Emilia heard her father's much raised voice as she stepped over the threshold of the narrow doorway. She had never heard him so angry before or speak in such a manner to her mother. It frightened her a little - mainly for the fact that his poor health would not be aided by such emotional, elevated exertion. Being that the doors were so thin in this part of town, Emilia had heard everything her father spoke to her mother after she had closed the door behind her.
Emilia did not begrudge or blame her father for his frustrations with her mother. He had lost a son, too, and his esteemed reputation, and still he worked tirelessly to do what he could for them.
The slamming door behind her made her turn swiftly on her heel, instantly coming face to face with her father, who appeared to be calling her name.
"Papa?"
Emilia did not run from her father -- would not run. She waited for him to tell her what he needed -- how she could help him. She would not abandon him, especially now.
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Silvio leans over to see what word Marial saw. "What, you know that one, that's--" He pauses, realizing Marial was writing instructions. He stares a hole in the chalkboard, trying not to look up at the table across the room. Terion? Did she mean Terion?
"Uh, yeah, but it's 'hab-ER-dash-er.' It, uh, means somebody that sells odds and ends for tailors and seamstresses. That's what they sell there, thread, buttons and the like." Silvio takes the chalk from her. "See sound it out, 'hab-er-dash-er'" He lightly scrawls on the board.
What do we do? Grab him here?
The urge to look finally takes over for Silvio and the young man's eyes drift up to find Terion's face.
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Chills ran up the bard's spine as he walked through the empty rooms. Normally, he didn't like to go into the place where he was tortured before for obvious reasons, but it's possible he could find some sort of clue there so he swallowed his fear and headed in. He fully clenched when he heard the voice of his uncle, and tried to shake off the feeling that this place was actually haunted when every sense in his body was telling him otherwise.
I don't know. No. He ain't made no truble now. She glances back upward and sees him continuing to stare. Trying not to hold his gaze for more than a second, she attempts to read the eyes that, for a time, she'd have said she knew better than any others.
But he remains unreadable, a blank slate ever since the attack. She wipes off her own slate, heedless of the chalk dust on her silk sleeve.
Taletha heads back to Teron's table with a bowl of food and a mug of ale. When she sets the food and drink on the table, Teron reaches out and touches the back of Taletha's hand just before she is able to draw it away. They pause in this position for a moment as Teron puts on a dashing smile and says something you are unable to hear. Taletha blushes and twirls her hair with her other hand. He cuts his eyes back in Maretha, obviously trying to draw a reaction. He reaches into his coin purse and slides the barmaid a coin. Eventually Taletha walks away and Teron lifts his mug. Silvio and Mouse catch him laughing a bit before taking a drink.
Almost simultaneously, a graceful lady walks from out of the door behind the bar with shoulder length, auburn colored hair. She is dressed in a black leather outfit including tight pants and a jacket. She is exceptionally attractive, but has an air of dignity and experience. You would guess she is in her early thirties. She walks straight up to your table and draws up a chair to sit. She leans back and crosses her legs. The more perceptive members of the group notice she is missing a couple of fingers on one hand. "Welcome to the Three Rings Inn. I am Theandra. I gather you have had an eventful few days?"
Mouse sits glued to her seat, eyes fixed on her former lover. Invisible cords yank at her, threatening to pull her apart. The strongest tries to pull her out of the door with a shriek, away from this man and the threat he poses, away from memories that threaten to tear her apart. But a part of her pulls toward him as well...
For whatever he had done to her, he had still been the first. The only one she'd ever huddled against for warmth and comfort and belonging in the dark of night. The only one she'd ever sworn herself to. The only one who'd ever had any ability to pull at her like this...
And now, to see him so casually make overtures at another, as if none of it had meant anything...after he'd attempted to wad her up and throw her out of this world simply to gain an old man's favor...
But what if he ain't the same no more, with Gaedren gone? What if we could...
Lost in her reverie, she barely notices Theandra's approach. It takes her words of greeting to shake Mouse loose; she snaps back to the dining room with the harsh recoil of reality. No. We couldn't. Not with what's happened. Her hand travels to her heart, where scars still lived both visible and invisible. But nothing could stop that casual touch from burning on Mouse's skin, though it was another hand Teron had touched.
Uh, yeah. Yeah, y'could say that.
As you head further away from the torture chamber, the sights and sounds that you experienced in the secret parts of the mansion slowly fade. Whatever it was, it seems you were able to shake off the worst of it. You are left with a foreboding feeling as you enter the streets and converse with your neighbors and their servants.
