"You promised him…12 million? Evan I taught you to barter better then that, even with your life on the line. Sigh, alas. Being friends with dragons does have it's perks. You'll get your 12 million. Where you keep it is your issue. Such a grand amount of money, well, you're very likely to attract thieves and those less fortunate. By your tan, and the droop of your eyes, you are a foreigner. Best be careful on your travels." Crystal smiled. "Now then, my little rosebuds. Evelyn, you have chores to do. Afterwards you may see Clara." "Mom why do we even have all of these maids if I have to clean?" "Because why over work them? They aren't cattle, they are creatures too. Smart ones, with lives and wicked magic. Besides, since you won't be royalty forever, as I know you plan on leaving and travelling as soon as you can, you best learn to live as a commoner. Including chores. After breakfast clean your room." She huffed and pouted as Evan smiled. "And you Evan, I can't have you accompanying the council meeting. You best show some decency and show our new comer around Obdin today. The sights, such as the forest and the market place. You stay in your room too much anyways dearest." The words washed over everyone as they ate. Evelyn was scowling, as Evan simply nodded and finished his meal, beginning on a frosted cinnamon roll as he listened.
He chuckles softly and shakes his head, "I can lower the price to double, I may be an assassin but I'm not greedy. And to be completely fair, ma'am, it's very bold of you to assume that I keep the money to myself. As for thieves, it won't be the first, nor the last time I have to deal with them." He finished his food rather quickly, apparently eager to get paid and go home. He had people to take care of that were depending on him. He glanced at the princess, "If you ever need recommendations on where to visit, I know some wonderful places." He was charming, that's for sure. "Crystal is correct, if you want to be able to live on your own, you need basic skills in cooking, cleaning, self defense and tending to yourself. A royal name won't mean much outside the city walls, or in far off countries. As for touring the city, as much as I would love to I have business I need to attend to." His silver eyes flash towards Evan and Evelyn. "It was a pleasure meeting both of you." Hearing Crystal mention "wicked magic" had apparently struck a chord in him, and it simply made him more eager to get his payment and leave.
Crystal nodded. "You will have to carry it with you and keep it on yourself until you can distribute it. And being daring got me my crown dearest. Being striking, and going for the throat. Now then, cmon dearest. You two, get ready for the day ahead." She stood up and motioned. "You are much kinder than other assassins. Most are rude and greedier. But, I cannot turn anyone away." She mused quietly, as a vine out of nowhere reached down and handed Crystal a few scrolls. "Ah, yes. More state affairs and complaints from the people." She tucked them under her arm and continued on down some flights of stairs, and to the treasury. "Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking."
He nods a little bit at that, that was respectable. He glances at her, "My mother raised me well." He said simply, following after her, taking in the beauty of the halls, wondering vaguely what it must be like… living like this. He glanced at the woman for a moment. "I don't know where I come from. I was moved around a lot as a child." He shrugged, "But where I am currently living is something I'd rather not share." People knowing where he lived was dangerous, no matter how kind someone might be, it was always best to take things carefully, especially considering the people he was surrounded by.
She nods. "I forget how secret assassins are sometimes. I had a friend who was one, until he tried to poison me. You can visit his grave on the edge of town." Her words she said like they were made of paper, but such words were filled with lead. She was interesting for sure. She opened the treasury and walked in. There, was in fact a dragon, counting some coins. "Ah, Midnight! You're up bright and early!" "Yes well, I have to recount some charity funds, and of course with Lilacs outburst I have to move around some coinage and-" He turned around. He was black, with green and white speckles as his eyes focused on the two little people before him. He growled and leapt off the pile, and lay down in front of him. "How much am I digging out from the back hm? We have to order food for the ball, and then with your council meeting…" "8 million, and a little extra for being so kind." He huffed. "8 million! And how are we supposed to balance that out…you and your promises my Highness." He sighed and flew off into the rafters. Crystal shook her head. "He's just grumpy. I'll have to make sure to get him some coffee. That usually perks him up. Do you need anything else?"
He shook his head, "Assassin's have codes, just as royalty does. And I do not doubt your words." He chuckles softly, seeming unbothered by the woman's subtle threat. Anubis was a curious soul, seeming lighthearted but careful. He glanced at the dragon and bows somewhat respectfully. "I apologize for putting a wrench in your balance, noble dragon."He hummed and glances at Crystal. "It's a miracle that one could survive without the morning cup of coffee." He chuckled in amusement as he waited quietly. "I don't believe I need anything else. Work is steady. Although a map would be of help." He tilts his head at the other an offers a rather flattering smile. He was certainly a pleasant assassin.
