Swift Fox had remained silent during this exchange, watching the girl with a faint trace of an amused smirk lingering around her face.

With the way things were in Toran just now, perhaps it would be better to be mistaken for a thief than a Kai anyway, so she didn't bother correcting the girl, letting her think what she would.
"Who is Hax?" she asked curiously.
She had her suspicions, but didn't let them show...


OOC: Forgot to mention, but Swift would have dropped her Invisibility "disguise" when she rejoined the rest of the group earlier.  The Kai Cloak is still stashed in her backpack though.

Halen turned to Swift Fox, looking at her with confusion for a moment, before smiling.

"Hax is my brother! He's a Vakeros knight, the best there is - nothing to do with stupid Kai like that pompous one that was here yesterday."

"Halen, I told you..."

"But it's true! He said that he could beat Hax, but that's not true!"

She turned back toward the group, her attention still focusing mainly on Shark even if she was answering Swift's question, and she continued:

"My brother is incredible! He was even choosen to be Lord Rimoha personal bodyguard, and I saw him training with the others once, and he's so much stronger than any of them!"

The girl nodded with convinction, and the old merchant sighed.

"Forgive her.. she just has a bit of hero worship for her brother."

He then turned to the girl and said, his tone gentle but carrying a scolding note:

"Halen, would Haxadrom be happy that you're bragging about his accomplishments? Or would he rather prefer that you be humble, like he is, and understand that his strenght is but a mean to keep people safe, which he took as his duty?"

The girl nodded sheepishly and said, her tone meek:

"I'm sorry, Dad... I didn't mean to brag, I know he wouldn't want me to. But, he really is that good! I'm only saying the truth, aren't I?"

There was a hint of defiant strenght in her voice, and the old man sighed, before turning back to Swift Fox and bowing politely to her.

"I apologize for my daugter's behaviour; I hope you aren't offended by her rudeness, my lady?"

Swift waved away the comment.
"Of course not" she replied.
She leaned closer to Halen, glancing left and right in an exaggerated way as though looking for anyone listening in before adding in a low voice, "I know the Kai you speak of, and between you and me, he's really not as tough as he lets on."

She grinned wryly at that before looking over the potions on display with a curious eye.
"So is Haxadrom here in Toran with you?" she asked in an offhand way, as if just making idle conversation while examining the wares.  "Sounds like he would be interesting to meet.  He must know some amazing stories..."


OOC: Hoping Sabre still isn't reading this thread ;)  *stifles laugh*
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Sat 21 July 2012.

While Swift Fox's words just made Halen giggle, her father reacted to them with a sudden surprise, and then asked, his tone neutral:

"You know the lord Foxy... I mean, the Kai Lord Sabre Fox, my lady? How come?"

Halen seemed about to offer a comment, but the merchant raised his hand in a gesture clearly meant to order her to wait, ans she nodded and said nothing.

Swift shrugged carelessly, while inwardly thinking that the conversation seemed to have veered away from the direction she had been trying to nudge it in...

"We're friends of his.  Sort of.  We had some business of our own to take care of here in Toran, and so we accompanied him on the way here.  Larger groups of travellers have less to fear from bandits and wild animals on the road after all" she replied, deliberately leaving out the fact that they were also Kai themselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Sat 21 July 2012.

The man smiled at her comment.

"And surely a group of pretty ladies like yourself could only benefit from the protection of a Kai Lord, especially as friendly a one as Lord Sabre Fox. I completely understand."

The man smiled, but then the child spoke again and said, in a annoyed tone:

"He wasn't friendly, he just couldn't stop showoffing. Kai are worthless, that's the truth; none of them is as strong as my brother!"

The merchant sighed once again at his daugter's antics.

"I apologize again at my child's behaviour... she's just angry because we hoped to meet Haxadrom on this journey, but we haven't been able to, so far... I heard that he was directed toward Sommerlund when he left our land, and then I learned of some people who'd seen him on the way mention he was headed toward Toran, but even although I told to all those I could that I was looking for him, it seems he must have already left - I can't imagine that he would know us to be in the city, and not try to at least meet us for a quick greeting."

He let out a pained breath, but then shook his head, and the jovial smile returned.

