Lucrezia is a fairly patient teacher and most of the first lessons involve learning stances and how to properly hold you weapons so that you won't easily be disarmed. She's rather disgusted that his so called "instuctors" let him develop such bad habits and has quite a few things to say about them during training. Odds are Trent is also getting some instruction in how to curse like a sailor from some of the words she uses.
When it comes to sparring, Lucrezia is careful enough to not break any bones, but Trent will be left with quite a few bruises at the end of each day.
Never having any cause to come down here before, Lucrezia is quite taken aback and disgusted at the slave market. Though she'd never consider herself naive, she just didn't really think about where all the slaves she see about town come from or how cruelly they can be treated.
Looking over at one of the pens holding a group of half-orcs, she wonders: Is that how Orn was sold? I've never asked him or any of the others how they ended up at the Grotto. It just never seemed proper to ask someone how they became a slave.
After they leave, Lucrezia hugs Fiosa, thanking her again for accompanying her to the slave market. She's rather quiet and subdued the rest of the day. Later on at the Grotto, she finds herself glancing over at Orn and the girls, wondering how each of them ended up here. She also ponders how best to approach Lourdou about buy Orn and wonder if it may be best to have a third party make the offer.
"Those look interesting," Orsin says as he approaches. "Though I can't imagine how much you can get out of a book with so many missing pages."
He bows to her once she takes notice of him. "I don't know if you remember me, but I believe we met once before. My name is Orsin Bessatte."
Tweaker thanks Lord Missepe and introdues Tiny. Sir, this is someone I work with that would give me his thoughts for today before I proceed. His tools are the ones I will be using. Tomorrow will be when I would like to sit down with you and lay out what I think is best.
Tweaker does state probably best to get the Guards and Wards up if they do not already. He walks the estate after Tiny has left from looking inside since Tiny was worn out from the mansion. He tries to find the best spots that people would try to scale over the estate so as to have best idea of where to set mundane traps. He does the same with the outside and inside of the mansion. He does meet with the lord and gives simple suggestions as I stated but probably takes a week of sketching to figure things out and when done with that all will make sure to offer them to the lord to keep or destroy.
Duncan clapped Grumm on the back as he returned. Expanding the business are ye? "Grumm Sharpest's Smithy and Orphanage." Sounds weird but I guess if they start young enough they may approach a dwarfs skill by the time they are 40 or 50. Good news. That noble Missepe wants to learn t'fight an daddy commissioned weapons fer im....
Duncan goes on to explain what is required for the Noble's son. Grumm is pleased to be working on the powerful dagger. Not many could afford the cost of such a weapon. It took a few weeks but soon Grumm had handled the Dagger and Rapier, while Duncan and Ermolos had handled the backup boot daggers.
The Rapier was by far, grander in appearance, (a feint as it were, drawing attention away from the more powerful dagger) with a fine basket hand guard with some small jewel laid into the eyes of a roaring lion motif. The leather wrapped handle had gold filigree inlaid into it. Pretty but still providing a good grip. The sheath was oiled leather with a mithral point cap to prevent the blade cutting through the end of the sheath. When drawn it would be a supple tail that would not get in the way of the wielders legs as he fought.
The dagger, meant to be used as an offhand weapon was a duelist blade. Again, fine in appearance with with less ornamentation, it's large cross guard was mirror polished steel with only a single, brilliant ruby inlaid into the bottom of the handle, it's base coming to a point, so despite it's beauty, could actually be used offensively with a backhand smash.
His boot daggers, were far more discrete. Short for daggers, they were single pieces of leather wrapped steel and perfectly balanced for throwing.
When the whole order was finally ready, Duncan gave it Lucrezia to present to the Missepe boy...
"Unfortunately we won't be able ot examine a dead body, since they will most likely dissipate when they are slain. I will look into what the city has done so far, but I get a feeling that someone is making sure that nothing was done."It could be. If we could examine a dead one it would help a lot, but their blood dried up quickly so it might disintergrate after death. perhaps your mentor can inquire on past efforts against the shadowbeasts.
