Private with Mercer

[FluffyFox]

Private with @Mercer

 

[FluffyFox]

The rain poured as I sat under a tree, I had a bruise on my cheek as I looked at the small town. I stood and my way along the drain pipes they had built into the city since it rain so much because of me. I sit down and let my feet dip into the river as a boy runs up and dumps bucket of water on me."Rain rain go away!" He called out to me and I just got up and started to walk not watching where I was going.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer walked down the street of the town, rain falling on his coat. Each drop sank deep into the fabric and left it darker. He could feel the unstable electrons in the air and it made him smile, his magic would be wild but powerful in these conditions. Unfortunately the job was already done and he was only here to collect. He eventually found his employer and went through the standard routine. First he provided proof, then the other party provided the agreed upon payment. Mercer smiled as he left, bouncing the coin pouch in his hand. He then tucked it away and continued to walk down the road.


Eventually he spotted a few boys making taunting a girl of his age for some unknown reason. The boys went one way and the girl another. As the boys passed him he reached out and touched one. The static electricity that had gathered around Mercer was all that was needed tho give the snot a good shock. The boy yelled and wheeled around ready to slug Mercer. Mercer only drew one of his twin rapiers in response. In his other hand electricity danced around his fingers. "That was no way to treat a lady," he said smoothly, "will you remember that or shall I beat it into you?" With that the boys fled without a second thought. Mercer sheathed his weapon and decided to follow the girl. Once he finally caught up he said, "What was with those guys? Are you just going to ignore them and let them continue tormenting you?"


(Sorry I took so long, I had to do something first)

 

[FluffyFox]

I had noticed a person following me so I moved closer to the drain, well my powers did not always listen to my command I knew if I was truly in danger I could at least get a shield of water up around me if I was this close. The man slowly caught up with me until he was right beside me. I looked to him when he just asked a question instead of pushing me down or something else.


"It is better then being ignored." I said. Some men moved around us mumbling about a cursed woman but I just kept on walking not caring if I got soaked. I soon came to a little run down hut on the edge of town and I walked up to the door to open it. I had no locks, I couldn't afford it, I had no money as no one would hire me.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer sighed when he heard her answer, the point was that she deserved respect. He watched her turn away and continue down the path. He almost lost interest enough to let her go, but some men nearby mentioned something about a curse. Mercer was now too curious to not find out what was happening. He followed her to until she came to a shack and watched her enter. As he did he noticed how the center of the storm always seemed to match her location and follow her. After a few minutes he walked up to the door and knocked three times.

 

[FluffyFox]

I had been in my house for only moments when I heard three knocks on the door which was strange, most people know your house wasn't locked and would come bursting into your house at all time of the day and night. I move over to the door and slide it open shyly. I see the man from before so I hide behind my door even more and nod to him before I flee into the small nook on the side that was my kitchen.


I had my back facing him as I washed my hands, I had never had someone be this kind to me. I slip my small black gloves back on as the rain started to let up, villagers didn't like me touching them with my bare hands. I walk shyly back into my living room."He...hello." I stutter out before looking at the ground.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer had entered calmly when she had let him in. He could tell she was uncomfortable so he didn't want to provoke her too much. He decided to just lean against a while and watched as she washed her hands. When she addressed him he smiled, "We really didn't have much of a conversation earlier, I'd like to talk to you about a few things. Oh where are my manners, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Mercer Ancrath, and you are?" He said as he reached out to offer her a hand shake.

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him and nodded shyly as I stayed on the other side of the tiny room from him in between two doors, one lead to your tiny bed room and one lead to the tiny bathroom. When he introduced himself I bowed my head."I am Seria, I do not have a last name as my family has disowned me." I said and moved back up. At that sad though the rain got harder again and I turned my head away so he could not see my sad eyes.


"Do you want some tea?" I asked as I went back into the kitchen nook that was so small I could only pull the drawers out on one side. I pour some tea and then serve it sitting down away from the man cautious about him, no one was ever kind to me, though he didn't look like he was from this town.

