Sangjaheil - Brazil

[iprince]

"Aye,"the man wrapped his hands around his cup, but did not drink,"I've heard that many times as well. Very few people know are jungles well enough to claim knowledge of it's secrets. It's an old jungle, older than most, I'd say, but it has many, many secrets." He sighed, dipping his head so his messy black hair fell across his eyes,"Alas, I think I've been up late enough tonight." He rose from his stool, pushing his half-empty glass toward the bartender,"If you need a guide, little adventurer, I live in the house beside the shop. Come any time you need me, I'll be awake." With that, he nodded his head in farewell, and clomped gracelessly out of the tavern, and into the night.

It was just you and the barkeep now.

"A room, you ask?" the balding man nodded to himself,"Yes, yes, I think we've got one left. It isn't much, but that's nothing. Nothing in this village is really much, so it'll have to do if you're planning on sleeping with a roof over your head,"he reached beneath the counter and produce a long slip of paper,"Just give me your name, and 2 cruzeiros, and I'll board you for the night." He slipped a quill from his pocket, and produced and inkwell from beneath the counter, setting them both beside the paper,"I'll be right back with your water." The works left his mouth with an almost exasperated sigh. What was with all the patrons and water now-a-days? Taverns were meant for ale, not the common drink.

((Note: Cruzeiros are Brazillian currency. Tirithium is special, in that it morphs to resemble whatever currency you need, so don't worry about that. X3))

[silverdust]

What a strange person, but more interesting than drunken sailors. He gave the same nod goodbye, watching him fade lumberingly out the door. It was somewhat a relief to see gracelessness, when everything in his world had been so refined and elegant. He might be of more use later in his journey. But something sparked in the back of his mind, something that told him that the stranger might be slightly more than he seemed. He would certainly take this stranger's offer, when, he wasn't exactly sure.

He took out two more tirithium and laid them beside the paper, picking up the quill. He couldn't very well write down his own name, it was to foreign. Better to choose an alias that was more normal, something these humans might read and think nothing more of. With a graceful hand and a bitter smile, he wrote his chosen alias. Sang D'Eris. Blood of Eris. Wouldn't his 'master' be pleased, turning in whatever hell he basked in now.

He waited for the bar keeper to return, listening to the voices around him. Once again he searched for clues in the drunken waves of voices. His fingers played listlessly with the medallion, tracing over the four-armed creature, the reason for his troubles.

[iprince]

The bartender returned and pushed a short, stout glass of water toward you, before picking up the two coins and peering over the piece of paper. "Sang D'Eris,"he read aloud, his mouth pronouncing his syllable with slow, meticulous, perfection. It was a strange name, yes, but bartenders and innkeepers were known to running into strange names. The balding man nodded his head and ducked under the counter for a third time, reappearing with a crude, bronze key in hand. He pushed it across the counter with the water, and nodded his head,"Alright mister D'Eris, your room is just outside the door on the left,"he lifted a hand, pointing toward a dark hallway that sank into the wall left of the bar,"two doors down, on the right side of the hall."

He turned away and started toward another drunkard, wildly flagging him down and shouting for his glass to be refilled.

You were left alone again, in this bar full of unusual people, but with many choices. You could always retire to your room, and continue your quest in the morning, or you could hunt around the bar for information. There were five people left, other than yourself, any of which could have information for you.

The first, and most obvious despite his location, was the dark eyes sailor from the store, scrunched up against the corner and nursing a near empty glass of bourbon. He was watching you through narrowed eyes, and seemed to be a rather testy character. Maybe not the best of characters.

The second, was the drunkard flagging down the barkeep, he was a big man, with dark skin and a loose, sweat-drenched shirt. He was swaying in his seat, and was probably too drunk to be of any real use to you.

The third was a scrawny looking man, seated on your other side and keeping relatively to himself. Every time a loud noise sounded, he would jump and squeak and look about wildly. He was pale skinned, and dressed in a sailor's garb, probably the cabin boy of the ship you'd just come from.

