Fiosa and Yorith both nod when Catina explains Avirah’s story to Petals. “Indeed. She was one of the Bastards of Erebus, a proper name for those…” Yorith is a young, idealistic believer of Iomedae, and his words are harsh as those of a zealot. The lad does not completely lack common sense, however, and as soon as he realizes that ensuing would hurt someone’s feeling, he abruptly stops, his eyes pointed elsewhere. “What you say is right, Catina”, says the halfling Fiosa with a kind smile and a much calmer tone if compared to Yorith’s, “and I’m sure the Eyes of Westcrown will be a great opportunity for Avirah. We will offer her redemption, and a way to atone her sins. Above all, we will give her the chance to fight for the place she was born in, instead of harming its people, as she was used to do until now…”. Although much subtler, there’s a hint of suspicion even in Fiosa’s words. Mathalen anyway shakes her head in disagreement. “Judging a person from his past wrongs is like blaming a an animal for his actions. Sometimes life forces us to make some choices. Sometimes who we are depends on where we grew up, the people around us. Sometimes one does not really have a choice. You can never know if someone is good or evil until you give him the chance to actually choose good.” As always, Mathalen’s tone is calm and thoughtful, and his words are wise and measured. She also blinks at Catina after her speech.
“Good, let’s give her a chance then. Iomedae herself did something similar more than once in her mortal life. But, Catina”, says Yorith, who has apparently calmed down and accepted the idea of welcoming Avirah in the group, “tell us more about her”. Mathalen shakes her head and pokes the young idealist on the forehead. “Get your brain to work, Mr. Righteous. Catina already said she does not know Avirah very well. The fact that they’re both tieflings does not mean Catina has to know everything about Avirah”. Fiosa suddenly chimes in, turning to Catina. “Well, then tell us something about being a tiefling. How is it? How does it feel? I think we can all benefit from a better, inner comprehension of tiefling’s nature. For example, Arael has explained me that not all tiefling are directly descended from devils. There’s any other common misconception about tieflings, Catina?”. Fiosa is curious, very curious, and her curiosity does not seem to be motivated by bad ends at all.
---
Tarvi listens like an impeccable pupil the speech given by Lady Faustinia and nods frequently to stress that her mentor’s word must be taken seriously. When her mentor has ended her speech, the apprentice chimes in with a firm tone. “I’ve been performing some researches in this field, actually”. Tarvi produces a ponderous tome and opens it on the table. “There are a few useful spell that I know and will cast on the shrine for free, in order to ensure our safehouse can remain a safe place where we can gather”. With her index finger, Tarvi points to alarm and hold portal. “The problem with these kind of spells is duration. They hardly last for more than a few hours after being cast. Anyway, my research brought me to this spells”, she says as her index fingers scrolls to arcane lock. “We should cast this spell on the main doors of the shrine. The spell is permanent, hence it’s a good solution for us. Unfortunately, I’m not able to cast it yet…” With that said, Tarvi gazes at Lady Faustinia. “But perhaps my mentor would be able to do it, if I can provide her with the spell’s formula.”
Vitti waits for Tarvi to complete her speech before giving her opinion, explicitly asked for by Lady Faustinia. “Indeed, there are a few things we could do in order to further improve the security of our safehouse. Not so long ago, a druid told me about a spell known as fire trap. It essentially creates a fiery explosion when an intruder open the item that the trap protects. I’m not able to cast that spell myself, but I can ask the druid if he can give me a scroll. That way, we could protect the most valuable and dangerous information and clues we have at the shrine.”
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Faustinia takes a bite of toast and chews thoughtfully as Tarvi presents her research. She takes a sip of coffee and puts down her cup beaming with pride. ”An excellent idea. Silent, invisible, permanent, and effective. May I?” she asks as she gently moves Tarvi’s book toward herself to examine the spell formula. Nodding as she scans the page, she seems satisfied and passes the book back to Tarvi. ”Yes, I think I get the gist of it. I'll need to get some materials together to record the spell in my own notes, and it does require some gold dust with each casting - a very alchemical exchange, isn't it? Arael, I'm happy to draw from my own funds to pay for the spell scribing, but do the Eyes have any financial reserves we can dedicate to the castings?” she asks, hoping the organization has at least some monetary backing and isn't run entirely on hope.
Faustinia nods at Vitti next. ”Such information is surely worth protecting. We could use such a spell to make sure private information stays private, or at least to know if the wrong person tries to discover it,” she weighs in, before taking another bite of toast. As she eats her eyes seem to scan the ceiling blankly, clearly in thought. She takes another sip of coffee before adding, ”If the fire isn't enough to deter an intruder, they may still be able to escape with our information. Perhaps it would even be in our best interests to keep those documents we simply cannot allow to fall into the inquisitors’ hands next to whatever we secure with the trap. That way if the trap is set off, the evidence might end up destroyed rather than in Thrune’s hands.” Faustinia shrugs. ”Perhaps that would be a bit extreme, but we live in odd times.”
Catina is glad that Fiosa approaches the matter with more calm than Yorith did, but she's still not too keen on the reception Avirah is bound to get. She tries to think, shutting down under the hail of questions for a moment. Atone for her sins? Can't we just forget about her past, and let her try to start anew? If they all see her as some kind of ex-criminal, that's never going to work. She'd hate that, and rightly so. She looks around the group, trying to find something to say. Her gaze lingers on Petals for a moment, giving her a bit of courage to speak.
"Well," she starts to answer Fiosa's question, feeling her way. "I don't know too many tieflings, beside myself. So it's not like I can speak for all of us, if you know what I mean. But I think... It's like... There's a fiendish element to me, I can't deny that. But that doesn't mean that we're all bound to follow in the footsteps of devils, or tend to cruelty like them. You see? Of course, there will be those who are, but that's the same for anyone; human, or... or dwarven," she gropes, making the safe choice not to mention elves or halflings, "or tieflings. It's just that, because there's so much prejudice, there's going to be a lot of tieflings disillusioned and distrusting. If everyone says you're one thing, then it's really easy to start believing it's true. And it's up to us, I think, to show that that's not true. To balance out the view. Even if it's not easy for anyone, to just remember all those years being mistreated. So I would hope, really I do, that we can give Avirah a fair chance, not to judge her based on her past, and on the choices she's had to make, but to allow her a new chance, a fair chance, to grow to become a part of our group." Her speech had picked up pace as she went along and at the end of it she looks around the group, gauging the impact of her words, hoping she's smoothed over any misgivings the two Iomedaeans might have had.
--
Later, with Petals, Catina nods gravely. "I think you're right, Petals. I hadn't really thought about how the others might react to Avirah, but from what I heard just now, people might have a hard time trusting her initially, even if they mean well. It would help if she had some familiar and friendly faces around." She's about to put a hand on Petals' shoulder, but hesitates. "I know what the Bastards did to you - some of it, at least - and I can't ask you to look after her. I won't. I'll try to be here as much as I can. But my place is also at the temple. I'm still learning, and in the last two weeks, I think I've been making real progress. If we want to improve life for the Wiscrani, then we'll also have to actually live in the city, not just huddle together only with the rest of the Eyes. Am I... Does that make sense?"
Both Yorith and Fiosa listen to Catina intently as she speaks about her tiefling heritage. A sense of guilt shines through the look in their eyes, as though the two of them were already regretting the harsh tones they used before. "My apologies, Catina", mumbles Yorith. "Mine as well", adds Fiosa with a contrite smile. "We will try to do our best to help Avirah make herself at home. I...I will swear an oath." His eyes burning with youthful zeal, Yorith stands up, takes Catina's hand in his and kneels before her. "Righteous and valorous Iomedae, hear my vow. I swear to do whatever I can, at the best of my abilities, in order to allow Avirah to see a new light and allow her to walk a new path, a path of justice and valor. I won't judge her based on my prejudices, and I will protect her with my own life should you reveal me the faintest hint of good in her heart. This I swear, in your name and upon your holy sword. "
The other Eyes react differently to Yorith sudden, unexpected and perhaps a little exaggerated behavior. Most of them smile, a few of them (including Gorvio and Mathalen) laugh, others shakes their head, such as Mathalen and Tarvi, while some others simply hunch their shoulders. Anyway, Arael briefly glimpse at Yorith once he stands up again and confirms his support with a nod. If nothing else, the young man's enthusiasm is contagious, and leads the other members of the Eyes to offer their support in Avirah's settling-in as well, although no one else goes as far as to swear an oath about that.
When the discussion about Avirah ceases, both Catina and Petals are free to join other conversations.
