The Mugging

[Aerin Vaettir]

“No I’m afraid not. The carriage belonged to some outsider of our village. Whoever it was they were simply passing through. They never stopped from what I hear, and they never hesitated to run me down from what I saw.” Aerin said, shrugging. It was a fact he had to painfully swallow long ago. The person never stopped. He’d never confront the one who had taken his sight and ability to walk properly. He didn’t even know what species the person was. No one knew. Just a black carriage, ornately decorated apparently, running behind two big black horses. Aerin didn’t recall what the carriage looked like, so he took Elle’s word that it was a nice one.

Aerin smirked, amused as Delliks told his own story involving horses and their ever dangerous hooves. Delliks seemed to get off much easier. Good on him.

“Considering my injuries are permanent, I must say I think I did indeed have it worse.” Aerin said, giving a pained laugh as he worked his way through the streets. He paused once to rest, leaning heavily on his cane. As he stood, panting slightly, a man walked by and nearly shoved the elf to the ground, brushing him out of the way instead of stepping around Aerin. Lenore, after helping him keep his balance, looked back at the man who shoved her master with a real glare, and hissed, all her sharp teeth showing. Aerin said nothing, rubbing his leg. He was used to this treatment. Even if he did protest the people who shoved at him either continued to walk or came back huffing like an annoyed bull and they’d challenge Aerin. Which was stupid. Anyone knew that Aerin would lose a fight. The challenges seemed cowardly, but no one else seemed to take notice.

[Deleted]

Oh course he could believe it. Easily in fact. But the idea of running a man over and not even stopping, it just struck Delliks as incredibly indecent. He couldn't imagine doing a thing like that, well... Not if it was just an innocent bystander or civilian that is. He wouldn't have a problem running over certain people at certain times, especially when he was deeper in the mercenary business than he was now. His oath made it more difficult to get back into it. At least back to how it was.

They continued onward and he realized he had been racing or something, oh well, the kids wouldn't miss him too horribly.
That was when all this thinking was put to a halt, when he witnessed the rude man. He shook his head.
"See what I mean, even blinder than you eh?" He said with a chuckle, slightly interested and more so startled by yet another new sound from the Raven.

"So then, I imagine a young lad like yourself has some grand vision... We grand dream that he wishes to see-fulfill eh?" He laughed nervously, wow he sure used a lot of sight reference. He hadn't noticed till now.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin gave a smile that was slightly bitter as Delliks mentioned the man being blinder than Aerin was. Delliks was certainly a jolly person, wasn’t he? He had the feeling Elle would like the man. Then again any man that was attractive Elle liked, so he wouldn’t introduce Elle to this man. Just in case he was a good looking fellow.

“Perhaps he is, but I don’t think that is an excuse for rude behavior.” He said softly, his leg flaring up again. “He isn’t the one using a cane as support and a raven as a guide.” He added, sighing. He gave his leg an experimental bend, bringing the leg up until the knee was about waist high. He winced in pain as muscles that were long destroyed screamed in pain. He slowly relaxed his leg and put his foot on the ground. Stretching them out was no use either. Oh well. He continued limping his way home, Lenore sticking close, disregarding her little game with Delliks for now.

“…Not really.” Aerin said softly in reply to Delliks. A grand dream? Maybe once, but no more. Most of the dreams he lost had been childish or out of his reach to begin with. He once thought of becoming a knight, but the idea of marrying and settling down to expand his father’s farm held a high attraction too. He supposed he could do that if he wished. He could make potions after all. But the idea of living with his parents and being alone…it seemed a tad lonely, even for a hermit such as himself. Besides, no female ever found him attractive. Well sure, he heard he was quite handsome, but something about his unfocused, foggy eyes and limp scared the women away.

“I’m quite content with my life now.” He said, half speaking to Delliks and half assuring himself so he’d draw him attention from the ever dangerous and depressing self-pity pit he often found himself in if he wasn’t careful. “I’m making potions, studying as best as I can considering, and helping people. When they aren’t saving me from being robbed that is.” He said with good humor. “What about you? Have you a grand dream you wish to fulfill?”

[Deleted]

"No, I suppose you are right there. Blind or not it is still rude." Delliks nodded as he turned back to look in his direction, although the man was gone by now. "You are right there." He agreed again.

As they continued on, Delliks tried to put himself in Aerin's shoes. If he was blind, could he get around? Every once in awhile he would close his eyes for a few moments and see how far he would get before become nervous and opening his eyes. It was rather difficult to say the least. Delliks soon found himself humbled and thankful for his sight... So much he took for granted, it never ceased to amaze him how Almora continued to open his eyes.

