Author: Fuxing, Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 6:49 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

"Yes, I doubt I'll be wearing this set of clothes until they've been properly cleaned." He said with a laugh. He had thought nothing of the ice in the alleyway, having lose all awareness when he collapsed. Tonight was a harrowing, if not highly informative experience. This was the first time he had been attacked by a woman. Looks truly were deceiving, the man thought to himself as his coworker helped escort him back into the streets. People had changed since the days that nobles behaved nobly, and nobility was more than a hereditary title. Rules of etiquette had been thrown to wayside and replaced with brazen audacity. At least some still held to time-honored values like Miss Jesgil, something that relieved the growing concern Fuxing was having with the current state of the world.

It was difficult to adjust to a world that had moved far beyond him. Tsukumogami often were influenced by their previous owners and the eras they lived in while they were still simple objects. Half a century was plenty of time for change in social trends and customs. After leaving Karith he felt the world as something so vast for the first time. The old Karith had been his whole universe until now. He really was like the frog residing at the bottom of the well. Once he returned to his room at the inn he would end the evening with a much-needed bath. Then, he would start work once more tomorrow morning.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Sep 8, 2018 10:32 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Well, it seemed like whatever happened was no mere substitution technique as he certainly looked like he was torn into pieces. Maybe whatever he did had more of a bond to those tiles than met the eye. Then again, its easy to say the two were both holding secrets on their ends. After all, by the time the pieces were placed back together, Jesgil's eyes and ears reverted back to their normal forms and the axe had been dismissed back to the plane where she stored it. Probably the only thing that actually remained of her abilities were the chunks of ice that still rested in the alley and the pieces falling off her body.

"Um, it was coincidence," she lied, thinking she doubt he would believe her about the dragon's feelings towards treasure (Would also seem a bit awkward to mention that to a male, too). "But yes, that woman is now long gone. I am sure she would not be terrorizing anyone else tonight or any other night ahead of us.

"Now then, how about we get you cleaned up?" she smiled, brushing off Fuxing's shoulder, "You look like you just fell into a massive pile of dirt and dandruff."

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Thu Sep 6, 2018 7:50 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

His mind was clearing up as the pieces were fully reunited once again. With all 144 tiles accounted for, the pile morphed itself back into Fuxing, just as he had been before being torn asunder. Coughing and holding his neck, he sat up on the ground as he checked if any part of him was missing. Putting a hand to his head he muttered, "What just happened? Where am–oh." Standing on his feet Fuxing noticed his clothes that he had so meticulously tried to keep clean would now need a wash. All things considered, he looked quite well for someone who had an encounter with the infamous serial-killer who was stalking the streets. Looking up he was surprised to see a familiar friendly face.

"Miss Jesgil? What are you doing here at this time of night?" He certainly hadn't expected her here of all places, though his hazy memories before the collapse of his body were slowly beginning to become clear. Did she come here because…? No, that couldn't be. It was just merely a serendipitous coincidence. Perhaps he wasn't imagining things when he thought he saw her come barging in, armed at the ready. The waitress who attempted to strangle him was nowhere in sight. Had Miss Jesgil chased her off? This wasn't the first time he had suffered considerable damage to his person, forcing himself to fall into pieces. Tentatively he inquired, "That madwoman, has she left?"

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Sep 5, 2018 8:01 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Jesgil's body froze in place as she reached down for one of the mahjong pieces: a One Dot, to be more specific, as the color had certainly tanned up quite a bit… but she could swear an eyelid was actually forming around the marking on it! IN face, looking around, all the tiles around her began to change in color and alter in shape with some smaller tiles even taken full forms of bodily limbs. This of course made her question and look down, only to see the tiles she had formed into that of a chest!

"Gyah!" she shrieked as as she leaped back, arms thrown upwards, which in turn caused the chest to fall onto the alleyway floor, rattling with both the sound of tiles and meat. It was certainly an odd thing to occur… but then again, she was also attacked by someone who fought with hair. Maybe this was the trick he used to escape such a fatal blow from being ripped apart? Well, it certainly affected her ties of treasure towards the man as what was only one simple being now turned into a board game.