---
While Yorith swears his oath, Tarvi, Janiven, Lady Faustinia and Vitti briefly stop their discussion about the safety of the shrine. When everyone has expressed his support to Avirah’s settling-in period, offering his or her help, the conversation returns to the previous topic. Feeling that the group needs a formal consensus by him, Arael clears his throat. “You words always exude incomparable wisdom, Lady Faustinia. We will do as you recommend. Oh, and Tarvi, good work with that research. I was sure Lady Faustinia would have been a perfect mentor for you.”. After sipping her coffee, Janiven chimes in. “As always, after the boss speaks about the noblest things, I must deal with more petty matters”. The woman grins and gives a mischievous smile at Arael. “Anyway, this time I’m the bringer of good news. We managed to store a good amount of wealth for the group. I think it would be wise to invest some of that wealth in the shrine’s protection. We’re easily able to cover the price for the rare inks required to add the spell to your spellbook, Lady Faustinia, and we’ll be happy to provide you with all the raw materials you need in order to cast the spell.” The woman looks to Arael, searching for a confirmation. The half-elf simply sips his coffee and nods. “Agreed. Oh, and Vitti. Please arrange a meeting with that druid you know and delve into that spell, please. It may be very useful, as Lady Faustinia said.”
Also this conversation appears to have reached its natural conclusion. Unless she wants to bring about a new topic to the group’s attention, Faustinia will have to change table in order to join other conversations.
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Faustinia nods at Arael and Janiven’s approval of the plans for protecting the shrine. She's about to speak again when Yorith proclaims his oath. Although Iomedae’s faithful were certainly preferable to, say, those of Asmodeus, Yorith’s religious zeal makes Faustinia obviously uncomfortable. She sits silently, trying to look anywhere but at the young man without being directly rude or dismissive, and excuses herself to get some water.
As she returns from her excuse to get up and return once Yorith’s moment is passed, she catches Gorvio’s eye and moves to sit with his group to catch up. ”Good morning, all, it's good to see you all again. I could stand to see some friendly faces since starting the not so glamorous life of an actor,” she starts, taking a drink of water before addressing Gorvio. ”Gorvio, did your uncle ever tell you about his trouble with Thesing Ulbero Ulvauno? You know, the actor? We shooed that pest away from harassing our avuncular friend about some horses graciously enough a little while ago, but now we've got to work with him in the play. It's miserable! I admit, I may have taken a few verbal jabs at him when we met again - but I even tried to apologize, and he threw it back in my face! He's an all-around insufferable flea-bitten donkey’s rear,” Faustinia concludes, glad to have a place to vent her frustrations.
Catina, like many others, thinks Yorith overdoes it with his oath. However, she chooses to focus on the intent of the young man's words, rather than the form that she would not have chosen herself. She gives him a warm smile. "Thank you, Yorith. I appreciate that you are willing to stand up for her." She then excuses herself, as she spots Amaya near Faustinia and Gorvio. "Are you coming, Petals?" she asks she points to where she's about to go.
--
The tiefling girl listens as Faustinia vents about Ulvauno, nodding vehemently. She finds herself clenching her jaw again, feeling her bile rising just thinking about the pompous oaf. "Indeed, he's just awful," she agrees with Faustinia. "But luckily, they're not all as bad as he." She looks around the group, taking in everyone eager to hear about the theater. "I've had the opportunity to talk with Visbaronettes Alaumaxa today. She's really... remarkable. Not the easiest woman to approach, of course, but she talks with so much experience. I can only hope that we will not look like fools, amateurs next to people with so much history in the field. She had quite some useful advice for me," she says as she looks around the group again, lingering on Amaya. "And some not so useful, I guess," she adds as she finds herself hiking up the square neckline of her dress. "She told me that I had to get some new armor crafted, for 'effect'. Now we need stage costumes of course, but I don't really see the benefit of armor that protects less of my chest, and my legs." Her look betrays that she's quite certain what the benefit would be, she's just not inclined to actually go for that kind of thing. Amaya would surely understand, she thinks, hoping for some support in her tentative choice.
Petals laughs at Catina's description of the armor changes. Maybe she assumes no male would dare strike at such the very objects of their deepest obsessions. she traces a finger across her own chest with a teasing smile thrown at Gorvio and Morosino. Petals cream colored blouse isn't as demur as Catina's, a button or two more open and she would be proving the Visbaronettes' point rather well. Though if you ever face a female in combat, you'd be doomed. Oh! she cries up in a laugh, eyes sparkling, before gesturing down the curve of Catina's back and rise on her bum Maybe... Maybe cut a bit out the back. Here and Here, pulling this part up she acts the dressmaker, swiping through the air, and painting a picture with her words. In the end rubbing her chin as her eyes takes in her own imagination Or you could just fight naked instead. she gives Catina a friendly smile.
Once it gets to describing her days Its horrible. I've been unable to make friends with even our illustrious illusionist. At least he hasn't thrown another bucket at me... oh the bucket. she moans in memory I've never been so embarrassed. flopping into one of the chairs, her face into her hands, she related the horror of "Proving" of the ONE thing she was supposed to be good at in front of the troll of a little man. Telling them of all the times he yelled at her. The worst part is he wasn't wrong.
She looks to Catina and Faustinia in hope, Please tell me this is going to get easier?
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Gorvio nods with a smirk to Faustinia. “Of course he did. That Thesing is an idiot. A selfish idiot, nothing more. He believes himself to be a king among actors, but I’m an opera fan, and I know at least ten actor who are better than him at performing.” Gorvio sips his coffee and cleans his moustaches. “Do you know how the story ended? That little problem with the horses, I mean. Well, after bickering with you, Thesing took the horses with him at the theater and…one of them kicked one of the other actors during the play!” Gorvio bursts into a giggle. “Oh, and they told me he sang poorly that night”.
At this point in the conversation, Yakopulio chimes in. “The next day, everyone was talking about the s~%~ty play they had seen, in the tavern. They said Thesing justified himself for the crappy performance by blaming a group of a!@#~&&s both for tiring the horses beforehand and for forcing him to exert his voice too much before the opera, causing a slight tremor in his voice during the play” Yakopulio bursts into a laughter as well. “He really sounds like a d@%&+ead to me!”
“But I heard he’s pretty good at acting and singing”, interjects Amaya. “I don’t know much about him, but from what I know he’s very talented although badly tempered. I also heard about the Visbaronettes. Everyone is wondering why she accepted to be part of such a poor play, in terms of payment I mean.” “Perhaps she has some ulterior motives”, speculates Gorvio. “I don’t think so. Perhaps she’s just trying to recover her reputation, after she was unable to perform in The Winter of White Roses”, counterstrikes Amaya. “Or perhaps she’s just a fat old b&&## whose only goal is to make our Catina sexier before introducing her in a Calistrian temple!”
“Yakopulio! Morosino is here, in case you haven’t noticed!”, reproaches her Amaya. Morosino just shrugs, “I know a lot of bad words already, milady”.
Everyone at the table laugh. “What did I say wrong? Anyway, Cat, I think you should follow the old b%*@& advice. It’s an old trick, but it always works…It helps in diverting the attention when needed”.
“I agree”, adds Gorvio. “Besides, I’m sure Catina hides a nice physique under that bulky armor. Trust me, if that’s it, the people would enjoy it…And pay less attention to your acting skills, which can’t be perfect I guess, just as would happen to anyone who finds himself catapulted in the acting scene”.
Amaya seems more reluctant to express her opinion and shakes her head. “I think the crowd should appreciate her for what she really is…”
Gorvio shakes his head in turn while he sighs. “Women! Always so protective of each other and their bodies. Amaya, would you be so kind as to explain me why on Golarion Catina’s body does not count as part of what she really is?”
“He has a point”, stresses Yakopulio, raising her eyebrows.
“Because…Because she does not like to show her body in public, and as such doing it would mean going against her nature!”
“Mmmh, I don’t know…”, comments Yakopulio.
---
As the conversations at the large table sitting in the main hall slowly come to an end, the Eyes of Westcrown start to leave the shrine at irregular intervals. While the others leave, Arael gathers Catina, Faustinia and Petals in a corner of the main hall. “You should go to the Limehouse now. If the director asks you about Baolus, just say that you don’t know where he is and why he’s not at the theater. We need to buy some time as we wait for the Irises to join the group. Good luck!”
At this point, Arael allows everyone to leave, but before Catina can follow the others, she finds her wrist gently grabbed by Arael’s smooth hand. “You don’t need to follow her advice, Catina. You’re already beautiful as you are”. Arael smiles and lets Catina go, without giving her the chance to answer.
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The third day at the theater is not very different from the others. The directors asked as Arael guessed about Baolus to you, but once you tell him that you don’t know anything more about him, Robahl resigns himself and tasks Millech with creating some flyers to search for a new Drovalid. “Possibly, someone who already knows the lines. Double the normal pay.” If nothing else, Nonon does not seem like a man who’s easily discouraged by adversity.
During the whole day, Robahl starts doing full dry runs of the entire play. The director spends much of his time with Calseinica and Catina, but the other members of the cast are available for Faustinia and Petals to interact with.
