As they descend the stairs, Ethaniel speaks softly to Sidara.
Then he grabs the elf's arm to add, "That wasn't a serious request. Don't get us any further in with these people than you already have."
The elf chuckles at something the halfling says, as he grins and bows theatrically in return.
@Tam
Tam walks over to Saul, "I'm sorry Saul, I'm very wounded... I should be fine enough to do my regular duties tomorrow though... of course I expect no pay for this evenings work."
Saul replies, "That is not a problem at all. You have not long been with us long at all and have already put your trust and life into my partners hands. Don't worry about pay for the evening, I'm sure we will see it through just fine enough. The way this place has been performing, I should think we all may be in for a bonus. Do as you must and we shall see you fighting fit tomorrow, perhaps."
He glances over at Samaritha, the red haired elf barmaid; and comments to Saul, "I'll pay for some dinner and go back to bed to rest and heal... perhaps in the morning Ethaniel can heal me sufficiently to be of use again."
Samaritha replies, "Why you look absolutely drained friend. If you like I can bring your meal to your room. I will see if I can get a break. Perhaps I can see to some of those wounds if you like. Let me check if I can get some cover."
Whilst Samaritha leaves the bar area looking to get a few moments free to aid you, another well attired and attractive female elf whom had just been purchasing lodgings for the evening looks up and says, "Pardon my overactive hearing but I am actually here looking for Iscarel or Ethaniel. I believe they are expecting me. If you could point one of them out for me, I could heal your wounds as a kindness in return."
Samaritha returns and has another bar maid in tow. "I have put in your order with the kitchen. I have about 10mins if you care for some company." She appraises the other elven female whom had been talking to you but shows little expression other than to look at you awaiting your reply. Something in her brow and eyes suggest you should accept.
@Iscarel
Did you set upon my softspoken friend with such cruelty too, I wonder? Pray, what ever happened to pleasantries?
Sidara, "We actually set upon each other much the same. He is softly spoken but speaks from his heart. His words are not coated or shrouded."
"It takes sixty moons to know a man, or so my kinsmen used to tell me. You know nothing of me, and you are a fool to think otherwise." he says, icily.
Sidara, "Your kinsmen were forest folk no doubt. For surely in the height of Elventimes we, to one another would take many, many moons to really know another elf but this is not high elven times nor is this the forest. In cesspits much like this, I see right through each and every individual and in moment's I know what there greatest sin is. You call me a fool but too long you have spent here. You know little of what skills and abilities range the world and it's inhabitants. You are not a fool Iscarel, you are just ignorant."
"I will play Shorafa's game for tonight, out of love and obligation, but I will not subject myself to the delusions of a judgemental murderer." he scowls, making to stand up, and then sinks back into his chair and beginning anew, the hostility melting away.
Sidara returns the icy stare and her chest begins to heave heavier as she measures you.
"... and wallowing, is it?" he adds, with a disarming chuckle. "Forgive me if I'm wrong, kinsman, but are you not wallowing in this city also? Hm? Why do you stay? I... am sorry if I offended you, Sidara. I wished to see to the young cleric, for but a moment. I did not expect such a fiery display... Oh... and manka lye quenuva en'lirima nata, quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie?..."
Sidara, "Wallowing, me? Have your sense left you. I arrived on a ship this morning from Korvosa. Unlike you, I am well travelled and ever a foot in new lands. You presume alot Iscarel, far too much. You over stretch yourself. I am privy to much knowledge through my role and go into my preparations well armed and with good information. You are a contact, a foot in the door keeping the way open for me. I am the agent, I am sting."
Tippy, you do manage to see someone cautiously fleecing chips from another drunk customer at the same table. He is doing it so terribly obvious. Gawd, drunk people in a gambling hall could be robbed blind by a good thief.
Saul replies, "That is not a problem at all. You have not long been with us long at all and have already put your trust and life into my partners hands. Don't worry about pay for the evening, I'm sure we will see it through just fine enough. The way this place has been performing, I should think we all may be in for a bonus. Do as you must and we shall see you fighting fit tomorrow, perhaps."
Tam accepts his kind understanding with a nod, "My thanks for your reasonableness, Mr. Saul... I'll shall not forget nor fail to repay your kindness with loyal service."
Samaritha replies, "Why you look absolutely drained friend. If you like I can bring your meal to your room. I will see if I can get a break. Perhaps I can see to some of those wounds if you like. Let me check if I can get some cover."
Tam's eyes brighten at Samaritha's gentle words... and almost against his will a smile of gratitude and... painful memory comes to his face.
"I... would be... honored milady... thank you."
Whilst Samaritha leaves the bar area looking to get a few moments free to aid you, another well attired and attractive female elf whom had just been purchasing lodgings for the evening looks up and says, "Pardon my overactive hearing but I am actually here looking for Iscarel or Ethaniel. I believe they are expecting me. If you could point one of them out for me, I could heal your wounds as a kindness in return."
