The tallest tale

Even in a world filled with magic and wondrous places that went beyond your imagination, Talonia still was a city that stood out from the rest of the towns in Fiore. Not because it was such a magical place with many oddities and strange objects, but more because it was the only city in Fiore that was truly guildless. Talonia was home to the guildless, meaning that any mage that wasn't affiliated with a guild could call this place home. And because of it's special status it also happens that Talonia often was considered a gray area for the legal and the dark mages.

For Dahau, Talonia was a buffet, a city booming with potential mages that could be recruited for the Savage cause. And if he couldn't find new allies, than the city housed other oppurtunities as well. With a flourishing black market, Talonia was the number one place to get your hands on magical items that you'd normally couldn't find in the shop. And if illegal weaponry or weird artifacts weren't your thing, then you could always buy yourself some information. If you needed intell, on well anything, then Talonia was the place to be. Here if you asked the right questions, persuaded the right people or dropped a pretty penny here and there, you could very well find the right info you were looking for.

As always the streets of the black market were filled with mages that came in all kinds of shapes and sizes, this had as a result that even a man like Dahau wouldn't stand out. It was a crowded place, with lots of people crammed together in the small streets and stalls selling shady wares at both sides of the street. Then there were the elusive and odd doors that lead to even shadiers shops, bars and whatnot.
As the Savage mage ventured further into the crowded street he couldn't help but to let out a big sigh, so far there wasn't anything or anyone that caught his attention. Nor did any of the rumors he heard peaked his interest. Or so he thought, as he passed a certain rather dark alley he suddenly felt something strange that forced him to a stop. A strange pulsating sensation, a dark familiarity that was hidden behind a shroud of magic. And it came from somewhere in that alley. He had to check this out. Slowly he walked passed two market stalls and took a look in the direction of the energy he just felt. At the end of the alley there was a dim light, blue in color and emitting from a neon sign, it revealed a rather enigmatic and suggestive name; The Prying Eye. Dahau knew exactly what kind of place this was, a place of entertainment where unknowingly certain fools would give away their most hidden secrets.

Dahau walked up to the door, he could feel the energy coming from behind. It almost felt as if it was throbbing, a storm that was hiding underneath a calm and spotless pond. Without a second delay he pushed open the door only to be greeted by a rather surprisingly neat interior. Surely it was a bit burlesque, but it didn't appear to be the kind of the establishment the lower class would visit. No this was your high end establishment.
Sitting here and there, accompanied by young ladies, were the rich and powerful. Smoking from a Shisha, while the working girls whispered in their ears, filling them with beatiful lies and trying to pull out every bit of information so that in turn they could sell it on the black market. And somewhere in here was the one person Dahau was looking for.

Behind the scenes in one of several rooms that were used for other reasons if the pay was high enough a girl with long black hair sat in front of a mirror, her room was far different than any of the others that called the club their home as it was surrounded in delicate brightly coloured items. Many of these gifts where of men who wished a night with the presence of the mysterious beauty but of yet she showed not a single one of them an ounce of the attention they so desired. The clients whom often where extremely choosy had been entranced by her presence and even offered much more than what they normally would to gain her favour. Sadly for them it had fallen short as she never once sat by any of them, normally the owner would have issue with a girl refusing to show their attentions to the clients of the club. She on the other hand was left to it as they seemed to stay longer, buy expensive gifts for her and returned nightly in the hopes that she may have changed her mind and entertain them exclusively; this meant more revenue and why disrupt something that seemed like a cash cow?

She had no idea why she declined their advances to sit with them or have them return to her room, it just didn't feel right to her. Her hand went forward as she started to pick up a make up brush and tended to the last few details before it was her time to entertain those who where in the club. Her hair was elegantly held up with pins, ribbons and combs showing what they believed to be her Midi heritage, when she ended up she didn't remember anything and they had offered her a place to stay and work until something came back. She wasn't exactly in a position were she could decline their kindness and so accepted their offer, she wished she could remember but the only clue she had was the badge she wore when they found her and everyone claimed not to know what it meant. She looked over to her door hearing a knock "Angel your up." a male voice called through the door, all she could do is sigh, she knew that wasn't her true name but what else could they call her when she didn't even remember that much. "Coming..." she said standing heading to the door, the rich smell of incense coming forth from her room still trailing after her as she moved to the stage fan in hand.

