Hudson gave himself a quick once over as he adjusted his headscarf and shawl. He looked much the same as every other human native to the Qahtani desert, with dark skin, gray eyes, and a wiry build gained from years of living in a harsh environment. He was a tad shorter than he was in his past life, standing at just under six feet tall.
Unlike most humans in Tal'Qamar, Hudson's skin was smooth and unblemished to an unnatural degree and he hid two ears filled with piercings under dark, shoulder-length hair. Both his unnatural skin and his many piercings were consequences of his service to Cerebon, which Hudson did his best to avoid advertising.
Not because it was illegal to be a [Cultist] or anything of the sort, but because the Conclave only tolerated worshippers of foreign gods in their city so long as they remained appropriately discreet and paid a satisfactory bribe every once in a while. After all, the Conclave wasn't above suppressing their competition if given the chance.
It's a shame. I'm sure a face like this could convince plenty of people to worship Cerebon, Hudson mused, smirking as he appreciated his own reflection. Worshiping the God of Flesh and Transformation definitely has its benefits.
Just as Hudson felt satisfied with his inspection and was about to continue along his way, he spotted a familiar set of white robes in the reflection that caused him to let out an annoyed sigh.
Damn it. Just when I thought that I wouldn't have to deal with them today.
Turning around, Hudson was greeted with the smug and greedy expression of Cleric Sethash, a mid-ranking member of Suhail's temple. As the lizardkin approached with an arrogant saunter, Hudson resigned himself to leaving this interaction a few silver short.
"Well, if it's my favorite heretic," said Sethash, his large tail swishing lazily from side to side. "Suhail favors me on this day. I was very much hoping to see you on my way to the Spire Gardens, and here you are."
Hudson wanted badly to make a snarky quip about the lizardkin's interest in him, but barely managed to restrain himself.
"Cleric Sethash, what a surprise," Hudson said with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Always a pleasure. To what do I owe the honor?"
Sethash narrowed his vertical-slit eyes, studying Hudson with a gaze that felt more like a snake sizing up its prey. "I merely wished to congratulate you. I've heard how successful your little… business has become. You must've become quite flush with gold recently."
If Hudson had only recently reincarnated in Tal'Qamar instead of enduring its pervasive corruption for over two decades, he would likely be seething with anger right now. Instead, he only felt a familiar simmering frustration and a yearning to become powerful enough that nobody would dare harass him like this again.
"You flatter me, but business is not quite as good as you might think," Hudson lied, feigning embarrassment as he rubbed his neck awkwardly. "However, I do think I can spare a small donation for the Conclave. You all do so much for this city, that I think it's only fair. How does… six silver sound?"
Hudson really didn't want to allow his bribes to increase in price just because he was making more than he used to. Sethash was the greedy sort, frequently using his authority to threaten anyone he could get away with extorting. Given that only the military and the Great Houses could rival the Conclave in power, Sethash had a long list of potential victims to choose from.
Hudson mentally prepared himself to haggle as much as necessary, which was why he was so taken aback when Sethash merely sneered at him and extended a scaly hand expectantly.
"Very well. Six silver it is," said Sethash, voice thick with impatience. "Be grateful that my presence is requested in the Spire Gardens, heretic. Otherwise, I would ensure that you show more enthusiasm in donating for the benefit of the Conclave."
Hudson could hardly believe his ears, but he wasn't the kind of person to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"Oh? Is there something big happening today?" Hudson asked as he carefully retrieved six silver coins from his pouch and handed it over to the lizardkin. Knowing the value of information, he pulled out an extra silver and waved it suggestively toward Sethash.
"The Conclave is gathering in the Spire Gardens and the palace," said Sethash, only hesitating for a single moment before greedily grabbing the silver. "The reasons are none of your concern, heretic, so don't bother asking."
Hudson could immediately tell that Sethash had no idea why the Conclave was gathering from his annoyed expression.
Whatever. It's got nothing to do with me. So long as this means that I don't need to worry about running into any more of the bastards, I'll just count my blessings.
Seemingly in a hurry, Sethash turned without another word and began walking toward the Spire Gardens. Hudson waited until the lizardkin was out of sight before continuing along his way, a quickness to his stride.
His clients weren't the kind of people who it was smart to keep waiting.
It took a few minutes of walking, but Hudson eventually reached the towering walls which separated the Inner Circle of Tal'Qamar from the rest of the city.
As he approached the armored guards, Hudson reached into his pouch and retrieved a sun-shaped silver emblem that would grant him free access into the Inner Circle, a gift from one of his previous clients. Hudson had been more than happy to waive his usual fee in favor of being able to pass by the guards without paying the toll.
The guards glanced quickly at the emblem before lazily waving him through. As he stepped through the large archway and entered the Inner Circle, Hudson was immediately struck by the stark contrast between the two areas.
Where the Spicebloom Bazaars had been a bustling cacophony of merchants, noise, and dusty streets, the Inner City was an oasis of opulence and serenity. Streets paved with polished white stones gleamed under the sun, flanked by lush gardens and opulent manors. The atmosphere was much quieter, making Hudson feel as though he had stepped into an entirely different world.