"No vision eh?!" He said a little surprised, he had always found that just about anyone had a vision or grander idea for their lives. "Well if you are content then more power to you. More men ought to be content with how they are I suppose. Make the world less dark eh?" He stated and realized that this was exactly the perfect intro into his own life vision. It flowed so nicely.
Delliks had once wanted fame and money. To be a hero, a man that was worshiped... He wanted the good life, the money, the women, all of those shallow things. He had learned his lesson... And it had been quite hard to swallow. It was the reason for his oath. It was his great awakening.
"Peace." He stated simply. "That is my vision. Men ought to be free and respected. Equal. Enough of this bondage and enslavement to kings and what have you. My grand dream is freedom of man, social harmony." He chuckled, "A fool's dream eh? And a hypocrite I am for using such violence. Those are the arguments most think of. What say you?" He asked, curious as to what a scholar would say.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin shrugged when Delliks suggested that more men would be better off if they were content with what they had. Aerin could see the logic. But it really depended on the person. Some people, like fat, lazy nobles, should not be so content with their lives. They should try to achieve a goal instead of having everything handed to them. But Aerin tended to be a bit biased sometimes towards the elite. Maybe towards anyone who managed to skip through life without a day’s hard work ever performed. Fortunately that group of people was small enough in Aerin’s daily life.

He listened to Delliks dream, and walked on silently for a moment, thinking it over carefully. Freedom of man? No bonds to kings or queens? Aerin supposed there could be some sort of chaos to follow if there were no leaders, anarchy may ensue, but Delliks dream was not an impossible one.

“I wouldn’t say a hypocrite. There can be peace with some violence. We have to protect ourselves and others as best as we can, and if it resorts to some minor bloodshed, well that is simply nature. As for your dream of peace…it could be achievable I think. In the village I grew up with my family, we were far from any assistance from any king or ruler. We were rather isolated. We depended on each other, and those with the highest power was a group of men and women who were wise and could lead with a straight mind. My father was one of them.” He said softly. “We’d have town meetings to discuss any problems or issues. And should there be an argument you’d seek out one or all of the members of the council. That was what everyone called them, even though they weren’t really official. No one had more power than the other, and status was earned through hard work, respect, and love.” He smiled fondly. His village was rather peaceful, so it wasn’t like his father was called upon every night.

“But; that may only work for something as small as a village. On a greater scale, such as Avaleur, I don’t know how well that would work out. You can’t have a mass meeting with every citizen here and expect anything to be resolved. But I could be wrong. Someday, if you achieve your dream, I shall find out.” He said good-naturedly.

[Deleted]

Delliks grew envious of Aerin for a moment. To have grown up in such an environment. It sounded like serenity. He could not grasp why the elf would ever wish to leave that land. It also inspired the man. To know that it could work, that it was working now, even as they spoke. It was hope.

"Every generation men with greater minds than mine discover deeper truths. They learn that this land we live upon is far more complex than we imagined. As well as one's body too! They discover once in a few years even more complexity with us." Delliks used this example one time before and the person asked him to describe some of these new discoveries... but he could not, he was poorly educated in the necessary fields. Although he had failed one time before, it did not stop him now. "If our body and our land, which is much bigger and with more members than any construct that man can raise up, what is to say we can't eh? There are good men, but it is those infected that bring about the issue eh lad?" he said with a sigh. "You will probable have your sight back before I my peace eh?"

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin considered Delliks’s words. The man was right. Every decade that passed newer, fresher minds brought about new truths that would rock someone’s foundations. The idea of peace now may seem impossible, but who was to say it wouldn’t in another ten or twenty years? Aerin supposed the only thing he could ask himself was that if he’d be able to accept whatever changes were to come. And he decided that yes, he could. As long as he himself was content and could continue to learn whatever he wanted, he was happy.

“Well I’m not so sure of that. No amount of magic or medicine so far has been able to cure my eyes or leg. How about this; if I gain my sight before you gain your peace you buy me dinner. And if you get your peace before my eyes are cured I’ll buy you dinner. What say you?” He said, smiling. Aerin wasn’t a betting man, but it seemed like a little fun. A dinner sounded appropriate for celebrating the accomplishment of either man’s goals being met, if you wanted to count Aerin being healed a goal. It as something he gave up on a while ago, but he’d give new techniques a try if they came about.

