Fireday evening Zohruk takes his loss at Siege well enough. First time and all that. With a smile, he takes the hand Vorin offers and says, "And you still owe me a game of darts, too."
Starday morning finds Zohruk waking up and thinking it was all a dream, until he opens his eyes. Nope, I'm still in this madhouse. Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow in the City of Brass.
Breakfast finds its unique challenges. Zoh is so flummoxed by the alien cuisine that he goes for nothing more adventurous than a roll and a few pieces of bacon. Whatever animal this came from, I doubt there's anyplace in Belkzen fit to raise them... He's so lost in his own little world that he doesn't snap out of it until the blonde roshka speaks his language.
"Hach-ka geer ekke Belkzen, Gar ekke Sekken. Dakkar ak'ar geer ekke kazen."
Zohruk almost chokes on a piece of bacon, then forces it down before replying. "Gar ekke kazen Aghash Rukon. Nagh tig shenk'hat."
The whole experience disorients him to the point that he missed Kassie's reference to her sister, the follower of Sorrenrae that Ardis mentioned the previous day. After everyone else dashes off to errands of their own, Zohruk takes the time to skulk around the grounds, taking in the lay of the land.
Characters: Daen, Kassara
Spiced lamb wrapped in a thick pita slathered with onions, fresh-cut tomatoes and tzatziki sauce make a fitting companion for the hot weather. A breeze blows through the marketplace, but the press of the crowd keeps all but a whisper from reaching Kassara.
The boy snatches up the toys and shoves them in a pouch when Kassie squats down. He glares up at her, his lips curling downward before he jumps up and tries to rush away. The girl stares at Kassie, her eyes flitting from the well-dressed scrub to her friend. ”Uh-uhm..we're not 'sposed to talk to strangers.” She's only around six years old and, while intrigued by the stranger, doesn't seem willing to divulge any secrets.
Characters: Grimold
The woman behind the bar arches a shapely eyebrow and nods hesitantly. ”Who may I tell him has come by?”[/] After Rolando's response, she'll disappear behind a thick curtain of beads—causing a tinkling that echoes around the room.
The interior of the Storm Crow is ramshackle and every surface has an unpleasant sticky sensation to it—as if beer was spilled and left to sit for too long one too many times. Or possibly a hundred too many times. ….maybe a thousand. The fireplace at the back wall is covered in soot, including the floor around it and it gives off little light. The windows are filthy—one boarded over by wood from where it was broken. The tables and chairs are scarred. At least one table is missing a leg and a cinderblock props it up on one side.
When Michael comes out from the back, its a breath of fresh air. His well-oiled beard and dark, curly locks are cleaned and recently cut. His clothing is of simple, pale orange with white stripes and a pair of loose white canvas pants. His brow is furrowed but his eyes light up at Grimold's appearance. [b]”Ah! Rolando! How are you? I hear your mother and you have had quite the windfall lately.”
It seems even your own secrets are not immune to Ducas's ears.
Characters: Zohruk
At breakfast, before running off with Daen and Kassara, Elyssa seems quite willing to speak with the half-orc.
”You're from where?! Oh my god. How was it? You went to the capital?! Were there armies there? Do they really ride around in chariots covered in spikes? I always assumed that was rumour. You have got to tell me more, I'll take you to class with me tomorrow, yeah? Johan has two different alchemy classes, and one is tomorrow in his classroom.”
Elyssa glances around the table and leans in close, her hands gripping the edge as she hisses in a loud, but conspiratorial, whisper. ”It's a secret classroom!”
Vorin pokes his head in close to Zohruk's shoulder and whispers in the same tone. ”...it's really not.”
Frowning at the obviously proper behavior of the children, Daen was fine working on a puzzle with his mind as opposed to trying to figure out the machinations of women. "I wonder what one does to become introduced or familiar. If we can find out who's in charge of the children, perhaps they'll be more able to help us with information."
It was about this time that he'd realized he had left out the conversation concerning the rats, but shelved the idea for the walk home. Hopefully he wouldn't be distracted by slightly too tight cotton clothing. Seriously, it's like she was completely unaware that those particular fashions were for someone with a more slight frame.
