Mr. Mernoff goes to town...

[Dego Mernoff]

The 32nd of Pontius (Evening)
Season of Winter
Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era XV Post Fractum.

The young half esh’lahier had just awoke from his day of slumber, the thirty candlemarks of restless sleep still fresh in his mind, a nightmare that no matter how hard he tried, the man could never wake from. It bore on his sanity, tore at his convictions of good, and weighed heavily on his conscious. He found that the best way to recover, and recompose himself was a long walk or ride. Dego chose the latter on this brightening, Diligence, his raslin, was always extremely testy after the curse’s sleep. Perhaps the creature recognized his friends torment during the sleep, just as he was in tune with all of the half-breeds emotions whilst he was awake.

Riding bareback down the street, the young man’s blue grey eyes scanned the surroundings. His trip to Zinn had been eventful, and those thoughts stood at the front of his mind. People here were interesting, many already accepted the steed he rode on, the bat winged beast apart of their natural heritage, even if it was a rare sight to see a man atop them. Both of their scars had healed well, the Raslin seemingly un-effected by the entire battle, and quickly growing into his own. Dego was happy Ioannes had found it fit to save the creature and gift him with a new companion. That of coarse was only one of many things that had happened over the last few cycles.

Having spent some time within the city Dego had a good idea of what, where, and at what candle mark someone wanted to be in order to have a relaxing day. The city was not huge by any means and it was fairly easy to remember what was where. Working toward a seedier section of town, the companions were after a bit of noodles that could only be found in poorer districts. Heart filled food, full of pride and love, the kind that filled the stomach and didn’t cost an arm and leg to barter with. The fresh smells of the darkening filling his nose as Diligence’s hooves clacked on the stone streets they let their stomachs guide them along the path, only giving the occasional nod to the wide eyed passer by.

His demeanor was cheerful as they went, and while he was sporting his blades and bow the tailoring of his jacket, along with the shimmering blue hues of the freshly added scales to the right shoulder made it apparent he was not a local of the district or the city for that matter. While he had purchased a few local pieces of attire, he rather preferred his blue coat when out and about for the night. It hid his sword neatly in its folds along with the dagger at his back. Of coarse it was of little consequence with the heavy war bow across his back. The man was not out for a fight however, but rather a nice ride and then pracenda and after that there was no telling.

[Motito Gil'dae]

While Dego might not have been out for a fight, he most certainly looked it. Motito, on the other hand, quite opposite of his usual attire, found himself in quite the gaudy outfit. He was bedecked from head to toe. A large-brimmed purple velvet hat rest atop his head with a stylish peacock feather sticking out of it, to match the purple silk shirt that covered his chest. Atop that was a silver silk vest, belted in place by a silver leather belt. That belt also served to hold up his black leather trousers, and black hard-soled traveling boots were perhaps the most modest item he wore. To add to the ridiculousness of his outfit, he had a black velvet cape to give him cover and warmth. Tito found the entire getup neigh-laughable, but he had to admit, it was by far among the most comfortable outfits he'd ever worn.*Hurray~! Another copy-paste description of the rediculous outfit!

This, of course, was all for the sake of his cover, Eresse Romen. He'd not yet had the pleasure of meeting the lamplighter that would guide him towards more presentable fashion for the region later on that darkening, so most of the people he was hoping to encounter were decidedly avoiding him. This realization sparked a curiosity in the elf, wondering if he'd be better off setting up the Ebon Watch with an organized crime syndicate front, but decided against it. Big organizations rarely got their hands on the pieces of information that little ones did. Perhaps he'd set up a false syndicate at some point and put himself at the head of this fictional creation...but it would be one of many guises, not his only one. Eresse wouldn't be suitable, perhaps he'd make it a different personality that had more class and smoothness, and less flamboyance. He'd think on which of his spare visas he'd gotten from Parreyon he'd use later.

When the brightly-colored elf spied the half-Esh riding around on horseback with a warbow openly strapped to him, he felt the tingle of caution warning him against doing anything outright. Despite being an elf he'd never learned much in the way of archery, opting instead for learning of the arcane. He might have to look into furthering that knowledge, however...

As the heavily armed halfbreed rode by, the elf tipped his wide-brimmed hat. Admittedly, he felt quite naked without his elven longsword at his side. Instead he was armed with Darkshadow, his elven longknife. elven steel, matte black coloration, crystal dusting, sweat-absorbant wooden hilt...the elf did not skimp when it came to weapons, because he knew a well-crafted weapon could easily save his life as opposed to one giving out at the wrong time.

"Serale," he spoke softly, if with an edge of arrogance as Eresse was prone to do, "I'm looking to talk with some of the...less publicized members of Zinn'Sunn. Any idea where I could find such people?" Any one with half a brain would know he was referencing the shadier side...the criminal underworld.

[Dego Mernoff]

Dego was no stranger to the shadowy workings of the underworld, at one point in his life he had even been apart of them, Aetheria knew, in another city at another time it would have been him that this flamboyant white haired elf had wished to talk to. That was many eras ago though, and he had been younger, even dumber in those brightenings. Now he only answered to his own call, going wherever his mind led him, doing as he pleased… killing as HE saw fit rather then those who had once given him envelopes of information to study.

