RP:Protection for Xalious

Part of the Do You Believe In Magic? Arc

Summary: In his efforts to find the missing mages and protect Xalious from further kidnappings, Aiden hires Aarika and her band of sellswords to patrol the streets of the mage town, while Garrio listens in.

Aiden Salvatore, arcanist in the employ of the Mage's Guild, as well as standing member in his own right, stands vigil over the pass that leads from Xalious to the northern mountain range, as well as Frostmaw. But where one would spot a man in robes and sporting various magical tools of the trade from afar, the magus has chosen to adopt another form as he watches over the area in search of clues. Upon a nearby tree, one that hangs upon the side of the well travelled path, rests a majestic own of a native breed to the region. Having taken on this form, Aiden has been keeping a vigil over the area for some time now, hoping to either catch a glimpse of those responsible for the disappearing mages, or maybe even a hint at where they could have gone. For now, the magus in disguise simply waits upon his perch for something of interest, fending off the the innate desires to hunt that comes with prolonged transmorphic spells such as this. Soon, he'd be forced to return to his actual form, or risk losing himself to the spell and remaining an owl. With time nearing its limit, the sorcerer hopes something happens soon.

Aarika had descended from Frostmaw to inspect the integrity of the walls of the city. Every person she encountered she would ask the same question about how to reach the Northern city. It was now her hired duty to protect the rebuilding civilization and knowledge was power. The general census was the same, one way up. This had her please and also had her back in the direction she had come. Light blues ever watchful of the city. Her hair was braided and twisted from her face, all earned from battle, and Frostmaw would earn her several more. Her cloak was a light grey meant to blend in with the snow as well as the white wolf pelt draped over her shoulders. It was hard for the creature of the sun to stay warm in such a climate. Soon enough a young lad with a baby face approached the sell sword with a smile and strong grasp of the arm, Henry her squire, so to speak. " The first patrol has begun as ordered. " He informed wiping the sweat from his brows, "They are on the west gate, a few others took the work offered in Larket. " Aarika gave a nod and together they pushed onward. "Let us join our brothers."

Garrio sitting tall upon Harley rides into view. The outlaw riding in from the west, the ride was casual, though his gaze was ever searching. The vampire coming from the cliff. Pulling the reigns he starts to head north only to be stopped by gazing at the woman, having recognized her from a conflict earlier. He pulls back on the reigns and halts the horses movement. A look is given to Henry before he dismounts the horse. Reaching into the neckline of his robes he draws out an emblem tying him to house Dragana also tying him to Arcane Steward Larewen in the mages guild. He moves to hide himself behind the horse giving the appearance of just a wild horse wandering the cliffs.

Aiden is afforded the benefit of his animalistic form, plus the advantages of the height of his chosen perch. From this vantage point,the magus can see well down the majority of most paths in the vicinity. Due to these factors, the sorcerer sees and studies the approach of those coming into view for an amount of time that allows him to casually study just who was walking down the path. Having ventured to Frostmaw, and spent time speaking to its newly crowned queen, the man was aware of the various resources the Hildegarde has amassed in her task of stabilizing her kingdom after the costly events of the civil war. Masons, craftsmen of various types, tradesmen, and healers, various people of all walks of life answered the call of the Silver Queen. So, eavesdropping as he was on what little was said, an educated guess was taken that this lot was of the mercenary sort. As the man who was previously on the horse stalks up on the woman, Aiden listens just a bit more before he decides that if these were people employed by the Queen, and he too has an agreement with the leader of the War God's favored domain, then maybe there was opportunity here. He flexes his wings and swoops down. The transformation is smooth and quick, and just as the magus reaches the ground he is a man once more, donned in the robes that denote his status as a magic user. It is perhaps the staff, or at least the amulet he wears, that signifies obvious guild affiliation. Either way, he knows a sudden and unexpected appearance would perhaps be cause for alarm. So, his experience acting as the guild's liaison abroad has offered him a general understanding of how to make one's self seem non-threatening. His staff is dropped to his side, his arms outstretched so his hands are clearly seen, the magus calls out in a calm tone. " Well met travelers!" He waits to see the response before he continues, always prepared to defend himself if needed. Magic is a useful tool, and one that was always at the disposal of the man with naught but a few words. With the distance favoring his chances if this would turn south, Aiden keeps up his charming and friendly demeanor as he hopes he hasn't erred in his judgement of these people.

Aarika found the location odd for a wild stang though didn't put much though into it. Instead her thoughts flashed to her own wild beast she was still in the process of breaking. Her brain replayed a repetitive image of her being throw from her stallion time and time again. It was Henry that realized they were being addressed as he glanced over his shoulder. A soft mumble and he pulled that to his 'mentors' attention. Her oceanic gaze peered back as well before she pivoted on the balls of her feet, "Greetings." She replied with a hint of skepticism and a lofted brow while a hand dipped into her pocket, out came a little black case and a click had it open, her gloved fingers plucked out a cigarette. She hated the absence of feeling the leather barrier created but it was better then being cold. "Can I do something for you?" She inquired slipping her tailored smoke between her lips before returning the clutch to the cloak. Her hands patting down her persons as she searched for her matches but Henry was always alert to Aarika's needs. A long drag had her filling her lungs and an exhale pushed the smoke out, though with the temperature her breath would have looked the same. As she smoked she studied the magus curious to his reason for approaching her, the lingering horse beckoned her attention as well, "Is that yours?"

