SITUATION:
The masters of the merchants' guild and the mercenary's guild discuss the prises for the protection of the caravern which will soon go to Tolmolac. As one of them is Domani and has a good friend who's also around, you almost feel sorry for poor Thanos...almost.;)

PERSONAGES:
Thanos
A tall man who appears to be in his late 20's. Soft blond hair trimmed short in the front glides down the back of his head, forming into curls as they go to just below shoulder length. Well muscled although far from bulky, he stands just a hair above 6 feet. His face is smooth with exception to his blond beard. No mustache sits on his face. At his side a blade of very fine quality rests, and upon closer inspection you can see what certainly appears to be a Heron-mark upon the hilt of the weapon. He is dressed casually, a long light coat going to his knees. A shirt of white and pants made of a soft brown material. Heavy boots adorn his feet.

Marla You see a young girl (about 15 years), whose wavy waistlenght dark hair and copperly skin mark her Domani, as does her lenght (1.78m.). Though she's still young it's obvious that she will be a great beauty one day. Her big black eyes wander constantly through the place, taking in everything she sees. She usually smiles a pleasant open smile, except when she's angry or irritated. The smile gets a deeper dimension when she has a misschievous expression on her face. Her youth and expression mark her as very innocent.
Her perfect figure is certainly not hidden by the darkblue dress with the long narrow sleeves and the high neckline with a small dip on the front which falls down to her ankles. It is made of barely opaque folds of clothes tied cloth with a narrow belt around her small waist. This accentuates her formes through the clining silk, showing nothing of her body but suggesting every curve and smoothness of it. Around her neck is a deeperblue black circle and from that twisted blue-going-to-black strings fall down to her middle and dissapear beneath the belt. This is all the adornation on it.
The blackleather narrow belt which surrounds her small waist is embroided with various pieces of mountaincristals which catch the light and make it dance and thus your eyes can't help but fall on them from time to time. Her small black shoes which peek from under the anklelong dress are made from the same material but have no adornation on them.
The dress itself is enwrapped by a light lightlblue cape with the cap lying down beneath her hair. The cape falls loosely down to her knees and the sleeves reach only her elbows. From under the place where the dark buttons connect under her neck falls a golden tiny necklace down to her chest. The article dangling on it is a silver and gold cymbol:
A golden leaf of the Avendolesdora and the golden figures of a Whitegolden Tower and a golden corn which depart at the underside of it. She usually moves in an elegant way, which seems sometimes a little daring and it's always like a dance. She swirrls around and greets you cheerfully.

Nimma
is a firm maiden of 17, her dancers body muscular enough to carry her with grace. But it is her slightly slanted blue eyes and heavy curls that catch your attention. She wears the dress of her standing, a white blouse tucked into a bodice tied tightly around her waist, and full yet light skirts that flow to the ground. She has white, even teeth that shine thru often as she smiles. Her pale skin is slightly reddened at the nose and cheeks after encounters with the sun..she tends to toss her bonnet and let her red curls hang free as she dances. She stands 5"3 and weight slightly under average, maybe even bordering on thin had it not been for her budding curves.

Hudson
A man of average height. He has blonde / brown hair. He wears a loose fitting brown shirt with dark pants. A hand and a half sword hangs at his side. As you look in his direction, he smiles at you.

SCENE: DARIEN ROAD: TAR VALON
CONTENTS: THANOS, MARLA

Thanos notes you walking down the street and nods a greeting.

Marla inclines her head in greeting as she walks to the Guardian Swords. She carries some papers in her arms but that's the only business-thing about her as she walks slowly, rolling her hips and showing off her Domani-clothing, making many men turn their head to look after her longily. Her eyes sparkle and her lips are curled up into a expectative smile, showing the youthfull expression she often has due to her youth.

Thanos takes a long drag on his pipe and lets the smoke go before addressing you as you get closer, "Hmmm, now might you be the new head of the merchants guild? I've hard they chose someone quite young."

Hudson strolls take a stroll to the west, heading toward Darein Lane.