Still, it seemed the tiles were trying to get back together, so hopefully that would bring him back? If it was any other kind of escape replacement technique, there would be no reason to gather everything back together to return… right? She gave her cheeks a couple sturdy slaps to psych herself back up and shake off the sudden shock before working  to push the tiles back together instead of picking up individually. Should speed up the process… right?

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Wed Sep 5, 2018 4:48 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

With a scream soon cut short, the hook-haired woman's body dissipated into miasma and faded away once she was beheaded. Like a foul wind, the miasma was taken up towards the sky, then out of sight. The frozen remains of her hook-hair also vanished without a trace. That night would be much more peaceful, moreso than it had been for weeks. Silence and tranquility returned to the alley now that the fiend was banished by force. Jayou would have a respite from the bloodbath it had endured in the evening hours, and the likelihood of the fiend returning was slim.

The tiles were being picked up, one by one. His consciousness was returning but his physical form was not yet reassembled. Someone was bringing back together his pieces. A small collection of tiles still left ungathered began to merge to take the shape of a hand. A little more time, and Fuxing would be fully awake and in order. The skin of the hand still had numbers and markings resembling what was on the ivory mahjong tiles, and was searching for more of its parts. His head still wasn't formed yet, so he couldn't see or speak to whoever was now carrying a sizable number of what were parts of him. The tiles still on the ground began to move more noticeably, the pull between them growing stronger with his conscious awareness.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Sep 3, 2018 4:53 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

The woman before her vanished into the dark, eyes filled with panic and fury towards the Draconian.While a simple person could deem this as a successful retreat, the air felt too tense to even think about dropping one's guard. Sure enough, the woman's rage and bloodthirst made her jump for Jesgil from behind, using her hair to lash and scrape away at the ice armor, most likely wanting to dig into the fleshy bits underneath herself. Bad move, was the only thought in her mind as the other forgot they were in an alley way and she took no effort to try and bind her movement,

Shifting her footing, Jesgil took the brief moment to charge backwards into the stone wall that forged the alley, sandwiching the hair-controlling demon between her and the wall, making her lose breath and grip, slumping off her back and onto the floor. It took a simple moment to use this to her advantage and, after forging a layer of ice upon her palm and inner fingers, turned around and grabbed at the base of her hair, pulling her up.

She is the base of this chaos, dripped into her mind as the obsidian shard around her neck shimmered. Remove her, and peace and control should return once more.

She was sure to lift her head up by her hair so that the demon's eyes met her Draconian pair, glowing in the golden-red blend of the two bloods, as ice spread from her hand and over her hair, working its way to her scalp. "Listen here, little one," Jesgil spat, eyes sharing no shimmer in care, "Tonight will be the last night you dare threaten anyone in this town ever again. I am going to send you to a new place for you to repent for all that you had done." Tightening her grip, the ice shattered, along with the hair that was inside, leaving a bunch of frozen, uneven fringes left over on her head. "If you see Lady Dalanesca when you get there, then be sure to let her know that I, Jesgil Yamar, was the one who sent you." And with one final motion of the arms, the Draconian used her axe to behead the demon.

The air was still for a while as Jesgil worked to catch her breath, the light from the volcanic glass dimming down to nothing before she finally headed over to the pile of mahjong tiles that rested on the floor. "For such a messy vanishing act, the tiles used certainly seem much cleaner…" she muttered to herself as she reached down to collect them.

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Mon Sep 3, 2018 10:15 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

The brittle frozen locks were cut with ease, removing several barbed tips in the process. The she-fiend shrieked when her attack was thwarted, and withdrew to plan another incoming attack. The shortened hair began to regrow, and new barbed ends formed. The process itself was not instantaneous, which alluded the hook-haired woman had her limits. Ever since people began growing wary of staying out in the evening hours finding prey had been less convenient. How easy had it been in the beginning! This was her feeding ground, she had claimed it before anyone else. She wasn't going to let silly rumors or foolish mortals get in the way. 

In most situations she would dispose of the witnesses, then move to a different part of the city. But she couldn't take the chance of leaving the woman alive. Forming that disguise as a waitress was her most successful tactic yet since the thinning out of people staying outside. With her hair she pulled up to higher ground, slipping out of view to jump out onto Jesgil from behind. Sharp nails and barbed tips out, once that annoying protection of ice was gone she would tear her up and feed her to the fish in the river.

