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Wandering Lion The Great Forks Bazaar is wildly regarded as one of the most grand of Creation. And it is one place that someone who is, despite everything else, still a merchant at heart can call home as he wanders around the various stalls of the Bazaar.

Said man, the one coming to be known as the Wandering Lion stands tall and proud. He looks to be making his way along easily as he wanders, stopping occasionally to check out various stalls and actually talk with the owners as if he was an old friend. Occasionally he buys something small here and there to help out it seems.

But the most intriguing part, is that supposedly? A lot of those stall owners look to be very, very surprised to see him! At the moment he has found himself at a stall that is selling different brands of alcohol from the looks. And checking his money pouch as if to figure out how much he can afford.

Nocturne Phoenix It looks as if nothing will attract everyone, no matter the color of their coin or the state of the world around them, as a good, gut-warming bottle of booze. Something on which most of Creation agrees. There's a couple other people at the booth, one of whom is a young, svelte redhead poring over the labels of wine bottles carefully. Anyone in the know would soon realize she's not a connoisseur, but she's at least trying to debate the merits nonetheless.

She's by no means oblivious, though. In fact, she glances in Lion's direction the moment he draws near, before he even spoke, but anyone studying her would realize she's giving that same level of scrutiny to everyone, so she doesn't dwell on just him. Still, he gets a little more of a sidelong eye from her than he might really be comfortable with. Visible weapon or not, he is clearly a warrior, and that's the kind of wary look plenty of people must level his way from time to time.

The young woman tilts her head in concentration, her eyes focusing on the label of the nice young white wine bottle she's holding...but she doesn't switch bottles for several minutes, her attention clearly on something else. She's not tense, though. Muscles loose and relaxed, her expression intent but not fixated, she doesn't appear to be afraid.

Or at least she's hiding it reasonably well.

Wandering Lion Wandering Lion seems to be considering before picking up one that looks to be from Great Forks. "Ahh... this one looks like it has aged well." He says as he picks it up. The stall owner obviously agrees with him, giving a smaller price. 'For a friend' of course.

Wandering Lion considers, then pulls out the right amount of coin and then some to give to the stall keeper. "So how has business been? I am a bit out of touch with what happened."

The conversation seems to be mostly going into a few things here and there. Possible guard jobs, some about if there was a slaver attack problem, and a few odd ones such as 'how is the wife and kids' among other things.

Even if he was aware of the look, the moniker of Wandering Lion seems to be what he prefers rather than his old name. The stall owner even calls him Lion and mentions some trouble from a gang or two trying to gain protection money. Lion of course scowls at that, but mentions that he might see what he can do about it.

Nocturne Phoenix Well! Isn't that an interesting collection of things to discuss at an alcohol stall? The redhead seems to think so, at least. She does break down and buy the bottle of wine (at full price, no friend discount for her, alas), but while she does move away from the front of the stall to make room for other customers, she finds a nice light pole to lean against and relax, minding her own business, bothering no one, and--oh yes--having no difficulty listening in on at least most of the conversation the two of them are having. She's pretty brazen about it, too; not sneaking around or hiding in the crowd, just taking advantage of the warrior's attention simply being paid to the stallkeeper at the moment. The only exception is the point where slavers are mentioned. Her expression darkens like a thundercloud, but when it doesn't seem like anything will come of it, she relents.

She makes no effort to interrupt the conversation, but if he leaves the stall, she stands up with grace and drifts through the crowd, slipping between shoppers like she was dancing between raindrops, to try to trail the man to...well, not necessarily a secluded spot, but at least one that isn't in front of a mass of people like that stall was.

Wandering Lion Sighing as he seems to find little information on what he is after, Wandering Lion thanks the man and begins to wander off.

The trailing is probably pretty easy. The man's tall, has a unique-ish outfit to him, and he seems to stand out quite a bit. He doesn't move for the crowd. The crowd seems to move for him more often than not.

Considering, he finally moves off to one side and into an alleyway. The crowds are thinner there, and he seems to have no trouble in finding his way to a good, secluded spot where he leans against the wall and opens the bottle of wine that he bought. Sniffing at it, he sighs before taking a long, deep drink of the bottle before sinking down to a seat on an abandoned, old crate.

