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[Datura]

The misty air blew across the warehouse roof, swirling playfully around Datura even though she wasn't currently burning any pewter. Occasionally she'd enjoy burning for no real reason, just for the sensation itself, but tonight she abstained.

There was something cleaner about the air at night, the haze bringing an odd purity to everything. During the day the sun beat red against the Channerel, filling the area with a wet stench that came from a sluggish body of water with the contamination of too many people. She'd heard noble poets compose fanciful lines about the beauty of the Channerel in the sun. Obviously they'd never had to live on it.

At night, though... There was something relaxing about watching the dark waters down below. Datura leaned against the railing of the rooftop porch, looking out over Luthadel and its scattered, hazy glows. It was such a terrible, cruel place, yet it was so alive. And she loved it for that.

A knock on the hatch made her turn as Nate popped his head up. "One of the lookouts spotted a pair of men on approach. Look like skaa, definitely headed this direction. Don't recognize either of them."

Datura pursed her lips. "A bit late for visitors, is it not?"

Nate gave a shrug that seemed to convey don't ask me, and gave her a look as he waited for orders.

Datura sighed, pulling away from the railing. "Alert a few of the men, have them on standby in case something goes wrong. I'll go greet these late night callers, shall I?"

Nate tossed something toward her and she quickly burned pewter to catch it out of the air. A vial. "Figured you'd say that. Thought you might like some more metal if that were the case."

She smiled at him, unstoppering the vial and tossing the whole thing back. The grit of pewter dust scratched slightly on the way down. She simply burned lightly, ignoring the pain.

"You're a dear, Nate," she said, walking to the hatch as he began to climb back down. "Are you trying to convince me I'm not paying you enough?"

"I'm trying to convince you to not get yourself killed by running out of metal at a bad time," he said, voice muffled as he descended the ladder, head downward.

"Always looking out for me," she said. She waited until he was clear of the ladder, then simply jumped down to the floor below, landing lightly beside him. "Very well, I'd best go greet our guests."

[Perrin]

“I wonder if this cell leader will hate Ignas as much as I do.” Perrin thought outloud. He smiled a bit as he heard yet another frustrated sigh from Maks. He glanced at the Smoker, “Now, we’re almost there, and you’ve yet to say anything; not that I’m complaining, mind you. But I’m curious… Why would you think it appropriate to come along with me to find the location of another cell, but it wasn’t alright for me to tell you who led it?”

Maks didn’t respond for a short time, but he eventually relented and broke his unofficial vow of silence, “Because you often stick your foot in your mouth whenever you open it, and we need to keep good relations with people who are on -our- side.”

Perrin chuckled, “Fair enough.” He spotted the warehouse that had been described on the list and pointed towards it, “Just over there.” Maks nodded without a word and adjusted his course, and soon the pair found themselves standing at a door. Perrin reached out and rapped his knuckles on the door a few times, humming pleasantly to himself as they waited for someone to come to the door.

“Will you stop that?”

Perrin stopped humming for a moment, “Stop what?” He resumed humming.

“That! We’re trying to not draw attention to ourselves out here.”

“Humming draws attention to us? You don’t think it’s suspicious enough for two skaa to be walking around out here in the mists? That’s what you’re worried about drawing attention to us?” Perrin snorted.

“I just think that---” Maks began, but he was cut short...

Edited by Perrin, 26 July 2017 - 10:44 PM.

[Datura]

The girl who answered the door was just about as far from actual Datura as Datura could make herself. Hesitant, wide-eyed, she acted like a shy skaa worker, the type who knew how to keep attention away from herself and would be quick to duck away from danger. She'd tied her hair back with her red sash, the color the only thing that might stand out as odd, but it probably wasn't enough to tip them off immediately.

While putting on the waifish attitude, she knew she looked younger than her thirty years. Amazing how confidence and maturity went hand in hand. Whoever these people were, she intended they see just a skaa worker girl, probably pulled away from sweeping the floors to answer the door.

Datura ducked her head as she grabbed the handle, initially pulling the door open only far enough to lean around and see who it was. Nate was right, she didn't recognize either of them, which made her suspicious immediately. Best to keep up the act.

"Y-yes, sirs?" Ah, she even got her voice to tremble slightly as she glanced between the two men. "Can I help you find something?"

