Robin Red Breast in a Cage [Closed]

[Memoru]

“Somewhere…less crowded?” Although the thought didn’t stick kindly in his mind. Accus didn’t like the idea of using the stallion directly, but those lower ranked cards would be useful for his experiments. He dragged his eyes across the little crowd, lingering on the little girl and his finch.

But was it quantity and quality he was facing again? Or was this a potential risk, staring him in the face? Accus reach up a hand an tugged his braid, his hand moving automatically to partake in the long-time habit. One, no matter how hard he tried, he hadn’t learned how to stifle.

He made his decision.

“Perhaps a date, suitable for you to return to the square? That would give me time to bring a larger variety of my birds for your viewing.”

Accus, after all, did not want to drag the stallion to his little hovel in Corvistowne to see them. Not yet, anyway. For a variety of reasons.

There was something about those eye markings…something he thought he ought to know, but couldn’t remember.

“I can free my schedule at any time for you, my good sir.”

[seraaches]

Ira did indeed find this little rat amusing, watching the thoughtful gesture of braid-tugging as he let his tail swish from one side to the next, almost in answer to that subconscious gesture. It was the closest thing he had to one and it had been a decision to learn it.

There was something in the little Corvie's gaze and Ira would have assumed it had to do with the rat's obsession except the thought simply didn't cross his mind. He didn't seem overly concerned by any strangeness in the other man, but perhaps that was because he tended to carry enough for everyone around him. Perhaps.

Likely part of the lack of knowledge regarding the eye markings was because they truly were exceedingly rare and not many would know about them, or even could. After all, how many who did a study of cannibals was likely to survive?

"Then I will see you in three days at the Palace of Hearts," the stallion replied easily. There was an appointment then that he could infringe upon. "Come early."

[Memoru]

Accus’ heart thudded at the stallion’s acceptance of his offer. An appointment! With a King! In his palace, no less. Perhaps he’d manage to gain a small crowd there as well…but he’d have to keep his wits about him. He would be a foreign suit, and much lower rank than anyone living the Court, surely. He wouldn’t want to get taken advantage of.

The thought nearly made him guffaw with laughter, but he swallowed the noise with a cough and a grin.

“Thank-you kindly, sir,” collecting himself, or perhaps to hide the awkward grin, Accus bowed low to the stallion, ” Three days. Early. I promise I will be well worth your time.”

Accus straightened himself and drew a finger to his mouth, blowing a sharp whistle. The finches flinched, breaking pace for just a moment before drawing back into the air. Only the little female did differently, flitting away from the young girl to drop into Accus’ outstretched palms. He cupped her gently before holding her toward the stallion.

“Take her…a complimentary gift” Perhaps something to garner interest before he appeared at the court in three days time, ”…from Accus, bird merchant.”

It was, after all, rude not to inform your customers of their merchant’s name.

{{ooc; should we bring this one to a halt, shortly, and start up the ‘continuation’ in the Court of Hearts?}}

[seraaches]

Ira was pleased that the man agreed so readily and easily, and he was ready to head off a soon as the man confirmed the date and time. He was, however, vaguely pleased and rather impressed by the present, even if giving the twitchy cannibal pony the swift moving bird might not actually be the best idea. Accus, however, had no reason to know about that and Ira was doing his best to keep it under control. Non-sentient beings didn't taste as good anyway.

Ira gave a small smile, accepting the pet with all of the grace and grandeur one of his rank and suit could. "The gesture is appreciated," he said in a low, quiet voice. "When you come to the Court, tell them you have an appointment with Shinrai." He gave the strange, quirky smile again. "They'll tell you where to go."

(( Your call! lol Or we can continue here . . . *Shrugs* And ask an admin to move it. lol ))

[Memoru]

{{ooc; ah, I'd rather just stick to this one ^-^ Much more neat to keep it all in one thread.}}

.{ Three Days Forward}.

All in all that day had gone pleasantly. He made appointments in a weeks time for a stranger to visit his cellar, to have a peek at a few of Accus’ other birds (he wanted something specific it seemed, and while Accus didn’t think he had it he wasn’t going to tell a potential experiment that. All he needed was a few moments alone with the man’s ears, after all. A slightly different bird would be worth that, certainly). He’d sold a pair of his finches to the girl and her mother, which put a pretty penny in his pocket. He was…glad they didn’t want to see his better stock.