 

[Tombstone]

"Seria, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He accepted her tea and took a sip. It was nice to have a warm drink when the weather outside was so cool. "It's very good, thank you." He could tell she was being cautious, as she had every right to be. A complete stranger had just entered her house. He thought form a moment about what she said, she had been disowned? He had never thought that it was right for a couple to abandon a child to suffer the fate of growing up alone. But why had they? The talk of a curse, the storm following her, and now this. The gears in Mercer's head were spinning and he was almost sure enough to ask her. "Why don't the people around here treat you well?" he asked, hoping she would lead him closer to the truth.

 

[FluffyFox]

I sipped my tea slowly as I watched him think and then nearly choked when he asked that question. I cough as I set the tea down catching my breathe quickly. I looked to him before I get up and move over to the window. The pane was broken and I couldn't fix it. I stuck my hand out and then brought it back in and walked over to him. I willed my powers to work but nothing happened. Just as I was about to give up my wrist went dry and a ball of water appeared in my hands.


I smiled as I looked at my hand the rained going down again before the water exploded and showered the two of us. I looked over at him and ran to get a towel."I'm really sorry, i'm not very good at this!" I said as I tossed him the towel and then stepped back hiding behind my bookshelf

 

[Tombstone]

"My coat was already soaked from the rain, there is nothing to be sorry about. Besides no one is perfect when they first start." As he said the he held out his right. Sparks then jumped to life until a ball of pure electricity crackled in his hand. "It takes years of practice to fully gain control, but once you do the possibilities are endless." The arcs of electrify began to move in intricate patterns, dancing with vigor and excitement. After minute Mercer closed his hand and the lightning vanished.


"My question, however, remains the same. For someone with zero formal gaining to summon water like that is pretty uncommon. Water mages can be some of the most powerful at that. Why do you let people walk right over you? Those powers of your should make you a lion among sheep."

 

[FluffyFox]

My gaze drifted to the ground and I sat down on the ground."It is a curse here. I was disowned when they found out about it. If I use it out in the open a mob will most likely beat me up. They all know I cause the rain so they try everything to get me to either leave or, die. They try to make me sick but it doesn't work." I say as I pick up the tea try and carry it back into the kitchen. I slowly start to wash the dishes as the rain only got harder.


"The rain should clear up in a few. I would understand why you wouldn't want to stay around me. The townspeople don't have a very good opinion of me so it would be best to stay as far away from me if you want to do anything in this town."

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer let out a light chuckle, "Have you not been listening to me? Lions do not concern themselves with the opinions of sheep. I could care less what the people in this town think. Ive already done my job and plan on leaving soon anyway." He paused and ran his hand through his hair. An idea ran through his mind, one that could help Seria. A smile curled across his lips and then he spoke. "Do you want me to you with me? Im a part of a well known mage's guild, and a high ranking member at that. I could almost guarantee your acceptance into it. There you could actually be respected, learn to master your powers, make friends, and earn enough money to buy this town. What do you think?"

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him with wide eyes, no one ever asked me to go anywhere with them, and he was asking if I would come to his guild. I blush and nod quickly as the rain stopped. It didn't rain as long as I was happy."Yes, I would really like to come with you." I said and smiled as I went to the door to my bedroom and opened it slowly."I'll pack my stuff." I said and went into my room. I grabbed some clothes and threw them in a bag before I went up and picked up a small blue bear off my bed. I cuddled it once before I threw that in the bag. I then went back to the living room."That is all I have, everything else in here comes from the village, they will want it back when I leave." I say as I look at Mercer.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer nodded, "Im glad you chose to take me up on my offer, you'll like it at the guild." He looked at her provisions and realized she would need more than what she had. He removed the coin pouch he had received for the job he had taken earlier and tossed it to her. "Here," he said, "some spending money to use while we travel. I have plenty so don't worry about me. Now, shall we be off?"

