A Tengu on the Rooftops

[Wyndbain]

A girl in the streets had seen him leap over the gaps between nearby houses, pointing up and exclaiming to her mother that a large bird had just jumped over the roofs above them. Perhaps to the eye of a child his cape would appear to be wings or feathers as he moved about, but the mask he wore didn't help the imagination of that child into thinking anything else. As for the reason why this man was carefully climbing the tiles of slanted rooftops, he simply found it much more easy to run above the crowds of people than trying to push his way through in the street below.

There was a sound of grinding stone below his feet and he slipped to the side before catching his footing, one of the tiles tumbling down the side of the roof. Oops. Guess it was time to make himself scarce. People didn't normally go around climbing on other peoples' roofs and it often looked suspicious when spotted. His cape flew out behind him when he jumped down into a side alley, curling his body when he got close to the ground and rolled on impact to absorb some of the shock. At this area, there were less people in the streets and he could walk along easily without being crowded by throngs of people. He didn't mind crowds, but it was never fun when he could hardly move around because of them. He only received a few glances from some of the people that noticed his arrival, then again he was always receiving glances because of the crow looking mask he wore to cover his face.

Garrick simply went about his own business, strolling down the cobblestone road and turning his head to look at all the different buildings for a specific sign. He was looking for a certain building and although he had been in this city a few times before his curiosity still led his eyes to study each structure a few seconds longer to take in the architecture of the area. However, when he spotted a familiar sign that looked very inviting indeed, hanging as it was over a cozy looking place nestled in the middle of the street, he made a beeline for the Inn. While most places had their own unique scents and atmosphere, there were some things that simply never changed and through the vents in his mask Garrick took in the familiar smell of ale and bread.

[Felypsa]

A bright-faced girl made her way through the tavern, serving the rowdy patrons, retaining a perfect innocence about her. She was young and fair but all of the regular customers knew not to lay a finger on her in any sense, for she was the daughter of the beefy innkeeper, and he would throw them out if his precious little girl got hurt or even leered at. Her name was Misty, or at least, that was what her father called her, and she was the face of this particular inn; happy yet ignorant of how other men might find her attractive.

But not so ignorant…

…that when Garrick walked in, she was immediately standing up straighter, smoothing down the apron she wore, pushing back her curly bushy mouse-brown hair, and checking her reflection in a freshly washed plate. Her life revolved around the inn and what happened within its walls, the adventures that ordinary men and women could have in such a small space (with alcohol involved, of course). She knew this crow-masked man, though. He had been here before. And even though she had never seen his face in all this time, his build was lithe and strong, and there was something about him that always commanded attention. Misty was always on her best behavior with him.

“Welcome back,” she said with her brightest smile, one that lit up her vivid green eyes. “The usual today, or are you going to be wild and try something new?”

[Wyndbain]

Garrick strode through the inn with the confidence of a patron who had been in to visit many times before, even though he had only been inside a few times. Despite this, it was enough to get him noticed as a regular by some of the others, especially as Misty greeted him with familiarity. He swept aside his cape and sat down on the nearest empty seat and answered her with his voice, graveled and well worn by the elements in which he had traversed.

"I like an adventure, so something new sounds fun. Surprise me, I'm not picky." He leaned forward on the table top and rested his chin against his hands. "Ah, and a mug of rum please."

[Felypsa]

With a dramatic sweep of the cape, he seated himself at the bar, and she gave a nod. “I’ll be right out, I promise.” She disappeared to tell the cook to make the special, and then returned with his order of rum, setting it definitively on the table. Pushing her slightly bushy hair back, she tried to think of something to say. He was so mysterious, she wanted to engage him in some kind of conversation. She was drawn to that mystery surrounding him already. “So—” she began.

But she was cut off when suddenly a man appeared behind her. Appeared out of thin air. “Excuse me, miss,” he said, making Misty jump. “I have business with this man here.” There was something odd about him. For one thing, he had blue hair and slightly pointed ears like an elf. For another, a dark blue handkerchief was tightly bound around his eyes. Yet he could still navigate in spite of this self-imposed blindness: he touched Misty’s shoulder and pushed her aside while he sat next to Garrick.

“Sir: we have never met, but I have spent a long time looking for you. I have important business…” He trailed off, one of his pointed ears twitching slightly. He turned to face Misty, who was still standing there saying. “If you don’t mind—I should like some privacy—please.” She blushed. “I, um, was just wondering what you wanted.” He waved his hand. “My dear, I will have what my friend here is having.” Nodding, the barmaid tiptoed away. Well! This seemed very important. She was more curious than anything now.