[Maks]

Maks turned his attention back to the door as it was cracked open. “Yes, actually. Our apologies for--”

“We were told we could find some of our friends here.” Perrin said taking a step towards the mouse of a girl in the doorway. Perhaps she was one of this cell’s cooks or maids? “Mind letting us in? Don’t want to draw a lot of attention to ourselves. Or something.” He flashed her a handsome smile, while Maks stood behind him, fuming.

“We wouldn’t have come if it weren’t urgent.” Maks added, hoping with everything that he had that this was the right place and Perrin hadn’t led them to just an actual warehouse.

[Datura]

Datura chewed at her lip, effecting an obvious nervousness. "I don't know... The boss doesn't usually like strangers around and I don't want to get in trouble. Was there someone you were sent here to see, or someone who specifically sent you? You said... friends? Do you, er, know their names?"

That's right. Give me some names, boys, she thought. Were these messengers from one of her clients, trying to set up a new deal or something? They acted a little casual for someone on a professional errand, and the time was odd. She kept her pewter at a very light burn, just enough to hopefully give her some reflexes if they tried anything.

Perhaps they were rebellion. That might explain their surreptitious behavior, but she would have thought Ignas would warn her before sending rebels by. He'd at least dropped Nessa off in person for them. Actually, hadn't Ignas mentioned that Nessa's former crew had turned on her? Perhaps these men were looking for her, looking to do her more harm.

Datura felt a little thrill of excitement at that and had to force herself not to smile. Perhaps she'd get to drop some corpses in the canal tonight.

Regardless, she wasn't letting them past without a little more detail about their intentions. The best part of door guarding her own operation was deciding exactly who got let in and who didn't.

Edited by FeatherWriter, 26 July 2017 - 11:53 PM.

[Maks]

Names? Maks shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t want to just go dropping names around for anyone to hear or know. Glancing at Perrin, he opened his mouth to respond, still hesitating, but Perrin spoke up first. Maks cringed a little, hoping that the Mistborn was not foolish enough to mention anything too important.

“Listen, our mutual friends just told us we were to come here to check up on some fire safety. Make sure there weren’t any hazards around, you know how little the nobles and the Lord Ruler care for where we live and work. Have to take care of these things for ourselves.”

Maks looked at Perrin, feeling many things; confusion, a desire to punch him to get him to stop talking, and perhaps, just an inkling of trust? The comments about fire safety were too random for him to just have just thought of them on the spot. What game was he playing at? Whatever the case, Maks closed his mouth, choosing not to contradict Perrin and make things harder for them to gain this cell’s trust.

[Datura]

Datura's eyes widened slightly, looking over the two men with a renewed interest. Rebellion, then? And important enough to know Ignas' code. Datura had been told that was the way to safely get in contact with another cell if need be, that they'd also know what it meant. Intriguing. Well, who was she to turn away new friends?

"I... I see," she said, a little bit of her persona falling away as her curiosity vied for her attention. "Well, in that case, you probably want to talk to the boss. I think that'd be the person to best handle... er, fire safety. If you'd follow me, I can take you upstairs for a meeting."

She opened the door all the way, turning and walking inside. She gave a quick signal to Nate, indicating there was no danger for the moment, and he gave her a small nod. They walked past the doors to the crew barracks, mostly filled with sleeping workers, due to the late hour.

Nessa was among them, resting in her new bunk as she had been most of the time since she'd arrived. Datura and Nate looked in on the girl occasionally, but mostly, Nessa needed to let her pewter do its work and heal, and that meant staying down and resting for a while.

Datura had a momentary thought that if, perhaps, by a stroke of bad luck, one of the men behind her was Nessa's infamous Perrin, she'd have to be delicate with this situation. It would not do to fail Ignas after only one day.

Datura led them up the stairs, giving a small knock on her own empty office door, then slowly pushing the door open. "You can go in. Datura will want to talk to you."

Edited by FeatherWriter, 27 July 2017 - 04:48 AM.

[Perrin]

Perrin smirked as he glanced at Maks, the man’s expression of disbelief almost made Perrin’s aches disappear completely. He held in a snarky comment at the girl’s invitation for them to follow her upstairs. As she led them, Maks touched Perrin’s arm, gesturing for him to hang back just a few more steps. The dressmaker covered his mouth, talking quieter than Perrin would have been able to hear if he were not so incredibly special. “Are we in the right place? I’m not sure we should trust these people.”

