The Grasping Talons (Javed & Nocme)

It was actually no easy task to sneak into the caravan, much less in the lead caravan where all the valuables are stored. Nocme smiled at her good fortune and have to lightly hold Dace’s beak shut so he wouldn’t accidently laugh out loud to give away their cosy hiding spot between barrels of hard cider. It took a distraction of a few false gold on the floor to get most of people distract enough to sneak into the storage caravan. To her surprise - as she listened in the conversation – it was one of the more important caravans and has most of the food and liquor for trade. Perfect since they needed to snack on the food and having expensive food for once is a nice change.

However she knew her good fortune wouldn’t last long. Suddenly she could feel the caravan slowing down, the sound of hooves suddenly ceasing. Even Dace knew something changed and stood stock still listening in. Quietly Nocme gather the few food they nicked into her rucksack and clear the floor of any crumbs or juice, it could just be a random check of stock and all they have to do is to climb and hide above. That hope was quickly dashed at the voice of the caravan owner just past the wooden wall.

“Hello there are you a traveller?” The man noted the shiny jewellery adorned the strange man on the dirt road. He saw him from far back the road and have slow his train of caravans just so he could have a safe stop in front of the man. He doesn’t look like a bad fellow and by the looks of his feet that he could use some rest at least from the midday sun.

Both of them held their breath with eyes wide, even Dace trail of red vapour glow brighter at the tone. They had a feeling the guy was a good man so they could lie their way out if they been found out, but they didn’t expect him to be THAT GOOD to talk to a stranger on the road. So once again they stay silent to listen in what could they be talking about. Hopefully they didn’t pick up a stranger that would cause destruction. They really need to get to the next town and walking in plain open with no tree covering is a big no.

It seemed that luck was with Javed once again. Here was a large line of wagons, everyone working or walking alongside it seemed happy and well fed.  From the way the headman who approached him was dressed this was a rich man with a better heart than most. That much wealth tended to trickle down to the employees when the one holding the wages was ind instead of stingy. The mage straightened from where he'd been crouched against a small outcropping of rocks, tipping his head in greeting as the other man approached him.

"A traveler, among other things." Javed extended a bare hand in greeting. "I'm also a sure hand in healing and know a few tricks to keep people entertained on long trips between villages." He smiled just a touch wider as the man digested his claims. Not stupid then, just good at his job and good at spotting people that might stick around and pull their weight. Javed had to hope that he didn't seem too conveniently placed. He preferred to take people's coin honestly, not rob them in their sleep.

"We might have some work for you, if you'd be looking for a lift and protection on the road. The last bandits in the area were run out by a hired mercenary but all it takes is a vacuum in power for more to take their place." The older man rubbed his chin as he spoke and Javed flashed a winning smile, tipping back his helm to show the sunburst on his forehead.

"I think I can help there too, if trouble should show up. Bandits and I often end up clashing but I'm the one that walks away in the end. What do you say, food and lodge while I travel with you, and I'll heal your wounded and keep you entertained with fortunes and stories?" The mage tapped his staff on the ground to put emphasis on it as both a weapon and a tool.

This seemed to seal the deal, both men clasping hands in agreement as the headman showed him through the wagons as they began to move again. A brief run down of what ailments they had sustained and Javed was left to wander as he willed. Which meant to find the best wagon he could to rest not only his tired feet but also to see if he could sneak a small bite of food that wouldn't be missed.

Nocme’s heart sank to her stomach hearing the conversation. She could only hastily cover herself up, hiding her ears and face as much as possible with her scarves again. The next problem is to hide away somehow. Dace will be fine, he can hide in any small corner just fine and no one really question why a Xavar is in the caravan, they know they are fickle creature that is impossible to tame. Unfortunately for her, with the caravan trail stopped a lot of other people begin to wander around between carts and it is still broad daylight, there is no way for her to run out undetected.

Inside the caravan is just barrels and crates, all mostly sealed or have small crack from where she sneak a few bite when they are hungry. This leaves only the ceiling to be a decent hiding spot. It works well when everything stopped and she has some time to cover herself properly, but it still is not a good place to hide with the sway of the cart during travel, too many chances for her to fall off. However beggars can’t be choosers and there is no time to think of other option.

Meanwhile outside the headman was happily talking about what sort of cargo they have. Mostly of food and essentials for any town, the main one has more exotic and expensive food, as well as the freest space. Which is why after a brief tour he lead the man right back to the one he was driving, it is the most empty and a good place to keep an eye on the stranger if he was aiming to steal from them.

