In Absentia, or, Another Adventure: Where Jaded Death Was Du

[DoF Archive]

Date: 7/20/1998 4:03 PM Central Daylight Time
From: JadedDeath

Graston, the leather-worker in town, had sent a message to Janella regarding a job that he had heard of to the north. It wasn't uncommon for him to alert the warrioress to chances like that; Janella usually appreciated it, afterall, there was little shortage of mercenaries in Rhydin, competition was always fierce, and Janella was notorious for her skills as well as her greed. If the fighter landed anoccasional adventure from Graston's referrals, it certainly did not do any damage to her known reputation, for Jaded Death always finished what she started. Graston felt confident recommending her to his own clients who were looking to hire a sword.Janella went to see Graston early that evening and he told her what he had heard about. An older man to the north, a merchant, had been expecting a delivery from his suppliers in the west and the goods had never arrived. The merchant's name was Lazeran Korgaard, and he was willing to pay a handsome sum for the return of his shipment. Janella quizzed Graston on what type of goods the merchant dealt with and how much he believed Lazeran stood tolose if the delivery could not be recovered. Graston parted freely with any information he knew, the leather-worker could not get over his desire for Janella, he would do whatever was necessary to regain her favor or capture her untamed heart, if only for one more night. There was a small problem regarding the work, however. Lazeran was anxious and was not willing to wait long for someone to hire. If Janella did not present herself to him tomorrow, Graston was sure he'd take another mercenary, but the Outback's Diamond Quest was in two nights. Obviously, it was impossible for Janella to be in both places at once. She weighed the stakes and made her decision; a good adventure with guaranteed, if not generousreward was impossible to refuse. After obtaining sufficient directions to Lazeran from Graston, Janella left for the Red Dragon Inn, but not before taking Graston by the tunic and kissing him hard. "If this goes well, Graston, you have my thanks, but you know I don't make promises." The warrioress held his gaze for a moment before turning on her heel and crossing to the doorway, to the street. Struck by the kiss, it was all Graston could do butoffer the departing Janella a longing smile and a weak wave. By the Gods, what that woman did to him was too hot for words! She went, leaving him with an ache in his chest, and, an order for a laced, leather bustier. Considering the specifications, Graston could only imagine the honor and justice that it would do by Janella's sensational figure. The thought, admittedly, made him sweat.(con't...)