Wednesday, October 13, 2004

*scratch*
Ignore the last post! XD Another failed idea.

Trying to think more originally, but school's clouding my brain...X.x
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Hm?
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"That'll be 23 xae, please."

A grumble as the man took out his wallet.

"So much for one night? and an inconvenient amount as well."

He sneered, and I stared back. It probably wasn't too intimidating: the maids had gotten a hold of me this morning and insisted on playing around with my hair. Now tufts of my scalp had been mercilessly bound into two girlish pigtails that should've belonged on, indeed, a girl.

"Yes, well, we're one of the cheaper places around here, sir. You even recieved a discount."

A disbelieving snort.

Coins clattered all over the floor, missing the desk completely. I gritted my teeth, holding my tongue for the sake of the inn. "Satisfactory service" a poster happily proclaimed.

"Keep the change, I'm not going to count out the sum."

The front door slamming shut was my que to move, and I jumped over the table. I swept the coins all into a pile since I needed to count them quickly. It was easy to be cheated out of your money in a trading town as large as this one, and I wasn't about to let our customer get away with it.

"...16...18...19." as I grouped the xae from the tahk, a bright glint caught my eye. I snapped one of the pieces up, eyeing it carefully. The bronze color flaked, showing yellow underneath, and the coin bent like a flapjack. A fake.

Growling under my breath, I scooped the money into my pocket, slapping down a sign reading "Out for 5." I ran to the rickety stairwell, grabbing my coat on the way. I prodded a maid on my way, jumping up the iron steps.

"I'll be back later, cover the lobby."

"Wait, Nakirh!"

I ignored her, and without further ado, I whisked myself up into the loft and out the back.

--

BrnZe CaeuhAl.

The Bronze Cathedral.

This is the mass trading capital of the west, the city that I grew up in, my family having had served thousands of traders and tourists with their services from the beginning. We're one of the few that still retain some knowledge of the old language other than the name.

The market streets are always busy, whether you're a pickpocket or a merchant. When the vendors turn in their passes, the cafes and late night hangouts open, hoping to lure you inside.

It attracts all sorts of people, and sometimes animalistic creatures, all hoping to sell off their wares or rip off a few gulible passer-bys, so you've got the upper edge if you know your way around.

But being one of the most densely populated places on the map has even worse downfalls. The military has recently been running rounds through the streets, effectively ridding us of some prospective consumers. It's something I've heard they've been doing with all the cities under the government's protection. They claim it's for security, and neighboring countries might want to take the towns for their own.

I don't think so. We have pretty good alliances and the government usually isn't dumb enough to install a unit for searches. It's a pretty blatant way of saying "Whoo, look at us suspicious people!" Even the toddlers know something else is up. Gasp, maybe it's some secret plan for complete dictatorship!

That aside, they can be useful in situations such as the one I was in: catching idiots with counterfeit money.

Speaking of which...

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"OI~!" That fat man streaked away as soon as he knew his poor cheat was blown. I ran after him, knowing I could cut him off when the third section of soldiers crossed through the main path. Others stood aside, protecting their precious items. Another bad thing: if you got ripped off, you were on your own. Traders didn't get involved with another's business. It was a sign of respect, so to say.

Just as I was about to catch him, he managed to squeeze himself into an alley way just as the soldiers I'd been planning to use against him marched by.

"...rgh." I sighed, waiting for the stiff line to pass. The empty gap was swarming with people once again, spreading out across the roads.

I dashed across to the entrance as soon as the last barionette left range of stabbing me, and intent on getting that man, something knocked me backwards into a water barrel. I sat down, hard.

A cork popped loose, spraying me with a jet of water. I gagged.

"What the hell was that for?!" I whipped around to face my attacker, ready to curse them for cutting me off.

My words fell short, never making it out of my mouth.

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