Post by Niema "BlackDeath" Pyke on Aug 19, 2013 12:39:26 GMT -5
A Vestige Within- Jules- played Cross - app pending at the time, now approved
Black Death Pyke - Rem - played Niema
Bound but Free - Tu - played Maddox
Baleful Dirge - B.J. - played Alex
Castian Grey - Ronnie - played Stryker - app pending at the time, now approved
lethal iullaby - Rosa - played Lilly
bourbon freedom - Greg - played Alistair
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Evening (station time) on the UNDERSIDE ... The Pits
..sorry, I missed the beginning, forgot I was supposed to be logging...
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A Vestige Within: Little did he know what lurked behind those goggles of hers. He saw her looking and didn't bother to avert his eyes. His stare was just that, nothing more, little expression to go on and little sign of any motive behind his careful watching. He didn't know who she was and therefore wasn't all that worried. However, he did know who Niema was. The moment the woman reached her his gazed shifted to the Underboss. He offered her a firm nod. She had nothing worry about. He wasn't down here to cause trouble. Merely dig up a few bets, lighten a few pockets, and if he was very lucky? Nail his next gig. Not that he really held high hopes down here. He was quite convinced that if Niema knew of his true past she may not have hired him in the past in the first place. Then again, maybe she did? Maybe that information was at her fingertips. No matter. He'd done the job and went on his way. It was just that simple. He lifted of those cigars again for another drag of the scent and finally moved to the next pit. He had no intention of interrupting business between the Underboss and a client, even if he was curious and did steal a glance at the leather wrapped object that was exchanged. Nothing was missed. "Shot of whiskey.." Assuming there was a place where drinks were served nearby. Was he going to play nice and say hi when business concluded. Maybe, just maybe. Just to remind her that he still existed, even if he knew that at the slightest misstep she may want to put a bullet through his head. . (D)
Baleful Dirge: The man walked with a certain way about him, like he knew something nobody else did. No, he didn't carry himself with any sense of superiority -- how could he? He was a slave. It was more of, for lack of a better word, an inwardness , or self-awareness. His movements were like that of a big cat, lengthy, strong and alert. Everything represented an existential threat to him. Everything but that inner world he devoted so much of his free time to studying. He wore a simple pair of black cargo pants and a white cotton shirt that was a little too big, hanging off his thin frame like a robe. He carried a grim and determined look on his face as he walked, as if shouldering some great, unseen burden. Since the 'encounter' as he'd come to call it he'd been residing in the belly of the beast. It was more of an education on all things foul, devious and wicked than he'd experience in all of his 26 years. As he walked behind her his eyes were downcast, as was her order, but his ears were open, absorbing the sounds of cheers and jeers and bone and flash. Alcohol and smoke hung heavy in the air, triggering his own cravings. This is a waste of time, he thought bitterly. Why did you allow this? Even now when his mind should have been on learning Niema's ways and expectations it was elsewhere, up in the clouds as most people say, contemplating things others thought useless. But it was difficult. He was a slave, yes, but not in his own mind. It was still too new. Too painful. He was just Alexander. As they continued in, her in front and him 5 paces back, he felt the eyes of onlookers following them. Her. Her reputation proceeded her. It was not something he was used to dealign with, being watched. When they finally met up with who he assumed they were here for he stopped, lifting his eyes to study the woman's face. She's beautiful, he thought, wondering what her business was with the she-devil. After the brief exchange he caught Niema's motion and moved forward to...Maddox, he read on her chest, collecting the small leather bound item from her and returning to his owner, lifting his clear blue eyes to meet hers. It wasn't a challenging look, but there was a hint of pity and disdain in his gaze. He hadn't been with her long enough to develop hate yet. But give it time. (d)
Black Death Pyke: || D i g g i n g ; that was one thing you didn't want Niema doing in your business. For now and a while thus far, she and Maddox had a smooth relationship and it would stay that way if Niema could help it, but that didn't mean she ever really let that thing go. Niema wasn't afraid to look at Maddox like she knew there was something off about her more than her eyes-- which the Underboss assumed was an early augment that had no off switch or had gone bad and left her ultra-light sensitive. Her associates were watching each other but as far as Niema knew they didn't know each other and there wasn't much down her she didn't know-- yes that included where Jai came from even though she never let on she knew. It brought on a smirk as the exotic marred-mouth hellion watched the nonchalant woman produce something that wasn't what she asked for; then bronzed lids narrowed a little. The Underboss had men like Alex, capable but hers to command, to keep her from getting blood-hungry over things like the extra work of going to get something she'd expected to be brought here. Nie accepted responsibility for not telling Maddox specifically and let it go knowing Alex could and would take care of it for her. || "You can do it later Alex, but I expect it in my Stack before dawn."|| She wouldn't reach for it in any way or directly watch Jai who she knew was doing the same. Or she suspected he was, man of his talents didn't let things of interest slip by, he chose a good pit to watch without watching. The close-quarter killer could see the angles in her own head without much thinking and knew he was capable and if he was capable it was possible and in her opinion, probable. ||"You'll let me know when we can square up."|| She said to Maddox before casting a glance to catch Alex's eyes as he returned to her side. There was no warning, no apparent coil for the motion just the swift and convicted swing of her arm to slap the back of her bare hand across his cheek while she spoke.||" Wipe that look of your face or I'll make you wear a mask."|| Would she? He was welcome to test her. ||[d]
Bound but free: ::Tall, Dark, and Handsome...deadpanning her though, they always got something to hide, she thought to herself as she took note how he didn't linger. Was it respect for the business going down, or was he avoiding Niema? Hey, it happened! No...not this time, something else. The slave came forward at Niema's motion and accepted the package she produced, getting her goggle-eyed attention for a moment. He wasn't bad looking himself, if a little on the young side, inside and out, she thought; her own form still a youthful (if scarred) twenty-something despite her being almost sixty. The slave was a kid by comparasin and it would have made him less if it wasn't Saborian eyes (and Knox at that) she was looking through. Can't judge a frog by it's ability to fly, if you do, it'll always believe it's not jumping high enough... The Underboss' voice grabbed her eyes again and she read the words from her lips before nodding:: All tings in dere time, eh? ::A wink worthy moment she let pass by on account of the gear on her face, but her grin got whiped away with that slap Niema applied to her slave. If she had feathers, they'd have been ruffled. Instead, she had her hands on either side of her, one on one of them things in her belt, the other on her thigh like there was a pocket where there wasn't a pocket. Instinct. She reigned it in and lifted her hands to cross them under her breasts and keep them from being a threat as she leveled her goggles on the Underboss and debated on her words. Eventually going for:: Leave de leach be'ind(behind) next time, eh? ::It was better than telling her not to slap him infront of her for an expression. As a Clan Leader, she didn't have the liberty of being stupid.::-d