[Wyndbain]

Garrick looked at this stranger through the eye holes of his mask and while thinking it strange that this man he had never seen before had come looking for him, showed little sign of any reaction. It wasn't exactly something new for him to be approached by a stranger. Often times if someone had sent someone after him, all they had to do was to tell them to 'go after the man in a bird mask.'

Once Misty was away from their range, he spoke up, all the while keeping in mind that his swords were always at his side and hidden beneath the folds of his cloak. "Well, we have our privacy. What sort of business do you have with this old bird?"

[Felypsa]

The stranger’s mouth quirked. “We must look like quite a pair,” he said. “I with my blindfold, you with that mask.” Apparently he could still perceive certain details despite the blindfold. “As for business, I need your help. The reason I wear this blindfold,” he went on, “is due to an unfair curse. Nasty business, all of it, but I assure you, the punishment’s far worse than the crime. I would like it reversed; I would like revenge on the caster. Now, I realize all this is none of your concern. Except that I happen to know that you and I do have something in common…and I believe you would already be personally acquainted with the one who cursed me.” The corners of the stranger’s mouth tugged into a smile. “And, blind as I am, I could use a guiding companion.”

At this point, Misty returned with two bowls of the daily soup, a very spicy concoction. She set them in front of both of the men and paused. She had heard the last sentence the newest arrival had stated. Her imagination got the better of her. She could see an epic journey taking place, both men encountering various adventures and living the stuff of bards’ tales. How exciting! If only she could leave this boring tavern she had lived in all her life. But she had no skills to offer, besides basic cooking and domestic skills. And she had a great knack with weaving, but what good was that on the road?

“Cook would like to know what you think of the soup; he is experimenting and is welcoming any sort of feedback,” she said, interrupting their conversation gently. Just to be a part of things, even in a small way.

[Wyndbain]

Garrick didn't look down at his soup as it was placed in front of him and his eyes were hidden in the shadows of his mask, lost in the deep thoughts of his past. Though the aroma of the soup and Misty's voice brought him out of his trance like state and he took the spoon in his hand and stirred it in the bowl.

"That witch disappeared after she left me with..with that..." He fingered the eye holes of his mask as he stared down at the soup. "If you know where she is...I will help you." and in doing so, perhaps help himself. Garrick had suffered his curse for years. Even after so long, he would never accept that it would ever be a part of himself.

[Felypsa]

The witch had disappeared, and the stranger was quiet for a moment, contemplating it. “I do not know where she is. But I do know how to find out. I would need a capable man like you to help, though.” He drummed his fingers along the wood and then absent-mindedly took a sip of the soup. The spicy taste jarred him a bit and he turned to where Misty still stood, a charming smile now lighting up his face. “This is quite the wake-up call…thank you.”

Witches and curses. She felt like she should not have overheard that but she did. “Thank you,” she said, blushing mildly as the blindfolded stranger spoke to her (he was mysterious too!). “I hope you do not mind—but I am curious—my father always said that my ring here was a gift from someone with magical powers.” She held out her hand, displainy the silver ring with three emeralds that seemed far too valuable for a simple barmaid to possess. “If you are going on a quest—would you allow my company, so that I might discover the truth of this claim?” Of course, she would have to get permission from her father. It might be difficult to convince him unless she agreed to let a tracking spell be placed on her, so he would know where she was at all times.

[Wyndbain]

The soup. Garrick continued to look at the bowl, only now seeing it even though he had just been staring at it the whole time. He slipped his mask up only slightly, enough so that his mask uncovered the bottom half of his face and took a quick taste. The warmth spread through his taste buds and he sighed. That particular part of his past was full of regret and anger...bringing up thoughts of that time always made him daze about.

He listened to what the girl had to say, all the while thinking that it would be odd to not be traveling on his own again. When she was through, he held up the spoon and waved it lightly in Misty's direction, "It is far more wise to avoid those who wield the power of magic."

He took a swig of the rum she had set before him earlier, and spoke with a sour tone, "You never know what they intend."

[Felypsa]

The masked man seemed against the idea, making Misty’s shoulders slump. But she did have a counter-argument. “If I was given this ring by a magical person, how can I know what they intended—unless I sought to find out for myself?” She made a fist. “For all I know, it’s set to kill me when I reach a certain age, like the fairy tale. I would like that not to happen, if at all possible.” She came off more strongly than she had intended, and, as if remembering her place, stepped back meekly.

The other let out a light laugh. “She has you there, it seems. And she has more gumption than I would have given her credit for.” His smile had curled into more of a smirk, and somehow, though she could not see his eyes, the expression made Misty blush again. “It’s just that we are actively seeking trouble, young miss. And I’m sure your loved ones wouldn’t want you walking head-first into a dangerous trap.”