Accus would have rather a dull adult than a dull child. Parents could make the most unruly customers.

But best of it all had been his agreement with the stallion. If he could get him to purchase a bird or two, spread his name around, these constant trips into the city needn’t bother him ever again. If he managed to sell his birds. Accus was burbling with hope at the prospect. “Shinrai” certainly seemed pleased with his little complimentary sparrow. Surely having a real bird would be much more superb.

If nothing else, Accus expected a large sum of money in his pocket before the end of the day. Which was nearly (but not quite) as good as bettering his options for future experiments.

Maybe with the right turn of phrase he might even convince the King to send a few lower face cards off to his cellar.

The prospect has his fur fluffed with glee, his ears perked on their own accord, and his eyes bright with possibilities. As it had hours ago while he gathered his birds. Nothing exotic, but larger ones. Prettier ones. A trio of canaries, a pair of ring-neck doves who cooed quietly at each other with or without Accus’ telling them to. And a real prize…he’d been quite proud of the find. A barn owl, nearly half the size of Accus himself. The only one he’d ever managed to catch. Chained by his foot to Accus’ arm, perched, for most of the ride, on his shoulder.

Which hurt. One awful lot. But Accus was too euphoric to care.

Besides, Accus would take whatever bit of pain it cost to keep anyone from getting their grubby hands on his birds without permission or payment. There was nothing he hated more than thievery.

He felt the steady beat of his cart draw to a slow pace and dropped off the seat to the floor, scrambling for purchase as the cart jolted against a nasty bump in the road. With a curse (and a quiet request for forgiveness directly after wards), Accus gathered up the pair of cages and wrenched the door open with a foot. The coachman had come round to open it for him and stepped back with a cross look on his face. Accus did not return it. He shoved a small pouch of money toward the man, tightened his grip on the cages, and waddled off toward the Court gates, awkward and clumsy on his hind-legs, but without another option with so much…baggage.

As he expected, the guards drew tightly together, narrowing their eyes at the little Corvie as he approached. Accus offered them an enigmatic grin (cursing them in his head), and set down his cages, arms already aching from the weight.

He lifted his chin, staring down his nose at them (despite the lack of any lesser ranks, especially them being hearts to his lowly diamond),” I have an appointment with his majesty, Shinrai.”[/color]

Early. Three days later.

The sun had only just climbed into the sky.

Accus always kept his word.


EDIT;; {{ Also, I know that Ira is not Shinrai, but Accus doesn't. ^^;;; Just...to clear that up.}}

[seraaches]

The guards narrowed their eyes at the blatant insult for The Queen of Hearts, and there was distinct displeasure obvious across their faces. Whoopsie.

"You're trying to do what, little Corvie?" One of the canines snarled angrily.

Heading towards the oncoming altercation, a pair of young men strolled easily. One was grown, the other appeared to be easily on the cusp. The larger one, a yellow and winged hybrid, watched the world through pupilless, angry eyes. His attention swung their way because of the swiftly rising voices and evidence of high tempers.

He tossed his head instinctively, shifting the purple forelock back out of his eyes so he could see better. His yellow ears tilted forward and nostrils flared. "Wot's that?" As far as he was concerned, he was talking only to himself; he was aware of the younger man's presence, but wasn't entirely aware that it was someone else.

(( Hehe No worries; Ira's a jerk. <<;;;; Also, going to let Accus meet these two guys, but they'll just pop in long enough to get him back out of the trouble Ira stuck him into. ><;;; lol Is that okay? ^^;;; ))

[Memoru]

{{X3 That’s fine. The yeller one is Ira’s brother, right?}}

Accus’ ears pinned themselves back against his skull. He took an instinctive wobble backward, clutching his cages. What…what was this? Had he…been stupid to think the King would want to see him? Had he been set up? He nearly dropped his canaries in attempt to tug at his braid. Oh dear…oh dear, oh dear. And he had to greet them so brashly…

“…King…King Shinrai,” [/color] he cleared this throat, grinding his teeth, ” King Shinrai said to meet him here. We had an appointment,” [/color] he shrugged he shoulder and clucked his tongue, causing his owl to flap its wings it what he hoped was an impressive (perhaps threatening?) display, ”...for him to see my birds.” [/color]

Accus attention shifted suddenly toward the oncoming pair. His fur bristled across his body. More of them. The yellow one’s question had him nearly spitting. ‘Wot’s that’ indeed! There were all standing there…planning to jump him…and…and…

Damn that King! Accus was going to get himself killed.