Castian Grey: In the pit nearest Niema and Maddox, the gargantuan brute of a man bashed yet another opponent brutally to the ground and watched as they hauled him out the door to the side. Five in a row now without any signs of tiring or injury-the odds would surely be stacked against the next man to step into the pit against him. Castian heard the name "Stryker" announced. He'd discarded his customary ring name as well as his brown, hooded robe. Tonight, he took on his alias as his new ring name, and had put on a new, dark gray robe with a hood that shrouded his body from head to toe. The hood was drawn forward to hide his face, particularly his faintly-glowing almost neon-hued blue eyes. He made his way through the groups watching the fights below, wishing very much he could wager on himself. He was not arrogant, but there was no doubt in his mind he could outmaneuver the man he was about to face. Castian turned his head slightly to glance at Niema when he passed by her and her companions, but turned his head back almost as quickly. It was a smooth gesture that looked almost like a natural shift in the fabrics in the opening of the hood. Walking on past them without any further attention given, he moved to the ladder descending into the pit where a monstrous man waited for him. Gracefully, he climbed downward without a second thought. Turning to face the brute he was challenging, he extended his right hand to the right and bowed his head slightly in respect--not that it would be returned, but he was not a man without etiquette. As he moved into a ready stance to wait for the giant's move, the flash of the 18" Alrutanium alloy cylinder appeared in his right hand as though it had been concealed in his robe. (Done)
A Vestige Within: Business. That's what he saw when he looked upon the two of them. The potential for another job, another hunt, something that he could chase, capture, and haul in. He didn't care what it was. It could be a piece of fucking paper for all he cared. (Better be an important piece of paper though) But as long as they were paying? He was taking the job. The object was exchanged, Niema and this woman knew one another, he knew that much. Funny. The slap to the boy with Niema managed to wipe the smirk from the goggler's lips and it must've transferred to his. He grinned subtly and shook his head, enjoying the sight long enough before he felt a slap to his shoulder that nearly made him stick a knife in the culprit's rib. Luckily it was someone he knew, a rival bounty hunter as it was who always liked to exchange stories... although Jai's were always more exciting. The man was older, perhaps Jai had a strange respect for him but damnit if he wasn't interrupting his prospective watching. Jai jabbed the guy in the side as he threw back his shot and strode off with the old hunter at least temporarily to listen to his banter and perhaps find a way to shake him somewhere in the crowd. He'd seen, taken note, and he might do some further poking around later for the sake of business. Someone was getting paid.. he wanted in. . (D) (afk time for dinner and tv! Skip me til I return please >P)
Baleful Dirge: The look on his face proved to be a costly one, for no sooner had it settled than the back of Niema's hand came smashing into the side of his face. His head jerked back but he didn't make a sound. Slowly he lifted his head back up and touched a hand to his lip, which was split. He turned and spat a wad of spit and blood and then wiped his mouth with his forearm and stepped away, pocketing the item and moving to stand behind Niema once more. "Sure thing, Boss," he said in a tight voice. It as hard to make him flustered, but such public displays as that seemed to do the trick. It was all still new and he was a man and had a sense of pride, of course. He slowed his breathing to keep his anger from showing in the form of reddenning cheeks.It was just a test, he reminded himself. This all was. While standing there he thumbed the leather wrapped item in his pocket and finally determined it was a key. But a key to what? He looked at Maddox again. There was something strange about the woman but he couldn't quite place it. It was going to bother him until he could figure it out. But for now he resigned himself to looking back down at the ground and thinking of what he would do tonight once dismissed. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || T i m e ; when the lethal woman chuckled it was almost warm and friendly in response to Maddox. The humor was drained with the moment she had with the Piked-Man but Niema didn't feel the slightest bit bad about it, even if she knew Maddox hadn't liked it. A brow arched as the killer looked to the goggle-eyed woman suggesting next time she not bring him. Her words came with an edge of knowing that matched the controling grip she seemed to have on a lot of things. ||" Why? To spare your sensitivities? He chose this path, good or bad and I'll not have him look at me that way. "|| Niema knew damn well they could argue semantix of choice, Maddox seemed like that sort of woman but she also seemed the sort who wasn't going to waste her time or breath on Niema about it; at least that was the way Nie looked at her when she spoke. Not unaware of the bright-eyed fighter who slipped a glance at her on his way to the pit, though she wasn't looking just yet. Alex was being a good man and taking it with a Yes, Boss-- or close enough, she wasn't that picky. Points for him. A coin pouch with little in it was uncoiled from her belt behind her pistol and tossed back toward Alex over her shoulder-- he'd either catch it or get hit with it. ||"Go place us some wagers on Stryker would you?"|| As for the key he had the leather that wrapped it no doubt had a location mapped or jotted but now wasn't the time to go do it. Niema didn't take her eyes of Maddox because the woman had enough balls to say something, even if it wasn't what Niema thought she wanted to say. The dark devil liked that as much as it made her want to sharpen her claws and let the cat out.||[d]
Bound but free: ::The all grey cloak and drawn hood got her attention, her eyes flickering and seeing his body beneath in the fine outline of his body heat. The augment of his eyes even though she couldn't tell they were glowing exactly, or that it was such a beautiful blue, but she knew too, he had an Alru-Alloy staff under that cloke and her brow lifted and skewed her goggles for a moment. He flickered them a glance and she met it, even in passing, even behind his hood, and behind her mirrored goggles. It was enough to ease some of her angst toward the Underboss; it's not like she really expected any different from her. Didn't stop the Warlord in her from wanting to cut the woman's hands off to prove a similar point. Being a Clan Leader, she didn't have the liberty to do all the things she wanted to either, and with niema, she doubted it would teach her that lesson. More than likely, it would just piss her off. So, what did the Saborian Captain do when the woman asked her why, and offered a suggestion? Tilted her chin up to grin at the Underboss. Slow. Indulgent. Knowing. Promising. That was it, then she turned and headed for the exact seat the Watcher had vacated to chat with the old hunter and ordered herself a drink and asked after the wagering odds on 'Stryker.' Maddox said nothing else to Niema cause she had nothing else to say and no matter how much they wanted to let their claws out, Maddox couldn't afford it. Wasn't augments behind her goggles and that wasn't her only oddity. Best just walk away and bide her time. Everyone reaps what they sow eventually. Maybe the slave was getting his.::-d
Castian Grey: The brute standing across from Castian laughed. "Another soft toy? Send me a real challenger! I want entertainment! They want entertainment!" He pointed to the top of the pit and circled his hand as if to indicate Everyone watching. "Well, come on then! Why don't I give you the first swing?" As if to oblige the arrogant "champion", Stryker stepped forward, held his right hand back slightly and horizontally as the cylinder telescoped into a quarterstaff of nearly seven feet in length. As swiftly as it had extended and locked into position, Castian swept the staff straight into his opponent's lower left ribs, returned it to its cylindrical form, and moved away to relative safely before the other had even the opportunity to complete his wide-arched swing with his cudgel. To some, it might have seemed an arrogant move, but the brute hadn't expected his challenge to be met-he had made this move to enrage the other and put him at a further disadvantage… Although, the flurry of blows that followed would also happen to be much harder and faster than they would have been had he not wounded the man's pride. Castian took one of the heftier blows in stride, allowing it to land on his upper arm. He'd made it appear that he tried to dodge it, but was just short of evading-and he fell with the blow to reduce its impact. It still hurt, but he showed no signs of pain as he gracefully rolled into his fall and came back to his feet. The pits here, he preferred a great deal to the pits he'd been in planetside. Here, he didn't have to kill. Here, it was all for show-and he could work the crowds. He'd learned long ago to put on a good show. It'd look like he was outmatched, as if he might lose. Wagers against him would start rolling in above, typically--and a few for him because of the potential winnings if he managed to beat his opponent. He'd continue the intricate dance, slapping the giant a few times with the end of his staff and taking a few blows, always careful to make it look like he was really taking them in full. A few more observant watchers might spot the difference, but the typical bloodthirsty crowds loved the thrill. (Done.)