Taking a deep breath she moved to the main stage, her outfit was less risque than many of the others that worked in the place. she wore an elegant but cutsie baby pink and white almost kimono outfit, the fabric stopped mid thigh but wore stockings that came just above her knees with baby pink bows on the sides. The top was slipped off the shoulder showing just enough to entice the audience. She looked to the musicians and nodded allowing them to start playing before she took the first stance of her dance. The music started slow but picked up and as if properly trained she moved with it each movement precise, each step made with a purpose. Soon her fan was in her hand and as she danced she now used the fan before bringing out a second twirling them expertly, flipping one off the other. A smile ever present as she danced occasionally an alluring gaze went out to the crowed, the strangest thing was as she danced beautifully coloured mists came from her. She had no idea why it happened but it seemed to please the audience, soon the music slowed once more and so did her movements when the music stopped she was knelt on the stage and bowed "Thank you for coming, I hope my dance entertained." she said with a humble voice before standing once more bowing and heading to the back of the stage as she normally did.

However this time she stopped as something seemed to gain her attention "what is that feeling?" she whispered to herself before she headed off the stage and through the doors meant only for those who stayed there and their 'guests' so she could get ready for a dance she had in another hour or so, she couldn't shake that feeling she had just felt; she was curious about it but at the same time it scared her.

'Well hello there dear' Approaching Dahau was a rather voluptuous young woman, scarcely clad in silk drapes and parts of fabric than actual clothes. Which was just the right amount of revealing so that it was a constant tease. 'Are you perhaps looking for some sweet company' she continued as she put her left hand his chestplate. 'Not exactly, I am looking for someone, someone rather special' replied Dahau a bit mysterious, which had as result that the young woman put on a pouting face. As if in declining her really hurt the girls feelings. 'Well, if you are really looking for someone special there is this girl who will performe in about just a minute. Why don't you, let me take you there and pour you a nice glass of wine, while you enjoy the show'
The girl was relentlessly persuing Dahau, pushing him to go with her. And normally Dahau would deciline her right away as he wasn't here to get entertained, however since he honestly had no idea who or what to look for it was better to stake the place out. And to be fair, being served by a pretty thing while watching another fair maiden didn't sound so bad. 'Sure, why the hell not' he finally responden to which the girl returned a broad smile and grabbed him by the hand, guiding Dahau through the establishement. Until they'd both reached a larger room. That had large cushions and sofa's all standing all around, while in the midst of the room was a center stage.

Dahau took place, while the girl went away to find two cups and probably some wine to serve. He knew she was only doing this to loosen up his tongue, after the ladies in here were all after information and weren't really interested in the men that came in this place.
She came back at the same moment the main lights in the room dimmed so that only the stage had a spotlight shining upon it. 'ooooh, it's beginning. You are really in for a treat' she said while pouring his cup with wine 'Her movements are really enticing' The girl took seat next to him on the sofa and leaned partly against Dahau while she threw an arm around him.
Before he knew the show started with a slow music, while another girl took the stage. And from the moment she entered the fray Dahau knew it instantly. This was the one. This was the origin of the strange sensation he felt earlier. This girl, this raven haired beuaty with porcelain white skin, had a source of darkness hiding inside of her. Ready to sprout and take form.

Dahau watched as the girl danced with perfect choreography, entrancing every other man and some of the girls as well in this room. In fact Dahau was sure he wasn't watching a young girl just trying to dance and entertain the men, but in fact a being whose sole purpose was to shine brighter than the very star, making everyone and everything else obsolete.
'That girl' he suddenly inquiried when nearing the end of the dance 'who is she?'
'breathtaking huh' said the young madam with a gniffle 'That's Angel. I don't know much about here except the fact that she's relatively new here and that nobody in here can dance like her. But if you have an interest in her, we can always see if she wants to join us. You would be the first to succeed at that tho'
Now knowing that this Angel was the source of the strange vibrant feeling he felt earlier, Dahau knew that the following situation could only go a few ways. One was that Dahau recruited her willingly and she would come with him without any commontion. Or two she would resist him and try to fight the man since he was from the notorious guild of Savage Skull. Which happened more often that Dahau would want to admit. 'No need' he'd eventually replied, while also throwing a small sack of jewels towards the woman. 'This is for your futile troubles to seduce me. It was entertaining in its own way. Oh and before I forget, I'd suggest you get out of this place right now.' The girl gulped as a sudden eerie and evil aura started to fill the room, the vile killing intent become noticable enough for her to know that this man meant trouble. And not the kind that would just give you a beating because you weren't obedient enough.

