The Bird Man ~ by SaralynArati

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"Interesting. And if one can?" "Then the defenseless one would get the pair, so the magic on them could function synergistically." "I see. And if both were helpless?" "Then I would keep the knives myself, as I would be their best hope for survival. Sir." The Bird Man smiles and holds the blades out to Cat. "Then you must keep them and do as you see fit with them; I have a similar pair myself and have no need for another. But ask your question anyway, and I will consider answering it."

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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"These are fine weapons. Let's say, for the sake of argument, there are two people for whom you care extraordinarily... excluding your parents, of course. Naturally you wish to protect these people. What do you do with the knives?" "Master, may I beg for more details? Is either or both of these individuals capable of defending themselves?" "Answer all three contingencies, please," the Bird Man requires of Cat. "If both can?" "Then I would give one knife to each, trusting their skills."

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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"Master," she greets him, inclining her head. "Ah, young de Seleni. A pleasure to see you again. Or is it? I note you have brought something with you. You must desire some form of reciprocity, eh?" Catleya silently hands him the knives, allowing him time to examine them. When he again looks up, she says, I do ask information of you, but I will withdraw my query if you find it too irksome to reply," and Cat bows her head once more. "Let me first ask you something," says the Bird Man.

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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Catleya, though, does not fear the Bird Man. She's been to see him before, twice, just to talk about birds... and because she hoped he might feel more kindly toward her if she showed up not wanting anything... since someday she would definitely come for answers and would then need his good will. It's a long, steep climb to the Bird Man's aerie, treacherous on nights with no moon, which is why Cat chose this one. She has told no one where she's going, hoping to delay the inevitable questions.

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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He was, quite simply, one of the most effective assassins ever to make his mark in the underworld, and rather an enigmatic man, at least in his later years. Going to visit the Bird Man was not undertaken lightly. He might refuse to talk to you. He might speak only of the foibles of his pet birds. He might kill you. One never knew. But one was sure to be interrogated about the results of one's discussion with him upon returning to the more normal altitudes and levels of criminal activity.

8 years ago