It is said when eating with Daedra, use a long spoon
When dealing with their minions, use a long sword
Claudia pulled the hood further over her head just to make sure no part of her skin would directly exposed to the rays. She also tugged at the hem of her sleeves and made sure her gloves securely blanketed her wrists. If there was one part of her body that regularly burned an angry red, it was there where her sleeves and gloves failed to seamlessly protect her. She would usually find a painful, deep crimson band there at the end of the day that burned hotter than a forge. She blinked, trying to rest her eyes from the painful glare of the day. The sun was mercifully setting in the sky.
Resting by the plaza fountain and stared at the door across from her. She was told that beyond that barrier was Sticky's favorite meeting place where he welcomed customers, both new and regular alike. She decided not to go in just yet. She would wait until after the sun had set. She would be in her element when the evening came. In the meantime, she admired the shine of the orange glow of dusk off the smooth tan of the stone and masonry tiles that made up the constructions of the plaza. The glare was still a little strong for her but she ignored the pain. This was the only time she could truly admire the sun anymore when it was growing it's weakest. The the mist of the water felt cool on her back despite the light robes she wore. It was the only place to rest here in the plaza while things were still busy and it also gave a good view of the broad, soothing designs that were painted on them when they were first laid.
She watched the people milling about. The crowds were starting to thin but only a little bit. It was the lull before the hustle of the early evening when people would be free of their daily activities and went out for the streets to relax and catch up with their neighbors. She listened to their countless heartbeats, the collective sound producing a macabre symphony that spoke of the frailty of life. Should one of those instruments go silent it would signal the ending of life where blood ceased to flow and the heart stopped forever. The ex-Vigilant above all people knew just how easily life could be snuffed out. It was a surreal feeling, knowing that the spilling of would eventually dim a person's consciousness until eventually the darkness would overtake them and they would lose all grasp on the light of living.
And with the last embers of the sun fading under the horizon, Claudia removed the hood from over her hair so that it spilled out just under her shoulders, her face finally unshielded from overhead. She immediately felt cooler, it was nice to feel the breeze against her cheeks but she did not allow herself the luxury of enjoying it for long. Standing to her full height and making sure all of her things were secured to her, she had a suspicion of merchants in general, she purposefully strode across the plaza and towards the door that allegedly hid the man named Sticky. She wondered what she was walking into.
She opened the door without hesitation or misgiving. You had to exude confidence when haggling and battering. That was how every business transaction was done here in Hammerfell. She learned a long time ago not to show weakness because while the merchant probably did not carry a weapon they were every bit as stubborn and ferocious in their trade as any seasoned warrior. Besides, she was in her element now, a creature of the evening, a predator of twilight. She may have admitted it to herself ruefully but she could not dismiss the benefits.
Claudia fought the urge not to be unnerved the moment she stepped into the room. A small fire by the mantle cast just enough light for the room while a few candles helped the first rays of the moon coming through an open window. While the furnishings of the room were not elaborate or expensive, it still created a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Claudia tried not to show fear or misgivings at the two roguish armed men sitting on either side of a nearby desk. One was a Redguard the other an Imperial. While they may have tried to seem casual by their relaxed and disinterested posture, their leather armor and daggers clearly out in the open designated them as the guards and musclemen. They probably were under orders not to scare prospective customers away but nonetheless, they were also probably expected to react decisively the moment danger was sensed.
And sitting at the desk, enjoying a meal of bread, cheese, hummus and vegetables, was the man Claudia assumed was Sticky. As expected he was a Redguard. That was where correct assumptions ended. He was not what Claudia had pictured him to be. She had to be sure.
"Sticky?"
"One and the same. It is clear you already have heard of Sticky, many have but Sticky has not heard of you." the man proclaimed, finishing a morsel of food.
He wore simple light blue and brown robes of the traditional fabric used by the Redguards near the Alik'r. He did not wear a hat like some might have to keep his head warm, especially with the open window, but it showed that his head was covered by a mat of hive of short, curly black hair. His eyes smiled and glowed a mahogany brown in the light the hearth. He was also clean shaven. But he was short, probably a head shorter than her. He did not seem very muscular either unlike most Redguards. Even a poorly trained youth would probably be able to break the man in two with a determined swing of an ax. However, she started to understand that weapons were not what Sticky wielded. Claudia could hear that his heartbeat did not even elevate. He was in his element. This was his domain and he knew every inch of it.
"What's your real name so that I may address you properly."Claudia started.
"Sticky is fine, no need for my real name. Now, what is your name, lady?" he asked, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief before rising to his feet to shake her hand. Yes, he was a head shorter than her.
"Call me Claudia." she smiled without showing her teeth.
"Ah, Claudia. I like that name, many a favorite Imperial merchant woman I worked with who had that name. Good memories, all of them. Now, what can Sticky do for you, lady Claudia?" Sticky asked, hands grandiosely spread in an offering motion.
"I'm looking for information." Claudia began, taking the seat across from his desk which he had generously offered.