He rolled his eyes, moving ahead of Maks, “Have some faith.” Perrin murmured to him. He smiled at the girl as she opened an office door for them, “I should hope she would. She sleeping or something?” He walked around the room, casually looking at the decor. Maks however, leaned against the wall near the door, arms folded.

[Datura]

Datura waited a moment, watching their reaction as they took in the empty room. Then, reaching up, she yanked her bright sash off her head, shaking her hair out and closing the door behind her with a click.

"Not exactly," she said, slipping out of the working girl act as one might slip out of a pair of ill-fitting shoes at the end of the day. "See, the boss doesn't usually do much sleeping at night, actually. She'd rather be up and about, ready to greet interesting strangers who wandered by her door."

Datura fixed the two men with a signature grin, tying the red fabric at her waist, where it had been before they'd arrived. As she walked through the room, she ran fingers through her hair, trying to arrange it without a mirror. So, mostly just fluffing it and letting it fall in messy waves as it was wont to do.

She offered an overly elaborate bow to the man who'd just spoken, the one who seemed to be in charge between the two of them. "Datura, crewleader of this cell, at your service. And who might you two be?"

Edited by FeatherWriter, 27 July 2017 - 05:42 AM.

[Perrin]

Perrin cocked his head to the side when he took in the new ‘persona’ of the girl, or rather woman. He smirked at her, impressed that he had been fooled by her. Maks just had a confused and irritated look on his face; typical. “Just the woman we were looking for.” Perrin grinned at her, “I’m Perrin. The grumpy one by the door is Maks. We’re from the cell in Lan’s shop.”

Maks could be heard to sigh quietly. “As I mentioned before, we wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t urgent. I’m sure you were aware of the attack on the ball the other night? Well most of our agents who went out on that attack haven’t returned. We’re extremely concerned. Not only that, but Ignas hasn’t contacted us either, so of course we fear the worst.”

“Maks fears the worst. I’m an optimist.” Perrin chimed in.

Edited by Perrin, 27 July 2017 - 07:36 PM.

[Datura]

Datura paused, looking Perrin up and down in an obvious inspection. "So this is the infamous Perrin." She mimed a curtsy, though she was wearing trousers. "Had I known I was going to be in the presence of rebellion royalty, I might have worn something more formal for the occasion. That's how that works, isn't it? You'd be the one who's most noble of us, right, my lord?"

She turned to the other newcomer. "And a pleasure to meet you as well, Master Maks. As for your concerns over the attack, I'm not entirely certain who all survived, but I can say that Ignas was here yesterday. Dropped in for a quick chat after the attack."

She gave a fond smile, chuckling. "Perhaps he just loves me more."

[Perrin]

Well, Perrin’s small admiration for the woman quickly faded. Royalty? My lord? Yep, this lady was official on his shit list. He narrowed his eyes a little as she spoke, but his smirk remained.

“Ignas survived? Well that’s good news.” Maks chimed up from the other side of the room. “Did he have any instructions for us? We haven’t heard from him yet, and to be honest, I’m a bit concerned for the safety of my master’s shop. That attack went sideways, if anyone got captured and talked…” He shook his head.

“We still haven’t accounted for everyone that was there. Our friends.” Perrin frowned a little. Nessa, he thought. His stomach turned in knots, an ache that not even pewter could dull. But she was street smart, she’d survived this long without him hovering over her. Still, he would feel better knowing that she was alive.

[Datura]

Datura caught Perrin's eyes, holding them with a knowing look. "One, in particular, am I correct?"

This was a mistake.

Contrary to what Nathan might have believed about her decision making processes, when Datura did reckless, foolhardy things, it wasn't because she didn't realize they were unwise. It was that they were more fun that way. She knew her mistakes as she made them! She stared down a choice that she could easily come to regret, knew it for what it was, and chose it anyway.

For instance: toying with a potentially volatile Mistborn that she had met only a few minutes ago. The wise thing right now was to stay silent. If Perrin and Nessa were supposed to be kept apart—and if it was specifically Datura's job to ensure that—then the best course of action here was to let him continue to think she might be dead or wounded or hiding elsewhere or any other number of reasons she might not have contacted him. Leave him in the uncertainty of having to search all of Luthadel to keep him busy.

