poly_chromatic | 001 || Action/Voice

[Beside the fountain, a statue has appeared. Or so one might assume, given the slate-grey stone of its skin, the sharp glint of wire topping its head as a fall of hair. Despite the illusion of its cape and cloak that billow in the winter breeze, the shimmer of light on the longsword dangling from one clenched fist, surely it can't be alive...]

[But watch from another angle and see that the tunic it wears is in tatters, exposing a lean torso of yet more stone, the features of a chiseled face framed by darker pebbles. The first sign of true life is seen in sluggish trails of blood that flow from his mouth and chest, their slow drips rhythmic against the ground.]

[The stone man sways in silence, eyes closed, and then he pitches forward into the fountain. A sharp crack sounds as his hip strikes the base, and then the only movement are the ribbons of red that flow from his wounds and get swept into the current.]

***
[Voice, some time later]

[A distinctly uncomfortable clearing of his throat, before a low, smoky voice addresses whoever might be listening. He is far from used to communicating through such means, but it might prove advantageous to not require face to face contact.]

How might a new... resident [or whatever a stranger calls himself] go about finding living accommodations and employment? I haven't seen much in the way of advertisement postings. [Wanted posters being, of course, his usual method of job seeking.]

((OOC: So sorry this took so long, I've been (really) sick! Any City dweller that can sense supernatural presence might be slightly pinged by him, but they probably won't be able to identify what exactly he is. For more specific info, feel free to ask!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hmm. [He hasn't thought of a better option, but if he finds one he can always quit. He's left jobs for less.] What sort of things do you need from an employee?

[And there's the matter of his skin, but he's coming to that. Best to establish an agreement first, perhaps she'll be more likely to honor it if so.]

How are you at paperwork? I'm always looking to foist that off on someone.

But more seriously... help with stocking, keep the place in order, help customers...

Fair enough. I'm good with books and writing. [It's easy, and certainly doable.]

[However.] There's something you should know about me, first. [Before she can ask questions, he flicks on the video -- this takes a long fumbling moment, being that he's not used to how the thing works despite receiving instructions.]

[The first image is just a shock of beige clothing, and then he rights the camera so it shows his stone face, smooth slate-grey skin with a smattering of darker, round pebbles. He lets out a breath and averts his eyes just slightly, so he won't have to see the reaction.] I'm not exactly a normal man. [Some customers might not be comfortable around him, is the implication.] I usually wear a hood and mask, but...

[Mercy blinked for a moment, but she's good at not showing her reactions. She's never seen anyone like him, but she's certainly seen stranger things both here and at home.]

Normal's overrated. I'm not exactly normal myself,though I may look it.

You're welcome to wear the cape and mask if you want, but I think you'll find that people here are pretty accepting once they get to know you.

I'm Mercedes Thompson. Welcome to my staff.

[He breathes a sigh, not exactly relief but as close as he ever gets.] I've heard that tale before. I prefer the mask if it's all the same to you.

[He manages a small smile. She's his employer for now, he'd best get off on the right foot.] Zelgadis Greywars. And thanks. [He fully expects his name will be shortened as she sees fit; he's accustomed to it.] How should I address you?

Whatever you're comfortable with is fine. If the mask works for you, I'm okay with it.

[She smiles at him.]

Most people just call me Mercy. What do you like to be called?

Just my first name. But people tend to shorten it if they want to... [A shrug, as if he couldn't care less about whoever that might be.]

Zelgadis, then. I'd rather try and call people by the names they prefer.

[A nod. He's appreciative of that, though it's a stark reminder of how at home he's not.]

If you could give me directions to the shop, I'll be there whenever you want me.

-- and, thank you.

[She gave him ~~handwavey~~ directions and some suggestions for hours.]

Pretty much, though, I'm really flexible. And if you want to take over a bunch of the paperwork you can do it whenever you want.

[How about that, a job where he can set his own hours. A bit of good fortune, for once.] That sounds fine. I can start with the paperwork until the rest of your workers get used to having another person around.

Wonderful!

They'll all love you since it means I won't be grumping about doing paperwork all the time!

I'll take any advantage I can get. [Which is his way of saying 'no problem'.] And I'm good with that sort of work, anyway.

Everyone will be glad to meet you. Feel free to make them bribe you to stay so I don't whine about paperwork anymore.

[She's mostly joking. Mostly.]

[Heh.] I'll bear that in mind.

Speaking of, is there a place to barter or pawn things? I have a small bit of valuables from home that I might need to convert into the local currency.

I don't know. I'm sure there must be.

But hey, I'm glad to give you an advance on your salary. This place is hard enough, don't give up your personal items unless there's no choice.

[He thinks on the advice, and the offer, for a brief moment before shaking his head. He'd rather not be beholden to anyone more than he is already, and he wouldn't want to be seen as taking undue advantage.]

You've done more than enough. I'll manage.

Okay...

But the offer stands.

My needs are pretty simple, so you wouldn't be putting me out any.

I'll remember that. [But he'll just count himself lucky he found someone nice who doesn't mind his condition.]

All right then.

I look forward to meeting you in person.

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