At the market:
Kassie smiles down at the girl. "That's a really good rule. You certainly shouldn't talk to strangers. But I'm not all that strange am I?" she says, making a silly face with her tongue sticking out the side of her month. "I'll tell you what. If you can tell me where I might be able to find Josica, and you can ask me any question you like, and after that I'll leave you all alone. I'll even give you a nice silver piece so that you can buy yourself a sweet, or whatever else you like." she reaches into her belt pouch. "In fact, I'll give you two. One for you and one for your friend over there - the one who looks like he's swallowed a lemon."
Seriously, it's like she was completely unaware that those particular fashions were for someone with a more slight frame.
Daen attempts to help, although he isn't very good with kids. Most of the time he grew up, many of the kids he knew were cruel and petty. He began his joke, although it was completely flat faced, like most of his quips. "Although, if they like lemons, I know where I can find some fresh ones. They use magic to keep them juicy and extra sour for a long time."
Characters: Daen, Kassara
The g irl shakes her head, a crown of long, dirty hair sending up a small cloud of dust and dandruff. ”You are strange! B-but..I do like candy.” She frowns, apparently considering the implications of such a trade. ”And a silver piece buys lot—er..” The girl pauses and her eyes narrow slightly. ”..some candy.”
Brushing off her dress, the girl steps up close to Kassara and holds out her hand. ”He doesn't like strangers either.”
Kassie grins and holds out the silver piece for the girl. Here's one. I'll give you the other if you can tell me where I might find Josica. Fair enough?"
Characters: Daen, Kassara
The girl's expression seems to change with money in her hand. Her eyes flick away from Kassie to Daen, then back to the noble girl. Her friend seems to have vanished into the crowd.
That is, until Daen feels a slight tug on his belt pouch. The girl lets out a small laugh and turns, starting to run into the crowd. "Flee Padraic!" She calls over her shoulder as the two separate. "Sorry, pretty fine lady!"
Rolando sighs heavily. It had probably been too much to hope for that Michael hadn't heard about his involvement. Still, it seemed he was still welcome at the Storm Crow, and that was a good sign. "Aye, you could say that. Only time will tell if Desna smiles or if she laughs. After last night, I think the latter. You'll have heard about that too by now, yeah?"
Eilidh makes her way through the streets, whispering a prayer under her breath for safety, and arrives at the Cathedral for work. Wrangling little children is hard work, and she's once again covered in burns, scratches, and bite marks by the time she's finished, but she gives the kids a smile before setting off back to the Bonewatch.
With a curse, Kassie leaps to her feet and begins to push throgh the crowd. "Get the boy Daen. I'll get the girl."
Daen shot a quizzical eyebrow back at Kassie. "I don't know where he went. He started, but as he was speaking he began to scour the crowd for a hint of the boy.
Round 1
The crowd is close and hard to get through. The children weave through it, trying to get away.
Alternatively, diplomacy or Str check.
Daen, on his turn with that perception check, will see the boy dashing through the crowd. Daen can risk the crowd or try to get ahead of the boy through a side alley..if he knows which side alley to take.
Characters: Eilidh
Astrata seems over-joyed to see you, something that is unusual for her strict demeanor. ”Eilidh! It is good to see you. We have so much work to do!” The Cathedral of Sanctum Iomedae is somewhat busier than usual with acolytes carrying baskets. They seem to be preparing for an influx of individuals. It turns out that the Day of the Inheritor, a festival celebrating the welcoming of Aroden's devoted into Iomedae's flock will be starting in a week.
Astrata explains that it is a two-day festival where the first day is dedicated to solemnity and brotherhood. The High Priestess will give a lengthy sermon about the importance of welcoming others and being willing to stand for your beliefs. The sermon is followed by a free feast set in the courtyard before the Sanctum that welcomes all the people of Lastwall to partake.
Her good mood seems to make her more willing to show Allie a thing or two as well. While she does lecture the Tilernos girl about the honor in worshiping Iomedae, she also talks further about touching the divine gift within that is granted to all who are worthy. Even those who are not clerics can access the gift with enough meditation.
While talking to her, Astrata guides Eilidh through feast preparations. Decorations need to be arranged and, in many cases, created. Allie is tasked with guiding a horde of young children through weaving ribbons into patterned streamers. Hundreds of these streamers will find themselves strung up along the streets between the Cathedral and the nearest four gates. It's tough work, for the children get bored easily. Yet, the Priestess seems to appreciate the assistance. At the end of the day, in addition to the lectures on meditating on inner peace and divinity , she hands Eilidh a bag.
”You've been such a help the last few days. Get yourself something nice for the festival! I know you worship the Dawnflower, but I hope you can enjoy the festivities.