A polite smile played across his lips as Eresse Romen spoke up, giving a soft nod back and willing Diligence to a stop. The great Raslin took little time in sizing up the flamboyant persona of Motito, pacing about until it had a good angle on the man and looked deep into the character’s eyes. It seemed, in these days, animals had a sixth sense about danger, the ability to look right into the mind of other people and feel what it was their intentions were. Diligence was no different, in fact he was rather apt to it, his deep blue orbs entrancing as they gazed. Perhaps more importantly though, the winged horse and the half breed shared an emotional link so when the beast sensed the shades hidden beneath the smile, Dego too felt the waves of strong emotion washing over himself.

If the man really had that much money to waste then shouldn’t Dego offer his service… no, he had deeper ambitions, things the young half elf had no business interfering in. His voice was pleasant, alluring even, calm and well spoken. The words drifted from his lips like a well rehearsed script as he pondered the situation. “I would say you are in the proper district, though I have not had the pleasure of working with this city’s businessmen just yet. I was just out for a nice ride and hoped to pick up a bit of Pracenda before it got too late.” He paused a certain edge filling his next statement as if accusing the elf of something but only subtly. “Your welcome to join if you like, if not I would be careful, not everyone is as they seem this darkening…” He rubbed the Raslins neck and gave a soft dip of his head, waiting to see what the man would choose to do.

If nothing else Dego wouldn’t mind hearing how to get in contact with the fellow, it could turn into profit some day.

[Motito Gil'dae]

At word of Dego's offer, the elf nodded slowly. Come to think, he was a mite peckish. Nothing huge, but he could stand a bit of a snack.The alluring words were not to be over-trusted, however, for he was here to look the part of the well-to-do businessman, quite the tasty looking mark indeed, and people just like this man here might try and lighten his load of crowns. Most of his money he kept in the bank in Prime from the discreet account Parreyon had set up for him, but he liked to hang on to what he did have.

He didn't miss the accusatory tone the conversation had taken, though if only to a mild degree. Dammit. Why did it seem that every stranger and their mother knew he wasn't who he said he was? Duncan and Serion earlier in the brightening, now this fellow. Quite the frustrating topic, how easily it seemed he either encountered people who already knew him or people who were able to ferret out that he wasn't what he seemed. Odd that it hadn't happened sooner, he was under the impression that he was a far more capable spy than that. Maybe he should consider taking lessons in subterfuge. Was there a place that offered such lessons? Food for thought at another time.

"I'd be delighted," he responded with a smooth smile, not missing a beat despite his highly active thought process, "Eresse Romen is my name. I am a bit of a businessman. I have ventures here and there, and I've heard that Zinn'Sunn might be a good place to get involved in. I'm working on expanding my business contacts, so I'm always pleased to get to know someone new, especially if they seem...capable." he was hinting that it might well be a possibility that there could be future deals where Dego's skills could be purchased, if he was interested.

"And, of course, since I'd assume you know the area better than I, you're free to lead the way Mister...?" His words were spoken with an aire of slight superiority, but odds were if Dego had already seen through his act, he'd know that may well be part of the role the mysterious elf was playing.

[Dego Mernoff]

A chill breeze kicked up and caused Dego to absently pulled his riding jacket a little tighter about him before lifting his leg over the mighty Raslin he had been sitting upon. Scooting himself back a bit and tapping the beast’s leathery wing which moved out a bit at his fiend’s touch, the half esh slid from the great horse like creature and stood eye to eye with the pomp elf. His thin pink lips still holding the soft smile Dego gave a nod and motioned for them to continue down the street.

“Mernoff, Dego Mernoff, though I find that Dego suits me well enough, my last name is usually only associated when someone has ill will for me.” His voice was light and fluid, a soft chuckle even escaping his lips as they continued down the street as the introductions were made. “It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Romen, sorry that I can not be of more assistance in guiding you about the city, but I am sure there are enough shady fellows lurking about that could point you in the right direction. Might I offer a bit of advice though, I know from past experience that more time then not with these smaller, more local groups, the man who tried the hardest often had a secret or two up his sleeve… that can be intimidating to some… something to consider if your luck doesn’t change. Not sure how much help I could be beyond that bit of advice to you though, I gave up the life a while back just wander the streets these days looking for a spot of trouble to fix now and again. Live by the blade and all that.”

The smell of food slowly drew closer some of the street side venders already full with patrons leaning over their counters enjoying a fresh meal. Diligence walked behind and to the right of Dego, silent with the exception of his razor sharp hooves clacking against the stone street, and the occasional unfurling of his great wingspan. “I guess some would call it adventuring, other laziness but I have acquired a few interesting possessions thanks to my new life.” He paused as yet again another chuckle escaped his lips. “When times are bad though you find yourself thinking that the old life wouldn’t be so rough… but there is always someone looking for a hired sword or a jeweler or smith that could use a hand in their forge. I am an engraver or metal smith by trade, nice way of saying I make baubles pretty for young lads and lasses. Its work though, and usually puts a crown or two in my pocket when I don’t feel the urge to go about other work. Might try my hand at a watchman sometime next though… seems on my latest adventure I picked up the notion that my body no longer requires rest.”

As they passed by a rather empty establishment Dego made a turn and slipped through the curtains, holding them open for his company. “This place always smells pretty good but I never see a lot of folk in here.” He shrugged taking a seat and waiting for the cook to address them, turning to Motito to continue their conversation. “What kind of business do you deal in Mr. Romen? Transportation, Personnel… or perhaps something more high end, like consultation or problem solving?” The elf let a slight edge slip into his tone at the last suggestion giving the indication that the final field might be more in the people solving aspect then troubleshooting.