They might either be called every night or lair soemwhere in the city.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was connected to the Council of Thieves. Wasn't it about 30 years ago that the shadowbeasts appeared? I wonder what Houses or criminal groups like the Council were active then. This might be done in revenge if someone fell at that time.
"I don't know, we can bring what we found to Arael. He might be able to help with the history questions we have."
Orsin, the attractive long haired lady looks up from her books somewhat startled at first. "Oh...good afternoon." She halfheartedly smiles,"Yes...I do remember...I'm Ailyn Ghontasavos." Your comment starts to sink in, "I've been immersed in research...yes, it's a shame what people can do to good books."
Tweaker the Lord, a trusted adviser and the Captain of the Guard would all walk with you and Tiny. Each listening intently and each asking specific questions as it relates tot eh security measures and their points of view. It doesn't take long to realize that the elf adviser is wizard of some skill, while the Captain of the Guard is capable fighter of some sort.
Your suggestions and answers appear to be well received, the big concern being not to create a deathtrap that could injure innocent folks on the grounds. All-in-all they did not realize how under-protected they were on the grounds. That it security isn't just about man-power and some common magical spells that it is more complex.
Lucrezia offers a great many compliments to Grumm on the quality of the weapons when Duncan bring her by the smithy to pick them up. "I will surely be coming back here when I save up enough commission a special weapon."
By the time the weapons are done, Lucrezia figures that Trent has made sufficient progress to wield them. She will make sure his father is present when she presents them to him and speaks appreciatively of the work that Grumm has done.
Orsin sits down beside Ailyn at the book-covered table. "Mind if I inquire as to what you're researching? I've spent a lot of time here as of late and might be able to offer you my help."
Andrea is also busy during the following weeks and after the research has a full schedule.
Andrea checks in with Emily, the girl who called the group into the basement while they were in the ruined area. After getting her a simple but nice dress, Andrea presents her to Gerald as Andrea's assistant, Andrea will teach Emily about counting coins, rolling them, and running other errands at the Exchange House, making sure she learns the fundamentals of math and can even charm the noble visitors by bringing them little drink while they relax.
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Andrea will also do a little shopping and buy Fiosa those heels she was looking at.
These would go wonderful with some nice hosiery. Mm...Your legs will look wonderful in a nice garter, maybe white.
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Andrea also finishes scribing a few scrolls taht she had bought the components for. Ones that help against sickness and fear if they plan on going into the sewers or fighting the shadowbeasts. Her money was still a little tight, so she would need to wait before buying a healing wand.
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Andrea also helps tutor Fiosa in matters of the divine. Demonstrating the miracles Andrea knows to increase her knowledge and talking about channeling and domains. Since Calistria and Pharesma share Knowledge os Spheres, Andrea can pass along what she knows(Although through the lens of Calistria.)
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As for her final task, Andrea brings up a subject she has wanted to talk to Fiosa about.
Fiosa, how about we live together? I can move into your place and let Tweaker start renting my apartment since he is looking for a place to stay.
Tweaker does assure them that the amount he is suggesting is because of them being targeted. They have a good chance of something happening that isn't just the loss of some valuable goods. If it was just worrying about burglary then it would be a lot less being offered. It all comes down to how much someone wants to protect their lives. Some believe the basics work but if someone is after a life then most times they use things that will get around what would foil most burglars.
Trent and his father are very appreciative with the weapons that are presented. The quality of the blades and the explanation behind each weapons purpose is enlightening. Each nodding that they understand that they are not mere weapons but their was a logical reason why each was chosen. Trent receives the gifts and immediately starts to practice.
His father has already made arrangements for the weapons payment. He mentions that Gruum's shop will busy with some new equipment for his house guards.
He does inquire about his son's training.
She waves you off Orsin, "I've hit another dead end and I must be going. Perhaps we will meet again Orsino Bessatte." With that she picks up the books and begins to restock them on the shelves.
Fiosa's eyes widen with the idea of living together than suddenly her expression turns sad. "I live ...um..er...at the Safe house for the most part. I thought you knew that." She drops her shoulders in a dejected manner.