Thanos pays little note to the new arrival, his attention still on Marla

Hudson walks down the path, humming a lively tune to himself. He stops as he sees Marla. "Good 'eve, Marla."

Thanos sits back on his bench and observes Hudson as he addresses Marla.

Marla's eyes widen and she turns her head over to the man who addressed her, she inclines her head with a smile, "Yes, I am...and you are?" her voice trails of questionately but then a radiant smile crosses her face and she extends a hand, "Yes, you must be Thanos...I have heard a lot about you from a friend of my." She leans forward a bit, making the dress flow over her body and even tightening more, "I have been made quite..." she pouts her lips and says softly, "curiuos about this interesting man." she turns her head to Hudson for a moment and nods to him.

Thanos gives Marla a kind smile, "Aye, that I am. Although I had not known I was all that interesting." and his gaze turns with Marla's to Hudson, curious.

Marla smiles enthiousastly at Hudson, though shifting her cape over her dress as if to show she doesn't think he's as interesting as Thanos is.,..for now. "It's nice to see you again, Hudson, I hope you are as well." she says in her deep throaty Domani voice and then turns her head back to Thanos and somehow there seems to be a difference in her attitude as she places a hand lightly on his arm and asks, "But no matter how much I would love to find out more about you...right now it's business I have to take care of." she then winks, "But I always think business alone is a bit boring...at times." she suddenly looks like a girl waiting for fun.

Hudson grins at Marla...and then is on his way...he heads off toward the Flaming Arrow Inn.

Thanos retains his modest smile as his attention is taken by Marla once more, "Well buisness can be fun, it all depends on what one does for both. I take it you are in need of my services then?"

Hudson turns to the east, wandering toward Alindaer Drive.

Thanos appears to be kept well in control, although surely he can't be immune to the charms being put on by Marla.

Marla nods and says softly, "Yes...I am indeed in need of your..." her hand trails up to his upper arm and she feels his muscles, a nice touch for most men, "skills." she finishes her sentence and looks at him with wide open eyes, "Would you please be so kind of letting me in to talk to you about things?"

Marla feels Thanos's muscles flex just slightly as her hand slides along it.

Thanos issues a gracious nod and half-bow as he is sitting, "I think we can do that lady." and he moves to rise, oddly enough leaving his pipe on a corner of the bench.

Thanos opens one of the double doors leading into his building, "After you milady."

Marla inclines her head gracefully on hearing this and with her hand pressing lightly down on his arm she moves over into the doors, "Thank you, you are a true gentleman." she says, slmost purring from pleasure.

Marla opens the door and moves into the building.

[Scene change to Meeting Room: Guardian Swords, Tar Valon
Contents: Marla, Guardian Swords Troop1, Guardian Swords Trooop2]

Thanos steps into the room from outside.

The men relaxing here notice your entrance immediately, nearly all of them taking stock of the young lady who has just entered their midst.

Thanos closes the door behind him and looks about at his men as they give approving nods and looks to Marla, "Alright lads, buisness meeting, not pleasure. Clear the room."

The reaction from the men is mixed, some snapping up their drinks and some bread and heading up the stairs quickly, others taking their time, glancing back when possible.

Guardian Swords Troop2 opens the heavy door and steps outside.

Guardian Swords Troop1 climbs the stairs and out of sight.

Marla smiles sweetly at the men as she enters, keeping her hips rolling and showing off her perfect figure, though not as much as for Thanos. She shakes her head amused as she leans closer to Thanos, "Your men seem to know you want privacy at times.,"

Thanos pulls a seat for you at a table near the fireplace, "Aye they do. For whatever reason I may desire it."

Thanos takes a seat for himself once you have reclined on the chair he offers you, "My then lovely lady, what might I do for you?"

Marla seats herself gracefully on the seat and then begins slowly unbottoning her mantle which hides most of her dress. She leans back and allows the dress to fall open...showing quite some interesting sight, "I was hoping to use your skills, as I said before."

Marla talks very sweetly and has a suggestive ton in her voice.