“Well you must be tired from travelling in the sun, you can rest in this caravan until afternoon when we change shift,” he said with a smile opening the door. Nocme tensed from her hiding spot above. It was rather dark in the caravan with only a small window with curtains drawn. Also the man has never once bothered to look up to see who might be hiding above, balancing precariously on a beam.

“Knock if you need anything, but we should be on our way now. Can’t be late.” He give a hearty laugh before returning to the original position. Back on the road and the train of caravan moves again, leaving poor Nocme having to grip on to the beam for dear life. If she fall off - or even been spotted by the man - it would hurt in more way than way.

Javed climbed  into the back of the already swaying wagon, blinking his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Inside it was unfortunately stuffy, the air flow having the back or front access points open pointless when there wasn't supposed to be anyone in there. Just barrels of dried fruits and what Javed was certain were kegs of some kind of alcohol. The temptation to break one of  those open and take a taste was overwhelming, but the blond mage resisted for now, dropping his travel bag onto the floor and joining it a moment later, knees bent and head leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.

He stayed like this for a long time, getting used to the way the wagon moved, listening to the flow of people around it as their muffled words trickled in through the wood and canvas. It wasn't until he realized he was smelling more than just barrels and his own dust covered body that he tensed and lowered his head, opening his eyes to take in the surroundings.

But there was nothing, no change from when he had sat down. "I must be getting paranoid in my twilight years." Javed muttered, tugging the bone armour off of his head and resting it on the top of his pack. Running a hand through his hair the mage thought to himself, toeing at a barrel that looked like it might have a crack big enough for whatever was being stored inside to fall out with enough added incentive.

"No use letting it spoil along the way." He mused out loud, kicking out a little harder than necessary.

The door was closed and the man went to sleep on the floor. Nocme could only curse internally as the caravan begin moving. She can’t drop down right now, not when he was not so deep into his nap. Actually she can’t tell if he was sleeping or not, at least not from her position where she held on to two piece of wood and tuck her leg close to herself so she could tuck herself in the dark as much as possible.

Dace you lucky asshole... She cursed to herself as she sway lightly to keep herself balance on top. Watching carefully at the man and where Dace has hid. Now that she think about it, she didn’t really check where her friend has hid himself. Both of them were in such a rush to get into hiding position they forgot to check each other’s.

At least they have the same idea to scan the room. Nocme spotted him poking his head out of a barrel, they were eating from it before and the opening was just wide enough for him to squeeze in. Dace also clicked his beak just once to show he also knows where she hid. However that small motion seems to be just enough for the man to be stirred from his position, Dace quickly withdrew and hid back in the barrel, while Nocme held her breath.

Her senses sharpen dramatically, able to note his minute movement even if she closed her eyes. She could smell the dust of travel and the sweetness of cider and dried fruits. She could also smell the soft scent coming from herself, the trees, the dirt and the little faint scent pouch given to her as a present long ago. Just those simple thing calm her enough to be completely still above in the rafters.

That feeling didn’t last long as she heard a hard boot to the barrel and followed by an indignant shriek. Nocme couldn’t help but suck in a breath. He... He just kicked the barrel... Most likely thinking of nicking a few bite of fruit, but her friend was in there. Who accidentally sounded out in surprise at the kick. She keep praying that it would be alright, that he would think the bird shriek noise is from the outside or something. Considering the caravans are still moving at full speed, most others probably thought that way.

Quietly she moved across the wooden beam, trying to position herself so that if worse come to worse. She could get Dace and run out with only some blood on her hands. Dace could only keep silent and moved a bit further back from the whole he crawled into, hoping the man wouldn’t be curious enough to put his whole hand in.

Nocme’s heart was up in her throat, trying very hard to control her breathing. No doubt Dace is feeling the same. He managed to stay out of the reach of those blades and thankfully the barrels are sealed shut so the only entrance is the small hole on the side of the barrel. However it doesn’t look like its going to be for long.

The man was far too curious. Not only that he has several types of daggers, all could easily hurt the Xavar if the blade went deep enough. There was very little she could do now except to reveal herself. Of course that might cause a huge ruckus and get others involved. But she will never let anything happen to her companion.

Carefully she shifted above the beam, getting into a better position and compensate for the swaying of the caravan. She slipped the dagger out of the holster and steadies her breathing. She only have one shot at this and if she miss, there will be more problems.

She watched carefully, looking at him glancing eye. Their eyes lock for a moment, and it was the cue she was waiting for. With wind behind her back, she kicked off and land on top of him. Using her weight to try and push him down on the floor and place the dagger at his throat. Dace took this chance to fly out of the barrel and land on Nocme’s shoulder.

