Maelius can see that the two are exceptionally pale, with white hair but otherwise humanoid.
"It's up to you lot," Origen says throwing up his hands, "But I'm not walking in the rain!" He refers to the fact that there are no extra seats anywhere in the carriage.
So you are a gentleman to offer your hand to help me up, but don't have a big enough set to be a gentleman and give up your seat and weather the rain. Fine, I will give up my seat.
She lets her scalding words sink while she gets out of the carriage, preferring it to stop before she gets out of course. Seraphina, will take her cloak an cinch it up tightly to weather the rain as best as possible.
Origen looks outside at the rain, and says, "There's a fine line between gentlemanliness and insanity. I'd rather not flirt with it today."
The driver hears the back and forth and stops for the couple.
What you say oh grand one
After looking back and forth at the two strapping young gentleman (compared to him) in front of him and getting nothing, he sighs, and says, "Fine, m'lady, have it your way."
No sooner does the wizard throw his hood up and step out of the carriage than he, Sera and the guard find their throats at knife point by three beautiful young ladies, seemingly after the same heritage of the older couple. Their smiles are undaunted by smack of rain on their leather armor, or the matting of their otherwise flowing white hair.
"Awfully nice of you lot to give up your carriage on such a nasty day as this," the older lady says in a sarcastic tone, "we could also use a few spare coins if you have any." As she holds out her hand, Origen shoots an angry glance at Sera, as if to say what a great idea this was.
Sera's fist tightens as she is held at knife point. When she sees Origen's look, she replies as if to say, how in the hell was I supposed to know?!
Look...ladies. I don't have any spare coin on me, it was used to purchase the carriage which you wish to take
It's true Maelius quavers Look at us, three of us are poorer than you are. The good gent spent all he had on him to get passage for all four of us
What my colleagues are trying to say is that we are but humble folk. I, for example, am a brewer at a pleasant little inn in the town behind us. This fine carriage is worth more than I've made in the past five years.
Osmundus stands and steps out of the carriage.
"Haha, nice try old man," the girl holding Origen scoffs at Oz, "We're not here to make friends."
The mother looks over the group, frowns, and says to her daughters, "This carriage is in bad shape...and the only one with nice clothes is the state wizard here...they're telling the truth about being poor; drop your daggers, maybe they can help."
The daughter holding up the guard groans, and drops down to pet the horses who haven't had a second thought about the goings-on behind them.
The two in front of the carriage lower their daggers, but don't sheathe them. The mother takes down her hood and her hair floats up briefly before being beat back down by the rain. "I'm sorry we scared you, but we can't trust anyone anymore, and the only way we can make money is by stealing from others; speaking of," she turns to the daughter who was holding up Origen, "give it back," she says sternly; the daughter's head drops and she hands Origen a velvet pouch. This causes him to pat himself frantically, and then grunt furiously.
"Anyway, I wonder if you could help us. When we came here looking for a new start," she gestures toward the now visible outer wall of Gisli "no one would give us work; they were either afraid because they didn't know what a 'Sylph' was, or they'd heard of our race's penchant for manipulation and gossip and made assumptions."
"So naturally we went into business for ourselves as leatherworkers. We'd gotten off to a meager, but promising start until our son, the eldest, never came home from a hunting trip he took to replenish our supplies. When we went to the authorities, they of course did nothing as we aren't citizens of Attica and could care less." The wind began to pick up more and more as she spoke, until her husband firmed his grip on her shoulder, and calmed her--and strangely, the wind--down. It's at this moment that you see the husband is an amputee, missing the lower half of his left leg.
"My wife can get quite passionate about these things, but we are worried about our son, mostly because we've had to revert to theft to make a living; I'm in no shape to hunt and my daughters have never known anything but the life of a rogue. That's why we left our home in the first place, so we wouldn't have to do this anymore. Can you please help us? All we need you to do is convince the city officials to authorize a search party; I'm sure as citizens, they'll listen to you."
Osmundus sighs.
I wasn't born that fortunate, either. My comrades here are citizens, but not me. It does make life more...challenging.
Sylphs! Maelius is fascianted I've never met one of you before and I've heard you have the most wondrous songs! Uh... sorry to hear about your son. Where did he go to hunt? I would certainly be willing to let the authorities in the city know about it and ask them to help.
"Thank you so much," the mother replies, "He normally hunts in the plains to the northeast of town."
