It was a cool, misty morning down by the port, although some would note it was the usual grey weather. However these "some" were not down at the port that morning but instead were enjoying a nice breakfast either in the comfort of their own home or off in some cozy little cafe, far from danger, and therefore were not present to take note of it. The usual sailors and captains and fishermen and whoever else you found down at a port were not there, well at least not where the two figures stood. They were strangers. Strangers to the town and it's people. They had arrived on a small dingy and had gotten off at a secluded part of the docks. After docking it, the two began arguing in hushed voices, snapping at one another and the use of their hands displayed their aggravation quite clearly. They were men wearing coats and hats, it was clear that the were trying to conceal who they were and did not want to catch anyone's eye, although one, or many may argue that arguing amongst themselves was not the best thing to do if they wished to stay secret. And than it comes into question, over what were they arguing? Well under closer observation the two strangers were arguing over what course of action to take, but for what... and why? This was exactly what young Leila Valdez was trying to figure out whilst hiding behind a pile of empty crates near the two. She had been out for a stroll in the morning, or at least that was what her story was incase she ran into anyone. Leila was really out on an errand for her uncle, she was honored with the role of mailman and had to deliver a letter for him. He hadn't told her the reason why he was having her deliver it for him,or why he had written a letter, or even what the letter was about, but had made it clear to her by repeatedly saying, "no one, I repeat no one should know of this, much less that you went to Mr.Richards to deliver a letter, understood!". What was with all the secrecy? Leila didn't have one, not even in the slightest way, a clue. She would have pestered her uncle about it but thought better of it and after reassuring her uncle that she would not open it or tell a soul where she was headed, silently took it. There were more discreet ways of finding out information or getting what you want, and she was sure being annoying wasn't one of them. She had taken the route that would have her pass through the port, the route she referred to as the "port route" and often praised herself for the creativity she used in coming up with the name. She had opted for the port route over the main streets of the town so she wouldn't run into or come across anyone, and it was also a less crowded, more efficient way of getting by to the other end of town. Leila wanted to also inconspicuously see what was inside the letter. However things had taken a turn for the worst when the two ruffians came into her way. She had seem them coming in and decided it was best to hide, afterall she'd gotten this far without anyone noticing, why stop now? Leila had thus taken the duty to duck behind the crates and hide herself. What she hadn't expected was the two to stand there arguing. Now Leila was under no circumstance nosy, however when your uncle asks you to deliver a letter to an old business partner in the utmost secrecy and than two random folks are arguing and you hear the old business partners name, one does wish to know what is going on. She now found herself straining to hear the argument that was being conducted in hushed whispers.
"...You listen to me you little rascal eh, we are under no circumstance going there...we stay away from Richards and head straight to the council", said the shorter more stouter one of the two. Peering through gap in the crates Leila saw he had a short beard the colour of sand and was red in the face. Did talking really cause that much of strain on him?
"Don't call me a rascal Curtis, the only rascal here is you after all and rascals don't have the authority to call others rascals", said the taller more lean one. He, unlike his companion, was not red faced rather he had a cool, calm and collected, almost bored look on his face. It was clear he did not find the short mans behavior tolerable or his language towards him.
At this Curtis shut up. His face turning an even darker shade of red. The two stared at each other, Curtis glared while his yet to be named companion stood there calmly assessing his partner than shrugged his shoulders and broke the silence.
"Well Mr.Wells, I suppose this is where our paths separate, I am going to Richards if you're coming or not, if the rumors are true than I want to be with the supposedly proper people to handle this situation, besides the council is untrustworthy after all, he worked there for years while he was undercover, who knows how many and who he's got on his end ".
"I suppose you're right Vincent....., it's time our paths separated, your illogical and risky actions could lead to your death and I have no intention of following you down that road. I'll tell 'em you had to return to Halifax due to some family business".
At this the two nodded and walked separate ways, Vincent to the left and Curtis down the right. Leila stayed where she was crouched behind the crates her breathing slow, Richard. The name swarmed in her head each letter presenting itself. They'd spoken of a him. Who was this him? And what on Earth was happening. What were the rumors? And why was the council, according to Vincent, unworthy? Thoughtlessly she checked if she still had the letter than began to open the seal slightly tearing it in the process. She halted, she'd noticed the silence. There was no more talking coming from far off or yells. It was eerily silent. She slowly turned her head and...
"Aha!"
Leila screamed as she fell back causing crates to go flying everywhere. She was on her feet in seconds. It was surprising what a human is capable of doing when they're afraid. Leila recognized her ambush er. It was Vincent. He sat there rubbing the side of his face, the place where the crate she grabbed onto and flung in her fright had hit him.
"Ouch", said Vincent proclaiming his pain.
Looking up at Leila Vincent continued, "you know that was a very unnecessary thing to do, now would you like to tell me-", he was cut short because Leila had broken out of her shock and had took off running as fast as she could go.
"HEY!"
Vincent began to run after her.