"Ah, but here I am, an old man boring a young lady like you wo surely has more important things to do! Here, let me show you my wages: this is something that nobody else in Toran, nay, nobody else in the world can sell!"

And then he pointed at a collection of bottles contaning multicolored liquids, and explained:

"See, my family has been working in the field of potion-making for generation, but my son was the first to be made a Vakeros knight; he still had all of his knowledge that I'd imparted into him since an early age, though, and toghether, we managed to produce these masterworks. I even gave one to our common friend lord Foxy... they are not the common kind of magic potions; thanks to my son powers and my own expertise, we managed to distill liquids that would endow whomever drank them with the ability to call upon one of the Old Kingdom spell; the effect is limited to a single use per dose, but even so, my noble lady, who wouldn't want to try and feel like a mage at least once in their life?"

He smiled broadly, and then pointed the group of potions, naming the spells each one contained, if his words were to be believed.

So, you read that right; each of these potions count as a 1-time use of a Battle Magic spell. However, this version is more draining than the true thing; after you drink the potion, you must pay twice the normal WP cost to use the spell.

So, here's the list:

Potion of Energy Burst (grey & yellow): 35 gold crowns

Potion of Invisible Fist (white & yellow): 40 gold crowns

Potion of Energy Grasp (green & yellow): 45 gold crowns

Potion of Thunder Shock (blue & yellow): 50 gold crowns

Potion of Empowerment (green & blue): 50 gold crowns

Potion of Flameshaft (blue & red): 50 gold crowns

Potion of Invisible Shield (grey & white): 55 gold crowns

Potion of Strenght (green & red): 60 gold crowns

Potion of Flaming Blade (grey & red): 65 gold crowns

Potion of Power Word (blue & white): 80 gold crowns

Potion of Penetrate (orange & red): 100 gold crowns

I'm not sure if you can get any of these by pooling all your money... but if you can, they're here. :)

The man also has some more, less special potions; still exotic stuff, but nothing to do with these. Just in case you were thinking of some more shopping. ^_^

Shark couldn't help but smile at the girl's opinion of Sabre Fox, and the kai. Squatting down so she was about eye level with the child, Shark grinned, "just between you an me," she whispered, "the kai is a bunch of arrogant dogs. But they're pretty well respected round these parts, s'brilliant fighters an spys an what'ave ye. So tell me, little lass, 'ow yer brother'd go 'bout putten'em green cloak cockers in their place?"

Shark was more interested in speaking with the child, let the others keep the merchant occupied with his potions and dealings while she work on getting some information from the girl.

Swift glanced over the potions, feeling another moment of regret for her empty money pouch.
"I'm afraid they're all out of my price range at the moment, but perhaps one of my colleagues here..."
She glanced back at the others, noticing Shark talking with the young girl.

She turned her attention back to the merchant.
"Well if we should encounter your son on our travels, we'll let him know you're here.  Do you know if he had any business with a particular person in Toran?  We met with one of the magicians in the Crystal Star Brotherhood earlier, perhaps he was doing some work with them?  Those magical types do tend to stick together after all..."

Halen giggled at Shark's comment, but then answered, her tone of voice as low as Shark so as not to disturb her father's business:

"Well, he doesn't really put them in their place, you know? Since they're fighting on the side of good, too."

She said that like it was almost an insult having the Kai be on their same side, and she added, her tone petulant:

"Not that he couldn't, it's just that you don't pick on your allies even if you're stronger."

The gilr nodded, satisfied that she'd got her point across, then continued:

"He just think that they're not doing things right; he says that the Kai just fight back evil, and that will solve nothing. I'm not sure what he wants them to do, but if he says they're wrong, then they are; Hax is always right."

There was no denying the level of hero worship in Halen's voice.

The merchant nodded to Swift Fox's words.

"Those are my suspicions; that he came here to speak with some member of the Brotherhood of Crystal Star, perhaps to ask for help. I'm not really sure what mission Lord Rimoha assigned him, but to make him move so far away to our homeland, it must be really important."

He paused, considering something, but then shrugged, and continued:

"Well, if you can ask after him and bring me any news, I'll be grateful."

The merchant paused again, and then returned to his jovial tone.