She knew doing that was smarter. But it was far less fun.

This Perrin was an enigma right now and she wanted to pick him apart, learn what made him tick, figure out where all those little weakpoints were and how she could use that. Nessa was obviously a large one for him, and she wanted to explore that.

She needed to know him.

That was especially true, because, to Datura, this task Ignas had given her was a lovely, grand game of strategy. Perrin was not just an allied rebel she needed to learn to work with, because in this, he was her competitor. His objective was obviously to find and reunite with Nessa. Datura's objective was to keep them apart. Only one of them could win, and she was thrilled to go toe-to-toe with him and figure out which one of them it would be.

And besides, she tried to convince herself, it wasn't just that she was having fun with the idea of tormenting the boy over this. Though, she had to admit, tormenting him was a lot of fun. But no, this was sportsmanlike. He needed to know the rules of the engagement if he were going to play, didn't he?

Who was she to deny him that?

She walked across the room, pouring herself a glass of very expensive Venture wine and taking a sip. She didn't offer Perrin or Maks any. "You know, our illustrious leader is concerned about you, Perrin. He worries about you. He seems to fear that you've allowed yourself to become... distracted, shall we say? Perhaps, instead of fretting over things you cannot control, you should instead take this as an opportunity.

"A chance to recenter yourself. For the rebellion. Without distractions."

She took another sip, staring him dead in the eyes.

Edited by FeatherWriter, 28 July 2017 - 06:13 AM.

[Maks]

Oh Lord Ruler, this was -not- good. What did this woman think she was playing at?!

Maks crossed the room to stand by Perrin who was staring Datura down. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to stop Perrin from trying to fight the woman, but perhaps he could be a voice of reason if she pushed him too far? This was not what he had signed up for in coming here tonight.

“What did he do to her? Is she safe?” Perrin’s body was tensed, and all the normal jovialness in his voice was gone. “If he hurt her, I swear I will kill him.”

Maks put a cautioning hand on Perrin’s arm but he shrugged it off, so he turned his attention to the woman who appeared to be possibly enjoying this. “So, if I’m understanding correctly, Ignas doesn’t think Perrin is capable of having friendships -and- serving the rebellion? Does he think that true of all of us, or just Perrin?”

Perrin let out a low growl, turning to pace along the back wall, glaring at Datura.

[Datura]

Datura's grin spread, watching the young Mistborn stalk back and forth in her room. She continued to sip her wine, perfectly casual, though she checked her pewter reserves again. Thanks to Nate's resupply, she had plenty right now.

"She is safe... for now." She tried to catch Perrin's eyes again. "Of course, if you try to interfere or waste your time trying to find her, there's a good chance that might change. The underground isn't a nice place, you know. Sometimes things just happen, don't they?"

Her glance flicked toward Maks and she raised an eyebrow. "I don't presume to speak for what Ignas thinks or believes. I simply know that when I'm politely asked to do something, I obey. Any successful organization requires a stable hierarchy. Obedience and command."

And finally, a look back to Perrin. "And of course, anything which threatens that must be taken care of. One way or another."

Edited by FeatherWriter, 30 July 2017 - 06:26 AM.

[Perrin]

"When have I ever not done something he's asked?!" Perrin growled, spinning to face Datura. Ooooh how he wanted to wipe that smug grin off her lips. With his fists. Possibly his feet. A dagger might not hurt either. "Nessa hasn't done anything to deserve being held as leverage for something, and honestly, it's horrible leverage. When word gets out that our fearless leader would kill members of the rebellion out of SPITE... what do you think is going to happen?"

Maks had moved a step in between Perrin and Datura again. "Stop it. You've been told she's safe--"

"Safe, my ass." Perrin interrupted.

"She's safe." Maks gave Perrin a look, "Besides, why does it matter? It's not as if you two were a couple."

Perrin glared at Maks. Was he really taking her side in this? Of course, he wasn't wrong. They weren't a couple, they were just friends who had.. enjoyed an evening out together. It was more than that though. There was that hint of familiarity, something that drew him to her. He paused. "No, we aren't. But she... she reminds me of my sisters. And she's new to the rebellion. Nessa needed someone to look out for her, and that's what I was doing. Ignas is an idiot who jumps to conclusions that are just going to get people hurt."

