[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Gli5XnJ.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=dcf3ff]Event:[/colour][/b] Ransom Demand [b]|[/b] [b][colour=dcf3ff]Location:[/colour][/b] Belleville[hr][hr][/center][center][url=https://youtu.be/c6DRLNWKiJo?si=3hyRD9nRE3OGB7ay][h3]♫[/h3][/url][/center]
[hider=Ransom Demand Discussion]Abdel peered into the contents of the boxes, relatively unfazed by the grizzly display. Still, he put up a look of concern to not appear too callous in what he saw as a trying moment for the family's patriarch. The tethered beastmaster rubbed his chin. [color=9e0039]“I'm sorry this is blighted situation has befallen your family, Mister Doridax.”[/color] he looked into the man's eyes with sincerity. [color=9e0039]“I have no doubt we'll be able to track these people. In fact,”[/color] he hovered his hand over the box that held the finger. [color=9e0039]“for what they've done, I think letting them stay ahead of us wouldn't be prudent and a signal for them that you can be bullied at any time.”[/color] he shot an expectant look at the father as the hovering hand approached the finger.

[color=9e0039]“You must know about Skuggvars from where you're from, Mr. Doridax. Then you would understand why I'd need this finger.”[/color] only with the authorization for the fatherly Yasoi would he seize the severed part, of course. [color=9e0039]“We should be able to track down the owner. With some luck, it's actually a decoy and thus a lead for us to get a jump on the kidnappers.”[/color]

Lunara on seeing the Yasoi's severed finger, started to feel quinsy. She instinctively put her left hand over her mouth and she also started to feel unsteady, as she had never seen a severed limb before. On noticing that Niallus was next to her she grabbed his are with her right hand to steady herself. [colour=#05DDFB]"Sorry Niallus, I suddenly felt ill on seeing the finger, never seen that before."[/colour] Lunara's Goma cat Miray on seeing that Lunara wasn't feeling well started to rub her face on her leg and stand on her hind legs to get her attention. Lunara on noticing this crouched down and petted her. [colour=#05DDFB]"It's ok Miray, I'm fine."[/colour]

Lunara after pulling herself around, stood and attentively listened to the conversations. To make sure she heard every idea, and information. She wanted to make sure she knew exactly what had happened and what was going to happen.

Oksana examined the details of the case. Such complicated affairs were not her strong suit; she was a simple girl who spent most of her time in the wilderness. If a huntress wanted to catch an animal, then the first task was to find its location, and the second task was to lure it out. In retrospect, this case was far easier to resolve because they knew where the 'animal' was; they just needed bait for the trap.

[colour=dcf3ff]"We don't know them, but we have the location, and we have what they want."[/colour] She indicated towards the letter, pointing out the writing [u]warehouse on Owl Street[/u] and the demand for [u]five thousand Magus[/u]. [colour=dcf3ff]"We bait the trap, they come out. We capture them for lord. Job done."[/colour] She spoke positively and authoritatively on the matter as she looked at the others.

Ashon listened to the ideas presented, raising his own finger, though not too close to Abdel. [colour=FF3131]"Yes, yes, there are some great ideas here. A touch of refinement needed, but they will definitely work to bring home your wayward son."[/colour] He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. [colour=FF3131]"There's a good chance that Jaxan wouldn't be there at the meet, and our little springing of their trap could backfire on its own."[/colour] He flicked Oksana's nose playfully. [colour=FF3131]"What we need is what's called a multi-faceted approach in yanii speak, or in less fancy words, a plan with a couple of moves going on at once."[/colour]

He gestured toward Abdel with an enclosed hand. [colour=FF3131]"One group tracks down Jaxan specifically, rescuing him from the foes."[/colour] He held up another hand. [colour=FF3131]"Another acts as the distraction; we'll need to create a very juicy target to draw away support."[/colour] He opened his hand to reveal a benny. [colour=FF3131]"With attention focused elsewhere, you can grab him safely, then we apprehend those involved."[/colour] He flicked the coin up and caught it.

