Don't Shoot the Messenger || Malsolo
Something is definitely wrong. Mal isn't sure what to call the sense, he just knows it has never failed him in the past. His steps may be leisurely as he walks through the crowd, blending in seamlessly, but his hands curl into fists in his pocket.
It's simple enough. Right before the ceremonies, Malik and Farah have an arranged meeting at an old spot. It's in the center of the market; there is something to be said for hiding directly in plain sight. Mal passes the shopkeepers he walked near earlier when he was tailing Liam and stops, scanning the crowd. There, right next to a favorite bun stand is where Farah is supposed to be. Instead, a fidgity youngster is rocking back and forth on his heels, standing out like a sore thumb. Mal walks past the boy, grabbing the edge of his hood and yanking back. The boy stumbles towards him, out of sight of the oncoming foot traffic. Mal's elbow is wedged under his s throat, using the momentum to his advantage.
"Where is she?" Malik demands, his voice full of ice. The messenger can't even grow a proper beard; he's a babe fresh from one of her little encampments. There's a small roll of parchment, clutched in his hands and Mal yanks it free, elbow still keeping him in place. The boy shakes under his grip, and Mal has to make the choice of reading the note or questioning the boy.
A quick, heavy tap to the temple has him unconscious in Mal's arm. He lowers him lightly and without sympathy to the ground. If someone kidnapped Farah, he will have the lead to her. And, if not, it really is her fault for not showing up in person.
Malik picks at the wax seal, unrolling the small page that reveals Farah's loopy handwriting. His brow furrows as he reads, and a grimace turns the corners of his mouth down. Malik tucks a gold noble into the boy's pocket and turns on his heel, flagging down the first messenger he recognizes. It's a young lad, the son of a whore and magician that take up residence at Treefall, who just started running routes. Harold, Malik thinks in his head, eager to please with fast legs.
"Find Rodric. Tell him I have a situation and to meet by the Barn."