Characters: Rolando
Michael nods slowly. ”Aye..the Sczarni attacked some scrubs from the Bonewatch. Were they in your cohort?” He looks Grimold over, the boy's words taking a moment to register. As they do, Rolando can see his eyes widen slightly. ”Oh! ...Oh. Are you alright? Was anyone seriously hurt?”
After Grimold's response, he glances around and gestures to him, leading him behind the beaded curtain. "What are you doing here then? You know they may still be looking for scrubs to attack."
Seeing that the boy had a bit of a head start on him, Daen made his way to the side where it was clearer. Hopefully he'd be able to head him off as he cut through an alleyway parallel to the route he took. At least he know what the kid looked like, so even if they lost him here, they might be able to find him again.
"We just want to talk!" The half elf shouted as he made his way over.
After breakfast, and after wandering about the complex some, Zohruk realizes he's looking for someone. Looking for the roshka, Lukyan Durante. He eventually spots him in a courtyard talking to two other people, from whom he eventually takes his leave. When Durante is eventually walking alone, Zohruk quietly takes up a position a step behind on his flank before speaking:
"At first I'd convinced myself I was going to just kind of go with this whole crazy scheme, keep my mouth shut and hope it made sense afterwards. But then I realized, that's not really my style. What are you and Chief Mahja playing at? I had a good thing set up in Urgir, and you and her pull me out to take part in this madness. I'd ask Mahja, but she shipped me off with you, so you're the one who's gonna start making sense of this to me."
As she runs into the crowd Kassie yells back at Daen "Don't let him get away, he's got your purse!" with that she dissapears into the crowd after the small girl.
Characters: Kassara, Daen
Daen darts into a side alley, finding its even more crowded and compacted than the marketplace outside. Floundering his way through it, he finds he's lost ground on the boy.
Kassara chases after the nimble thief but as she slips and weaves through the crowd, she finds herself getting further and further away from her.
The boy has weaved his way through the crowd and now works his way through the maze of market stalls toward the side streets. v DC 15
The girl does the same, but chooses to dart through a curtain concealing a shortcut. DC 10.
Characters: Zohruk
As the half-orc moves toward Lukyan, the knight smiles faintly. However, the smile quickly vanishes at Zohruk's tone. ”What your chief chose to tell you and not tell you belongs to her. You would do well to be more polite if you want something here. This is the Bonewatch, not the corrupt streets of Urgir.”
Durante doesn't stop walking, assuming Zohruk will keep pace with him. "You should be honored--the Bonewatch trains the best Knights in all the Inner Sea. What you learn here will bring your tribe prosperity."
Daen did his best to turn sideways and knife through the crowd, but just being in the midst of humanity in such a way started to make his a little nervous and jittery. Something was definitely odd about having all these people so close together, but he wasn't going to let it stop him.
Kassie slips easily around two men haggling and nimbly ducks under the planks being carried by a couple of labourers careless of the shouts of protest of a fruit seller as she angles through the woman's stall in pursuit of the girl.
Daen finds himself pressed against the throng and crowd, turning this way and that. If only be could make the fat Taldan emissaries waddling before him move faster.
Kassara finds herself out of the main crowd and amongst the merchant stalls along the road. She sees the little girl looking around frantically. At the sight of Kassie, she squeaks and runs toward a curtain.
Obstacle: Market stall maze. Kassie can try flipping over stalls and leaping over people to make a straight line or she can try using her perception to find the optimal route. Or, as always, any other creative solution to makes her way through.
Eilidh thanks the priestess and begins walking home. Her nerves frayed by her near-death the previous night and the out-of-control children throughout the day, she heads back through the streets as quickly as she can, one hand gripping her sword with white knuckles and the other squeezing her holy symbol, displayed openly around her neck.
Arriving back at the Bonewatch, she breathes a sigh of relief, only for a sinking feeling in her stomach as she sees Zohruk. Orcs, here? Hells... She's about to sound an alarm when she sees that no-one else is panicking about his presence, and watches with narrowed eyes from the other side of the courtyard as the half-orc argues with one of the knights. Now, what is he doing here? He should go back to Belkzen and rot with the rest of his kin, before he starts trouble here. I'll tell Kassie to be on the lookout for him, that way she'll be safe.