"Mmm... that is some good wine..." He says out loud, obviously talking to himself from what can be told and seen.

Nocturne Phoenix "Well," a soft, feminine voice murmurs from around a corner, perhaps ten feet away, "Perhaps I'll be lucky enough to have picked a good one too."

The redhead from before slips into view, her feet silent and her smile conspiratorial. She eyes the rest of the boxes a bit disdainfully, but returns her gaze to Lion soon enough. "Apologies for the intrusion. But you know people and you ask the right questions, and at best I can only manage half of that in this town. I'm not so foolish as to think you didn't know I was following you, but I hope you don't mind a bit of civil conversation nonetheless."

She raises her bottle of wine to Lion in a salute of sorts, and thumbs off the cork, taking a quick swig, quickly followed by a sour expression. "Gods. Too warm. Knew I should have gotten a red."

Wandering Lion The man glances over towards her with one eye perhaps. "This is Nexus. If someone is not at least following someone else, then they are having a good day, lady." Lion's musing is more philosophical than anything else.

"I do not exactly ask questions, but rather see how my fellow merchants' days are going. The only question I ask is if any news of slavers has been heard. I would rather a person be free rather than bound to the will of others."

Taking another drink of the bottle, he sighs. "Why come to me when there are others about who you could ask as well? I know there is at least a few taverns down for those that deal with this sort of information, and another on the other side of town perhaps. Or did that one close down?"

Nocturne Phoenix The redhead's laugh is quiet, but sincere. "I'm sure people who aren't being followed in Nexus are the ones who are looking behind them so much they die from the front. But while I don't mind asking questions--obviously--" she adds, gesturing around her to indicate the general situation, "I much prefer to get information rather than give it. I'm new to town, and the people you speak of always seem to want just a little too much back from me for anything of real worth. I've spoken to several, though I'm sure there's plenty more I don't yet know about. I don't have the time to build the sorts of connections I'd need, so I listen in on the conversations of those that have."

She chuckles wryly, taking another swig. "Though, it really is less me and more the Gods that I heard you. I was there because I was thirsty, believe it or not. On such coincidences is history made, or so they say."

She eyes the boxes again, dusts one off and carefully sits, legs crossed. "So. Let's talk about how we can help each other. Tell me, how much do you know about how slaves are moved through the city? If you have a thing against them, we have more in common than you realize."

Wandering Lion An eyebrow is raised as he turns his head to look at the lady. "You have my attention." His gaze is rather steady. That gaze, however, is perhaps one more fueled by perhaps something more than just a man asking about slavers. More than just a steady conversation with a drink in hand.

Whether she liked it or not, she definitely has his full, undivided attention. Attention that perhaps is not good or bad either way. He definitely seems to be considering his next words. "The way slaves are moved throughout the city is something I have just begun to investigate. I came here intending to move on to Great Forks instead of staying here. But I heard a few friends of mine nearly were enslaved at one point a few months ago."

Nocturne Phoenix Now, there's a real spark of interest crossing the young lady's features, and she reflexively glances around, trying to see if there's anyone else eavesdropping in on their conversation. She leans forward a little, and though it doesn't really make things any quieter, the symbolism is still there. "Well, I'm glad to hear your friends made it out. I trust they're still alive? I...have more than one purpose in being here in Nexus, but rest assured, if you want a hand sending slavers to the underworld, I would -gleefully- provide it. Moreover, are you a warrior? You look capable enough. How far do you intend to go to protect your friends?"

The young woman--she has yet to even give a name!--takes another swig, but it doesn't begin to cover the exceptional scrutiny she's giving the shadows around here while Lion chews on her words.

Wandering Lion Wandering Lion's frown at her is obvious. He raises an eyebrow at her. "The muscles are not for show, woman." He says in reply to that statement. Said muscles definitely /look/ solid, too. Even in the darkness of the alley. That gaze turns into a bit of a fiercer glare. "I assure you, I am able to hold my own, and then some in a fight."

A small smile is given. "How far am I willing to go to protect my fellow merchants?" He laughs. "I am sure you can answer that question yourself. I am unarmed, and willing to see slavers burned and their captives freed. To let them live their lives in freedom rather than oppression if they did not deserve it."