The father nods his own approval, "Yes, thank you so much, you're the first souls to show us any real kindness since we made it here. Tena, my eldest daughter," he nods at the young sylph who'd swiped Origen's purse, "will accompany you, keeping her hands clean mind you," he added this more for her benefit than yours. "That is, of course, if that's alright with you, I just didn't want to waste any more of your time than necessary."
"Once you get them to agree to a search party," he continues, "you can just send them on with my daughter, and your generosity will be proven of more worth than any gold."
Well I'm hardly in charge here, and I don't think we get to vote but I certainly don't think there's any problem with that! Maelius smiles at the indicated Sylph.
I may speak reasonably well, but my words carry little weight. Still, I can try.
Osmundus shrugs sadly.
I feel sorry for you, may the Gods watch over your brother until we can get a search for him. I will do and say what I can to get aid to you and yours
Sera, looks at Origen, her eyes flutter from the ground to his face and back to the ground, I stand by my decision to help people, I am who I was raised to be...but I understand that the world is full of danger now. Sorry
Seraphina, continues to walk, with the young Sylph lady. She makes idle chat, trying to "bury" the hatchet so to speak. They had valid, albeit extreme method to do what they did.
Origen sighs, "Fine, she can come with us..." After he sees Sera walking along with her he says, "How about that, we add one more to our number, and we have an open seat in the carriage...ironic." Hopping back into the carriage and out of the rain, he uses the empty seat to lay his soaked cloak down and keep himself dry.
As the party reaches the gates of Gisli, it's very clear that his trades-town is more alive and full of energy than any that the Clemanites remember seeing. They'd heard the latest news and gossip from their suppliers and other travelling contacts, but this picture had never quite been painted for them. The group saw more people in their first glimpse inside the walls than they'd ever seen before in one place. Animals, food carts, street urchins, merchants, and the occasional guard, statuesque against the wild backdrop before them; all of it drenched in the day's rain which had begun to lessen in heft.
The carriage trudged slowly through the mud and madness and Sera and Tena were accosted on all sides by merchants pleading with them to come into their tents and out of the rain. The guard uses the blunt end of his halberd to keep a few beggars back and away from the carriage. Origen encourages the driver to continue on to the local Forum. Once they arrive, Origen invites them all--except Tena--into his office.
The building is unassuming looking: stone and wood like the rest of the street, it honestly could've been anything if not for the brightly shining Two-Toned Mask carved into the door.
The inside is far less unassuming.
On the one hand it's considerably bigger on the inside than the outside, and every surface is covered in brightly shining runes. In the foyer they see an older gentleman holding a class for four acolytes: conjuring fire. Tena is fascinated by the lights and sounds present in such a marvelous ritual. Origen leads them up a twisted staircase to the second floor, which seems to be naught but a series of corridors. He leads them down one hall, two lefts, a right, and on until the third door. He wastes no time in producing a key from around his neck, using it to unlock the door, and heading inside, key in hand. "Have a seat, I'll get your supply money."
Entering the room, they're further astonished, it is also bigger than the distance between doors outside would lead them to believe, and this room is also laden with bright runes. The Clemanites see several seats available to them, and Tena sits in a very comfortable-looking chair, absolutely giddy with excitement. "Not you, Sylph, this is for my...er...friends here, if you'll kindly wait outside." She frowns, but gets up and leaves as requested. Seeing her gone, he approaches the area behind his large desk and speaks loudly
A dark shadow grows and bursts in front of him revealing an iron chest. Unlocking it, he pulls out three bags of gold. He sets them all out on his desk, and locks the chest back. Afterward, he speaks again, . Now the shadows in the room seem to cover the chest and the shadows shrink until the chest is no longer visible.
"Alright, here's the money up front as promised, try to keep it hidden, I hear Lore likes to frequent some...less expensive establishments in the east quarter. You can't miss him." He then shakes each of your hands individually and wishes you luck before sending you out the door.
Maelius is awed and fascinated by his surroundings and by the wondrous magical feats carried out by Origen. He does have one request though before being pushed out the door. Uh, we're a bit fresh off the cart here and we've already managed to get ourselves ambushed by bandits. Could you maybe hang on to the coin and we'll just take what we need from you when we're ready to buy supplies? To be safe. I'll just take twenty gold for now.
Origen grins, nods and takes Mael's bag back after he takes the 20. Turning to the others, he offers the same favor.
Yes, please.