Dahau stood up, leaving the girl behind who instantly snuck away as soon as possible. He walked up towards the doors where the oriental dancer from before returned to. With a swing he pushed one of them open revealing a sort of dressing room, with only the dancer from before sitting on a chair. 'Well hello there' he said rather eerily.

While she had been dancing it was almost in a bubble her own, no one and nothing else existed. It was her and the music, this was what was important to the young midi woman and it clearly showed that she cared not for the eyes on her one way or the other. She had been hired to be a dancer and dance she did, very well at that. It was completely by accident she found she could sing just as well as she could dance as if she had been trained to do these things, she wished she could remember how she knew all these things but nothing came to her mind. This done nothing but serve as a supreme annoyance to her because it was like a word on the tip of her tongue that was just out of the reach of her mind. Regardless she had been on stage, the realm that gave her purpose and made her outshine any other. This was clear as day to see when both male and female clients of other employees seemed to ignore the ones sitting with or entertaining them to watch the graceful movements each filled with their own purpose as if a new branch of a story hand was being told to them.

Though she had seemingly made eye contact with many of the patrons of the club this wasn't actually the case, well that was until she had noticed someone in one of the closer booths reserved for vip's, she had no idea why but her own milky jade blue eyes had met his several times, a sincere smile from her aiming at him each time. This was until her performance ended and had done her normal thanks heading back to her room, she indeed had stopped wondering what the strange feeling she had felt was but sure it was nothing and would eventually leave. Heading down the hall to her dressing and bedroom she sat at her table once more trying to remember as she looked to the mirror where the pin of the west fiore trading company hang "Gods, I wish I could remember anything about myself..." she placed her head on her dressing table knowing that there was nothing that could be done, she would either remember by herself or she wouldn't. Then again she could possibly come across someone who knew her who may give her the answers to the questions she so desired but what where the chances of finding someone who knew her in a place like this? It wasn't like she went outside of her room unless she was bathing, eating or entertaining, that made her wonder about the strange quirk but what could she do? No one here really knew her so they couldn't exactly give her truthful answers.

Letting out a deep sigh she sat up once more her hand going to get one of the wipes to clean off the makeup she was wearing, this was so she could get it changed for the next performance she had that evening. Her hand drew back the moment she heard a voice behind her she didn't recognise so quickly turned around looking to where it came from an aura of not only shadow and darkness turning up but light and spirit forming around her almost like her magic was trying to protect her from the intruder. The eyes that shone nothing but beauty and the wish to be seen showing nothing but fear and panic towards the taller older male. "You shouldn't be here, I didn't invite you into my room." her voice shaking as she had no idea what he wanted, the smile that had graced her lips and never left earlier had fled leaving only the look of distress. "I don't have any money, I never asked for any..." she admitted hearing some of the workers stories "I am given a place to safely rest, clothing and food I require to remain healthy so please go. I promise I won't tell anyone that you were back here without an invitation." she feared that he was there to cause her harm in one way or another with how he was dressed, his aura and how he spoke; internally she prayed to the divine he would apologise and just leave her be but something told him that this wouldn't be the case.

Angel, the girl, looked rather frightened at Dahau's sudden appearance. Not that he could really blame her after all this was a private section where the performers thought they were safe from their clients. Plus he knew he didn't have the most friendly face at this moment, still, she must have had the wrong idea of why he was here. 'I am not here to take your money girl' said Dahau while he walked up to her 'I have no need for wealth, no I am here for you' 
Still, that didn't come out any better, it even scared the girl more. And honestly, she should be, if needed Dahau would force the girl to come with him all the way back to Savage Skull. 'Allow me to explain' he'd eventually said before the girl could burst out in screams 'The moment I walked passed this place I felt something. An unknown power trying to reach out, so I walked in and traced it all the way back to you.' The girl stared at him for a moment, trying to comprehend he was saying 'Oh don't give me such a dumbfounded look, I know you sensed me the same way as I sensed your presence. Angel, this place, it doesn't suit you. You belong on a larger stage, one that lets you flourish and become something more than you can ever be. And at that moment you will realize that despite the kindness these people have shown you, that they are nothing more but insects. While you, you will be part of a species of leviathans!'