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Petals nods in understanding. Makes sense. I'll huddle enough for the both of us. she says in self conscious jest, before adding more firmly I'll do my best to look out for her.
She turns and shrugs, like she's shrugging off a memory The bastard's thing wasn't that bad. They just locked me in a cage with Baolus. she left off the beating and the near starvation. Believe it or not he was very sweet in there. Listening, talking, making assurances that we both knew were meaningless. She gives a tired smile, connecting the assurances he gave now with his leaving and feeling another pang of loneliness.
Anyway, the most important thing is that Avirah is trying and I will help. I promise.
And, um... her cheeks turn a dusty shade of guilt And I'm very sorry about going on and on about your armor. My mouth often is faster than my brain.
Catina is happy to hear to the other Eyes gossip about the theater, even if Yakopulio's swearing makes her cringe each time. She soon regrets bringing up the Visbaronettes' advice concerning her wardrobe, between Petals teasing and Yakopulio's teasing, and even Gorgio's concurring. She's relieved that Amaya seems to understand her stance, but by that point it hardly seems to matter. She colours and mutters something noncommittally, to say that of course advice from an experiencing actor is worth taking into account, and that she'll think about it. She's silent for the rest of the evening, trying to order her thoughts. She's thankful as ever for Arael's eye for her mood, and his wisdom. "Thank you, Arael. It's difficult to think about what I want, but I'll try. I know it will be right, whatever I decide." With another thanks for the half-elf, she leaves for the temple.
--
Catina believe Petals when she lies that her time with the Bastard's wasn't so bad, and that seems to lighten her burden to know she's asking the elven woman to live under one roof with Avirah. She sighs, at herself and her own doubts, when Petals apologizes for their conversation earlier. "It's OK. It was my own fault, really. I shouldn't have brought it up in so large a group if I didn't want people to consider it. It's just... Well, I talked about such a thing earlier with Amaya." She smiles at recalling that conversation. "It wasn't so long ago, I think, but I feel silly thinking about it. She's a gorgous woman, and I said the she was blessed by Shelyn to have such beauty. She told me that it's not really a blessing. I think my understanding of Shelyn's faith was still quite shallow, but then. But I'm learning, I hope."
--
Catina is a bit worried during rehearsal the next day, under Nonon's personal and continued guise. She gives it her all and knows she's at least not embarrassing herself, but she realizes it's not good enough. Not yet. She falls back in her old habit of continually apologizing for her failures, and eventually calls for a break, during which she pours her heart out to the director. "I'm sorry, Mister Nonon," she starts. "I know it's not good enough. I'll do better, I'm sorry. It's just... I never figured I'd ever be on stage, being what I am, so I'm kind of... I think I'm overthinking about it. And I know that Lazarod should be a powerful character, filled with conviction. So it's just my own hesitation that's holding me back." She's absolutely honest and showing her own vulnerability, which seems to be precisely the wrong approach with a man like Robahl.
--
Through out the day she suffered through Nonon's justified tirades at every attempt Petals gave at being an actress. Even if she managed her lines correctly she didn't behave emotional enough. If she managed the emotion, she got the lines wrong or stood in the wrong place, or do ANYTHING RIGHT!
Mid way through the day her temper flared again and she practically shouted the lines at him, and... he said nothing. Did she do it right, was he just tired? Worried and potentially hopeful she tried again and did absolutely horrible. Even she knew it this time.
In between held back tears, frustrated foot stomping, and lunch, she talked to Millech. Not prying into his past, not trying to give him presents, just talking. A hello, a How do you deal with THAT?!? waving at the director. Just chatting.
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Nonon shakes his head as Catina reveals her uncertainties to him. The director is clearly not a sympathetic fellow, and although he absentmindedly listens to Catina’s words, he does so with a disgusted look on his face. “No one is interested in your excuses, Mrs. Catina. No one, not even those who seem to be paying attention to you when you do these…farces—because from the look of it, you seem to be prone to these tedious display of cowardice.” The director walks away, but before actually leaving the room, and casts a last gaze on Catina. “You cannot give yourself so many alibis, unless you don’t want to remain the inane person you are. Stop whimpering and start fighting for what you want. No one gets what he wants with waterworks and grievances. You have to struggle in order to obtain something.” Robahl was a former military commander, and it is pretty clear that he has no patience for complaints and self-commiseration. He appreciates those who fight to get what they want, as he made clear with his words.
---
After a not so great day at the theater, Catina returns to the temple. Here, she takes a bath, joins the evening prayer and eats her dinner together with the other priest and priestesses of Shelyn. After the dinner, when she’s on a lonely walk in the beautiful gardens of the temple, she hears some steps approaching. As soon as she turns herself, Catina sees the high-priestess behind her. “Catina, my dear…A word?”
Without waiting for an answer, the gorgeous elf reaches Catina and together they take a walk through the night gardens. The pirajas cast their orange-red light upon the marvelous fountains. “Tell me, Catina, how’s it going at the theater? Is there something you’d like to tell me?”
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Throughout the day at the theater, Petals gets a better treatment than the others. The director does not insult her, not once, and when the elf happens to deliver a good line, Robahl applaudes. Apparently, Petals managed to earn the respect of the director, and when, during a break, she complains about the treatment she’s receiving with Millech, the hump shrugs and squints at her, before leaving without even giving the elf an answer. Millech is fiercely loyal to his director, as it seems.
---
When the rehearsal is over, and the other members of the cast are leaving the theater, Robahl approaches Petals just outside the dressing room. The director looks around himself, and when he notices that there’s no one in the corridor except for him and Petals, he stops fiddling with his walking stick. “Mrs. Petals, I think you’re starting to show all of your potential. Anyway, time is an intransigent tyrant. I would like to devote you more time during the day, but unfortunately I’m busy enough with our terrible Lazarod.” The man is all dressed up for what seems like a special event, judging by his black suit and the smell of cologne exuding from him. “Do you already have something planned for tonight? If not, I would like to invite you at my place for a dinner together. My cook prepares a delicious rabbit stew, and I’ve got a few bottles of Corentyn wine stowed away for special occasions. How’s that sound?”
Catina isn't at all sure, but she tells the director what she thinks he wants to hear. She pulls herself up straight, trying to seem taller than she is. "Yes, Sir. I will work as hard as I can, I'm going to make this work." She deflates as soon as she's sure he's not looking anymore, feeling like a fraud.
--
Trying to find some peace and clarity during her walk, Catina hadn't heard the elven woman approaching. "Yes, of course, Reverend Mother," she mumbles as the high-priestess joins her. She looks up at the stunning beauty of her superior, feeling even 'less' in comparison. She sighs heavily at the question. "Not so good, unfortunately. I feel... like I've put myself to something that I'm not properly prepared for, that's just not for me." She thinks for a moment, trying to figure out how to explain with touching on her true motivation for joining the play. "In the recent weeks, I think I had been making very good progress; in my prayers, and my magic. Like I had finally found something that felt right, like that's what I should be doing. And I figured, with Shelyn being patron of all arts, I should finally take this chance to get on stage. I've met quite a few people, and everyone has advice: I should see the big picture, I should wear skimpy clothes to seduce the audience, I should fight for what I want. But none of it seems to make sense, really. None of it's... me." She sighs again. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound all mopey." She tries to put on a brave face, but only succeeds partly. "It's my own choice and I have to make it work. And I will. It's just that, if I don't, it'll be like I've failed everyone: My companions, Shelyn, my... my parents..."
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Back at the Limehouse, Faustinia rehearses with Petals, Thesing, and the Visbaronettes, admiring Millech’s magical effects. She gets through her lines well enough, but her focus is off. While the text of the play interests her, she’d rather be studying it in a library alongside other texts with examinations and criticisms of it, or perhaps discussing it over lunch with a fellow scholar. Having to bring life to a single role through endless slight variations and repetitions exhausts her before the end of rehearsals, and by the time they’re all finished she has obviously run out of energy and is simply going through the motions. And besides all that, she constantly distracts herself by focusing on Millech’s effects. As she delivers her lines, she leaves just a little too much of a pause between phrases, as she tracks Millech’s magic and tries to work out the magical principles behind them.
At the end of the day, feeling run down and ready to return home where she can finally have some time to herself, she nods at Millech as they all wrap up. Despite her fatigue, she stays to help Millech move various props and equipment back into storage for safekeeping for the night. Obviously a very private man reluctant to talk about himself or his work in much detail, Faustinia avoids her previous tactics of flattery or probing questions to try to get him to open up. Instead, she stays mostly quiet as she helps clean up, and gives him a simple thank you. ”I really appreciate the work you’ve put in for us,” she says earnestly when Millech has a lull in his duties. ”I know it must be difficult to work with amateurs like us, and you probably think that we’re just going to perish on the actual night of the play. But thank you for putting your best professional foot forward anyway.” Sighing as she looks out the windows of the theater, sunset approaching, Faustinia nods at Millech and bids him farewell before heading out herself.
