tushanshu | [Console | Video] Casting a Net

[Kevas tires of camping around the outskirts of the city. Tough as a troll might be, he's a jungle troll. All this cold and drizzle eats at him. He wants no more of it. Time to find a place for him to call his own for a while. First thing's first though, he needs money.]

Not sure how to go about dis other den just sayin' it, but I be needin' money and a place to stay. Now don't go thinkin' I be wantin' handouts cause I don't. Last thing I be wantin' is to be in some mon's debt. I be wantin' to work for my stay.

[Kevas tries his best to appear professional but it feels weird going about finding work this way. In Azeroth finding mercenary work is as easy as stepping into town, here not so much.]

I be a mercenary, former soldier, and somethin' of a wanderer.

[He doesn't like using the term 'adventurer'. It sounds too heroic. Kevas knows he's no hero.]

If any mons be needin' protection, a bodyguard, or help with gang problems I be willin' to offer my services for some steady pay. If dere be other services ya be needin' den give me da details and I'll talk to ya.

[After his talk at the Welcome Center he's trying real hard to avoid the 'kill for money' part of his job. Murder might not be a big deal to him but that seems to be a big no no in this place. Last thing he wants right now is a bad reputation. Then he won't get anywhere.

Unless someone wants to pay him extremely well.]

Also, I be wantin' speak with a Pepper Pots or Bakura about some kind of uh...police force?

[The way he says it makes it clear he's not too sure what that is.]

As long as ya ain't be military, and as long as ya be offerin' a fair price, I'd like to talk with some mon about dat.

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[Kevas is a little surprised when he sees her. For a human she's fairly tall. Not what he expected. Pretty too. He definitely appreciates that, even if she seems to be arrogant as all hell.]

I be takin' it well enough.

[He follows her into her apartment. Kevas came here dressed professionally, that is to say wearing his armor. The scimitar and kukri aren't with him, that might be seen as a little too aggressive, but he has at least one dagger hidden on him.

While Kevas doesn't expect trouble, he likes to be ready for it.]

[China makes it a practice to assume people are armed unless proven otherwise. It's the ones she can't see that are more worth being wary over.]

[The room she leads him to is open and windowed, done in shades of dark red and burgundy suitable for the Fire Sector. There are armchairs, which might even be suitable for Kevas. Possibly. On a side table is a tea-tray, with cups and teapot set out, and it's there that China goes, checking what's in the pot before pressing her finger to a ring of dark symbols around it. The symbols glow; the teapot starts steaming.]

Have a seat.

You've done bodyguard work before, I take it?

[Kevas eyes the chairs, then his host, before shrugging his shoulders and sitting down. Fortunately his knees aren't sticking too far up but it's obvious these chairs aren't for someone of his size. Still, it's fairly comfortable.

What she does with the teapot he finds fairly interesting. Despite Azeroth's many wonders he still finds something new almost everyday. Sometimes he swears that he's still on Azeroth. These two places are so similar.]

I done a lotta of work before but aye, dat be one of the jobs I've had in da past.

Some contacts decline to take me as seriously as they should. I can adjust that opinion, but it's effort that really, I'd prefer not to expend when there are other options.

[She waits on the teapot a little longer before pouring the tea, which comes out a fine pale green, and offers Kevas a cup before pouring her own.]

The other factor is that I plan to look farther into the matter of the cultists here, and regrettably, they're still well-armed.

[And sneaky, and they've evaded China too long, and even she can be taken by surprise.]

Dat first one I be havin' experience with. I can look mean, bare my teeth, just stand dere and look big, whatever ya be needin'.

[Kevas takes the cup of tea and sniffs it. Doesn't smell like anything is wrong with it but then again he's new to this place.]

Dat second one I be havin' a lot more experience with.

[With that he draws his dagger from a hidden sheath on his thigh, twirling it expertly between his fingers while he takes a sip of tea.]

I can sniff out information if ya be wantin', or get more hands-on with da askin' if ya like. Can even drag a cultist back to yaself if ya be wantin' to ask questions personally.

[He sets the cup onto the table, twirls the dagger once more before sheathing it at his side this time, and grins pleasantly. At least he tries for pleasant, who knows what it looks like to her.]

Long as ya pay, long as ya be fair, I be willin' to da whatcha be wantin'.

[Oh, hidden weapons, her favorite. China watches the knife, noting not only how he handles it but the make and the quality of the blade.]

Right now moving on them would be a mistake; I don't have enough to act decisively. They'll come back if even a single one is left, and they've been here a very long time. They're adept at hiding.

[So many uncomplimentary animal metaphors, so little time. Rats, perhaps. China sits, crosses her ankles and gives her tea a delicate sip. It's a pity she's not adept at reading someone so obviously not-human yet.]

Information first. Bring me information on the cultists that I don't already, and I'll render payment. The families are also of interest, I suppose; I do like to track the movements in the city.

Additionally, when I need to make a show of force, I'll contact you. Is that agreeable?

[Her tone remains relatively brisk throughout: her usual tactics won't work here, so business is just business.]

Pests be like dat.

[While she talks Kevas leans forward, setting his elbows on his knees. So far Kevas enjoys the strangeness of his features, not that he ever hasn't. His appearance is so alien that most don't seem to know how to react to him. He just hopes he isn't around long enough for this to change.]

So cultists be takin' priority den. Dat works for me.

[But the gangs still hold a lot of interest for Kevas.]

I be thinkin' we can come to an agreement on all dis.

Exactly so.

[They're pests, and she won't have it.]

[Also, it's the only threat big enough to really unify the families, by her judgment.]

And what of you, my dear? What do you want out of this arrangement?

Right now? Payment enough for lodgin'.

[A small goal yes, but a rather important one he feels.]

Beyond dat...

[He shrugs his shoulders.]

Only just got here. Work and information be a good start. From dere I'll figure out what I be wantin'.

Then I think we'll be able to cooperate quite nicely. Have you been to the Sky sector yet?

[This is perilously close to useful advice, but China doesn't mind giving it.]

Do let me know if that changes.

I've done some wanderin' around dere. Been to every part of da city at least once now.

[Knowing the ins and outs of the city will definitely be useful, even if hopes his stay here is a short one.]

Ladymon, ya'll be da first to know.

[He grins at her again.]

Then you've seen what they have to offer in the way of lodgings.

[Brisk. He can take care of himself.]

How courteous of you, darling. I believe that's everything to cover for the moment; I can find you when I need you.

I'll get it sorted.

[He wouldn't let her help anyway.]

Unless we suddenly get all da trolls from Echo Island here, aye it shouldn't be too hard.

[As long as he wants to be found anyway.]

Wonderful.

[Smile.]

I'll be in touch.

Perfect.

[Kevas smiled back at her.]

Den if we be done here I'll show myself out.

[A smile's a smile, even if it has rather more tusks than the number to which she's accustomed.]

By all means. Until then, my dear.

[Without another word Kevas stands, bows, and then takes his leave. Not a bad meeting all things considered. He doesn't completely trust her, but then he never completely trusts the people he works for. That keeps him alive.]

[Console | Video] Casting a Net

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