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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 29, 2018 3:30:09 GMT
Cathal watched Rhea carefully to make sure she didn’t run off of them, but seemed to equally watch Ciaran and make sure he would do as he had “promised” by sheathing his weapon. Not that he wasn’t dangerous without it, but hand to hand was defensive for him. His cold gaze stayed leveled at the thief, just barely containing his anger, but willing to listen, if only for Cathal’s sake.
He had caught the use of the word “friends,” after all, and he knew what that word meant to the old tiger.
Ciaran’s tension almost began to settle as Rhea began to speak, as if backing down. With a tiger on one side and an assassin on the other, it was the most logical answer. And as much as he might threaten to, Ciaran had no intention of actually harming the woman, only getting his property back.
Then she threw a wrench into things.
At the challenge, Ciaran’s expression shifted into one of acceptance, almost a shrug and almost a smirk as he went to move forward. Then she shifted back, offering a trade. His surprise cut through his menacing expression, eyes widening but remaining dark.
“A trade?” he echoed, gritting his teeth. “You don’t trade for what you don’t own!”
“What would you trade it for?”
Ciaran froze at Cathal’s words, and for a moment looked about ready to attack him instead. “Cathal…” he began warning the tiger, but the cat was focused on Rhea now, focused on keeping the interaction civil. They had something rather important they wanted from her, after all, and a trade now was much more likely to get her to cooperate with the tiara later.
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Post by Kelathi on Nov 29, 2018 3:43:36 GMT
Rhea made a non-committal shrug at Ciaran’s words, - “Well, technically the chain doesn’t belong to you either so…”* But Cathal was quick to cut in before an argument could ignite between the two.
“What would you trade it for?”
That drew a smile out of her, not unlike the one she had given Ciaran earlier. She appeared to relax a little, straightening up and dropping her arm. She was aware that, for now at least, she was reasonably safe, and at least one of them was not opposed to a negotiation. For reasons unknown, although being on the man’s side, the tiger did not, as she had assumed, want to see her roughed up by Ciaran. She intended to take full advantage of that, at least in this instance.
“I don’t know yet. Shall we see? What have you got to trade?” The latter part was clearly addressed to Ciaran. Then, she couldn’t help herself, she found herself following it up with- “Shall we do a pat-down?” the statement delivered with the smile gone and replaced with mock, wide-eyed innocence.
*((I figured she can recognise a chain of office and so this is the most logical assumption, and also not to mention the fact that there was blood on it, so she’s got a pretty good idea the circumstances surrounding it)).
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 29, 2018 4:26:52 GMT
(No, that makes perfect sense with news of the sheriff’s death being all over )
Rhea’s repeated smile visibly made Ciaran twitch, his fingers straying to where the knives were kept in his wrist guards, but remaining empty. For now.
It was obvious why Rhea turned to Ciaran to see what was available to trade, for multiple reasons, but it didn’t lessen his anger to the situation. It was Cathal’s fault, after all, that they weren’t just intimidating her into giving up the chain and tiara. Not that he felt that she’d give it up so easily, but he could dream.
Her final statement, however, made him pause, eyes flicking up and down her as if trying to determine if she was serious. “Why? So you can nick something else to claim in trade?” he decided to snarl instead, even though there was a moment of red to his face. He opened his arms, a gesture usually seen as disarming but instead seemed like a challenge thinly veiled as a threat. “I have nothing to trade, nothing you’d be interested in.”
Cathal, meanwhile, watched the interaction with a tilted head, curious as to the unexpected dialog between them. Strange form of flirting, he thought, but decided to not voice any other suggestions. He knew which chain of office Rhea had to be referring to, and knew his cub; he wouldn’t carry anything of that type on his person, so it was difficult to tell what indeed Ciaran could trade for the chain back, knowing how valuable it was. But it also begged a bigger question.
What could they possibly trade for the tiara?
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Post by Kelathi on Nov 29, 2018 4:51:12 GMT
She seemed both unperturbed and unconvinced by his answer, sure that she could find something valuable on his person. If not, she would settle for gold coins, so she’d consider it a victory either way, as she had definitely succeeded in riling him somewhat. “I think I’ll be the judge of that.” She responded to his statement at having nothing to trade, pleased at his response- the momentary flush of his cheeks having been noticed, if not commented on. She was causing some kind of reaction, at least. Cathal stayed silent in this, trying to work her out, or just curious to see how things go? Either way, she took his silence as neutral, neither supportive nor damning, and felt herself safe to proceed, or at least for the moment. She began to approach Ciaran, slow but confident.