Osmundus really doesn't trust himself with so much money in a big city.
Seraphina would have no clue what or how to spend that much money. Part of her wants to give it all to the downtrodden, but knows that would hinder her more than help her or the party. She accepts the offer to hold on to the rest, and takes 20 gold pieces for shopping, donation or whatever suits her fancy.
After taking the gold, Sera gathers Osmundus and Maelius around her, first we should get the town guards help with the search. After that we should stick together with whatever we do. I would hate for something bad to happen to us while trying to find Lore
"I like that plan!" The whispy pale head of Tena chimes in from underneath them, "Where should we go to find guards?"
We were uh.. hoping that you would know. We're far more strangers to this place than you are Tena Maelius smiles at the Sylph. But yeah, I do think we should get some help for your brother before we do anything else.
"Oh right! You're not from around here. What I meant was, we could ask the ones around here who are more knowledgeable about the goings-on of the rest of the guard, even if they're a little mean--or we could go closer to the east quarter, where the guards are nicer, but less knowledgeable." Her quick and whispy voice was somewhat hard to follow, but the words are eventually processed by the Clemanites.
I vote nicer, perhaps they will help easier with less hassle?
Well let's try the ones closer first. If they don't work out we'll go to the others. Whereabouts are they?
"They usually post one in front of the Forum here, he must've been on break when we arrived." Checking her fob watch, she nods and says, "He should be back by now." The rogue leads them all downstairs, but opts to wait inside rather than meet the guard on account of the fact that they may have met before... As they exit the forum, they find that the rogue was right, and the guard was standing erect at his post.
Maelius brushes himself off a bit and then approaches the guard with a smile Ave Guard. How does the day find you? I was hoping you could assist me. I am Citizen Boni, and this is Citizen Newton. We have a business arrangement with the family of this non citizen Tena who are leather workers. Good Honest Work. Their son disappeared while hunting to replenish their business supplies and any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
"Tena you say?" The tall, drawn guard replies, "That wouldn't be one of those Sylph girls I've seen around would it?" You can tell that he wants to be polite to a pair of citizens, but hasn't heard great things about the name "Tena."
Maelius smiles disarmingly. I'm pretty sure it was Tena. But these Sylph names all sound the same to me to be honest.
"Be that as it may," the guard replies, "I'm not too keen on helping thieves, given my position." He's dismissive, but respectful, ready to hear what else you might have to say.
Seraphina watches as Maelius tries to get the guards help in finding her brother. Seraphina, looks up towards the sky, wondering how her mother is doing without her there to help.
Maleius sighs and tries again Look, you know all these Sylphs look alike and have the same damn names. There's no reason to think the leatherworking family I'm speaking of has anything to do with your thief. A simple request for a patrol already in the area I speak of to look out for a distressed hunter is hardly an imposition I'm sure. You would have my gratitude.
"No reason? You mean aside from the fact that Sylphs are extremely rare? But you're right, without proof, I'm simply being prejudiced. I'll be sure to bring it up to my superiors at the end of my shift, or I can escort you to the guild-district office nearby if you'd prefer."
Maelius breaks into a smile. Thank you, it would be great and truly appreciated if you could escort Seraphina and I to the guild-district office. Maelius motions at Serpahina to come along and to Osmundus to stay with the hidden Tena.
Did you know Seraphina's father was a solider and war-hero? he says as they start to make their way.
Maelius, war-hero is a bit much she says with a laugh and a smile. My father did his country proud, and gave the ultimate price for it...along with a dozen others. He was only doing his job. Much like you my good man, directing us to others who may be able to help us. , she says with a big smile on her face towards the helpful guard.
Osmundus follows along, not sure that he can help so.far. If he sees any taverns along the way, he'll stop to taste the house specialty and try and listen for the latest news.
People are sure to be talking about dragons, he figures.
Tena successfully follows the group in secret.
"Any veteran is a hero in my book. And I'm sorry for your loss." Both are said in a reassuring tone to Sera.
Rounding a corner, the Clemanites find a building taller and a bit more intimidating than the rest, and the guard walks them up to it. "Here we are, the Guild-District City Guard. You'll want to speak with Captain Iyers, tell him Corporal Bertran sent you. I must see to my post." With a nod, he departs.