They tell of the horrors from the night before: criminals breaking in to the houses and stealing what they could, screams of female servants being taken by the men, destruction of property. It sounds like the arrival of the Hell Knights was the only thing that saved the neighborhood from complete destruction.
"My lady, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," Manius grins, shooting a quick glance across the room to see who's got Silvio and Mouse agitated before sharply returning his attention to the attractive lady. "I'm not indisposed to trying, mind you," he says with a wink.
Orcsson notices Teron and his attempts to taunt Mouse.
Your Father grabs you and hugs you tightly. His heart has been torn in two. He starts to speak, "Em, don't listen...", but he trails off and breaks into a fit of coughing. The dry heaving causes him to sink to the floor where he rests on both knees bent forward. With each cough, his body begins to convulse. He grabs at his chest gasping for air between the coughs.
She embraced her father, hoping to soothe his ire and sadness away. Emilia then gasped as her father dropped to his knees and began to convulse, unable to catch his breath between the racking fits of coughing.
"Papa, I will try to provide you with some relief."
She swiftly examined him, pressing her ear to his chest and listening to the sound of the air within, checking his pulse and his general wellbeing. She was not as talented as some of the more powerful healers within the Church, but Emilia was not without skill.
Swiftly, she set aside one of her prepared spells for the day and began to cast Cure Light Wounds, laying her hand gently upon her father's chest so he would reap the benefit of the healing spell.
She waited to see if it had any positive effect on her father's condition. If he was still in fits of coughing, she attempted to heal him further by Channelling Positive Energy. Emilia grasped her new holy symbol and called upon the Lady of the Graves grace to infuse him with her healing light.
Once again, she crouched down and listened to the air inside her father's chest and his heartbeat.
Raising herself up and holding his hand,
"Papa? How do you feel now?" Emilia asked softly, her voice marked with concern.
Garvid notes Mouse looking uneasy. I saw the girl try to punch a shark. There's something going here, and I'm disliking it on principle. As the tavern keeper walks next to them, he tosses a quick glance at the room, trying to see what Mouse is looking at. "You look live you've seen a ghost. Though, don't know if you're actually afraid of ghosts..." He tries his best to put on an encouraging smile, to a mixed result. "We got your back, kid. This town is packed with bars, I could get banned from a couple more. Could get me that 'street credentials', or whatever they call it." Seeing the former adventurer standing next to him, however, he smiles again. "Though I'd prefer if it didn't come to that." Turning towards the newcomer, fully expecting her to have eavesdropped, he smiles. "You could say that. Who doesn't need a bit of anarchy to get the blood flowing.", he grunts in his cynical tone.
Silvio sees Terion trying to taunt them, and he realizes Marial is griping the slate tablet with nearly all her strength. He drops any pretenses and openly glares at his former friend. He's nearly taken off guard when Theandra approaches.
"Huh? Oh yes, uh, thank you for letting us use your Inn. And for the food too." Silvio smiles at her. "I'm Silvio. Are the beds, um, nice?" He glares back at Terion.
Ghost is 'bout right, Mouse murmurs at Garvid's words. Wait - what - you ain't gotta do - She shakes her head a few times, as if trying to jolt something loose inside, then turns to the conversation at the table, looking like she's trying just a little too hard to act casually and still halfway resting on the tips of her toes, one hand on the strap of her backpack.
Yeah, thanks, ma'am. The food's real good, an' the tea too. Ain't had much fine tea before. An' the dinin' room's real pretty, an' the musician too. I ain't heard much in the way o' nice music before the last couple'a days, but one of our friends is a right good violinist...
Calcedon didn't quite know what to feel when it came to the Hellknights coming to the rescue. First of all, he had no idea if his friend and child were still alive, but if they were they may be either in their custody or something he would need to get them out as soon as possible. Second of all, he deserted them, so he couldn't think that many of them would be cooperative with him concerning the matter. He trudged his way through the streets, looking for even more information, really anything he could use in his quest to discover the fate of those dear to him.
Garvid grins back at Mouse. "Not unless you say so, no." I wonder who this little s$@& is., he thinks as he tosses another obvious look at him. Taunting, huh? You got a lot of your own teeth to eat, sonny boy, until you learn how to do it properly. Garvid smiles at Teron, then raises his eyebrows. Looking down on his gauntlet, he casually inspects the dented metal, then puts one of his fingers in his mouth, and rubs a bit of dried blood. He then casually wipes it on the provided napkin in front of him, then sends Teron an unnecessarily toothy smile.
