RP: Extra Pointy Sweettooth
Amor and Cass continue to make friends. This sharp-looking peddler of weird goods seems to be a good start.
Starring: Amor, C_S/Cassius and Bolframmon
Warnings: strong language
A sweet aroma fills the air, the rich smell of chocolate, almost strong enough to be smelled outside the small merchant tent, comes flying from the door behind the stall.
A happy whistle can be heard, also coming from the back, as Bolf strides into the store with a tray of cookies.
[Bolframmon] Aaaah, just like mother used to make... delightful! *He swipes one of the cookies and takes a huge bite out of it.* Yep…I’ve missed having a place to bake… Wonder if I could sell these?
They decide to take some time from their own stall to look around the settlement and see if there is anything worth seeing. Cassius for his want to silently collect information on those around them, and Amor for his inability to stay still for more than five minutes.
The former is a mountain of a man. Tall and broad with facial features that can be deemed feminine if not for the strong jaw and two days worth of stubble adorning olive skin. Chestnut hair that normally falls to his waist gathered up into a neat bun at the base of his head. The sides of his head neatly shaved to show the tattooed letters 'C.S.'. Dressed all in black from shirt to tie to a tailored suit that has seen better days. Carefully cut out windows on the backs of black leather gloves to show intricate tattooed symbols that will give him away to those who know what they are looking for. Similar windows cut over his bulging biceps to show black ink detailing Furtherances.
The man trotting by his side is stark in contrast.
Shorter than his companion, but by no means frail. Lithe muscle and crude, amateur tattoos are on display as he has chosen to wear no shirt. Only a large leopard print fur coat draped over his shoulders and gold chains upon his chest. Handmade trousers put together by scraps of leather each from a different hide and mismatched army boots completed this frayed and ratted outfit. The hair on his head a shocking shade of white-blonde and standing mostly on end. The owner has long given up on trying to style it. This is hair that did exactly what it wanted.
Amor scratches at his barely groomed beard as the pair wanders up to the first stall. The scent of baking making his stomach growl and a slow grin begins to creep across his face. There is a low hum of warning from Cassius, but Amor is certain that Big J wouldn’t dream of letting anyone dangerous enter his settlement, so going over and saying hello and trying to get a bit of grub isn't going to do any harm.
[Amor] Ey! Y’handin’ those out? Cause, don’t see a fer sale sign or prices an’ shit. This mean they’re open fer grabbin’? Kinda hungry, y’see. Been hard an’ busy work, ya know? Name’s Amor, an’ the big guy ‘ere is Cass.
Cassius stays silent.
Bolf is mid-cookie when his guests enter the tent, looking at their attire he assumes they aren't of a magical profession, although one of the two has a faint air of magic about them. He swallows, smiles at the gentleman and gestures towards the cookies.
[Bolframmon] By all means my friends, come and help yourself! I’ve always thought food tastes better with company anyway, much like drink, wouldn’t you agree? *He stays seated, resting his arms on the stall.*
There is the slightest look exchanged between the two men. Eyes slipping to corners to glance at each other before Amor is moving. Hand reaching out and greedily grabbing three of the cookies in his paw. The slightest huff from Cassius was all the utterance he makes. More a sound of displeasure than a warning. The taller man slowly reaching out and primly plucks a cookie from the plate between his thumb and forefinger. The biscuit scrutinised for a moment before being broken in half. It certainly seems like there was chocolate in there, and a careful bite confirms it. A wary, yet pointed look is sent to the man beside him; who is in the process of shoving the cookies whole into his mouth.
Chocolate. How has this man managed to get hold of chocolate? From the careful exploration of his tongue, he determines either it was a very very good replacement or this man was richer than he seems. Either that or has smuggling connections far out of reach of those of the Dreglands. Cassius carefully considers how he is going to bring this up. Not a man of many words but he listens and pays attention. This is something that would be of use and interest to his companion. And perhaps to Jangles as well. Always know where the money is. It usually leads to the clutch of power.
However, it seems that Amor has been thinking the same thing. Around the prickle of magic his ever rushing mind is trying to ignore and avoid, he has noticed the sweet treat embedded in the cookies. Sugar isn't exactly easy to get hold of, but if you know the right people, say the right thing, have a certain something something to trade… You can get it. Chocolate on the other hand… Hell, he hasn't had chocolate in near enough a year and he was good at what he did.
[Amor] So… Y’loaded or sumink? Cause… Yer standin’ ‘ere handin’ out chocolate like it were jus’ fallin’ from the sky. Gotta understand, friendo, looks mighty suspish. ‘Specially since ya ain’t even had the politeness to offer yer name when I had the common curtus to do it right away.
