Tsila's Den *Dead*

Kat shivered. She was lying on her stomach, trying to pick out Domonic Valquarez from the soldiers below. She could remember the description given, light blonde hair, large, solid physique. She chewed on a stray piece of hair that had escaped her perfect braid. Below a soldier laughed and she wrinkled her nose. It was almost a cliché, she thought, lying in the dirt, watching them interact. But she had been offered three hundred gold coins for this one job. She was going to do it, and do it quickly and quietly.
She toyed with her mother’s locket, the cold silver pendent hanging from her throat. This was all for them, and she had to remember that. She had to remember why she was doing this, and she reminded herself everyday. She blinked, and refocused her attention on the camp below. She saw him, broad shouldered, hair that glowed like a beacon calling her over. She pushed herself up from the dirt, dusting off her skirt as she did. She began to carefully descend the hill, keeping her target in her peripheral vision at all times.

Dismas | Tsila's Den - Slave Trader Area/South Gate:

Dismas gave the other man a startled look. Neri was here and she was giving him [it]that[/i] look again. Vance was clearly amused by this; Neri was getting close to him and Dismas wanted to panic. He cleared his throat and swiftly looked away from Vance's laughing eyes and Neri's adoring gaze. "Yeah, uh," he said, briefly closing his eyes before meeting Vance's gaze. "Let's go check on the situation beyond the South Gate, shall we?"

He deliberately tried to avoid looking at Neri, turning and swiftly striding off towards the gate that seperated the markets from Vance's area. They could catch up for all he cared. Dismas had actually wanted to talk to Vance about another purchase. Alone, if possible. But no, Neri just had to come along and ruin it. He remember the little talk he and Vance had had. The one about 'just playing along' and 'not wanting Neri mad'. Oh, yes. Vance, he thought, scowling as he stormed through the Slave Trader's den. You sure know how to 'talk' to people.

"Dismas!" The Thief King groaned at the sound of Neri's voice. A moment later, she was skipping along beside him, smiling. How she could do that, no matter what happened, Dismas didn't know.

"Hello Neri," he said, glancing towards the slave 'markets' briefly. He really should take a look at Vance's newest arrivals, but he could do that later. First, they really had to check on those soldiers. "How goes the stealing?"

Neri answered him, but Dismas barely listened. He was focused on the small figure perched on top of the wall to one side of the gate. He shot Neri a glance---she appeared to be talking about something she stole and didn't seem to notice Dismas edging away. By the time she did notice, he was by the gate, looking up at the perched figure.

"Hey Lou!" he shouted, ignoring the look he knew Neri was shooting him. "What's going on down at the camp?"

Lou, a boy barely in his teens, started, nearly falling off the wall as he twisted to look down at Dismas. The boy grabbed onto the wall and leaned down, peering through the darkness to look at whoever had called his name, even though he knew the voice all too well.

"Eh?" He blinked and yelped, clambering down from his perch blindly. He almost fell a couple of times before he reached the ground and landed on his back at Dismas's feet. "Oh, er, they's be just sittin' there, yer majesty."

"Hmm," Dismas hummed thoughtfully, eyeing the solid, wooden gates with a frown. "You sure this will hold, Vance?" he called over his shoulder, knowing the other man would have caught up to him by now--judging by the barely concealed laughter earlier. Sure enough, Dismas turned to find Vance standing a few paces behind him.

"You would hope so," the man replied, smirking. "Though you can never be too careful."

Dismas sighed, shaking his head. That was Vance for you. Cryptic comments and mysterious little smiles. He gave the Slave Trader King a look and started back for his den. He'd suddenly remember a certain Princess all alone in his room.


Princess Amalia | Tsila's Den - Thief King's Liar:

I sat on the Theif King's throne, arms crossed. This who getting kidnapped thing had not impressed me--nor had it made me feel better about anything. Honestly, this lot were poor hosts. No food, no water? What kind of person did that? Besides, I'd tried sneaking out earlier but a couple of slim yet incredibly strong young men and almost tossed me back in. I hadn't actually be able to get more than a couple of steps out the door. Irritating, definitely. Annoying, too. And frustrating. What was I supposed to do here? Just wait. I snorted. Like I'd ever just sit there and wait, of all things.

