How a Drifter Starts [Open]

[Fallout]

Waking up in an alley, light blinding. Muscles aching from sleeping in a slouched position, a crack in the neck as he looked towards the street. Standing up, Fallout brushed the dust off before stretching his arms. Making his way to the main street packed with market stalls, scanning the area while trying to avoid bumping into people. The market was bustling, chaotic, colourful and alive. Stores ripe with produce, howling about whose items are better. Some selling berries and nuts, some selling weapons. The smell of freshly cooked bread filling the air, just making him more hungry. Scanning the stalls he stopped at one, a jewel store. Towards the back right a pendant. “A sterling silver chain and the claw of a small dragon, §800” Stated the old lady. Her hair braided down to her hips, large lips and nearly pure white eyes. Her face showed the effects of time but her voice still soft, a small curve at the side of her lips forcing a smile. Without even acknowledging the price he walked away, Fallout was on the look for work and had no time for overpriced junk. Londinium was a big place, that should mean lots of work. Empty pockets mean empty stomach. Knocking on doors and searching through shops he ended up at a tavern. The Drunken Troll Inn, after wandering inside how it got its name was apparent. Drunken slobs ugly as sin, only the sound of snoring and someone falling over present in the air. Behind the bar was a tall tan male with large bags under his eyes by the name of Donovan, his slick back hair made him look like a stereotypical mobster. Fallout walked other and asked if he knew of any available work, turns out he has had a problem with one of his original staff stealing money and needed to keep it low.

"Look I know you're meant to inform the guards of this stuff but they never do anything about it, so if we can keep this between us that would be great. I know its......frowned upon but it save the guards some trouble" barkeeper said in a hushed voice as not to awaken the drunks before continuing " All you have to do is track him down, get my money back and bring it here. I will give you §30, warm meal and some ale. So watcha say?" A cheeky smile slowly forming. "Sorry, but im gonna need at least §50 if im gonna keep it away from the guards" a mono ton and lower face covered by his shemage. “§40 and a warm meal” a more serious face showing.“Deal, but im gonna need the meal now. Oh and no meat, thank you” He Responded. “Okay kid but dont push your luck, if you run off you'll be respawning at Westminster sooner thanyou think”. Ignoring the remark “Do you have any clue as to where I can find this guy” .“Far as im aware he is either getting drunk or drunk, the waitress other their might know more. He had a thing about her, never stopped his rambling to the poor thing” Pointing to a pretty brunette gathering her tips left on a table. “I will get your meal ready, when she comes to serve it feel free to question her. His name is Edmond Hannes, easy to spot rat. Dont take up too much of her time, your not the only peasant that needs a good meal” Laughing and giving him a pat on the back before showing him to a table “Meal will be ready in ten” He stated before walking off. Fallout pulled out his dagger started to play pinfinger while he waited, after about twelve stabbed finger and a sore thumb he heard someone clear their throat.

The waitress standing their food in hand, a tired look on her face. “Vegetable stew and some rolls, anything else?” She asked sarcastically, pretty much already walking away “Yeah actually, I need to ask you some questions about Edmond ” Turning to look at me “Sorry but Don doesnt like me talking to customers while on shift”. Responding before she could turn back around “He said its okay, I will only take up five minutes” She gave me a questionable look before sitting down “Fine, you got two minutes”. Moving the food to the side he continued “So tell me what you can about this Edmond guy such as frequently visited places, people he knows and so on” She scratched her forehead and fell silent for a while “well I never really listened to him to be honest, I kinda just learned to blank out his voice” She said in a meek voice “He only ever talked about drinking and starting fights, he did talk about wanting to take me to a to a tree on a hill. Said” Her tiredness was easy to spot, voice becoming more shaky and weaker. “Any idea where this `tree` is?” fallout asked. “Not to sure, I think it was Savill Flower Grove. He did talk about flowers and stuff…...I think” Rubbing the back of her neck and sighing. A mans voice could be heard from the other side “five more pints wench” followed a group laughing. “Look I gotta get going, good luck on getting our gold back. Might wanna eat your stew before it gets cold.” She got back up with a heavy sigh and walked away. Bringing the stewback in front of him and chowing down he started to consider possible locations to look, this is a big place. A needle in a haystack, this will be hard. Once the meal was finished he went to leave the tavern in search of this rat, but before leaving Donovan shouts “If I dont hear from you within three days im gonna assume you've run off, dont let me down. I really need that gold” in a soft voice before getting on with his work. Opening the door and adjusting to the light he set off on the manhunt, no clue where to go.

