for: @mortifere
location: a dark back alley in the lower parts of the city
The small folk poured through the streets, exalting or condemning the pronouncement; Alexei had little care to be amongst the revelry, and stole down alleys most would dare not venture into. When he desired such, Alexei could neglect the world around him, and steal past others unseen; but a familiar face, revealed by the light of a lone star, ceased his hurried steps. Entreating others into conversation often eluded him; but he stepped towards her now, leaving a knifes length between their persons. "Before this intrusion is seen as merely presumptuous, I can offer you something concrete for your time --- opportunity, a strong drink, and a newly fashioned blade, should you desire such a thing." Morgana's hospitality was not to be readily claimed; proximity had imbued Alexei with the knowledge that she possessed moods and motives even more elusive than his own. As was his custom, Alexei's tone was modulated, as to mix with the silver whisper of the wind round them; but his words were sharp, offered without any pretence. Her dark hair had called out to him beneath the halcyon moon, but he knew Morgana was only visible for she wished to be seen --- undoubtedly by those better than he, but such an opportunity would not be wasted. Consulting her eyes with a piercing glance, he continued his narration; Alexei would never blessed by the angel of flattery and charm, but he found both useless. What rushed forth from his lips would always be ardent, or bitter. "A tavern of irredeemable creatures, run by figures of further ill-repute, is by a stones throw away --- will you come? And should your answer be a neat decline, I shall concede happily; let it be known I shall never plead a case where there is no hope."