The ivory tiles had been motionless all this time, lying on the ground as they were. Fuxing was slowly regaining consciousness with time; this was the second time his human form had been destroyed. Slowly but surely, the enchanted mahjong tiles began to gravitate towards each other. They were congregating into one large pile as the magical energies that held him were being restored. Such movement went unnoticed by the hook-haired fiend. She was too focused on Jesgil with rage to give what happened earlier a second thought. Driven by bloodlust, her attentions were strictly limited to her base desires of cruelty.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Sep 1, 2018 9:45 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

While seeing Fuxing turn into a pile of tiles was confusing, for sure, there was no time to really worry about it as the woman began to lash out against her. A flurry of hair was being sent against her now, growing out like a wildfire as if it grew at an unimaginable speed, and if Fuxing's condition was not a thing, it certainly was not for fashion, either. No, she had to use her axe to keep it at bay before the hair wrapped around it and tossed it aside, disarming her to ensure she would be the next victim.

"Grant my thy ICE!" flicked out of her mouth in dragon's tongue before she shot out a frozen breath from her mouth to further hold back the attacker and get a thin layer to coat her hair. As she did, she felt the coldness fill her body before slowly seeping out and around her, layers of ice forging on top of her skin a layer of armor so that when the ice breath was done and she went to latch on, it would not catch flesh and encase any hair that got onto her.Of course, it was as effective as any single-plate mail, meaning she did need to thin out or completely ignore the joint areas so she could still properly move.

With bundles of her hair frozen to her arms, she summoned her axe back to her side before chopping down on the frozen strands that tried to hold her down. All she could do for now, as she hoped that whatever trick Fuxing used to escape with the tiles would be handy to get the slip on her. Other than that, she had a demon that needed to be removed…

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2018 5:52 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Had he been in a different situation, Fuxing would have been able to defend himself with an array of spells. However, he was unable to move. The coiling locks of hair had their barbed tips dig deep into his flesh, his limbs feeling like they were about to be rent asunder. Pain, terrible pain–like he was going to be torn apart. The last thing he saw was Miss Jesgil appearing around the corner, with a weapon in her hands. His hand reached as if to call out as the barbed tendrils tightened around his neck. The hook-haired woman then raised her victim up as the prehensile hair ripped him apart. As soon as it happened Fuxing's entire body collapsed into a pile of ivory tiles, clattering to the floor. Instead of blood, there were pieces of an old antique mahjong set littering the alley. He lost consciousness as the magic which held his humanoid form was disrupted.

The fiendish female spirit's face went from bloodthirsty to a blind rage. How dare she be deceived, even though she had done the same to all her previous victims! With a hateful shriek, the barb-tipped locks lashed out in all directions, clawing the walls of the buildings and scraping through the ground. Hair standing on end, she turned her attentions to the one who dared to interrupt what would have been another successful lure. With murderous eyes, she rushed forward as her hair lunged at Jesgil with a frightening speed. All the barbs could tear right through a body without resistance, turning it into a mangled mess. This and much more were what she had in mind for the interloper. She should have dragged away the man when she first saw him, but because she was there–she had to wait. Did they think they could get away with that petty trick?! Once she was done with the woman, she would find another target and take her sweet time peeling him part.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:33 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Damn it. Damn it! When it hit her on what the chill she felt was, Jesgil was already in a rush, leaving her work bag in the middle of the lobby. Hoping staff would not peer into it and send it to her room was the least of her concerns as she darted down the empty roads, eyes glowing a golden red and ears already ridged up with prongs. It was her dragon instincts that kicked in, most likely from the meal. After their brief chat and sharing work relations, that bit of kinship seemed to have triggered her maid tendencies… which were in fact her dragon tendencies. Everyone I work with is a treasure, she reminded herself, which meant the chill down her spine was someone after that treasure.

The obsidian shard that decorated her neck was shining in the night light as Jesgil hurried through the streets, following her dragon instincts towards the "threat." Normally, she would be using it to suppress it and gain control of herself, but with the threat of someone's life rumored through the streets, she deemed it better to fuel it instead to help remove the chaos. Strange thoughts, but all things considered, it meant making sure the man was still alive and safe.