Tam looks the elven woman over with a measuring eye, instantly wary. He has learned the hard and painful way... most in the world do not provide aid to strangers without a price or an ulterior motive. His gaze is not unkind, but pensive. He tries to see if she possess some holy symbol of her faith or instrument of performing arts that would pronounce her profession or religious affiliation... healing being the purview of gods servants... or Bards.
He speaks politely in elvish,
At Samaritha's return again he can't resist smiling at her welcome presence.
Samaritha returns and has another bar maid in tow. "I have put in your order with the kitchen. I have about 10mins if you care for some company." She appraises the other elven female whom had been talking to you but shows little expression other than to look at you awaiting your reply. Something in her brow and eyes suggest you should accept.
Tam replies to Samaritha, "I would treasure anytime you would grant me in your presence milady..."
Tam ponders her unspoken expression and decides to trust to the lovely bar-maid's intuition.
He sighs speaking plainly to the elven woman, "... but perhaps not every stranger wishing good will for simple request is a hidden knife in the dark. I am weary and perhaps over-sensitive to danger this night milady... I beg please take no offense at my over wary paranoia. My wounds make me pensive and color my politeness. Iscarel is likely upstairs tuning his lute and Ethaniel is the tall quiet bouncer over there..." {Tam points.}
"But be warned - Ethaniel is a holy sting of Calistra and he is ... more cautious than I. You have my thanks for your kindness, I trust to your being as polite to him as me..."
His tone is amiable... but the hidden... {or not so hidden} sentiment is that he will have issue if his comrades are accosted is clear.
Ascaria works her shift quietly and attempts to avoid conversation with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. However, a vigilant observer might notice the genuine smile that creeps onto her face every so often. She obviously is occupied with her own thoughts tonight ... and those thoughts seem to be of the good kind.
Sidara, "We actually set upon each other much the same. He is softly spoken but speaks from his heart. His words are not coated or shrouded."
"Wallowing, me? Have your sense left you. I arrived on a ship this morning from Korvosa. Unlike you, I am well travelled and ever a foot in new lands. You presume alot Iscarel, far too much. You over stretch yourself. I am privy to much...
The elf shakes his head, switching to common. "But let us speak plainly, shall we? I came to Shorafa as an old friend pleading for aid, lest Ethaniel and his friends find their heads mounted over Clegg Zincher's mantlepiece. This was the price she named, and so be it. Our mark keeps his quarters in the basement, alone with his beasts. Shorafa did not see fit to tell me what injustice he bore to the girls, so let us pray that it was a grave one... had I known you would be here so swiftly I would have prepared better, but there are others that are privy to our secret, and they will aid us also, if you wish it." he says, gritting his teeth. "What is it Calistria wishes done?"
@Iscarel
Sidara replies. "I was told that you were working with others at this place. That is of no import, unless they cannot be trusted to keep their knowledge of what is to transpire to themselves." She switches to elven. "One hour before sunrise, we will go to the basement. I will confront this Bojask and take his life. I will need you and Ethaniel and anyone else you each deem trustworthy to assist me with any other threats. The rest of my instruction is mine only. I will perform a rite upon his corpse to complete my task."
Iscarel meets her gaze with a despairing look as she mentions the hour. "Very well. I had hoped at least you would know what the fool has done." he says, shrugging. "I had thought the Savoured Sting favored violence of a more... personal kind, no?"
"Ah, it can't be helped. If I am to take any joy in this it will be that this bloody business is over. Now..." he says, with a beleaguered smile. "If there is nothing else you need of me...?"
Sidara replies before the meeting comes to its end. "I believe you may have an idea of what this man is guilty of before the sun rises Iscarel. There is only one bit of information I cannot share with you for that is for Shorafa and to share is to violate my bounds. Get some rest if you wish."
As you leave the room, you here the stir of what may only be described as a buzzing of tiny wings.
The Goblin closes, having ushered out all the sleepy drunks and those desperate to regain their losses, the usual last few. Saul heads straight to the cashier's counter and disappears into the counting room as was his favored part of the business. The three remaining floor staff begin tidying up the game area and Samaritha cleans up the bar. The dealers all get changed upstairs and the usual inspection of personal wares occurs as they leave. The recruited bouncers do their usual escorting of the ladies and others who require it before heading home themselves. About 1hour after close (4am) Saul still has not emerged from the counting room. Beyar and Hans who are forever near their old boss come up to those of you still awake.
Hans, "Saul's passed out part way through his count guys. His face is buried in his chips and coins. If the past is anything to go by, he wont be up till well after sunrise. I'll do a final check and ensure we're tight locked and them I'm off to bed."