He eased his cages down once more, planting his paws on his hips, ” I want to see King Shinrai. I’m Accus, Accus the bird Merchant, and we had an appointment.” [/color]

The thing about always keeping your word was that one’s own temper could rise, should anyone else go back on it.

[Kasatsu]

Whistling to himself the mix made his way down one of the stairways that lead to the main entrance. Spotting his buddy Se he raised an eyebrow in interest. From experience he could tell that something was up by the posture of his friend. Hoping that he had managed to stumble across something that would be of great amusement he swiftly made his way closer.

Coming along side Se, enough that he would not startle his friend nor cause him to strike out should he be in one of his ‘moods’, the mix took a seat before cocking his head to the side. “Yo!” He said a small smirk on his face.

Se seemed to be off by the black and yellow Corvie rat. Tilting his head to the other side he took in the rat. It seemed to have some interesting snacks with him. The rat seemed to be going off about something or other, hopefully it was causing some trouble that would leave with an interesting time, and he sat there silently – interested to see what would happen next.

[seraaches]

The guards guffawed loudly. "There is no King Shinrai." The canine came closer to snarl at the rat again. "He's the Queen of Hearts."

"Stupid Diamonds," one of the others muttered under his breath.

Still, at the approach of two Kings, though one was a Club, the guards swiftly shaped up, falling into some semblance of order as fear flared in their eyes. Still, with the Club there it was unlikely that the newcomer would outright kill them. Usually. Sometimes both Kings found spilled blood very amusing.

"You Highness," the canine barely kept himself from stuttering, dropping a swift bow that didn't quite take his eyes off of the hybrid. It was unwise to look away for too long even though the yellow hybrid was rather frightening in demeanour. "This rat claims your father is a King."

The attack was sudden and unexpected. He spat a fireball that slammed into the canine Heart and flung him against the wall with great force. The canine's eyes almost rolled backwards as he nearly concussed against the wall, but the flames were now beginning to eat at his coat and skin. The guard began to scream as the others stared in shock.

[Memoru]

”There is no King Shinrai.”

The words rattled Accus. He resisted a gasp, but the angered look on his face was replaced by widened eyes and a partially parted maw. Only for a moment. Accus’ brow narrowed again and he dropped to all fours, teeth bared. He opened his mouth to snap at them again - he was going to get his appointment - before the two strangers reached them and all hell seemed to break loose.

Accus’ eyes jerked toward the winged Equine, many, many times larger than himself. He shrank back a little, whiskers twitching, ears flattened to his skull. Even his owl seemed a little perturbed, shifting his weight back and forth and ruffling his great wings.

Accus could have crawled out of his skin at the sight of the fireball.

He leapt, and his owl followed, taking off for the full two feet the chain permitted him before being jerked back to the ground with a pained hoot. The gasp had Accus shuddering, scrambling backward so quickly he lost his footing, tumbling to an awkward sit. The shock lasted for only moment, before his heart slowed its hammering and he managed to snap his mouth shut.

Oh dear.

“I didn’t…mean any offense,”[/color] he gave an awkward cough, biting back stammering squeaks to keep his voice level, before scrambling shakily back to his feet.

No attitude for this one.

“He was a King. He told me to ask for Shinrai. He…” [/color]Accus eyes flicked toward the canine guard before he reached up a paw to tug his braid,”…he…” [/color]

What could he remember? An equine, a king…none of that would help. But…But…he was going to get burned to death. He needed to leave. He didn’t want to die. Not for a few chances at experiments.

“…he…he had strange marks under his eyes. We…were supposed to have an appointment.” [/color]

…but he really was much too stubborn for his own good.