Baleful Dirge: Alexander caught the pouch at the last second, narrowly avoiding getting smacked in the face. Pushing a few strands of blonde hair from his eyes, he set off to the bookie table while trying to keep a low profile. He wondered if this sort of place had existed on earth. Probably. He was almost sure he'd read about something comparable et least. Since Niema gave no instructions on how much to place on Stryker he settled on half the pouches contents. Bet placed, weaved his way through the crowd and up to the bar and bought himself a mug of ale. Slipping the coin pouch into his pocket he took a drink and closed his eyes. Alexander had a way of making everyday moments into more than just the mundane. Existence, he thought, even everyday moments, could be spiritual in nature with the right perspective. Drink in hand he walked away from where Maddox and Niema had been to almost the opposite side of the room where he could have a moment alone with his beer and watch the fights down below. He studied Stryker in particular, trying to pick up what made the man such an accomplished fighter. It was a skill Alexander had yet to learn but was very eager to. It had been his downfall before and now that he was living in the underside it was crucial to his survival even if it was lowly in his mind. Perhaps he would ask Niema about it later, though he dreaded the prospect. Another sip as he pulled his gaze from the fight and looked around at the organized chaos all around him, suddenly feeling like a lone piece of driftwood lost out at sea, bobbing up and down and desperate to stay afloat. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || S m i r k ; the animal in Niema stirred at the smiled knowing promise of Moaddox and the dangerous woman nodded subtly. Alex caught the pouch-- two points for him, she'd have been disappointed if he'd let it hit him. Sometimes what the Underboss commanded of her minions and those in her employ was as much about the task its-self as it was about the one performing it. Usually, not always-- she was human, when she left details out it was for a reason. Tonight was a demonstration of both, an oversight with Maddox and a test of sorts to get to know how Alex thought and rationalized things in his new position. One she didn't give a rule book for. Yeah, she was a cunt that way and preferred a bit of trial and error because to her, everyone needed to be treated differently; especially those who chose to enter her world, for whatever reason. Niema counted their business done and flicked her black eyes on her branded man who went to the bar after placing the bet. She didn't follow him though a drink sounded in order, it was on her way to the rail for the best view that she snagged someone to have the drink brought to her. Perk of being the Underboss, no one stood in her way and most were willing to do as bid if only to avoid further contact with her. ||" And whatever my associate is drinking."|| Thumbing to Maddox with a glance to be sure it was in the right direction, or maybe just to catch a look at her-- who knew. Stryker could change his name but Niema knew who he was, she'd heard he'd gotten out during the Midway Blackout. She found it curious he was here again and knew damn well he could win. She hadn't seen it herself but she heard from a trusted mouth that he'd fought Wingo's. Not anything to sneeze about. ||[d]
Bound but free: ::The Slave would cross her path again later, as an Astral-Bio-Mechanical Engineer, she could think such certainties and know they are true. Watching the way the smaller fighter handled spigot mouth, Maddox nodded and confirmed her bet, handing over a pouch of tek-bits that sometimes came in handy. Saborians didn't use money like that, they were more into trading their skills, but spending so much time on this side of Javos Orbit, they were needed. It was always a good idea to make them multiply when she didn't have to work for it. When Niema followed and ordered what Maddox was having, those goggled eyes looked at her skewed by her cocked brow beneath them. The Underboss was going to drink Midway dark draft? Maddox might have the craftiest ship this side of the known verse, but she didn't bother drinking the expensive stuff because she'd be momentarily useless. Better stick to something she was used to and had a tolerance for. Being hyper-aware and hyper-sensitive had it's disadvantages too. If she wanted to, she could feel the arch of each swing and impact going on in the fights, every shuffle and shift of the moving boddies like a swarm of Fej'n (bees) in the nest. Each one with their own purpose and their own motives, moving among each other creating currents of air throughout the deck and this partition. The fighter might be fooling the crowd, but not her, and she smirked when she lifted her mug of beer toward Niema in a silent cheers, feeling comfy as she settled her ass -with an adjustment of her toolbelt- on the stool the Watcher vacated like she could read his vibes or something.. or something...::-d
Castian Grey: The brute was still coming at Castian full-steam, bashing the littler man aside occasionally. Up until one moment, Castian had managed to keep the hood on, but the giant surprised him. When he swung the cudgel downward and Castian leapt back to evade the blow, the giant released the weapon mid-swing and caught the challenger square in the chest… And Castian fell flat on his back, completely unprepared for it. Rare, but it happened-people in general had an element of unpredictability, even enraged brutes with tiny minds. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was visibly ragged-a show, but most of the spectators wouldn't realize that. The strike to his chest would leave massive bruising, but at least it hadn't cracked any bones. "Time to squash this bug," he heard bellowed from the giant towering over him, poised to bring both his hands and his entire weight down upon Castian's chest. And it was when he heard the man's feet shift and knew the blow was coming that Castian suddenly sprang to life. Without opening his eyes, he brought the staff to his midsection, aimed up at an angle just below the armpit, gripped it with both hands off to his right a little, and activated it-the weapon telescoped into the quarterstaff with such speed that it caught the other man's chest while he was already coming down, cracked his sternum, and pushed him back upright. Because it telescoped from both sides and Castian held on tightly, it also carried him halfway up off the ground. Gracefully, he stepped back into the staff and brought it around front with one hand while returning his hood into its forward position with the other. It was only then that he opened his eyes and began his final assault. Castian didn't wait for the giant to regain his balance and bearings; stretching his now-aching chest muscles slightly to relieve some pressure, Castian began to beat the giant backwards with a flurry of seemingly unstoppable blows from one end of the staff, then the other, never allowing him to regain his footing to go on the assault again. Finally, he planted the staff for extra balance slightly behind him to the left, and delivered a powerful, swift kick to the man's middle-upper chest. Before he fell, Castian swung a last blow with the staff to the man's temple, bowed his head to his fallen opponent, and began to back away. When he knew that he had nearly reached the ladder and heard his alias announced as the victor, he turned and ascended the ladder to return to the top of the pit. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: The Maiden of Midway dressed down when she came to the Underside. No make up. No fancy dress or state of the art heeled grav-boots. On the Underside Lilly looked plain and wore drab leather pants tucked into second hand boots. Her blue shirt was a size too big and overhung her belted pants a little though it was also tucked in. Lilly glanced down to tighten the laces of her shirt to hide the cleavage that might have shown in presentation within her bodice. Habits! Of the faces Lady Lillian witnessed, Niema's was the only she knew who would surely recognize her for who she was. They had an agreement though, as many did who entered the Underside of which Niema was the strong-arm for. Lilly couldn't mask her grace but did manage a slump that hid her usual regal posture. Walking with short strides she came to the bar for a drink to wet her throat and ease her nerves. What those warm brown eyes could see of the fight, Lilly thought for sure the leaner man was going to get smashed. The distraction caused her to nearly walk into Alex, missing the gap she was originally walking toward. A few loose curls slid over her shoulder when she reared her head back and snapped her attention to him. She leaned away in her automatic apologetic step back. "Ssoo sorry Ser! The fiight .. "She smiled with the hope he understood. Lilly had an accent that was soft despite the drawn out sounds or different way of pronouncing things. /end
Baleful Dirge: Alexander had nearly collided with the small woman. He'd never seen her before but he immediately picked up a level of warmth and upper class upbringing that he was familiar with. It made him briefly think of home, his childhood and his mother. "Excuse me," he said quietly, eyes lingering on her just a second too long to have been an accident. He was still a man afterall. After watching the brutal finale to the fight down below in the pit he took a deep breath at the sheer carnage of it and then finished his beer. He was on an empty stomach and such a lightweight that even a pint was enough to get him buzzed and he welcomed the warm, fuzzy feeling like an old friend. Slipping back from the front of the crowd, he turned his back to the room, reached a hand into his pocket and slipped something out and into his mouth. Preparation for later tonight. But the clock was now ticking. It was impulsive, but also an act of defiance. He couldn't control much in his life right now but she would not interfere with what was really important. Leaving his glass behind on a nearby table to be bussed, he slid through and around the spectators, making his way back to his owner. "I have to get going," he said. "Shit to do." Like handle the business of that key in his pocket Maddox had given him, among other things. If he was violating Nemia's standards of appropriate behavior he wasn't aware of it, or at least pretended not to be. Hey, at least he came to say goodbye instead of just cutting out, right? -d-
