Jhessail Amblecrown, Paladin Of The Ruby Rose

[Sioladuil]

[Sioladuil]

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Jhessail walked through the packed streets of Daerlun. She pulled her hood low over her face to protect from the harrowing winds which whistled down the streets, chilling everything they touched. She ducked in to a small Ginnel and drew a small book from a Pouch in her Cloak. She flipped a few pages, which contained a multitude of names and numerical values crossed out, until she found what she was looking for. She tapped a finger against the next name that was not crossed through. She sighed to herself before repeating "Redsteel... Fifty Coins... Address is... There." She nodded towards the Residence she was looking for and crossed the road.

She took a quick look around, quite used to spotting the Constabulary, to make sure she was not being watched. Once confident she stepped up to the door and knocked. No answer. She knocked again. No answer. She sighed and grumbled to herself. "I really hate this job." She then produced a kit and quickly and quietly checked the door for obvious Snares and Traps. When happy there was none... She produced her lock pick set and quickly picked open the rudimentary lock. She took another look around and then entered the property, quietly closing the door behind her.

The floorboards creaked as she transferred her weight across them. She looked around what she thought was an empty home and stopped in horror as she saw two young children cowering in the Corner of the room. She took a step back, the floorboards creaked loudly, and she stopped dead. Remembering what the Shark had told her. "Jhess... You get the coin... Or two things will 'appen. Firstly, you won't get paid. Your Family don't eat. Secondly... I'll send round Butcher to get me some compensation." She shook her head and stepped forward again and slowly lowered herself down in to a perfect, flat foot squat. She allowed her forearms to rest on her thighs and she clasped her hands between her legs. She smiled to the Children, shaking her hood down. "Hello Darlings. It is okay to be afraid, it is a natural response. You should of run and hid. In future, do so, but right now you do not have to worry, I will not hurt you. Tell me, do you like to draw?" With a genuine, soft smile she produced coloured wax from a cloak pouch and ripped a few pages from her small book. She laid these things on the floor in front of her and began to draw for the Children, singing to them, and trying to comfort them. Eventually, they warmed to her charismatic nature and came forward. They happily began drawing. They had little skill, but, they where enthusiastic.

An hour, perhaps two, had passed when Jhess heard the Door handle move. She sighed to herself "Time to get in to character..."." She then positioned herself behind the Children and folded her hands behind her back. Mr. Redsteel crossed the threshold and stopped in surprise, seeing a stranger stood with his Children. "Wa' tha' bloody 'ells..." Jhessail raised a hand, palm out, to silence him and said softly. "Mr. Redsteel. Your children have been alone for who knows how long. Any kind of mischief could of befouled them." With that Mr. Redsteel's face turned a sickly white. She spoke again. "Now, you have quite the habit of gambling and borrowing Money you can not repay from the wrong people. So far you have been very lucky. Your Debtors have all been discovered to be carrying out illegal occupation, arrested or killed. But your Debt now belongs to my Employer, Mr. Redsteel, and it is time to pay. We know you had a good Win not two days ago. We know you can afford to pay. It is in the best interest of these little Cherubs that you do Mr. Redsteel." With that, the Father shook with rage. His hands balling in to fists as he rocked on his feet. After what seemed like an eternity... He stomped towards a Cabinet. He produced a sack of coin and poured it on to the Counter. Jhessail followed him, counted out the owed debt, biting coins at random to test there legitimacy, and eventually scooped the lot in to a purse. She nodded to the Children, who now looked confused, and she offered them a reassuring smile. "Keep drawing, Darlings, even the simplest of beginnings can turn in to the most beautiful of endings." With that she nodded to the Father and exited the property.

She ducked back in to the same Ginnel and took a moment to compose herself. She wiped a year from her eyes and cursed the Coin in her purse. She then headed back to her Employer.

***Six years later***

A heavily armoured Woman who wore a vivid Red tabard over her armor, a longsword on her hip and a shield on her back banged a gauntleted fist against a Wooden Door. She took a step back as to give the Resident some space when, if, they answered. Eventually the door swung open and an ageing man stood before her. Two teenage looking Children peered from inside the room. Jhessail smiled to them and then addressed the Male. "Mr Redsteel. You probably do not remem..." He cut her off by raising his voice. "O' course a remember ya. Ya came 'ere threatenin' me kids, extortin' money from the Weak... Ya scum, lower than!" She smiled and nodded. "You are right Mr. Redsteel. I did. I am. That is why I am here today. This will never make up for what I did. Ever. But I am truly sorry for that day, I am not asking you to forgive me, I just needed you to know." She produced a black leather bag from her belt and handed it to him,. "That is one hundred coins, twice what I took. Please have it as compensation." He moved to speak again but Jhess cut him off. "Also, Mr Redsteel, I have arranged jobs for your children at The Cathedral. It is not much, but, they will have the chance to get an Education. To learn. To enjoy Culture. If they work hard and train well they may even someday have the chance to join the Church." She offered another smile. "I do not need an answer now. Please, all of you, take sometime to think. If you decide to accept my offer all you have to do is inform someone at the Gates. They will send for me. May you find Beauty in all you do." She nodded again, turned on her heel and headed back for the Cathedral.