Turning back at Theandra, he smiles. "Sorry about the napkin. I'm sure you can put it in as expenses." He scratches his chin. "Right, enough about that. As soon as everyone's ready, I guess we could head and see the basement." He gives another glance at Teron. Wonder if she'll act on it. Don't want to leave a potential enemy out just because of a past... He leans over to Mouse and Theandra. "So, what are we doing about this guy over there? Since you don't want any problems in here,", he nods at Tauk, "I guess we can snatch him.", he puts on a smile on his face.
Mouse looks thoroughly embarrassed at all the attention focused squarely on her now by friend, foe, and not a few of the bar's frequenters. She seems to shrink into her seat, trying to hide between the pinstripes on the pub's wallpaper and disappear. The look in her eyes is full of misgiving, as if she's doesn't know whether to expect a kick, a caress, or a knife between the ribs.
He come 'ere often? she quietly asks Theandra, gesturing subtly toward Teron. It's just...he was 'bout t'rob one of our friends a couple'a days ago, if we hadn't'a stopped 'im. You ain't gotta make no fuss about 'im if he ain't caused no trouble for ya, she adds hastily, but if he's 'ere bout that - or a good many other things, she adds in her mind, - we don't want him t'be a problem for ya.
Silvio nods, turning to Theandra. "Either let's get down to the basement, or we'll need Tauk's help to remove or capture that one." The young man is feeling braver with the others with him. "He's a dangerous one, Theandra. And after we dealt with his boss, he might be looking for some revenge."
Emilia catches her father as he drops to the ground. As her medical experience kicks in, she realizes that the coughing is coming from an increase of fluid on his lungs. There is no telling how long he has had the cough, but it definitely turned into pneumonia. She quickly casts healing magic, which stops the immediate coughing spell. She suddenly realizes that his condition is too poor to cure with spells. She reaches in her healer's kit and removes a scalpel. After tearing his shirt open, she skillfully slides the scalpel through his skin and between two ribs. With care, she punctures the pleura around his lungs. Blood and fluid pour from the wound. Within seconds, his breathing slows and he is able to catch a good breath. Stunned, he stares into his daughter's eyes. "How did you know how to do that? You saved me."
The neighbors give you as much information as possible about the events of the night before. One name you hear is the Cow Hammer Boys.
"I'm Silvio. Are the beds, um, nice?"
Theandra responds, "Well met Silvio. Yes...the beds are very nice."
She watches Garvid's performance with the napkin with a slight frown.
"He come 'ere often?"
"I have never seen him before. If he causes trouble, he will regret it." Changing the subject quickly after noticing Mouse's embarrassment. "Why don't we go see the accommodations?"
Teron watches on in amusement as Garvid sends his visual threat. He looks away and laughs a bit, finishing with another drink from his mug. He turns his eyes back on Mouse as the owner speaks to the group. When he catches her eye, he smiles and motions his head to offer her a seat across from him.
Theandra stands and asks for the group to follow her.
Once the breathing appeared returned to normal and the pressure released from his lungs, Rain used her magic to ensure the incision/punctures/wounds were sealed properly. "I had good teachers, Papa. I will always try to save you." Emilia helped her father up slowly into a sitting position.
"Try and breathe slowly, in and out, Papa. You must not become distressed. Let us try to stand and I will help you back inside the apartment." Using her body, she helped manoeuvre her father slowly upright, and, steadying him on his feet, moved back inside her parents' apartment.
Settling him on the cot and adjusting his pillows and placing a threadbare blanket over him, Emilia moved to the basin and wetting a linen wash cloth, she returned to her father's side and washed his forehead, draping it across to cool his skin. Emilia poured some water into the wooden mug from the urn on the small side table by the cot. She handed it to her father, helping him to drink.
"How do you feel now, Papa? Would you have me stay here with you and Mama for the night?"
Emilia took a moment to cast her eyes to her mother who had upset her father so much he had left her at the table on her own. The woman had spoken a mere two words before turning mute once more. She was worried about them -- Would her father be well enough to take care of himself and her mother once she left to join the others? Looking to her father, Emilia gave him a small, loving smile, and gently held his hand.
Silvio stands to follow Theandra. "Yes, I think we should leave the common room now. I would have your man, watch him though, Theandra. He is a liar and a killer." Silvio throws his former friend a nasty look as the group follows the innkeeper down to the basement.
Soun's like a plan, Mouse answers Theandra softly. She ducks behind Garvid, Orcsson, and Silvio, ducking her eyes down to her unusually shiny shoes. But not in time to miss his gesture of feigned welcome. He ain't meanin' it, he ain't meanin' it... Her hand travels to her chest again, and she follows the others to the basement - though not without one last look over her shoulder when she thinks he's turned away. But what if he is?