Black Death Pyke: || D a r k - D r a f t ; no Niema wasn't drinking that swill, it was for Goggle-eyes herself whether she accepted it or not. It was more or less an invite for her to stick around a while, as if she hadn't already chosen to. Yes, Nie knew how Lillian was but barely looked her way as agreed. People tended to like to look at who she looked at because they thought they might get to know what she was cooking in one capacity or another. Good luck with that. Niema didn't care that the two ran into each other and he could have stayed if he wanted-- she was the sort to call when she wanted something. Still it amused her morbidly that he was excusing himself in the wake of the shut-down fight that had a lot of betters grumbling but none of them willing to say anything, not with her standing there. Best not to get on her radar that way. Niema hadn't watched the whole fight, she'd glanced to the people of interest around her in assessment of their reactions to what was around them. She didn't mingle wiith the underlings because she liked to, it was simply the best way to keep her fingers on the pulse she was responsible for. When her drink was brought to her just before Alex returned she fixed her eyes on Maddox for a cheers, watching the other drink get brought to her. Stryker was climbing up as his name was called and the hellion swiveled her gaze to her bitch-boy with an expectant lift of her brows. Yes, he was responsible for collecting the tek-bits they'd won too. ||[d]
Castian Grey: Castian moved quietly over near Niema, though he didn't look directly at her. Even before descending into the pit, he'd noted the way she watched everyone and everything around her. He did not know her outright--he knew her reputation, and the thought that it might be her had crossed his mind... But he'd never met her personally, even in the time he'd spent Underside as a slave. He sat down nearby to observe these people before engaging in contact. The exchange he'd noted before the fight had piqued his curiosity, but he knew better than to try and listen in... And he hadn't wanted to deal with the headache that would no doubt result from making use of the augmented aural senses. As he turned his head to scan the room, his eyes fell on Lillian briefly, but continued onward. He didn't restrain the smirk beneath his hood at the look Niema gave to Alex. He studied the man a moment... He seemed to be treated as a servant, but he clearly carried himself as something more. Ultimately, he was of no consequence to Castian at he moment--just another mystery to be unraveled at a later time, should they meet again. Having had no fortune above in finding work for the time being, Castian had also hoped he might find something Underside, though he had no desire to take part in most of the shady dealings the place was so accustomed to. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: "No, pah'don me, really." She laughed lightly to his excuse me trying not to notice the lingered gaze. The R in pardon lost to the pronunciation of the A. For a moment, she thought he knew who he was looking at but surely that was silly. He was quick to finish his drink and return to Niema. Had Lilly bumped into the wrong man? Niema seemed not to care so the quiet woman smiled at him as he departed and immediately turned it to the barkeep for something strong but smooth. The barkeep wasn't afraid to question what a woman a nice as she seemed was doing down here. Lilly's reply came with a smile as warm as her eyes. "My biite is wurse than my bah'k." It was only true in extreme cases but true. The young woman missed the glowing eyes that stole a brief look her way. She did, however, look at him with a short consideration of the fight. Accepting her drink with a thank you Lilly boldly began walking his way, avoiding Niema and her Piked-Man. One of many as she heard it. Sitting alone was a bad idea and of the crowd he was the only one she thought wouldn't immediately turn her away or make a sexual pass at her. Lady OzGud wouldn't speak until she was close enough to do so normally. "May I?" Motioning to an adjacent seat with her mug in the other hand held near her breast. /end
Baleful Dirge: It was her level of entitlement that really rubbed him the wrong way. All in a simple, expectant raising of her brows. For a moment he stood in place, hesitating for the first time. Maybe it was the alcohol or whatever he'd eaten in secret, but for a beat he held his ground. Everything around him stopped, then vanished, and he saw only her in tunnel vision. But it was only a hiccup. He tipped his head and said, "Certainly, Boss. Of course." As he stepped away he acknowledged the victorious fighter with a half-smile and nod as if to say, good job. Oddly enough Alexander didn't seem intimidated. Just impressed. As he headed for the bookie to claim her winnings his eyes found Lilly across the room. Maybe he was just admiring from afar, or maybe he was putting out a silent plea for help. But then some lunk-head stepped in his line of vision and he lost her. At the bookie he collected the winnings, thanked the man and headed back, feeling a little like a yo-yo. Now that the excitement had died down there were more people milling about, waiting for the next fight to start, and it would have been easy for him to have bumped into the wrong drunk asshole and end up with a black eye, but he didn't. Alexander was agile, if a little clumsy at times. Once returning to Niema he took out the winnings so she could see and then dumped them into her pouch before handing it over to her. "Impressive haul..." he demured, still feeling the effects of the beer. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || N i e m a ; knowing her was like trying to know the bottom of the Oceans of Javos. The deeper you went the more strange things seemed even if they made sense in their own context. Yet, she knew a lot about a lot of the people who merely knew stories of her. Had seen her on occasion walking the Underside like a good Underboss should. Her presence kept order, even if with physical violence from time to time; her favorite times. That hiccup of Alex's was enough to make her feel the itch for violence which she released with an exhale and a nod as he obeyed. Those ink-blot augmented eyes watched him like a predator to prey as he went to fetch the winnings. She saw him looking in Lilly's direction and the bob and weave around people to complete his task. When he returned she let him hold the coin he dumped into the pouch and held out for her, looking up that small bit for their height difference that otherwise didn't mean jack to her-- especially not this close. ||" So, you think her pretty or does her kind face give you some kind of hope for salvation?"|| She was direct because it suited her and sometimes gave her pleasure to watch the words stab. In this case she wasn't sure they would but said them with the edge of expected curiosity like her will to ask meant he had to answer. She certainly looked at him like it did and that was the entitlement he didn't like seeing. The day someone took her down was the day that look wouldn't be there somewhere in her gaze or the prowling sway of her stride. But until then...||[d]
Bound but free: ::Maddox was doing astral calculations for what-ever reason and had momentarily checked out. When she blinked back to her tangible reality, she was still at the bar and her first beer was gone, the one Niema had ordered, in her hand. Maddox knew when to accept a beer ordered for her, assuming it hadn't passed by the Underboss first. Enhanced vision and senses checked it out before she consciously took a sip and challenged her tastebuds to detect a difference. Nah, seems alright. Oh, look at that, she had winnings too! Not as much as Niema, as it turned out when the slave returned and offered up the take in his hands. Maddoxs had a thing about hands. Hands told stories better than any part except maybe bones- that just seemed a little extreme at this point in their relationship. Glancing at Niema's hands, Maddox tightened her fingerless gloves around her mug and used it to motion toward the loot as her eyes slid toward the Fighter and...other fighter, at a table not far off. Maddox had been around long enough to see Lily in the ring once or twice, and since the grey-man with the augment-eyes just won her more bits, she was curious to watch him a moment while she spoke her peace to Niema:: You win dem bits fer de 'ell ov et, or you got plans fer it? ::No, it wasn't her business but she was curious and so, she asked. Dragging her eyes from the fighters and back to the slave with a curious tilt of her briaded head. He got himself into this huh?::-d
Castian Grey: Castian glanced up briefly as the Lady came near and continued her approach. He considered her a moment, but, wordlessly, he motioned for her to sit and bowed his head to her slightly. He didn't look directly at her, but she was close enough now that she might notice the faint blue glow beneath his hood, even at a slightly indirect angle. Expressionless, Castian half-watched the exchange between Niema and her servant. He saw the resistance there, as well as the resignation that followed. He was not an entirely willing servant, then-likely a slave. He returned the man's nod, understanding the gesture-he'd seen it countless times here. His eyes returned to their usual drifting. Like Niema, he had a talent for watching a room full of people without attracting attention-though, strictly speaking, her existence in a public place seemed to attract attention. He'd come to the conclusion from multiple signs, not just the way she carried herself, the she was important… and dangerous. Not necessarily to be feared, unless you crossed her… Or was she? Alex's return broke his mind from those ponderings, and he knew from Niema's words to the man confirmed Castian's suspicion that Alex was her slave. Maddox's movements drew his eyes briefly as well, and he smirked slightly in response to the question she posed to Niema. The Underboss (unbeknownst to him still) did not strike him as the type of person who would appreciate being asked such blunt and intrusive questions. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: It was in her heart to smile kindly when her passing gaze crossed Alex's on her way to the table. Brief, losing him before he lost her as she focused her attention on the pit-fighter. He was not familiar to her but had a vibe more welcoming despite the lone-wolf overtone. The glow was strange and she saw it alright! But Lilly wasn't sure what is was, sitting down anyway. "Thank yu." The NK harder than the rest out of her mouth and the U emphasized with the lift of the back of her tongue. She gazed up at Maddox with a smile and cheers too, even if it wasn't to her. She could tell the man was thinking before then even if she didn't know what of. She did lean forward though, turning her head with a curiously soft smile and lift of her brows looking. Hoping to catch him as he looked to Maddox himself. "Yu're an impressive fiightuh, been here befour?" She said almost gingerly but sincerely like she didn't want to startle him too much with her inquisitiveness., She cradled her drink to her chest as she leaned against it toward the table, to engage him. Try to. /end
[there's more...]