She gave a frown. “No, but they wouldn’t want me dying in two years either because of one little ring. My argument stands. I have already consulted everyone and anyone in this town who thinks they know about magic, to no avail. You two seem to me to be the most knowledgeable who have ever walked into my tavern.”

[Wyndbain]

Garrick sighed and slipped his mask back over his face. "About magic, I know the slightest. Items yes, the stuff that spells are made of, no." He suddenly paused, gazing at the small ring upon her finger, studying it intently for some reason.

"It is an odd piece I'll admit. Can't say if it is or isn't and in most cases, that would mean it is." The legs of his chair groaned against the floorboards as he pushed it back, digging his hand into a pouch and pulling up enough coin to pay for his drink and meal. Though he picked up the mug and finished off what was left inside, the soup remained untouched.

"Well then, you'd best get at those permissions then. I'll not wait long when there's a journey to be had."

[Felypsa]

For a moment, Misty wondered if he already had the answer and, while that was good and all, it would take the excitement out of the discovery. But he only offered a little bit of insight, which was to say that it puzzled him too, and then he was getting up. His words made Misty’s green eyes bug out a bit. Hurrah! Things like this only happened in tales, and it was very exciting that it was taking place in real life. She bowed her head. “Yes, sir—you won’t regret this!” She dashed away to tell her father. He wouldn’t be very happy, but he couldn’t deny her this, not when he would see how excited she was. Besides, with a tracking spell, he could be assured of her safety.

The stranger let out a deep chuckle at the display. “Well, if we’re all to be traveling companions, I expect I ought to introduce myself. Name’s Lanval.” He extended his gloved hand out to shake Garrick’s. “I really do appreciate the guidance. I have high hopes that we’ll nail this witch in no time at all.” As for the girl tagging along, well, she might prove to be interesting too. At the very least, it would be good to have someone along who could cook. He knew he always hated having to rely on his own meager cooking skills when he was on the road.

Presently, Misty returned. Her bear-like father was behind her, but he stood at a distance, crossing his arms and examining the two men to whom he was entrusting his daughter for the time being. Misty had assured him the trip would not be too long, since they already knew where they were going. Secretly, though, she was hoping that her trip home would be delayed by misadventure. How enthralling! She marched up to the two men and tossed her hair back. “I am ready—when you are.” It might sound odd, but a long time ago, she had packed up a secret bag full of clothes and items she would need should she ever go on a journey. And, at an inn, rations were quite easy to come by.

[Wyndbain]

Garrick shook Lanval's offered hand, "And I suppose you already know me? Regardless, I am Garrick."

He turned as Misty returned to them, spying the rather large, imposing figure of her father standing at the back of the room, his eyes upong him and his new companion. For a brief moment, Garrick remembered seeing the man for a short time before on a previous visit he had made to the inn, though he'd never formally met. Garrick simply opted for giving him a friendly wave, having had bad experiences in the past with women and their over-protective fathers.

"I mean no offense to your father Misty, but I've grown hesitant over the years with meeting such men as him."

[Felypsa]

A small frown crossed Misty’s face and she turned around. “Oh, him? He won’t bother you. If he had wanted to, he would have already thrown you out of the inn personally.” Well, it was true. That had been the fate of many a man who had drunkenly eyed his young daughter a little too lustfully. Misty could see that her father was looking over both men now, but he would not interfere. The tracking spell had been put on and he had warned her that he would send out a search party if he did not hear from her after a certain amount of time.

With a smile, Misty ran back to hug her father goodbye. She would miss him, of course. But the prospect of adventure was too enticing.

Lanval just gave a slow smirk but did not respond as instead their attention was directed to the third companion. He shook his head lightly. “Why do I have a feeling that she actually has that big man wrapped around her little finger?” he murmured to Garrick. “We men had best be careful of girls like her. Such a sweet, angelic visage might disarm one, and if we are not cautious, we might find ourselves caught by her trap.” Of course, Lanval’s tone was purely light-hearted. He did not fear that which he described: he had a strong heart around young women, and was unlikely to fall for any. If anything, he was the wily one that girls had to watch out for.

[Wyndbain]

"I don't know about you..." Garrick moved closer to the doorway, stopping to allow other customers to enter, "...but I've learned to avoid many a trap in my days."

Once the other group had made their way by, Garrick strolled into the street, keeping his pace to a steady walk and taking his new traveling companions into consideration. Had he been on his own, the stealthy adventurer would have already been 20 leagues from here, far away from the hustle and bustle of the populated city.

"First things first. If you've arrangements to make for travel, now is a good time to do so." He adjusted his mask, looking over at a young boy who was gazing his way, most likely interested in the strange man that was wearing a bird mask. He ignored the child and waived his hand as if to brush something away, "I normally don't need a horse. As such, I am unaccustomed to the needs of others."