puns. ] But I-I'll make it worth your time. This place gives me the heebie-geebies, anyway.
[ So, he'll try not to mince words. Keyword being "try" - his nerves are not kind to the way he runs his mouth. ]
So...you know a lot about all this - [ he gestures vaguely ] - all this? Heard some pretty, uh...interesting things before we left Olympia. About...about Ashti.
[ He swallows hard. Ashti is someone he'd looked up to, someone who had given him a chance to prove himself without too much scrutiny. He'd thought it generosity at the time, but after the last few weeks...he's not so sure anymore. ]
So - what's her deal, anyway?
So he'll sit across from Cree, tight posture forcefully relaxed as he leans back in his seat, knees bouncing wildly. This is going to be...something, he can tell. What's with the bird? ]
Weeellllllll, full disclosure: I'm totally winging it right now. [ When in doubt, employ puns. ] But I-I'll make it worth your time. This place gives me the heebie-geebies, anyway.
[ So, he'll try not to mince words. Keyword being "try" - his nerves are not kind to the way he runs his mouth. ]
So...you know a lot about all this - [ he gestures vaguely ] - all this? Heard some pretty, uh...interesting things before we left Olympia. About...about Ashti.
[ He swallows hard. Ashti is someone he'd looked up to, someone who had given him a chance to prove himself without too much scrutiny. He'd thought it generosity at the time, but after the last few weeks...he's not so sure anymore. ]
So - what's her deal, anyway?
[ Cree had fully anticipated being addressed with the serious-mindedness of a guard. It takes a great deal not to laugh when he realizes what's happening here, but he's a good sport. He extends his palm, the bird hopping from his shoulder so it's extended closer to Magnus' height.
After a moment, the bird speaks with the voice of a young woman. ]
Hail and well met, Magnus. I have seen plenty of you.
After a moment, the bird speaks with the voice of a young woman. ]
Hail and well met, Magnus. I have seen plenty of you.
Edited 2017-10-18 18:07 (UTC)
This truce is just that— temporary.
[ Cree seems to know Qrow well enough that he can afford a glance away from him. He rolls his shoulders, crossing one leg over the other to mirror his posture before he gives his undivided attention. ]
This is not the first catalyst that has forced the cities to work together. However, it is not often that these incidents has forced the people out of their sheltered lives within them. Their rulers may not change, but those under them... who can tell, so early on?
[ Cree seems to know Qrow well enough that he can afford a glance away from him. He rolls his shoulders, crossing one leg over the other to mirror his posture before he gives his undivided attention. ]
This is not the first catalyst that has forced the cities to work together. However, it is not often that these incidents has forced the people out of their sheltered lives within them. Their rulers may not change, but those under them... who can tell, so early on?
Is there only the two?
[ Cree seems to express a genuine interest, his brows raising as he gestures towards Byerly. Lion's den as this place may be, the lion seems too full to feast. Instead, it will listen to its company. ]
Surely there are other ways of initiating a change. This disaster affected their people, so it isn't impossible for them to use that spark to burn what stands in their way. [ He takes a breath, then continues with a smile. ] To answer your question, however... what is easier? Convincing a woman who believes the world could be hers, or drawing a man so intent on seclusion out of his hard shell? I am not hopeful for the former.
[ Cree seems to express a genuine interest, his brows raising as he gestures towards Byerly. Lion's den as this place may be, the lion seems too full to feast. Instead, it will listen to its company. ]
Surely there are other ways of initiating a change. This disaster affected their people, so it isn't impossible for them to use that spark to burn what stands in their way. [ He takes a breath, then continues with a smile. ] To answer your question, however... what is easier? Convincing a woman who believes the world could be hers, or drawing a man so intent on seclusion out of his hard shell? I am not hopeful for the former.
No? Personally, I'm not hopeful for the latter.
[ By's smile turns a little more genuine, a little wry. He likes quick-witted company, and there's no question that Cree is that. ]
Now, a greedy woman, on the other hand...A greedy woman cares for the state of her possessions. Or for the state of her potential possessions. Perhaps harmony can come through convincing her that the world would be a better prize if it were a world at peace.
[ Then, less philosophically: ]
Do they love their people? Or do they only love power?
[ By's smile turns a little more genuine, a little wry. He likes quick-witted company, and there's no question that Cree is that. ]
Now, a greedy woman, on the other hand...A greedy woman cares for the state of her possessions. Or for the state of her potential possessions. Perhaps harmony can come through convincing her that the world would be a better prize if it were a world at peace.
[ Then, less philosophically: ]
Do they love their people? Or do they only love power?
[ It's hard for Cree not to smile as broadly as he'd like. It isn't only the garb she's arrived in, but the formalities, and most of all— the misapprehension she's voiced. He took a girl for someone more perceptive, if she's taken the time to dress in such a way. ]
The pleasure is mine, I assure you. [ Still, he bows his head in return. His eyes are full of mirth. ] I think... you will find they have no interest in impacting the efforts for a cure, now that it is already underway. What is the point in prolonging the inevitable? I would direct my attention to where they've gone to hide. Do you have any idea of where that might be?
The pleasure is mine, I assure you. [ Still, he bows his head in return. His eyes are full of mirth. ] I think... you will find they have no interest in impacting the efforts for a cure, now that it is already underway. What is the point in prolonging the inevitable? I would direct my attention to where they've gone to hide. Do you have any idea of where that might be?
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