Words-1010

[Lamenta]

As always this part of town keep bursting with people and seller. He could see a woman who sell a dragon claw? To small to be a full grown dragon calm, so it would be likely the baby one. At time like this, he gotten used to the stare from other, a man wearing bunny mask tend to pull attention wherever he goes, no surprise here. But today is special, he could feel the stare got shared equally due to his walking partner. Ena Nickolette, a lander and also his friends, The bard can count on her as a friend. Other than that, her figure and allure pull every stare to her. There is no sign of her bothered by it thought, so Lamenta leave it alone.

'So where are we going again?' Lamenta pave the way a particular street, weaving out the sea of people while matching her dancer pace of walking.

This morning, when he just arrived at Amber cafe'. A taller woman stormed out the cafe from the front door while suddenly grab the bard arm and pull him out. This woman who has no proper manner is Ena - the brewer of Amber Cafe', an information broker, and also the infamous mysterious dancer from londonium's rumor,The Fiery Dancer . (She may have more title now, but Lamenta sworn to beat her one day)

well back to the story, enough with her title and stuff. Ena didn't explain any dime on the reason why she pull him out even before he order a tea on Amber cafe'. Well until now that is, it took exact 10 minutes waiting for her to explain everything..well not everything due to she only respond with:

'We will visit The Drunken Troll Inn'
'The drunken what inn?' He snickered, the owner, without any doubt, has no sense of naming. He wait for any continuation, but there isn't any of it.
'And then what?' Lamenta getting impatient due to lack of daily doses of tea.

Before Ena answer it, they arrive at a certain tavern with swing wooden plank with a name written on it; The Drunken Troll. So this is the bar that Ena is searching for, not like he know what he is supposed to do with her in this place, the place is too crude for his taste. Ena walk straight to the bartender.

'Hello, Donovan, a reckless old man. How is your money' Ena rested her hand on the table while waiting for this 'Donovan' guy notice her presence. Lamenta hate not knowing anything, what is her purpose on coming here and suddenly ask about money...what happening here. When the bard going to voice out his opinion, not visible by everyone, Ena pinch his hand as a sign to keep him shut up.

'Well....well, what do we have here, As expected from the Info Holder of Amber Cafe. I am lost in word how come the news travel so fast to your ears. Makes me wonder how did you do it' The tall tan man facing his way to Ena while wiping an empty glass. There is a bag under his eyes.

Ena smiled innocently without any intention share the info on what Donovan just ask.
'Well how about you tell me on what i want to know Donovan. We are in the same line of work, we should help each other. Especially if the one who has trouble is my boss best friend'

Clearly on his facial expression he feel troubled to share his problem. He lean toward Ena and lower his thick accented voice
'I don't know how much you know, but i believe you already know the baseline of this case. And i don't want to make this an uproar. One of my ex co-worker decide to take money right under my nose. Do you know how embarrassing that is'
Ena just nod as an answer. Ena always been a good listener, she never tried to pus an answer by force, she lure the answer that she want slowly and gently.
'However, everything is under control here. I have asked an adventurer to deal with him. From the looks of it, he is an assassin'

Lamenta is getting bored with this, he interrupt Ena (while ignoring the angry pinch)
'I am sorry big man.. Could you show who this adventurer, perhaps we could help him tackle this problem. Faster will lessened the risk this getting big correct? He probably don't know where to start, it would be a quest searching a needle on pile of haystack'

Donovan feel skeptical with a sudden interruption from the bard. But he must admit that what Lamenta propose is something logical, or if he didn't think like that Lamenta will make him admit it. He let out a sighed like he knows what Lamenta is going to do if he didn't accept his idea, he point out to a man who just walked passed the door,

Now it's Lamenta turn to drag Ena around, he had enough getting drag around by her.
'Hey, you....Assassin, i want to talk with you'

---

Word: 853
Tag: Fallout
Note: Ena Nickolette and Lamenta wearing a bunny hood and blue jacket

[Fallout]

"'Hey, you....Assassin, I want to talk with you' Said a male from behind.


