You Dirty Rat(FIN)

[drewsky]

At Xopek's words the ace rose an eyebrow. Xopek could tell that the ace... no, emery was his name, was surprised even though he didn't show it. Xopek could tell emery was something special.

"My name is Xopek." He said.

The ace followed Xopek as he walked out of the alleyway. It was a few steps behind, but Xopek understood he still had to be careful. They walked along for a good five minutes, no one called him out, as they thought emery was his pet. They made there way to a nearby restaurant. He would have to leave emery outside and he didn't want him to be accosted by someone while he was gone.

"You wait outside, OK." Xopek said loudly.

He didn't mean what he said treating emery like a pet , but it had to be done to protect them both. He went inside and ordered a couple of sandwiches and a mug of juice to go.

[Callypso]

Despite the unlucky circumstances that had caused their meeting, Emery was rather pleased and excited about how everything had turned out. As they made their way carefully through the city, the mix being careful to stay behind with his head lowered, he couldn't help but allow an indulgent grin every now and again. At those moments, he allowed his head to droop further so no one would question his giddiness. Emery couldn't help but be a tad suspicious when they first set out, after all, he was a "filthy" Ace who had initially lied to wheedle lunch out of the man in front of him, but after a while it was clear that they weren't headed anywhere seedy or disreputable. He wouldn't have blamed the guy for trying to sell him off to another Card or trying to get a decent price for his pelt in a back alley, but hey, he hadn't lived this long on pure luck alone. An Ace had to be smart and cunning to make it in the world. Unfortunately, that meant spinning a quick tale or bolting from a scene from time to time.

The pair finally made it to a respectable looking establishment and Emery couldn't help but be impressed by Xopek's show of making him wait outside. (The man was clearly smart- perhaps that Corvie rat had just been a bit quicker and meaner.) Besides, for most people, letting an Ace eat at the table was like setting a place for a dog- it showed a bit too much affection for an otherwise useless animal. It annoyed Emery that it had to be this way, but for now, he was just happy that the ferret was treating him so well.

He let himself take on a dumb, happy look and wagged his chipmunk tail every now and again while he waited for Xopek to return and lead them elsewhere. After all, he was bursting with gratitude and couldn't sit still. For now, he'd channel the traits of a stupid pet until he could properly show his thanks.

[drewsky]

Xopek walked outside of the restaurant with the food and drinks. He told Emery.

"Lets go back to the house I'm staying in so that you can eat with me and not be judged."

Xopek and Emery walked along the road heading towards this sort of nice housing district. No card looked twice at them except for this ugly Bog/Lowlander who looked kind of hungry. As they moved along Xopek talked to Emery in a low voice asking him.

"So... Where do you live or are you just a wild ace wandering the streets."

They walked until they saw this kind of dilapidated house. Then Xopek announced.

"Ah, home sweet home." He said this right as a tile from the roof fell and the door squeaked.

They walked inside, the house was small and bare a little bed in the corner with a small desk next to it covered in books. On the wall there were hooks holding cooking utensils and an apron. The table looked like it would fall apart but the room was cozy nonetheless.

"Lets have a seat and eat some of these sandwiches i bought."

[Callypso]

Emery didn't have to wait long for Xopek to appear from the depths of the restaurant and the colorful pair set off through the winding streets of the city. They were lucky and didn't attract much attention except for an unfortunate Lowlander that wistfully eyed the bundle Xopek was carrying. He could definitely commiserate with the poor guy; he had a double stigma with his breeding, but at least he wasn't an Ace. The mix quickened his stride, though not quite meeting the Esterberry's as he was questioned about his home life. If you could call it that.

Ah, I live in the Meadows Suite district of the Capital. Real fancy place. I guess you could say I'm lucky living in such a luxurious spot, but the price is too high,[/b] he quickly corrected himself realizing it sounded odd from an Ace, I'm a resident pet for a wealthy Highlander family. They're nice enough, I suppose, but that's because I'm the prized fluffy wuddikins.

Sarcasm oozed from the last statement as Emery made a face. I mean, I've got food and roof over my head, and they love me, I guess, but I'm just "Squeaker" to them. He rubbed his face distractedly, visibly embarrassed, and gave a shrug accompanied by an awkward smile. I gotta do what I gotta do, right?

They finally reached Xopek's house and Emery was a little surprised, though he didn't show it. The place was kind of falling apart and he couldn't help but give an appreciative chuckle as a tile fell from the roof. He couldn't judge, after all. He may have lived in an upscale home, but his home didn't belong to him and he'd probably never have one to call his own. Emery had to respect the fact that Xopek could pay for the little house, and even if it was a little dingy, it was surprisingly welcoming and comfortable.