If there was one thing I really did not like, it was waiting. I scowled at the door, shifting to throw my legs over one of the arms. By the Goddess, how long was this man going to take? You just don't keep a Princess waiting.... Alright, I wasn't your average Princess, but seriously. It was only common sense and courtesy. When you have a guest, you offer them food and drink, a place to rest and you most certainly do not keep them waiting.

I stared up at the ceiling, veil hanging down beside my face. The ceiling looked like solid sandstone. I kept staring at it, tracing random designed with my eyes. Yes, I was bored. Very bored. And this damn man sure was taking his time! What was taking so damned long?

Suddenly, low voices outside the doors brought my eyes round towards them. The conversation was pitched low so I couldn't hear it, but I did get the sense that they were discussing me. Well, who wouldn't be? I was a stranger, a new person. Most likely, if they knew, a Princess. Well, now. The doors opens and I shot upright, wincing as I banged my legs and one elbow on the stone chair in my hurry to cover my face.

The Thief King stepped into the room, followed by the little red-head from before. I shot her a glare before sparing the man a glance. He scowled at me, eyes narrowed at where I was sitting as if to ask why I was sitting there and commanding me to get the hell off it. I smirked and slowly hopped off it, moving to stand off to one side. He wouldn't see my smirk, but it didn't matter. I knew I was smirking and, well, I had just been sitting on his throne.

Vance | Near the Southern Gate

He chuckled at the small boy, so clumsy, so worthless. It made him wonder how such a boy lasts so long out here in the cruel city of cut-throats. Vance turned to see his friend heading back to his home, without even warning him. A frown flickered across his face before he began smiling again.

He and his sister were known for being slightly insane, and constantly smiling. Vance didn't mind this in the least, it made people fear him all the more. 'If I'm going to be ridiculed, I will be feared and ridiculed.' Something he had told Dismas when he had first met him, something the other man had respected. It wasn't like he had much choice in the matter, it was respect or death. Vance was sure he could best him.

"Sister, you should go skip along and catch up with Vance. He seems to be in a down mood today, and you being around always cheers him up," he chuckled and ruffled the little ruby-headed girl's hair, "And tell him I need him to stop by later, to discuss... business. He'll know what I mean." He waved his hand absently as he turned and began to stroll back towards his den. He had to get those new male slaves all washed up and ready for Dismas, who would be his first customer since the news of those soldiers got to the outside world. Nobody wanted to be caught buying anything from Tsila's Den. It wasn't lord-like.

He shook his head from his thoughts and entered the market, the others nodded their respect to him as he swooped into his room. His personal slave nodded to him and scurried off to a corner of the room, she was always so skittish. He tsked at the girl and plopped down in his throne.

Neri | Near the Gate

"Alright, big brother! Thank you!" she called after him, waving her arm even though he wouldn't turn to see it. She ignored the looks she got from the surrounding criminals.

She skipped off in the direction Dismas had disappeared into the crowd. Her face sparkled with happiness, though no one ever knew why she was always so happy. People asked, sometimes. She'd simply reply with 'Well, why shouldn't I?' Though, she didn't really know why she smiled herself. She shook herself from her thoughts and finally caught sight of Dismas.

By the time she had caught up to her leader, they were nearly at the den. She smirked and wrapped her two slender arms around one of his. He looked down at her and frowned, she simply continued to smile up at him, not knowing why he could possibly be so grumpy with her right there silently rooting on everything he did. The two slipped into the den and continued to his room. Neri didn't seem to understand the concept of knocking, so he had gotten used to her just entering the room, with or without him.

She absently shot a glare at the other girl, she hadn't seemed to have gotten Neri's warning. No matter, she couldn't do much with Neri sitting there watching them.

Canta | Entering the Lair

Her black hair swayed behind her as she trotted up as smartly as she could towards the lair, muttering to herself all the while about how everyone ignored her; and indeed, she was right. This was perhaps her saving grace as a thief. She was so unnoticeable most of the time she could bump into a gentleman or a lady, and they wouldn’t realize later that it was her that took their purse.