Three days later there was two new faces inside the Cathedral. They where being shown the ropes, their lodgings and having their duties explained to them.

[Sioladuil]

Jhessail stood quietly, the collar of her shirt turned up against the chill. Her cloak pulled tightly around her and fastened tightly in place with a simple broach. She was observing one merchant in particular. He was selling Spices and Alcohol. Jhess kept an eye on the coin changing hands, occasionally making notes in her small book. She stood in a disciplined vigil, simply observing, allowing the activity of the market to happen around her. 

Hours had passed and she finally seemed free of her trance. She blinked a couple of times, sighed softly, and then hardened her features. She strolled over to the merchant. She looked around the stall, appraising the inventory. When the merchant looked to her she offered a smile and a nod.

Hello Master Kwalu, sorry, I am not familiar with Calimshan naming conventions. I hope that is not offensive to you. 

The merchant quirked an eyebrow and looked to her.

You have me at a disadvantage, Child. You seem to know so much about me, so if you don't mind, who the hells are you?

Jhess waited a moment, possibly two, and then continued to speak.

When you arrived in Daerlun, Master Kwalu, you took out a loan for starting costs for your import and export business. Now it is time to pay. You have been dodging my Employer for far to long and he now wants his money back.

The Merchant looked like he had swallowed a lemon. He had a sour, annoyed look on his face. 

I do not know what you mean, Child, you have the wrong person. 

Jhess nudged a large pot of a spice, deep red in colour, and sweet to the scent off the table to the floor. The pot shattered and the spice erupted in a cloud of incense. 

Oops... I am very clumsy. Where was I? Ah, yes, you owe my Employer money. As luck would have it... over the last couple of hours... you have taken more than the debt. This means you will be able to pay what you owe and still have some profit. Not a bad days work.

Jhessail flicked her gaze to the side slightly. A Guard was making his way towards them. The commotion had obviously caught his attention. Jhessail looked around quickly then stepped forward and uttered a quiet taunt. 

It is a shame your Wife has to be so tied to such a poor b*£&¬^d as you. Probably why she is laying with the Shoemaker!

The Merchant blinked, gulped and then snarled angrily. He lashed out with his right hand, slapping Jhess across the face. She stumbled backwards, creating a scene, and the merchant followed up with a swift punch which sent Jhess sprawling. She slowly got to her feet, willing tears to her eyes. Upon seeing this assault the Guard rushed over. He positioned himself between the Merchant and the mid-teen Girl crying. Jhess tugged at the Guard.

I asked him to spare a copper... and he hit me! I just wanted to eat! My mother is going hungry!

Taking pity on the Girl, the guard ordered the merchant to pack up. Once complete he arrested him. Taking him to the local cells. The merchant was charged to a few days only, more an example, rather than any serious time. It was that night that Jhess arrived first. 

Hello Master Kwalu. I hope the accommodation are to your liking? Now before you speak... let me tell you... I will be coming here every day until your release day. Every single day you will have to see me. When you are released, I will be visiting your stall every day, much like I did today. You can, however, make it all stop by paying what you owe. It is your decision Master Kwalu. 

Jhess was ignored by the Merchant. He was to angry to speak. Cursing her and her presence, but, on the third morning he caved. He handed over what was owed and Jhess nodded, crossed his name out in her book, and headed back to her Employer. 


*** Six years later***


A Calimshan Merchant brought the mule to slow stop outside the Cathedral Gates. The Mule was weighed down with baskets of Spices and Cloth. He nodded to one of the Gate Guards.

I am here to make a delivery to the Kitchens?

The Guard nodded and directed the merchant. The Merchant followed the directions, looking around confused, this order had come out of nowhere. He had not been sourced or interviewed... it simply turned up. He arrived at the Kitchens and stopped as the Servants came out to unload the Mule. There was a large, muscular female stood by the door. She wore a highly polished set of Full Plate which had a deep red Tabard over it. She had a shield on her back and a Longsword sheathed at her belt. She nodded to the Merchant. 

Master Kwalu... thank you for arriving so swiftly. We where running low on provisions. 

She rose a hand to silence the Merchant.

If you can make this order once a month, every month, on the same day you will be paid. It is a steady sale for you every month which is both substantial and earns you a fair amount of profit. 

She handed over a hefty pouch.

If you can make this order every month then you will have the contract as long as you want it. I know you will not forgive me for what I did to you years ago, but, hopefully this will begin to restore your faith. I pray you find beauty in all you do Master Kwalu. 

Jhess nodded, turned on her heel and headed back towards her rooms.