It seemed to work, while still cautious of who Dahau really was, she did seem more at ease now. Still, the explanation was a bit vague, it still didn't tell her what kind of man Dahau was nor did it tell her which guild he belonged too. All she did know was that Dahau had an interest in her, and not because of her body but her power. Which was still scratching underneath the surface, wanting to come out. And if it did, Dahau could use that, mold it into a terrifying weapon for the darkest of guilds. 'Look, what I am trying to say is that if you'd come with me, you could become something more than just a dancer in a filthy back alley establishment. You'd become part of a group and will be given a true place you can call home. And when you do, I promise you, you will reach heights you could only ever dream of!'

It was true that how the other looked made her feel at ill ease, even a blind person could tell that this man was a warrior forged in the heat of battle and so one wrong move could possibly end their lives. Yet this wasn't exactly the thing that scared her, it was more his sudden appearance within her sanctuary that made her want to scream and run for help. This however she noted would be futile as the unknown male was standing between her and the door and for all she knew he would lie and say that she had invited him back causing who knows how many issues as well as a likely punishment and perhaps exile from the only place that she knew at the moment. She wanted none of this so remained quiet as the other spoke, she was glad to hear that he wasn't after currency as she had none even though she had several expensive gifts around her that could be traded in for a small fortune. She was then about to open her mouth and ask if it wasn't money then why was he within her room, that was until he took it upon himself to answer as if he knew what the next questions would be, hearing his words she pulled back almost falling off her chair the energies becoming more aggressive as they whipped towards him as if a silent plead to remain away. Her magic reacting purely on her emotions, she had no idea that this was actually a common occurrence.

"Why would you want me? I'm no one special." her words though filled with fear also showed sincerity within them, as far as she knew she was just an everyday person. "I'm sure someone like you could have any pick of girls tending to you, I'm not even sure why you would have to come into a place like this to find company." again she was nothing but truthful, something told her that many would want a strong male to be their protector but it was what he said next to explain himself that seemed to bring some light to things, was he what she sensed when she had finished her performance? She had to wonder. He then spoke of harsh words on how she reacted to the information, she couldn't deny what he was saying. "I didn't know that it was you I was sensing, it has been the first time I felt such a thing..." she paused taking poise on her chair once more now the initial shock subsided "All be it I don't know if I have ever felt such a thing in the past." her tone showed sadness as she spoke of not knowing, it would be clear to the battle hardened male that it was almost as if she had lost who she was.

It was hard for her to believe that someone such as him could sense her when he was outside of the club, she didn't think her essence was that potent in anyway though she guessed she had some magical energy within her as she had sensed something; that something turning out to be the man there with her. "I don't know if this place suits me or not..." this was the truth of the matter her hand going to the pin dangling from her mirror, with two hands she held it out to the warrior "All I have connecting me to my past is this and I have no idea what it means, have you see it anywhere before?" she asked him her tone showing desperation "I've asked the others that live and work here and they say no, so I think it's because they haven't travelled. Perhaps as you have you might know where I called home." she hoped he said he did and she could get back there but she had no way of really knowing if it was the truth or not at the end of the day. It was then she fully took in the rest of what he said about belonging on a bigger stage, one that allowed her to flourish and grow to her full potential.

The thing that had her stumped was why he cared about some random girl working as a dancer in a club. In her mind she went backwards and forwards in wither or not she should asked him. Biting her lip she made eye contact with him. "Why do you care if I wither and die or flourish and bloom?" she asked him they where strangers to each other as far as she knew. "Do we even know each other?" she believed the answer would likely be no but there was no harm in asking as she was trying to put the pieces of her life as well as this encounter together. The energy around her had begun to start fading a bit as she felt a bit more at ease but still remained faintly active around her as if she wasn't fully at ease. "species of Leviathan?" she seemed confused at those words as she had no idea what a Leviathan was, she however guessed that this was implying she belonged to something bigger in the grand scheme of things but would allow the other to clarify if he wished to.

It was then she realised she knew absolutely nothing of the stranger inside her room and tilted her head "I'm sorry for asking this especially from someone whom seems intent for me to come with them one way or another, but what is your name and your plans with me?" she asked cautiously listening to the last part carefully, for now however she remained silent listening to his words before she would decide her fate but she was sure he had decided it for her regardless of if she wanted it or not.