Real Mulligan [Crownkiller Mulligan]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Before you headed out you were offered to wash up and get into something more comfortable, your gear had been damaged after all and the metal mesh you'd been fighting in this whole time was a immediate target for guards.

You were offered breakfast but decided to hold off on it for now, you always were told you shouldn't take more than you were willing to give back and well... these folks had done more for you than you've had in awhile.

You give yourself one last glance looking at the set of duds you managed to scrounge together from the thrift pile. You'd manage to find a old jacket baring the emblem of your home section out in Southern Pences..

Familiarity was something you needed right now.

The moment you stepped out with Courier things were incredibly wet, rusted, the region of endless showers on tin rooves.

Old Chalice.

[Image Description: Tiles in a fancy jacket dress with a folded look stepping outside of a back alley entrance during a rainy day.\

Courier: You sure you got enough layers?

Tiles: Mmhmm!

Courier: Good, consider the outfit a little bit of a advance for running this errand for us... not that this is on contract or anything...

Tiles: I really appreciate it.

It starts ahead of you, the courier keeping a eye especially tight on your walk.

Courier: So you're the real deal then? Guildsman?

Tiles: Last of my group as far as I know.. the others either walked out, took a bribe, or went down with the ship..

Courier: So technically speaking, might be others who-

Tiles: Who backed down at intimidation and went into hiding..

Courier: And who's to say none of them simply found a more quiet means of operation?

Tiles: I doubt it.. I'd think they'd let me in on that if such was the case...

Courier: ...Sore topic, I'm sorry to bring it up.

Tiles: It's merited, if you're looking for new blood for your operations a background check does wonders.

Courier: Aye... I have to imagine Starman did a little research if they sent Gally out to watch over you.

Tiles: That's such a sweet little nickname for a headhunter.

Courier: It's how he's always been really..

Tiles: Will I see him today? I do owe him a gratitude.

Courier: Likely, he'll be running late though. Went last night to visit a friend who's a little out of the way.

Tiles: Mm.. what is this Starman like while we're talking crew?

Courier: Brilliant but a little difficult to be around some days. Manages to put it all together like nobody in these parts ever has but uh...

Tiles: ..What is it?

Courier: Just.. follow my lead a little and you'll see.

Tiles: Doesn't really make me too confident..

Courier: Don't blame you but I promise you it's been mostly good.

Tiles: Mm.. the safehouses are their work, yes?

Courier: Sort of? There's been plenty of small ones here and there but nobody's been able to make the system so flexible. If a spot's outed, everyone is able to cut losses and rebuild quite efficiently. We have a network of places for offer and while we try to maintain individual setups as long as possible, we shuffle them around from one partnered locale to another.

Tiles: Incredible.. you're sure quick to spills secrets though.

Courier: Not usually, you just get a good feeling from you more than anything.

Tiles: You've never seen how I handle a interrogation.

Courier: I've seen how you handle torture, that dress look like misery to wear all day.

Tiles: The righteous choose the path of most suffering.

Courier: The path of most suffering brings you to the people who need you most.

Tiles: ...That's a very old creed. Surprised you know it.

Courier: ...My host wanted to be a knight before uh, the whole assimilation thing. Ended up another crownie but.. I thought if I'm going to be them, I may as well be the version they never got to be. I dunno.. feel like a parasite sometimes.

Tiles: The bug that does a tyrant in becomes a miracle.

The courier turned pink at that.

Courier: Well put..

Tiles: So with that said I have to ask.. are you of natural or cursed origin? I've heard stories of both and well-

Courier: Neither, just a curiosity a smith forgot. Heard a story of swords coming to life, sapient weapon species, souls trapped in old blades and well.. had to see if you could intentionally manufacture one.Closer to a familiar than anything else.

Tiles: So you're a remnant? A soul cast in steel flesh or-

Courier: Maybe. If I am, I've long forgotten who I used to be. So for now.. I'll just be your friendly neighborhood courier.

Tiles: A respectable path.

[Image Description: Twinkling snow and glowing light against a rusty old town painted pale shades of red and blue by time and weater]

The rain went quiet, the start of light faint snow.

Beautiful in its own way but... if you're really honest with yourself

The cold was getting to you a bit, keeping your composition was difficult.

The courier looked over and offered you a arm, catching you shivering.

Tiles: Mm?

Courier: Stay close, and if you need to stop at a shop to warm up-

You coiled around quickly. Warmth...

Courier: No hesitation?

Tiles: Been a bit since I've been offered this.. big issue operating in a cold region as a bug is going out alone..

Courier: Mm.. We'll be there soon, promise.

You were quiet for the rest of the walk, every breath was bitingly frosty and better saved.

The courier led you through a alley path before stopping at a mail chute on a wall. It slipped two coins out of its pocket through the slot, then leaned against the wall until a little bell could be heard.

Courier: Boatman's services, visiting the ninth basement. Brought me a pilgrim today.

???: Morningstar is waiting.

The sound of a door creaking open around the corner, a back entrance.

Courier: Sounds like we should be good to go.