She stopped when she was standing right before him, looking up at him and meeting his glare levelly, starkly aware now of how tall he was compared to she... as well as the sudden and unpleasant realization of how quickly he could end all this if he wanted to. Nothing in her demeanor showed her hesitance, seeming calm and collected. Their close proximity was probably not in her best interests, but so far he had not moved to reveal another dagger- so she took that as a definite good sign. “Don’t worry. We’ll just check the pockets.” She added, with that flash of mischief in her eye, when he still had yet to utter a word.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 29, 2018 15:42:18 GMT
Ciaran would have decidedly argued about handing over coin to the woman, as that sort of trade could be simplified into the word “paying.” Paying her to return what she stole…
In all honesty, Rhea’s approach surprised Ciaran. He had intended to keep her at a distance with his hostility, but instead she took up the “challenge” offered, moving in close with yet another taunt on her lips. Her forwardness, however, stayed his own reaction, stiffening rather than retreating. The only thing that kept his gaze from remaining as dark as ever was the edge of confusion, still unsure what prompted her more flirtatious behavior.
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Post by Kelathi on Nov 29, 2018 18:48:19 GMT
He didn't seem entirely sure on how to react to her, and so on this she capitalised. She moved slowly, carefully, aware that at any moment his anger at her might just take over, and unsure if her closeness to Ciaran would mean Cathal may not be able to jump in, in time. Still, she did as promised, rummaging in his visible pockets, trying his left first and feeling her hand close over coins which, as she weighted them experimentally without bringing them into the open, were a mixture of gold and silver. She tried the right, all the while her gaze on his face, reading his expression, which seemed to flit from annoyance to confusion in quick succession, and she noted that he seemed suddenly reluctant to meet her eye. Finding much the same result in the other pocket, she looked a little disappointed... But then something glinted in the light, catching her eye.
Merely a sliver of it had been visible across his collarbone, the rest disappearing under the collar of his shirt. It was soon clear what this little something was, as she reached up, hooking a finger under the chain, drawing it out so that it was visible. As soon as she saw the look on his face, she knew she'd hit the jackpot. She had no idea of its monetary worth at first glance, but it certainly had worth to Ciaran, and therefore she saw it a fitting trade, almost like a punishment, for him taking the chain of office from her.
"I'd trade for this."
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 30, 2018 3:13:35 GMT
While he was a bit shocked at her brazen search of his pockets, he remained stiff as her fingers brushed against him through his clothes. Even his breathing became short, hardly panicked but quiet. When he was no longer able to watch her, growing more and more uncomfortable with this charade, he opted instead to glare at the tiger, who watched with some strange mix of fascination at Rhea’s boldness, and growing concern for his cub’s unexpectedly cold response.
The stiffness in Ciaran’s form changed when her fingers touched the chain, pulling it into the light and letting the sun glint off the silver. It was a very simple item, a small silver charm curled into an oval Celtic knot, with two points situated between the smooth curves. Couldn’t be worth very much, and yet his eyes grew haunted as he finally looked down.
Ciaran needed a moment to reconnect with what Rhea said, ready to lay claim to the necklace. He finally made a move, taking one step back and he snatched the chain away from her, suddenly defensive. Still without looking at her, he considered his options, and seemed to truly struggle with the decision. He finally gave the chain a gentle tug, disconnecting the ends that dropped down around his hand. Instead of immediately handing it over, however, he kept it close to his chest, finally letting his eyes move back to Rhea, waiting.
Waiting for what was obvious. Why he decided to go along wasn’t so clear.
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Post by Kelathi on Dec 1, 2018 16:32:05 GMT
His sudden withdrawal only confirmed her suspicion that whatever this chain was, it was important, and further solidified the notion in her mind that it was indeed what she wanted. At first she thought he was going to deny it her and back out of the trade, but then he had decisively tugged it free, with no small amount of emotion, she noted silently. Promptly, she produced the chain of office from up her sleeve, drawing it out and folding it up so that the thick gold plates lay back to back, making a neat, if heavy, parcel in her hand. Feeling the weight which proved it's worth, she almost hesitated... Before she was reminded that despite the game they were playing, she didn't really have any choice in giving it up, the trade having been a fortunate compromise- and offered it to Ciaran, her other arm also outstretched, her hand palm-side up and ready to receive the chain.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Dec 6, 2018 2:17:58 GMT
Seeing her stretch out both hands made him pause, as if reconsidering his rationale for going on with this farce. True to his word, however, he reached out in kind, eyeing the thief rather than the jewels.
The trade itself was awkward, neither wanting to be the one to offer and in the end, it was a clumsy attempt at doing it at the same time. It was difficult to tell which one of them had surrendered enough ground to make the trade, but as soon as the weights were shifted Ciaran instantly withdrew, checking the item as if expecting part of it to be missing. It was pocketed as soon as it was verified, albeit in a pocket that was obviously much more difficult to get to with a brush, against his chest rather than the loose fabric at his side.
This gesture was done with a narrow-eyed glare at the woman, specifically due to her involvement in the whole situation. It was his next words that seemed to change the subject completely and yet seemed to stay right on track at the same time as it spoke volumes.
“Now the tiara.”
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Post by Kelathi on Dec 6, 2018 2:39:38 GMT
She had felt rather pleased with herself as to how the transaction had taken place; even if it had taken some fumbling, she had somehow managed to swing it so that she wasn’t completely left wanting. But she didn’t have long to pat herself on the back before Ciaran had dropped the bombshell.