"How do you feel now, Papa? Would you have me stay here with you and Mama for the night?"
Teodor nods no. "No sweetie. You have more important things to take care of. I will manage." He attempts a smile. "I will go see the doctor in the morning. I promise." He squeezes your hand and then stand to walk over and open the door.
Marcella continues to stare at the wall emotionless.
"I would have your man, watch him though, Theandra. He is a liar and a killer."
Theandra looks over at Tauk and motions to Teron. Tauk nods back. "Already on it."
Teron watches as Mouse stands and shuns his offer. He frowns and looks away, missing her final glance.
"Soun's like a plan"
Theandra walks the group to a locked door on the right of the bar. She reaches in her blouse and retrieves a key. She unlocks the door and opens it, revealing a stairway leading down. She continues leading the group into a large common room. In the middle of the room is a round table with seven comfortable chairs. A fire burns in a fireplace at the back of the room. Posted throughout the room are intricate maps of different city districts. On the East and West walls, there are three doors each of which are open. Each door reveals a well furnished room including a double bed, a foot locker, a nightstand, a desk with a leather chair, and wardrobe.
"I think you will find the accommodations quite comfortable. Like I mentioned earlier, all of your expenses are paid. I was expecting six...where are you companions?"
Once on the streets, Emilia looked about for sign of threat or danger and then unassumingly and cautiously made her way to the Three Rings Inn.
At Theandra's reminder, Mouse suddenly stares up the stairs, a frown creasing her forehead. I ain't sure; they said they had other things t'take care of 'fore they came, but I ain't expected 'em to be quite this late. Both knew the way, I think...
Garvid nods. "I wouldn't worry too much about them. Family issues take time, and they're both pretty tough. Don't tell them I said that.", he smiles. He scans the room, and nods approvingly. "If I knew working for the queen has these advantages, I'd have considered it a long time ago. Better neighbours too. Though... Does that mean we have to share rooms? Anyone volunteer to be my roommate?", he asks the rest. "Not really the topic at hand, though.", he says, sitting on a chair. Hell of a headquarters. Can't even think of anything I'd add. Maybe a secret entrance. Or an exit...
Silvio smiles at the comfortable and offical look of the basement. "Wow! Look at all those maps! It really is like a secret headquarters!" He goes over to look at each one. He glances at Theandra. "Where did you get all of these?"
The young man looks over to Garvid when he asks for a roommate. "Uh, I guess I can, Garvid. Might be easier to let Cal and Orcsson room together since they aren't here yet. I won't be any trouble, promise."
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She begins to leave her room, then goes back and checks the lock on the footlocker her bag presumably hides inside. Then she stands, bends over, and checks the lock a second time. Walking out of the room, she can't help but cast one more nervous glance back at the footlocker; it's clear she's not a fan of leaving her things out of her sight, even under lock and key and among trusted company.
Going back out to the common room, she starts to sit in one of the chairs, but then changes her mind, gravitating toward the maps on the wall. En-da-rin Iz-el-and... she mutters, sounding out one of the more prominent words. Wait, Endrin Island? There's the Narrows, and Garrison Hill...so these're maps of Korvosa? What's all these symbols mean? Mouse had seen enough maps to know what one was, but certainly couldn't instantly recognize Korvosa from above.
Ba-rid-ga fur-on-tuh...Bridgefront. Her fingers travel to the ramshackle neighborhood she calls home, and she begins to trace out some of her familiar walking paths. So here's goin' toward the docks...this big square might be that shippin' warehouse, an' here's the park they tried to put in what's all overgrown now...
Garvid sits on the table and smiles as he sees Mouse reading the maps. "Good going, kid. When'd you start learning? You got the desire for it, I can see. And map reading." He leans back on the chair. "So, how long have you two known each other? I think we got plenty of time to kill, and my stories are kind of boring. I'll just grab a couple of flagons from upstairs and bring them down here."
Mouse smiles with only a hint of shyness at Garvid's comment. We known each other, what, 'bout four or five years now, Sil? He come t'join the Lambs a couple'a years after I did. That girl we found in the fishery, Maretha? She came t'the Lambs with Silvio, and - Her voice catches in her throat. - and Teron too. The one from upstairs. Her voice rises slightly in volume and speed as she tries to talk over her own mind.
Silvio's the one what started teachin' me readin' and stuff, when we could find time in between what needed doin'. You c'n bet school weren't exactly high on Lamm's list o' priorities for us. Might o' been I learned somethin' 'bout it before I was here...but if I did I don't remember none. Don't remember much o' nothin' 'bout before I was in Korvosa. She trails off, a look of intense concentration on her face, trying to dredge up old memories that refuse to surface.
