| Subject: Erlic's proposition |
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Erlic
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Date Posted: 11:40:13 08/31/02 Sat
ooc: reposted by Ravin, in case network 54 goes down again.
Just how much did everyone know about Eremis? It was a good question, but not one that had to be answered readily, at least not at the moment. If those that knew Eremis believed him to be soft, weak, then so be it, but Erlic did realize, deep down, that the youth was capable of unimaginable acts, and not those associated with sex. It was very true that the youth was forced into a life of drugs, and by that life, forced to enter the world of prostitutes, where he could service those with needs, for a good amount of money. Erlic realized that the youth probably didn’t enjoy the acts at first, but soon realized that without money, there would be no source for drugs, and therefore was forced to do the unthinkable. But Eremis possessed other attributes that not many of his friends realized the youth was capable. He had a way of thinking, and yet never expressed his own sentiments outwardly. With the proper training, he would have been the perfect candidate for any one of numerous positions within the Specialist’s Guild. His shy mannerisms, and the ability to keep his mouth shut when necessary was in itself quite invaluable.
Perhaps there was still hope for Eremis, and Erlic would have to decide on how to make the youth understand the proposal he would offer the young healer come morning. For now, though, it was simply a matter of relaxing, and spending some time with Aspen.
Being in the line of work as assassin, and as guild master of the Specialist’s Guild, Erlic had found it very difficult to enter into any relationship. Yes he had had a few one night stands but those were merely with friends he had known for a long time, or simply with whores, usually the more expensive ones to occupy his time. On rare occasions, people in his own line of work, and this was extremely rare, would be able to get together with him for a night of fun. Unfortunately, this only allowed a brief repose from the everyday grind, and, was conducted with someone who understood his own line of work, and therefore could appreciate the necessity for companionship, even if for one night.
Aspen had just offered him to spend the night, be it on the sofa or in her own bed, and once she had let her robe slip to the floor, Erlic was inclined to join her in bed. It wasn’t often he could relate with someone from his own line of work, and therefore took the opportunity when it afforded itself. He followed the woman into her room, undressed, and slipped into the bed next to her, making sure he had some weapons within easy access, although he didn’t think it would be necessary. Neither one knew each other, but Erlic figured that if he was usually alone at nights, then so was Aspen. He gently pulled her into his embrace, willing to release her if she so desired. When she smiled at him, they embarked on an evening of lovemaking before falling asleep in each other’s arms.
When morning came Erlic was the first to awaken. He kissed the woman next to him before getting up, washing, dressing, and donning his weapons. It was quite obvious that Aspen was a light sleeper for she greeted him immediately once he had left the bed. The guild master suggested that they have breakfast together, and left the room so that Aspen could have her privacy. Once she was ready, they traveled to one of the better inns, and had breakfast. When finished, the woman stated she had work to do, as did Erlic. They parted company after acknowledging one another. Erlic’s first stop was at a liquor store where he bought an expensive bottle of brandy, as well as a bottle of wine. He, and Althena had used the bottle at Eremis’ house, and he felt it necessary to replace it.
He had arrived at the apartment, and when he knocked, heard no reply. Rather than entering the room, Erlic decided to wait for them outside, across the street from where they lived. Eventually both Eremis, and Cas showed up, and the guild master gave them some time before climbing the stairs to their apartment. He knocked on the door, and waited briefly. Eremis eventually opened the door, and allowed him to enter. He placed the bottles of brandy, and wine on the table, and took a seat.
Eremis offered him a cup of java, and he readily accepted. The guild master could note the wariness in the eyes of Cas who watched him with scrutiny. Eremis was the victim, and Cas was his protector, that much was evident from the brief history he had witnessed of the two. Once Eremis was seated Erlic decided to begin.
“I brought you a bottle of wine, and brandy,” Erlic began, “since we had taken the liberty of using yours.” He then placed a pouch of gold on the table in front of Eremis. “Inside you’ll find five hundred gold pieces for your help with Sir Redric.” The guild master did note the hint of surprise from not only Eremis, but from Cas as well.
“As I stated yesterday, I wanted to speak to you about a proposition, primarily to you, and Cas if he’s so interested.” That definitely brought about a wary look from Cas, and a questioning look from Eremis. Obviously the entrance of Erlic, and Althena the previous evening, coupled with the killing of Lonta, along with asking him to help in the incident of Sir Redric did nothing to help matters as far as the relationship between Erlic, and Eremis were concerned. The guild master was sure that if he could convey his wishes to Eremis properly, the young healer would accept, and if that were the case, so would Cas.