Beyar is already heading off to bed as soon as Hans volunteers for the final check.
Although Ascaria is dead tired from the long and eventful day, somethings about Hans's account gives her goosebumps.
"Passed out? But you are sure that he is ok? I mean with all the Zincher business in the last days..." Stifling a yawn, she looks warily at the others. "Maybe we should check on him... Or am I just a little wound up?"
Although Ascaria is dead tired from the long and eventful day, somethings about Hans's account gives her goosebumps.
"Passed out? But you are sure that he is ok? I mean with all the Zincher business in the last days..." Stifling a yawn, she looks warily at the others. "Maybe we should check on him... Or am I just a little wound up?"
Hans, "If his snoring is not a sign of him being alright then I don't know what else you need. I am not sure if you are implying aswell that I am incompetent or had something to do with his state. He has done this on previous occasions, so I am use to it it. Anyhow, Beyar and I, as you know share the guard room near the cashier cage. To get to Saul in the counting room you have to come through us. I suggest you keep your concerns quiet lest you offend me anymore. Now, I'm off to do my rounds."
I know, like I said, three or four more, then he acts.
Edit: actually I guess I said five or six. Let's make it four. Once he's fleeced four more, Tippy approaches him.
Ethaniel goes up to his room, but is unable to sleep well. Nasty bit of business coming up, and soon. I should be down there, in her room, so that when morning comes, I am ready. She might need me. I should be there. In her room.
Ascaria gives Hans an irritated stare as the guard turns his back on them. "I did imply nothing. Just wanted to make sure everyone's alright.", she mutters under her breath and then is overwehlmed by another yawn. She gives her companions a forced smile. Well, I guess we're all a bit tired, aren't we? Time for bed. She takes Marcus's hand, gives it a light squeeze and then heads for her room.
Iscarel surpresses a chuckle, casting a sideways glance at the others. "Shall we leave them to their revelry? Perhaps the fool has earned that much today."
He seems disappointed to see Ethaniel retiring, pacing over to the bar as Samaritha closes up. "Water, if you please my dear. It's going to be a long night." he cuts Tam a smile. "It's been a long day. But perhaps you could regale me with a tale? You've spoken much of your father, but I know not where you come from." he says, with a smile. "Would you share it with me?"
He'll find a corner in the sitting room with his lute and a book of elvish songs, and watch Tippy work his trade from a distance. If the halfling isn't too busy, he'll beckon him over.
"The hour before dawn." he says to the halfling. "Shorafa and our new guest prove once again their nature. Cruel as wasps and tender as honey..." he says, waxing poetical in his sleepy haze. "But such a godless hour? Give me the rack, any day." he says, miserably swilling his water goblet and sighing. "Will you join me, or will you crawl off for some sleep? I do so enjoy your company."
|
He seems disappointed to see Ethaniel retiring, pacing over to the bar as Samaritha closes up. "Water, if you please my dear. It's going to be a long night." he cuts Tam a smile. "It's been a long day. But perhaps you could regale me with a tale? You've spoken much of your father, but I know not where you come from." he says, with a smile. "Would you share it with me?"
Marcus is glad for the quiet night. He'd spilled quite a bit of blood that day, both his and others. He accepts Ascaria's hand and smile and retires to her room. He brings Apollo with them and sets the heavy dog to sleep in front of her door. A formidable weight to block entry. They were both tired and he would like nothing more than to go to sleep in her arms, a comfort he honestly had not thought he would feel again.
@Tam
Sidara does infact lay a hand upon you as she casts her spell of healing.
Cure Moderate Wounds health returned.
After which she turns her focus on to the floor and watches Ethaniel.
Iscarel soon makes the floor and Sidara eventually approaches him first.
You then head off with Samaritha to your room where she sits in company whilst you eat your meal.
SoH check vs Perc
SoH check vs Perc
SoH check vs Perc
SoH check vs Perc
@Tippy
Unfortunately the dealer at which the little swindler is sitting draws the attention of the dealer who notices his scheme.
As the dealer calls for a bouncer, the thief looks around at the dealer's hand signal and notices unwanted attention coming his way. He gets up and breaks for the door.
Madie on the door realises what is going on however and as the man tries to fly out the door she attacks him.
Stunning Fist Fort Save
Her hit is solid and the man is stunned at the force of the focused strike.
The other bouncers are able to close on him and take him for questioning.
@ Tam & Iscarel
That just makes Tippy more irritated as his potential mark is taken out. He growls as Iscarel beckons him over, and growls at what Iscarel tells him. "I'll be there," he says testily and stalks off.
Iscarel sighs heavily as the Goblin empties, laying his lyre aside and lounging back in his chair, staring at the pale moonlight, wavering in the wake of the ever larger shadow in the sky. He picks himself up, and throwing thought of sleep to the wind, unlocks the backdoor and slips out into the street, making sure to keep his head down.