[colour=FF3131]"As for the distraction, it's best if you don't attend yourself. So we'll need to borrow some clothes for myself and my friend here."[/colour] He put his arm around Seviin, pulling her close. [colour=FF3131]"We'll dress up enough to resemble yourselves so they think we're the bigger mark."[/colour] He grinned widely at Seviin.[colour=FF3131] "What do you say? Will you be my wife for the evening?"[/colour]

Feeling something grip on his sleeve, From his first glance, he originally thought it was Mahal. But seeing the Goma Cat by her side turns out it was the other one, Lunara. Hearing her apologise for gripping him to help keep her steady. [color=3d5a88]"No, no it's alright."[/color] listening  to the ideas that was mentioned by the his fellow biros. When Jamboi mentioned about the diversion. Niallus agreed. [color=3d5a88]"A Diversion would be good."[/color] cupping his chin, pondering on what more input could be added to help.

[color=3d5a88]"If we have a small group looking for Jaxon while the the others cause a distraction. I can take part im looking Like Jamboi said, Most of their priorities will be on this meeting, more likely be one high goons and a few lackys at best."[/color] Thinking  more about it, his gaze turned to Daxon. [color=3d5a88]"Would you be able to provide a description of your son? Or Hair colour, length, height that sort of thing. Or even how he talks. It can help the group who are searching for him have an easier time."[/color]

[color=86608E]"A finger, huh? Now that's a classic."[/color] Dory looked with a wide smirk on her expression. Her look turned to the girl that fell ill from just a finger.  [color=86608E]"There were corpses and mangled bodies all around Ersand'Enise when some students attacked for their little 'revolution'. A little finger can't be too much to look at, right?"[/color]

The girl just leaned around.  [color=86608E]"These plans could work if the kidnappers don't account for it, I guess. But than again we don't even know how strong they are given a fight could break out."[/color]

Seviin was not sure if she should've been here. She knew nobody, aside from Ashon in the most cursory manner, and felt like an outsider. Still, there was a need and she was a healer and protector. If she would not sully the name of Lady Oirase by employing her talents on behalf of the Grey Fleet, then neither could she sit idle while her people suffered outside the gates of Ersand'Enise. The 'pass' she'd been given a couple days ago - the one that she'd been told to wear at all times - was a reminder of the challenges they faced and she burned with resentment over the entire affair. Still, it was not enough to drive her back into the arms of her Tarlonese brethren. She'd made her break and there was no going back.

Mostly, out of sorts as she was, the young priestess listened in lieu of speaking. There seemed very many speakers and few listeners here. She listened and observed. Abdel was one of those proactive principled secretly-angry sorts. Lunara was a soft, weak noble girl who let others lead her. Oksana knew killing, though Seviin could scarcely understand her.

Then, Ashon spoke and Seviin's face lost much of its paleness for a moment. [color=F0FFF0]"I... I shall endeavour to serve... well,"[/color] she stammered, trying to fight back the aggressive blush. [color=F0FFF0]"I should speak little, however. I sound ever so much like a Tarlonese."[/color] When Niallus opened his mouth she took [i]some[/i] solace. [color=F0FFF0][i]Jaxon.[/i][/color] He was perhaps even more hopeless than [i]her[/i]. beyond that, she got little sense of him. He was kind, perhaps, especially to ladies, set on his own ideas. Dorothea was the mocking type, but with a bit of grace and subtlety. Seviin found herself torn. She often harboured similar impulses, though she never entertained them.

There were, as far as she could discern, four different plans being floated about and nine people to carry them out. [color=F0FFF0][i]Track the finger with the skuggvars, bring the money and ambush the kidnappers, create a decoy target - including myself, and nab Jaxan.[/i][/color] It was a lot to juggle and they had no idea of their enemy's strength. Seviin did not like killing; she abhorred it, in fact, but she [i]knew[/i] it almost like Oksana did, so immersed had she been in the brutal world of Tarlonese expansion. You did your recon. Leaping in without doing any was a recipe for disaster. Dory was right.