---
Petals hopefully masks the initial look of horror, reminder herself getting thrown out of the production doesn't help anyone in the city. She gathers herself to politely decline, then stops. I... don't want to. Not have dinner and not have anything else, but... I gave Catina such a hard time about showing skin to make her way, yes in jest but still did it. Is this any different? He might really just want to be nice, to help make the production in some way better than it is going... maybe.
I don't have anything to wear other than my normal clothes, which in comparison to yours are not acceptable. she admits, gathering her courage she goes on. But otherwise, dinner sounds nice, thank you. she nods stiffly.
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Robahl is delighted when he hears that Petals will be dining with him. He gives her directions on how to reach his vira, located in Rego Scripa, before leaving her. Petals then reaches Faustinia and Catina and inform them about the dinner with the director before getting on her way to the vira.
The director’s house is not as sumptuous as his words suggested, but it is not a hovel either. The two-story building is built entirely in stone, and is surrounded by well maintained gardens. The building’s interior has an antiquated feel, with wooden floors, heavy tapestries and a lot of classical paintings hanging on the walls. Busts and statues further decorate the house. Petals sees the first floor only and have her dinner with the director in the living room. This room is filled with antique furniture, perhaps even predating the Thrune’s rise to power in Cheliax. The room is dominated by a huge blackwood table, whose legs are ornately decorated with scenes of hunt. A fireplace crackles in the western part of the room, while a series of bookshelves are lined against the eastern wall. Two leather couches are place to the north of the room, and a small ebony table stands between them.
The rabbit stew is tasty as promised, and the wine is even better than anticipated. The director talks a lot about himself during the dinner, telling Petals about his military careers and sharing a few funny or interesting events of his life as a general in the Chelaxian Army. When the dinner is over, the director invites Petals to join him for more talk on the sofa. He sits on one, and lets Petals occupy the other. While smoking an ornate pipe, Robahl tells Petals about his career as a director, recounting both his failures and his successes. He also asks Petals to share something about her. After about twenty minutes of conversation and a few shots of Taldan brandy, Robahl shows Petals his vast collection of books. Some of them must be worth more than a hundred pieces of gold each, and among them the most precious ones are those in which are recorded the original versions of several famous Chelish theatrical pieces.
When the conversation dies out, it’s already dark outside, and Robahl insists that Petals spends the night in the guest room upstairs. Despite Petals’ possible fears, the director does not make a single advance to her, neither during the dinner nor during the night. Petal’s room medium in size, but richly furnished. A sturdy and comfortable canopy bed ensures her good rest, and all the necessary for having a bath is at her disposal in the room.
The next morning, Petals is offered a healthy breakfast by the vira’s maid, who tells her that the director has already left early in the morning to attend some business. After consuming her breakfast, Petals reaches the Limehouse Theater, where she joins the others.
Petals is suspicious. Very suspicious. It isn't until she takes the first bite of the stew that she starts to relax. It was utterly delightful. The rich mixed with the tenderness of the rabbit is quite possibly the best meal she has ever had. Thank you, truly, I don't think I will ever forget this. she tells the man she has been thinking only as an angry little man. Mentally she tells him sorry as well. Not the first time she has been wrong in her life. Robahl is no longer a troll.
She listens to him tell him about her life, amazed he was in the military. She's sure someone has told her that before, it is just hard to believe. Listening is a skill she's picked up as a barmaid for so many years. Everyone wanted to talk about themselves in a tavern, well if they wanted to talk at all that is. Plenty only wanted to drown themselves.
When he asks about her, she tells him about growing up in the temple, about her feelings of never belonging, and now wanted something new. She leaves out that the something new isn't what he thinks it is, acting, but to be truly making a difference.
The next day she thanks the maid and helps clean up, unless she's shooed away. At the theater, she relates her truly astonishing evening to the others. Still in wonder he never tried a single thing. Maybe she misunderstood his initial gaze.
“Please sit, my dear”, says the high-priestess indicating a nearby marble bench with elaborate engravings of nymphs taking a bath in a spring. Lady Shivira then sits next to Catina and listens to her answer with a warm smile, which makes her lineaments shine even more beautifully. “When I was in Iadara, the elders taught me that no elf should advice another, because that means insulting her freedom. I believe that principle also extends to rational humanoids in general, qua free beings. Among the elves, only using a mind-affecting effect on another is considered more offending than giving an advice.”
Lady Shivira sighs, a veil of melancholy descending upon her beautiful features. “When everyone seems to know what’s better for you, it can be hard to decide whether to believe them or not. In Iadara, the elves are only allowed to give advices in the form of suggestions on how they would have acted if they were in the same situation of the friend requesting their advice.” The high-priestess puts a gentle hand with multicolored nails on Catina’s shoulder. “Now, if I were you, I would try my best to improve myself without distorting myself”. Although apparently overly simplistic, Lady Shivira’s words carries a deep meaning.
Without adding anything else, the high-priestess kisses Catina on her infernally-scarred cheek and stands up. “Be strong, for perseverance is the virtue of a beautiful soul. And your soul is beautiful, Catina.” With that said, Lady Shivira leaves.
Catina seats herself as indicated by the High Priestess, listening attentively. The surprise is clear on her face when Lady Shivira tells about the Elven custom regarding the giving of advice. It bring her mind to Petals, and how little she had taken into acount the young woman's race. Have I ever given Petals advice? Would she even mind? Maybe she's not as strict in these matter, with the way she grew up.
The distraction lasts only a breath, with Catina knowing that a conversation with the High Priestess is too important to waste. She nods as the elven woman relates the difficulty of accepting advice. She's silent otherwise and listens attentively, trying to distill wisdom from the High Priestess's not-advice. She accepts the gentle kiss and when she's alone, Lady Shivira's words echo in her mind. They seem so simple, but she's sure there must be something more to them. After her night prayers, when she goes to bed, Catina is determined to stay true to herself and do that best that she can.
Millech seems somewhat surprised to receive so many attention, but his reserved nature prevents him from giving his interlocutors any slack. And Lady Faustinia is no exception. The hump limits himself to a shrug of his curved, gibbous shoulders. “I’m ushed to control such thingsh. Thish time ish different, and I already complained about that with the director. But he won’t lishten. He shaysh the mayor can be trushted. I shay he jusht want to shee you die, because he lovesh bloodshportsh. And more likely than not, he’sh going to get what he wantsh…”
Millech turns his back to Faustinia, but just when he seems to be about to leave, he turns again and gives her an indecipherable look. “Or perhapsh you will prove him wrong and shurvive. I saw what your capable of, even though I know you’re holding back your true powersh. I’m curioush. But I won’t be able to help. Good luck”.
Perhaps Millech can be talked into giving some assistance instead, especially considering that his illusion, as Faustinia perfectly know, would probably allow him to become invisible and ensure the party a similarly invisible help, which wouldn’t disrupt the play. The problem is convincing him to do that, and as it seems, it is no easy task. A silver tongue and a true effort of diplomacy would be needed in order to ensure Millech’s reluctant help. But Faustinia is perhaps too curious about Millech’s magic to find the right words.
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Later that day, before the cast leaves for the curfew, Millech approaches Lady Faustinia and clumsily pokes her arm. “If you want to take a look at my shpellbook, follow me. But I’m warning you. No one should know. And you might not be able to come back at home tonight”.
Millech’s spellbook contains the following spells: 2nd—hypnotic pattern, invisibility, make whole, minor image, mirror image, pyrotechnics; 1st—charm person, color spray, disguise self, feather fall, magic aura, shield, silent image, ventriloquism; cantrips—all cantrips except those from the schools of conjuration and evocation.
It’s the dawn of a new day in the City of Twilight, and the Irises reach the Limehouse Theater, where they will be rehearsing their lines and roles for the fourth day. As the Irises approach the theater, they notice that anticipation is building in the city. Several posters have been glued to the walls of the buildings throughout the city, announcing with magnificent words the upcoming premier of the Six Trials of Lazarod. As they make their way to the Limehouse Theater, the Irises also overhear several Wiscrani chatting about the piece, wondering how to get a ticket for the show or merely complaining about the hefty sum needed in order to buy a ticket.
As soon as the Irises reach the theater, the whole cast is already there. Faustinia might have spent the night in the theater herself. The day goes much like the previous one, with the cast members asked to rehearse their lines together and the director focusing his attentions on Lazarod and Ilsandra. As the previous day, Catina gets a chance to befriend either Calseinica or the director, while the Lady Faustinia and Petals can try and befriend Thesing, Millech or the Visbaronettes, although they can also try to befriend Calseinica during one of the pauses, if they wish so.
