The Truth of a Lie

With far too much attention drawn to a Mul'niessa, and with her in the immediate vicinity at the time, Aya departed promptly following Daechir's disappearance for her own self-concern. Since that time, she has kept to the more shadowed alleyways as she makes her way elsewhere in the city.

After a few moments of walking alone the sound of footsteps can be heard behind her, a steady gate followed by the gentle chime of a bell. The sound of the footsteps is not ominous - not with the twinkling bell - but it certainly draws attention to itself.

The footsteps are a concern, though the bell is an entire curiosity. She then finally pauses to turn, brow arching as she spies her tail. "I would warn most that following me is unwise. You would be one of the few exceptions."

Daechir regards her with interest, the sound of the chiming bell stopping with his footsteps. "I thought it wise to walk loudly." His red eyes meet her gaze solidly. "So you do not mind me following you then?"

Aya's mouth lifts at one corner. "Not when you do so loudly enough to make your presence known. Have any others accosted you yet?"

"Not yet," Daechir admits smoothly. "I expect it will not be long however. What about you? Should I be worried that you will be one of those people?"

Aya arches a brow at the question. "I expect to be accosted on most evenings. As for my accosting you; doubtful. Why would I do so?"

Daechir smiles a little more widely. "For tarnishing the reputation of every Mul'niessa in Alexandria, would be my first thought."

Aya rolls one shoulder. "We are already suspect and presumed guilty for most any ill, real or imagined, that the citizens face."

"And yet here I am. I have made many of them certain that we are exactly what they think of us." Daed takes a step toward her.

"So I noticed," Aya waves a hand vaguely. "I can only infer, from the public spectacle, that it was wholly intentional. I'm uncertain what I find more bemusing: that it was so blatant, or that a far number of onlookers here would find it believable."

Daechir makes an amused noise and looks a little embarrassed. "I did not realize what she intended to do until she did it. I would have preferred more subtle means but... It did make a potent statement that as you said; many seemed to believe." He sighs.

Aya dips her chin to acknowledge that. "It was not a terrible performance. In fact, it was not until her words to me that I fully realized it was likely a ruse. In hindsight, I'm mildly surprised she didn't make arrangements with me. Afterall, the Sith already believe me to be a supporter of their enslaved, if not an active slaver myself."

"She acted in haste; I had only just made the offer." Daechir takes a breath. "It must be difficult for you, to have people believe such of you. Or... have you embraced the role, and used it to aid you against these people?"

"It has its uses, on occasion, but can be a hindrance more often than not," Aya rolls one shoulder. "I expect that the reason Yelrona didn't approach me with the subject could well be that she was, or is, uncertain whether the assumptions were true. I've never taken any action to enforce their beliefs, and I've acted against slavers and others whom most would assume I am in league with." Now her other shoulder rolls. "Still, their bias persists."

Daechir nods and takes another step closer so that they are companionably close to one another. "I would rather not tarnish the reputation of the Mul'niessa, but it would be worth it to me to stop the slavers." His own red eyes search hers. "I understand if this is too much to ask of you, but... will you aid me?"

Aya arches a brow. "That would depend on what you would ask of me. As for Yelrona's hunt for slavers, specifically those seeking an acquaintance of hers..." One corner of her mouth lifts, "I have been involved for some time. She can confirm that."

"Aproximately the same thing that I requested of Yelrona. Spread the word that I am in league with them. Spread the word of my familial name particularly. Those who know the Mul'niessa will know the name Calithailin. Tell people that Daechir is the son of that family." Daed smiles and it is a sad expression. "They will believe you even more than her because they will believe that you know what another Mul is like."

Aya ahs. "I suppose it might be more believable confirmed by one of their own, as it is. I can do so. I had already made some discrete inquiries into the trade; this could be a rational evolution of that."

Daechir's smile becomes a more real thing. "I appreciate it, and your understanding when it comes to what I have done. If I can return the favor in some other way some day - let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate you." He glances down the alleyway. "And now I should go, before you become more of a target than I have already made you."

Aya's return smile is uneven. "Oh, I'd not be surprised that some observer noting us together would only serve to give your ruse more weight. I can deal with those who target me. Be certain that you can do the same."

"There is always the darkness to hide those of us who are unafraid of her." Daed takes a step to move past her just the same, suddenly chiming again. "May the shadow-side of the moon hide your steps Aya."

-End-