She was about to separate herself from Ashon and say as much when Johann, another listener, spoke up. [color=goldenrod]"I might be called overcautious,"[/color] he admitted, [color=goldenrod]"but I can't help help but wonder if my lady is right."[/color] He gestured in the Feskan girl's direction. [color=goldenrod]"We know [i]nothing[/i] about our quarry except that they have put forward a ransom note for Baron Doridax's son and seen fit to include a finger that may be his as evidence of their seriousness. I am very much for a multifaceted approach and I see no reason not to employ the... talents of those skuggvars, but surely we must learn [i]something[/i] before just charging in."[/color]

[color=F0FFF0]"We also should not split into groups of less than three people,"[/color] Seviin suggested, finally finding her voice again, [color=F0FFF0]"except, perhaps, in the case of myself and Ashon somewhat later."[/color]

Oksana rubbed her nose as the Yasoi flicked the tip of it, earning him a disapproving glare from her. As he and the others spoke, she tilted her head, trying to follow along with the conversation. A part of her wondered if they were just making up words at this point. From what she gathered, they thought her plan was a good one, and that worked for her.

Peeling an apple with her sword, she noticed Seviin looking over at her a couple of times. [i]Perhaps she's hungry,[/i] Oksana thought. She cut the fruit in half and offered a portion to the girl with a big smile on her face. [colour=dcf3ff]"It's sweet,"[/colour] she said, then proceeded to cut the remaining half into quarters, taking a bite of one of them herself. Secretly, she slipped another piece under her cloak, feeding some kind of animal tucked in there.

The discussion seemed to shift towards dividing people into groups for further talks. In hindsight, she should have considered a task involving hunting and tracking animals, or something related to the wilderness where her skill set would be more relevant. But beggars can't be choosers, and she was certainly begging when it came to income right now.

But among the many who spoke, there was one who listened, and listened intently: the one who simply introduced herself with the yasoi word for "fox." Her skeletal smile was at times impossibly friendly and, only when appropriate, menacing.

[color=orangered]"It is hard for the young to understand the love of a parent, but, as someone who was kidnapped and rescued once, I know your feelings well."[/color] She narrowed her eyes at the flippant attitudes of some of her allies. Then, her gloved hands reached for the ransom money, as she produced a bag of rice from her own cloak and mixed the two together. Anticipating the strange looks from her wealthy patrons and classmates, she explained. [color=orangered]"When carrying large sums of money through a seedy place like Mudville, one should take care that her purse does not jingle with the telltale sound of gold."[/color] Ensuring a top layer of rice, and tying the mundane-looking sack tightly, she jostled it a few times, satisfied with her handiwork.

[color=orangered]"I can vouch for the talents of Abdel and his skuggvars. But regardless of what other plans we decide to set into motion, to give us the best chance of returning the boy unharmed, someone must take the money to the location and negotiate if necessary. Surely no one objects to letting me perform this role?"[/color] She looked around at each of them reassuringly. [color=orangered]"If I were accompanied, even by a distance, by the pair of you, disguised as the parents, this might go smoothly,"[/color] she said as she regarded Ashon's contribution.

Seviin blinked at the offer. She swallowed and accepted the slice of apple. [color=F0FFF0]"I thank you for your generosity, suunei."[/color] If there was more to notice, she did not comment upon it. Then, the Rettanese girl spoke and she nodded. [color=F0FFF0]"I agree that we should try, but it is best if we go as [i]agents[/i] of their Lord and Ladyships, however. I am not a skilled enough illusionist to pass myself off as Jaxan's Lady mother."[/color] She twisted to regard Ashon briefly. [color=F0FFF0]"And I may be mistaken, but I don't believe he is either."[/color] She winked.

Xiuyang gave Ashon an exasperated side-eye, as if to suggest that this was his problem to solve.