Seeing the girl duck into the stalls, Kassie pauses, considering her options for a moment She probably knows the way through much better than me. Well, at least there's another option. With that thought, she ducks behind a food-seller's stall and slides beneath the trestle table which holds his wares. Coming to her feet on the other side she shouts a quick apology as she vaults over the next stall and runs up and over a crate, using the hight gained to clear the heads of a gaggle of women inspecting linen scarves and landing easily on the bed of a wagon packed with wooden planks. This is FUN! Gods know what i'm going to do if I catch her though?
How high and close are the roofs of the surrounding buildings? Are they flat or angled? Is there any way of getting up to the roofs without climbing (i.e. using Acrobatics?)
Rolando holds up a placating hand. "I am fine. The Bonewatch has plenty of healing magic. But one of the thugs was killed." He takes a sip of his drink, the memory gnawing at him. The man may have brought his fate on himself, but in the light of day Rolando feels uneasy about it.
When Michael mentions that there might still be others looking for him, he nods. "That's what I came to see you about. I know they want revenge for... last week. I do too. They were my friends, and it's only a trick of fate that I was not there to die with them." Rolando shakes his head, taking a breath to steel himself. His fears about Ducas hadn't been realized, so it was time to start talking. Looking back up at Michael, he continues, "But it wasn't the Bonewatch who killed them. I have some friends who are searching for the answers. Scrub friends. But I need the Sczarni off our backs if we want to catch the real villains."
Characters: Daen, Kassara
Slipping around the carts and leaping over a table, Kassara is on the heels of the little girl. The girl looks over her shoulder, scowling, and darts into a side alley. The alley is filled with crates and refuse. The girl carefully scrambles up a large trash heap and leaps toward a nearby roof, grabbing ahold of it and pulling herself upward.
Obstacle: To the Rooftops!
Options: climb crates, acrobatics to try and and jump to a rooftop (harder than climbing crates), or something creative.
Characters: Grimold
Rolando is led to a small, rough looking couch pressed against the hallway's wall. Michael perches on the arm, the furniture squeaking from the strain of holding him up. "That sounds like a dangerous idea, Grimold..I doubt those Sczarni acted on orders, but meeting with the Boss here might not be kind.."
Kassie follows the girl into the alleyway, up the trash heap and leaps towards the roof, as she does so she shouts out. "Why don't you just stop sweetheart? I only want my question answered. That's all!"
Characters: Daen
Daen's trapped between merchant families, looking this way and that. In the meantime, the urban youth gets further away.
Characters: Kassara
"I got your money!" the little girl calls out, laughing as she does so. "And Padraic has your friends! Go away!"
Kassara has no problem keeping up. She leaps off of a nearby pile, hands grasping the edge of the roof and hauling herself up.
THe roofs in Lastwall are not quite flat, peaking in the middle, but are not steep. Many are made ouf of red terracotta in this area. Clay from the nearby river provides a rich business of pottery. Numerous chimneys poke up toward the sky, however, it is much easier to track the lithe orphan girl than in the streets below.
She starts to dart around chimneys, but takes a wrong turn and finds herself on a roof without somewhere else easy to leap to. "..uh oh."
Kassie runs after the girl, stopping above her on the ridge of the roof when she sees that the girl is trapped. Grinning she holds up her hands, attempting to show that she intends no harm. "OK, sweetheart." she says with a laugh "That was fun, and you're pretty quick. But now you've got nowhere to go. Don't worry. I won't get you into any trouble. I just want to know where to find Josica. I'll even give you that silver I promised if you tell me. You can't say farer than that."
Rolando sits on the edge of the cushion, looking at Michael. He frowns, displeased with what he's hearing. "Maybe not, but do you have any better ideas? The guard doesn't care about Oathless lives! The only ones trying to do anything about this are us and the Sczarni. Killing each other in the streets doesn't solve anything." He sinks into the couch as he leans back, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Starting to get winded, Daen struggles to keep tabs on the elusive youth. His money was on the line, but he still felt more winded than he'd normally be, having been as close to death in the past two days as he has been. Regardless of that, he was able to find a good path to keep up with the boy, as he took to the rooftops.
Characters: Daen, Kassara
Trapped against a long fall below and a trained fighter before her, the girl tries to flee past--only to get snatched and pulled into a bear hug. "I don't know! I don't wanna!"
She squirms for a moment or two and finally, with a pouting harumph stops. "Josica don't like us nomore. He stopped coming by here..."
Daen clambers onto the roooftops and looks around. He can see Kassara and the girl but locating the fleeing boy proves harder.