Black Death Pyke - Rem - played Niema
Bound but Free - Tu - played Maddox
Baleful Dirge - B.J. - played Alex
Castian Grey - Ronnie - played Stryker - app pending at the time, now approved
lethal iullaby - Rosa - played Lilly
bourbon freedom - Greg - played Alistair
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Evening (station time) on the UNDERSIDE ... The Pits
..sorry, I missed the beginning, forgot I was supposed to be logging...
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A Vestige Within: Little did he know what lurked behind those goggles of hers. He saw her looking and didn't bother to avert his eyes. His stare was just that, nothing more, little expression to go on and little sign of any motive behind his careful watching. He didn't know who she was and therefore wasn't all that worried. However, he did know who Niema was. The moment the woman reached her his gazed shifted to the Underboss. He offered her a firm nod. She had nothing worry about. He wasn't down here to cause trouble. Merely dig up a few bets, lighten a few pockets, and if he was very lucky? Nail his next gig. Not that he really held high hopes down here. He was quite convinced that if Niema knew of his true past she may not have hired him in the past in the first place. Then again, maybe she did? Maybe that information was at her fingertips. No matter. He'd done the job and went on his way. It was just that simple. He lifted of those cigars again for another drag of the scent and finally moved to the next pit. He had no intention of interrupting business between the Underboss and a client, even if he was curious and did steal a glance at the leather wrapped object that was exchanged. Nothing was missed. "Shot of whiskey.." Assuming there was a place where drinks were served nearby. Was he going to play nice and say hi when business concluded. Maybe, just maybe. Just to remind her that he still existed, even if he knew that at the slightest misstep she may want to put a bullet through his head. . (D)
Baleful Dirge: The man walked with a certain way about him, like he knew something nobody else did. No, he didn't carry himself with any sense of superiority -- how could he? He was a slave. It was more of, for lack of a better word, an inwardness , or self-awareness. His movements were like that of a big cat, lengthy, strong and alert. Everything represented an existential threat to him. Everything but that inner world he devoted so much of his free time to studying. He wore a simple pair of black cargo pants and a white cotton shirt that was a little too big, hanging off his thin frame like a robe. He carried a grim and determined look on his face as he walked, as if shouldering some great, unseen burden. Since the 'encounter' as he'd come to call it he'd been residing in the belly of the beast. It was more of an education on all things foul, devious and wicked than he'd experience in all of his 26 years. As he walked behind her his eyes were downcast, as was her order, but his ears were open, absorbing the sounds of cheers and jeers and bone and flash. Alcohol and smoke hung heavy in the air, triggering his own cravings. This is a waste of time, he thought bitterly. Why did you allow this? Even now when his mind should have been on learning Niema's ways and expectations it was elsewhere, up in the clouds as most people say, contemplating things others thought useless. But it was difficult. He was a slave, yes, but not in his own mind. It was still too new. Too painful. He was just Alexander. As they continued in, her in front and him 5 paces back, he felt the eyes of onlookers following them. Her. Her reputation proceeded her. It was not something he was used to dealign with, being watched. When they finally met up with who he assumed they were here for he stopped, lifting his eyes to study the woman's face. She's beautiful, he thought, wondering what her business was with the she-devil. After the brief exchange he caught Niema's motion and moved forward to...Maddox, he read on her chest, collecting the small leather bound item from her and returning to his owner, lifting his clear blue eyes to meet hers. It wasn't a challenging look, but there was a hint of pity and disdain in his gaze. He hadn't been with her long enough to develop hate yet. But give it time. (d)
Black Death Pyke: || D i g g i n g ; that was one thing you didn't want Niema doing in your business. For now and a while thus far, she and Maddox had a smooth relationship and it would stay that way if Niema could help it, but that didn't mean she ever really let that thing go. Niema wasn't afraid to look at Maddox like she knew there was something off about her more than her eyes-- which the Underboss assumed was an early augment that had no off switch or had gone bad and left her ultra-light sensitive. Her associates were watching each other but as far as Niema knew they didn't know each other and there wasn't much down her she didn't know-- yes that included where Jai came from even though she never let on she knew. It brought on a smirk as the exotic marred-mouth hellion watched the nonchalant woman produce something that wasn't what she asked for; then bronzed lids narrowed a little. The Underboss had men like Alex, capable but hers to command, to keep her from getting blood-hungry over things like the extra work of going to get something she'd expected to be brought here. Nie accepted responsibility for not telling Maddox specifically and let it go knowing Alex could and would take care of it for her. || "You can do it later Alex, but I expect it in my Stack before dawn."|| She wouldn't reach for it in any way or directly watch Jai who she knew was doing the same. Or she suspected he was, man of his talents didn't let things of interest slip by, he chose a good pit to watch without watching. The close-quarter killer could see the angles in her own head without much thinking and knew he was capable and if he was capable it was possible and in her opinion, probable. ||"You'll let me know when we can square up."|| She said to Maddox before casting a glance to catch Alex's eyes as he returned to her side. There was no warning, no apparent coil for the motion just the swift and convicted swing of her arm to slap the back of her bare hand across his cheek while she spoke.||" Wipe that look of your face or I'll make you wear a mask."|| Would she? He was welcome to test her. ||[d]
Bound but free: ::Tall, Dark, and Handsome...deadpanning her though, they always got something to hide, she thought to herself as she took note how he didn't linger. Was it respect for the business going down, or was he avoiding Niema? Hey, it happened! No...not this time, something else. The slave came forward at Niema's motion and accepted the package she produced, getting her goggle-eyed attention for a moment. He wasn't bad looking himself, if a little on the young side, inside and out, she thought; her own form still a youthful (if scarred) twenty-something despite her being almost sixty. The slave was a kid by comparasin and it would have made him less if it wasn't Saborian eyes (and Knox at that) she was looking through. Can't judge a frog by it's ability to fly, if you do, it'll always believe it's not jumping high enough... The Underboss' voice grabbed her eyes again and she read the words from her lips before nodding:: All tings in dere time, eh? ::A wink worthy moment she let pass by on account of the gear on her face, but her grin got whiped away with that slap Niema applied to her slave. If she had feathers, they'd have been ruffled. Instead, she had her hands on either side of her, one on one of them things in her belt, the other on her thigh like there was a pocket where there wasn't a pocket. Instinct. She reigned it in and lifted her hands to cross them under her breasts and keep them from being a threat as she leveled her goggles on the Underboss and debated on her words. Eventually going for:: Leave de leach be'ind(behind) next time, eh? ::It was better than telling her not to slap him infront of her for an expression. As a Clan Leader, she didn't have the liberty of being stupid.::-d