Oz sees a tavern across the street from the Guard Office, and decides to determine why it's so lively so early in the day...and what that beautiful smell is. Inside, he finds that during the day, the tavern serves as a bakery, with several off-duty guards seated and enjoying a pint and a pastry. Which is apt, as that seems to be the name of the establishment, "A Pint and a Pastry." He orders the signature brew, the "Lover's Lager," detecting hints of cinnamon and perhaps even chocolate?
Obviously, Osmundus isn't all that familiar with the local customs, but he turns on the charm.
While he's at it, a pastry and a pint seems lovely!
I could get used to this!
"Tell me about it," the guard sitting next to him at the bar, with whom he's been having a long conversation answers, "The day they opened this place is honestly one of the best days of my life. Right up there next to being accepted as a guard, and getting married." He cracks himself up in a chuckle.
Throughout his conversations Oz learns that Tena's sister isn't the only one to go missing lately. He and his fellow guards have been getting many reports of young non-citizens going missing. Mostly those of uncommon heritage like the sylphs: full-blooded elves, gnomes, other elementals, aasimars, and tieflings alike.
Due to their status, though, the guards' motivation to act are diminished. "You see, we owe our paychecks to our quarterly reviews which are heavily bolstered by the recommendations of citizens we've served. So no citizen means no recommendation, no recommendation means smaller paycheck, savvy?" This last bit was a bit too close to Osmundus' nose than he'd prefer. It seems this gentleman's been here since his shift ended at about seven in the morning...
Entering the building Maelius asks around for Captain Iyers. If asked why he'll say that Corporal Bertran directed him here as they are citizens looking for help from the Guards.
At the front, there's a small gnome standing on a podium just inside the door flipping through a notebook clearly made for a larger being. He looked up over his reading glasses and said flatly, "So I assume that means you don't have an appointment." Sighing he pointed at a row of benches on which sat a small boy in rags as well as a guard with a large detainee in chains, "Wait there, I'll let you know when he's available."
Sera, you alright with waiting?
Yes I am. No sense trying to rush things, for we may not get the help we need otherwise. I hope Osmundus is fairing better with his pursuits of beverage knowledge, she says with a slight chuckle.
Sera will start humming a tune, she heard as a child from her mother. It always helped pass the time. She tries to sing, but after a few seconds she can see Maelius' nose wrinkle at the horrible pitch and she goes back to humming.
Maelius smiles and uses Sera's tune as a base to strum along with his harp and sing a song about the wonders of Gisli and how its people are protected by their helpful and valorous guards.
After learning of the local troubles, Osmundus will polish off his food and drink, and beg off, claiming road weariness, and poke his nose here and there in hopes of finding the others.
The formerly bustling pace of the guard office seems to slow a bit as everyone, from guard to barrister to convict looks up briefly from what they're doing.
Oz pokes his head in and, seeing his comrades, sits down on the bench next to them listening to Mael's song .
Even the previously flat and seemingly annoyed gnome looks up from his papers, and the furrow on his brow lessens a bit. His lips almost curl into grin...almost. When he's certain Mael will continue for a bit, the scribe stows his reading glasses into his robes and steps down from his stool and walks down the hall.
While he's gone, the boy on the bench tugs at Sera's tunic and asks her quite innocently, "Are you a asi...aas...are you a angel-lady?" he says finally, giving up on trying to say "aasimar" properly.
Sera, stops her humming, allowing Maelius to continue his performance, brightening the people's spirits. She smiles at the boy, Why aren't you knowledge young man. My name is Sera, but I am not an angel-lady, at least not that I know of as she laughs a bit. I am part elf, my father was full elf who fell in love with a human woman and I came from that love. So what is your name young one, and what brings you here?
"A half-elf! Well, you are quite beautiful! My name's Allen, and I'm here waiting on my big brother, Rory...he's in trouble again."
"Allen!" A tall, leather-strapped man comes walking down the hall, shouting the boy's name, grinning. He walks with the uneasiness of a dog up a tree, as if he fears he'll slip and fall on the polished stone floor. As he gets closer, you can see why, his boots are caked with mud and leaves, and he has a longbow and an empty quiver on his back. He approaches the little man and hoists him up as if to stick him straight in the quiver, but the child gasps and squeals in laughter. "You're not lying to your new friend here, are you?"
When he does see the recipient of said lies, his playful smile falls to a more serious gaze. Setting the boy down, he addresses Sera, "My apologies miss, my brother tends to take all my focus sometimes." He bows, and introduces himself, "My name is Rory Dunne," he hold his hand out, "And you are?"