This was probably the reason why Dismas had taken her on. Well, she wasn’t born with sticky fingers, unlike him or (perhaps) some of the other members of the Den--she had to learn it--and she had all the time in the world. She’d be able to stop here at least a few more years before she moved on--for she’d have to move on. If they knew she was a Sorceress...

She heard Dismas’s familiar tones barking out orders to someone...or something. (You never could tell, really, seeing as people barked at dogs to shut up, then dogs would bark back, and then...well, it was a vicious circle. Maybe he was barking at a dog.) She turned a corner and walked straight at the lair. Lingering in front of the double-doors she wondered for the fifty-sixth time that day whether she should take it or leave it.

“Take it or leave it? Take it. Definitely take it.”

She took the doorknob and gave it such a pull that it came off its hinges, making Canta sniff at the door. “The King’s Lair has a rotten doorknob. Now I’ve seen it all.” She pulled the doors open and stared. They stared back, too.

“What are you doing here?” Was the other thief girl’s first reaction to seeing Canta. It had that slight jealousy that spiced up some of the girl’s--Neri, her name was, Canta recalled--day-to-day dialogue. Canta shrugged, looking at Dismas, who seemed submerged in thoughts--and a book.

“Dismas, I want my lockpick back.”

He looked up at her. “Your lockpick? It should be somewhere there...I think.” He waved in the general direction of his bed, the bottom half of which was submerged in a pile of shiny junk. (How did he sleep in that, anyway?) Canta moved towards it, ignoring Neri’s inquiry completely.

“I asked you a question!” The other girl who sat beside Neri simply turned her back and ignored Canta, who was glad for this. Some people were really considerate of others’ feelings! Neri took a step forwards towards Canta, almost threateningly. “What are you doing in my Dismas’s room?!”

“I don’t believe I said I wanted to answer it.” Canta sniffed back. “But I will tell you, since you are so insistent. Your Dismas has borrowed something from me and hasn’t returned it yet. Now that is I call thievery.”

“Dismas wouldn’t--”

“He’s the King of Thieves, of course he would.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Neri took another step forwards. “Why would he ask a weirdo like you and not ME? It’s just not fair!”

“I’m here you know.” He sounded slightly irritated. “Don’t talk about me while I’m here.”

All three girls ignored him.

“Don’t ask me.” Canta muttered, sifting through the junk and throwing a few objects here and there. She aimed an object towards Neri unintentionally, who quickly stepped back and stood there. “I’m not his keeper, that’s your job.”

“I’m not--he isn’t--!” Neri jumped up and down in mixed anger and embarrassment, red to the roots of her hair. Well, her hair was plenty red, so she looked plenty like a tomato. “I’m just saying--”

“I don’t care, frankly. Oh, there it is!” She held up a small gold chain, on the end of which hung what looked to be a lockpick. Leo would be so embarrassed to know what his precious happy thirtieth birthday gift was being used for. “Now then. Excuse me for a second.” She turned to the doorway, only to stop as Neri called out to her.

“I know what you are.”

Kat | Soldiers Camp

Kat pulled her favorite dagger from her thigh sheath, careful not to let it glint in the dim firelight. She could see her target from here. Domonic Valquarez sat around the fire, laughing.

Kat stuck to the shadows, hoping that none of the other soldiers would catch her. She prepared to take one step and she was pulled back by her waist.

“Leave” A coarse voice whispered in her ear. She attempted to shimmy out of his grip but the arm held strong. She sighed. It was the fourth time within the last few jobs she had done that someone had caught her. Stupid. She thought, stupid, stupid Katia.

“And If I don’t?” Kat asked sweetly. She couldn’t see her attacker. She assumed, by the way his voice floated down to her, that he was almost a head taller then her.

“Well, I’ll have to make you leave, wouldn’t I?” the voice replied. Kat giggled, a silly little giggle that she had perfected to make herself seem stupid.
She stepped back, putting all her weight on his toe. It was enough to make the soldier let go of her in surprise. She stepped forward, and completed her job, quickly and quietly. Then Kat turned, trying to let anyone see her face.
She returned to the den as fast as she could, intent on some sleep.