But the most important event in the day occurs right at the beginning of it, when the new Drovalid is announced to the cast by the director. Robahl appears to be quite satisfied with the new Drovalid, but lets him introduce himself to the cast and crew. During the introduction, the entire cast and crew is gathered in an internal hall of the theater: apart from the Irises, Thesing Umbero Ulvauno, Calseinica Nymmis, Millech the Hump, Visbaronettes Delour Aulamaxa and a small army of tailors are all present.
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Faustinia sees that her efforts with Millech continue to bounce off, although at least the man is polite and friendly about his rejections. Disappointed but not discouraged she resolves to try again later, but her thoughts are interrupted by the man himself poking at her arm. She raises her eyebrows in surprise and, looking around to make sure no one else is paying attention, she answers him with a nod. Luckily she has prepared her household for the possibility of an overnight stay away from the Xerysis estate - it was becoming a common enough occurrence for her generally, in any case.
After the others leave, she makes an excuse to linger afterwards and then follows Millech to the promised spellbook in his study. As the man explains his offer, Faustinia nods along, making occasional glances at the book with an obvious itch to peruse it. She readily agrees to the offer and sets in for a night of studying. With an initial glance at Millech’s spellbook, Faustinia quickly identifies a small hiccup in their deal. ”It's obvious that you and I are involved in very different sorts of work,” she muses aloud as she skims through the pages without seeing many of her own favorite staples. ”It seems like you've chosen to avoid my own specialty - perhaps I should have mentioned that I am a conjurer before. Regardless, there are still some spells that may interest you within. If you find you're not getting as much out of your generous offer as you initially thought, do let me know...”
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Alessandro wakes up early with a renewed energy that he hasn't felt in quite some time. He hops down from the rafters of the old shrine to Aroden and waves goodbye to any of the Eyes of Westcrown lingering within. He strolls north with a pep in his step mixing in twists and flourishes and even a few parkour moves. Along the way he stops to admire the brand new posters advertising the play.
He wraps his arm around one citizen's shoulder and leans in pointing to the poster. "Would you look at that? The Six Trials of Lazarod. I hear the it is supposed to be particularly brutal."
He poses in front of another poster. "Think I have a chance at a part? I fancy I could make a good Lazarod."
For the most part, people just scoff or shoo him along. Despite his animation, he is actually quite average and no one is impressed.
Undeterred, Alessandro continues his charade as he approaches the Limehouse Theater. He bursts open the entrance doors letting the dawn's light flood in and stands as a silhouetted shadow as he declares, "It is I, Alessandro Esposito! I'm here to try out.". He searches out Robahl and enthusiastically shakes his hand. "I assume Arael sent word ahead that I'd be arriving today. I am a big fan of your work. It is such an honor to even be in your presence. My humble acting skills can't hold a candle to the talent I'm sure you've attracted for this historic event yet I beg you to give me a chance. I hear that the role of Drovalid has recently become available."
Once accepted, Alessandro mounts the stage and auditions for the role.
"Magistrate Maleficarum, I come before you a simple hand whose lash is guided by the greater glory of Asmodeus. May my scourge do him and this devoted tribunal proud. With your permission I shall begin our first trial."
Alessandro swings his sword at the approaching sandbag and scores a solid hit spraying the red sand across the stage. He bows and stands straight only to be hit in the head with the back swing of the now empty bag. "Well there you have it." he says sheepishly.
Once the rest of the cast and crew arrive, he takes the stage again to introduce himself. "Greetings my friends. I am Alessandro Esposito. Amateur actor at best. But for those of you who know Arael and Janiven, know that we are in common company." *Wink* "As for the rest of you fine actors...and stage hands." He waves at Millech. "It is a pleasure to be working with you. May we bring Robahl's play to a successful conclusion."
After that he hops down from the stage to mingle. "Oh, by the way, have you fellows seen the posters? You all look so good!"
Catina takes a hasty breakfast at the temple after morning prayers, as usual for her, and then hurries to the theater for another day of rehearsals. She's found some clarity in her prayers last night and has some ideas on how to approach. She hears the people of Westcrown talking about the play, and prays that those ideas will bring her some measure of success.`As they get ready to start the day, she listens with surprise to Petals' account of her previous evening with the director. Through Petals' eyes she gets another view of the man and his dedication to the art of acting, which further strengthens her resolve to find a way to do better.
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Catina looks skeptical as the new applicant for the role of Drovalid arrives. Initially, she mistakes her bravoure for Thesing's pompous snobbery. However, the man's performance on stage quickly wins her over, and Catina finds herself clapping when he slices open the swinging bag of sand. With some hesitation, she approaches to answer his greeting and introduction. Catina's infernal heritages is plain, with small horns, scarred cheeks and arms showing infernal obsceneties and unnaturally long fingers. She looks at her hands, and then declines to offer Alessandro her hand. Instead, she waves ackwardly, which shows a pewter bracelet around her wrist decorated with Shelyn's songbird. "Hello, I'm Catina," she says, giving an awkward grin at the man's mention of the posters. "I'll be playing Lazarod. Your audition was really good," she says kindly. "I'm sure we can count our blessings to have you along."
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When called by Rhobal, Catina gets up on stage to rehearse her lines with Ilsandra. Throughout the day she tries to find different ways of playing and delivering the lines. All in all, she strives to stay closer to her own strengths. She knows most of the lines well enough by now to stick to them, but she puts the accents where she feels them, emphasizing Lazarod's conviction in his decision, and the strength he draws from knowing that he has friends by his side. All in all, at the end of the day she is not unhappy. That gives her the courage to face Rhobal again. "Hello, Mister Nanon. I just wanted to say that I've given thought to what you said today. I know that there is a lot to improve yet, but I'll work as hard as I can on that. You didn't want professional actors for this play, and I shouldn't try to be one. I'm ready to face this challenge: of the play itself, and whatever dangers it will bring. I will face them, and draw from them the conviction needed to portray Lazarod." She considers mentioning Petals appreciation of their dinner last night, but thinks better of it, for now.
"Please, no need to show modesty." he offers his hand back out to Catina if she'll take it. But withdraws it if it becomes to awkward. "You are being too kind about my performance. It was Aroden's luck that I hit that bag and my acting is no more than mediocre. But you, on the other hand, are Lazarod. You must be a spectacular actress to receive the leading role. If I'm lucky perhaps I could learn a few pointers from you."
Since Alessandro is talking with Catina presumably she isn't practicing her lines with Calseinica, so he takes the time to talk to her next.
"And you must the other leading lady. Robalh certainly has an eye for talent and beauty. I'm sure you have little time for a no one like me, but I thought to chance bravery and make myself known. I hope that my poor skills do not get in the way of your performance."
Alessandro fumbles through his lines the entire afternoon. "Oh I still have so much to learn. My admiration for each of you has only grown stronger under the realization of how difficult professional acting truly is."
Hello, I'm Petals. says the blonde elf, who despite dressing her best still looks little more than the tavern wench she is. Her smile is bright and her eyes genuine when she welcomes him to the group. Nonin will be happy to have someone with skill in acting. The rest of us are trying, but so far are better at the surviving part of the play than the performing part. Unless it is buckets and sandbags that is she brushes her cheek where the horrible bucket of evil had pegged her Those seem to be our bane. she turns to leave for her turn in front of the director before remembering to add Oh I'm playing Tybain.
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Her acting today isn't bad. She gets the lines, meets her marks, but her emotion is lacking. Even she knows it without a single rant or belittlement from the director. Knowing he wasn't a complete horse's bottom only made it worse. Instead of getting angry at him for yelling so much she just felt like she was letting him and the entire company down.
She doesn't spend much time with Millech until later. Feeling a little down because of her performance, she still manages a weary smile and wave as a greeting The effects today were very elaborate, especially for rehearsal. I can't wait to see what you do for the performance... even if they will be directed more at than for. I loved this one. she casts a silent image of her favorite illusionary monster she saw today. Her skill level is far short of his, but is it is recognizable at least.
"Well met, Petals. Don't mistake my showmanship for talent. Truly I have none. Any acting I picked up is from foolishly singing in the shadows. I'm a hunter and a loner. I am not a holy man but Aroden is my guide." He shows his silver eye of Aroden around his neck. "And he has guided me here...to you. So here I am, for better or worse. So you are playing Tybain? The noble paladin. That's a fitting role. Don't be too hard on yourself. I'm sure you will do the part justice when it counts."
His kind words brings a smile and a laugh You are very eloquent and prolific with your words, good sir... for a loner. she teases just a bit, before adding if Robahl isn't in earshot Our director can be... um... verbally abusive at times... sometimes at all times, but I think... she stresses the word "think" ... he sincerely strives for the best in each of us. Don't take it to heart if you are able. And good luck.
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Faustinia wakes up confused, casting a suspicious gaze over her strange surroundings before remembering that she spent the night scribbling down arcane writings from a stage hand’s spellbook. It seemed like a strange dream at the time, but she stretches and prepares for the day. She greets the other Irises as they arrive, though she is not especially eager to slog her way through another unproductive day of rehearsals.