"Ah, but I digress! If there are to pricey for you, my lady, perhaps you might like to look at my more common wages; not as valuable as these, but still not something you'll easily find here in Toran!"

And with that, the man showed another group of potions, these one being far easier to recognize for the group of Kai.

List:

Concentrated Laumspur (+8 END): 25 gold crowns [only one]

Sabito Pills (1 metal box containing 6 pills, special item): 5 gold crowns each

Enhanced Alether (recover +3 END, then +2 CS for one combat): 20 gold crowns

Enhanced Moon Balm (recover daily CS, then +2 CS daily increase): 20 gold crowns

Enhanced Hildun (recover +4 WP and +1 daily CS): 20 gold crowns

Enhanced Laumspur (+6 END, +2 WP recover): 16 gold crowns

Enhanced Waterweed (heal any poison, +2 END): 10 gold crowns

And that's all! ^_^

"Some of them are tempting alright" replied Swift.  "Still, I've kind of fallen on hard times lately" she added with a rather sour grimace that wasn't entirely faked.
"Still, like I said, my friends here might be interested.  And we are here for business after all, if I can turn a coin or two I'll probably come back and stock up.  Might even stretch to one of them spell potions if I can."

She blinked and looked up again.
"Ohh, speaking of business.  That member of the Crystal Star Brotherhood I met...  We've got some dealings going on with him.  It's always the same, those mages spend most of their time wandering around in that tower with their noses stuck in books, so when they need something more physical done they call in folks like us.  Anyways, did you catch a name of the one your son might have come here to meet?  If so, I'll definitely have someone to chase up for his whereabouts, since we have someone to talk to on the inside and all..."


OOC: May as well try fishing for a name :)  hehe
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Sat 21 July 2012.

The man shook his head sadly at Swift Fox's question.

"I didn't even knew my son had left until two days after he'd passed Dessi's border... I have no idea what his mission can possibly be and why he's seeking a Crystal Star magician; he was always careful to not explain us too much about his duties, you understand. Believe me, if I'd had a name, I'd have asked after that person myself."

There was a clear resignation in the man's tone - he was obviously doubtful that he would find his son in Toran.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Sat 21 July 2012.

Swift tried not to look too disappointed at the reply, keeping up her appearance of making idle enquiries.
"Ah, that's too bad" she replied.  "Still, if we find out anything, we'll let you know."

With that she stepped back from the stall to allow the others to examine the potions for themselves if they wanted to buy any...


OOC: Didn't think it would be that easy ;)  hehe.

OOC: Still, good investigating skills, Foxy. :) Things become more intriguing....

Aware that his own purse would no more stretch to purchasing any of the enticing potions on offer than would Swift Fox's, Frost Ferret quietly eyed the vials on display and tried to mentally note the colours and consistencies of them in case it was useful for future reference. At the same time he listened as best he could to the conversations being held, aware that to interject with his own brand of sensibly straightforward query would probably be unwise, his having learnt from experience that strangers didn't usually respond helpfully to his manner, though he had no idea why.

"So how's it at the kai be fighting evil wrong, then?" Shark asked the girl, "whats it yer brother things they should be doing differently?"

Halen seemed annoyed by Shark's question.

"I don't know; Hax just said it, so it's true."

She then looked at the Magnakai strangely, and asked:

"Why do you care so much, anyway?"

Shark laughed, "ye are a smart girl, aren't ye?" Smiling she added, "there be more'an a few things I'd 'ope the Kai order'd do differently. Was wondering on'ow many points yer brother an I'd agree on."

While Shark maintained her smile she wanted to sigh. The girl was filled with blind admiration for her brother, while cute, was not helpful. She'd agree with the man no matter what, and didn't seem to understand, or know, what she was agreeing with. But maybe it wasn't a complete dead end.

"Yer brother sounds like the sort'a feller I'd like ta meet," Shark added, grinning not unlike her namesake, "'aps I can'elp 'em with'is little kai problem, aye?" She chuckled, "or we can'elp eac other. If ye see'em tell'em I'd like ta'elp. E can find me at the Swordfish inn, 'aps we can talk sometime."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Mon 23 July 2012.

Shark's last words seemed to catch Halen's attention, as her eyes shone in excitment and she focused her attention all on her.