[Bolframmon] Oh, I do apologise Gentlemen! Where are my manners? *He stands up from his chair, dusting off his robes of crumbs before addressing the two men.* My name is Bolframmon! Travelling merchant and expert in all magical goods, at your service! *He bows politely.* The chocolate you’re enjoying I got from a trade on my way here, I’ve a bit of a sweet tooth so I couldn’t help myself.
Bolf studies the men properly now as he stands up. This 'Amor' is clearly a man of action, and has some strength underneath that giant fur coat, that can prove useful later down the line. Looking at Cassius he locks eyes with him briefly, he can see the man questioning everything about this situation, gears turning and analysing Bolf to his best degree. I guess these are some of the head Dredglanders men, that 'Jangles', he thinks. He smiles as the men continue to eat his treats, at least his baking is still approved by others
[Amor] Bol...fra...framinnon...faaam… I’ll call ya Bolly. Y’look like a Bolly. Don’ really go wi’ those fancy names. Too many airs an’ graces, y’ get me? As fer that chocolate trader o’yours… Guessin’ ya got the brass then? Wanna share the knowledge? Cause… Sure ya know… Chocolate kinda vanished after the ol’ Staties fucked it all up fer the rest of us. Well… I say vanished… Jus’ fuckin’ hard t’find it anywheres, ya know? Whole world seems like the fuckin’ wastes these days. Yer not from the State are ya…?
Cassius moves a little away from his companion to look at the range of items for sale. He can't really identify if things are actually magical or not, but he has a good feeling that they are a damn sight more legit than the bits of shell and bone that Amor has for sale. Granted, his friend put a lot of work into his charms, and the aesthetic ranged from pretty to verging on voodoo. But nothing that actually works. Amor doesn't work with that kind of magic. His is a raw power he tries to repress. Too much fear of being found out. Of being dragged to the Drowning.
[Amor] Not that I’d judge yer too -harshly- for bein’ a Statie, but…. Well…. Root of all evil an’ all that.
Amor pauses.
[Amor] Hang on… Hang on… Magical goods? So like… Tricks and shit? I do that. Yanno, find the lady, what’s your card. Hopefully there’s punters comin’ through who believe that junk. We both know magic ain’t shit, right Bolly?
Bolframmon raises an eyebrow and chuckles at his new name. He’d been called many things over time, Bolframmon, Lord Bolf and something that rhymes with Passive Stunt all came to mind. Another title for another social circle it seems.
He also couldn’t help but grin at the last statement, Root of all evil, bless these mortals.
[Bolframmon] Bolly will do my friend, and indeed! Magic is indeed a thing of wonder and intrigue, hence my passion for collecting and distributing it as such. Also to answer your question, no, I am not part of this State you speak of…*He looks towards Cassius as he's looking through Bolf’s wares.* See anything of interest? I can explain what it is if so?
[Cassius] No.
His voice is monotone but soft. Cassius feels no need to make any effort for someone they will be leaving behind in a few weeks. Bolf doesn't run the place and he as of yet hadn’t offered any help in trade. He isn't his… Thoughts pause as the word swirls in his head, one that hasn't sit right for a while now. Owner. It has been a long time since he considers himself to have one of those. A long time of Amor telling him over and over not to call him that. Because really, it is damn weird. He hadn’t bought him, he’d saved him. Big difference.
Bolf doesn't own him, doesn't run the trade-post, and so unless Amor demands he play nice, Cassius doesn't owe him shit.
But perhaps he is making excuses for his own prejudices. Old State life still ingrained in his bones. Amor can't help what he is, but this man seems to revel in it. Seems proud of it. Of magic and all that it can bring. Cassius is still afraid of Magic. He trusts Amor. He trusts the power thrumming through the man’s veins. But anyone else? He has to force himself to stop his upper lip from curling at the word Aberrant that slips into his mind. This is one prejudice that was hard to shake.
Amor on the other hand seems undeterred, although Cassius can see the slight tightening of his shoulders. The straightening of his spine. The slightest twitch at the corners of his eyes. The fact that his grin widens and his voice simply gets louder. There is fear around other magic users. A fear of being found out. And for Cassius, the fear that this time he won't be able to save him.
[Amor] So… Ya don’t wanna share knowledge then? Bit of a piss poor way t’start our lil' relationship, but whatever, friend. We all ‘ave our trade secrets I guess.
He peers over at the trinkets and charms set out on the stall. Narrowing his eyes a little as he watches Cassius’ long, nimble fingers delicately feather over one or two of the items. Amor doesn't know what any of it is for. Doesn't know what it means. And for that alone, he doesn't trust it.
[Amor] Yeah, but it’s a loada bollocks ain’t it? Magic an’ shit. Somethin’ t’impress the masses, all smoke an’ fireworks, innit? Good way o’making a living, an’ there ain’t no shame in trickin’ the stupid.