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So she can’t tell if it’s a blessing or a curse when a new, boisterous Drovalid bursts into the theater. She raises a skeptical eyebrow, trying to catch Catina’s eye to share a very similar look. At first Faustinia worries that Alessandro is merely some new theatrical upstart, here to snatch the role of Drovalid before Arael can find a suitable new Iris to take the part. However, the silver eye around his neck provides some reassurance that this is the right man. ”A pleasure,” offers Faustinia in greeting, extending a polite and freshly ink-stained hand to shake. She frowns when she sees it, makes a quick gesture with her hands, and then re-offers her newly magically cleaned hand. ”I am Lady Faustinia Xerysis. I’ll be playing Dentris; it’s good to have a new Drovalid to help watch our backs.”
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During the day, Faustinia seems to finally be getting the hang of playing Dentris. Whether she’s learning the craft of an actor or just empathizing with the old mage’s crankiness, she’s more at ease with the role and the lines, growing more confident. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to drop the acrid old man’s bitter expression after a long day of practice. When she goes to greet Millech, her expression is full of disdain and impatience, and she barks something snippy at him as he passes. Immediately realizing her mistake, she blurts out her apology. ”Ah, please forgive me, Millech. That was uncalled for, of course. I suppose I was so deeply immersed in Dentris’ role that… well, excuse me,” she trails off, clearly embarrassed. She sulks off toward the dressing rooms to remove herself, hoping to simply forget the exchange entirely.
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A strange letter is delivered to you via runner in the morning, while you were having your breakfast in whatever fancy place you’re used to stop by.
The letter was sealed with a strange signet—that of an open eye surrounded by nine stars, beyond which is a longsword surrounded by the radiance of the morning sun.
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If you decide to attend the meeting, you have some troubles in finding the tavern mentioned in the letter. If you ask a couple of questions around, you realize that the vast majority of the Wiscrani don’t know about any tavern named like the one you’re looking for. Anyway, if you ask about Vico della Luce, you eventually get an answer, although only after a few hours of information gathering. Vico della Luce is an old alley in Parego Spera, entirely built in the Old White architectural style which distinguished the pre-Thrune Cheliax. Almost all the small buildings on both sides of the alley are abandoned, as far as the people you ask know. Anyway, some of them are even able to give you direction to the alley.
As soon as you enter Vico della Luce, you see that the description you got was pretty accurate. The alley is very short and narrow, and at first sight it seems like suspended in a time bubble, with ancient-looking, one-storied building looking out the serpentine, winding alley. A closer inspection, though, reveals that those buildings are far from abandoned—people still live here. You walk through the alley with caution, but after no more than twenty steps, you find yourself in front of a wooden sign bearing the same symbol you found on the letter’s sealing—an open eye surrounded by nine stars, beyond which is a longsword surrounded by the radiance of the morning sun. Another sign, just below the first one, reads: Nine Stars Tavern. Be welcome”
As you open the front door, a smell of ragu (a Chelish meat sauce) fills your nostrils, together with the sound of bowls and mugs being cleaned in the water. At first, the whole tavern interior appears just like a dark hole to you, but as your eyes adapt to the shadows, you see that the main hall is lighted by several torches hanging on the wooden doors. The place seems cozy and warm upon first inspection. You see a fireplace at the opposite end of the hall, with a few velvet armchairs placed in front of it. On your left, you see a long wooden bar, and behind it a middle-aged woman with short and wavy black hairs. She gives you a mischievous smirk and with a nod she points you to the opposite side of the room. Complying to her nod, you look right and see a dozen small, round tables surrounded by simple wooden chairs. The tables are all empty and the chairs unoccupied, except for a table in the middle of the hall where another woman, this one with long, silken hairs and refined clothes seems to be waiting for someone. As soon as she meets your gaze, she waves at you and gestures to seat at her table. Before you reach her, you notice that there’s one more person on the room: an elf or half-elf, judging by his ears, who’s reading a book in front of the fireplace, comfortably sitting on an armchairs. You didn’t notice him before due to your perspective.
The woman at the table waits for you to sit down, and before talking she takes a moment to look you in the eyes, as though she was gazing right through your soul. Then her lips, embellished by a blood-red lipstick, take on the form of a smile. “Well met, Varius Rufano. You don’t need to worry about your safety, you’re among friends here”. The woman smiles and gestures to the woman behind the bar to approach. “My name is Ailyn Ghontasavos, and I’m a Pathfinder. Do you know what a Pathfinder is?”
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Alessandro’s arrival has breathed some new life in the cast, as made clear from his good receiving from Calsenica. “No one, you say?” The starlet giggles, shyly covering her mouth with a pale, elegant hand with beige nails. “I actually think you have a natural gift for acting, Mr. Esposito. You have the natural bearing of a professional actor, and I’m sure that your daring acrobatics will win you the sympathies of the crowd!”
Throughout the day, Calseinica spends her breaks with Alessandro, rehearsing their parts or chatting about idle topics such as weather, personal interests and so on. No one can really tell whether the starlet enjoys so much Alessandro’s company for his acting skill or if there’s something more to it. Anyway, Thesing seems to take note of Calseinica’s favors toward the newcomer, and during a break in which Calseinica is not with Alessandro, the pompous actor approaches the new member of the Eyes in private. His bearing makes clear that he does not wish for a dialogue. “What do we have here? Another street thug turned actor? Mph, don’t think you can impress me so easily, Mr. No One. I can see through your lies. You’re trying to win Calseinica’s favor in order to cover your complete lack of acting skills. But I won’t allow it. Calseinica is not a tool. She’s my tool, although she does not know it yet. But you will stay away from her, understood?” With that said, Thesing bombastically walks away, his red velvet mantle swirling behind him and his eau de cologne filling Alessandro’s nostrils with an unpleasant smell of arrogance.
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Throughout the day, Robahl grows increasingly worried about Catina’s complete lack of acting skills, and as usual he does not limit himself in berating her using his abstruse insults. When Catina approaches him in private during a break, the director listens to what the tiefling girl has to say with attention, then shakes his head. Resignation can be read upon his face. “You’re one of the lest talented actors I’ve ever known, and even the name of ‘actor’ is a praise for one with your lack of skills…I must have gone crazy when I decided to give you the role of Lazarod, but it’s now too late to retrace my steps.” The director seems to be content with his explanation, but as his eyes land on Petals, he seems almost compelled to add something more kind. “Anyway, I was the one who gave you the part, and I must be held responsible for your inevitable failure. Your surname had me think that you would improve, given time. Perhaps you still have a chance, if you work hard. If not, we’ll do with what we have, that is—we will hope the crowd won’t notice your absolute lack of acting gifts and focus on the combat scenes instead…But if I can give you an advice, you should really try and improve your relationship with Mrs. Nymmis, in and out of the stage. She’s a very talented actress, and there’s much she can teach to you. Besides, if you get along well with her, this would reflect on stage and help in concealing your poor skills. Just my two pennies, anyway…”
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Despite sleeping less than usual and new arcane formulas floating her mind, Lady Faustinia’s performance today is outstanding, and even gets her a round of applause by the director, Millech, Calseiniche and the other Eyes when the noble scholar manages to really bring to life a particularly dramatic line.
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Later that day, before leaving the theater, Faustinia lets fly a look of disdain and impatience at Millech as she barks something snippy at the hump. Despite her quick apologies, Millech shows a peculiar reaction. Instead of grunting as he’s used to do, the hump looks Faustinia in the eyes, returning her the disdain. “Filthy diabolisht…”, hisses Millech through clenched teeth. Judging from the hate and disdain in his words, and the squinting look the hump gives to Faustinia, there must be something more to it—the spells contained in Faustinia’s spellbook, which Millech studied the night before, are not explicitly the tools of a diabolist. They’re simple and quite basic conjuration spells. Perhaps there was something hidden inside Faustinia’s spellbook and Millech accidentally found it while studying the tome…
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Although her performances at the theater are worsening instead of improving, Petals is the only one in the cast who is immune to the director’s criticism. Even when the elf completely fails to deliver a line, Robahl absentmindedly nods to her. Perhaps, it is just that the director is spending most of his time with Catina and Calseinica, and he’s not focused enough on the others to recognize their failures, or maybe he just favors Petals above all the others. Whatever the reason, Petals is not abused and can calmly rehearse her part together with the others without the director’s constant berating in the background.
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This time Millech at least stops and looks Petals in the eyes as she speaks to him, but the outcome does not change—flattery doesn’t work with the hump, or so it seems. A quick “Thank you”, is all that Petals manages to obtain from him.
The fourth day of work and rehearsals at the Limehouse Theater has eventually come to an end, and the cast prepares to take their leave from the playhouse. However, whichever the actors had for the evening is brusquely interrupted by a large crowd which has gathered just outside the exit of the Limehouse Theater. There must be about a hundred people, and they all cry out for a preview of the play. Although Alessandro had told the group how much tension and anticipation was building in town in view of the premiere, no one could expect such an enthusiastic and perhaps even exaggerated reaction. Anyone, that is, except for the director, who has done a great job in advertising the play.