With each step, the feeling grew stronger, both in terms of the "treasure" and to what threatened it. "Awaken, my blood, and grant me thy steel," she forced through her running breath, forging a two-handed axe into her hands. The weight of it seemed non-existent as the priority overrode whatever changes occurred until she found herself in an alleyway: Fuxing wrapped up in hair by the one who served them, though her face seemed much more distorted. "So it seems you were sizing him up for more than one reason," she quipped before dashing towards the woman.

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2018 10:36 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

After their meal they walked together until it was time for them to go their separate ways. Fuxing sent Jesgil off with a goodnight, then took the long path towards his lodgings. There were fewer stores open now as people had begun closing for the evening. The promenade was brightly lit, so he couldn't have expected what occurred next to take place. The waitress who served him and his coworker tonight stepped out from one of the waterfront pavilions Jayou's riverside had. When he noticed, he greeted her with a smile and polite nod. "Good evening Miss. Ah, you must be the young lady who served us tonight. I must commend you for your excellent hospitality. Are you returning home now your working hours have concluded?"

She returned with a coy smile, long dark hair contrasting beautifully against her flowing purple dress. "How did you guess?" Fuxing approached to walk  beside her as she took a path through the residential streets. "Are your lodgings on this street, Miss?" He inquired. "Yes," She answered, "We are almost there. Just one more house…" As she walked in front, her red lips parted into a sinister smile while the man followed unaware. Now approaching a junction of small alleyways,  she stopped to make a turn into a place with a blind angle.

"Thank you for coming all this way with me." She crooned, a dangerous sensual tone underlying her words. "The pleasure is all mine. I was glad to escort you home." Fuxing replied. "You certainly are quite the gentleman. And here I almost thought I wouldn't convince you to come along. After all… I can't drag you here myself." Suddenly the woman's hair lashed out on its own, grasping to ensnare him! He tried to run but he was pulled into the alley with his mouth muffled to prevent anyone from hearing his screams. As he was taken, he knocked over an old unlit glass lantern causing it to shatter on the ground. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 10:26 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Maybe if Jesgil adapted more of a dragon form in her normal state she would be having a tail swaying back and forth like an excited puppy, but alas, there was none to trip up whoever walked behind her. Still, it did not halter any conversation that came up between the pair, the spiced ale, and the pizza. Talk started with the food itself, both singing their praises, though it seemed Fuxing was not as much of a fan as she was with the cheese battle, making the messy dish even messier. Once enough statements about the food had passed, it was on to their work areas, talking about what an "average day" was for them with Jesgil not being shy about complaining about some of the more ruder guests1. Yes, she did keep her mentality when as if she was a maid, but having to also deal with cruder guests she would have dropped seemed to have built up some pressure she needed to vent. Could blame the ale as she drank it quite freely, but after a sip of what Dalanesca enjoyed, nothing to really compare to real strength. Still, she knew her limits.

Still, by the end, the pair had split the pizza evenly and had a fair share of drinks before calling themselves filled up before summoning the waitress to pay. Since each ate half, it was only fair to split the price down the middle before the two headed out. Fuxing wanted to continue his night's stroll while Jesgil still had to return to her hotel to drop off her work outfit before possibly hitting up the local bath house for a relaxing dip and remove any smell of sweat by being so active. So, without much issue, the two stated their goodbyes before each headed their own ways… though as the Draconian got to her resting place, an uneasy feeling creeped up her spine…. but why?

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2018 9:41 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

When the food arrived at last, it was far larger than he expected. It was like some sort of meat and vegetable pancake the size of a banquet platter, yet instead of flaky layers it had the consistency of bread. A great heaping of cheese was used to secure the smaller ingredients to the base, and he could see drippings of the savory tomato sauce escaping from tears in the layer of molten cheese. The only utensil provided for the meal was a knife. Fuxing waited for Jesgil to go first, taking careful notice on how this dish was intended to be eaten. The cheese covered flatbread was meant to be sliced into triangular wedges, then held by the crust along the outer edge. To avoid staining one's hands with sauce and cheese, deft balancing of the piece when eating was required. 