Ashon smirked widely, and shook his head at the pair of them. [colour=FF3131]“We [b]don’t[/b] have to look like her. We simply have to look like we could [b]be[/b] her,"[/colour] as he placed emphasis on the points [colour=FF3131]“After all, this beautiful and regal lady has never stepped foot in the slums known as Mudsville.”[/colour]

He clasped his hands together, [colour=FF3131]“Now, we have a plan idea, let’s go and gather some information so we can put it into practice.”[/colour]

The masked Rettanese pinched his sleeve as if expecting him to run off. [color=orangered]"True, they could be idiots who wouldn't know one well-dressed yasoi from another. But we shouldn't just assume that. I don't think they could have kidnapped Jaxan without a plan. This was probably a targeted abduction, which means they might know who they're dealing with. And yet they did what they did. Which is why Seviin is right. Smaller groups are a bad idea."[/color]

Seviin narrowed her eyes for a moment. Then, she shrugged.  [color=F0FFF0]"I suppose we should try to look distinguished, then."[/color] The mysterious Rettanese spoke in a way that was quite familiar with Ashon and this only added a layer to the mystery.  [color=F0FFF0]"All three of us together, then. Ideally, as Belleville is not geographically large, we should each try to keep within sensing range of at least one other group."[/color]

Having separated themselves from the wealthy family for this brief discussion, Seviin pivoted on her heel and made to return. [color=F0FFF0]"Perhaps we might borrow some clothing?"[/color]

Johann, meanwhile, simply played an easygoing part. [color=goldenrod]"I admit to being in quite over my head,"[/color] he remarked. [color=goldenrod]"Like my Feskan neighbour here -"[/color] He gestured at Dory [color=goldenrod]"I am merely looking to set things right immediately outside our city's gates and help some people in need."[/color] He paused and furrowed his brow. [color=goldenrod]"Perhaps, given the... regrettable recent history between our people and the yasoi, I should focus on the human side of matters and, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of matters, I might act as muscle if needed."[/color] He seemed less than enthusiastic about the last part of his proposal but, perhaps , accepting of its necessity. [color=goldenrod]"Now, I [i]do[/i] think time is somewhat of the essence. We should get moving if we are to recover Master Jaxan in a reasonable state."[/color]

Niallus spoke to on his thoughts, [color=3d5a88]"The well dressed Yasoi is a bit strange. But it could be just a coincidence, We can always find more information on them."[/color] leaning to a wall, he crossed his arms and continued. [color=3d5a88]"It would be best to gather as much information as we can, pool it together, build a better understanding of the situation and why abducte this one?"[/color] He simply suggested to the group.

[color=3d5a88]"Small groups are good, but so can large groups, however large groups that are consisting a handful nobles and Yasoi in one group, people will be suspicious. "[/color]
[color=3d5a88]"With that being said."[/color]

He readies himself to get ready to leave he double checks his satchal, to see if he has everything. [color=3d5a88]"I'm going to investigate that well dressed Yasoi. I'll report back, if anyone wants to come along they can?"[/color]

Johann blinked. [color=goldenrod]"Our two yasoi friends with their human 'sellsword' guard and illusionist, Abdel with his skuggvars and perhaps one other as security assurance. The other four to split into pairs for information gathering but remain within sensing range at all times."[/color] He crossed his arms. [color=goldenrod]"Done and dusted."[/color]

Lunara picked up Miray so that she didn't get in the way of everyone. While holding and petting Miray, Lunara listened to all of the ideas and suggestions that everyone had intently. [colour=#05DDFB]"I do agree, a well dressed Yasoi is odd, however I'm not judging. But I feel like the disguise idea is good as well, and could be very helpful."[/colour]

She took a moment to think about what she wanted to do, she really wants to be useful. After thinking, Lunara turned and walked towards Ashon, she smiled and asked. [colour=#05DDFB]"I like your disguise idea, would it be ok to join you."[/colour][/hider]

[hr]

Oksana found herself pairing up with Captain Skugvaar who had a finger on the pulse of the investigation, along with Little Johann, and Niallus Scarlet, accompanied by the two swamp dragons. Unable to pronounce their names, she settled on the merry monikers of Masha and Misha.