Thanos chuckles and avoids a heavy blush, keeping it minimized to a small coloring of his cheeks, "Would you be meaning my skills alone, or those of my men as well?"

Marla opens her mouth and then chuckles softly, "YOu are very nice to talk to Thanos...but in truth, I would like to have your men's skills as well." she leans closer over the table and lowers her eyelashses, "But I wouldn't mind to have you personally as well."

Thanos chuckles to himself, suddenly wishing he had his pipe to provide distraction, "Well sadly I'd say that I'm not for sale on a permanent basis." clearing his throat, "Is this concerning all the activity of your people lately? You appear to be getting ready for a trip."

Nimma Peers her head in "uhm..Marla??"

Marla laughs faintly on his words, "I don't buy things, I sale them or rent them, especially people to see how they are doing with things." she sounds pleasantly and she winks on telling this joke (you'd better hope it is one) "Cause things can wear out after a time." she then gets serious again and leans back, while unbottening herself her coat even more, "Yes, it is for my trip."

Nimma blushes and tries not to be noticed by the scary rogues in there looking for Marla

Marla notices Nimma enter and she turns her head to her with a radiant smile, "Nimma!" she says cheerfully, "It's so nice to see you, what is it?"

Thanos looks at the young lady, newly arrived, "Hello again young one."

Nimma giggles softly and almost comes inside..but still looks a bit tentative "Oh Marla..I just wanted to find you..but if you are busy..it can wait.." she looks over at the man from Will`S tavern "Sr.."

Nimma senses Marla's smile lets you know she's just using her tricks to get a good business out of Thanos and likes to see you, is curious.

Nimma blushes as he adresses her " Uhm yes..hello again Sir.."

Marla shakes her head on Nimma, "NO, I like to talk to you...and what do you want to discuss with me?"

Thanos sits himself back in his chair, listening quietly

Nimma comes in and stands in the opening of the door, her hands tightly knit "UHm..Well Maam..I was wondering if I could borrow a frock of you ..mine got messed up yesterday.." she looks back and forth then down "But really..it can wait..you are busy.."

Nimma blushes softly and grasps one hand to the hemline of her blouse, smiling to her friend, trying not to lok at the handsome soldier..people warn her against those..

Marla nods to Nimma though she is a bit amused, "I'm afraid that I'm a bit taller than you are though, but ofcourse." she dips in her pocket and gets her keys, throwing them over to Nimma, "Here, you know how to use them I suppose, and if you wonder what to do with it later, just stick them in the office wing of the inn, I will find it there." She smiles a bit on Nimma's blush and leans closer to Thanos again, her black eyes sparkle, to show Nimma not to be afraid and to continue business, "And shall we go on with business, then?" she asks Thanos suggestively.

Nimma curtsies and leaves quietly with a nod to you both

Nimma opens the heavy door and steps outside.

Thanos takes his time in watching the two lovely ladies before responding, "Aye let us. How large are you expecting your caravan to be then?" makeing little attempt to hide his own appraising looks now, although he makes no outward notice other than the movement of his eyes.

Marla pouts her sweet full lips in a thoughtfull expression, almost but not quite as it's very sensual. "Well, I am not sure yet, but I expect to have at least 15 wagons..and then the entertainers will send some people as well, I thought."

Thanos nods and thinks to himself, distracted by your presence, "And what kind of escourt where you thinking that you'd need in terms of men?"

Marla extends her arms in a gracefulll gesture which shows she doesn't know how much men are needed, at the same time she allows her mantle to slip from her shoulders and over the back of the chair, hanging over it. "I was hoping that with your...." she lays a hand on the table and taps with long slender fingers on it, "experience you cuold tell me what number you exactly would think to be appropiete."

Thanos says "Well for that I need only one question to ask of you. Where are you destined for?"

Thanos admires the smooth motions leading to the mantle hanging on one of his chairs

Thanos thinks on it a moment, "Well I'd have to recommend a little more men than I have to offer. However I can go along myself since everyone else would be going. Making it 26 men in all."