Jesgil's enjoyment of the pizza made a strong argument, compelling him to try himself. After feeling sufficiently prepared, he slid his fingers beneath a slice close to him and pulled it away as she had done. The trail of cheese that refused to part with the rest of the pizza made him frown, but finally it broke so the piece was liberated at last. Taking a bite from the tip of the triangular slice, he quickly learned just how viscous the cheese layer was. Successfully taking a first bite without too many cheese strings, its savory flavor was highlighted by the thinly sliced meat and vegetables. There was a surprising sweetness which he had never tasted before, a contrast to the rest of the slice. There were pieces of small tomatoes, sun-dried like dragon's-eye fruit sold in Karithian street markets and apothecary mixtures. 

"It's delicious! All the flavors and ingredients harmonize well; alhough a bit on the messy side when eating." This dish had made quite an impression on him, he might come by and visit this place again on his own. He would opt to choose a pizza without extra cheese, however. Cheese was not a typical ingredient in traditional Karithian cuisine, so he made sure to savor it while it was warm. "I had no idea that cheese could have this sort of consistency. Here I expected it to be the usual hard slices cut from those great disks of pressed curds." Outside of the old culture of the floating city, there was much for him to learn. Perhaps that was what differentiated him from most men his age, and even men from Karith in the present.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 7:04 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

"Well, with the dangers that seem to be troubling Jayou, many other stores have been closing shop earlier, so of course I am hoping for a place many people talked about to be open!" When Fuxing raised his mug for a floating cheers, Jesgil knew it would be rude not to follow suit and do the same, though not being shy to take in a couple large gulps.

He was not wrong about the methodology of gaining new customers, but still, the look she gave certainly gave Jesgil a much different impression. After all, the man before her radiated a certain charm to him. A strange mysticism that he gave off… She could not really put her finger on what it was, but it certainly was an attraction-getter, especially towards the hostess. Maybe he was a bit too blind to the suggestion… or figured the one time meet would not be anything to really go after.

It was a moment before she made her return, a pair of plates and a platter df the bread disk, steaming with cheese and an assortment of items baked into it in the other. Scrambled sausage, chopped msuhrooms, olive rings, peppers of assorted colors, and tomatoes that could have easily been marked as sunbathing for too long. "Thank you very much," Jesgil told the waitress before she took off, leaving only a single cutting knife for the meal before them, which had already been evenly divided into 8 pieces. Carefully, Jesgil slid her fingers under one of them to pull a slice her way before turning it about and biting down upon the tip. The extra cheese gave extra length as she pulled the rest away, as if playing tug-of-war with the Draconian until it finally gave way and she down the morsel she took. "Oh, so good~!" she chimed in before eagerly taking in the next bite.

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2018 9:59 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

With another smile of courtesy, their order was placed. Now they were left on their own. "This is your first time coming here? From how relieved you were to see it was still open, I thought you were a regular patron." He teased lightly. "As for myself, I prefer to first observe and test the waters once my curiosity allows it. There are simply too many novelties to pick and choose from." When their spiced ale arrived, he took the drink closest to him. Fanning the ale's surface, he let the drink's fragrance waft upward. Refreshingly cool to the touch, Fuxing raised the mug lightly with a nod to Jesgil before taking a sip. As he savored the flavors of the ale, his new acquaintance leaned to whisper. "So, what do you think of her? Because I think she was sizing you up just now…" Suppressing a chuckle, he swallowed the mouthful. Setting his mug to the side, he rested his head on his hand. "Is that so? What makes you say that?"

Apparently Miss Jesgil seemed to be implying that their table's waitress fancied him. Glancing at the woman as she disappeared from sight, he wondered about the possibility. Whether or not someone fancied him was neither expected nor unexpected. He had always been aware of the chance, having had his fair share of female patrons who took the invitation to play mahjong back in Karith. However he himself had never felt differently towards them. It was natural for people to admire appealing and attractive things. And young ladies were not the only ones who were interested in speaking with him. "Perhaps she has an eye for foreigners." He suggested, following with another sip from his ale. "Those who work in the service industry have a natural tendency to flock towards new faces. Giving a favorable first impression is an old strategy to draw in and hopefully retain potential regular customers." 

