[Arien]

"Go."

Acacia left Jythralo’s quickly and hurriedly made her way towards the corsair-inhabited area of Umbar. The two sides seemed to have evidently split over the few years and it was in poorest areas that the corsairs were found. Acacia veered of the busy main road and made her way down an ally way. Several children were playing out in the muddy streets and unconcerned young mothers sat in their doorways talking in hushed tones. Acacia glanced over them. She would of hated to have ended up like this, it would have been death for her.

Acacia slowed as she came to a door that was shut. The dark wood was wet with moisture and the handle rusty from the sea’s salty winds. She knocked on it lightly; several locks were opened before she was able to see the figure in the door.

“Acacia,” the man said slyly, “how nice of you to visit, how long has it been?”

“Too long,” She smiled stepping inside the candle lit hall. The man quickly looked outside and shut the door. “Still paranoid Russ?” She commented while walking into the room straight ahead. The room on the left had the soft hum of voices emitting from it, but Acacia proceeded to the kitchen.

“Aye, you could say that.” He said following her after locking the door. His dark hair fell to his shoulders, and a moustache covered his upper lip. His grey eyes looked weary and tired but his handsome face and built figure seemed to draw her eyes away from his weariness.

“A drink?”

“No,” she paused and leaned against the wall, “ Russ I need two of you men.”

“Ah, so its business. Not a social visit then?”

“Yes business, business for Jythralo.”

“Oh?” He said raising an eyebrow while poring a glass of rum for himself.

“You will undoubtedly find out.”

“I’m sure I will. I trust this will help our cause.”

“You know I trust Jythralo deeply. No doubt this will help our cause.”

“I wish I were as confident as you.” He said as he went off into another room.

Acacia sighed. Russ never seemed to trust anyone. It was a wonder at all why he trusted her. She moved to the other end of the dank room and tapped the wood that boarded up the windows. The stove was heating something in a pot and the immense cabinet that spread across the wall on he right was filled with drinks and a few poisons. Russ was always the man to come to when either you wanted to hire a few men or wanted a good poison. The cabinet shook slightly as Russ entered with two men.

One was greasy, blonde haired and was of medium build, the other darker in skin tone and of a smaller build.

“Vernt,” Russ said pointing to the blonde, “and Malc,” pointing to the other.

They both nodded to Acacia and she smiled. “Excellent, thank you Russ. It seems I owe you something.”

“Acacia anything for you, but if you would not mind it seems I am running low on some supplies.” His eyes drifted to the cabinet.

“Ah yes,” she smiled walking to the door followed by the three men. “I will send Blaine over in the morning, she will get everything that you need.”

“Thank you,” he said unlocking the door and letting the three out into the street. The two embraced and then the door was shut again.

“Right,” she said as they walked down the dark alley. No longer were the children still playing, but hushed voices could still be heard. “Any ideas for an Inn?”

“Low tide?” said one of the men. Acacia smiled. They headed off in the Inn’s direction. On the way Acacia briefed the men on what was to happen. Thankfully Russ had supplied her with intelligent as well as deadly men. They went in before her. For a few minutes she tarried outside and the finally entered. And my victim will be…. she looked around the room momentarily…..you.

She made her way over a table. She would bide her time and do this slowly. No mistakes, she did not want to report another blunder to Jythralo. This was important. For a about half an hour she laughed and joked with the men at her table, but always she kept her eyes on the man she had chosen. When she felt the time was right she crossed the bar and seated her self next to him.

The next few moments passed by hurriedly as she started to whisper in his ear. The mans eyes brightened, and so she took to sitting her self on his lap. And so it continued. So he was so distracted with her, he almost forgot what he was saying. Vernt and Malc made their way over to the table at her sign and then she was off after a few more minutes.

She was done for the night.