Jun 26 23:43:52 106 PA - Leo Joins the Wolves Again
From Chronicles
Kingsdale - Magic Guild Shop
Sunday afternoon brings Leonard into the shop of shops, potentially for more than just a simple weekend browsing. It might be considered a day of rest for some, but apparently not for this one as he makes his way further inside with the slightest uneven dip to his gait.
Sunday is a day like any other in the Guild Store. Various patrons mill through the isles. Some knowing what the want, some not. Behind the counter stands the ancient wolfen known as Numo, who runs the store. Its fairly well known he's a trafficker of information of sorts. So some days there are people conversing with him quite elaborately, but not yet today. As such the atmosphere for the shopper is accepted as laid back. Not unusual to find oneself perusing the wonders while waiting fro such a conversation.
It is the lupine, and converation, that Leonard seeks, and he continues towards the counter. The lack of a line for discussion of available wares or other topics is seen as a boon, as well as an opportunity not left untaken. "Good afternoon. How fares the business of the shop and Guild, today?" They are intentionally listed as seperate entities, although they may well be intrinsically linked.
The said lupine raises his brow at the humans greeting. It's intention not being missed in the slightest as he shrugs his shoulders. "Business is managing here, as it always will. Business in the guild I have no interest in. I'm not a mage, let alone a member. I just cater to their expensive tastes." He corrects before giving the human a considering look. "Must be quite new to make that mistake." He them observes, his canine jaw possibly smirking.
"I imagine that such catering is quite profitable," Leonard nods as he gives a brief, passing glance to the array of items behind the counter, "not to mention insghtful into their various tastes. You could consider me new, in comparison to yourself, but I've been present long enough to believe that you are a much more conversational individual where the Guild is involved. Not that the Keeper isn't a charming and personable fellow. He makes for quite the first impression." His own smirk is fairly obvious, but is kept light.
The lupine shakes his head slowly letting out a soft sigh. "No you are mistaken. I have no business with the guild's precious secrets, though not from lack of interest. No i am much like you to them. My existence is tolerated, rarely if ever acknowledged by the entity as a whole." He explains very concisely before letting up just a bit. "Occasionally a candidate, or someone who wants to be a candidate tells me some rumor or hearsay, and its well noted as it might be true. But really it holds little value to anyone as it is."
Leonard lifts a brow slightly. "Oh? I consider myself one of those interested in candidacy, although the procedures of such are hardly made clear. I don't suppose that anyone might have mentioned hearsay concerning the altercation just outside the monolith? It made for quite the interesting display, but the death of the one involved did make further inquiries a touch difficult."
Numo shrugs, regarding the human with little interest so far. "Which one? The most popular tale is of the young dragon who tried to force its way in. The keeper dismembered it, would have been quite the show. If anyone actually recalled seeing it clearly." He notes before turning to check something, confering with a manifest and checking again.
"Ah. I was referring to the one most recent that I am aware of," Leonard chuckles, "involving the delivery of a man of some interest to the Guild by the city's representatives, and his subsequent murder. Not quite as spectacular as a dragon, but it did provoke the Keeper into action. It is more than a tale, as I was present. I also retrieved the one responsible, but the authorities apparently have little interest in him."
The wolfen nods taking a moment to try and recall the scene. "I think a recall he was a candidate. Went astray in his trials, fell into despair, asked to die, and some nice fellow obliged the request. Well that was the police report on the case that closed last week anyway. Was in the back pages of the paper a week or so ago." He notes with an absent gesture.
Leonard considers that a moment before noting, "Yes, how kind of him to oblige, if such trials were too much. Do you recall how this candidate placed himself into such a state? I would expect no small amount of testing to prove one's talent and will, but his failure seems somewhat excessive. His fault and not that of his examiners, of course."
Numo bursts out laughing in a full wolfen cackle for a moment at the poor human's expense before wiping his eyes and recovering. "A small amount of testing? You really have no idea do you? Some candidates are 'tested' for more than ten years before they get let in. And even when they do they have to pay an exorbitant yearly due for the privilege." He corrects the human once more before slowly shaking his head as he takes up a cloth to give the counter a fresh wipe. "Really someone giving up on getting in is not at all uncommon. Though few crash as badly as that one did there have been others. Not much of a loss really, just shows how little resolve they have to see things through."
"I implied more than a little, but it's true that I have less notion of the ordeals than you." Leonard admits this blatantly obvious fact before continuing. "Thus, my inquiries into the process. You seem to think the privilege unworthy of the effort required, and you might be correct. It all depends on the benefits weighed against the risks. For me, curiosity is enough to warrant the time and energy, so far. Have any of these candidates or hopefulls spoken of just how they obtained their invitations, so to speak? Other than lavish application of credits."
Numo shakes his head simply. "Ah and you misinterpret me as well. I don't think the rewards locked inside that monolith are less than there trial dictate. Quite the opposite. I just think that such privileges are not meant for anyone. Too my knowledge none who have gained those privileges have misused them. So maybe if you don't get in you're simply not meant to, not yet." He offers sagely. "As to how to get in or how to even get in line, I really cant tell you. But I do see others who could fairly often. They're often about looking for work or errands to pass the time and gain experience. Which I often have well in stock. These baubles don't just appear on the shelves after all." He offers with a wink.
Leonard chuckles following the wolfen wink. "Of course not. Nor would you have any time left to purvey your wares if you were always out in search of more. Since you've been so generous," his tone is not mocking, but not entirely obsequious, either, "what errands do you currently have in stock? I have time to expend, myself, and it seems courteous that I should use it to assist yourself, and my peers."
Numo's ear perk up, his maw forming a Lupine smile at the offered help. "Actually I do. My regular group of go getters is well over do. I need someone to go see whats up. Does that interest you?" He asks. intently curious about the human now.
"Yes. I could certainly help with that." Leonard returns the smile, just with fewer and less pointed teeth. "Travel is my forte, so venturing out to locate and retrieve a few wayward relic-hunters would be a welcome and simple matter."
Leonard takes the offered hand and gives a politely firm (for him) shake. "Leonard. A pleasure, Numo. Truck?" He looses a short, soft chuckle at that. "This would not be the first time I've been asked to retrieve a truck and cargo, as of late. I'm certain that I can bring the necessary help. You know that the vehicle is intact, but not what is keeping those borring it?"
Numo nods quickly, pulling out some relevant manifest to review. "That's right. I sent them to Tolkeen to get the last bit of trade I could before the closed the borders. They should have been back weeks ago but they are not. So you and your friends must follow their trail and find them." He then pulls out a contact card from the manifests examining it intently for a moment before making a brief nod. "To expedite this, you should contact this man. he's a shifter who's taken the route before. He can take you to various stops along the way for you to check if the truck has been that far or not."
"Very well. I shall contact this man and see where he can lead me." Leonard takes the card and glances to it. "I've been near Tolkeen before, so the area is not completely unfamiliar. It should not take long to locate them."
The wolfen nods simply, taking up the rag again to continue with the upkeep. "See that you do, and when you right the situation that is delaying them and return I will see about rewarding you and your help as is appropriate." Numo promises.