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at the coin purse he had tossed me before I quickly handed it back to him and shook my head no."I can't take that." I said. It had more money then I had ever had in my life."I'll be fine, i'm use to having to find my food as no one in town will sell me anything, I don't even have any money." I said and walked over to the front door. I stepped out and looked up at the clouds. I was happy to be leaving this town with a new friend, i've never had a friend before.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer was a little surprised when she handed him the coin pouch back. She was honest, a good quality which very few possessed these days. Still she would need the money to get herself started. He listened to her as she spoke and then watched her stare at the clouds. Mercer took a good look at the clouds himself and smiled. He was one of the rare few who actually enjoyed a good storm. The he walked past Seria and started down the path. "Correction," he said, "You do have money." He then tossed the coin pouch over his shoulder and didn't even bother to look where it went. He knew she would catch it. "You'll need that whether you want to admit it or not. We can work out an agreement later on, perhaps you could assist me on a couple of my jobs later on. For now, lets get away from here."

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him as I caught the small coin purse and smiled."Okay." I said and hurried up to him."Thank you." I said and giggled softly before I ran on ahead. I turned the corner and ran into the boy from before who just smirked at me then looked at the coin purse I held in my hand. He snatched it and held it up so I couldn't reach it."Who did you steal this from?" He asked with a smirk as the rain started to fall softly."I didn't steal it, give it back, Mercer gave it to me!" I yelled and tried to reach it but he held it above his head with a laugh."You want it back, make me give it back."

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer watched it unfold, and was disgusted with the boy. He hated thieves almost more than anything else. He calmly walked close to the boy and as he neared his hand reached inside his coat. "If you insist," he said coldly. Mercer drew the Rapier attached to his hip and with a quick flick of the wrist Mercer put a small cut in the boy's cheek. Mercer wore a sinister grin as he did so. "Unlike her, I don't tolerate folk like you. Now ask yourself if this cruel game of yours is worth your life, or an arm and a leg at the least." Mercer had made his point very clear, so much so that the boy dropped the bag and ran like a scared child. Mercer crouched down and retrieved the coins. This time he handed it to Seria. "Sorry about that, It was a bit much but he won't bother us anytime soon. I expect you to stand up for yourself next time though. You've made it clear they are afraid of your magic, use that to your advantage. Once we leave here I promise you the journey will be much more pleasant."

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him as I held the small pouch to my chest."Thank you." I said and smiled."I don't want to use my magic, i'm not really good with it, I'm not always able to use it. Anyway, I didn't want to hurt him. I don't want to hurt anyone from this town." I said and blushed a little as I turned starting to walk to the edge of town. When we came to the main square I looked at the money he gave me and then shook my head. I wouldn't spend it until I really had to and anyway, no one here would let me buy anything anyway. I looked back to make sure I hadn't lost Mercer.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer watched her stop in the main square. Of course she would think of making a purchase now that she had money, but he knew she would restrain herself. But it didn't really matter to Mercer, the money was her's now. He saw her look back to see if he was still behind her. To show he was there he reached out and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Come on lets go hire a carriage. Id rather not stay the night in this town."

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him, I had never ridden in a carriage."No one will sell you anything as long as I'm around." I said and looked down at my small bag and the coin purse."I don't mind walking." I said and smiled. I looked over as a cart pulled into the square, they must have just returned from taking someone out of town. I loved animals, but most people wouldn't allow me around their pets.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer smiled, "Don't worry about that, I can be very persuasive. Besides, we don't have the time to walk all that way." He then walked over the the carriage and talked to the driver. At first he refused, but Mercer haggled with him a bit. After being assertive and promising a good bonus the driver reluctantly agreed. Once he was done he waved for Seria too come over. "I was able to arrange a ride for us. Are you ready to go?"

 

[FluffyFox]

I looked at him as he talked to the man and I moved over towards him slowly. He came back over to me and asked if I was ready to go. I nod and follow him back over to the carriage I climbed up inside and sat down on one side looking out the window. Mercer climbed in and we took off my eyes wide and watching as we moved by.

 

[Tombstone]

Mercer hated traveling. He just had a hard time sitting still doing nothing. To keep his attention he tapped the hilt of his sword and watched Seria gaze out the window. The probability was that she hadn't traveled ever. Finally he decided to strike up a conversation. "How does it feel to finally leave this place?"