| The Dwarf and the... Elf... Bird... Thing | ||
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Because as Muradin well knows, places like these are always ripe with intrigue, mystery and danger... And wherever you might find those things, there will always be need for bold adventurers like him. There were nothing but rumors, not even a bounty or an official call for mercenaries. All Muradin heard were gossiping people talking about the creepy wind and flute sounds coming from the park. Normally things that are beyond the notice of a renowned fighter such as himself, though Muradin couldn't really rely on his reputation here like he did in Azeroth. Besides, the dwarf knew it was always worthwhile to follow leads like this on. Mining pick strapped to his back, battle axe dangling from his left hip and warhammer placed on his right, the heavy steps of a short but stout bearded fellow were heard approaching the park. Muradin sniffed the cool air of the park and grasped a stray sakura petal flowing in the wind, rubbing it lightly on his gloved hand to inspect it. Curious sort of plant, he doesn't think he's seen its like before in Azeroth... unless...
It's a thin yong man of fair features, with a hawk-headed headdress with a long white cloak attached to it. The ends of the cloak are triangular-shaped and colored red. He wears a pink kimono with red accents, loose purple hakama, white tabi socks, and large red geta with a single 'tooth' upon which he didn't seem to have a bit of problem balancing. And indeed, he is also playing a flute. As he takes the instrument waway from his lips, he notes, "Well well. You look like the adventurous type." It's a smooth tenor voice, musical somehow. "I seek information. I could make it worthwhile for you, if you have the information I seek."
Thankfully, Muradin is also wise enough to know not to provoke people for no reason, it makes him look twitchy, and as everyone knows, dwarves fear nothing! Muradin refrains from immediately attacking and instead gives a grunt, "So yer the bloke that's making all that noise." That's right, Muradin just called that music 'noise'. "Hold yer horses there, mate." Says the dorf as the fellow with the flute begins to ask information. "Ye canna be asking that o' folks after juss meeting 'em. How 'bout some introductions? Here, I'll even go first." "Name's Muradin Bronzebeard, at yer service." He points at himself with his thumb, a decidedly foreign mannerism. "Wot can I do ye fer?"
However the man in the pink kimono does smirk at the introduction. "But, if you /do/ wish to be somewhat polite..." He leaps into the air, out of the tree, and his headdress's cloak spreads out like wings. As if in response, his descent slows, until when his feet are an inch above the ground he is going slowly enough that it's as if he just stepped off a single stair above the ground. "I am Ushiwaka, the gods' gift to man! <Hello~!>" Again one gets the idea that 'hello' is spoken in another language. But then... that introduction...
Muradin just decided that this guy is probably an elf. At least putting him in some kind of category makes it at possible for the dorf to associate with this strangely whimsical being, not to mention obviously quite full of himself. "You wot, mate?" Muradin seems to understand all this guy is saying even if it's some kind of strange language, and normally, being called a philistine would mean fighting words for the Mountain King. "Ye must have me confused for another type of dwarf." He responds, as the thane decides to give this strange man the benefit of the doubt and not try to bash his brains out. Although he does mutter to himself something about 'bloody foreigners..' Ushiwaka's introduction /doesn't/ ease the strain any. All the respect he might have garnered from the dwarf when he levitated down from the branch is lost as soon as he calls himself god's gift to man. "Oi.." Muradin rubs his forehead, moving his horned helmet a bit. This was going to be one of those meetings. "Good to meet ye, I guess.." Says the dorf now sounding less than thrilled of being here, but maybe he can still make a profit out of all this debacle. "So, Ushiwaka. Wot kinna info do ye be needin'?"
He tilts his head. "I have sensed a power here. Someone I know. Someone I have not seen in a long while. Someone who disappeared not too long ago. And here, I sense her again. Perhaps you know her as Shiranui? Or perhaps as 'Amaterasu'. We have... much to discuss, she and I..."
The Mountain King crosses his arms too in the /proper/ way, like men are supposed to do. Right across his barrel like chest with hands tucked between his bulky biceps. He frowns as Ushiwaka begins to speak of some greater power, and a flash of recognition passes across the dwarf's blue eyes. "Oh? Yer lookin' for that white wolf?" Muradin yawns for some reason, as if this held no real interest to him. So what if this elfbird looks sketchy as all hell? So does everyone else in this crazy city! Besides, it's none of Muradin's business what goes on between Amaterasu and Ushiwaka. "Yeah, I know of 'er. Saw her and her lil' flea mate when I dug meself out into this city." A very informative little fellow he is.