“You will not get any coins from us,” she hissed quietly. Most of her features are blocked by the hood and the mask. But she realise belatedly that he is still a little larger than her. If he chose to he could easily flip her. When that time comes all she can hope is Dace is fast enough to take his eye out. Maybe.

Both of them narrowed their eyes. They have seen that blade he hold and heard the conversation, he is fully capable of killing them if not for the fact that their blade is there first. Dace did hop off her shoulder to jump next to his head, red glowing eyes looking into his deeply. A few moments later he cawed, telling her she could back off now. Something that make her cock her head to side in confusion. However it doesn’t seem like she has a choice on this matter.

Dace urgently pecked her shoulder and she knew the signal. She stepped off the man and back off, not because he asked them to. It’s because the caravan stopped. The impact in which she pushed him down must have been loud enough to alert them. And his steps can be coming up.

Nocme tries to scramble up the beams in time to try and avoid being spotted, but it was useless. The man looked up and saw her huddled against the side of the roof. She couldn’t hide the fear in her eye.

“Now I do recall only letting the lad stay in here... So who might you be?” the master asked. His voice patient and seeking explanation. Dace nudges Nocme trying to get her to answer, but she merely shook her head and hold on to the rafter’s tight. The man could only sigh and turned to the other man on the floor.

“We’re a little behind schedule because of all the stopping, so here is the first work for you,” he points to her and the bird. “Make sure they don’t cause any trouble or call for any trouble. All good?”

(if you want anything changed you know where to find me ; w;)/)

During the whole exchange, Nocme stayed completely still on the rafters. Even though Dace already left her and flew a little closer to listen to the conversation. He actually cawed out in thankfulness that the man didn’t decide to toss them out. Even snorting at the comment the man made about the master.

It is true though, she didn’t really expect him to just go with the flow and let them stay. That’s also probably how he got such a large group together as well, you don’t get such a loyalty from your workers with simply hiring people. Now she feels kind of bad for eating stuff out of the barrels. Even though they really didn’t take much out, and they were planning to leave some other goods in the caravan before they left. At least Nocme was planning to, Dace is happy to just leave and let them deal with it.

She still miffed that now she has a warden over her. The man seemed rather polite and kind for now, but Nocme kept her distance still and not moved from her spot with his words. His smile did not fill her with any confidence. Dace on the other hand was happy to caw at him to something akin to “fuk u” before flying down and landing on the barrel. Nocme only follow suit because she doesn’t want to try and balance herself on a thin strip of wood on a moving caravan anymore. However as she dropped down, she immediately retreated to the door. If anything happen she has a way of knocking people off their feet and run. For that she want to be as close to the exit as possible.

Dace has no such worries, he has open room to open his wings now and could fly away quickly enough if the man tries anything. So he has no qualms in resting near and watch with curiosity on the stuff he is bringing out from the silk bundle. Nocme want to yell at Dace but she doesn’t want to speak out again.

(changes done ; w; ) b )

Dace still look at the cards with interest. He has never seen cards like this before. It’s not like the playing cards he saw at Maquina with Nocme. Or the worn ones she has that she uses – regularly – to card shark an unsuspected guys at bars for coins or information. This one looks beautifully ornate as well, with really pretty pictures. And then he saw the card the man pulled out, he didn’t even have time to call out for Nocme’s attention before the man speak again.

She was trying to ignore the boys, but hearing his words made her sit up straight. The sudden glow of his hands did everything to make her more curious. Yet it was the picture that got the most response out of her. Getting up and crossed the space quickly just to see the picture closely. Two wolves, one with hair black as night, it must be Ceberas, but who is the white one.

“How did you know this?” she blurted out the question. Even though she has an idea, her tribe did have several seers and their magic allow them to see far and see hidden things. This man must have been very good to be able to see a bit of her history. Dace even called out and shuffled closer to try and look at the rest of the cards. His red eyes spewing more vapours than ever with his growing interest, he even cawing out several comments.

Though Nocme end up having to be a translator since she is really the only one understanding what the albino xavar says, “Dace asked how accurate can you be?” She was just as curious as her friend on his ability. Plus they are really stuck in the caravan for a good amount of time. If she can’t fall asleep in the corner might as well go along with Dace and be sociable. For once.

Dace flew up briefly, but landed right back down. He can’t be shooed away that easily. Nocme however narrowed her eyes at the man. She met similar types of man before, mostly because she was one of them sometime when things are desperate. Trying to entice people out of money has always been the easiest course of action on the road. Next is stealing, but that’s Dace’s job when he gets bored joining in the performance.