He gladly accepted the offer to join the meal as he looked around at everything. Before he began eating, he caught Xopek's eye and took on a very somber tone...

It may not seem like much to you, but I can't begin to thank you enough for what you've done. You've bought me lunch, invited me into your home and, suits, you're treating me like a real person. There's not many a Card out there that would do that, so I hope you know the kindness you've shown me. He fished a few bronze coins from between his wing feathers and slid them sheepishly across the table toward Xopek.

I, um, stashed those away when I, uh, snagged your coin pouch from the rat. Habit, I guess. I didn't know how it was going to turn out, you know...

Emery nervously ran his claws through his mane, looking much more uncomfortable than he had when he'd mentioned his "pet" name.

I'm sorry for taking them. That's everything, I promise. I uh... he faltered. Usually he was a sweet-talker, but he was inexplicably ashamed that he had stolen from Xopek. He couldn't have possibly known how well he was going to be treated and he just hoped the ferret wouldn't send him out on his ear.

[drewsky]

The little ace's appreciation was very heartwarming. Xopek felt very good about having this ace around he was smart, witty, and very insightful. Xopek had never known that aces were more than dumb animals, but then again Emery was an enigma.

"Aww, don't worry about it friend, I'm very happy to have met you and that i could help you out even if its just buying you a meal. I don't know how i can ever repay you for your helpfulness i might never have found all my money again."

Xopek saw the couple of coppers the ace handed over from Xopek's bag. Were it any one else Xopek would have chucked them out for thievery, but Xopek understood Emery's actions.

"Know what, keep them. Without your help i would not even have that much left, don't worry about it after all, were friends."

[Callypso]

Tears sprung to his eyes and threatened to spill over as Xopek waved the coins away like it didn’t matter. He would probably never understand what his forgiveness and geniality meant to Emery at that moment. Really, he could never have foreseen sharing a meal with a kind and intelligent Esterberry. Heh, he couldn’t imagine sharing a meal with anyone if he was honest with himself. Trying to save some face, he coughed into his claw and blinked away the moisture as he tucked the coins back in between the feathers of his wings.

Thank you, he managed to croak out. Awkwardly clearing his throat, Emery reached for his glass of juice and jauntily thrust it into the air. To friendship founded from unexpected circumstances! He toasted his new friend and happily took a swig. The sweetness wasn’t stemming from just the frosty beverage.

He took a generous bite of sandwich and closed his eyes with pleasure. Man, he didn’t get food like this at home. He was fed, but again, he was a pet. The Highlander family insisted on feeding him a constant slurry of rice or noodles mixed with a predictable selection of “choice” vegetables and select meats, to enhance his endurance and health! Their prejudice ran so deep that they failed to realize his internal biology functioned exactly the same as theirs, because, you know, he was a Card, too. Munching thoughtfully on his large bite, he surveyed the room a little more carefully and swallowed.

I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve quite the book and culinary collection. Are you a scholar or a cook of sorts?

His eyes twinkled as he finished his question. He still couldn't believe his luck. He was sitting here in someone else's home, sharing food and conversation, and of all things, he had a friend! This was exactly the sort of intellectual and emotional stimulation he’d been craving.

[drewsky]

Emery seemed surprised at how Xopek just waved away the coins he took. Xopek felt good about doing that. Xopek saw some tears in Emery's eyes and he knew he had really helped out the little ace.

"Your welcome, To good friendship founded through a bonk on the noggin and a lost wallet."

"Yes I am a connoisseur of fine food and good books. Ever since my family died i have wondered the lands near and far, finding new insights about life, books, and good food. Eventually i want to get into the courts and make a name for myself. Hopefully all the journeying will help in my reign."

After that Xopek took a big bite out of his sandwich. It was OK he had had a lot better ones before.

"So does your family know your here, If you don't want to go back you can come with me."

[Callypso]

Another appreciative chuckle left Emery's lips at Xopek's toast. He definitely seemed to have a decent sense of humor. All the more reason why he was so seemingly staggered by the ferret's gestures and kindness. He really, genuinely, had lucked out. He couldn't (and probably wouldn't, considering the reality of his situation) have asked for a better Card to become friends with.