Marla smiles and places her hands against eachother in one smooth motion, forming a triangle, "Tolamac" she declares and then nods to his answer for that, "I was hoping you could come along." she says with a sweet smile and leans closer again, placing the triangle form of her hands right in front of him. From looking at them right up to her you see first the generous brests and then the beauty of her face, shining as she seems to hint more.

Thanos nods gently, "And I have a feeling this trip is one I'd not want to miss. For a number of reasons perhaps." observing you as you veritably pose for him, "Yes indeed. Now," becomming serious a moment longer, "there is the issue of price."

The smile on Marla's face widens and her lips part due to that, showing a glint of white, "Yes....I think that that is a very important part of the deal, isn't it?" she asks sweetly.

Thanos chuckles and smiles, "That it is. My men would grow somewhat impatient with me if we were doing it for free."

Marla shakes her head while laughing amused. Her long black curls swirrl over her back and shoulders, "I can understand that." she admits and then leans forward, "May I know what you think would be a reasonable prise for protecting our people and cargos?"

Thanos sits himself back in his chair, putting a buisness level of distance from you as he muses, "I might think that 2500 for both trip there and back would be a fair price, given the men and time involved. And for my own presence it's somewhat of a deal if I may appear to be self confident."

Marla quirks a brow on this number but that's all she shows, instead she just leans forward and grabs his hand, squeezing it softly, "2500 sounds as a reasonable prise for a journey much further....this town however isn't far off." she then chuckles lightly, "And what do you think your presence would be worth for me...and my business?"

Thanos smiles somewhat slyly although he doesn't move his hand from yours, "I am trained by the best that live in swordplay. I am a Blademaster and bear the Heron on my sword. I have detered many who would have wanted to strike before. And if they do my skill speaks for itself regarding my usefullness."

Thanos says "For the price and length of journey, it is not the distance that causes my price but simple things, maintaining this place, paying my men their fair wage for risking their lives for your safety. And the not so simple things, such as rumors that I've heard from the area around Tolamac. They give a greater chance of being attacked than many paths these days.""

Marla winces visually as she hears this boasting, her face becomes pale, "Blademaster." she says softly, tasting the name, "I will have one thing to say though...I agree wholeheartedly that we will need good men here." she then furrows her brows, "But as a Follower of the Leaf I prefere it when people don't talk about how many men they have killed." she then shakes her head stubbornly,"And 2000 was the wages the employers I used to work for gave their mercenaries at such cases, they once did it lower and I agree they didn't live to regret it."

Thanos smiles softly even as his eyebrow raises a slight bit, "My pardon lady, but I don't recall mentioning any numbers for men I've killed. Although more than one has thought it better than to throw their life away attacking me or my charges. And I'll be willing to wager your previous employers never had the knowledge of a master of the blade in their compliment of guards." He thinks to himself a moment, watching you with a small smile, "I will lower it to 2400 however."

On hearing this offer Marla inclines her head, "Thank you sir, but I do think that there are other points you must see on this as well." she stretches a bit and stands, "I'm a bit stiff, mind if I go walking around a bit?" she asks him while flinging him a sweet and radiant smile and then does as she says, rolling her hips quite obviously, "You must realise that this trip is meant as a test, to see how we can travel...and you will be tested in it as well." She walkd to the window, looking out of it while bending slightly forward, tightening the dress around her.

Thanos guestures to you with an open hand, indicating you are free to move about the room, he watches you as you speak and responds, "A shakedown run then?"

Marla turns around on these words and slaps her legs elegantly over eachother, "I guess that's a term for it." she says thoughtfully, nodding to herself. She idly begins to play with a long black hairtress, "But don't you agree that for this it should be good for you too."

Thanos muses a moment, eyes flashing away from you in thought but return quickly enough, "Perhaps, all my men and I have not been out in force yet. Not together anyway..."

Nimma steps into the room from outside.

Nimma comes in carrying a brillient frock over her left arm. It is a well made handsome Domari frock of the best quaity, seems Nimma went for the best color and thought nothing of its value. She curtsies to you both and smiles "If I may Marla..Sir" she blushes and walks in quietly to stand neat Marla, waitig for hee to finish.