Or they might come to blows, either way Muradin gets his win. He smirks too, "I've never put much stock in soothsayers honestly, and I'm the type of bloke that prefers to make his own future." He pats his weapons. "Lemme get a look at these tech o' yers and I'll tell ya if it's worth me time."
Ushiwaka rubs his chin in thought. "Ah, I have the perfect thing." He extends a hand again, palm up, and curls his fingers closed, into a fist. It's not pointed /at/ Muradin, no. A light shines around it, and when he opens his hand, there is a small statuette there. It looks like... a cat. A white cat with splotches of orange and black, with one paw raised next to its face. Its eyes are closed and it smiles happily. Around its neck is a large golden bell. The whole thing is tiny, easily able to fit into a pocket. "This will bring you fortune... quite literally," he explains. "Dropped coins will find themselves drawn to the pocket in which you place this in, and you will find that it will draw you in the direction of treasure."
"Wot the blood hell.." Is, naturally, Muradin's first incredulous reaction. He was expecting some kind of weapon, like a blunderbuss that shoots magic bullets, or maybe mechanical mount. Instead, he's given a teeny toy cat that he feels would be a better gift for a child. Before he has a mind to call Ushiwaka out on his BS, Muradin decides to step closer towards the thing, giving him the opportunity to actually sense that there is legit magic coming from the tiny statue. "Huh.." Says the dwarf with his usual eloquence. "Not wot I expect, I'll give ye that. But I reckon it'll suffice." He extends his hand to be given the statue, clearly not about to give out his information until he's been paid.
"Now..." he continues. "Do you know where Amaterasu and her little bouncing friend might be found?" he inquires.
"'At's a fine piece, it is." Muradin smirks and throws the statue upwards so that in neatly lands inside his backpack. Dwarves have a few nifty tricks of their own! But on to business. "Roit then. The white wolf sure didn't like ta talk much, but that lil' bugger of hers, Issun was it? He's a real chatty bloke." Of course, this is all going to be Issun's fault. "He told me Amaterasu and him are in the business of policing the place. There's a building in town called the DMC agency, blast me if I know what it stands fer, right in front of the Usual Restaurant." "If ya head over there, I'm sure you'll find 'em."
"Issun-boshi. Yes, he is quite chatty. Quite <rude>, as well. He is a Poncle, and his kind mediate between man and the gods. He is a Celestial Envoy, so it is not unusual that he be with her." A pause, considering what Muradin has said. "'DMC'? Unusual," he observes. "But still, thank you, Muradin-san. You have been very helpful. Should you reconsider your wish for someone to look into your future, please do let me know~."
"Aye.." He nods at the mention of Issun and his antics laughing a little about how Waka pronounced the word 'rude'. "Got quite the mouth on 'im to compensate for his size too, kinna reminds me of a gnome actually." He makes a scoffing sound. "Makes no difference ta' me if he talks for bloody dragons or old ones. Bloke should know not ta run his mouth like that, it'll get 'im in trouble one a' these days." Muradin makes no mention to Ushiwaka that he actually formally challenged Amaterasu and Issun for a slight though. The elfbird doesn't need to know any of that. "No problem, mate. Been a pleasure doin' business with ye." Says the dorf and lifts his helmet as one would a hat. "Aye, I'll keep yer offer in mind.. and oi, if yer in need of more info in the future, make sure to hit yer mate Muradin on it, aye? I'm good for it." Might as well start establishing his very own circle of communications and all.
Oh but then Muradin mentions Issun's mouth getting him in trouble? "It has done. And will continue to do so. But then, it also leads them to where they must go. And Amaterasu herself is much the same, whether she can speak or not." Ah,so she /can't/ talk? That probably makes sense, she's a wolf. Ushiwaka bows as Muradin tips his helmet like a hat. "I will keep that in mind," he agrees. "And I will be certain to bring greater treasures." He bows politely, and then turns on one geta. As he turns the white cloak on his headdress spreads again, and he begins to lift up into the air-- are those sparkles? Seriously?-- and then as if he'd merely jumped, he rises into the air, disappearing in the direction Muradin had pointed.
Then there's talk about Issun again, and even then Muradin still refuses to admit that Issun's tomfoolery made him challenge Amaterasu to a duel. Eh, not something that his new friend needs to know just yet, the Mountain King will milk this strange elfbird guy for as much as he can. "I'll take yer word fer it." Is what Muradin ultimately decides about Issun's supposed eye for girls. When Ushiwaka turns to leave Muradin gives him another nod and then rolls his eyes hard at the way the elfbird sparkles when moving away. "Wot a bloody fop.." Says the dorf when he's sure that Ushiwaka is out of earshot. He moves to walk away after that, in search of treasures with his new Lucky Cat! This ought to be good.. | |
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