Lucrezia over the next few weeks Orn seems thrilled with the new friendship he has developed with you. He is always careful when the Master is around and the working girls make sure they do not rib him too much.
Alphonse seems to be have gotten better with his demeanor now, he talks about adding to his staple of girls. At one point in time he approaches you to see if you want to earn "good" coin like the others? "Course that sailor mouth of yours should attract plenty of special customers, just fine."
Duncan there is definitely an uptick in new business hitting Gruum's shop now.
Lucrezia will critique Trent's progress for Lord Missepe. She'll also mention how impressed she has been with his determination to learn.
When Lourdou makes his "offer", Lucrezia is taken quite off guard, she wasn't exactly expecting that sort of question. She manages to stammer out: "Uhm, no thanks. That's not exactly the kind of work I wanna do." Later on though she wonders what he meant by "special customers" and will even ask Tracy about that.
Fiosa's eyes widen with the idea of living together than suddenly her expression turns sad. "I live ...um..er...at the Safe house for the most part. I thought you knew that." She drops her shoulders in a dejected manner.
Andrea looks a little embaressed Oh, I thought you only stayed there ocasionally, did you have lodgings elsewhere?
Andrea places her finger under Fiosa's chin and tilts her head up. Well, my apartment is small, but smaller is cozier and I would be more than willing to make room for you.
Lucrezia also spends a good bit of her free time (and most nights) with Orn, getting to know him better. Eventually she'll ask him: "How did you end up working here?"
At some point Lucrezia will also go buy herself some new clothes. Tunic and pants type stuff that she still fight in, just better quality that what she usually wears. She wants to look at least halfway decent when turning up at the nobles house to train Trent.
Orsin watches Ailyn gather her books and leave, a little stunned that she rejected his help. A guy with his Charisma is unaccustomed to getting "no" for an answer.
He's troubled by the information he's recovered regarding the lost play, but the thrill of getting closer to his best friend's killer drives him to give some of his best performances to date. The opera singer has turned the supporting role of Belial into one of the most magnetic characters on stage and Orsin turns every aria is a show stopper.
Orsin before you arrive at you last matinee performance there are a dozen black roses in your small dressing room. There is also small flute and a card is slid under the flute.
Orn would say, "My mom was a room worker with a pesh addict'n in Kat'pesh, when her addict'n got to be too much she sold me and sis to slavers fer a few pipes and coppers. Hav't seen me sis since that day." He quickly looks down and cleans the chairs.
"I don't take up much room," she smiles broadly. "I don't have many things either."
"I work part-time for a local merchant, he has a room for some of his house workers. Couple of them are slaves that I help out. I sleep there if I have double shifts."
Andrea smiles at Fiosa accepting her offer and kisses Fiosa to seal the deal.
Plus a few more kisses for luck..
..and a few more just because..
A bread roll suddenly bouces off Andrea's head. Oy! Larko jibes. Get a room ya two.
Sniggers filled the room the two lovebirds found themselves the focus of attention.
Not really knowing what else to do, Lucrezia goes over to him and gives him a hug and a kiss. "I'm sorry Orn." I wonder what the odds are of ever finding her?
Not really knowing what else to do, Lucrezia goes over to him and gives him a hug and a kiss. "I'm sorry Orn." I wonder what the odds are of ever finding her?
He hugs you tightly squishing you a bit, not realizing his strength, "Why you ask those questions?'
"I don't need these items no more...his chainmail and his shield. Not since I have this armor." He thunks his breastplate, "And that there shield just gets in the way of my ax, no need toting it around."
Orsin the detail on the flute is absolutely amazing perhaps the most beautiful woodwind instrument you have seen. The pretty calligraphy reads: "Orsino Bessatte" on the envelope under the flute. The envelope itself is a finely crafted stationery.
Orsin asks the stagehands and other singers backstage if they saw who delivered the instrument and flowers.
I saw anything, 'Been busy...sorry. Probably a florist...that who usually delivers flowers." as the stage hand rushes off.