[Deleted]

A wagger over a meal? Delliks chuckled. He liked the idea, even though new problems arose instantly. Such as how would Delliks be able to afford paying for a man such as Aerin's dinner. Sure the man seemed humble enough, but he was an elf after all. Delliks had known that most elves had a higher taste, something that he wasn't sure he could cover. Not to mention tastes as low as Delliks'. He had enough trouble with that.

He laughed again, "Well, I will agree to the terms." he said with a smile, "Let's just hope another miracle happens on the day your injuries are healed and I have enough economic capital to uphold my half eh?" He patted Aerin on the back as he looked around.
"How close are we?" his question had been directed toward Aerin but he quickly turned it around. "Lenore?"

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin smiled as Delliks accepted the little wager, and mentioned that he hoped, should he lose, that he could pay for a meal. Aerin found it a tad funny. He did indeed have higher tastes, but by no means did that mean he didn’t enjoy more simple foods. He was raised on a farm. A very prosperous farm, with a father who had good connections with various other rich men who had higher tastes too of course. Thus exposing Aerin and Luella both to fine dining. But no way would the elf expect Delliks to pay for such a high standard.

“How about, if you like, if the time comes that you owe me a meal, you cook it at my house? If you need any assistance my twin would surely help.” He offered, nearly chuckling. Oh yes, Elle would be delighted to meet a man and show off any skills she had. Her cooking wasn’t divine but it was just as good as their mother’s.

Lenore glanced back at Delliks as he asked how much further. She looked forward again and simply pointed up ahead, towards a shop with a sign hanging from it, painted on the sign was a painting of a steaming vial. It was a two story building, built well and new, considering the fresh cut wood that had yet to be stained from the weather. It seemed they had just reached their destination.

[Deleted]

Delliks looked up and at first was confused, but he quickly gathered what it was that she meant. They had arrived at his home.
Cooking the meal, rather than paying for it, was a relief of a great burden. He cooked cook just fine, after all if he couldn't he would have starved by now. His lifestyle of living in the woods or alleys or wherever sort of demanded being able to put together a meal every now and then.

"Haha! A twin eh? Now that is interesting. How will I tell you apart?" He soon began to regret that statement. His twin was probably not blinded by an injury... But it was best to leave any corrections unsaid. A simple thing like that would work itself out just fine.

"I do think we have arrived at your home though. If your guide hasn't told you in some way yet." He explained.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin smiled, having thought what Delliks himself was thinking. Aerin was blind and limping, odds were his twin was not. But he didn’t take offense to it. Rather Aerin figured when people forgot about his disabilities it meant they were looking past them. Only time around him would make them adjust accordingly and turn it to habit.

“Well for one, my twin is a woman. I think that alone should be sufficient.” Aerin said, laughing a bit. He tilted his head as Delliks remarked that they arrived, and before he could make any reply Lenore stood cold in her tracks, Aerin smacking into her, staggering, then straightening.

“Now she told me.” Aerin said with mock annoyance, gently knocking his knuckles on Lenore’s head as if her head were a door. Lenore grinned and stepped forward, and within a moment her body shrank, skin sprouting feathers, and she turned back into a raven. She gave a harsh caw before fluttering to the roof of the store.

“I must thank you again Delliks. It was kind of you to walk me home.” He said. “As well as saving my skin.” He added. He tilted his head a bit as he heard the door to his store open. He locked it when he left so that meant only one thing.

“Aerin, there you are! How long did you plan on having me wait?” Luella’s voice called. The elf stepped out of the store, dressed in tight, and very short shorts and wearing an equally tight tank top styled shirt, laced close to her body with a corset. She paused, spotting Delliks, and she favored the man with a charming smile. “And you brought a friend.” She said.

“Had I know you were going to drop by, I may have hurried a bit. Elle, this is Delliks, Delliks, my twin sister, Elle.” Aerin said, delivering the introductions.

[Deleted]

A women hmmm? Delliks found himself wondering what she would look like. Aerin was in fact a handsome looking man. His skin was fair as well as his hair. His twin sister would no doubt have similar traits. He found himself dwelling on this too long however. He stopped wondering as he heard Aerin direct his speech to him.

"Pay it no more mind, it was something that any man worth anything would do." He said with a smirk and a light pat on Aerin's shoulder before he turned to the sound of the shop door opening. He was momentarily weary, not expecting to see someone but then figured it must be his sister. He figured they may live together at this point in time, since he was handicapped.