Castian Grey: In the pit nearest Niema and Maddox, the gargantuan brute of a man bashed yet another opponent brutally to the ground and watched as they hauled him out the door to the side. Five in a row now without any signs of tiring or injury-the odds would surely be stacked against the next man to step into the pit against him. Castian heard the name "Stryker" announced. He'd discarded his customary ring name as well as his brown, hooded robe. Tonight, he took on his alias as his new ring name, and had put on a new, dark gray robe with a hood that shrouded his body from head to toe. The hood was drawn forward to hide his face, particularly his faintly-glowing almost neon-hued blue eyes. He made his way through the groups watching the fights below, wishing very much he could wager on himself. He was not arrogant, but there was no doubt in his mind he could outmaneuver the man he was about to face. Castian turned his head slightly to glance at Niema when he passed by her and her companions, but turned his head back almost as quickly. It was a smooth gesture that looked almost like a natural shift in the fabrics in the opening of the hood. Walking on past them without any further attention given, he moved to the ladder descending into the pit where a monstrous man waited for him. Gracefully, he climbed downward without a second thought. Turning to face the brute he was challenging, he extended his right hand to the right and bowed his head slightly in respect--not that it would be returned, but he was not a man without etiquette. As he moved into a ready stance to wait for the giant's move, the flash of the 18" Alrutanium alloy cylinder appeared in his right hand as though it had been concealed in his robe. (Done)
A Vestige Within: Business. That's what he saw when he looked upon the two of them. The potential for another job, another hunt, something that he could chase, capture, and haul in. He didn't care what it was. It could be a piece of fucking paper for all he cared. (Better be an important piece of paper though) But as long as they were paying? He was taking the job. The object was exchanged, Niema and this woman knew one another, he knew that much. Funny. The slap to the boy with Niema managed to wipe the smirk from the goggler's lips and it must've transferred to his. He grinned subtly and shook his head, enjoying the sight long enough before he felt a slap to his shoulder that nearly made him stick a knife in the culprit's rib. Luckily it was someone he knew, a rival bounty hunter as it was who always liked to exchange stories... although Jai's were always more exciting. The man was older, perhaps Jai had a strange respect for him but damnit if he wasn't interrupting his prospective watching. Jai jabbed the guy in the side as he threw back his shot and strode off with the old hunter at least temporarily to listen to his banter and perhaps find a way to shake him somewhere in the crowd. He'd seen, taken note, and he might do some further poking around later for the sake of business. Someone was getting paid.. he wanted in. . (D) (afk time for dinner and tv! Skip me til I return please >P)
Baleful Dirge: The look on his face proved to be a costly one, for no sooner had it settled than the back of Niema's hand came smashing into the side of his face. His head jerked back but he didn't make a sound. Slowly he lifted his head back up and touched a hand to his lip, which was split. He turned and spat a wad of spit and blood and then wiped his mouth with his forearm and stepped away, pocketing the item and moving to stand behind Niema once more. "Sure thing, Boss," he said in a tight voice. It as hard to make him flustered, but such public displays as that seemed to do the trick. It was all still new and he was a man and had a sense of pride, of course. He slowed his breathing to keep his anger from showing in the form of reddenning cheeks.It was just a test, he reminded himself. This all was. While standing there he thumbed the leather wrapped item in his pocket and finally determined it was a key. But a key to what? He looked at Maddox again. There was something strange about the woman but he couldn't quite place it. It was going to bother him until he could figure it out. But for now he resigned himself to looking back down at the ground and thinking of what he would do tonight once dismissed. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || T i m e ; when the lethal woman chuckled it was almost warm and friendly in response to Maddox. The humor was drained with the moment she had with the Piked-Man but Niema didn't feel the slightest bit bad about it, even if she knew Maddox hadn't liked it. A brow arched as the killer looked to the goggle-eyed woman suggesting next time she not bring him. Her words came with an edge of knowing that matched the controling grip she seemed to have on a lot of things. ||" Why? To spare your sensitivities? He chose this path, good or bad and I'll not have him look at me that way. "|| Niema knew damn well they could argue semantix of choice, Maddox seemed like that sort of woman but she also seemed the sort who wasn't going to waste her time or breath on Niema about it; at least that was the way Nie looked at her when she spoke. Not unaware of the bright-eyed fighter who slipped a glance at her on his way to the pit, though she wasn't looking just yet. Alex was being a good man and taking it with a Yes, Boss-- or close enough, she wasn't that picky. Points for him. A coin pouch with little in it was uncoiled from her belt behind her pistol and tossed back toward Alex over her shoulder-- he'd either catch it or get hit with it. ||"Go place us some wagers on Stryker would you?"|| As for the key he had the leather that wrapped it no doubt had a location mapped or jotted but now wasn't the time to go do it. Niema didn't take her eyes of Maddox because the woman had enough balls to say something, even if it wasn't what Niema thought she wanted to say. The dark devil liked that as much as it made her want to sharpen her claws and let the cat out.||[d]
Bound but free: ::The all grey cloak and drawn hood got her attention, her eyes flickering and seeing his body beneath in the fine outline of his body heat. The augment of his eyes even though she couldn't tell they were glowing exactly, or that it was such a beautiful blue, but she knew too, he had an Alru-Alloy staff under that cloke and her brow lifted and skewed her goggles for a moment. He flickered them a glance and she met it, even in passing, even behind his hood, and behind her mirrored goggles. It was enough to ease some of her angst toward the Underboss; it's not like she really expected any different from her. Didn't stop the Warlord in her from wanting to cut the woman's hands off to prove a similar point. Being a Clan Leader, she didn't have the liberty to do all the things she wanted to either, and with niema, she doubted it would teach her that lesson. More than likely, it would just piss her off. So, what did the Saborian Captain do when the woman asked her why, and offered a suggestion? Tilted her chin up to grin at the Underboss. Slow. Indulgent. Knowing. Promising. That was it, then she turned and headed for the exact seat the Watcher had vacated to chat with the old hunter and ordered herself a drink and asked after the wagering odds on 'Stryker.' Maddox said nothing else to Niema cause she had nothing else to say and no matter how much they wanted to let their claws out, Maddox couldn't afford it. Wasn't augments behind her goggles and that wasn't her only oddity. Best just walk away and bide her time. Everyone reaps what they sow eventually. Maybe the slave was getting his.::-d
Castian Grey: The brute standing across from Castian laughed. "Another soft toy? Send me a real challenger! I want entertainment! They want entertainment!" He pointed to the top of the pit and circled his hand as if to indicate Everyone watching. "Well, come on then! Why don't I give you the first swing?" As if to oblige the arrogant "champion", Stryker stepped forward, held his right hand back slightly and horizontally as the cylinder telescoped into a quarterstaff of nearly seven feet in length. As swiftly as it had extended and locked into position, Castian swept the staff straight into his opponent's lower left ribs, returned it to its cylindrical form, and moved away to relative safely before the other had even the opportunity to complete his wide-arched swing with his cudgel. To some, it might have seemed an arrogant move, but the brute hadn't expected his challenge to be met-he had made this move to enrage the other and put him at a further disadvantage… Although, the flurry of blows that followed would also happen to be much harder and faster than they would have been had he not wounded the man's pride. Castian took one of the heftier blows in stride, allowing it to land on his upper arm. He'd made it appear that he tried to dodge it, but was just short of evading-and he fell with the blow to reduce its impact. It still hurt, but he showed no signs of pain as he gracefully rolled into his fall and came back to his feet. The pits here, he preferred a great deal to the pits he'd been in planetside. Here, he didn't have to kill. Here, it was all for show-and he could work the crowds. He'd learned long ago to put on a good show. It'd look like he was outmatched, as if he might lose. Wagers against him would start rolling in above, typically--and a few for him because of the potential winnings if he managed to beat his opponent. He'd continue the intricate dance, slapping the giant a few times with the end of his staff and taking a few blows, always careful to make it look like he was really taking them in full. A few more observant watchers might spot the difference, but the typical bloodthirsty crowds loved the thrill. (Done.)