The fourth was a stern, cynical looking man, with dark eyes, dark skin, and dark tribal markings tattooed on his arms and face. He too was nursing a drink, but his glass looked as if it had hardly had a sip taken out of it. He was watching the dark eyed sailor, face and eyes masked and emotionless.

The last, of course, was the barkeep himself.

So, what'll it be, lad? A quick conversation, or a trip off to bed?

There was still the call of the jungle as well, heavy in your ears.

[silverdust]

'Sang' pocketed the key gently, taking a drink of the water. It was bland and cold in his mouth, but at least it was something. He pretended not to notice the sailor's eyes, though they felt like brands on his back, and his hand still clutched at the rapier. Eyes watching eyes, what games these humans played. He debated just going to bed, to get away from all these humans and the call of their blood. But if he left now, what would he have accomplished? A medallion was all, with a creature on it that could be what he was looking for, or perhaps a trinket made in China. Oh, what fun.

He looked over his choice of companionship, curling his lip slightly. He didn't like people, he didn't like anything living in general. There was a reason he had never sought a cast, and now he was being forced into interaction, a game he wasn't used to playing. How weak he was, and how he despised it. The dark-eyed sailor he didn't want to deal with right now, but he would if he didn't stop staring like that. Another sip of water, another glance around.

The man with the tribal marks caught his attention, partially for his expression, one that he could recognize for having worn so often. That and the markings on his face and arms. Perhaps he was a native, or knew something of the figure on the coin. Or maybe something of the dark-eyed sailor. He downed the glass of water and stood smoothly enough, repressing the bloodlust even farther. He made his way over to the tattooed man, standing beside his table. He wasn't arrogant enough to sit down without an invitation.

"I hope you don't mind," his voice was soft, and carefully without too much emotion. "But you look as if you might be able to help me..."

If the stranger was short-tempered, then he would ask his question and leave. If not, perhaps he had stumbled upon a valuable piece of the puzzle, or not. Damn, he hated being unsure.

[iprince]

The dark eyed sailor seemed to straighten up with surprise as you moved away from the bar, toward the Native. He cast a dirty look at you both and turned away, focusing his troubles on his pint. He was obviously disgruntled by your choice of company.

The Native did not turn his attention to you immediately, instead he kept his deep gaze on the sailor, his brow furrowed and lips pulled tight, straight, emotionless. Even after you had spoken your words, he didn't answer. Perhaps he was deaf?

No. A moment later his gaze was on you again, softened, but still lacking any visible feeling. "Tourist,"he was assessing, not accusing, scrutinizing you with a narrowed, calculating look,"Tourists are always curious about our land." He stretched a hand out, waving at the chair across from him."What is it that you need?" For a native, he spoke surprisingly fluid english, and his accent was not so rich or so muddled as to make his words indistinguishable.

Across the room, the Sailor had turned his eyes back on you and the stranger. His fingers played with the lip of his glass, busying himself. He seemed to make a decision, rising up from his chair, and padding out of the tavern with not a word to anyone. Perhaps your chance to speak with this one was lost.

[silverdust]

He sat down fluidly, still pretending not to notice the sailor's glares. Even though the Native was slow to speak, at least his English was understandable and strangely fluent. He noted further the tension between the two, whether long harbored or merely formed in this drunken chaos, he couldn't be sure. Still, it had nothing more to do with him. Releasing the rapier, the first time since he had arrived in this land, he lifted his wrist, letting the medallion dangle, bright even in the dim light. He smiled slightly, trying to ease into this act of civility.

"I bought this at the souveneir shop," he said, his voice now feigning a slight curiosity. "I was wondering what you might know of the creature upon it."

He saw the sailor leave and silently cursed, though no trace shown on the outside. He might not have been the most useful for his journey, but he had wanted to know exactly what his gaze might've wanted from him. Perhaps he could track him down tomorrow, that intensity didn't seem to quite easily. But then again, was it such a great loss?