Delliks was a man, and Aerin's sister proved to be much more beautiful than he could have thought. He could not reframe from noticing her assets that were being very clearly put out for show. He found himself glancing momentarily at these places before finally resting his eyes on hers.

Delliks bowed slightly, "As he said Lass, I am Delliks. It is a pleasure to meet a new friend of mine's sister. If you prove to be anything like him I can expect quite an interesting character eh?" He said as he rose up from his bow.
He was interested in learning more about her, mostly because he wished to see the differences between twins. He had heard several things and he wished to explore the rumors. Also because she had grabbed his interest.
But he did not wish to overstay his welcome with Aerin.
"Well Aerin, I don't wish to be a bother. It was a pleasure to meet you as well."

[Aerin Vaettir]

Elle watched as Delliks’s gaze drifted over her body before finally resting on her eyes. Instead of glaring or huffing like most women would, she gave him a broader smile. Finally!! A man who actually responded to her! After that shifter in the woods she started wondering if men in this city didn’t care for pretty girls. She gave a giggle as he spoke of comparison between the two elf twins.

“Oh please, Aerin and I are complete opposites.” She said. She gave a pout as Delliks spoke to Aerin, and that was when she noticed the cut.

“Aerin! What happened to your cheek? And now that I look closer you’re all scuffed up.” She said, stepping up to him and touching the cut. Aerin shrugged.

“Some men tried mugging me. Delliks here saved me. It got a bit…intense. No worries, this is the worst damage I suffered.” He said, already picturing Elle’s face, which was exactly how he pictured it currently. Elle’s expression darkened, a frown on her lips. Some men dared beat on her brother? He was blind!!

“Enough of that face.” Aerin said, reaching out and poking Elle on the forehead with ease and grace, which meant he did this quite often. Elle stored the information away. A conversation she’d have later.

“Well, if it is true you saved Aerin Delliks, you must come in for tea or a snack. Maybe even stay for dinner! I still have some deer meat I could cook. It’s the least I could do to thank you…” She said, smiling sweetly at Delliks, clasping her hands in front of her, which in turn made her arm push her breasts together and up, displaying them. Aerin mentally rolled his eyes. God, he knew that tone. Delliks was in for a ride if he stuck around.

[Deleted]

"Yes, the other brute ended up much worse then Aerin here." Delliks added, the wound he had given him wouldn't heal as nicely as Aerin's. This also reminded him to be on his guard, no doubt the brute would want some revenge.

He watched and refrained from laughing at the face, such a look was almost completely out of place. To find it on a women who looked as she did, but at the same time it was almost lovely. Even the darker expressions were beautiful.

Delliks could not refrain at the offer. He hated tea, but dinner wetted his mouth. "That is a lovely offer, truly I am touched lass," he did not feel it was right however, it seemed to betray the wagger he and Aerin had just formed. "I must decline however. I don't wish to be a bother and I can't risk failing at my end of the wagger between your brother." he stated before looking at Aerin, "Unless you see no violation by it, Aerin? Then I suppose I must accept such an offer eh?"

[Aerin Vaettir]

“Wager? What wager?” Elle asked. Aerin, betting? She figured she’d see the gods and goddesses of the forest before Aerin made a bet. She was wrong, it seemed.

“Nothing to concern yourself with Elle. And I don’t think it’d violate our bet. You may join us if you’d like Delliks. I have more than enough food. Elle likes to drop by once in a while and keep me well stocked. She should keep the food to herself since I don’t ever cook.” Aerin replied, limping his way towards his shop.

“And leave you to starve? As if!” Elle said, rolling her eyes. She looked to Delliks, smiling. “I’m glad you accept! I like pleasing men.” She said. Aerin opened the door to his shop, shaking his head.

“Have you no shame?” He called back. Lenore flew down from her perch and entered the house by hopping inside. Elle looked towards her brother and smirked.

“Shame? What’s that?” She asked, then laughed before walking inside, heading towards the small kitchen in the back of the store.

[Deleted]

Delliks laughed as he watched the two. Seeing the siblings fight, it reminded him of his family back in core. Oh how they had their fun. He wondered for a moment how they were. He supposed they were fine. His father could take care of them fine.

His laughter took on a different tone, and he felt slightly awkward as she mentioned that she liked pleasing men. The seemingly obvious flaunting, the hint of pleasure, yep she was a hooker. NO, NO, NO! He decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. She was not purposefully doing all that... could she be? Ah it didn't matter. He could care less either way.

He smiled and followed her in, he liked to have a good time and so he need not try and worry about all those thoughts that had come to him. He was alive and so was Aerin, he was getting a free meal, and making friends.