Hearing someone shout Fallout turned around, too a very odd sight. A man stood by a bar wearing a rabbit mask, despite the odd appearance fallout could feel an intense stare from behind the mask. Stood beside him was a woman, ash coloured hair and amber eyes.

Turning back around to leave the bar he stated calmly " If you are here about the job its already taken, and I don't work in teams".

Walking out the bar Fallout continued down the road to his next location, the sun was starting to set. A prime time for the drunks and thieves to emerge, not to mention assassins. "Time to go hunting".

Begging to run down the street Fallout builds up speed before using the nearby stalls to help climb onto roofs, once on top he began to scan the ground for potential suspects while running along the building. Streets were empty apart from the occasional guard, the only sound was metal boots along the cobblestone ground and wind.

"So quiet, must be the extra guards" he muttered under his breath.

Moving forward he made it to his next destination. The Toothless Warrior, a higher class bar than the last. Jumping down from the roof he landed outside the front door, opening he waked into be greeted to the smell of alcohol and sweat.

The roar of singing adventurers was overwhelming, fists flying and beer mugs clashing followed by "CHEERS!". Two men fighting fell in front of him scrapping on the floor, stepping over the two brawlers Fallout moved between tables looking for someone who matched to description. No one. Dodging thrown bottles and nearly slipping in beer he was at the bar, pulling a chair and waving for service he was greeted by a well dressed man with a large smile.

" Red root ale? Fresh from Avon Valley" He questioned loudly his large smile growing.

" No thank you, I was just wondering if you knew Edmond Hannes?" monotone voice

Scratching the side of his head and mumbling for a minute he finally replied "Yes I remember the fellow, we had to kick him out because he refused to pay his tab. Friend of yours?" Still loud with the same oversized smile.

"He has some stolen property, im returning it" Stating quietly.

"Sounds like him, he did have a bad reputation. He constantly harassed members of staff, swearing and starting fights. To be honest that's 90% of the job" His smile dissolved into a frown and voice lowered " He was part of an adventure group but they disbanded after a fight broke out, one of the members still drinks here." The bartender scanned the room "Yep there he is" Pointing towards large man with slicked back hair.

"Thank you for you help, much appreciated" Fallout said before walking off

"Dine and dash is a serious problem right now, anything to help the problem" He took a deep breath before his original large smile returned, he went to another customer to take an order.

Surviving the tornado of bottles and fist Fallout pulled seat at the table belonging to the former partner of Edmond Hannes ,"I have a few questions to ask".

He raised his eyebrow and nodded, before taking another gulp of his ale.

---

Words: 556

Tag: Lamenta
Note: Ena Nickolette and Lamenta wearing a bunny hood and blue jacket

Blue = Lamenta

Red = Ena

Yellow = Fallout

[Alviss]

Ever since getting stuck here in the game of Elder Tale Alviss was always very eager to fight foes despite his low level. Alviss felt the need to get a drink even though he wasn't nearly old enough to drink beer here as he had an internal argument with James about it. "James relax we can do what we want here it's a game right?" Alviss said in his usual serious tone. "It's not a game anymore Alviss it's our new reality and we have to obey it's laws." James said in his quiet yet nervous tone. "Screw that! I'm getting a mug of beer and you aren't going to stop me James!" James sighed as Alviss was completely in control this time as his usual emerald eyes were replaced with Crimson red eyes and a more serious aura if you could say that. Alviss practically burst in through the door acting tough even though he was still limited in level. He couldn't back up anything he would say and would get in trouble most likely. James just sighed again as Alviss kicked open the door and demanded a large mug of ale. "Give me a mug ol' ale and make it strong!" Most would argue at this point that not only is he not old enough but drinking ale for the first time and making it strong will get him drunk. James couldn't stop Alviss when he was like this and just mentally sighed more.



As Alviss sat down on a stool next to the bar he waited impatiently for his drink. "Yo! What the hell is taking you so long!?" James tried to remind Alviss that they should at least try to do business here too while they are here. "Hmm? Okay Fine!" Alviss would say out loud as if talking to himself. "I have crops to sell if you want some of them. Did all the work myself!" Alviss said proudly as if showing off. James reminded him that it was both him and Alviss that did the work. "What? Yes, okay." Alviss talked to himself again. "Well I guess I had help from my little brother too. Either way these crops are good so you want 'em or not?" Alviss' drink arrived and the bartender didn't even bother asking his age lest getting hassled by Alviss. "Bout time!" Alviss was a tough drinker it turned out as he drank down the whole thing in a few gulps then slammed it down as he wiped his mouth. "Ha! This ale was not strong enough for me!" James reminded him to pay the nice man.



