Recudor: Repaying the debt

"Wait! I need you for a little longer!It's vital and I should have mentioned it earlier!" He yells as he runs after her.

He stops and but does not really need to catch his breath, being used to running for extended periods of time.

"Alright, listen. I was going to mention Tispery to you because something happened to him, and it would not have been a good idea to say it in public, as well I do need to say, my friend that you helped me escort back to the high class distract... the reason i was looking for her was because she ran off, her soul trap was being taken to be fixed, and because her soul was attached to it, she felt it tug at her and could not resist going after it. The trap was leaking, and if it was not repaired or if the soul wasn't moved, she would have died. The thing is, I found her imprisoned and her trap was sold off apparently by some criminals. I know this might be a bit of a stretch and very strange, but I have seen her trap on multiple occasions before it was removed from her person, and it had a chain attached to it. And I think you may have it. I will say, I have my reasoning for this. You noticed how she looked so incredibly exhausted and derelict? Well after you left, she started to feel better, which leads me to believe that you might have acquired her trap. I have no intent to rob you, or betray you in any way, but I would appreciate if you at least heard me out this time." He takes in a large breath and exhales, and then looks back at her.

"Sorry if that's so sudden but the better part of this day I've been searching for her only to find what's keeping her alive was sold off." His eyes were locked on hers for the entire conversation, not once did he look away.

A bit taken aback the girl raises an eyebrow. "You mean this?" she asks and opens her satchel, pulling out a fine silver chain. When she opens her hands however there is a silver replica of of Clarent's soul trap with an azure stone. She then reaches back into the satchel and pulls out the initial gold one with the pink stone. She holds the gold one up over her head to look at it which reminds Sharpe of how short and, infact, young she appears to be. "This one's pretty muddy though. I don't see how something like this would help anyone. But from what you just told me I think I get a pretty good idea of what's going on there." She pauses and puts the two pieces back into her satchel. "I'm not a massive fan of jewlery, but I can't part from these. I got them as a bargain for 600 gold pieces..." she says, though Sharpe drowns out the rest of her babble as he is overwhelmed with shock. 600 gold pieces, surely it was a joke of some kind.

Sharpe then snaps out of it, noticing that she has stopped to talk and is staring at him. "I can see it in your eyes, you think I'm lying. I don't blame you. I don't look the part but I know how to take care of myself." she says and pats her satchel a few times. "I'm sorry to say, I put a lot of money out for these. They're mine and I'll have to hold on to them." she states.

Sharpe stares at her, mouth slightly agape. 600 gold?

"I... No that's not why I'm shocked. I don't think you're lying. I have seen people younger than you, less able as well. I do not doubt your capability. But the fact of the matter remains that you have something that is not jewelry, but a protraction device, and it contains the soul of someone who without the device in her possession, will die without it."

"I know this is going to be pushing it, but I need only the pink one. I'm not asking you to sell it or just hand it over to me. You spent money on it, and you might as well make use of it... but perhaps I could borrow it for a time. It was our original intent to transfer her soul to another trap, since this one was leaking her soul out. She would probably want it back afterwards, I can imagine it might be a family heirloom, or something of massive importance to her." He looks away in the direction he left Clarent. He swallows, then flicks his eyes back to the girl's.

"I could see about persuading her to give it up. But that trap is all I need. I am a man of my word, and I would not see you leaving the city without upholding my part of the bargain." He bows at a ninety-degree angle, and then resumes his position.

"Forgive me for my complete intrusion into your business, but you have inadvertently involved yourself in affairs of concern to myself, and someone's life is in danger. Before I was a mercenary, it was my job to help and save people. If you let me borrow that - only borrow - You will have seen that path as well."

He hopes that perhaps, he can appeal to the girl's sense of morality. If this doesn't work, he won't know what will beside resorting to... no. He will not resort to force or thievery.

The girl listens to him, her visage friendly but disinterested. She lets him speak without interrupting, despite having already made up her mind. Though when Sharpe mentions the possibility of her seeing the path of saving people he immediately gets a churning in his stomach, a strong sense of nervousness striking him, as the girls expression constricts and her eyes widen in sudden rage. She quickly turns away from him and clenches her fists tight. After a moment she calms down and adjusts her concealed rifle on her shoulder, making sure it sits comfortable. She then turns around to him, her expression once again friendly, though he still feels the underlining tension emitting from her. "I'm sorry, but, whatever happens there doesn't affect me in the least. I know full well what these are, and without what's inside, they would certainly not be as expensive." she turns and begins to walk away, each step strong and her whole stature tensed up. "Excuse me, I have a bounty to pick up." She says and continues walking.

Sharpe balls his fists, and he grips his sword but doesn't pull it out. He sits there, watching her leave.

"Fine." He mutters to himself.

"This is the kind of bullshit I left Teyness for. But of course I would find it again."

His heart pounds again. His past comes back into focus in his mind. He sighs, trying to think of what he'll have to do. Either he will have to find a way to get the trap from her without noticing... or probably for the better, rid the city of it's criminal problem, get the girl a refund. He turns around and walks back toward the house, hoping Clarent didn't suddenly lose all strength and collapse.

He has a week to make things work.

The two part ways as the girl goes off to do whatever she had planned and Sharpe makes his way to the house.

When he gets close to the house he see's Clarent standing in the door with her back turned to him. She's peeking inside, as if checking on something, and then backs up and closes the door. She turns around and sees Sharpe suddenly behind her, gasping in surprise. "Goodness, you scared me." she says and then turns partway back to the house, looking at Sharpe still, but pointing at the door. "I think there is someone inside?" She states a little unsure. She barely remembers any of the people since she had only known some of them for a few hours before she collapsed.