Still that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have another way. Any bargain can be fixed to your own favour if conditions are tweaked a little. Without a word she opened up her back pack and dig around for a bit, taking out a cup made of bamboo. She pull back her hood and scarf away so she can speak properly. Her previous caution was thrown to the wind, which was common whenever their position is found out.

“You know full well that if we have coins we won’t be stowing away in a musty caravan,” she set the cup down between them, while Dace flew back to her and settles in her lap. His eye glowing red and he is somehow grinning. “So how about this. Let’s gamble on it. If you win you get whatever item I bet with.” Dace happily dig into the rucksack on the side and pull out a golden medallion. Even in the dim light it was clear the thing is expensive and real gems inserted on top. They got it from Maquina and was happy to take it over sea for selling in the market. They have collected so much of those jewelleries. “But if I win, you answer my questions. I want to see how accurate can you be.”

With a grin she tip the cup over to reveal two dice and let it bounce on the floor. “How much do you know about Cho-Han Bakuchi?” It is a common game among travellers, mostly because its such a simple game and rules are generally universal. This might be a good game for them to get some free information. They know how to mess with luck into their favour.

He scoffed at the elf, now revealed to him as young and female. "You say you have no coin but I assure you that would count readily enough provided it's real." Javed didn't need to be a goblin to see that it was, however. The greedy part of his mind wanted that medallion and it's jewels. The part of him that was as shifty as the young elf before him recognized it as a very good ploy.

"I will answer three questions for every game you win. I refuse to be a font of information for practically nothing." Copper eyes stared her down, and Javed pushed some of his golden curls over his shoulder. He did know the dice game she was offering, picking up the carved cubes and feeling the weight of them in his hand. Oh they could be trick dice, and perhaps they would win a few hands from Javed as they played.

But Javed had his own tricks, and nothing but good will would stop him from abusing them to his advantage. "I know enough of the game, I would think. This is certainly not my first time gambling." He flashed a smile with too many teeth but returned the dice to their holder before lacing his hands behind his head and leaning away to rest himself against the wall of the wagon.

"Go on then, try your luck against mine."

Nocme and Dace shared a side glance with each other, they know full well if they don’t sell these jewels to the right buyers they might get caught or some other magic problems. So as much as they wanted to use them as real coins, they can’t just hand them off to anyone – particularly a large boss who is way too generous and kind. To the guy who almost cut the poor Xavar with his haphazard stabbing? They don’t give a crap.

She did grin wide hearing him up the bet. Three question per win means they could cheat less and get more. Of course, seeing his grin they both realise he is going to cheat somehow, maybe using his vision or some other magic tricks. This suddenly become less of a luck game, more of a who-can-cheat-better game.

Dace eyes glows briefly as Nocme took the dice back. Just a simple glow no real tricks – this time. They don’t really like cheating straight off the first game. More fun to wait till a little later before rigging the game to their favours. Oh the amount of old man who has their goods taken because of looking down at this elf girl.

With practiced hand she shakes the dice within the cup before putting it down on the floor between them. He might notice the odd way she set it down, but he would have never know the purpose of it. Besides he let her call out the first bet. “Cho,” she picked the even numbers and pulling the cup up the dice reveals a total of 5, making the man win the first round.

She bit the inside of her cheek a little, this is not how she wanted to start. Dace just cawed for her to calm down before flying in and toss the medallion to the man. He swiftly go back into her bag and pulled out a brooch, with giant glistening blue sapphire surrounded by small pearls.

Nocme just gather the dice back into the cup, shakes it and set it down again like last time. “Your call,” she looked at him, carefully studying any changes. If he is going to be a better cheat than her she wanted to learn about it.

As she revealed the cup she pull it up straight and let the two dice settle on the floor between them. Looks like luck hasn’t completely abandoned them at all. They didn’t even have to cheat for it!

“That’s three question right?” she said with a grin, but it vanished quickly with his expression. Suddenly this doesn’t feel as easy as it is. She guess what he meant by three questions every game isn’t just per round like what she believed before, but rather the entire game. Which can actually vary from person to person, some games are as small as best out of three to best out of twenty, depending on how bored they are.

Dace flopped back and squawked in disappointment before making a bit of whistling and beak clacking. To which Nocme replied, “yeah yeah I know, so much for wishful thinking.” She gather the dice back into the cups and considered her option. It would be best for both of them to settle on how many rounds per game. By what she sees now both of them are rather even and picking a low number will make it faster.

“Best of three this game,” she said it finally, it’s still early in the games and her luck isn’t that bad, she could easily rig the rest. Dace wasn’t pleased and was vocal in his displeasure. Flapping his wings and even flew to her so he could have better access to pecking her ears. She know why, they worked hard stealing these from various house at Maquina. Have such low rounds could make them lose it all.