Neri | The King of Thieve's Den

She glared hard at the girl as she froze at the door. Now, she didn't actually know for certain, but the girl had just clarified her suspicions. She couldn't help but smile victoriously up at Dismas, who looked confused as could be. Poor boy, I wouldn't ruin her illusion yet and tell him. It was something she could use against her for a while now. Neri had all sorts of little secrets against the people in the thieve's den, she just didn't have any reason to use them. But that girl had cast her eye to Dismas once to many times for Neri to feel comfortable.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the sorceress mumbled as she swayed out of the room, shutting the door firmly behind her. Dismas rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger as she left, before turning to the girl once again.

"Well, where was I before we were interpreted, princess?" Dismas turned with a dashing smile that dazed Neri for a moment, before what he had said registered to her.

"Princess?!" Neri stared at the girl long and hard. This was the girl Vance had told her about, the one who could ruin life in Tsila's den as they knew it.

Vance | His Den

He paced back and forth, is mind swimming with the voices. The laughter. His mother's singing and his father's happy chuckling. Cassandra, his personal slave looked worried. Cassandra wasn't even her real name, it was her slave name. Vance had decided it fit her better with her honey brown hair, big brown doe eyes and silky skin. He smiled up at her before continuing to pace.

"M'lord, are you alright? You're going to wear a hole in the floor from all your pacing and it's beginning to worry me..." He turned his head up and stared at her, his lips smiled but his eyes glared hard in their own angry way. A way that said 'Shut up before I smack you.'

Cassandra cringed and set about the room straightening up. Unlike Dismas, he liked everything one hundred percent spotless. He ran a hand through his sweaty red hair, while his eyes darted around the room. The darkness was creeping up on him, as he slowly brought himself to the floor and sat in the middle of the room on the cold sand-stone floors. Cassandra looked up to see him and rushed to his side, asking if he was okay and if there was anything she could do. The words never registered in his mind, he simply clenched his hand and punched her square in the face.

The girl fell back, holding her nose as the red liquid dripped from it and onto her dress. He brought his foot up and kicked her in the side, over and over until she began shrieking in pain. No one would disturb them, they knew better. They would assume it was... something else. He grabbed her by a fistful of her hair and dragged her to the wall, slamming her head into it. Not once, not twice, but thrice before she dropped to the ground.

Vance's breath was heavy as he stared down at the motionless girl. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and muttered under his breath, "disgusting."

OOC: Well I have time to post because instead of going to church I am waiting for the police at my house. Somebody stole my car this morning… oh joy :p

Keziah | Her House

The tinkling of chimes softly stirred the night air as a gentle breeze wafted down the street. A wave of sand flowed along, blown by the wind as it twisted and twirled before dissipating into the air. The house was simple, small, and like so many others squashed against a dozen more that looked just like it. This one however was covered in chimes that tinkled and sang as they bumped into each other.

There were dozens of charms, all attached to string and swinging slowly in the wind. Charms to ward off sand, charms to keep insects away, charms to keep a woman from getting pregnant, and charms to keep food from spoiling. The house had dozens of different charms that possessed dozens of different uses. Most were made from bronze and iron, while others looked to be twisted from silver or gold.

It was rare to see so many precious metals, if they were real, hanging untouched and un-stolen in such a city. Especially a city that belonged to Tsila. But the people knew better then to steal from the Mystic Woman, or Talib, as they called her. She was the one who helped deliver their babies, and cured them when they were sick. She was the one who offered them charms for free when they were in need, and would bless them when it was needed.

Keziah, also known as Talib, slowly stoked the small fire in the corner of her house. She pushed aside a pile of blankets on the floor, which was Dewey’s bed, and added another log on top of the glowing embers. Above the fire a small pot hung, and she gave it another stir, licking the edge of the wood spoon the see how it tasted.

Feeling satisfied she carefully grabbed the pot and carried over to the table and began to spoon some food out into a couple of bowls. A second later the door opened, and a little boy with bright blonde hair, and shining emerald eyes stomped in. He carried an armload of fire and unceremoniously dumped it on the ground while wiping his hands off on his trousers. He then checked himself over, and with a relieved sigh said, “Good, no bugs.”

Keziah grinned at that and said, “I told you I charmed the wood pile, it should be bug free. Now stack those logs up and come eat, dinner’s ready.”

