[Poet]

The heart of the city lays here, Ssussunul, the Pillar of Light, glows above you, providing its odd unending light to the entire city. Tiktikkis roam freely here, though there are shops also dedicated to their sale. Inns, other shops, and a few small gatherings of merchants are spread over this large area.
Should one roam long enough, one will find lakes and waterfalls spread amongst stands of giant mushrooms, many places to relax or arrange the occasional lover's tryst are about, some easy to find, some well hidden.

[Onizuka]

Shiv'arl sighs as he meanders about the Pillar of Light. Occasionally kicking a tiktiki out his way, he searches for a remote pond where he can be alone. He hadn't had a job in months, and robbing common folks wasn't lucrative enough. He was growing weary in his searching and at this point we do anything to break the monotony. Finding a fairly isolated spot, Shiv'arl sat down and stared at the water before him. Silently he wonders, "Was it all worth it? It has been over a decade now, and I am still wandering. Maybe going out on my own was a bad idea."

[Xian]

"Naturally, my lady, it's hardly any trouble," Athidus preened with a gentle wave of his right hand. His other was preoccupied with scratching the head of a titikki, which he affectionately named "Kunai," that had warmed up to him during the years that he had been coming to the natural lakes among the giant mushrooms. It had become a habit of his to direct those who became disoriented within the almost forest-esque terrain to the nearest landmark. The latest young drowolath girl thanked him politely before making off in the perscribed direction. Athidus resumed his meditation and waited for the next wayward wanderer.

Although meditation generally involves peace of mind, Athidus found his thoughts revolving around his ever-empty ada pouch. He paid his rent by the week at the Black Dragon Inn, and he didn't have enough to pay for another without sacrificing a few necessities, such as food. Picking pockets in the market generally did him no favours, as most drow were careful enough to carry one pouch filled with rocks or scrap washers from failed home improvement projects while keeping their coin purse carefully hidden. Breaking into houses, while often lucrative, was very risky. Most were designed with security in mind, and casing them was never easy. Athidus rarely went anywhere without a good map in hand.

"Male," he heard, and opened one eye to look upon a tall, overly-slender drow with the flowing dress of a noble. Athidus rose to his feet, then bowed low before her, showing all the respect proper of his position as a mercenary.

"Mistress," he replied amicably.

"Has a young lady passed here within the last five minutes?"

"Ah yes, I believe I know who you seek. I directed her to the market a little ways beyond the tall mushroom you see there," he said with a gesture of his hand. The tall female noble departed without a word, and Athidus resumed his place beside the pool, adjusting the position of the bow strapped to his back so as not to sit on it. Kunai nudged his elbow persistantly until he began petting it again, and he grinned.

Today, it seemed, would be a day like any other. All in all, he considered, It could be worse.

[Starlitdragon]

Athaeyen bathed dejectedly in the wonderous light. Her latest assignment would prove tedious, and help was needed. Through half-mast eyes, she watched the continuous pulse of the crowd. Drow after drow meandered through the marvelous park. Fondling an affectionate tikitiki, she let out a sigh.

"What the hell were they thinking?" she murmured aloud, to the air in particular. "No one wants to join an insane sortie to save the driders. Oh, but dear, the cyute dwiders needa saving!" The last line was spoken with obvious contempt. No matter, at least they were sane enough to hand over some ada. And the rumours are beginning to spread.. The treasure the Driders are sitting on. Fah! It was probably started by some noble. But still.. And now, to the task at hand.

Today's occupants of Ssussunul gave off the aura of absolute boredom. You need only to look at their posture to get the general atmosphere. But here and there, the markings of one skilled in the art of battle leaked through the inconspicuous shells they wove around themselves. Mostly males and several important looking females speckled the mushroom splayed scene. Athaeyen rose, making her way to the nearest male. It would be a hit and miss recruiting method. She really did not have the time to be picky on the subject of companions.

"Good day." she smiled, nodding to a sitting male. "My name is Athaeyen.. I am recruiting members for a little expedition in the Beldrobbaen area. There is quite a sizeable ada sum for those willing to help. Interested?" Athaeyen made note of another male nearby. Something of his perceived attitude attracted her. She projected her voice a little, in hopes of catching his attention with the last line.

((OOC: I'm talking to Shiv'arl right now: Xian, you'll be the next one targeted with the mad ad campaign.)

[Kite]

"Tch. I don't know what you expect to find in such a scrawny individual," grumbled a male Beldrobbaen escort, tapping the staff of his halbred on the ground. "These folk you've tried to convince-- no better than commoners. You should be ordering them to do you bidding."

The guard, well armed and suited for his duty, stood a few paces away from Athaeyen. He didn't seem all to concerned on whether or not Shiv'arl heard his comment; his disposition seemed something that could be described as more-noble-than-thou.

(For the time being, if you wish to join this roleplay please find an excuse to wander here, or send a PM to Starlitdragon if you plan to join late. There is more to do in the morning, so I'll need sleep. :))

[Gelorn]

Tor'felin went up the stairs to the pillar of light. He enjoyed comming here off duty alot but this wasnt the case today. Today he was on patrol.