Watching the other people dining around them, Fuxing was considering of removing the outermost layer of his robes now that he saw the food was not served with utensils. Had he known he would be visiting such a place like this, he would have selected today's outfit more appropriately. It looked delicious, but it had a high likelihood of soiling the edges of his garments. He had only worn this set twice, so it would be a pity to have to purchase a new one so soon.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 9:56 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

The waitress smiled at the pair's indecisiveness, clearly showing themselves as strangers to the joint. Many times, there would be one person who would coy the others to trying the place out, but this time it was a fresh table all around. Oh, how much fun it will be to watch their faces light up. "In that case, I will be sure to get you two a house special, extra cheese," she assured them before taking their menu, leaving the pair to chat as she fetched them their drinks.

"First time, too," Jesgil admitted, "though having head from many of the customers about this place has made me want to dig in and try it. You saying you never got that feeling?" Sure, it nagged a bit with the formal address once more, but she decided to let it slide. An easy sign that such a detail was not as easy to let go it seemed. Still, she held in her chuckle watching him roll up his sleeves as if worried for his outfit. Last she checked, the sauce was not as dangerous in creating messes than a pasta, though he seemed to be playing it safe than sorry.

The waitress returned for a quick moment, settling two mugs of spiced ale in front of the pair before heading off to the other guests, though Jesgil noticed something that turned her gentle smile into something a bit more devious. "So, what do you think of her," she whispered to Fuxing, "because I think she was sizing you up just now…"

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 5:09 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Miss Jesgil seemed to have found a place she had been searching for, from what Fuxing gathered. Indeed, it was quite well-lit making it more welcoming. The fragrant aroma of something savory filled the air like burnt incense, and from the number of customers it was rather popular. Taking a seat along with his coworker, he surveyed what the menu had to offer. This was quite puzzling, as he had never eaten this shop's specialty. When in doubt, he decided to ask for an expert opinion. With Jesgil's personal preferences in mind, he turned to the waitress with a smile. "This is my first time ordering here, what would you recommend Miss? As long as there is extra cheese, that will be fine with us." A waitress of this establishment surely would be most familiar with what items from their selection were the most desired by their regular customers.

A quick glance at what the other patrons sitting at different tables gave a variety of choices. It seemed no matter what was placed onto this dish, it would always have a base of baked flat bread and a thin layer of bright red sauce from tomatoes. Restaurants typically would have a large selection of different entrees, yet this establishment only had to focus on one. A rather ingenious way to conduct business. And a successful one, if the full tables weren't a testament to that. The atmosphere here was bustling, with so many people in the same place. It was not as private, but comfortable.

"Do you come here often Miss Jesgil?" He asked the maid. Despite her insistence to not be so formal, it was a strong habit of his. He could never truly rid himself of it. It simply felt natural, like a part of him. He was being more casual than his usual standards, referring to her by her first name than by surname. Noting how others were eating their meals here, he began to carefully fold up his sleeves. Tomatoes had an infamous reputation for staining any fabric they met, and were notoriously difficult stains to remove. He didn't want to run the risk of ruining a new set of clothing due to carelessness.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 3:50 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

"There is no need for such formalities with me," Jesgil said, shining a smile to Fuxing's face before she agreed to the meal together. Seeing as she was allowing him to choose, she felt like finding the shop in question that much more a priority. Sure, it may have looked like a possible date: man and woman together for the evening seeking dinner together, but at the same time it ensured safety for the pair as many reports were with single men. Not only that, but the pair did share the same workplace, and it was easy for them to eat together as well, so to Jesgil, there was no issue.

"Oh, thank the gods its still open!" she sighed as she picked up her pace to a shop whose lanterns lit up the place brightly. Commotion was certainly active as talk amongst the patrons filled its halls along with the smells of baked dough discs, lathered in tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings for the guests to decide. The pair was quickly greeted my a waitress (whose outfit seemed much too normal compared to Jesgil's waitress suit) and was handed a simple menu. After all, the shop only served one thing: pizza.

"Now then," the waitress stated, her voice rich with Yuan-ti dialect, "Is there any way we can take care if you today?"

