Post by Ian (Menace) on Apr 12, 2022 14:26:45 GMT
In preparation for "Menace to Society" on 14/04/22 with the incredible Wren Lunaboult
It is a quiet morning in the Cavernous Seashank. Last night’s patrons have only begun to reluctantly clear out, Jedd lovingly cuffing them across the head to wake them from their booze-addled slumber. The smell of last night’s ale and vomit still permeates the stale air, as a new contestant - breakfast stew! - begins to make a play for air superiority.
“You know…” Menace says in a quiet voice, never much of a sharer, and this conversation being for the two of them alone, “...I know of course that it was you who came to visit my warehouse. Don't worry, I don't hold it against you. In fact, I admire your skill and daring. Given that you choose to still enjoy Jedd’s hospitality,” he nods toward the innkeeper dragging a drunk by the armpits out the back door, “I assume you aren’t in this line of business because you are looking to fill your own pockets. That's admirable. I do a lot of work for the community myself. Each in their own way, right?” He takes a spoonful of this morning’s mystery chowder and slurps noisily, only partly managing to cover the sound of the drunk violently vomiting out back.
Wren finally stops ignoring Menace, putting their spoon down in their own bowl of mystery chowder to look the tiefling in the eyes. “Most people don’t compliment the person who stole from their business, and especially don’t join them for breakfast. Won’t lie, this is kinda odd behaviour. Like, I don’t know how to respond to this at all.”
Menace smiles into his bowl of stew, the “fish” pieces bobbing on the surface as mysteriously as his motivations.
“That’s alright. Not everyone has my eye for talent, or sense for the bigger picture. I just want you to know that we are ok, you and I. In fact, I may even have a job for you, if you are willing to put the past behind us. That display in the warehouse was one hell of a tryout; an excellent demonstration of your abilities. You see, I find myself in need of a burglar, and I can't think of anyone more talented than you. Says a lot if I am willing to come to you with this, doesn't it?” He peeks up from the bowl, mischievous sparkle in his black eyes.
Wren raises an eyebrow at the look being given to them by the tiefling. Then they lean back in their chair, crossing their arms across their chest as they process the request being presented to them. “You can drop the flattery Menace, in fact it’s kinda concerning me even if I’m relishing in the fact that you’re even asking me in the first place. I can’t help but feel like you’re gonna ask something very high risk here, something big. So what’s the job, and who is it Menace?” Though they try to maintain a neutral face, they can’t help the curious look that flashes across their eyes.
“You are quite right, my friend. Can I call you 'my friend'? I feel we have been through so much together! Well, I have a dinner engagement planned with the Lenoir brothers. You are aware that they control the majority of commerce in the city, and by implication, much of what goes on here? Well, I find the current situation unsatisfactory. They are stifling business and opportunity by the way they conduct their affairs. Those that displease them are run out of town.” he drops his voice to an ominous tone. “They have the town guard in their pocket. But I seek to alter the status quo; provide more opportunity for everyone else; Right things in this town; Make things better! And for that…” he directs his cold black eyes at Wren, “... I need your help. What do you say?”
There’s a painfully long silence between them, with Wren just staring at Menace, maybe blinking, before they quietly say “Oh Ilmater you’re serious.” They look deeply into their bubbling mystery stew before looking back at Menace. “Look, I’m very aware of who the Lenoirs are and how they run things, of course I want to take them down. But with them gone, if we do in fact succeed at this, then who’s gonna take their place? That’s quite a power vacuum that’s suddenly going to happen around here, and places like here need someone or a group of people to help coordinate things.”
There’s an unspoken question that hangs in the air, but Wren just waits and listens. Expecting Menace to continue.
Menace nods sagely at Wren’s doubtful face, the chowder bobbing along as if in agreement. “You are quite right. Noone likes a power vacuum, and I intend to fill it, provide stability and keep the peace, you have my word on that. I know you don't like my methods, but I promise that I have the best interest of Port Ffirst’s people at heart. This city is all I have. It is my home. And I intend to keep it safe.”
There is a shadow that dims his eyes for a moment, as he breaks eye contact and stares into the chowder bowl, like an unpleasant memory intruding upon an intimate moment.
“I will be honest with you. This one is personal for me. The Lenoirs have taken more from me than most, and I am now in a position to balance the books, after years of preparation. Their debts will be paid. And believe me, it will be a thing well done. Justice!”
His face grows hard for a moment, fist clenching the wooden spoon in his hand. But almost as quickly as it came on, the change passes, he breathes out and lets the spoon fall, clattering onto the wooden table. He watches the spoon come to rest, before looking back up at Wren. They don’t move an inch, trying to not interrupt the moment that Menace is having, the crime team have ceased eating and all of them intently watch for the tiefling’s next move.
“I am sorry. You weren't meant to see that. Some memories sneak up on you, like a thug in a dark alley… But my offer stands: help me rid us of these parasites. You will be well paid, and I promise you that the city’s people will be better for it. Whatever you may think of me, it doesn't matter; don't do it for me - do it for them.”
Wren sighs deeply, the crime team also physically relaxing. “You say do it for them, but really it’s for both you and them, that much can’t be changed. I’m glad to see you have some personal conviction, it’s not all completely about making more and more money. I don’t fully trust you Menace and I don’t think I ever will. As you say I don’t like your methods at all, but my distaste for the Lenoirs is greater. I’ll help in this mission of yours, but know that if this turns out worse for all the people of of Port Ffirst, especially the ones who have enough hardship in this world, then I’ll be first in line to take you down.” They pause before adding, “And we are not friends.”
The easy smile creeps back onto his face that must have hidden in a crevice somewhere; a spider confident to find something caught in its net. “Well, that is all I can ask. Excellent, we will do great things together! And maybe even grow to become the best of friends yet? You will see. I have a feeling about you.”
Wren scowls at the statement as he rises from the table, leaving the half eaten bowl of chowder behind, as well as a bright gold coin. The coin instantly disappears into a certain badger’s paws.
“Enjoy your breakfast, it is on me. I will send for you when the time comes. And I for one can hardly wait…”
Wren nods at Menace’s retreating figure, but once far out of earshot they turn to Stripes and quietly grumble. “I already feel like I’m gonna regret this…”