[Datura]

Datura finished her wine, setting down the glass with a flourish and crossing the room to get close to Perrin. How did he feel about near proximity? Had Ignas told him anything about her? Did he know she had pewter?

"Ah yes, 'like a sister.' Ever the rallying cry for those in denial. You needn't worry, darling. We can take excellent care of her without you. Considering how poorly she defended herself when she arrived, I daresay I feel you may have been coddling her, my Lord Perrin. She doesn't need the rebellion's Mistborn 'looking out for her' and I'm certain you have far more important matters with which to concern yourself."

She reached up, trailing a finger along his shoulders. He wasn't bad looking, she'd give Nessa that much, though he was a bit too young for her tastes. Regardless, there wasn't really anything to be lost in having a bit of fun with him. It wasn't as though this leading would go anywhere.

She had a sneaking suspicion that she wasn't exactly his type.

"Or more important people, perhaps? If it's the touch of pewter that you're missing, my dear, I believe I could suggest a far more experienced liason for such a thing."

[Perrin]

Perrin didn't step back from Datura when she advanced on him, simply tilted his head back a little to look down his nose at her. His eyes were narrowed, and his fists were clenched, though he knew better than to strike her (even though he was sorely tempted). All he focused on was a few words that she had said; 'when she arrived.' Nessa was here. Or at least she had been. That was useful information to have, the question was, when to act on it? Should he call out her name as they left the building, force himself into rooms and search? Or should he come back on another night and sneak in? The latter left open the possibility of them moving her which made him uneasy. He was so focused internally that he didn't even hear the last bit of what she'd said.

"Maksy boy, I do believe we've served our purpose in coming here. We know that Ignas is alive, there's no reason for us to stay."

He watched Maks raise an eyebrow, obviously suspicious, "I.. suppose you're right..." Maks looked to Datura who still stood dangerously close to Perrin, "Did Ignas leave a message for us or give a hint as to when he'd be in contact?"

Edited by Perrin, 01 August 2017 - 02:36 AM.

[Datura]

Datura's eyes slid to Maks, even as she stayed uncomfortably close to his friend. "Only this: Don't try to find her. I've got buildings all up and down the canal, and a handful elsewhere throughout the city as well. Allow me to assure you that my men will find you searching before you find the lovely little Nessa."

She gave Maks a wink. "I'm a smuggler. I've made a career out of ensuring people don't find the things I hide."

Perrin's anger at her was almost a tangible thing, something taut and heavy stretched through the air between them. He didn't like her, and something told her he wasn't going to stay out of this the way he should. Perhaps he needed a bit more encouragement to behave.

"Feel free to try, if you absolutely must. If you ever feel like gambling with Nessa's well-being, that is. I told you she was safe, and that's true, as long as you–" She patted Perrin's shoulder. "–don't go sticking your nose in places it doesn't belong. Either way, it's for the best. Either you stay out of it and Nessa gets to be happy and well-cared for, or you cause a mess, and she gets to learn to use those gifts of hers the hard way."

Datura was... mostly bluffing, but with the crazy light in her eyes, she knew she didn't look it. After all, it was a common enough tactic among crews. It was how she'd first learned to use her pewter when she'd been new and inexperienced in the underground. Crewleader said to treat the new girl rough, that she needed to learn how to take hits and lose unfair fights. She remembered his sneer when he'd said that pain was a better teacher than anything else.

Even if Perrin decided to cause trouble, she wasn't going to take it out on Nessa. But it was easy enough to pretend that she would.

[Perrin]

Perrin clenched his jaw; was he so sure that Nessa was here that he was willing to risk her well being? He couldn't take that risk. Ignas had to come face him himself eventually. For now, Nessa was 'safe'. "I'm sure we'll be in touch, Mouse. Tell Ignas to stop being a coward and come talk to me himself." He smirked at her, though the expression didn't touch his eyes.

Maks looked between the pair, "A pleasure to meet you. Hopefully our relations in the future will be less.. tense."

Perrin snorted and pushed his way past Datura, all but shoving her out of the way. He was still tempted to run out and call Nessa's name, hoping beyond hope that she was here. The odds just weren't in his favor. "Hurry up, Maksy boy! We don't want to take up any more of the Mouse's time."

Maks gave a slight bow and followed behind Perrin, hands clasped behind his back.