As you can see, in the center of the crowd is a wooden stage on the top of which a town crier is announcing the “legendary skills” of the actors, who have “played to royalty in ten kingdoms”.
The crowd loudly demands for a preview, but perhaps it can be talked into waiting a little more…
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The letter is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to Varius. He holds it in trembling hands before doing a not-so-obvious job of looking over his shoulder. He crams the flaky pastry that was his breakfast, burns his mouth on the hideously expensive Katapeshi coffee, and bolts out of his favourite breakfast place.
A secret letter. A secret letter. Gods preserve me. Okay... think. I need to get my armour and weapons. Then burn the letter.
On his way to the tenement, Varius accosts varying passers-by if they've ever heard of the Nine Stars Tavern. After receiving blank looks, he finally gives up and breaks into a dead run to get to his tenement. Once inside, he straps on his breastplate, fixes his shortswords smartly to his side, and takes a moment to brush his hair and try and look presentable. Only then does he burn the letter before sweeping on his beautiful embroidered cloak.
Right. So, early dinner. At some place I have no idea where. Hrm, well maybe I'm asking in the wrong neighbourhood. If I don't know where it is, it's obviously not a very nice place. Let's go bribe some urchins. They know where the best taverns are.
Several hours and coppers later, Varius finally realizes that street urchins don't know anything about taverns and frankly their reputation as information sources is undeserved. He then tries the next best option, asking at other taverns. The best way to make friends is to buy drinks, and so he does. It's only after he's through his fourth tavern (and fourth cocktail) that he realizes he could ask after the street, rather than the tavern itself. He immediately gets the information he needs, and with that he staggers off to the north of the city.
Only slightly drunk, Varius is delighted to find the alleyway, taking a moment in to enjoy the architecture.
So this is what it looked like before Aroden died and Thrune ruined everything. To live in those times rather than in the wretched state of fear everyone is in now.
Finally spotting the Nine Stars Tavern, Varius heads in more or less on time. A little more sweaty, confused, and drunker than he had originally anticipated. Realizing the importance of his secret letter, he tries not to look suspicious as he walks into the tavern.
That smells delicious. So now where... ooh, a nod. That nod means a lot. It means - look over there? Oh! I suppose I'm meeting this lady.
Remembering his manners, Varius inclines his head politely before indelicately collapsing at the table. He shoots a sidelong glance to the (half?)-elf before fixing the lady with a winning smile. Then remembering the clandestine nature of his mission, he tries to look serious.
"Well met to you as well, madam! This is a lovely tavern I must say - old-fashioned in all the right ways."
Varius looks at the woman with a blank expression as she asks about the Pathfinders.
"... yes?"
Robahl's dismissal of Catina's efforts is almost enough to make her wither, but she grips her bracelet tight and steadies herself. She looks askance at Alessandro, who seems to have to no trouble at all in getting along with Calseinica. It's enough to make a trouble tiefling jealous. She bites back an apology and nods. "Yes, Sir. I'll do what I can." She then takes a quick leave of the director, before her courage fails her.
--
Eager to be back to the temple after another day of feeling inadequate, Catina quickly dons her cloak at the end of the day. Seeing the large crowd as they step out is almost too much for the girl, weary from the long day. She shies back, seeking refuge next to Faustinia and Petals. "What do we do?" she whispers. She includes Alessandro as well, the most accomplished actor of them, despite his recent addition to the troupe. "We can't just perform for them here, can we?" she asks, panic very near in her voice. "We... we don't have our costumes. And none of what they're saying about us is true!" She knows on some level that none of those are strong arguments against performing, but the very idea of getting up on that stage without proper preparations, has her shaken quite thoroughly.
If the others agree that the group shouldn't perform, Catina does what she can to convince the crowd to disperse. Otherwise she takes to the stage, with weak knees and a knot in her stomach, to give a sample of the play.
--
The crowd is amazing. She's performed in countless bars around the city over the decades, but never ever to something this large! Feeling a bit weak in the knees at the thought, she steadies Catina with her own shoulder pressed against her. Legendary, are they serious? voice dry, eyes wide, she looks at the others in worry. If we mess up, it might hurt the entire production. If it is too bad... shaking her head, reminding herself not to talk about the overall plan. Shadow beasts, pathfinders, and saving people. All put into serious jeopardy without the play We're barely passible. We can't afford to fail.
Alessandro thoroughly enjoys Calsenica's company. He's never truly had a friend before, let alone a female friend. He's actually rather confused at what she sees in him but he isn't complaining. He just hopes his inexperience doesn't make things awkward.
When Thesing approaches him and talks about Calsenica with such derogation, he fumes on the inside but he isn't looking to make an enemy of a cast member on his first day, so he keeps his emotions to himself. But he promises to keep an eye on Thesing and confront him if he becomes hostile again.
When the crowd confronts the group as the leave the theater, he sees that his fellow cast members appear timid and unsure of themselves. Alessandro never thought of himself as a leader but oddly feels that he must encourage these woman or they'll never have to confidence to pull off this play successful. Despite struggling with the lines himself this morning, he decides to give the performance another try. The crowd isn't familiar with the play anyway if he flubs a few words.
Alessandro grabs Catina and Petals hands and pulls them onto the stage. He motions for Faustinia to follow as well.
"Hark, yonder Wiscrani. Woe not. You wish to experience our legendary skills, do you? Then you shall have it. We will not disappoint our fans. I play Drovalid the torturer. A minor role, compared to Lazarod." he pushes Catina to the forefront. "But I shall entertain you nonetheless."
Alessandro removes his belt and uses it as a makeshift whip for one of the scenes that he had been learning. "He is as unbreakable as a marble tide—dragon's scale would have shattered long ago—and yet he stands unbowed. No lie can evade this unholy lash of mine, gifted to me by Asmodeus himself. Larazod must speak the truth!"
Once the scene is complete, he throws his belt out into the crowd and holds his arms out to his sides.
"Now please, let us pass, we are tired from rehearsal and must retire for the night."
Petals squeaks something unladylike at the rouge who is pulling her on stage. Once up there she manages to pull her hand free turning to him to give him a piece of her mind when she sees a SEA of people all staring at HER. Mother this is insane she whispers in her mind, Try daughter, it is all you can do the voice answers warmly.
Um... Tybain the paladin. she introduces herself with a curtsy to cover the hopeless fact she has forgotten every single line she's been practicing over the week. She didn't even have her armor or hammer to look the part. They are going laugh me off the stage. Closing her eyes, she wills herself to settle somewhat thinking The play has to work! over and over to get courage.
Since acting was helpless, she decides she might as well try to entertain instead so she whispers words of power, creating an illusion of a foul skeleton warrior with shield and spear threatening the good Drovalid. Stand aside lump of human flesh, so I can cleave good Lazarod! she says for the skeleton in a loud gravely voice, which pretty much sounds just like her. She hasn't mastered illusions with sounds yet, unlike their special effects master, so this is all she can do.
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Faustinia mutters under her breath about the crowd's demands for "legendary" acting. She hadn't yet seen these posters that Alessandro mentioned, but a quick glance at the smug Robahl is enough to confirm for her that he must have over-promoted them. Whether that's out of a sense of arrogance or a desire to rile up the crowd against them when they fall short of expectations (or some combination of both), she can't say. She is ready to tell the crowd off when Alessandro pushes Catina forward and starts to give a preview.
Sighing, she moves up to join them. She draws on her practice through the day: she focuses on the anger she felt having to work with Thesing, the strange and frustrating muttered accusations from Millech, and the strange protectiveness she has developed for Catina over the course of their acquaintance: "Fools, my good master may be a fool of a tiefling, but if you think to wrack his spine, and wheedle mewled recantation from his black lips, you are even greater fools than he. Larazod is no coward, and he sneers in the face of pain with true faith in Asmodeus—he cannot waver." Faustinia finishes her line with a flourish and a smattering of arcane muttering as she draws power through her heirloom necklace. She creates an illusion to join the one Petals summoned: above Catina and Alessandro roars to life a towering figure of Asmodeus, contract in hand, wreathed in flames and backed by the sound of the roaring flames of hell, following the actors as the speak in infernal judgment.
---
Catina feels her knees buckle as she's drawn up on stage, and she's only steadied by Elessandro's arm. She looks over the crowd, overwhelmed at the people, panicked by the fact that they are all around her, cutting off any avenue of escape. When Drovalid pushes her to the forefront by way of introduction, she wants to make a proper bow but stumbles, leaves her on her knees on the stage. She looks miserable and hopes that people will assume it's part of her playing a tortured agony. As Elessandro ends his line, she attempts to right herself. "Even... even an ocean of agony turn lie to truth - errr... Truth to lie."