"What? Okay sorry I almost forgot!" Alviss said as he pulled out some money and placed it on the counter. "That's for the fine ale sir!" That would be the first and only compliment Alviss would give in his entire time here. Most people by now thought this kid was not only crazy but full of it since he acted so tough for such a low level. The crops were sold as they were indeed fresh and good looking but the workers there just stared at him like the kid was crazy. Alviss then overheard some talk near him about a possible job and someone stealing something from here. This piqued his interested as he got up and wanted to know about this job. "What kind of job we talkin'?" Alviss said with a grin which was almost sinister.

~

576 words

[Fallout]

"What kind of job we talkin'?" Said a young samurai.

The samurai was a young male, crimson red eyes and long blond hair. He was sat next to another man, from the looks it was a lander. Looking at both of them Fallout noticed the dirt on both their hands, farmers from the looks. A farmer with very stylish clothing, which stuck out very much at this bar.

‘Doesnt look like a criminal, but the bartender said he is the one. If this turns out to be a waste of time im gonna get annoyed’

Fallout pulled up a chair and sat down at the table between the two men. The assassin then waved for a waitress, a young female approached the table.

“I would like to get a pint of ale for me and these young men here” She nodded before walking off. The table was silent until the waitress returned, placing the ale on the table. Fallout the slid the alcohol across to the other two, letting them catch it.

“Are you the ex partner of Edmond Hannes? If so I have questions for you, he has stolen property and im looking to return it. You dont look like criminals, but I wont judge a book by its cover.” Fallout questioned the young samurai.

The rowdy bar had started to quiet down, the fighters had either left or were unconscious. It was late, the worker had began to pack up. It had been a long day of searching, but from the looks it had paid off.

---

Words-258

tags- Alviss Lamenta

[Alviss]

'Edmund Hannes? Isn't that the guy who tried to hire us for his criminal gang?' James would say to Alviss. "Oh that guy! Yeah I never really liked him. He was always too demanding of myself and my little brother as he tried to get us to do his dirty work. We high-tailed it out of there as soon as he asked us to steal something, So yes I know of the guy and where he might be hiding."

As Alviss listened to Fallout Alviss nodded in agreement as he heard him talking about stolen property. 

"So what did he steal this time? He seems like the kinda guy to steal things worth a lot of money. That guy had some nerve ordering us around all the time!
Next time i see his ugly mug i'm going to smash his face in!"

As the ale arrived Alviss took a sip unlike before where he drank a big one in a few gulps. Alviss had not noticed but he basically had said he knew what Edmund looked like and where he was located. 
It got quiet all of a sudden and as Alviss took more sips of his drink he wondered what this guy wanted from him. 

~

206 Words.
tags~ Lamenta Fallout

[Lamenta]

It has been around a half hour since Ena rant regards the Assassin who just turn them down.
It is true, when Lamenta ask him for his assistance, the assassin turn them down without any room of negotiation.

Lamenta has steeled his will upon Ena's rant, however deep inside, he bit dissatisfied with how he reject them. At first it just something he want to finish quickly, but now its personal.
'Stop your rant Ena. Tell me, what do you know about him?' He held his palm in front of her face as sign for her to stop, at first she look confused on what the hand gesture means. Figures, even though Ena is an info collector, she still don't know about adventurers habits and their culture. She tried to pretend understand what the adventurers are saying when she doesn't any clue what they mean.

She stop the rant and sigh 'I am guessing that is adventurer's hand gesture when someone want to stop talking. Okay, the guy we are looking for is Edmund Hannes, he has a bad reputation among people of the land's merchants or bar. His violence tendency is put on bars and merchant worry list'

'Worry list? is that a thing?' The young bard quite stumbled on the new fact. What they put on the worry list, a dine and dash customer? a customer who has debt? he let out his imagination wild when suddenly it got extinguished really fast by Ena's reply

'Nope. It's not real, i just make it up. But it is true though, some bar owner perhaps might know bit about him'

Lamenta nod. Ena's implying that if they ask around bar and inn across the city, they might get an info about him.
'Well i have told you about him. Now its your turn, who is the name of that gentleman who refuse our help flatly. I know you peek on his name' Ena's put her face really close to the bard while giving a sharp stare right to his eye.

