Plot Picture Challenge 27

Greenie

Follow the Strange Trails
Original poster
LURKER MEMBER
FOLKLORE MEMBER
Posting Speed
  1. Slow As Molasses
Writing Levels
  1. Beginner
  2. Elementary
  3. Intermediate
  4. Adept
  5. Advanced
  6. Adaptable
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Male
  2. Female
  3. Primarily Prefer Female
Genres
Fantasy, Supernatural, Horror
A picture is worth a thousand words, as is often quoted.
How does the picture below speak to you? Perhaps as a poem? Perhaps a roleplay idea? Maybe a story?
Whatever comes to your mind, write those words down! All is well and welcome, whether a couple of sentences or more!

the_foreign_market_by_shutupandwhisper-d6v59li.jpg
 
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Teron stayed tot he shadows, obscured from view of most of the bustling patrons of the market. He was there for one purpose, and he was patiently waiting for his target to appear. His long weeks of tailing his prey would pay off today.

Standing just behind the merchant of tapestry and silks, a cold smile blossomed on his face. And there they were, knight and lowly squire. Gripping the hilt of his broad sword which was held just behind his right thigh out of view, he waited patiently as the pair made their way through the market. Three more steps....

Conner grabbed the knight's hand, "Sir?' he said halting his steps and looking up at his master with a furrowed brow, "Something feels...cold." he said making a face at his inability to properly explain what he was feeling. He hadn't told the knight about his ...oddity...for fear of being let go. He had nowhere else to go, and he couldn't risk that, but he felt danger. Cold meant death, but he couldn't say that without giving away a lot of things. His eyes were pleading the case far more eloquently than his words.

Gareth looked down at the boy, who rarely spoke. He was shocked at the words but more shocked at the facial expression. "Cold you say..." he repeated and then putting a hand to the boy's chest began to retreat the way they'd come, now looking intently around the market for any possible danger. He thought he saw the glint of a metal to his right, and then he scooped up the boy and disappeared into the booths.

Once they were back to the horses he set Conner up on his horse and then grabbed the reins, "Hold on tight boy...and boy..always speak when you need to.." he said making eye contact that would convey he understood what had happened.

"I will Sir."
 
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The lower market. A fairly bustling hub of small commerce, however often neglected by the city due to patronage of the peasantry and rogues. An advantageous area for Laurie, considering her circumstances. A woman equipped with weapons and light armor would always attract unwanted attention. Albeit, the lower market didn't grant her too much more anonymity than any other part of the city, at least here she could stay clear of those she wanted to avoid.

Rinilda paced down the narrow avenue of the stalls and shops. Vendors and peddler selling tawdry wares at high prices, providing its patrons the illusion of attainable grandeur. She continued down the avenue, ignoring several vendors who tried to gain her attention for a sell. "Where are we going now, my lady?" She turned her attention down to the frightened gaze of the boy accompanying as his question reached her ear. "Just stay close and keep up. And stop calling me lady." She ended her statement with an aggressive tone, immediately turning her gaze away from the boy. Never has she tried to convince herself or others that she was a lady. Despite her small stature, she was as gruff as any ruffian and wasn't ashamed of it.

Eventually, they entered a small shop. The owner was so fixed in his book he didn't notice them when they entered. "Merric.", the man's concentration was broken when Laurie bluntly addressed him. She was greeted with an enthused countenance and a short groan. "Rinilda......Who's the child?" he asked, barely giving a look at the child. "We need to talk. Now." she spoke with a demanding tone. Merric led them to a door to the backroom used for storage, "Come in."

Pointing to a chair in the room, Laurie ordered the boy to take a sit, to which he immediately complied. "So, are you going to answer me? Who is the boy?" Merric directed his hand toward the boy as he demanded an answer. "He's Duke Gherrit's son, Lukas." The shock of Rinilda's revelation was apparent in Merric's expression. His eyes rapidly raced back and forth between the two of them as he stammered to himself. "No! No, no, no, no. You've got to leave now!"

"Merric, listen- "

"No, you listen! It's not just guards and patrolmen looking for him. The Brotherhood is also searching for him." Merric urgently interjected.

"Exactly, which is why I brought him here."

"Are you mad? You know what it is I do. I'll be one of the first people they'll come to."

"Yes, but they'll never suspect you of having"

"I'm a broker of information. My neutrality is what give me credibility and keeps me valuable!"

"I'm not asking you to choose sides. I'm just asking you to keep him....temporarily. You owe me." With a stern look, Rinilda placed a hand on Merric's shoulder to punctuate her last statement. Merric paused for moment to contemplate on his decision. "One week. After that, he's on his own and I will give him up." Rinilda nodded, agreeing to Merric's offer. All the while, Lukas sat frozen in fear, uncertain about his safety. Just as Rinilda turned to exit the room, Merric quickly grabbed her arm. "After this, I never want to see you again." Merric spoke with a deep, aggressive tone. Rinilda quickly shrugged him off and proceeded to exit. Lukas broke his silence as she went through the door, "My lady, where are you- " he's question was quickly interrupted. "I'm not your lady, runt!" she yelled as she slammed the door behind her.

One week.

One week to sort out her possibilities. Perhaps there was still a noble left who could secure his safety, although at the cost of using his status to their advantage. The riskier alternative would be to sneak him out the city and possibly the country. If all else fails to be too difficult, he's still worth a hefty ransom.
 
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