The Pirates Tomb [Job Thread, Private]

Notes:

• Word Count : 307| Total : 307
  
• Job Link : King of the Pirates - Part 1
  
• Approval : here
  

Markus could still hear the sandstorm raging out side, he hated sand, and was having trouble getting it out of a few areas. He finished catching his breath, muttered to himself, and decided that his curiosity would win out, forcing him deeper into the cave: of course. No sooner then had he made the decision did he feel it, a slight pull to the back of his mind, almost a whisper or cool breeze warning him, preparing him. Someone was entering the cave, and they were magically inclined.

As always he adapted to his cool exterior, acting as if he hadn't a care in the world and waited to access if the stranger would be friendly, or try and take Markus's meager possessions. Pulling his scarf off his face Markus saw the man when he walked closer. He looked to be about Markus's age, and was very well dressed in a white suit with a green tie. Markus was surprised to see such a man in the desert, and, at first, more surprised to see him without an escort. That was, until he remembered the magical aura. This man was a wizard.

Markus watched, surprised as much as delighted, when the man preformed a small bow and introduced himself. He definitely wasn't use to it, most well dressed men Markus met assumed, rightfully he would admit, that he was homeless, maybe even a vagabond. Markus knew to withhold judgment and a small smirk came to his face. 'This man was... interesting.' he thought. Had they met in another life, and different place (meaning yesterday, and a back alley, or crowded street) Markus would have been tempted to pilfer he mans pockets. This time however no such thoughts crossed his mind, it wasn't often one met another wizard, even in Fiore. He thought he might like the man, though that might just be his appearance.

Markus gave the man another look over, and was about to speak when he felt it once more : the same whisper, the same warning, the same pull. 'What were the odds.' Looking over Markus saw her, and questioned how he missed her. She looked younger, but not be much, an d had lavender hair, pulled into a ponytail. She was leaning... no floating, 'that would take some getting used to', on a rock, her legs up behind her. This day just seemed to get more and more interesting.

Her giggle felt oddly like a trap, and he decide there that he would not fall into it. He survived homeless this long by not falling for pretty boys, or girls. Both of these newcomers fell into category.

"Well, it is... nice...to meet you both..." Markus said slowly, his signature self assured half smile upon his face. He voice seemed cold, but assured. Just as with the man Markus was certain to give the female a once over. "And, I'll be your prince if it means I get a nice suit." Markus said looking again at the man, "Especially if I looked that good in it... Though it would have to be black...", he said even though he thought something different, 'however the white is a nice color'. To some Markus's cool tone yet slight advance would seem to counteract one another, at times seem like at flirt, at others a dis. However, neither was true. He was hoping to keep them on their toes.

"My name is Mar...," Markus started before stopping and taking a forward, spinning on his heels. Out of the three of them he was the farthest inside the cave, and almost missed it. Standing in the halls of the cave, three soldiers just arrived, however they were different. Their armor was warn, their weapons degraded. Oh, and they had no skin. 'yep, skeletons.' Of course Markus couldn't have a normal days travel, ever since that day this always seemed to happen, Markus had just finished reflecting when the skeletons attacked, rushing forward.

Markus had always been quick on his feet, and even quicker with his mind. As always he took a second, avoiding attacks from one of the skeletons while the other two went for the strangers. He knew the others were magically inclined, the woman made as much obvious with the floating, and they probably knew he was too. Markus however had learned that magic had unexpected consequences, and without knowing more about the other two decided he would do this the old fashion way. He knew he was in his element, the darkness seemed to lean towards him, as always he felt at home in dark places and needed no light to do the job.

He dodged a slash from his assailant, they were swift but luckily slower then a hungry thief with a knife. Slow enough that Markus was able to get a power strike in with his knee, keeping his hands at the ready he took a step back. However he made a mistake, he was interested in seeing how the strangers handled themselves, and knew whatever they did would tell him a lot.

This distraction caused him to narrowly avoid another attack, this one close enough to put another cut in his coat, maybe even his shirt, and bring him back into the fight. However their distance gave him the opportunity he needed, with a quick combo he got two more strikes into the skeletal warrior, the three heavy attacks being enough to take it down. Markus was glad that the cave was dark, being in his element comforted him, he knew had this had happen in the broad daylight outside he would look the fool, and be quite handicap.

He knew that skeletons were weaker to bludgeoning, which luckily bare hands counted as otherwise that might have been embarrassing. However, bones and armor stung a lot more then flesh and his hands were complaining. He signed and looked over. In one way or another the strangers had taken care of the other assailants. He was certain to keep a mental note of how, after all if he had to fight them he needed to keep everything in mind.