Thanos smiles at Nimma as she enters again and motions her to enter.

Nimma nods her head to the invitation and smile directly at the evil merc, then lowers her eyes to listen to Marla

Marla walks slowly in such a way that her moving accentuates the way her dress hugs her legs and other parts of her body nicely from the window to Thanos, "Then this is something for you too." she comments, "You should try your skills out...and that of your men." she glances over at Nimma and shakes her head amused at Nimma, not caring at all about the quality as she's a friend after all, "You look lovely." she says and then turns her head sparkling misschievous to Thanos, "Don;'t you agree?"

Nimma chuckles softly behind the palm of her free hand, having watched Marlas man-magic before..she studies the walk , the little tilt of the head..and makes mental notes...so thats how ...she shifts the frock from one arm to the other and blushes softly, bringing out the glow in her rounded cheekbones.

Nimma whispers something like " skills eh?" under her breath to Marla, keeping a straight face.

Thanos, distracted by the new entrance pauses a moment before answering Marla, "For my men, we would hope that their skills need not be tested at all. Part of our very reason is in hopes that we won't need to do battle. As for this lovely young lady here aye she is. And a rare sight we have here. Two beauties in this place."

Nimma blinks a little , wondering what has been said abut her and turns a shade of crimson to match the frock.

Nimma plucks on her skirt and pushes her breasts out just a little by pure instinct of nature

Marla leans over to Nimma and smiles reassuringly to her, she lays a hand on her arm to show it'sbetter not to move too fast, "Yes, you do look fabulous." she herself manages to blush as well on hearing the compliment and she inclines her head, "I am gratefull for your kindness Thanos." she says in that deep throaty sensual voice of hers and then sighs as she goes back to business, obviously liking to talk more like this, "I do share your hopes....I have explained you why."

Nimma sits down quietly next to Marla, arranging her skirt around her and placing the frock gently on the cavant chair next to her. She politely thanks Master Thanos for hs kind words, and listens to her friend as the business talks continue..round eyes and curious of it all, and amazed at her young friends skills in negotiating with that big rugged man

Thanos says "Indeed you have. And it's a fine way of life to pursue I think. For even the best in war must always pray that they are never needed. Anything less makes one a ruffian."

Thanos observes both ladies with wandering and wondering eyes, although keeping any actions to himself.

Nimma smooths her skirt out slowly and looks at the mercenary with a quiet and observant look, one hand idly pushing back a curl as it drops to her face

Marla's smile widens and becomes very radiant, her eyes sparkle witch makes her eyes become deep pools of blackness, "I am glad you see things so wisely Thanos." she says with a sweet smile and then turns to Nimma, "Don't you agree that he is so wise...and nice?" she turns back to Thanos while playing with her hairtress, "It is something to make me believe you are more than some fighter, you know."

Nimma nodnods and looks at Thanos with a mix of appreciation and humor in her eyes "Oh indeed Marla..I would say master Thanos seems..very capable in the ways of the mind...mhmm.." she nodnods her head

Thanos chuckles, his modesty battling with his ego, "No man is just a fighter. A man who is nothing but fighting is a thug, nothing more."

Nimma chews on her lower lip and looks at Marla..admiering her subtle class and finesse

Marla whispers "Make him feel special, it will make sure he won't think of other things and admire you a lot, no risks for you." to Nimma.

Nimma looks back at Thanos..a slight nod to Marla..and asks "Sir..forgive me if I am mistaken, but surely you have been scholared in many things ..such wisdon seldom comes with the sword..even with the best of soldiers"

Nimma places a hand on Marlas arm and smiles.

Marla nods to Nimma with a smile and then hides the smile for Thanos in order to make it even more mysterious and beautifull, "I agreee Thanos, may I know how you have learned such a thing?" Her eyes become round and excited as she says, "I love to hear stories about exciting things." Her enthiiousasm is for real, you can feel that.

