(A/N): Not much going on in here… Please Read and Review. Thnx!
Forgotten Legacy
Foreplay
Hours before the dawn would break; a hooded figure crept towards the small island, treading softly on the wooden planks arranged horizontally on wooden frames that were supported by heavy-set posts standing over the water. The person was wearing a hood attached to a long, black robe that was billowing loosely against the sea breeze. He walked carefully as not to attract attention to the socialites that were throwing away their money on a bit of entertainment that gambling could provide or just to show off that they could afford to lose money.
The door of a large casino opened to let out a couple, rich judging by the star-shaped diamond earrings dangling from the lady's ears and the ruby-encrusted watch that was glittering on the gentleman's wrist. The two laughed their way across to the shore, the man mumbling something about accursed gambling lords that cheated their way to wealth and luxury.
As the couple turned towards the tool shop, a figure suddenly appeared, silhouetted against the moon. It was the man who was, just seconds ago, walking placidly but briskly towards the small island. He was standing on the rooftop of the largest casino in the vicinity, the main attraction for people who wanted to prove themselves in the art of cheating and delusion --- meaning, gambling.
The establishment was made of red wood, Elder Willow's one would presume. There were no upper floors for quarters for those who might seek privacy. It was one floor building with rooms for different gambling games and machines --- poker, slot machines, roulette, and others.
The robed figure fell unto his stomach and crawled carefully over the edge of the domed, glass ceiling. He studied the place. There was no way he could go in without being seen. He had to mingle.
oooOOOooo
"Damn you… you… you CHEAT!"
A large-bellied man stood up and then forcefully slammed his fist down on the small, square table for four. He was shouting furiously at a teenage girl of about seventeen who was seating across from him. Spit flew all over as he shouted curses and ill-regards at the girl,
The girl seemed unaffected however as the blacksmith continued his furious tirade about a seemingly unfounded accusation. She quirked a brow at him with a suppressed smile of amusement lurking on her lips as though challenging him to prove his allegation. Proving it would be difficult, though, and the young woman knew it.
"Come off it…," a young man protested, his voice lined with disbelief at the indictment.
He was wearing a worn-out white shirt and black pants that reached a little below the knee, revealing Anolian-hide boots. Long and unkempt, his black hair was tied into a ponytail. A single hoop earring dangled from his right ear thus adding to his wayward appearance.
The bandit-like chap moved to push the chips towards the young woman. Without warning, the stout blacksmith slapped the hands off the mound.
"She is NOT getting away with my zeny!" he yelled furiously, his large face turning an alarming shade of red.
That said, the blacksmith picked up his chips from the pile, turned on his heel, and then walked towards the roulette still muttering curses under his breath.
"LOSER…," the guy said distastefully as he watched the back of the blacksmith.
Turning his attention back to the young woman who remained indifferent all throughout the blacksmith's outburst, he smiled.
"Excuse me for the ungallant attitude of that Farmiliar's dropping. That was quite unpleasant…"
He pushed the pile of chips towards the winner, reached for the cards and then began to shuffle it.
"Want to continue?"
Seeking a sign of assent, the young man looked at the girl and then towards the fourth player in the poker table seated across from him.
The fourth player was a man of silence and could be judged as a no-nonsense type of person. He was wearing a sakkat that covered his eyes and forehead, his face barely discernable mainly due to the dim lights of gambling house. A cloak that was of the midnight sky's hue was fastened on his neck with a brooch. It could also be observed that he did not belong there and was uneasy in gay and relaxed atmospheres. His posture was rigid, signifying awkwardness and unfamiliarity with the surroundings, and he looked as though he was poised to attack. He barely moved and was mistaken by the spectators as a statue. Ever since he took a seat on the poker table, it was only his right hand that could be seen moving, all else remaining stiff.
"No."
The card shuffler was startled by the statement that the cards went flying all over the place while he was performing card tricks in front of the spectators. It was not because of the reply... it was more on the fact that he answered, at all.
The mysterious man stood up so quickly that the other tow players jumped in surprise. There was no squeak of the table or of the chair. His movements were done in silence.
The young man watched with wonder as the cloaked figure walked towards the slot machines.
"There is something fishy about him…," he muttered to himself.
"Shall we go on?" the teenage girl asked him.
His gaze snapped to the girl's lovely face. He grinned and then forgot all about the mystery man.
"Right…"
He turned towards the crowd and then said in a loud and jaunty voice, "So… Who wants to try their luck against this damsel?"
There was an appreciative laugh from the crowd.
"Let's get on with it…."
A blonde swordsman settled himself on one of the vacated seats. A moment later, another swordsman took the other seat.
oooOOOooo
Somewhere in the darkness below the casino, a meeting of mysterious circumstances was taking place.
"What tidings do you bring?" a bossy kind of voice asked.
"We have lost him…," replied a voice in a bored tone.
"What!" the deep voice whispered furiously. "How...!"
"He is, after all, a bounty hunter. Our presence did not go unnoticed. I presume he entered the Forest of Illusion to confuse us. He succeeded in his plan."
"But... But… but this could not be…"
"It has happened. Stick to the original agreement. That was what you should have done from the start," the voice answered contemptuously.
oooOOOooo
Geffen City, the City of Magic.
Reiane Carfass surveyed the city as it woke up to a fine, sunny morning. She could feel the magic tingling in the air as the residents of the city prepared themselves for the day ahead. Leaning over the edge of the window, she peered down into the bustling streets. The merchants were busy setting up their shops. Travelers were preparing themselves for the journey ahead, replenishing their necessities and buying stronger weapons and armors.
Reiane noticed a hunter flirting with a pretty wizard. She could tell for the young wizard was blushing and had a pleased smile painted on her lips. She stared at the back of the hunter. He had disheveled dark brown hair just like her brother Zanril. He had the same physique as his brother. The hunter reminded Reiane of her brother.
Her BROTHER!
"Could this be…?"
Still staring at the hunter, joy and excitement swept through her. After two years of no news about her brother, she will finally get to see her beloved sibling. Not just hear about him but see him!
The wizard looked up and saw her staring at them. Trying to suppress a smile, she said something to the hunter. The hunter turned and looked at the window where she was standing.
Disappointment froze the grin on her face. He was not her brother. Zanril smiled differently. She sighed heavily. This was depressing.
She looked blankly at the rising sun and wished that somehow, somewhere, her brother was safe.
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To be Continued…
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