Once more Markus molded his face into his signature smile. "As I was saying," He continued as if nothing had happened, "My name is Markus." He did not bow, but he did give a noticeable nod of his head. "And, today is turning out quite interesting." He walked a little more down the cave, just a few feet before looking back. "Am I the only one interested in where they came from? Skeletons don't just 'happen'"

Markus continued walking, despite the appearance he showed, and had mastered, he was uncomfortable in unknown situations and was on edge. He had no problem letting either of the others take command, but he was making sure they knew one way other the other he was going down.

Notes:

• Word Count : 1146 | Total : 1453 | Target : 1666
  
• Job Link : King of the Pirates - Part 1
  
• Approval : here
  

Markus grinned as the girl took the lead, she was attractive to be certain, and
Markus could feel his mind wondering. As she called back with an amused voice he was certain to follow. Not that he was arguing. Looking to his side Markus glanced at the man who had introduced himself as Aven. He had noticed his guild Tattoo, Markus was not one to believe in the ‘guild society’ so many wizards were fond of.

“So, Guild wizard eh?” He asked, his voice not quite accusatory but definitely not warm. “And, what of you Lilim? Do you shackle yourself as well?” Markus knew there were benefits to Guild Life, strength, power, resources, better contracts. He just wasn’t sure if it was all worth it.

He was thinking on how his companions had taken care of their assailants, cataloging what he had seen, and if the others wished it he would speak with them, make ‘small talk’ although he was not a fan,. If they talked, he tried to keep the conversation off of him, using ‘guilds’ and his contempt as an excuse.

More than anything he was certain to catalog everything that was said, as well as the manors of his compatriots. He was very interested in both of them, for different reasons, and knew that any knowledge he could gain might help him down the line.

Shortly, as if guided by luck, fate, or just a knowledgeable girl with lavender hair the three arrived at a large stone room, they stopped before the door weary for traps and more skeletons.

The room was made of stone, the limestone carved with purpose. In the center sat a large square slab, some writing on it Markus could not make out. Next to the slab was a man, in his hand a large pole arm with a wide curved blade at the end. He seemed to be trying to get the slab in the middle open, his hands were pushed against it.

Markus took a split second to reach his hand out, darkness started to coil wrapping around his right arm forming vines with sharp thorns. Spots of red appeared along his arm where the thorns pierced his own skin.

He was unsure what the others would do, but he knew the tactical advantage of surprise all too well.

Notes:

• Word Count : 389| Total : 1842| Target : 1666
  
• Job Link : King of the Pirates - Part 1
  
• Approval : here
  

Markus couldn’t help but smirk to himself, of course they were protective of their ‘guilds’, most mages were. He was unsure how to continue the conversation without starting a fight, or worse an argument. Markus did not really care whether or not they agreed with him, nor did he wish to cause any issue. From his experience guild mages were much like nobles, and guards, a lot of talk about being special for no real reason. He had jobs, and had hunted monsters. He knew little of their Guilds, Fairy Tail was Independent, Lamia Scale was ‘legal’, which as he knew ment they followed all the rules, and being a good mage. Markus definitely wouldn’t fit in if he had to follow the council, though fighting monsters did not sound too bad.

Markus, preparing for battle took a step forward as Aven cast his spells, they certainly looked fancy however, were they effective?...
Markus’s eyes widened, and his eyebrows raised… Which for him was as much as an exclamation or shout. He could not believe his eyes, almost instantly the man was out, defeated by a series of spells. ‘Well, if guild mages are that powerful…’ Markus thought to himself.

Markus watched as his female companion entered the room, and immediately went to the coffin. He let her do as she will, after all he didn’t really care, and started to case the room. Knowledge and power is what interests him, if the tomb held anything of interest, then they could talk.

Markus barely noticed as she seemed to pull something from the coffin, he was looking at some carving in the wall when she spoke up. Around that time his spell ended, and he felt the thorns that were against his arms clear.

Markus’s face took on a very serious look, this was usually the most dangerous part of a job.. With a quick glance at the orb he relaxed slightly, and walked over looking in the coffin. The woman spoke again, this time apologizing for her behavior, he gave no agnologment, he saw no reason for her to apologize and as such, there was no logical reason to worry.

He glanced at her again, then at Aven. “You guys decide, I have no use for trinkets... “ He glanced at the suit, “Or, such a… garment.” Looking at the two his expression lightened. “It is not my style, however...” he waited a few seconds to make his point.

“Next time, you owe me.” He said pointedly at both of them, marking his terms, requesting a future favor, which he knew could be much more valuable… Or, blow up in his face.

Notes:

• Word Count : 443 | Total : 2285| Target : 1666
  
• Job Link : King of the Pirates - Part 1
  
• Approval : here