“I guess I should tell you a little bit about what I do for a living,” Erlic stated after he took a sip of his java. “I am the guild master of a small group known as the Specialist’s Guild. The people in my organization are from all walks of life, and the one thing they have in common is a specialty of some form. For example, I have an ex-drunk who excels in working with magic, and alchemy. I have a common thief who excels in espionage. There is nothing unique about these individuals with the exception of the specialized trait. You already know three of the members, Dalo, Ravin, and Laurel.”
The expression on Eremis’ face was one of confusion. It was quite evident that the youth was wondering how he could possibly fit in when he had no specialty of his own. “You’re probably wondering what this has to do with you, and with Cas,” Erlic continued, taking another sip of java. “You have recently fallen in with a group of people, not everyday ordinary people, but people in power. Take Belald for example. It has come to my attention that you, and the mercenary who used to work for Tegol, have become….friends. Not only Belald, but Sir Redric as well. I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but there is currently a power struggle in Bizmar for possession of Tegol’s old territory, and Belald is currently vying for that power. Unlike Tegol, who acted foolishly, and without thinking, Belald is quite different. Here we have a man that can be quite ruthless when he has to be, and thinks logically, and that can make him even more dangerous.”
Erlic decided to let that sink in since he had been informed of Eremis’ dealings with the mercenary. More important, he realized that safety had to be the number one priority as far as Eremis was concerned. “I don’t want you to do anything differently than what you’re doing now,” the guild master continued. “Continue your day to day life, and simply pass on any information you find out about people such as Belald, and Sir Redric to me, or to one of my associates who will usually be close by when you have dealings with these people. If something should go amiss, you’ll have a mirror on you at all times, and will have contact with my associate, who will be able to tactfully, and without incident, get you out of whatever mess you might get involved in.” Safety had to be an important issue here for Eremis, and Erlic was well aware of the young healer’s past incidents. “I want to assure you that there will always be someone watching, whenever you get involved with people of high importance, so that your safety will always take high precedence.”
Erlic let the information sink in for both Eremis, and Cas. He was well aware that whatever Eremis had thought of him in the past had changed, especially after his unusual entrance with Althena the other night. The guild master had to convey to the youth, that killing wouldn’t be part of the picture, at least on Eremis’ end, and that safety was a major contributor.
“The other day I asked you to give me a layout of Sir Redric’s estate, and that you did, with amazing clarity. Even under the extreme circumstances, you managed to provide us with valuable information, and, succeeded in carrying out your task. I understand that you’re currently under the influence of drugs, and, that it’s not something of your own choosing. All I can say is that if you ever want help in trying to kick the habit, let me know, and I’ll see to it that you get all of the proper assistance needed to overcome the habit. But I also know that this is a decision that has to come directly from you, and from you alone. No one can force you to stop.”
The guild master had come into contact with many that had been hooked on opium, and various other narcotics in the past. He had seen from his homeland in Kor Toi, just how difficult, and painful it was to overcome the harsh addiction of any drug, and he realized that it would take some time before Eremis actually agreed to try, and kick his addiction. It would by no means be simple, especially with the drug that had been induced into the youth. But the willingness to stop, totally stop, had to come from the young healer. Force was totally out of the question.
“I’m willing to pay you, and Cas one hundred and fifty gold pieces each a week,” Erlic stated once again gaining the attention of both Cas, and Eremis. “That doesn’t include any bonuses for specialized information that you may stumble upon. You’ll have my help should you need it, as well as those within the guild. I’ll see to it that both you, and Cas are trained in whatever fields are necessary. For Cas, I deem it necessary for sword fighting, and perhaps a little training in the breaking, and entering department.” Erlic turned his gaze to the youth sitting on the windowsill. He had seen how he had held his weapon the other night, and that alone was enough to inform him that he needed more training in the art. “I know the gentleman he’s taking sword lessons from, and believe me, Cas could do much better, and, in a shorter amount of time with the proper training. As for you Eremis, possibly some training with a dagger, if that would make you feel comfortable. My guild could also provide you with certain items that might make you feel safer in any given situation. A needle ring coated with sleeping venom would knock out anyone attempting to hurt you in seconds. If you take my offer you will both be trained in the art of spying, and how to take care of yourselves should a plan go awry, and become dangerous. I’m offering you a decent opportunity that could become quite profitable as well.”
When Erlic noticed the bloodstain from Lonta on the floor he decided he better try to eliminate more of Eremis’ fear. “Neither of you will have to associate with Althena.”
The guild master took another sip of java then glanced from one youth to the other. “I don’t want to press you guys, but I’d like an answer as soon as possible about my job offer. If you have any questions, now’s the time to ask them.”
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