"How about a pair of spiced ales and… umm…" Jesgil's eyes scanned over the option of toppings before whispering to Fuxing, "I am fine with whatever we get as long as there is extra cheese…"

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 11:24 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Fuxing unfolded his fan and listened thoughtfully at what the young lady said she had heard. "So the local ruffians are not at fault. The guards will have quite a case on their hands to solve." The lady then introduced herself, giving her name and stretching out a hand to him. She stated her occupation to be a maidservant for hire, though instead of being employed by a single family she sought work more liberally. Taking her hand, he in turn did the same. "What a pleasure it is to be acquainted with you, Miss Jesgil. I myself am Feng Fuxing. In Karith, it is traditional for us to present our surnames first and then our given name. You may call me Fuxing, should that suit your preferences better. Ah, well it seems I've been positioned into a corner already–you already know my place of employment. The proprietor of the Marsilea has been very generous to grant me a table where patrons come to test their skill at mahjong."

To the offer to accompany her for an evening meal, he responded: "After you, miss." He himself had yet to see all of Jayou. Perhaps she knew of some hidden gems in the river city which were lesser known by the tourists. The young master was a step behind the maid, curious to see where she would lead him. The cuisine of Jayou was exotic, with dishes of different cultures blended together. There were the traditional restaurants that served authentic flavors and tastes from their homelands, but most here took their own personal liberties in making something traditional fresh and appealing to newcomers. He had yet to see a completely authentic Karithian tea house, yet he felt it was time he experienced foreign tastes himself.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 9:31 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

While her outfit was much more flowing and less revealing of her body, people could still say she was in some kind of work attire, as her outfit still help many details of a maid that left her apron at home, though it certainly did not scream Gothic maid as many have called the black and white ensemble. Still, at the very least, it wasn't as revealing as her work outfit, which her guest seemed to have been quite glad for. "My hours just ended, so now is my chance to stretch," she chuckled before the emptiness was brought up.

"It seems the recent discoveries has placed many on edge, making those rumors feel much more real than ever. To think that its not the gangsters that seem to be the cause of it." She had seen many of them during her time here (a few even tried making a move on her before), though to see even them be cautious was certainly a turn. What came from suspected turf wars turned into alliances when they sought after the threat at the same bars.

"Maybe we should formally introduce ourselves," Jesgil chuckled, smiling as she cupped her hand to her chin before holding it out to the man before her. "I am Jesgil Yamar, and though right now I work for the floating casinos, I rather say that my profession is that of a wandering maid, willing to help those in need. Now then, care to join me for a bite?" After all, she did just get off of work and she could feel her stomach eat itself now that it had to room to breathe. Something had to take its place.

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 4:30 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

A woman's voice called out to him, and he turned to return with a smile of his own. "Good evening to you, miss. Have we met somewhere? You seem terribly familiar." He fanned himself slowly as he contemplated where he had seen her face. Ah, of course! No wonder. Eyes brightening at the epiphany, he folded his fan up in an instant and tapped it in the palm of his other hand. "I remember–back at the Marsilea! Being out of uniform must be liberating, I imagine." Though the establishment of Marsilea was above the average gambler's boathouse, there were some practices Fuxing did not approve. One was the attire for the female service employees. The things they were told to wear were quite shameful, deplorable even. Could one even call such items clothing? How would those young ladies be able to find a good husband when they were putting themselves on display for all men to see? Even if they were unwilling, it was considered mandatory. 

Surely such an establishment should not have to lower itself to such ends to ensure the entertainment houses of lower caliber wouldn't be able to compete. He would bring this matter to attention when he had the opportunity. They never directly interacted in their working hours, though he was sure she might have noticed him. Most of the patrons whom he handled were not the type to have strong drinks while playing. Personally he felt her current state of dress was much more suitable, and likely more comfortable. "Enjoying the hours after your shift?" He asked with courtesy. "The evenings have been less lively since last week. It is almost as if the city has become an entirely different place altogether."