At the top of the stairs Tor'felin looked around for any trouble. His clan were getting reports of increasing feuds here and the Vel'Sharen decided that it should be looked itno more closely thus decided to send more regular partols around to this area.

((If you want me for some other reason in your story I wouldnt mind being a player.))

[Onizuka]

Shiv'arl turned to see the person who addressed him. "What kind of expedition are we talking about here? I don't do just any kind of work you know, and it takes more than mere ada to motivate me." Turning to look at the other drow behind Athaeyen, "And you, keep your high and mighty opinions to yourself; I really don't feel like taking the time to teach you proper manners."

[Maximillian Caine]

The Maze had been particularly difficult today. The protean nature of the market meant it sloughed off its current shape every few days, and today happened to be one of them. Ma had a hair-raising moment when a roof he had labelled at "stable" had unexpectedly grown another story in height overnight!

With the Maze behind him, and Ssussunul in front, Ma settled into a steady jog. His nose flared as he breathed in the cauldron of scents that mingled at the heart of the city. Here, the scented robes of a Yathrine. There, an oily whiff of a guardsman's well-kept armour and weapons. Ma's current duty was to deliver a message and wait for a response. But where was his intended, here in Ssussunul?

[Starlitdragon]

Athaeyen rolled her eyes in exasperation at her guard. "I ordered you to remain a suitable distance behind, so that I can breathe without a male on my back.â€

[Xian]

As Kunai chittered appreciatively, Athidus tapped the tittiki gently on the head to silence it as he pretended not to listen in on the conversation between Athaeyen and Shiv'arl. He had already heard several references to ada, and, being the adaptable person he was, attempted to look as professional and disinclined as possible in order to attract attention.

Athidus closed his eyes and continued to gently scratch the cooing tittiki's head. Beldrobbaen, he thought, a frown touching upon the corners of his lips. It's too bad that the only people who pay well are the clans...

[Onizuka]

"You don't have my name becasue I never gave it. Nor do I give it lightly. How do I know I can trust you? I have many enemies, what is to say you aren't working for them? You aren't affiliated with the Ilhar'dro clan are you?'

((I am not trying to be difficult,my character is just naturally distrustful. You may have to put a little, not much, effort in trying to convince him. Oh, and that lie will come back to haunt you. See I am an empath))

[Gelorn]

Everything checking out Tor turns to leave the way he came to continue his patrol.

[Starlitdragon]

((OOC: Hehe Onizuka, I was talking to Kite in my first paragraph- being that her guard character inturrupted Athaeyen in the middle of her mad ad campaign. Sorry about any confusiom XD))

"Hmm.. Does it look as if I am? I doubt the Val'Illhardro would stoop to employing males randomly selected on the field. You can't trust me, but you can trust ada. As for your name, male, you can choose to divulge it when you wish. It would certainly save me the trouble of referring to you with such a generic term." Frowning, Athaeyen looked discreetly to the side. The second male of interest managed to maintain his aura of projected boredom. Professional to say the least. Perhaps the clink of a few coins would be more musical to that one's ears.

"For the time being, I can pay you a third up front now, and the rest afterwards. There is also a chance of employment afterwards if you are interested.. We could use males who can prove themselves useful." Athaeyen paused, surveying the trim warrior. He had an athletic edge to his person, which would prove quite useful.

"By the way.. What is your sorcery?"

[Onizuka]

Shiv'arl cocks his head to one side slightly, as if making a decision. After some time he straightens up and says, "I suppose I coulc trust you, for now. As for my name, it is Shiv'arl, but most call me Shiv. Keep you third for now, I have no need of it if driders kill me, eh? As for my sorcery, take a wild guess. However I would like to know a little more from your own mouth about this mission of yours."

((I am done for the week, leaving for home soon won't be back till monday. If you post before I leave, I will respond))

[Starlitdragon]

Athaeyen frowned. The male really was quite uppitiy for one of his status.
"You will be informed the necessary details once I've gathered a few other members for our little party. I don't feel like repeating the entire process, simple as it is, half a dozen times." As for your sorcery, I don't really care, but it better be useful. If you don't reveal it soon, no ada for you. I don't have time for those of little use.

Athaeyen nodded her head. "If you will excuse me Shiv'arl, I will be gathering a few more members before we head off to chase driders. Meet me by the crossroads that mark the entrance to the path which leads to the Beldrobbaen fortress. It is over yonder." Athaeyen pointed in the direction she referred to. "Or tag along if you will. But no comments please, I would rather this process go along unhindered." Athaeyen threw a meaningful look at the guard shadowing her footsteps.

She approached the male, who appeared completely oblivious to the deal that had taken place. The tikitiki she had abandoned earlier frolicked at his feet, and another received affectionate treatment from his hand.

"Greetings.. Now how much have you heard male?"