"Oh yes that is easy. Vines!" She claps her hands and 4 of them dangle down. "A map for the kind assassin please, oh and help out our dragon banker here if he needs it." (So I totally forgot midnight is a different dragons name that is important. This one is named Emerald). They all disappeared to go do their tasks, and Crystal hummed as she picks up an accounting book and pages through. "Feel free to explore, but you steal one cent and I'll cut off your hand."
He nods and takes the map gratefully, his eyes flickering around the room in curiosity. "I'll stay here." He replies simply, "I don't need to move all that much, it's better for me to save my energy for my trip back home." He stretches his arms over his head and gave a relaxed sigh. This was kind of nice if he was being honest. Getting paid and he didn't have to kill someone he didn't want to kill. He relaxed against a nearby wall, waiting patiently.
Crystal helped to lug over the bags. "How ever are you going to get all of this coinage home without a cent getting stolen you may ask? Simple. If I've still got it in me. I'm getting old anymore." She sighed and waved her hand, doing a bit of mumbling, and suddenly the bags shrank to pocked sized. "Just add 2 drops of water and say 'You May Rise' when needed. To shrink them well…you'd have to bring it back to me once more. I never was able to figure out how to make the shrinking easier." Suddenly Evan burst in. "Mooom Evelyn spilled all over my dress!" "And how did that happen little cherub?" "Well I tripped her." "Why?" "Because she was going to pour it on my dress anyways." "You both are in your 20's…" She shook her head. "Motherhood never ends. Go on get changed then. Oh and accompany our assassin to the edge of town, and while you're there head to the market. I need some more chickens and get some horse shoes as well." He sighed and nodded, leaving the treasury and dashing off and away. "Oh and for you. If you ever need help dear, simply send a letter." She smiled at Anubis. "You best get moving. Who employed you? This is the third assassin this month after Evan. I'd like to know who and where they are."
(ack! Sorry I thought I replied to this!)
He watches the magic curiously before nodding at her words, "Thank you very much, your highness." He carefully places the bags in his pockets before looking over at Evan and smiling a little bit at the commotion. He glanced at Crystal and cleared his throat, "I'm not usually allowed to name my costumers, but I believe it was an ex lover of Evan's? He seemed very angry. We met at a pub just outside the kingdom. I believe he's hiding out in that area. I have our meet up spot if you wish me to give it to you." He grabs a nearby paper, and makes a rather nice and easy to read map. "There's a little pub outside the city, just simply say "Rosa sent me." and they'll let you in. He should be waiting there if you wish to take care of him." He hands the map to Crystal. "I really should be on my way."
"Go on then. And thank you. Evan will be with you presently." She waved goodbye to the dragon and walked with the assassin out the door and down and out to the stables where Evan was dressed in commoners clothes, and sat upon a black speckled steed. "Do you have something to ride?"
He nods in understanding, following after her and humming a bit. "I did. She's waiting outside the city though." He hummed, "if I brought her in, it would cause a small bit of chaos." He bowed faintly to Crystal before glancing at Evan and nodding slightly. "I thank you both for the hospitality. Shall we get going then?"
Evan nodded and patted the back of his saddle. "I'll ride you out to the edge of town." "No need to thank us. Obdin is well known for it's hospitality." Crystal smiled and then heard a really loud crash come from inside. "Time to go see what Evelyn destroyed. Good luck! Feel free to write." And Crystal ran off back into the castle as Evan pet his steed, talking gently to it.
Anubis nods after a moment before slowly hopping up on the back of the steed and gently setting his hands on Evan's waist. "Well, thank you again." He chuckles softly and nods to Crystal before looking forward. "We'll need to head east, she's waiting for me there." He hummed in thought as he did so. Yes, he had left her in the eastern part, since it was a bit more dense with forest and she could hide easily.
He nodded and spurred his horse forward, waving hello to the villagers as he passed. Woman swooned, men glared, which is the exact opposite of what Evan would want. He talked cheerily to children and seemed friendly but engaging in anything more then a hello and he was trying to end the conversation quickly.
He glanced at the men who would glare, meeting them with one of his own, which were about 10 times more terrifying. He barely acknowledged anyone else, waiting for the time when he would be allowed to leave. He just wanted to get to the edge of town and get home. He had people waiting on him. He just looked a bit bored if he wasn't glaring at someone.
Evan hummed softly as the horse went slowly, before he sighed. "Alright this is boring." And he dug his heels into the horses side, spurring the poor creature on, as it took up a quicker pace east, to the edge of town.
He chuckles a bit when the prince spoke up, humming a bit as he watched the city spread out and into a more open area. He gave a sharp whistle as he hopped off of the horse once they had slowed down a little bit. With that he waited patiently as he heard the heavy footsteps of a giant beast head their way.