Deciding to keep her distance from the group, Oksana reasoned hanging back made sense as it made her look inconspicuous, rather than accompanying them directly as part of a motley crew. Besides, she could easily keep track of them, as they stood out like sore thumbs like this, with many people giving them a wide berth. Opting for a natural approach to gathering information, she engaged in routine inquiries while sought property in the area.

Her first stop was the Buudvuud restaurant. The aroma of the food assaulted her senses as she looked hungrily through the shutters at the wide selection before her. Her eyes settled on a juicy, cheese-filled parcel topped with melted cheese, oogling how the strands of between the slices stretched like long thin strings. The appearance and the smell definitely beat anything from Vossoriya as she bartered with the teen behind the counter using the Cheburashka [s]Jamboi[/s] method of diligently counting out bennies in a slow manner until he was satisfied with the amount. Taking her prize, she eagerly took a big bite, only to find her mouth filled with steaming hot cheese, almost scalding herself if she hadn’t quickly drawn back. She blew gently on it as she devoured it outside the shop.

While eating, she noticed others looking in her direction, speaking in hushed tones. Originally thought it was about her, but soon realized they were addressing the shop. Approaching a nearby couple, she inquired about the food. Though not understanding their gestures entirely, she gathered that the shop was deemed unsavory. It seemed to be a bad place with bad people. Despite the service being decent, the teen boy was that not terrible, only greasy looking, she asked if there were alternative places she could visit in the future, but there was no such luck as they muttered something and left. It seemed this particular establishment had a monopoly on tasty cheesy slices.

Continuing her inquiries, Oksana asked about the local area, focusing on important details like whose palms needed greasing and who and where to watch out for. She encountered varying responses, from quiet reluctance to share information, to attempts to extract wealth from her. Some were stubborn in their stance, others were eager to express their opinions to an audience. A lot of locals expressed sentiments against refugees, a sentiment she had encountered before in her past, but noted they made it clear that she was more welcome than others, with comments like ‘knife-ears’ presumably directed at Yasoi. When attempting to speak to the yasoi, she found them less understanding and suspicious, but managed to tease out some names to watch out for due to recent negative experienced. A big player was the Rollers, a group of Yasoi who made a lot of dough, and renown for their beatings. With the indicated hand gestures, she assumed the name came from their rolling pins used in baking. They seemed to have a connection with a group called the Paws, a group of human animal lovers who behaved similarly to their namesake, known for being woof in their dealings. Across town, there were the Boozers, known for frequenting beer halls and causing trouble as they grew rowdy due to alcohol.

She discovered that the Flying Lion had a notorious reputation for various incidents recently, finding herself surprised as she couldn't recall any disturbances outside of her own bedroom whilst she stayed at the tavern. Delving deeper, she uncovered that the establishment had undergone a transformation, previously known as the Crying Lion before being acquired by the Arslan-Mercador company. Intriguingly, the confusion was because locals had taken it upon themselves to repurpose horse stables near the port, laying the stonewalls as a foundation for a new establishment painted in goluboy hues, aptly named the Cryin’ Cyan. Its proximity to the port allowed it to serve as a hub for backdoor activities, including under-the-table jobs and smuggling. It was also a hotbed of political activism amongst the yasoi, with some striving to amass funds to topple Tarlonese dominance, whilst those on the bottom rungs of society were only out for themselves.  

During her investigation, Oksana was surprised to hear talk of Penny, her one-legged friend, as her incident during Mano e Mano challenge has led to urban myths that she is rumoured to be making visits to Belleville, allegedly for summoning aberrations over the town, including a recent large one at the tavern.

Eventually, she caught up with the others after receiving a tethered tug signal from Captain Skugvaar. They surrounded a property where the owner of the missing finger was located. Oksana suggested she could knock on the door with the finger and offer to bind it back on the hand, though her idea was not popular with the others. Instead, she was sent around the back of the building and to blend in, with the goal to catch any escapees by surprise. She followed the instructions, leaving negotiations to the experts in the motley crew.

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