[iprince]

The Native reached across the table and took your hand, holding the wrist loosely between his calloused fingers. There were even tattoos upon his knuckles and joints, he was fair covered in their dark, swirling designs. There was a flicker of recognition in the man's eyes, and he ran his thumb across the medallion, furrowing his brow in concentration,"It's one of our gods, Jubeiriku, of the mind and the darkness it holds. Sinners worship him,"he let go of your wrist and leaned back in his chair,"You would do good not to show it to my people in the future. Worshipers are Jubeiriku are not friends to them."

He lifted his drink, taking the tiniest of sips from it,"Is there anything else you need, Tourist? Or will you let me go? My keep has left me, and it would be irresponsible for me to allow him to wander alone without a guide."

At least you had received some information from him. Is it enough to stifle your curiosity? There were still three other patrons in the bar that might be of use, but the Native looked anxious now. It might not be the best ideas to keep him, if he was intent on going after the dark-eyed sailor.

[silverdust]

He drew back his wirst, tracing the touch lightly. It had been a long while since he had let someone touch him without the promise of killing them. Finally, some information. So this Murdon had made himself some sort of god? He recognized the naming rules, passed down as they were. He gave another smile at the Native, nodding his head in a thank you. "There is nothing else, I thank you for your assistance."

So he acted as a guide for the sailor? Well, at least he knew dark-eyes was a traveler, but he still wanted to know why he had served as such an interest to him. But it was nothing to do with the journey. Perhaps if he caught him alone, he would ask it of him, but no more chasing after his personal agendas. He rose, signaling that he would leave now and let the Native to his own business. His mother's marionette blood wanted him to stay and play, but he wouldn't lower himself again, not to those tricks that Eris had pulled his strings to play. Instead, he flashed another quick smile and headed toward his rooms. He would question the bartender in the morning, maybe. The drunk and the sailor boy would be of little use now, one a foreigner and one so drunk it seemed he couldn't stand.

He slipped into the dark corridor, the darkness perhaps blinding to human eyes, but his Euclide eyes cut through it easily. He slipped the key into the lock and jerked it around. The door opened with a click and he stepped inside.

[iprince]

The room was plain, ordinary, with nothing but a bed, a small night stand, and a candle seated atop it to provide the visitor with at least a little light. The sheets were thin, white, and drawn back to accept a weary stranger.

There was nothing abnormal or interesting to find here.

With a sigh you settle down on the mattress, not bothering with the candle, and curl the sheets around you. A long rest was something you were due for, after the trip across the ocean and the unusual characters you have been forced to deal with, on strange foreign lands no less. Sleep would be more than welcome. Your adventure would continue in the morning.

----

And morning came. (-shoots dice for not rolling anything interesting-)

The sun arose up over the horizon and bathed the little village in bright light. It looked much different than it had the previous night, much more welcome and friendly and...small. Closed signs turned to open, and a few scattered men and women took to roaming the streets, feeding chicken and cattle, or milking goats. The jungle was safer during daylight hours, so a few always went off down the broken path for a little morning walk.

There came an insistent knock upon your door, and the barkeeps voice cut through the silence,"We, ah, we need that room now, so unless you're planning on paying for an extra night, this is your wake up and get out call!" The tone he used wasn't nearly so rude as the actual words.

It was the start of a brand new day, and you had many choices ahead of you

[silverdust]

Sangjaheil was a light sleeper, and had woken up far before the barkeeper's knock on the door. The bloodlust had come back full force sometime after midnight, the jungle's wild moist air doing nothing to help it. He had been watching the candle flicker until the dawn had arrived. Though the words were rude, at least they were a pull back to reality that he didn't quite mind. Alone with his thoughts were more of a pain than he cared to relive.

He rose quietly, slipping on his shirt and gathering his things. He had discovered last night that while the shifter orb hid most of his markings, the crimson wings on his back hadn't faded. He had to be more careful with the clothing from now on, as the shirt he had chosen was already light in color and fabric. Those marks might raise suspicion, more than already pursued him. He made sure his hair hung loose, offering vague cover but it was the best he could do along with the makeshift satchel. He snatched up the rapier, the medallion making a disgruntled clink in his haste, and pushed open the door, nodding a good morning to the barkeep.

