A Job You Don't Deserve (Dated)

[Sten Softclaw]

December 2nd, afternoon.

Sten ambled down 12th street, head down and shoulders hunched, trying not to catch anyone's eye. No one wanted to be seen being here. Zwei had been right enough about the hippogriffs around about, and a couple of judicious inquiries had confirmed there were a couple, although names and descriptions were, of course, lacking. This was the best place to lie low, so Sten just had to lift a few rocks and see what scurried.

Ha. Seeking out bad luck in a place like this. Maybe Zwei wanted him dead after all.

[Graceful Whisper]

In the shadows a green black and white form could be seen, lurking. Her tail was full of little things she'd stolen along the way, from food to trinkets and even more valuable items she could sell for some bits. Today had proven to be good to her.

[Sten Softclaw]

Sten cast a glance down a likely-looking alleyway and saw a likely-looking flash of white and green. He sauntered closer and saw yes, the wings looked suspect (longer primaries, broader span), and the ears looked even more so (tufted, feline). The individual was in shadow and Sten prayed to every god that came to mind that they were alone. He drew up a safe distance, just in case. You never knew with hippogriffs.

He cleared his throat. "Pardon me," he said, politely as he could.

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace continued to weave in and out of the shadows, putting her talents to use. She enjoyed the dark, for it masked her, keeping those who would judge or look down on her from doing so. She was about to move on to the next street before words met her ears, like a record skip interrupting her fluid dance in the dark. She quickly whipped into a dark corner, peering back at the Griffon from the shadows, "Who are you, what do you want?" she replied, her wings moving out slightly in case she needed a speedy take off.

[Sten Softclaw]

Sten held a claw up in a sign of truce and took a step backwards. So, a filly with more in the pony side of the family. He took it in as best he could. Good lord she was fast, though.

"Nothing bad, nothing bad," he said, seeing her wings spread a little and gave her a smile. "Just want to know if you're a hippogriff, is all."

Which was true, as far as it went.

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace studied the Griffon closely, her wings kept steady, ready to take in an instant. Her eyes were locked on him almost as though he was prey, although her expression and soft expressions proved she was no predator. "And what if I am?" she asked. She knew all too well how Griffon's and ponies saw her kind, if they didn't want to rape you or use you as meat it was for target practice or to see what colour you bleed.

[Sten Softclaw]

Sten kept his smile broad. He felt like he was being judged very finely and was, ever so slightly, found wanting. She was vicious, wasn't she just?

"If you are, then there's a job waiting for you," he said, shrugging. Charming, he thought. She might be bad news, but don't let her know. "Well paid, out of doors. Minimum of heavy lifting."

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace's wings very gently and slowly returned to her sides. She stood straight but remained in the comfort of the shadows. She wasn't willing to trust this Griffon, not on first appearances alone. But then his proposition was interesting, a paying job might be worth at least her time to hear what they or 'he' had to offer. "I'm listening" she said in a tone far less cold then her previous one.

[Sten Softclaw]

Sten tried not to sigh in relief. He had her by the tufted ear. Keep smiling and hope it sticks.

"Details are light, you understand," he said. "Need to know basis, but it'll be worth it. If you can talk well enough and defend yourself, I'm sure you'll fit the bill."

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace paused, talking a moment to understand these terms. "Very well then, I assume you want me to meet with your employer, unless you are the employer?" she asked curiously.

[Sten Softclaw]

"Well naturally," said Sten, nodding down the street. "He's underground, so I hope you don't mind closed spaces."

He smiled as he said it but mind you, pegasus weren't so good with tunnels. Who knew which pony she was half of? Good show wanting to take it straight to Zweihander, too. She didn't even ask to see the finance up front. Very trusting for a street-sweeper.

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace finally stepped from the shadows, giving her wings a gentle flick to rid the dust that had gathered on them from being in that corner. She still didn't trust this Griffon, but for now she would go along with it, "Lead on" she said in a her usual soft tone, carried without the cold bite of distrust.

[Sten Softclaw]

Sten grinned to himself and led on down the street. Maybe, just maybe, having a hippogriff on board wouldn't be so bad.

Maybe.

[Graceful Whisper]

Grace followed behind, her eyes keeping a close eye on him while looking for anything suspicious, like an ambush or a Griffon patrol. Only time would tell if this Griffon was telling the truth.

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