"Information! Such an important commodity few people recognize. Fortunately for you, Sticky has recognized this resource long ago and does his best gather it. What information do you ask of Sticky?" the Redguard asked, his smile broad and disarming. Claudia did not like his broken, crude take on the common tongue. It was not because it interfered with communication but because Claudia quietly suspected it was a tactic used to lull customers into underestimating him. She remembered a Khajiit with a similar methodology.
"I'm looking for three people. One is Sibylla, a Nord warrioress from Skyrim. She has blonde hair and can have a bit of temper. Then there's Do'Ravier, a Khajiiti mage with an obsession for Dwemer artifacts. And finally Bann-Je, an Argonian. He's a little...crazy."
"Does the Argonian have a trade like the others?" Sticky asked curiously.
"He's a jack of all trades." Claudia explained innocently.
"Ah, a very smart man or a very stupid one. Sticky will not ask but 'Jack of all trades' usually have less than legal business dealings. Especially if they are insane. Hmm, give Sticky a moment to remember these names..." the Redguard scratched his chin with a single finger. Claudia got the impression this was more for show than sincere remembrance. She frowned as he continued to burn through her patience.
"Oh, I'm sorry lady Claudia but I just don't have information on those three. Say the word and I will have them track down in no time, I can assure you of that." the man pouted with an apologetic frown.
"I trust you are the only person I can look to find this," an admittance she quietly rued, "so I only ask what you require in terms of payment." Claudia replied, trying to remain buisness like.
"Ah, well, I am truly, truly honored that you have so much faith in my abilities. You have flattered me, so just for you, I will make you a better deal." Sticky announced excitedly.
"Just tell me your price." Claudia sighed impatiently.
"Oh, Sticky is not so unimaginative to think of all things as measurement of coin. No, Sticky knows a good investment when he sees one. You see, Sticky spies this charming young woman who walks so straight and tall into his abode carrying her weapons. He tells himself that this woman know what she is doing." Sticky said, a rattish grin forming on his face. Claudia started to feel the temperature of her blood beginning to raise.
"So, I remember that I am in need of someone smart and capable in my employ. Do the work that I ask, and soon you shall get the information you need. You can even keep an ear open for it yourself." Sticky offered.
"And if I refuse and would rather pay you in coin?" Claudia snapped.
"No need to get rude. Alas, Sticky does not believe you have that option. You see, Sticky knows everyone that needs to be known here in Sentinel. If Sticky does not know you, you are nobody. But Sticky also knows that beyond not just knowing you, he has never seen you before. You are either a visitor, stranger or fugitive and fugitives are worth money when given to the right people."
Claudia relaxed her glare with that last statement. She realized that a ball of ice was starting to form in her stomach. Mentally, she quickly regrouped and prayed she could somehow mitigate the damage.
"Besides, Sticky looks at you and though he sees someone capable, he does not see someone rich. Information is very expensive, very valuable. You simply will not have the money for the information you seek if you do not first work for Sticky." the Redguard explained in artificial helpfulness. Claudia realized she had lost the game of verbal chess, far badly than she would have ever expected.
"...Very well. I suppose I could use a new job. What would you ask of me?" She sighed.
"Ah, and now we really are doing business!"
The irony was not lost on her. Just last week she was a shepherd, a keeper of sheep. Now, just a few days under Sticky's employ and she was "a clever assistant." That phrase, at least when being under Sticky, meant she was nothing more than an enforcer, a glorified goon Sticky used to intimidate and ensure that his business deals would be honored until they came to fruition.
Claudia could not complain too much. The wily Redguard was no low life thug and on many occasions she actually did not mind the business deals he made. They were clearly done for the betterment of the merchants and on many occasions they went towards helping the city. Sticky was transparent in his attitude that Sentinel was his home and he was quite proud of it. Claudia also suspected that he understood that so long as people understood he was diverting mass sums to ensure that the fountains kept flowing, the sewers clear and the roads maintained, and maybe patching up an orphanage or two, it would help persuade local authorities to keep a deaf ear or turned eye if anyone suspected Sticky was up to something slightly sticky.
Nonetheless, there were times Claudia did not feel all that comfortable with her new role. For one, Sticky decided to pair her up with yet another enforcer of his, Magar. Magar was a tall Redguard who surprisingly fell on the lanky side. That did not mean he did not have muscle and his face was quite stern and intimidating. It also did not help that he was absolutely silent. An ugly, horrific scar that stretch across his neck bore witness to the reason why. Somewhere back when Magar was wounded in the throat. He kept his head and somehow his life but traded his voice in the exchange. Sticky also claimed that Magar had plenty of brawn and intimidation but not much else. It was Claudia's job to bring the wits and the negotiating abilities.
Which explained the current predicament a certain merchant was in. Claudia almost felt bad for him but that had more to do with his skittishness and perchance for whimpering. She would easily admit that she had no stomach for torture and never stuck around with the Inquisition had to pull out the more gruesome tactics. She was of the philosophy of just offing the scum and being down with it. However, for better or for worse, Sticky preferred some refinery in his intimidation tactics. Naturally, they were expensive.