Characters: Grimold
The older man scowls and leans in close. "The guard may not, but I do! And the Sczarni boss is tough to deal with!" He runs his hand through thick hair. "But you're a grown man, Rolando..Grimold. It's not my place to lecture you on that. If you still want to meet with her..I'll ask around."
Rolando bites back a retort as Michael relents. "Thank you." He gets up to leave, but stops to say one more thing. "Ducas, I appreciate your concern. I just... I don't know what else to do. There's something happening here, and all I know is that it's my life on the line at every turn."
Kassie maintains her hold on the girl, frowning. "He stopped coming here? When was that? Listen, stop wriggling, I'm trying to find out what happened to some men who were,.... They were hurt real bad. And I think that Josica might know something about it. If he does, then, well whoever hurt the men might have hurt him too. Do you know where Josica lives or who his parents are? I promise that I don't mean him any harm."
Characters: Grimold
"Your life will be even more on the line if the Boss does meet with you.." Michael grumbles, shaking his head as he stands up. "I'll send a messenger to you later today, maybe tomorrow, depending on what happens. I know a few of the Sczarni higher in the hierarchy...I can pull some strings."
Characters: Kassara
Demands to stop squirming only lead to a soft punch to the ribs from the girl, who sticks her tongue out at Kassie. "'Rents? Who needs 'em! F~!@ that..Josica be like me and Padraic. 'The streets our welcoming mother, the night and crowds our protective father.'" She states the saying with pride, likely something she has said many, many times before. And not likely something she created herself.
"'e din't stay near 'ere though. Josica lived down in the Old Butcher's District."
Glad his purse had been lightened by recent purchases at the least, Daen resigned himself to going back to stand next to Kassara as she questioned the young girl. Hearing her mantra, he couldn't help but undercut it a little, as he was a bit frustrated.
"Welcoming mothers and protective fathers can stifle one's growth of potential. Feet get slow eventually, if you're not planning for that, you'll die before you leave the nest. It would do you better to make friends than enemies. If you take advantage of people who are generous to you, you'll soon find that well all dried up when you are the most thirsty." Of course, someone should have mentioned that metaphor is usually lost on the young. But Daen's youth was hardly typical.
Rolando bows his head in supplication. Before he leaves, he stops back in to pay for his drink with a tip. It was good to be able to spread around at least some of his "good" fortune, after everything that the Storm Crow had done for him.
Leaving the tavern, he heads back to the Bonewatch. With the business with Ducas taken care of, the next matter of business was to try to dig up information about the Trial of the Rose. The monsters had him most worried, so he'd stop by to see if Magister Dazen was around. Even if the monsters used didn't come from his personal zoo, he was sure to know something about them.
Kassie gives Daen a bit of a strange look. Ummmm,... yeah. What my friend means is that the streets are dangerous. Not that i'm sure you and Padraic can't look after yourselves but, as i'm sure a smart girl like you knows all too well, its always good to have friends and I, ummm, we, are very good friends to have. If you show us where Josica lives, then we'll owe you a favour. Imagine having some Bonewatch scrubs on your side. That'd be pretty handy, wouldn't it? What'd'ye say? I really am trying to make sure that Josica's OK. You wouldn't just be helping us. You'd be helping him!"
Characters: Daen, Kassara
Daen's metaphor is indeed lost on the girl. She stares at him with big eyes, lips curled into a sneer as she struggles a bit in Kassara's grip. "...What?" Kassie's explanation makes a bit more sense to her, but she just kicks at futilely, tiny legs unable to reach the taller woman. "Lick I know that! He's fun to hang around but I 'ardly know him..You want to talk to Sophia, if'n you can find her. She lives in Old Butcher District too. They's were best friends. And I helped you plenty!"
The pout turns upward into a hesitant smile, eyes darting to Kassie's purse. "Your gonna get me in trouble with the others..we're not supposed ta talk to the guards or the Knights."
Characters: Grimold
The girl at the counter waves away Rolando's money. Michael pokes his head out from behind the curtain and smiles. "For someone who's just been assaulted, have a free drink."
Dazen's tower located at the Crusader War College, being a Magister for their war wizard school and the Bonewatch alike. The white edifice is easy to locate, with plenty of men in robes and pointed hats coming and going. Dazen's offices are up a few floors near the eastern wing. While the place is crowded with the faces of students, none are familiar. These are the crusaders and nobles who are taught by Vigil's famous Crusader War College. The place is for general studies as well and not nearly as prestigious as the Bonewatch..although students need not fear being tossed out or killed during training.