Thanos cocks his head slightly to one side, "There is little exciting to tell about that. My teacher always felt that before one learns to fight their best, they should learn to think their best. Even in that my mind is no match for my swordarm, but I am learned."

Nimma holds back an urge to touch the said arm , finding it very strong and powerful ..and ooh that face..he is kinda cute when he isnt looking..*blush* She pulls herself back together and nods in agreement with Marla" Surely Master Thanos, in your line of work you have seen much action?"

Marla nods to that and she looks a bit dissapointed but not for long. With wide eyes and an excitement clearly on her face she states deftly, "I agree with that wholehearly....but tell me, you must have had much adventures?"

Marla sounds very excited and questionately, full of passion too as she says the word 'adventures'.

Nimma slides to the edge of her chair to listen more closely..her white blouse draping her upper body as she moves with a dancers subconcious grace

In the opposite of Nimma Marla just leans further back in her chair, tightening her dress a bit as she stretches herself and places her folded arms in her neck. By no means she looks any less interested at Thanos though, it's more as an aftermind to relax and hear his story. She asks slowly, "Well, would you please do us the favour of telling?" Nimma listens with youthful impatience.

Thanos nods, resigned to the fact that these woman want a story and will get one, "Well yes I've seen a share of adventures. Although don't let those gleemen fool you, it's never glorious."

Thanos chuckles, "Perhaps I should tell you of the one adventure that would gain me the worst looks from the people here."

Nimma just smiles and listens, wriggling her foot.

Nimma oohs.." Worst, Master Thanos"? she shushes herself and nods "Please"

Thanos nods with a small smile, "Some years ago, long before I earned this sword I served with the guard of Illian."

Thanos says "I was known as one of the best with a sword even then, and the men I served with respected me for it."

Thanos settles back, half in memory, half in watching his audience of two.

Unfortunately a guard comes hurriedly down to the stairs. He walks quickly over to Thanos, though his eyes glance appraisingly over the 2 attractive girls. He leans down to whisper something in Thanos ear, unhearable for the girls. The reaction of Thanos is obvious though as he sighs regretfully (or a bit relieved?) and turns to them, "I am afraid that another matter calls my immediant attention, I am willing though to continue this conversation later." he smiles appologing.

Marla looks interested at the newcomer, enjoying the sight but the glimm in her eyes also tells it's for the news as well. She rises gracefully and slipping back in her mantle she says softly with a smile, "I understand completely, and I will come back later today to finish things." With that she turns away from the door.

Nimma nods, a bit dissapointed, and follows her friend, after one more glance at Thanos.

Nimma pushes open the heavy door and steps outside.

Marla pushes open the heavy door and steps outside.

[Time: Later that day, early evening
Scene: Back in the Guardian Swords Meeting Room
Contents: Thanos, Marla]

Thanos smiles as you enter, "My apologise for having to cut the meeting short there for a time. Another matter called my attention."

Thanos says "And where is your young friend?"

Marla drops in a fluiding curtsey as she enters, "She's been called away, she had to perform on a party this evening." she answers in her soft sweet voice and goes over to him, "Shall we go on with what we were doing?" she asks himm.

Thanos nods, "Pity, although for certain she is giving a fine performance. Now where were we?"

Marla walks slowly over to him, rolling her hips and slowly tauntalizingly unbottening her cape. She gracefully lets it roll down to her elbows at which she holds it, "I am sure of it too, she has good dancing experience, I know." she says smoothly as she does all this and then stops in front of him, looking down on him with those coalblack eyes, "I don't know for sure...you were going to tell a story, I believe." she almost purrs.

Thanos nods, "Ahh yes, so I was. Well please, sit." and a chair before you slides out for you to sit on, pushed there by Thanos's leg, his eyes not leaving your form or movements.

Thanos's eyes follow you as you sit, "Yes, durring the time when I served the King of Illian. I was known as the best sword in my unit then."