“I know I know! It’s only for this round, the rest are best of five.” She is not crazy enough to drag it out for long. Even through the cracks of the door she could tell the sun is actually setting and they kind of have to finish this before the master come in and being questioned on why she sneaked on rather than just ask.

Dace however asked another tweeting question, while glaring at the man with his red eyes. “Well of course he is salty that he got jumped by a little girl,” she said as matter of fact while shaking the dice in the cup and place it between them. It’s her turn to pick a side, and for randomness and luck she chose – “Han.” Since so far the dice keep giving them all the odd numbers. Although one small click of the beak stop her from revealing the cup, just a simple curious question from the xavar.

“He could’ve stabbed you,” even though it was in a monotone voice. Dace could distinctly feel the air getting stale and dry. He merely sighed and flew back down and lay watch over the betting jewel and her sack.

As the man got annoyed and stared at the albino bird, Dace blew him a raspberry, he will talk for however long as he wanted. No one is ever the boss of him. Nocme couldn’t help but smirk at that, she just can’t help having long chat with her friend. She practically has no one else to talk to anyway during travel. Being a thief meant sometime she has to avoid people to make sure she wasn’t being found out. And sometime when looking for someone she has to use less than desirable method to gather the information. All of which made her a bit lonely.

She revealed her cup and the dice falls and revealed to be nine. Dace let out a small breath, the red vapour flowing out of his eyes ebbed for a little while. As much as he wanted to follow Nocme’s plan to not cheat until later, he was more than willing to spite the old man right now for no reason other than his own satisfaction.

“Well that look like I won an answer... So where is she?” If he could answer that she would be done with the search. Getting her out won’t be that hard at all. If anything she expected Ceberas was rearing to go and just need that little helping hand to get completely out of trouble. Whatever that trouble might be.

It also meant she can take the game less seriously. Cheating is great, but its tiring.


((Dace special ability is luck manipulation ;P but he gets tired and can't do it always))

Gathering the cards back up in his hands Javed too a moment to begin to shuffle them once more. The soft rustling of the thick paper against his skin the only sound from his side of the wagon. This little stowaway was very presumptions, and while sometimes Javed could be persuaded to answer questions and read fortunes by a sob story alone...

Well. Rudeness would get you nowhere when directed at him. But he had been the one to agree to the rules. He at least, could be counted on to adhere to them. For now.

With careful fingers Javed continued to shuffle the deck until he felt a prickling sensation under his fingertips. The rough lines of scar tissue almost itching. Only then did he stop and draw the top-most card and place it face down towards the elf. "Is that your first question?" He shook a lank of golden hair over his shoulder and raised one brow at her, placing the deck safely to the side once more. The swaying of the wagon could easily upend everything in here not lashed down and Javed refused to lose a single one of these cards. Best to keep them close at hand.

With a showman's sweep of his arm Javed flicked his fingers in her direction. "Two more then, child." If his fingers now rested on the presented card, who could blame him? The swaying could so easily make the card move. That he was keeping it from being picked up was unlikely. If Javed was a man to be trusted, that is.

Quietly she watched the man shuffle the card with interest, her hand just idly taking the dice back and shaken in the cup. Magic is always something fun to watch, regardless of the type or the purpose. Besides there is no pressure on the next few rolls, it can be for fun and she doesn’t mind losing some of the jewels. More room for food.

Her brow furrowed when he asked the question. He has an expression on that doesn’t sit well in her gut. “Yeah, I want to know where she is,” she made no effort to hide the worry in her tone. It was already bad enough that she has to concede to the fact she might actually be caught by a slaver, she wasn’t sure how much worse it could be.

When he put forward his new condition Dace immediately wanted to peck him in protest but Nocme stopped him. Gently pushing the bird back down, even if it mean she got the scratches instead. He keep crowing in protest but his friend just shook her head and look back at the man. Searching his expression. Is he trying to cheat more to win? Or was something he scried require more power? She can’t tell, and frankly its just one question. She could still win provided he lose the next two round.

“It better be worth it,” she said quietly. Her other hand is still on the cup and she place it between them. She doesn’t need any special ability to know one dice is resting on edge and the wall of the cup. It helps with manipulating the chances, so she has taught herself how to shake it and land the cup so at least one dice will land on the edge.

“Your call,” she said while still staring at the face down card. She made no move to touch it or trying to steal it. Even keeping her other hand near Dace as a warning to the bird that this is not the time for his antics.