Immediately, she felt cold all over, as if she had been dumped in ice water. It was clear on her face that the statement had caught her off-guard, her body stiffening suddenly. How could they possibly know? She had been so sure to watch her back as she fled the castle, the guards only having a general description to go by. Had she been careless on one of those rare times she had decided to take it out and look it over, and had Ciaran somehow, impossibly been privy to that and glimpsed the tiara…? She fought to regain control of her composure as her body went into fight or flight overdrive, eyes immediately flicking to the side, as if looking for an escape, not that there was one with a suspected murderer to her front and a tiger at her back…
Think! No… she had approached Ciaran. He had only chased her after she’d stolen the chain of office. How could they possibly know?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She stated firmly, but the conviction did not reach her eyes, as they flashed furiously, the barely restrained emotion deceiving her. She had seen the signs, of course. Palace Thief, wanted, dead or alive… She had hoped she was far enough away from the city for her appearance to no longer draw curious glances from would-be opportunists, but perhaps she had been wrong.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Dec 6, 2018 3:07:43 GMT
For once, Ciaran seemed to laugh, but it only increased the aura of danger around him. It was Cathal’s turn to speak, able to discern every tell that she was about ready to split.
“I tracked your scent here,” he said evenly, confident enough that arguing seemed very pointless. It made sense, if anyone could have tracked her so far, it would be a great predator. But then something rather interesting happened, one that clearly surprised even the tiger. Ciaran spoke again, his own tone even, if not really open to negotiation.
“We have no interest in turning in the thief. But what I am interested in is the reward for turning in the tiara. Hand it over, and you can just walk out of here.”
Almost as if concerned that his “offer” sounded too lenient, a dagger had somehow appeared in his hand again, proving he was still being serious - and not just putting her on.
Cathal’s surprise was contained quickly, but he couldn’t help the little edge of a smile. Ciaran, trying to cut a deal rather than deal with the situation with violence? He really was starting to take things seriously after Alnwick…
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Post by Kelathi on Dec 6, 2018 3:31:31 GMT
At Cathal’s words, it had all become startlingly clear. So they knew she was the palace thief, and therefore, no clever words or fancy tricks would be able to sway them to believe otherwise. Whilst Ciaran’s following words were indeed surprising, (she was pretty sure the reward was greater for ‘alive’, presumably so she could be punished for her crime, so turning up with just the tiara may fetch a sum of money but not half as much as taking her too) nothing in her demeanour relaxed at all.
As if she could just hand it over and walk away… he had not the faintest idea what all this was about. Of course, how could he? But even so, to just hand over the tiara was impossible- it wasn’t even an option.
“No.” Her response was probably not what was expected, considering not only her current predicament with being cornered but the added complication of one of Ciaran’s daggers re-appearing threateningly…
“I won’t hand it over. You want it? You’re going to have to come and get it.”
She clenched her fists, readying herself. It was within the leather pouch fastened to her belt, and might look like an easy snatch. But she was ready to fight tooth and nail to keep it, as was evident in her steely glare and the way she lifted her chin slightly, as if inviting him to try. It was no bluff, no stall for time, not even the expectation that he would back off- she thoroughly expected him to rise to the challenge, and was perfectly aware that she was about to get hurt, or perhaps worse, in the process.
But it was no worse than what would happen to her if she should just hand it over, so she may as well accept her fate now rather than later.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Dec 6, 2018 3:37:16 GMT
Ciaran’s gaze immediately darkened at her response, a tension appearing that wasn’t unlike a predator’s preparation to strike. As she readied herself for a fight, he gritted his teeth and started walking forward. In truth, while he might threaten her with daggers at her feet, he had… a number of reasons to not want to actually hurt her. He hoped that he might simply intimidate her into complying, but Cathal’s next words stopped him cold in his tracks, for different reasons this time. Mostly, frustration at someone other than the thief.
“How about another trade?”
“Cathal… we have nothing to trade for that…”
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Post by Kelathi on Dec 6, 2018 4:02:44 GMT
“And neither do I.” Rhea cut in, “This tiara means more to me than anything you could possibly offer.” At Ciaran’s decisive steps towards her, a moment of fear had laced through her, but she had stood her ground nonetheless. What else could she do? Cathal’s further intervention was welcomed, but puzzling. Despite evidently being on his companions side, he seemed eager to come to some sort of peaceful negotiation rather than bloodshed, which seemed very strange for a creature pretty much designed for killing.
She wondered what would happen now she had refused them yet again, and was sure she was about to find out quickly.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Dec 6, 2018 4:15:43 GMT
She would find out quickly, as it turned out. Ciaran’s attention returned to her, and he made his move, at first seeming to strike out as soon as he was within range. Instead of hitting her, or even hurting her, he had simply grabbed her wrist, not even aiming for the pouch that she was so determined to protect.
“Let’s put it this way then,” he growled, utilizing his height advantage to lift her onto her toes, firmly holding her wrist even as she was yanked against him. His gaze was still dark, but his voice managed to be even. “The trade is simple. It’s either the tiara… or you.”
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