Knocking on the scarred oaken door and finding it unlocked, Grimold could easily walk into Dazen's office.
Characters: Eilidh
While scowling at the new student, Allie doesn't notice Ardis sneak up behind her and tap her on the shoulder. "Allie!"
A goofy smile greets her and he steps back, folding his arms. "I was lookin' for you down at the Cathedral, b-but Priestess Astrata said you came back to the Bonewatch for the day. A-are you going to take part in the festival next weekend?"
Characters: Zohruk
Durante sighs and shakes his head. "Your chief understands the dangerous times we live in. Your tribe could benefit from an ally in Lastwall. The Knights of Ozem may be small, but we are the strongest fighters in all the Inner Sea. We have the best training and have gifted your tribe a single place in the ranks--if their champion can earn it. In exchange, you will be allowed to teach your fellows...but you will still be a Knight of Ozem if you succeed here. If you fail, you will hopefully learn something you can bring back."
He pauses and leans back, his eyes moving to Eilidh and Ardis. "You must learn to get along with the people here."
The hawk-like eyes move back to Zohruk, a small frown forming. "There are important things happening. If your tribe finds what I tasked them to find, the Bonewatch will begin crusading again and earn back what has been taken from it."
All right, a response that's actually an answer. Zohruk nods at Durante's words. "Ah yes, the bands of trackers she sent out? Those are some pretty sharp guys; I like their chances."
"As for getting along, so far that hasn't been as bad as it could've been. And don't sweat that, I'm well aware my job isn't to get into a brawl with everyone."
A little more at ease, he straightens up. "Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm off to make a little history as Belkzen's first Knight of Ozem." With a smirk and a raised eyebrow, he says, "That an odd enough mix for you?"
OK. I'll let you go in a moment. Just one more thing. What does this "Sophia" look like? How can I find her?"
Kassie smiles at the girl. "Well now. I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble, but I think that you've done pretty well for the day, what with having taken my friend's purse. I did promise you a silver though, so here you are." she says, handing the girl another silver. "I also said I was a good friend to have, and I am. If you ever get in any trouble come up to the Bonewatch and ask for Kassara. OK, Got it? Good. Now off you go and remember Kassara at the Bonewatch right?"
When the girl runs off Kassie stands and turns to Daen. "I'm sorry about your purse Daen. I hope there wasn't too much in it. Still, at least we have a lead. We could go to try to find this Sophia but we should probably head back to the 'watch. And Elyssa's probably wondering where we've gone. Let's go see if we can find her."
Zohruk notes Ardis talking to another student across the yard, and gestures to Lukyan. "That Ardis fellow, I was getting along pretty well with him last night. I thought so, anyway." He gives a brief bow, unsure exactly what the protocol is for that, then walks over to Ardis and his friend.
"Hello Ardis, good to see you again! I..." He trails off as he notices the symbol of Sarenrae on Eilidh's shoulder*. "This is the one of whom you spoke last night! The daughter of the Burning Mother!"
Zohruk faces Eilidh and looks her square in the eye, right fist up to his left shoulder in salute, his face as serious as anyone here has yet seen it. "I am Zohruk of the Burning Sun. May we all stand before the fiery grace of Aghash Odreth."
Eilidh jumps from the tap on her shoulder. "Whoa! Y-you can't just b-be sneaking up on p-people like th-that. It's b-bad enough the Sczar...Sczarni are out to g-get us w-without all that. I d-dunno about the f-festival. I d-don't know if it'll b-be safe, and I m-might have other th-things happening t-too." She continues to keep an eye on the half-orc. "L-look at th-that, Ardis. M-my family's h-held the l-line against his k-kind f-for generat...for generations, and n-now the p-people making the d-decisions j-just let them walk-"
She cuts off rapidly as Zohruk walks over and begins talking. The Burning Mother? Aghash what? His orc blood must have driven him mad. She glances at his face, catching a glance of the copper medallion he wears. "Eilidh Tilernos. I'm certain my f-family's k-killed members of yours. You c-can stand b-before whatever c-corruption of Sarenrae you w-want, j-just keep your orc b-blood under control. If you c-can do th-that, maybe you'll l-learn something of the true D-Dawnflower b-before the Knights r-realize they've m-made a mistake w-with you."