He must admit it, he a bit flustered when she suddenly close their gaps. He push her face back
'His name is Fallout. Level seven assassin, there might be a chance that this Edmund will attack him. We are not even sure what level he is, but whatever level he has. Two guys is better than one'

'If we are going to ask around bar and inn, lets go to the famous one. How many there are a big bar and inn?'

Ena scratch her cheek while doing a mental counting ' Excluding Amber Bar and Drunken Troll inn, there is around five famous spot for inn and bar'

'and what is the nearest one?'

After a short walk they meet an intersection
'Its either The Toothless Warrior-' she pointed to the right road '- or Lament Rain Inn' she pointed to the left road.

'I suppose we could go to Lament Rain Inn' He took the left road while stretching his arm backwards
'Because your name is Lamenta?' Ena smirk followed Lamenta pace
'Shut up'

Note: Lamenta and Ena are going different path, asking around the bar regarding Edmund's possible place. Lamenta will meet with Fallout when he find Edmund
Word: 519
Tag: Fallout  Alviss

[Fallout]

Fallout was glad to hear he had made progress in tracking down the thief, but it still wasnt over. He still needed to question this Samurai, if he did answers the questions then the assassin will be going off one man's words.

‘He seems to be holding a grudge against this guy so I doubt he would be helping him, unless this is a long con of some sort. But I got no other leads, going to take this chance’

“I just want to ask a few question, very basic. Firstly, what does he look like? Secondly, do you know this guys location. Any other info you can give me will be appreciated, if you hate this guy as much as you claim then this shouldn't be a problem” Fallout questioned

‘God I hate this place, alcohol and sweat. The kid doesn't seem like the sort to be drinking away problems. An adventurer should be taking up jobs and exploring, not wasting his time in a place like this’

“Look, if you help me I will help you. How about you come join me on this job instead of drinking away the days? It not the greatest paying job but you will be doing someone a huge favour, not to mention you will be taking down a criminal. I will give you half the pay, you choice.” The assassin offered him the choice, it was down to him to take it.

Fallout looked out the window, it was very late.

---

Words-250
Tags- Alviss Lamenta

[Alviss]

"Alviss how about you let me explain what we remember of Edmund?" James would say to Alviss. "What? okay lil' bro I guess you deserve a turn after all this." Alviss would say as he closed his eyes as they shifted in color back towards their normal emerald color, his slouching posture was now more proper and his voice was less brash and now very calm. 

"Now down to business it seems, my name is James, pleased to meet you. Edmund Hannes is of the Wolf Hair race with Black fur, bright blue eyes and of the monk class. Our last known encounter with him was at a old abandoned warehouse south of town and we came here shortly after being told to steal. Alviss wouldn't have that so he made most of the outburst you may have seen earlier. Though i have a hunch that Edmund is smarter than he makes himself look and is hiding elsewhere of this i do not know the new location. I think it best we search the warehouse for any clues for his current whereabouts." 

James got up from his chair and would look back to fallout. 

"Half the pay is fine for us, but don't slow me down!" Alviss would say the last part through James as his eyes blinked red for a second.

James shook it off and chuckled to himself a bit. 

~
232 words

[Fallout]

‘Great, a cocky one. Why do I always get stuck with these kinds?’

“Slow down red eyes white human, if we are going to do these we need a plan” The assassin followed his path “First things first, we need to assess the situation first before we go rushing in. From what little knowledge I could gather about this man he appears to be rather high leveled, way above us. If we are going to stand any chance of defeating this guy then we need to team up, I recommend we go over some strategies. I also got word that he has a small group of seven, they are low level but we need to ensure that they do not alert others to our location. I can take care of that.” Fallout went other the plan.

‘This guy better be listening to me, i'm not in the mood for someone impatient’

The assassin continued following his path across the wet dark cobble roads, damp from the rain.

---

Words- 217 (167+50[x1.3 bonus])
Tags- Lamenta Alviss