"It is free now, thank you," he said offhandedly, heading toward the bar area. What people would he see now, now that the daylight was out?

[iprince]

There were a great many more patrons in the bar, now that daylight had come. In fact, one could even call it crowded. The stink of alcohol had faded some, and most of the visitors had breakfast on their plates, not ale. The source of any alcoholic stink probably came from the fat drunkard, the one from last night, who now lay conked out on the tavern floor, snoring pitifully. He had drunken himself to unconsciousness, and the barkeep had neither the strength nor the interest enough to move him. He'd be kicked out as soon as he woke up, but for now he made an interesting conversational piece.

Your dark-eyed sailor and his glaring native were no where to be found, though, nor the robust man who had offered himself as guide. The bar was filled with strangers, a hoard of sailors from the ship you'd sailed from, all laughing merrily together. The scrawny, nervous looking cabin boy was among them, twiddling his thumbs and picking at the scrambled eggs that littered his plate. Other than him, you couldn't find anyone you recognized.

There were a few interesting characters though. For one, there was a pair of young foreigners, much like yourself, huddled over a map. A young man and a lady, the man with pale skin, the lady with dark. Despite the difference in skin tone, they looked quite alot alike. But just as you considered going over to them, they rose from the table, and left the tavern. So much for that.

There were a couple natives, seated at the bar and speaking in quiet tones to one another, eating very little, and drinking even less. They might prove to have some valuable information, being from the country and all.

Of course, there were other things outside the tavern as well. The shop, the other stores and building that had decided to open with the coming of the dawn, the robust man's house, the missionaries hut, and the little private shack with the rocking chair on its porch.

And then, there was still the jungle.

You had a great many options in front of you.

[silverdust]

Sangjaheil couldn't stand to be in the bar much longer. Too many people, many more than last night, and his control was still weak. Still, he did do a quick scan, noticing only one familiar face. Though the two foreigners were interesting, they left quickly and he didn't feel like hunting them down at the moment. And the natives, well, the one last night had warned him of the mention of the medallion. He wanted no trouble.

He fixed his satchel and picked his way through the restricting crowds and into the sunlight. He winced in the sudden brightness, not used to the glare as strong as this Brazilian sun. He was more a creature of the night and France's pleasant temperatures had left their mark. Besides, standing in this light he might seem even blinding himself, his white clothing shimmering as a candleflame. He looked about the village, deciding where to go. He knew what he was looking for now, this Jubeiriku. He might be the key, or at least a point in the right direction. And if he were a god to the natives, perhaps the jungle was the place to start after all.

The bearish man had offered himself as a guide, he would start there. He would have to think of an elaborate story as to why he was chasing down a god, but if the man decided not to accompany him, he could always go at it alone. The jungle still gave its persistent call, but whether to the key to his quest or a dangerous chase, he couldn't be sure. Maybe one in the same. With a light sigh he walked over to the house, giving a light rap at the door. He stood back and waited, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. It was not often he felt anxious, even if it were only a light tinge as now.

[iprince]

The door swung open almost immediately, but not to reveal the fact of the robust man. Instead, it was a native woman, middle-aged and frail, with long, lanky black hair. Her skin was tattooed much like the stern man who'd watched your sailor, with swirling, elegant designs that flawed her smooth face. She narrowed her eyes at you, flicking her gaze up and down in obvious dislike. What did you expect? Being such a pale color was sure to startle some of the natives of the dark-skinned Brazil. Finally the woman turned away and padded into her hut, yelling out for a "Akoru" to come.