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The costume coordinator shakes her head, "Ain't got time to know dropped off love gifts."
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After Lucrezia manages to catch her breath after his hug: "Well, you see, when I thought I might be getting fired, I started thinking on how I'd be missing the people I work with here. Especially you. I realized that if I got fired and banned from this place, that I might never see any of ya'll again. 'Cause it wouldn't be like you could just up and leave here and come with me or anything. An then I started wondering how you ended up to start with. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was prying or anything, but I wanted to know."
His brow crunches up "You think lots." He is obviously trying sort through all the thinking and clauses on how you got thinking about things. He grins after a few moments when he has processed everything, "So, you were thinking about me! more a statement than a question.
The make-up artists comes in and starts to fix your hair and make-up. "Pretty flute" gorgeous waif girl that delivered them. I've seen her before....never worked with her though...<clicking of fingers together searching for the name>.
Lucrezia can't help but smile back at him. "Yes, I was thinking about you."
Tweaker after three weeks you have the Missepi compound pretty darn secure with most of your security measures in place. Your friend Tiny's business has has been bustling with new jobs and orders. Word of mouth that some of the nobles favor the shop does wonders for business.
"Calseinica?" Orsin offers.
Andrea you can see that Fiosa's healing magic is getting a stronger with her religious studies. Now that you live with her, you can see that her dedication and self improvement is admirable. She, also, tries to get at least an hour of weapon practice in each a day.
"Calseinica?" Orsin offers.
She shrugs as she applies the make up, "I didn't work that show with you. Probably why it closed down so quick. But that sounds about right." Finishing up the final touches with a flurry. "I do outstanding work" She turns to walk out of the room with her ego. "I can make the dead look fantastic," she chimes happily. Pretty much the same demeanor she displays day in day out.
Andrea you can see that Fiosa's healing magic is getting a stronger with her religious studies. Now that you live with her, you can see that her dedication and self improvement is admirable. She, also, tries to get at least an hour of weapon practice in each a day.
Andrea will practice with Fiosa as well and even suggest she ask John or Duncan for weapon tips.
Ermolos is doing well with his apprenticeship to Duncan, so he can lend a hand as well.
Andrea will attempt to do a little information gathering around town to see if anyone has gotten eye-witness accounts on the Shadowbeasts, and combated them. She also inquires about the Chruch of Asmodeus's stance on them
Andrea your seeking comes up with a lot of nasty stares and doors in your face when you inquire about shadow beasts. A couple people will discuss their dogs or cats have gone missing, or family members but nobody has actually been silly enough to go out and encounter one and live to brag about it.
There is only ONE openly accepted religion in the city proper, the Church of Asmodeus. Anyone clergy of that religion will shun you.
Tweaker will offer to assist Tiny as he can. Tweaker has thought of Tiny as just a tinkerer but found out he was really a master craftsman of the hidden things (traps). He has learned that Tiny was using him to test his creations.
Tweaker is still trying to learn how to do all this stuff. He has never really had to do more than wander. It is a new experience. He is still enjoying the work as he is expanding his knowledge of his craft.
Hmm This looks like John's territory.
Lucrezia and Andrea you would have heard that today is Orsin's last performance in this Opera run he is currently performing. Fiosa would have hinted about her desire to go see him sing as he has such a lovely voice.
Orsin still wonders as to the true identity of the gift giver, but for now, for this last performance, it can wait: the show must go on. Still, black roses? A little macabre, he muses.
With the final curtain call Orsin smiles broadly when he sees Shinon and Chelsi Longbottom in one of the box seats. The bard, glad to have made good on his promise to the ranger, considers meeting up with them after the performance, but realizes that they should enjoy their evening without intrusion.
After the performance, Orsin finally begins to admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the flute. Perhaps Amaya would like this...
As you look around the theater you see Arael sitting next to Aiyln, Janiven, Amaya roughly half way up on the left. Strange indeed. Amaya beams when she sees you. Her hands clapping frantically when you make you grand entrance.