Marla chuckles warmly and throathy as she notices his way of looking. She elegantly seats herself, sweeping her cape up high as she undones it and lies it over the back of the seat again. She slaps fine slender legs over eachother, making the form of each shine through the barely opaque folds of the dress. Her eyes klook intently at his face, "And that's how you became elected to become a blademster?" she asks interested, obviously not knowing much about blademasters.

Thanos smiles at your question and your manner, "Almost. My troop was ordered one evening to arrest an Aes Sedai and bring her to the King's palace. As I said before, this is the story that gets me the most frowns and bad looks in this city."

Marla quirks a small eyebrow, bringing it up in a bow over her deepblack eyes, "I can imagine that." for some reason her voice is very dry, but hints of curiousness glint over it as well, she slightly arches her back and ends up looking a bit more intently at Thanos, "What happened then?"

Thanos smiles, knowing what effect it would likley have even before he mentioned it, "Apparently she had refused a summons that the King issued to her. And so he ordered her brought to him in chains. Speaking as a native of that land, very very few of us would ever even have doubts about that order. Although a few would prefer to see such a woman dead than merely in chains."

Marla nods thoughtfully to these words, understanding this situation. Her lips curl up though, an indication that she is indeed pretty amused. "And what did you do?" she asks him, looking him intently in the eyes, leaning even further more and showing off even more. Her eyes shine expectant, she obviously likes stories.

Thanos settles again into thought of memory and of the lovely young lady before him, "As we neared her dwelling, some called it a hideout, she met us outside. Oddly enough she offered no resistance. She simply told us that we were making a horrible mistake that we'd all learn of in time and pay for." he shifts in his chair a moment, almost uncomfortably, "We chained her arms and legs, all of us were hoping all the stories were not true and that she would not be able to get out. But she didn't even try."

Thanos shakes his head a moment, as if to clear thoughts out of his head and focus, you get the feeling you are causing it, "And then things went wrong. Not from her end mind you. But apparently she had a warder with her. He was none too pleased about her being locked in chains. He growled a warning that we should let her go, a big man he was. Taller than I at the time. We didn't let her go of course, safety in numbers, and he charged. Out of near instinct, or maddness, I jumped forward and met him blade with blade...."

Thanos spins his tail and watches you intently, almost as much as you watch him.

Marla looks intently at him, meeting his eyes with hers, locking them together. The hint of a smile is stil there, obvious you are still alive and in good health, but her eyes show power and her cheeks shine a bit red..awaiting his next words. "What happened then?" she asks breatlessly, sensual at that as well.

Thanos chuckles, half in thought, "One of the three longest fights of my life. He was excellent with his sword, better than I am I have to admit now." his eyes flash a moment to your exposed cleavage and up again swiftly, "At first I was just trying to defend myself, and did well enough. Then his pace slowed and he started thinking, we dueled in the true sense of the word. Nothing I could do could get past his defenses, and luckily nothing he did got past mine. Near stalemate for what seemed like an hour, but was really almost 5 minutes."

A faint sparkle of light in her eyes shows Marla has noticed his look but otherwise she seems just taken at all by your story, knowing her that probably is true. "And what did he do then?" she asks interested and still looking interntly at his eyes, "YOu obviously was more than a made for him at ...how old were you then?" her voice turns into a very impressed one.

Thanos chuckles, "No, really it was nothing but fortune, or the Creator himself who allowed me to win." he smiles and looks a little more boldly over your form, "He had me backing off, my own men, in near awe by the fighting were not aiding me just yet, and then the warder's own security in his victory was his downfall."

Marla gives you a quick nods and a smile and then looks him in the eyes, "What happened then?" she asks interested, and a bit expectative as she feels it coming, the joke of the story. she shifts to the edge of the chiar, waiting for him to go, her eyes hold the mithg of joy.

Thanos smiles slyly, the joke indeed, "He swung hard as fast at me, trying to disarm me and finish me, but by luck I expected the shot and braced myself for it, barely. I had caught him offguard and in my own rush of excitement lunged at him. Where is expected my sword to all but take his head off, the hilt smashed into his head, knocking him cold at my feet. Everyone, including me, thought I was a deadman, but somehow I survived and won." he pauses a moment to view you closer, both your reactions and your pose, "I nearly collapsed a few moments later due to the strain of that fight. I was so young yet. Heh, I still am young. What happened to the warder and the Aes Sedai I never learned. We turned them over to the palace guards and never saw them again. Who knows though."