Feeling that's about as much as she can manage, she's happy to Faustinia and Petals to rescue her, with their demonstration of magic.
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“That does not surprise me at all…”, the woman replies, smiling at Varius’ ignorance of the Pathfinder Society. “Westcrown is not a good place to be a Pathfinder, after all. And I suspect that you, above everyone else, were intentionally kept in the dark about the Pathfinder Society, especially considering your…” Ailyn smirks, and she does not complete her phrase. “Here. Take a look at this”, says the Pathfinder as she hands Varius a voluminous tome accompanied by a smaller one, almost pocket-sized. “In the big one you’ll find everything you need to know about the Pathfinder Society—who we are, what do we do, how do we do it, and so on. The smaller one is a Pathfinder Chronicle, a series of reports detailing the discoveries made by particularly brilliant Pathfinders in a given period of time. They’re yours to keep, but be cautious—the Inquisitors wouldn’t like to see these books in the hands of a Wiscrani, nor the Hellknights for that matter.”
In the meanwhile, the woman behind the bar has reached the table where Varius and Ailyn are sitting. “Good evening ma’am, what can I get you?” The woman has a mischievous grin on her face, a strange expression for a waitress.
“Orecchiette al ragù for both of us, my dear. And a bottle of that good Corentyn 4599”, replies Ailyn. She seems to be rather familiar with the waitress.
“Very good, I’ll be back soon”, the woman smirks again and bows before taking her leave.
Distracted by the waitress, no one noticed that the half-elf (as it is now clear) has approached the table. “Good evening milord, milady” The half-elf nods and puts the book he was reading inside his satchel.
“Arael, my dear, such a pleasure to see you. Please, join us!”
The half-elf smiles and sits down.
“Name’s Arael”, says the half-elf, extending his hand towards Varius.
Ailyn waits for introductions to be made before taking the conversation back to its previous topic. “As I was saying, Mr. Liberare, there are a lot of things which are forbidden in our once-glorious city, as you know very well, I’m sure.”
Arael nods and chimes in. “Indeed. It’s a shame that our city’s glory has faded so much, don’t you think, Mr. Liberare? Not so long ago, Westcrown was the center of Aroden’s cult. The City of Nine Stars, they called it. The capital of a grand and huge empire, and not one which came to terms with devils. Cheliax was a righteous empire, and its citizens were just waiting for Aroden’s return to take humanity by hand in a new era of grandeur. When He died, our country fell into chaos. You know the story. When House Thrune seized control over Cheliax, they moved the capital to Egorian and Westcrown was left abandoned to decadent nobles and corrupt officials. Our city, once glorious, started his inevitable decline. Entire portions of the city were abandoned by the fleeing nobles and commoners alike. Parego Dospera still stands there, reminding us of the constant decline of our home, its crumbling ruins telling tales of long lost grandeur.” Arael seems very carried away by his own speech, and speaks with a passionate tone and an authoritative timber.
“Then the shadows came…”, adds the waitress, as she puts the dishes in front of Ailyn and Varius.
“That was the killing blow. The shadows now haunt our nights. Wiscrani can’t walk the streets of their own city at night, and they must respect a hateful curfew. This is not freedom. This is not life”, bitterly comments Arael.
“Mr. Liberare, what do you think about this?”, asks Ailyn, curiosity filling her eyes. The waitress, in the meantime, has also brought a bottle of good Chelish wine to the table.
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The crowd bursts in a jubilant explosion of applauses. “Bene! Bravo! Good! Astonishing! Bis! Bis! Bravissimo!” The group looked very dashing, also thanks to the help of Thesing, Calseinica and the Visbaronettes Aulamaxa, who joined the preview. But the majority of the credits go to the amateur actors.
Although the crowd asks for more, eventually the group manages to talk it out of another preview and let them enjoy some hard-earned rest, and the crowd slowly disperses. Some citizens stop to make their personal compliments to their favorite actors and ask for autographs. Everyone in the group is asked at least one autograph. The most sought-after one is Alessandro, who attracted the attention of many opera enthusiasts and admirers. Also Faustinia and Petals get their share of praises and attentions, with about five people asking them an autograph and complimenting with them for the performance. Catina only gets one admirer—a little girl, aged about 10, who’s apparently alone and without parents to look after her. At first sight, the little girl is unremarkable, but at a closer look Catina immediately recognizes the signs of tiefling heritage on the child—she has small horns protruding from her head and razor-sharp teeth, blood-red eyes and slightly pointed elbows. “I hope one day I can be just like you!”, says the little girl with tears in her red eyes and commotion in her melodic voice.
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Once the crowd of admirers disperses, the actors are free to go their own ways. Calseinica bids you farewell and kisses Alessandro on the cheek. “You’ve been great!”, she whispers in his ear before leaving. Thesing follows her immediately after, taking her same route. The Visbaronettes enters her white-lacquered carriage, while the director is nowhere to be seen—he probably left right after the preview.
As soon as the other actors have taken their leave, a familiar-looking child approaches you. He’s Morosino. “Psst! Follow me, please. Arael has announced a gathering at the safehouse! Let’s split our ways! I’ll see you there”
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Alessandro blushes when Calseinica kisses his cheek. Unsure how to handle himself, he just stands dumbfounded as she walks away. When he sees Thesing begin to follow her, he grits his teeth.
Alessandro then offers Catina his hand and helps her up. "My apologies lady. That did not go as planned. I had hoped to increase your confidence but you looked absolutely miserable. If I made you feel uncomfortable in any way, I am sorry. Please allow me to make it up to you by walking you home. That is...unless you have other plans."
"But first, I need to do something. I sense trouble and don't intend to let it happen on my watch." he says grimly and hurriedly chases after Thesing.
Catina steps down from the stage, stunned by the applause. The cheers from the crowd sting all the more because she realizes how badly she let the group down. I'll have to ask Robahl to replace me, she thinks as she wanders aimlessly and dazed. Alessandro's only been here for one day and he did so well. I'm sure it would be better if he were to play Lazarod. Caught in her own thoughts, tt takes her a few seconds to realize that the girl in front of her, a tiefling, came to see her. She snickers as she crouches down, uttering a couple of helpless laughs despite the tears flowing over her cheeks. "Hey there, little one... I'm glad you liked it. I'm sure you'll be fabulous one day, and I'd love to come watch you when you're on stage." She hugs the girl as she cries and laughs, a very needed catharsis for all the stress she'd been feeling the past few days. "Never let them tell you that you're not good enough, OK? Stick to what you want, and you'll be all right. I promise."
She eventually lets the girl go when she notices Morosino. She says a final goodbye and then rejoins her companions, wiping a sleeve across her face to clear away her tears. "That's OK," Catina waves away Alessandro's apologies. "I think it was only good that you took me along on stage, or I might not have dared." Her eyes are still red from crying, but her face has regained some colour and she sounds more at ease. She's about to tell Alessandro that she can't go home yet, because of the meeting at the safehouse, when the man dashes after Thesing. "Wait, don't cause trouble. I..." Does he even know where he has to go?! She looks at Faustinia and Petals, shrugging to say that she's not sure what to do. "I'd better go after him. We'll meet back at you-know." She then dons the hood of her cloak and hurries after Alessandro.
Varius blinks as he receives the tome and the smaller book. He opens the big one up, leafing around in a few pages. As he reads snatches of tales of heroism his heart speeds up a bit.
"Thank you. I'll guard these carefully."
He remains engrossed in the book, barely noticing the half-elf approach the table. Varius quickly looks up, smiling a little. He clasps the half-elf's hand.
"Varius. Well met."
Do these people all know each other? Why are they pretending not to? Well if this is some elaborate trap at least the orecchetti here sounds good.
As Ailyn starts speaking about the fall of Westcrown, and the shadows stalking the streets at night he finds himself nodding slowly, and then enthusiastically. He glances over his shoulder a little obviously and then whispers fiercely.
"It's an outrage! We used to be something great. This city was beautiful. Something took our nights. You... you have to know who I am, right? That's why you're talking to me? I'm violating a contract talking about this but damn these people and their contracts. My heritage, my history has been erased. I was raised by madmen with delusions of mediocrity in a crumbling estate who thought that whipping some slaves and getting advice from a bearded devil with a head injury would allow them to rise above the 'mighty' House Nymmis. The ones who smell like cabbage and sleep with their cousins. This city belongs to the monsters, whether they prowl the streets or sit in estates."
As he rants, he points a shaking finger outside.
"Now that I'm free of that mess I see the common people here live in terror. It's misery. I just don't know what to do."
Bye Petals calls to Catina. Shall we? She then asks the Lady Faustinia. She's never really been alone with the noble woman, so she feels a little out of place next to her while walking back to the shrine. Um... your illusion of Asmodeus was amazing, made me want to draw my hammer and charge. she says with an unsure smile.