With a big grin Dewey quickly stacked up all the logs and rushed over to the table. It was a small, round piece of wood that stood barley a foot off the ground. Cushions and silks were laid around it, and the two quickly settled in. Keziah pulled the lid off of a small dish in the center of the table, and nodded to Dewey who began to grab at the food. The plate held some grapes, cheeses, olives, and some cured meat. Combined with the soup it was one of the best meals they had had in a while.

“Dere andeethng godin on todit,” Dewey asked, his mouth full of food.

Keziah gave the young boy her best frown and said, “I can’t understand you when you talk with such a full mouth Dewey.”

The young boy smiled sheepishly and quickly swallowed his food. “Is there anything going on tonight?” he asked again.

Keziah shook her head. “Unless Raba decides to give birth tonight, there shouldn’t be anything. We have the night free to ourselves, what should we do with it?”

A dangerous look crept over Dewey’s face and he said, “I say we go out exploring tonight!”

“Indeed,” Keziah answered as she tossed a grape into her mouth. “And what would we be doing on this little… exploration?”

Dewey gave her an innocent shrug, “I don’t know. Whatever happens would happen! It would be like an adventure!”

“Very well Dewey,” Keziah said with a small laugh, “I will go on an adventure with you tonight!”

Cyrilla - South Gate

It was daytime again, now way past lunch and Cyrilla hadn't eaten a thing since yesterdays vegie-buffé and her stomach was growling at her over and over. Her body was stiff and her limbs were aching - as the lady she was, she wasn't used to falling asleep with her back leaning against brick walls while the cold seeped through her coat.

She had one to many times wished that her life would've turned out differently, that it would've been what it was meant to be - a life as an orphan, a thief, as a homeless girl. She imagined that in that life she would've been strong, confident and impressive like the people she'd spied on from corners. She knew most of them, she'd been observing this town for ages without ever daring to step in and be a part of it.

She knew of Neri, the readheaded little girl whom at first glance looked like an innocent little child but if you looked closer you could see the confidence and ruthlessness that decorated her face, a wicked smile that she always wore together with those piercing eyes. Then there were Neris brother whom Cyrilla yet hadn't learned the name on since he didn't hang around much. Cyrilla had also noticed a mysterious, dark-haired girl who didn't really seemed to belong with the thieves. She had this aura of mystery hanging over her and she didn't seem as confident as the others but Cyrilla still envied her for her pride and beauty.

She wanted so badly to be one of them, but after tonight she realized she wouldn't be well suited for that life... not at all. The dark scared her, the outside world didn't strengthen her but only bruised and weakened her and she wasn't near as confident as she needed to be. The one trait that life had given her to make her adjusted for a life on the streets was her gift for thievery. She had always had "magic" fingers and her ability to mixture with peoples memories didn't make it worse.

Cyrilla looked down on her hands and both she and her stomach growled in chorus. In pure frustration Cyrilla turned to the brick wall and started boxing at it with clenched fists. She screamt from the pain for every beat she took at the wall but didn't stop until rivulets of blood trickled down her arms and coloured the wall.

*Iris | Thief King's Lair*

Iris stepped out onto the rubbish streets of Tsila's Den, stopping to slip on her dark red cloak, made up of fine silk. She stroked the material lovingly, pleased with the century year old garment. She continued to walk towards Dismas's Lair, her eyes set in a cold determination. Some slave traders and their slaves bowed hastily as she swept past them, calling out polite greetings. Iris nodded curtly, never once pausing or looking back. The guards of Dismas's lair opened the doors for her, bowing like the others. Iris walked inside, her long black robes flowing around her light tanned legs. She stopped in front of Dismas, her hands on her hips.

"My Queen." Dismas bowed and took one of her slender arms, kissing her hand lightly. His twinkling eyes never left her blazing green ones.

"Is it true?" Is she the Ga'hila princess?" Iris asked. Her voice had softened slightly as she interacted with one of her favourite thieves.

"Indeed she is. Her name is Amalia." Dismas glanced idly to the side. Resting against the wall was a shrunken and hollow figure, dressed in rags, and covered in dirt. The Ga'hila princess, in all her glory.