Fine food and good books, huh? I'm sure they'll embrace your tastes in the Courts, though I have to admit, it's certainly an ambitious goal. The tenacity and drive of the political players is something to be wary of, in my opinion. You have the brains, to be sure, but it's certainly a dangerous game.

He recognized it was funny advice coming from an Ace, considering that each time he strayed from home was a gamble on his life. It was definitely perplexing to him that there were people out there that purposefully put themselves in that position when on the flip side he had no choice in the matter. A wry smile curled his lips as he realized his own hypocritical thinking. Emery had chosen, several times in fact, to leave the safety and comfort of the Highlanders' luxurious abode. Perhaps he had more in common with those Cards than he'd care to admit.

While he pondered his own ambitions and desires, Xopek made an offer that caused the Ace to choke on his current bite of sandwich. Eyes watering, and this time from near asphyxiation, Emery looked up at Xopek with a mixed expression as he took another gulp of juice to ease his current coughing fit.

Go with you?

His eyebrows knitted together in concentration, though in actuality he was dumbfounded. Apparently today was just going to be full of surprises. On the one hand, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. How many Cards was he going to run into that would offer him a chance like this? A chance to travel as a companion, a friend, a fellow adventurer, and not just a slave to carry baggage on the journey? As it was, he would never be able to do that with the Highlanders. Sure, they'd bring him with them on trips, but that was different. They didn't even know he could talk, for suits' sake!

On the other hand, Emery had no desire to put his new friend in danger. If Emery's full potential was discovered it could put them both at risk. They would certainly have to put on a facade.. maybe that Xopek had bought him as a traveling partner? Then there was the issue of money, since he didn't really have any. Then again, that had never really kept Emery down before, but he wasn't sure the Esterberry would approve of his tactics... Somehow, the simple invitation had become a lot more complicated...

Wow, Xopek, that would really be something. But... I don't know. I don't want to drag you down... I...

He faltered. For the second time that day, Emery felt himself at a loss for words.

[drewsky]

Xopek saw how Emery choked a little bit at his asking him to go with him.

"Yeah i think we could do it. We would probably need to use some facade to keep from getting caught. Your one of the smartest cards Ive ever met before. I cant think of anyone else."
"Don't worry about bringing me down, i have no real home and traveling with you would be a very good experience for both of us. We can say that you are my traveling companion, kind of a glorified pet, but you know i wouldn't treat you that way."

Xopek finished his sandwich and juice and stood up and grabbed a book off his shelf. He brought it over to show Emery. It was old and falling apart and the righting was very archaic, but if you tried you could read it.

"This book is from ancient times. It tells of an ace that became a queen of hearts, through cunning and power. He ruled for almost 30 years before he died. He was the first ace to reach that position. I'm giving you this it is very inspiring and the queen reminds me of you."

[Callypso]

For suits sake, his dignity wasn’t going to survive the day if he kept threatening to blubber every two seconds, but Emery simply couldn’t help himself. He has just received the highest praise an Ace could ever hope to receive as well as the promise of an adventure of a lifetime. Despite his firm grasp on reality, and against his better judgment, he began to swell with pride and excitement. Xopek’s words seemed to fill the very house, his odd sing-song voice lending prophetic quality to the otherwise outrageous proposal. He couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with inspiration and desire. Surely it was suicidal to agree to join his friend, but that choice would leave him to squander his talents and stagnate under (somewhat) comfortable oppression for the rest of his life.

Choice. For the first time, he had a choice. It wasn’t exactly the dilemma most Cards faced, but for once, neither tragedy nor coercion nor necessity would guide him. For once, he would decide his own fate. And he’d been damned if he was going to let this opportunity pass him by. If he was destined to die, by gods he would be doing something amazing when he finally met his end. He banged his fist on the table to punctuate his exclamation:

I’ll do it, Xopek! I’ll go with you. I’ll probably never get another chance to do something like this, and I can’t think of a better Card to travel with than you. We have a lot to discuss, but I think you’re right. We can do this.

He smiled at his friend and peered curiously at the tome displayed before him. Ah, a fairy tale, but if he as long as he was going to live dangerously he might as well dream big. Regardless of the impossibility of the tale, he appreciated the gesture all the same.

Do you think I might bring this with us? I know it might seem silly, but it might be nice to have it if it starts to get rough.

When it started to get rough. They’d run into trouble somewhere along the line. Being an Ace practically begged for it. He’d been in unfortunate circumstances before and survived; he could do it again. Besides, you could only prepare so much for the next disaster. He’d worry about it when the time came. As long as Xopek didn’t suffer for him, he could handle the rest.