Baleful Dirge: Alexander caught the pouch at the last second, narrowly avoiding getting smacked in the face. Pushing a few strands of blonde hair from his eyes, he set off to the bookie table while trying to keep a low profile. He wondered if this sort of place had existed on earth. Probably. He was almost sure he'd read about something comparable et least. Since Niema gave no instructions on how much to place on Stryker he settled on half the pouches contents. Bet placed, weaved his way through the crowd and up to the bar and bought himself a mug of ale. Slipping the coin pouch into his pocket he took a drink and closed his eyes. Alexander had a way of making everyday moments into more than just the mundane. Existence, he thought, even everyday moments, could be spiritual in nature with the right perspective. Drink in hand he walked away from where Maddox and Niema had been to almost the opposite side of the room where he could have a moment alone with his beer and watch the fights down below. He studied Stryker in particular, trying to pick up what made the man such an accomplished fighter. It was a skill Alexander had yet to learn but was very eager to. It had been his downfall before and now that he was living in the underside it was crucial to his survival even if it was lowly in his mind. Perhaps he would ask Niema about it later, though he dreaded the prospect. Another sip as he pulled his gaze from the fight and looked around at the organized chaos all around him, suddenly feeling like a lone piece of driftwood lost out at sea, bobbing up and down and desperate to stay afloat. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || S m i r k ; the animal in Niema stirred at the smiled knowing promise of Moaddox and the dangerous woman nodded subtly. Alex caught the pouch-- two points for him, she'd have been disappointed if he'd let it hit him. Sometimes what the Underboss commanded of her minions and those in her employ was as much about the task its-self as it was about the one performing it. Usually, not always-- she was human, when she left details out it was for a reason. Tonight was a demonstration of both, an oversight with Maddox and a test of sorts to get to know how Alex thought and rationalized things in his new position. One she didn't give a rule book for. Yeah, she was a cunt that way and preferred a bit of trial and error because to her, everyone needed to be treated differently; especially those who chose to enter her world, for whatever reason. Niema counted their business done and flicked her black eyes on her branded man who went to the bar after placing the bet. She didn't follow him though a drink sounded in order, it was on her way to the rail for the best view that she snagged someone to have the drink brought to her. Perk of being the Underboss, no one stood in her way and most were willing to do as bid if only to avoid further contact with her. ||" And whatever my associate is drinking."|| Thumbing to Maddox with a glance to be sure it was in the right direction, or maybe just to catch a look at her-- who knew. Stryker could change his name but Niema knew who he was, she'd heard he'd gotten out during the Midway Blackout. She found it curious he was here again and knew damn well he could win. She hadn't seen it herself but she heard from a trusted mouth that he'd fought Wingo's. Not anything to sneeze about. ||[d]
Bound but free: ::The Slave would cross her path again later, as an Astral-Bio-Mechanical Engineer, she could think such certainties and know they are true. Watching the way the smaller fighter handled spigot mouth, Maddox nodded and confirmed her bet, handing over a pouch of tek-bits that sometimes came in handy. Saborians didn't use money like that, they were more into trading their skills, but spending so much time on this side of Javos Orbit, they were needed. It was always a good idea to make them multiply when she didn't have to work for it. When Niema followed and ordered what Maddox was having, those goggled eyes looked at her skewed by her cocked brow beneath them. The Underboss was going to drink Midway dark draft? Maddox might have the craftiest ship this side of the known verse, but she didn't bother drinking the expensive stuff because she'd be momentarily useless. Better stick to something she was used to and had a tolerance for. Being hyper-aware and hyper-sensitive had it's disadvantages too. If she wanted to, she could feel the arch of each swing and impact going on in the fights, every shuffle and shift of the moving boddies like a swarm of Fej'n (bees) in the nest. Each one with their own purpose and their own motives, moving among each other creating currents of air throughout the deck and this partition. The fighter might be fooling the crowd, but not her, and she smirked when she lifted her mug of beer toward Niema in a silent cheers, feeling comfy as she settled her ass -with an adjustment of her toolbelt- on the stool the Watcher vacated like she could read his vibes or something.. or something...::-d
Castian Grey: The brute was still coming at Castian full-steam, bashing the littler man aside occasionally. Up until one moment, Castian had managed to keep the hood on, but the giant surprised him. When he swung the cudgel downward and Castian leapt back to evade the blow, the giant released the weapon mid-swing and caught the challenger square in the chest… And Castian fell flat on his back, completely unprepared for it. Rare, but it happened-people in general had an element of unpredictability, even enraged brutes with tiny minds. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was visibly ragged-a show, but most of the spectators wouldn't realize that. The strike to his chest would leave massive bruising, but at least it hadn't cracked any bones. "Time to squash this bug," he heard bellowed from the giant towering over him, poised to bring both his hands and his entire weight down upon Castian's chest. And it was when he heard the man's feet shift and knew the blow was coming that Castian suddenly sprang to life. Without opening his eyes, he brought the staff to his midsection, aimed up at an angle just below the armpit, gripped it with both hands off to his right a little, and activated it-the weapon telescoped into the quarterstaff with such speed that it caught the other man's chest while he was already coming down, cracked his sternum, and pushed him back upright. Because it telescoped from both sides and Castian held on tightly, it also carried him halfway up off the ground. Gracefully, he stepped back into the staff and brought it around front with one hand while returning his hood into its forward position with the other. It was only then that he opened his eyes and began his final assault. Castian didn't wait for the giant to regain his balance and bearings; stretching his now-aching chest muscles slightly to relieve some pressure, Castian began to beat the giant backwards with a flurry of seemingly unstoppable blows from one end of the staff, then the other, never allowing him to regain his footing to go on the assault again. Finally, he planted the staff for extra balance slightly behind him to the left, and delivered a powerful, swift kick to the man's middle-upper chest. Before he fell, Castian swung a last blow with the staff to the man's temple, bowed his head to his fallen opponent, and began to back away. When he knew that he had nearly reached the ladder and heard his alias announced as the victor, he turned and ascended the ladder to return to the top of the pit. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: The Maiden of Midway dressed down when she came to the Underside. No make up. No fancy dress or state of the art heeled grav-boots. On the Underside Lilly looked plain and wore drab leather pants tucked into second hand boots. Her blue shirt was a size too big and overhung her belted pants a little though it was also tucked in. Lilly glanced down to tighten the laces of her shirt to hide the cleavage that might have shown in presentation within her bodice. Habits! Of the faces Lady Lillian witnessed, Niema's was the only she knew who would surely recognize her for who she was. They had an agreement though, as many did who entered the Underside of which Niema was the strong-arm for. Lilly couldn't mask her grace but did manage a slump that hid her usual regal posture. Walking with short strides she came to the bar for a drink to wet her throat and ease her nerves. What those warm brown eyes could see of the fight, Lilly thought for sure the leaner man was going to get smashed. The distraction caused her to nearly walk into Alex, missing the gap she was originally walking toward. A few loose curls slid over her shoulder when she reared her head back and snapped her attention to him. She leaned away in her automatic apologetic step back. "Ssoo sorry Ser! The fiight .. "She smiled with the hope he understood. Lilly had an accent that was soft despite the drawn out sounds or different way of pronouncing things. /end
Baleful Dirge: Alexander had nearly collided with the small woman. He'd never seen her before but he immediately picked up a level of warmth and upper class upbringing that he was familiar with. It made him briefly think of home, his childhood and his mother. "Excuse me," he said quietly, eyes lingering on her just a second too long to have been an accident. He was still a man afterall. After watching the brutal finale to the fight down below in the pit he took a deep breath at the sheer carnage of it and then finished his beer. He was on an empty stomach and such a lightweight that even a pint was enough to get him buzzed and he welcomed the warm, fuzzy feeling like an old friend. Slipping back from the front of the crowd, he turned his back to the room, reached a hand into his pocket and slipped something out and into his mouth. Preparation for later tonight. But the clock was now ticking. It was impulsive, but also an act of defiance. He couldn't control much in his life right now but she would not interfere with what was really important. Leaving his glass behind on a nearby table to be bussed, he slid through and around the spectators, making his way back to his owner. "I have to get going," he said. "Shit to do." Like handle the business of that key in his pocket Maddox had given him, among other things. If he was violating Nemia's standards of appropriate behavior he wasn't aware of it, or at least pretended not to be. Hey, at least he came to say goodbye instead of just cutting out, right? -d-