"What do you do then that brings in so much food then? You're not a herder I take it. Must do something else. Nope I have got nothing. You have fooled me." he said with a smirk.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin limped over to the counter where he finished his transactions. He sat down in the chair with a sigh of relief. In the front main room, which was quite large, were many shelves displaying many bottles of potions, dried herbs, and prices. Back further was a door which was closed, Aerin’s equally large office, and a doorway leading to a small but packed kitchen. Elle walked back there, bending to stoke the fire and show off her butt to the handsome fellow Aerin made friends with.

“I’m a hunter! Whatever I can’t kill or forage I just buy with money.” She called, straightening and hurrying around the kitchen, grabbing various ingredients for dinner.

“She is rather good too. An excellent shot with the bow, or so she tells me. Considering the kills she makes I’m inclined to believe her.” Aerin added, reaching under the counter to pick up a red bottle. Most potions under the counter were either for his own personal use, or special orders. There weren’t many special orders yet. He swallowed his healing potion and waited for the pain relieving effects to kick in.

[Deleted]

Delliks, by chance, had missed the show off her rump. While she stuck it out for him to see, he had been examining the selves with interest. If he had been looking, no doubt his interest would have been elsewhere.

The man gazed at some of the potions and ingredients on each shelf, picking up one a holding it up, looking at the liquid inside as he swirled it around before setting it down again. Another he smiled, and to his surprise, found it had little scent to it at all. He was sure that was not the case for all concoctions of course.

"I hunter eh?" Delliks said as he stopped feeling some dried leaf with his fingers and walked over to the counter. He leaned on it has he listened to Aerin's vouching.
"I've never been much of one myself, although I find it necessary sometimes." He stated, that was when the thought came to him, at one point he was probably considered a man hunter, still was in a way.
"I'm not much for ranged weapons and I try to refrain from using my blade so I suppose I'd make quite the lousy hunter eh?" He said with a chuckle.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin listened to Delliks toy with the potions. He wasn’t worried though. Delliks seemed like a man careful about things. Besides, if he broke them Aerin would just charge him. It seemed heartless but he was sure, should that happen, the man would find a way to pay the elf. Delliks seemed creative. Lenore settled on the counter, where a crow’s nest sat. She settled into it, shifted until she was comfortable, then she watched the going’s on with a half interested eye.

“Maybe you wouldn’t make a great hunter, but you probably have skills elsewhere.” Elle replied, pushing a chair into the main room. She walked over to Delliks, taking hold of his arm, also pressing her breasts against his arm as she did so. “Please, sit! Be as comfortable as you like.” She said, smiling up at Delliks.

“Elle…have you no shame?” Aerin asked, sighing and leaning back in his chair. The healing potion was beginning to work on him, and the pain is his leg was fading.

“Shame? What’s that?” Elle laughed, walking over to Aerin. “I’ll have you know, you brought home a very cute man. I’m simply sending messages.” She said, winking at Delliks.

“Subtle…” Aerin remarked, shaking his head. Elle giggled and re-entered the kitchen, setting a pan over the fire.

“Don’t be jealous dear brother! What about that girl you met? You carried on about her for a while. And I doubt you brought home Delliks for yourself.” Elle straightened, touching her chin. “Or did you? You aren’t gay are you? That’d explain a lot.” She said.

“I did not bring Delliks home for THAT reason. Just tend to your cooking.” Aerin said sharply, blushing a bit. Elle giggled and walked over to him, patting his head.

“I’m teasing. Besides, I have my hopes held out for that woman with the dragon.” She said, before turning to Delliks. “Would you like anything to drink?”

[Deleted]

Delliks laughed, turning a slight red for a moment himself, as he was sat down into the chair.

"Ah yes, I am skilled in several other areas." he said with a smirk. He wasn't sure he remembered a time when a women was this active and straightforward about this type of thing. It put him a little out of his comfort zone but not by much. He knew what hints she was dropping but to avoid them seemed more fun.
"I can tell a good story every now and again, tame a horse, and craft about any weapon." he said with a little bit of a laugh, "Although the weapons and stories are only mercenary quality."

If Aerin had brought Delliks it would have been a failure, Delliks was not gay in the slightest, well okay maybe in the slightest because he had gotten close to some men back in Core but not in a gay type of close, there was some "bromance" though. So one could argue if they so wished that he was... oh this was silly. He quickly stopped thinking about it.

"Water will be fine if you have any. Thank you." He said.