He forces the smile to stay even though he suddenly clocks onto what Amor meant. He actually thinks this is all fake? That I’m some sort of fraud? It has certainly been awhile since a mortal has disreputed the idea of magic, even longer since someone had insulted his trade. Relax, he means no ill intent, he’s just ill informed, the less he knows probably the better.
[Bolframmon] *laughs heartily?* Yes, but of course Amor! You’re a clever man. This stuff works very similar to faith, pull the strings in the background, put on a show and voila! *He snaps his fingers* Customers and opportunities arise! *He gestures towards the inventory on show.* I’ll have to put on a act for you all sometime.
[Amor] Yeah, I’m right clever, me.
The soft snort that comes from Cassius is pointedly ignored.
[Amor] Seem like a smart kinda guy yerself. Got a nice lil' set up here. How long it take ya t’make alla this shit? Takes me a while t’make alla my trinkets, but worth it in the end, yeah? Folks eat it up. ‘Specially the… Whaddaya call ‘em… Citizen types. Got a fucking hard on for even a sniff of magic. Pay out of pocket for a bit o’rock wi’ some string and paint on it.
He barks out a quick shot of laughter to hide the way his eyes nervously flicker across the wares that the other man is selling. His eyes lock with his companion briefly and Cassius gives him a knowing little look. Neither have the ability to gauge someone’s power, but pushing their luck isn't on the cards. Just because Cassius has seen Amor destroy a wall with a wave of his hand doesn't mean that this person couldn’t do much worse.
However, Amor’s need to squash down any admittance that magic is real is too strong. A shield and sword he’d used many times before to deflect any thoughts that he himself might be magic. The unbeliever can't possibly hold any power himself. Keep shouting that gospel over and over again and hopefully he won’t end up being marched to the Drowning.
[Amor] Faith… Sure. Call it whatever ya like, Bolls. It’s still sleight of hand an’ fuckin’ magnets.
Why is this man so adamant on magic not existing? Bolframmon thinks, humans have always longed for these abilities, for fame, power or just for ease of life. Yet here this man is trying to reject every aspect of it. The notion confuses Bolf even more seeing as he could feel the dormant magic within him. Very well, if a simple magician he wants, a simple magician I’ll be.
[Bolframmon] Indeed, but we can’t deny, it's certainly some pretty magnets to the untrained eye. *He pulls out a coin from his robe, the copper shines in the light revealing its foreign designs on its body. Dipping it into a nearby lantern the coin starts to melt in his hands, Bolf then claps the coin into his hands, he opens them to reveal the coin has disappeared.* Cassius my friend, check your left pocket.
Amor’s eyes glitter at the sight of the coin. It has been a long time since he’d seen any kind of currency. He works mainly in trading. Kick the shit out of a guy for food and board. Do some tricks for some leather and fur. Couple of weeks of bodyguarding for jewels and a tiara. Actual money on the other hand…? Hard to come by. And his gaze is fixed on the coin as images of riches dance in his head.
The little squark of objection he makes as the coin is melted down is almost enough to make Cassius smirk. Although, the much bigger man’s expression becomes vacant the second that Bolf speaks his name. There is a stillness to the man that verges on unnatural. A beautiful marble statue stands poised in the light of Bolf’s lanterns. A bird-like cock of his head as he looks to Amor as if for orders. The shorter man merely nods.
Cassius dips his thumb and forefinger into his pocket and brings out the coin. Delicately gripped between his fingertips with a look of disgust on his face, as one might hold a dead shrew.
[Cassius] Huh.
The coin is tossed over to Amor who greedily snatches it out of the air and shoves it down the front of his trousers. If Bolf is happy for coins to leave his hands then he is happy not to see them again. Cassius wipes his hands primly down the front of his suit jacket as if he’d touched something dirty. Subtly giving Bolf the updown with eyes that relay his prejudice.
[Amor] Neat lil' trick ya got there, Bolly. Might hafta teach it t’me sometime!
He picks up the plate which holds the remaining cookies and salutes the man behind the stall.
[Amor] Was good makin’ aquis-i-tions wi’ ya. Might see ya again, friendo!
A wave over his shoulder as he turns on his heel. Swaggering away as if he’d won some kind of great battle. In his head, he’s done good. Made a connection with someone rich. Someone to either befriend or rob blind before they leave. Cassius gives Bolf a long, thoughtful look before nodding his goodbye and following silently after his friend.
Bolframmon bows his head before waving to the two gentlemen as they leave his tent, a smirk on his face as they leave, whether they'll become friend or foe… He can tell from this first meeting alone that he had made the right call coming to this settlement.
His time here is certainly going to be entertaining.