Thanos says "It was after that battle that I was given permission to train to be what I am now. Seems like ages ago even though it wasn't. Not that long anyway."

Marla nods thoughtfully at his words. A brilliant smile crosses her face as she goes over his looks and body, "I am glad you won...and without bloodshed." she sounds senserely saying this. She even rises and goes to him, walking behind him she slaps her arms around him and hugs him for a moment, her warm perfume swirrls around her, "I am very glad indeed...and impressed, you musn't think lower over yourself, many warders aren't blade-masters." She shifts her face, "What more can you want?"

Thanos chuckles and blushes, inhaling your scents, "Well uhhh, as I said I was quite lucky. But yes, it was a satisfying victory or someone who was certainly better than I at the time. These days of course even Warders would want to avoid fighting me. But then, those were different times." he reaches a hand up and places it on your arm as you are currently hugging him from behind, the proximity of your body clear in his mind.

Marla chuckles lightly, a deep sound full of promises and joy. "You have grown wiser and better in these years.....you surely are a very interesting person." Her eyes look into his as she feels his firm hand on her arm, through the thin silk of the dress, "I will love to be with you more...on the trip."

Thanos hrms, "Yes, and there will be penty of time for it as well on that trip." his eyes keeping yours locked, you sense curiosity as well as some attraction.

Marla bends her head further down, only inches away from yours, her hairtresses fall over your shoulder and against your neck you feel her upper body. "I am looking forward for it, not?" She glances at the table for a moment, at which the contract lies, "But will you sign?" she asks, almost pleading.

Thanos's face remains only a short distance from yours, he nearly whispers, "It will be my pleasure to. All that remains is my price, 2100, your company I think is compensation for the rest that I would expect."

Marla nods slowly, "That sounds like a fair prise." she whispers and leans even closer, her eyes fixed on his for a moment and she then smiles teasingly, "YOu can be assured that we will spend a great deal of time together there." she promises him, placing her hand on his and looking at the pen, "Shall we sign?"

Thanos hmms and nods again, "reaching for the quill pen, resting in it's inkpot near the document with his free hand. He lifts it up, tips it off and, bracing the parchment with his other hand, newly removed from your arm, writes his name, and a small circular symbol next to it in an oddly beautiful script. Then he offers you the pen.

Marla takes the pen gracefully and signs it as well, she glances curiously at the beautifull symbol and asks, after turning around and letting the pen fall on the table, "What does that mean?" she asks him softly, curiuosly as she leans a bit closer again. She seems willing to say more but at that moment a young boy enters the place, wanting to talk to Marla. Marla sighs and leans over to kiss Thanos very lightly on the cheek, a kiss which looks like gratitude but feels like a promise. "I am glad, and Im looking forward to see you more." With that she gracefully sweeps the mantle around her and heads slowly sensually out of the shop.

Thanos nods, not touching the cheek you had just kissed, "A pleasure to negotiate with you. Let me know when you plan for the group to leave and my men and I shall be ready. fortune favor you."

Marla turns around with one more sway and blows him a kiss, her eyes sparkling, "I would love that Thanos and I surely will do that." Her eyes begin to shine even more misschievous, "I doubt the members will be happe to find out I leave without bringing guards,. which I did promise to pay." Her laughter can still be heard as she has closed the double doors behind her.

Marla pushes open the heavy door and steps outside.

[Scene change to Darien Road, Tar Valon
Contents: Marla, Guardian Swords Troop2]

Guardian Swords Troop2 spend their time smileing at you and giving you appraising looks, a few whistles are sounded, their boss not around to keep them in check.

Marla walks hurriedly along with the young boy. She smiles radiantly at the guards, not caring at all about them. She turns away to the street her chapter house is in.

Marla turns to the east, wandering toward Alindaer Drive.