A Tale Of Two Tieflings

Chapter 1 - An Unexpected Encounter

(...In which Valakas performs an uncharacteristic rescue, and experiences an interaction with a noble he isn't attempting to steal from...)

A noble walking down a cobblestone street is no unusual sight in this city, but this one stuck out like a sore thumb. It was clear this noble in particular had not been down this way before as he walked along confidently, rich red satin cape draped over his shoulders, floating gracefully behind him and fastened with genuine gold fixtures, his clean, white silk shirt perfectly pressed without a crease, his jewellery and all his luxurious attire on show like a male bird parading his feathers. He had somehow wandered himself into a different part of town, where someone flaunting their wealth like this was seen as a challenge, and no more than an honest day's work for the local thieves.

As he sauntered past one of the many alleyways moving himself further from any protection offered by patrolling city guards, a strong hand reached out suddenly and grabbed him, pulling him into the alley. There he was met with the owner of this thick, muscular arm - a burly and rather intimidating half-Orc. Alongside him were 2 other half-Orcs, and all were clad in basic light leather armour, openly wielding hand axes and daggers.

The first Orc, still gripping the noble's shoulder tightly, shoved him against the alley wall and brought his axe blade up to the neck of this arrogant aristocrat. "'Ello priddy boy, seems you're on the wrong side o' town, mate." He chuckled with a low, threatening growl.

The noble smirked. "I suggest you remove your filthy hands from me, else my father will bring the full force of the royal guard down upon you and your... compatriots." He said this, gesturing casually to the others.

A moment of silence passed, and the leading half-Orc chuckled with the others, removing the blade from his neck, and for a split moment everybody seemed to relax, before he suddenly grabbed the noble by the neck and held him up against the wall with his feet dangling, hands grasping at the fingers around his throat as he struggled to take full breaths. He was locked against the stonework with powerful force, just enough to trap him and restrict breathing, but not enough to choke him.

"'Ere's 'ow this works, boy,'' the orc snarled, all amusement gone from his eyes, and leaving only glimmers of rage, "You're in my town now, you have no power here, and you're trespassin'. There's a fee for that, and you're gonna pay up, else you can trust that ain't no guard or papa McMoneybags gonna find ya body."

Fear tore across the young elf's face like lightning as he was grappled, and the realisation of helplessness swept across his eyes as he yelled out for help, the scraped cry of which was quickly cut off with a slight squeeze of the hand around his throat.

I had been sharpening my weapons in a connecting alley, when I heard sounds of the commotion, and went to have a look, keeping within the shadows so as not to draw attention to myself. Usually, getting involved in other people's work was against my code, but seeing this idiot elven noble, I felt pity for him. To have the arrogance, boldness and quite frankly the sheer idiocy to waltz in here as if the city's protection stretched this far out, it showed his naivety. Likely this was his first time in these parts, and he'd had no idea.

I decided to intervene and quickly focused on a plan of action.
Grabbing an empty bucket someone had clearly thrown out nearby, I stuck it over my mouth and took a deep breath. Out came a thunderously booming roar - a monstrous snarl that echoed and bounced around the walls from the shadows I was in, as my voice reverberated around the metal.

"What in the heck-" the half-Orc holding the elf whipped his head around to look in my direction, seeing nothing in the shadows, and stepping back which in turn released his captive. The elf fell to the ground on his knees, breathing heavily and holding his neck as he too looked around for the source of the sound.