Garrio took advantage of his heritage and training, to move from Harley to a nearby tree. Each step taken carefully to avoid any snapping twigs or branches to give as little sound as possible. The arrival of the man had both caught Garrio off guard, and caught his curiosity. Mumbling not a word he moves from tree to tree pressing against the far side away from view. Stalking towards the very tree which Aiden was perched upon he presses his back firmly against the bark moving just an inch to the side so that he could pick up the conversation better. Hunting skills gained from his assassin mentors put to use as he leans in closer though far enough away to avoid any suspicion.

Aiden can see that there are no obvious hostilities currently, and as such moves on with his intended task. " Aiden Salvatore, mage, wizard, sorcerer, arcanist, whichever title one prefers." He has heard, and been called, far worse in certain regions that held magic as a damnable practice. "As you may have heard, or not, mages have gone missing in the area. I've been tasked with trying to find them." He waits a brief moment, as the link with his familiar sends a slight, yet unnoticeable, warning to the man. But, continuing along unfazed, the magus says. "As such I've been many places, gathering information. As such, word of your band has reached me. You are the woman in charge of a band that has recently taken a job in Frostmaw, yes?" Gold has just as much sway as magic can in most cases, and it didn't come cheap to gain what little information he did about things. Frostmaw was a key location for investigation at first, but after meeting with the Queen, he has focused his attention more along the mountain range. But, before he left the frozen kingdom he did manage to get more information, just in case. "To be blunt, if I may, I'd like to offer you and your company another contract. A simple one. Basic security, light patrol. Just from the stretch of road from Xalious village to the path leading to Frostmaw." He had crunched the numbers already. It wouldn't take many men, but the presence of patrols could seriously impact anymore potential kidnappings. And that alone would be a good show of action for the general populace. " I hope you're open to negotiations on the matter, unless of course, I'm way off the mark with whom I was lead to believe you are." Even if it was a punishment for his defiant and insubordination with the current heads of the Mages Guild, he was tasked to investigate matters abroad in lands far and wide because he was Damn good at getting information, as well as solving problems. If this was in fact the leader of the mercenary group, then business is business, especially if it overlaps with a current contract and brings in just that much more gold. Either way, her reaction would determine if the magus still has his knack for this kind of work, or if he has begun to slip. Only time will tell.

Aarika found the hair on the back of her neck rise as she began to scan their surroundings. "I have the feeling we are being watched." She muttered towards Henry. She felt extra eyes on her but couldn't tell from where. Sliding her cigarette between her lips she use both hands to communicate nonverbally with her squire. Two fingers down walked across her palm and a line drew up her arm. With that he started his own patrol. Aarika turned back towards Aiden with a smile as she continued their conversation, "I am who you think I am ." She took another drag as she casually followed Henry's path. Poor thing was off course but he wouldn't know. "And yes we are working with the Queen. Interesting that you have come by such knowledge. " She purred, "I would love to know how you found out." There was a smirk for she knew the magus would with hold the name of the informant so she skipped pressing the matter, " I have heard whispers here and there of these 'abductions'. I was wondering when someone would come to us about that." The was a playful chuckle that only lasted a moment, " Do you think they are still alive?" She questioned not quite sure if this would turn into a search and rescue, "We are always open for new contracts. The only factor is price." Her smile grew to a cheeky grin, "Anything can be bought." There was a wink and her smoke extinguished, she deposited the butt to her pocket.

Garrio kept quiet not letting on of his presence. Though the talk of coin peaked his interest, though working for a queen or any of that nature was an odd thing to him, he simply shrugged off the thought. Being blind he had no way of knowing that the mage was on to him or that he was the one being scouted. He kept focus on the conversation at hand though a spy who didn't take precaution such as avoiding twigs that would snap, using the same twigs to his advantage should the need arise.

Aiden had been made aware of at least the fact that something we was here by his familiar. While stealth wasn't his forte, the cat that shared a magical bond with the magus had a knack for both remaining unseen, and detecting that which the naked eye was hard pressed to spot. But to a mage, knowledge was power. And maybe allowing the woman to take lead in flushing out whatever may be lurking, the mage hopes to give her a sense of superiority that will boost her mood. So, looking about in a curious manner, Aiden says to the woman. "Gold is the lifeblood of any business. Name a price, and I'll see what can be done." With the various magical tattoos etched upon his body, the talisman he wears upon his neck, the rings upon his fingers and the bracers upon his wrists, the sorcerer wasn't as defenceless as he may seem. More often than not, this worked to his advantage. It's in that thought he feel confident enough to continue playing the unaware prey, for now.

Aarika pulled her braids to hang over one shoulder while she spoke terms, " I will offer you the same deal as I have Hildegarde, 1000 gold per man per patrol. The sell swords will be provided housing and food as well. Normally we would need 500 gold for travel but seeing as most of us are already here that would seem unfair." Aarika would sporadically check on the whereabouts of her squire while continuing to talk business with the mage, "Have no fear we are good at what we do. If not we would not be employed by the Queen herself." There was the same pride she wore on her face found in her words. She was a confident woman and believe in the capability of her company.

Garrio over heard the prices and gave a quick smile, he gives a nod and places his hand into his robe, when withdrawn a small metal whistle is held and brought to the mans lips. He blows hard on it, however to the common ear only the slightest of rings are heard, but to the horses, cat, and any other animal present the sound was as loud as it was obnoxious. The horse begins to buck and neigh randomly until the whistle stops. Then suddenly begins to run nearly missing the woman and the mage before turning and heading south. Using the distraction, Garrio slips from his tree and heads north trudging up through the snow covered path.