And "Akoru" did. The robust man appeared seconds later, dressed down in a light tunic and breeches. He smiled toothily when he saw you, and beckoned you in with a crooked finger,"Come, come, my tourist friend. Have you decided you need help to explore our jungles after all?" He turned away and trotted down the front hallway of his little abode, stopping when he reached a barrel of intricately crafted walking sticks. He paused a moment, before picking out a long, gnarled one, a deep reddish-brown in color. He swung a hand over the basket,"Take one, if you think you'll need one."

He lifted a heavy brow, giving you a quick once over, before asking,"Have you eaten yet today? And do you have supplies?"

He certainly wasn't one to waste time in conversation. For all he knew, you could be coming to ask for directions to the missionary's hut! This was all very presumptuous of the man. He also seemed much more cheerful, now that the sun had risen.

[silverdust]

The woman was a slight surprise, and a hindrance perhaps as well. The way she looked at him certainly didn't help, but he had grown used to the hard stares. This was going to be more difficult. What sane man would leave his wife/lover/sister/daughter to go on a dangerous trek with a complete stranger? But he had to try.

The man's mood was surprising as well, and he couldn't shake the somewhat disgruntled feeling that he was being swept along in some sort of hurricane. He held up a hand to perhaps slow this Akoru's eagerness. There were things that had to be explained first. Damn, this could turn out into some form of disaster, especially with the native woman. Damn Murdons making themselves infamous gods.

"I am afraid that this journey might not be exactly what you're thinking," he started slowly, running a hand over one of the walking sticks. "I have told you before that I was a forced adventurer? Last night I found out my quest was not all I was expecting as well..."

Words. He had not used so many words in such a long time, it was starting to hurt to speak. He gave a sigh and faced the man. It was such a pity to burst the pleasant air, these humans were amusing when they were happy. "I am on a quest to find a god, the one on this medallion."

He lifted his arm, letting the sun spark off the golden trinket. He looked the man in the eye with a dry smile. "I can understand if you are not able to accompany me after this information, but I came to you because you seem to know the jungle well. If you are not able to guide me, then tell me what you might know and I will go on my own."

He let his voice die, his throat raw from speaking so much. Perhaps he would be thrown out of the house, but at this moment he really couldn't care less. Things were probably going to get alot more dangerous, he might need the training.

[iprince]

The tone that you at used immediately wiped the happy grin off of Akoru's face. He didn't frown, not quite yet, but the expression that replaced his smile was one of deflated heart and morbid curiosity. Akoru clasped his hands on the blunt top of his walking stick, planting it firmly on the floor and leaning toward you, his dark brow furrowed deeply. He opened his mouth to speak, but the tattooed woman bustled into the room before he had a chance.

She said nothing at first, merely glanced between the two of them, unphased and holding a small sack in her hands. It smelled like food, probably Akoru's lunch for if or when he went on this adventure. He had obviously be excited about it. Her eyes drifted toward your medallion, and her mouth immediately fell open, the sack lunch falling to the ground with a sickening thunk. She turned quickly toward Akoru, practically flinging herself against him, clutching at his meaty arms and wildly shaking her head.

Words, jumbled and quick, spewed from her lips. None of which were english or in the least bit decipherable. It was obvious what she was telling the man.

Akoru replied to her in a deep, grumbling voice, prodding her away lightly and shaking his head. She glared down at her, her lips pressed into a thin line, and tears swelling in her eyes. Akoru ignored her for the moment, to collect his fallen lunch from the floor and sling it over his shoulder. He stepped up to her, feet treading lightly, and the walking stick tucked under his shoulder. He pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, and turned toward you once again.

"A quest to find a god?"he chuckled, but the merriment in his eyes did not seem wholly genuine,"Tourists are starting to come here with wilder stories every day." He shook his head, forcing a deep chuckle from his throat,"I'll humor you though, young foreigner. What harm is there in that?" as he spoke, his gaze shifted to the woman. The words were obviously meant for her, not for you.

"How far are we going, tourist? And how long do you expect to be out in the jungle? We may need to pick up proper supplies before we leave."

-(Congrats! You may not have received a critter, but you just gained a party member! Whoo!
His stats will be added to your introduction post momentarily.)-