The poor merchant was invited by Magar and Claudia to one of the more fancy inns in Sentinel, in this case it was the Sunset of Sentinel, and told that they needed to iron out a few business details. That much was true. The intimidation part came in when the merchant was sat on the inside of a table with Magar blocking the only exit. It was his job to just sit there and be an impassable, scowling wall of muscle. It was Claudia's job to deliver a clear warning. Sticky, ever a micromanager and having a perchance for flair and drama, even had the proper means of delivering the warning. It was rather literally cooked up by a well informed cook who had been made privy to Sticky's schemes.A closed food platter was served to the table by an unknowing table maid. By now, Claudia noticed that the erstwhile merchant had started to suspect something was wrong. Anyone too close to Magar could probably start to pick up the vibe. Once the covered platter delivered, Claudia got to work.
"Now, there is something we must talk about, Mr. Hamar." Claudia announced softly to the sweating Redguard.
"And what is that?" the man asked furtively. His short beard was starting to drip now.
"Sticky wants to know why you have delayed in your payment again." Claudia stated.
"I- I told him...the payment will come in due time." Hamar tried to assert.
"Yes, we are aware that you may need some time with your deposits. However, it has been over a year now, Hamar and you have not started. Do you know what a Sand Strangler is?" Claudia demanded,voice as still as deep water.
"Wha- it's...it's a viper of the deserts. I don't see how-"
Claudia cut him off and removed the covered platter. In the center of the large plate was a coiled brown and tan snake. A forked tongue flicked menacingly from its angular head. It appeared to be completely smooth save for the bumps of its scales. Nonetheless, any self respecting Redguard who traveled into the Alik'r learned to recognized this particular kind of snake. The Sand Strangler on the plate became alarmed and coiled itself further into a threatened ball.
"As you probably know, it gets its name because of how slow the poison from its bite kills. It's very painful and can last up to two weeks, two and a half if you're especially unlucky. People have said it's not a very pleasant way to go. You always feel like you're drowning, never enough air." Claudia reminded the man whose fearful gaze was transfixed on the viper.
"P-please, lets not be hasty, just give me some more-"
"Time? Mr. Hamar, you have had plenty of time." Claudia spat.
"Please! I can give him the first of the payment within a few days! I can give you a handful now in good faith, just-"
"Please, Mr. Hamar, let us remain being dignified businessmen," Claudia murmured as the Sand Strangler hissed irritably from the platter. "Please consider restarting your payments within the month. It would be bad to die leaving unfinished business and unpaid debts, wouldn't it? However, the bite of this snake is not completely fatal. Sticky keeps a large cache of the antidote as he does not like anyone dying of that sort of death. Still, difficulty breathing does have a way of sorting a man's priorities." Claudia warned cooly.
"Yes, yes! I will being re-paying Sticky immediately!" Hamar blathered.
"This has been a delightful meal, you are free to go, Mr. Hamar." Claudia smiled venomously as she closed the plate. Hamar was off like a lightening bolt leaving a very disgruntled Magar looking after him. Magar grunted his annoyance.
"So how do we dispose of this snake now? I don't think we should just leave it here." Claudia hissed, herself not comfortable with a live snake this close to her, even if it was contained.
Without a word, Magar took up the metal platter and walked over towards the counter where the food was being prepared. He abruptly placed the metal over the grill above the fire and waited as Claudia waited on in morbid curiosity. Much to her future disgust, she found out later that Magar enjoyed the taste of roasted snake.
Awhile later, Claudia and Magar returned to Sticky's home and warehouse. It was that time of the day where Sticky served the evening meal for most of his his trusted employees. Sticky was a very principled man. He insisted that all who served him should eat from his table and that they should replenish themselves before business was conducted. He would call them up one at a time from their meal to converse with them and ask for their report as he ate himself. He would talk to each and every one that was required to report and none would be allowed to speak with him a moment before he called them. Knowing the routine of things, Claudia waited until she too was called. Sticky greeted her with a nod of his head and a less exuberant smile than usual.
"I trust you handled this small unpleasant matter I asked as well as you could?" Sticky started, biting from a loaf of bread.
"I believe he got the message." Claudia nodded.
"Very good, let us hope it will be enough. Now, have you heard any news on the people you were looking for?" Sticky inquired with excitement.
"Nothing that has really got my attention, no." she admitted.
"Ah, well, Sticky has good news for you. No word on the lizard or cat yet, sorry. However, Sticky has heard of a lone warrior woman, a Nord, trekking through Hammerfell often knocking the heads of bandits and other unpleasant people. Also, Sticky seems to recall something about an ax. She is described as being belligerent and often on a whim goes clears out bandits for free. It is also said that inn keepers cry bitter tears at the amount of mead she purchases." he murmured, scratching the hairs of his chin.
"That...does sound like her. Did you hear where she might be?" Claudia nodded. It was as good as start as any.
"Ah, it seems that you will not have to do much searching. Last that Sticky heard, this angry woman was headed this way towards Sentinel. Should be here any day now. Now, please help Sticky here, if this is the Nord woman you are looking for, how many casks of Mead should Sticky tell the merchants to order? This could be a very good business coming!"