Iscarel would like to pawn off his silver ring and empty his coinpurse to purchase some Oil of Taggit. (Should leave me with ~60gp with the value of the ring.)
Tam's eyes widen at the sudden healing of all his wounds as the power of the divine flow over and through him.
"My thanks, dear lady. Praise be to whatever deity you give worship to."
Tam bows politely and respectfully to the elven woman but impinges no further on her kindness or patience as she seems focused on her own concerns.
Tam does indeed welcome Samaritha's company for his evening meal he tries to keep his conversation over dinner upbeat and jovial focusing on asking about her life and relating his good life and accomplishments in Kaer Maga when he worked as a thief-hunter and detective specializing in security for businesses and rich home owners.
He makes no overt moves upon her company but the way he cannot take his eyes off her eyes or gaze longingly at her curly reddish hair are not missed by Samaritha. He is however a perfect gentleman and its obvious... her simple presence and company have lifted his spirits like no other has in a long time.
After his private dinner with Samaritha he thanks her for her kind company and rearming himself for action or duty returns to the common room and the rest of his companions.
He is in good spirits his step lighter and for once the pall of doom has no hold over his expression... indeed he smiles now and again as he joins in the evening conversation and simple talk.
At Iscaral's questions he furrows his brow a little not in anger just in distasteful recollection of a painful past.
He replies, "I'd rather not speak of my mad and black-hearted father... if there is any justice in the heavens he will come to a bad end as he so richly deserves but, I don't come from anywhere in particular. Under my father's... 'parentage' we roamed about from one nefarious scheme of his or another! My 'home' as I claimed for myself came when I parted his company - I'd hoped for good in Kaer Maga. There, I lived a simple and honest life as a privately hired thief-hunter and security specialist for businesses and private homes to protect them from burglary. I lived with my love Liara and enjoyed her bardic virtuoso in song and string. It was a good life."
Tam gives Marcus a silent gesture of farewell an good evening as he and Ascaria retire... he favors them with a kind smile of satisfaction.
He listens to Tippy's surly dourness and asks him, "Will you not share at least a drink with us 'stealthy blade'... perhaps a drink or two will lift your spirits Tipy? My treat."
He has no idea what Iscaral and Tipy are planning for 'later' nor does he really wish to know only he sees a battle-comrade in poor spirits and wishes to change that if allowed. Out of professional respect he does not ask what schemes they have for later that evening but makes light conversation as long as they will share.
"Drink doesn't lift spirits, friend," he replies, the genuine act of friendship removing some of his surliness, "it merely numbs them so one doesn't realize how miserable one is. When I find myself in the employ of a real man, instead of some fat fool who sits safely in his den of opulence and shoots his mouth off at folks who were only trying to do what he had asked, accusing us of doing the opposite, then I'll lift my spirits."
Tam is not shocked at the response only the vehemence of the sorely angered halfling killer.
Tam's expression goes neutral but he nods in agreement, "True, friend slayer... but everything changes... let that also lift your spirits as well. We elves know this. A fool's tongue... often is his own undoing without any need of aid from others. Stalk well... tonight wherever thy need takes thee and know if any seek thee harm you may count on my blades to be your guard in need."
Tam lifts his mug in salute and toast to the dangerous Halfling.
Marcus lays with Ascaria, his sleep untroubled for the first timein so long.
Apollo yawns and splays out, laying against the door...
Those of you who are aware of the early morning plan make your way to the bar area approximately 1hr before dawn. You find Sidara doesn't appear to have left her room as yet.
Tippy, already growly today, is not impressed with the little sleep he's managed to accrue recently. However, he's not so much a fool to jeapordize this little operation with his bad temper, so keeps quiet.
Iscarel is already sitting by the bar, invigorated by the night air and trying to hide his exhaustion behind a sly smile. He nods appreciatively at Tippy, greeting him in the groggy murmur of one who hasn't slept. "I believe I owe you a drink. Gods above, if ever Zincher stops breathing down our necks I'll buy you a vinyard." he says, giving the grouchy halfling a pat on the back. "Thank you, Tippy."
He'll loiter by the basement door, edgy but apparently lost in thought.
Sidara emerges from her room, steely faced and with purpose full upon her face. Noone speaks and so Iscarel stands a leads the way to one of the sublevel entrances. The goblin was locked down and with sunrise only an hour away this would need to go well. Saul had not woken from his slumber in the counting room as yet and apparently he was not likely to do so for a number of hours yet.
Sidara, "Do nothing unless I ask you to do so. This is my task and will not have innocents getting harmed."
Marcus contiues to dream...
Iscarel leads the way to the kitchen and then to the basement entry within.