"Amalia, this is our Queen. Bow before her." Dismas ordered softly. Amalia glared at him, refusing to obey. One of the guards kicked her to her knees. She fell with a cry.

"Careful." Iris said angrily, slowly crouching down. She tilted the princess's face upwards. "Hello, dear."

Amalia snapped her head away from the Queen. Iris expected her to speak, but no words of hate came from the girl's lips.

"She refuses to speak, no matter what I do." Dismas said lightly, kneeing besides Iris. He gazed at Amalia. "Say hello to your Queen, honey."

Amalia refused to look at him, instead fixed her gaze on the ground. Iris almost felt pity for the girl, which disappeared in a flash. "She's tough, I'll give her that. But it's okay, dear." Iris stroked Amalia's cheek, who shuddered in return. "I'll break you." Iris nodded to the guard, who helped the Ga'hila princess up to her feet.

"Have you any idea what to do with this one?" Iris asked the Theif King.

"Use her as a bargaining tool." Dismas shrugged, staring at the beragged girl. "Kill her. Trade her as a slave. Whatever you wish, my Queen."

Iris reached out and stroked the girl's tangled hair. Amalia jerked away, her eyes flashing, but she held her tongue. "Let her bath, and let her eat. Then, take her to my chambers."

Canta | South Gate

Canta stiffly walked away from Dismas's lair, making sure the clasp on her gold chain was fixed and not falling off anytime soon. Neri--that girl beguiled her. She seemed such an airhead at first. How did such a girl ever find out about her own precious secret? She didn't like it. She didn't like it at all. She would have to find out exactly how that girl had known, and then cover her tracks. With any luck, she would be able to scare Neri away from telling anyone.

"AH!"

The dark-haired sorceress looked up, and saw what looked to be a young woman screaming and punching a wall. Canta slunk up behind her. When she got close enough, she knew that this girl had power. However, she covered up her shock and breathed in deeply, clapping a hand on the other's shoulder without warning, startling her from her rage-induced punching. "What...do you think you're doing?" Her voice came across as a whisper. "What do you want, woman? Answer me!"

The other turned around suddenly, obviously alarmed that she had been caught. "You--you're that girl--"

"Well? What are you doing here in our Den?"

(Sorry it's so short! I'm kind of speed-posting at the moment. ;D)

Cyrilla ignored the strange girls question and turned around and walked away. Her hands hurt and her head was dizzy and she didn't feel like answering any stupid questions from some odd girl with an -You-don't-belong-here-girl-attitude.

But Cyrilla had to ask herself... what was she doing here? She didn't belong here, not out in the real world, and not inside the protected world of luxury and pride - she didn't belong with the common people, not with the outsiders. She was a stranger to everyone. Even to herself.

"I might aswell keep hitting that wall until it's painted in my blood! At least then there will be something to remember me by!" Cyrilla found herself shout out to whomever was in the range to hear her. Then she clenched her fists stubbornly, even though it hurt and punched once more into the wall. But only once because after that she sank down on the ground in a way that said I give up!

Dismas | Tsila's Den - His Lair:

Dismas gave Isis a strange look. Feed her, let her bathe and take her to the Shadow Queen's lair? What was the woman thinking? He stepped forward, as if to intervene but the woman backed away before he could reach her. "Isis, I don't think that's a good idea."

Isis shot him a look and Dismas back off, scowling. Neri skipped to his side, wrapping her hands around his arm. He didn't shake her off, too busy staring at the Shadow Queen as the two guards escorted Amalia from the room. Isis turned towards Dismas, smiling. "I will you see later," she stated and turned to leave.

Dismas turned to give Neri a look that clearly told the girl to let go of him. She did, but with great reluctance. The Thief King ignored her and turned to approach his throne. It was a clear signal to those in his room that he wished to be alone now. He knew he hadn't exactly been nice to the girl, but it couldn't be helped. He felt like shouting all over again. Neri was giving him the look again. He sighed.

"Yes, Neri," he snapped, irritable. "That was the princess, as you can probably tell by now." He turned to eye the the discarded veil and headscarf by his bed. Perhaps there was something to gain from this situation after all? Dismas sat on his throne and put his chin in one hand, planting his elbow against the arm of his chair. He was oblivious to the dark look the red-haired was still giving him.