Nocturne Phoenix The young woman returns Lion's glower with a tiny little smile. "Good. I'd hate to go into battle with someone who's muscles -were- for show. Don't get me wrong, I would do it alone if I had to, but I'll be the first to admit my skills are enhanced when there's someone else around to draw attention from me. Even I can tell, though, you do more with those pecs than lift weights, and you've definitely punched -something- pretty hard. Maki wara board, some bouncer's jaw, not too much difference there."

She grins brightly, the first really positive emotion Lion has seen from her. "All right. I admit I'm not sure if you've studied any specific style, but I'm sure you can handle yourself. Good. Lion, I think your name was? You may call me Nocturne Phoenix. If the Gods are really with us, maybe we'll see far more success than just exchanging information. I look forward to it."

Wandering Lion A bit of a glare is given. "I do not care if the Gods favor us or not, Phoenix. I am called Wandering Lion... and as far as who or what I have punched?"

His gaze softens. "Too many men for my liking. Too many in arenas, and too many as a gladiator. I will still gladly stand and be your... distraction. I am a lot better at that then simply sneaking through the shadows."

Taking a swing from the bottle, Lion sighs. "As for any specific... 'style'? There is not one. I simple punch or rip the arms off of people who get in my way. I prefer the ripping arms off. Tends to make sure they do not come back."

Nocturne Phoenix Nocturne slowly nods. "I understand. I...have not killed much. Not yet, at any rate. But it hasn't been that long since I've had the tools to do that. I've been told about how it feels to have blood on your hands like that, but I suppose that's nothing like actually being there."

She pauses, looking off down the alleyway, deep in thought. She doesn't turn to face Lion, but talks quietly anyway. "And here I am, doing this...-knowing- that's the road I'm headed down. It's better than slavery--I choose this, staring it down. It won't sneak up on me like..." She sighs. "Never mind." She looks at Lion again, frowning. "I didn't mean to dig into personal stories. I'm sorry."

She sits up and takes a deep breath. "So. I suppose our first step is to talk to those friends of yours and find out where and who they are, so we can stake them out. Unless you had a better idea?"

Wandering Lion "Not at the moment... I can begin to ask around. Do you have some place you are staying when I gain the information? This is not exactly going to be easy with someone else around. They barely tell me of a few troubles as it is." Wandering Lion asks as he seems to consider, taking a sip of the bottle he has still.
Nocturne Phoenix Nocturne frowns pensively at the question. "I don't mean to be rude, but we just met and I'm not exactly ready to invite you to where I sleep." She chuckles quietly. "That's a topic for another time. Believe me, I am very, -very- good at not being noticed. But if you're uncomfortable, how about we meet back here at sunset three days hence? Or do you need more time?" She looks at Lion questioningly.
Wandering Lion Considering, Lion shakes his head. "Three days should be enough time if anyone has heard anything. My contacts are mostly the merchants themselves, rather than the people on the street. I will see you then." He rises from the box he was sitting on, turning to begin heading out of the alleyway.

He stops, however, to look over his shoulder. "If you do not mind my asking, why approach me? As you said, I look to be a warrior. Someone who could simply have punched you for interrupting his drink as opposed to talking."

Nocturne Phoenix Another pensive look crosses Nocturne's features as she considers the question. "There's a couple different reasons, actually. First off, I'm far from helpless either. Don't think you'd have the upper hand in a fight just because you're a lot bigger than I am. Especially one on one. Second, I wasn't really hiding when I was following you--certainly not as well as I could have! And you didn't seem threatened by it, so I thought there was a chance we could talk instead of fight. I have enough enemies, I don't set out to make more." She laughs quietly. "Well, except these slavers. They were already my enemies; they just don't know it yet. And lastly, I enjoy a good spar. If you'd taken a swing I'd have accepted it as my due, and had a nice bout with you. So, the truth is, I wasn't sure how things would end up, but I'd have been fine with it either way. And if I had had to run, I rather doubt you'd have been able to find me. Like I said, tracking me down is not easy."
Wandering Lion An eyebrow is quirked. "We will have to spar sometime, I suppose, to see what each of us has to offer to this... partnership." He mentions, then shrugs as he turns to continue his way out of the alleyway. The bottle is taken another long swig of before he continues on, shaking his head and muttering about 'feisty redheads' as he goes.