Black Death Pyke: || D a r k - D r a f t ; no Niema wasn't drinking that swill, it was for Goggle-eyes herself whether she accepted it or not. It was more or less an invite for her to stick around a while, as if she hadn't already chosen to. Yes, Nie knew how Lillian was but barely looked her way as agreed. People tended to like to look at who she looked at because they thought they might get to know what she was cooking in one capacity or another. Good luck with that. Niema didn't care that the two ran into each other and he could have stayed if he wanted-- she was the sort to call when she wanted something. Still it amused her morbidly that he was excusing himself in the wake of the shut-down fight that had a lot of betters grumbling but none of them willing to say anything, not with her standing there. Best not to get on her radar that way. Niema hadn't watched the whole fight, she'd glanced to the people of interest around her in assessment of their reactions to what was around them. She didn't mingle wiith the underlings because she liked to, it was simply the best way to keep her fingers on the pulse she was responsible for. When her drink was brought to her just before Alex returned she fixed her eyes on Maddox for a cheers, watching the other drink get brought to her. Stryker was climbing up as his name was called and the hellion swiveled her gaze to her bitch-boy with an expectant lift of her brows. Yes, he was responsible for collecting the tek-bits they'd won too. ||[d]
Castian Grey: Castian moved quietly over near Niema, though he didn't look directly at her. Even before descending into the pit, he'd noted the way she watched everyone and everything around her. He did not know her outright--he knew her reputation, and the thought that it might be her had crossed his mind... But he'd never met her personally, even in the time he'd spent Underside as a slave. He sat down nearby to observe these people before engaging in contact. The exchange he'd noted before the fight had piqued his curiosity, but he knew better than to try and listen in... And he hadn't wanted to deal with the headache that would no doubt result from making use of the augmented aural senses. As he turned his head to scan the room, his eyes fell on Lillian briefly, but continued onward. He didn't restrain the smirk beneath his hood at the look Niema gave to Alex. He studied the man a moment... He seemed to be treated as a servant, but he clearly carried himself as something more. Ultimately, he was of no consequence to Castian at he moment--just another mystery to be unraveled at a later time, should they meet again. Having had no fortune above in finding work for the time being, Castian had also hoped he might find something Underside, though he had no desire to take part in most of the shady dealings the place was so accustomed to. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: "No, pah'don me, really." She laughed lightly to his excuse me trying not to notice the lingered gaze. The R in pardon lost to the pronunciation of the A. For a moment, she thought he knew who he was looking at but surely that was silly. He was quick to finish his drink and return to Niema. Had Lilly bumped into the wrong man? Niema seemed not to care so the quiet woman smiled at him as he departed and immediately turned it to the barkeep for something strong but smooth. The barkeep wasn't afraid to question what a woman a nice as she seemed was doing down here. Lilly's reply came with a smile as warm as her eyes. "My biite is wurse than my bah'k." It was only true in extreme cases but true. The young woman missed the glowing eyes that stole a brief look her way. She did, however, look at him with a short consideration of the fight. Accepting her drink with a thank you Lilly boldly began walking his way, avoiding Niema and her Piked-Man. One of many as she heard it. Sitting alone was a bad idea and of the crowd he was the only one she thought wouldn't immediately turn her away or make a sexual pass at her. Lady OzGud wouldn't speak until she was close enough to do so normally. "May I?" Motioning to an adjacent seat with her mug in the other hand held near her breast. /end
Baleful Dirge: It was her level of entitlement that really rubbed him the wrong way. All in a simple, expectant raising of her brows. For a moment he stood in place, hesitating for the first time. Maybe it was the alcohol or whatever he'd eaten in secret, but for a beat he held his ground. Everything around him stopped, then vanished, and he saw only her in tunnel vision. But it was only a hiccup. He tipped his head and said, "Certainly, Boss. Of course." As he stepped away he acknowledged the victorious fighter with a half-smile and nod as if to say, good job. Oddly enough Alexander didn't seem intimidated. Just impressed. As he headed for the bookie to claim her winnings his eyes found Lilly across the room. Maybe he was just admiring from afar, or maybe he was putting out a silent plea for help. But then some lunk-head stepped in his line of vision and he lost her. At the bookie he collected the winnings, thanked the man and headed back, feeling a little like a yo-yo. Now that the excitement had died down there were more people milling about, waiting for the next fight to start, and it would have been easy for him to have bumped into the wrong drunk asshole and end up with a black eye, but he didn't. Alexander was agile, if a little clumsy at times. Once returning to Niema he took out the winnings so she could see and then dumped them into her pouch before handing it over to her. "Impressive haul..." he demured, still feeling the effects of the beer. -d-
Black Death Pyke: || N i e m a ; knowing her was like trying to know the bottom of the Oceans of Javos. The deeper you went the more strange things seemed even if they made sense in their own context. Yet, she knew a lot about a lot of the people who merely knew stories of her. Had seen her on occasion walking the Underside like a good Underboss should. Her presence kept order, even if with physical violence from time to time; her favorite times. That hiccup of Alex's was enough to make her feel the itch for violence which she released with an exhale and a nod as he obeyed. Those ink-blot augmented eyes watched him like a predator to prey as he went to fetch the winnings. She saw him looking in Lilly's direction and the bob and weave around people to complete his task. When he returned she let him hold the coin he dumped into the pouch and held out for her, looking up that small bit for their height difference that otherwise didn't mean jack to her-- especially not this close. ||" So, you think her pretty or does her kind face give you some kind of hope for salvation?"|| She was direct because it suited her and sometimes gave her pleasure to watch the words stab. In this case she wasn't sure they would but said them with the edge of expected curiosity like her will to ask meant he had to answer. She certainly looked at him like it did and that was the entitlement he didn't like seeing. The day someone took her down was the day that look wouldn't be there somewhere in her gaze or the prowling sway of her stride. But until then...||[d]
Bound but free: ::Maddox was doing astral calculations for what-ever reason and had momentarily checked out. When she blinked back to her tangible reality, she was still at the bar and her first beer was gone, the one Niema had ordered, in her hand. Maddox knew when to accept a beer ordered for her, assuming it hadn't passed by the Underboss first. Enhanced vision and senses checked it out before she consciously took a sip and challenged her tastebuds to detect a difference. Nah, seems alright. Oh, look at that, she had winnings too! Not as much as Niema, as it turned out when the slave returned and offered up the take in his hands. Maddoxs had a thing about hands. Hands told stories better than any part except maybe bones- that just seemed a little extreme at this point in their relationship. Glancing at Niema's hands, Maddox tightened her fingerless gloves around her mug and used it to motion toward the loot as her eyes slid toward the Fighter and...other fighter, at a table not far off. Maddox had been around long enough to see Lily in the ring once or twice, and since the grey-man with the augment-eyes just won her more bits, she was curious to watch him a moment while she spoke her peace to Niema:: You win dem bits fer de 'ell ov et, or you got plans fer it? ::No, it wasn't her business but she was curious and so, she asked. Dragging her eyes from the fighters and back to the slave with a curious tilt of her briaded head. He got himself into this huh?::-d
Castian Grey: Castian glanced up briefly as the Lady came near and continued her approach. He considered her a moment, but, wordlessly, he motioned for her to sit and bowed his head to her slightly. He didn't look directly at her, but she was close enough now that she might notice the faint blue glow beneath his hood, even at a slightly indirect angle. Expressionless, Castian half-watched the exchange between Niema and her servant. He saw the resistance there, as well as the resignation that followed. He was not an entirely willing servant, then-likely a slave. He returned the man's nod, understanding the gesture-he'd seen it countless times here. His eyes returned to their usual drifting. Like Niema, he had a talent for watching a room full of people without attracting attention-though, strictly speaking, her existence in a public place seemed to attract attention. He'd come to the conclusion from multiple signs, not just the way she carried herself, the she was important… and dangerous. Not necessarily to be feared, unless you crossed her… Or was she? Alex's return broke his mind from those ponderings, and he knew from Niema's words to the man confirmed Castian's suspicion that Alex was her slave. Maddox's movements drew his eyes briefly as well, and he smirked slightly in response to the question she posed to Niema. The Underboss (unbeknownst to him still) did not strike him as the type of person who would appreciate being asked such blunt and intrusive questions. (Done)
lethal Iullaby: It was in her heart to smile kindly when her passing gaze crossed Alex's on her way to the table. Brief, losing him before he lost her as she focused her attention on the pit-fighter. He was not familiar to her but had a vibe more welcoming despite the lone-wolf overtone. The glow was strange and she saw it alright! But Lilly wasn't sure what is was, sitting down anyway. "Thank yu." The NK harder than the rest out of her mouth and the U emphasized with the lift of the back of her tongue. She gazed up at Maddox with a smile and cheers too, even if it wasn't to her. She could tell the man was thinking before then even if she didn't know what of. She did lean forward though, turning her head with a curiously soft smile and lift of her brows looking. Hoping to catch him as he looked to Maddox himself. "Yu're an impressive fiightuh, been here befour?" She said almost gingerly but sincerely like she didn't want to startle him too much with her inquisitiveness., She cradled her drink to her chest as she leaned against it toward the table, to engage him. Try to. /end
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