"Oh, a secret meeting, like in the stories, where the hero has to speak with the rebels to topple the evil duke who worship Naar? I like that!"

She nodded empathically, and continued, excited:

"When Hax show up, I'll be sure to tell him that you're waiting him."

Then, she continued, smiling sumgly:

"But see, that's just another proof that you're a thief! Only thieves and rebels leaves this kind of secret messages!"

She leaned forward, trying - and failing - to act all secretive, and asked in a loud whisper:

"So, miss thief, what name do I need to tell him to ask for?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Mon 23 July 2012.

Shark smiled, she'd already gone this far with the name, might as well keep going, "Alyana," she replied, "it's been a pleasure, miss Halen," Shark held out her hand to the girl, "thieves always shake on it," she added with a wink.

She had to admit, she sort of liked the little child. Hopefully, if this little trick worked, it wouldn't result in the untimely death of her brother . . . or any of the kai.

Halen clasped the hand with an happy grin.

"Oh, it was a pleasure for me to, miss Alyana! I am sure my brother will be happy to talk with you, too; you're so interesting!"

Shark smiled once more at the girl before standing to her full height and giving a stretch. Turning back to the others, she noted that they didn't seem all that excited to be buying potions, was that fro ma lack of gold or were they just boring brews? Ah well.

Smiling at the merchant, Shark spoke up, "well, 'm sorry fer wastin yer time. Seem's yer wares'r a bit too nice fer the likes of our sorry little bunch." She nodded her head at the man, "if I see yer son around, shall I tell'em yer lookin?"

Even as she asked her question, Shark was already readying to leave. She'd gotten what she'd came her for and it was time to take her leave. Glancing between the other members of the group, she would wait to see if they had anything to add before thanking the merchant again and heading out.

---

Once out of ear shot from the merchant, Shark would check that no one was listening before chuckling; "well there's an odd turn'ov events. Seem's everyone's jus out ta fight evil in their own special way. Peculiar still, 'at they all seem ta think medlin wit'a kai is the way ta go about it."

"But seems I'll be stayin in Toren," she added, there was a quality to her voice that suggested while she doubted the others would approve, she wasn't willing to falter in this. "Someone's got ta be there ta question our friend Hax if'e shows up, after all."

Swift walked along with the group in silence for a short time, listening to what Shark had to say.
"Well this 'Hax' does sound like the one we're after.  Even if he thinks he is acting for the greater good, he still seems to be involved in some evil plot, perhaps due to brainwashing or simply being tricked by that rogue brotherhood member.  I can't help thinking that Haxadrom and Valador have that in common, the desire to do things their way regardless of who they have to endanger to do it..."
Her voice trailed off for a moment as she glanced back the way they came.
"If we can though, perhaps it would be best to take Haxadrom alive, rather than send his corpse back to his family."
Her gaze seemed to soften slightly as she stared at Halen's figure in the distance before turning back to look at the street they were travelling down.
"Families can be more trouble than they're worth" she muttered, perhaps an attempt at humour, although there was a distinct note of bitterness to the words...

"Anyway, why do you want to stay in Toran?  Is it simply to meet with your contacts?" she asked, changing the subject.

"In case Hax shows up where I told'is sis I'd meet'em." Shark replied. "Can't be in two places at once, an I dun't think ye want ta miss'em if e's in Toren while yer all not."

"Maybe...  Although perhaps we should stay behind too if you think he will show up there.  After all, if he is still in league with our enemy in the Brotherhood, he might come looking to kill whoever he finds, and from what I've heard of the Vakeros, and this one in particular, it might take all of us to subdue him."
Swift didn't look too certain of the plan, and part of her still obviously wanted to check out the place in the forest too...

"Ye lot should still visit the woods," Shark replied, "I've no mind ta face this 'Hax' in single combat." Chuckling, Shark added, "I ain't that daft."

With a sly grin, she went on, "Naw, I've got a mind fer somethin else if'e does show'em self." an if I'm lucky, e'really is allied with Valador.

"Dun't ye fret 'bout me. Sides, this way means ye dun't 'ave ta keep waitin around fer me,aye? Ye lot could be off anytime, I know me way around town well enough, and am bright enough ta keep outa trouble. Well, aside from the trouble I'm after."