Clad in patterned robes, they were lighter then his wardrobe from Karitih. He was still partial to Karithian styles, so they bore flowing sleeves and decorated sashes. His hair was tied more loosely to match his casual dress. Today he had chosen a set with white feather embroidery, accompanied with spiraling patterns like the currents of Jayou's rivers.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 3:05 PM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

A sigh escaped Jesgil's lips as her feet transferred from the floating casino onto the solid earth below her feet. Another work day has done, leaving the Draconian to escape from the skin-tight suit back into something much more flowing before heading out back into the main heart of the city. Its amazing how the current threats that taunted the landscape had affected the floating "markets" and shops: When the sun began to set, many more guests were willing to return to their inn or homes while some of the ships had even vacated some extra space to convert to hotel rooms on the water, as if to add more to the luxury of the ship and insuring the silver income that would pair with it. Her ship for the day was not one of those, so once the afternoon came to a close, it was back on land with her,

With a bag holding her work outfit hoisted over her shoulder, Jesgil's eyes began to scan the streets, seeking out what shops were not tidying up for the night. Where she rested, their chef was not exactly spectacular and was always rough in terms of letting any one else to step in and make their own meals.  "Hmm, I think I remember talk of a  pizza shop around here… hm?" As her eyes screen over  the walls, a face that would often mix with the others stood out to her. Part of it was the fact he was simply alone, as many these days now wandered in groups, but it was also that she recalled seeing in a a few times while handling the guests. … And by "a few," it was more of a case of handling a mahjong table once and seeing him interact with his guests (often old men who enjoyed her "company" as she served them drinks. At least they tipped well).

Figuring they were workmates, even if it was for a short moment, she thought she would be nice to at least greet him. Picking up her pace (and causing the obsidian necklace to rattle along the way), she caught up to his side before saying, "Good evening," keeping that bright smile on her face like she would for any guest.

Author: Fuxing, Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 10:33 AM, Post Subject: A Deadly Lure [L:3][Event]

Along the riverbanks, the city of Jayou was bustling and lively as ever. The fluid atmosphere of casual opulence was a refreshing contrast to the noble formality that graced Karith. Perhaps he was being partial to his city of birth; both were beautiful in differing ways. Karith was like the first daughter of a great general: elegant, stately, and refined. Jayou was like a singer from a house of entertainment: lovely, coy, and charming. While most came to Jayou for artisan goods, exotic sights, luxuriant bathhouses, and gambling venues–not so for the young master from Karith. His attention was drawn here indeed by the games of chance, although it was the opportunity to play against new challengers that made him stay. Arriving by riverboat weeks ahead, Fuxing found a house specializing in mahjong and soon became a favorite among the dealers. His success granted him his own special reserved table where only select patrons were allowed to test the limits of their tactics and fortune. Personally he himself would not have minded so much, but the gambling house's notions on profits were none of his concern. He would gladly play with anyone who had a true appreciation and respect for the game.

In Jayou he picked up on many different games of chance which he had never heard of before. Most went by common names and had minor variations in rules, however their categories were familiar enough. Cards, chess, rolled dice, predicting the outcome of the roll of a ball or the flip of a coin. Something that amazed him was the sheer variety of card-based games that were available to a game enthusiast. One of his recent discoveries was what the citizens of Jayou called 'roulette'. The concept of roulette was a form of betting on chance itself. For example, bets on the tossing of a coin gave the odds of fifty-fifty for either side. Roulette took that and expanded it further into numbers spaced around a slotted dial. With the spin of the wheel, an individual could win or lose. A novel idea, yet not as interesting as the finer points of blackjack. There was no sense of competition with roulette. You either were fortunate, or unfortunate.

As the sun began to set, he left for his usual evening stroll. Unlike Karith, Jayou sprung to life after dusk and entered quiet repose at the approach of daybreak. It was like the city never truly slept. The lantern-lit promenades along the riverside were a-glow with restaurants, houseboats, and shops that only opened at night instead of day. Decorated pavilions built out over the water were popular gathering spots for young lovers, with their twinkling lights and enchanting view of water lilies. When he first arrived in Jayou, the streets were full of residents and visitors. However recently, the sleepless river city had grown quiet in the evening hours. More guards were walking the streets in pairs, and even the less savory ruffians started to behave.

There had been an increasing number of people that had gone missing. Drawn depictions of men from varying backgrounds were being sought, their last whereabouts unknown. Fuxing wondered if it had something to do with the darker underside of the city, but did not give it much thought. Perhaps it was just an assumption. He did remember seeing a few members of the city's gangs on the wall of search posters. They were quite young, all below the age of thirty years. Rumors of kidnappings were casual talk from street-side patrons of the smaller eateries. There might be a grain of truth to them.