With a shake of her head, she resurfaces. An' I bet your stories ain't as borin' as you think. Seemed the Field Marshal known you pretty well - musta worked with 'er before. What happened?
Garvid nods as Mouse tells her story. As she mentions about her lost memories, he raises an eyebrow and grunts. "That's... strange. I've heard of magic messing with people's heads, but losing years...", he says, leaning on his hands. "Any keepsakes or anything? You might be a lost princess for all you know?", he says, a smile appearing on his face.
"Well, I've been a guard in Old Town for, hell, fifteen years, until last summer. Seen her a couple of times in our barracks. First time was when there was some Shoanti tearing up the neighbourhood, looking for a thief. Don't suppose any of you have something to do with that?", he asks, then smiles.
"Just kidding. You can't have them swinging those crazy spiked hammers around, so we told them we'd take care of them, and when they didn't agree, I walked next to one of them and headbutted him in the face." He points to a barely visible scar on his forehead. "I still have the scar, but the guy was knocked right out. So we escorted them to the barracks, and after about an hour, she showed up, explained everything to them, and luckily someone from the northern one managed to shake down a fence and get their stuff. Isn't often, but that's a happy ending enough for me."
He sighs. "Second time was when I was getting... relieved of my duty. There was this noble, real sick f+#~, coming to this place to have some twisted fun with the local girls. Left them bruised and beaten. Last time he was around, we heard the screaming from a couple of streets away, and by the time we got there, the girl was dead. My partner got the bodyguard, and I dragged him to the barracks... a bit more literally than usual. He tossed up a lot of s~@* after, had to get a mage to fix him up. Ranting about getting me hanged." He shakes his head.
"And then three days later, he ends up dead in his house, and all the posh fingers point towards me. The field marshal told me I'm not turning my badge in, I'm just giving it to her for safekeeping. Even showed up personally to take it." He sighs, then smiles.
"Look at me ranting. Should've told you the one when we binned a sailor with a cod around his dick. Literally the drunkest person I've seen in my life.", he chuckles.
Silvio smiles at Marial and then at Garvid. "Not bad, eh? She's a lot smarter than she gives herself credit for. It ain't like we had all day for lessons. But she practiced nearly everyday with that slate and learning the words on papers we had around." The young man clearly takes pride in helping Marial learn her letters, though you get the sense he's had little formal education himself.
He leans in as Garvid tells his stories of being in the guard. "Did you ever find out who killed him? If you did, do you think she would give you your badge back? Sounds like he deserved what was coming to him, though."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Your Father smiles as he receives the kiss. "Love you too honey." He turns to clean up the mess as you leave.
You are able to scout out any threat before you encounter it which allows you to skillfully bypass any danger. You arrive at the Three Rings Inn shortly after dark . When you enter, you see over a dozen patrons eating quietly. Your eyes are drawn to two men: one rather large man at the bar that has a mace on his hip and one smaller, handsome man sitting at a table who sees to be staring at you. A lady behind the bar calls out to her. "Please find a seat m'lady. I will be right with you."
"I ain't sure; they said they had other things t'take care of 'fore they came, but I ain't expected 'em to be quite this late. Both knew the way, I think... "
"I wouldn't worry too much about them. Family issues take time, and they're both pretty tough. Don't tell them I said that."
Theandra nods at the group's response. "I will head upstairs and keep an eye out for them. Please let me know if you require anything." She starts to head to the stairs when she hears Mouse reading. "Why yes...they are maps. You are not the first group to use this place as a strategic base." She laughs a bit. "Keep me updated on your plans." There is a note of excitement in her voice at the thought of being a part of something this important to the Queen.
As you continue your conversation, she leaves.
Evening had come by the time Emilia reached the Three Rings Inn. At least I was not accosted on the streets along the way. The priestess sent a swift prayer to the Lady of Graves for the small mercy. Her thoughts were still on her father and his condition; wondering if he was alright alone with her impaired mother. She sent another quiet prayer to her goddess for her father.
Upon entering the establishment, she noted the two males: the larger by the bar and the more comely one who was staring intently in her direction. She dipped her eyes a little and drew her hood a little higher.
Emilia looked about the tavern in hopes of spying her companions.
At first glance, Emilia could not see them and she grew a little anxious, wondering if they had left without her for she had taken longer than she had intended on her personal errand. They would not go without leaving word for me, would they?
When the pretty barmaid called out and instructed that she find a seat, Emilia inclined her head and chose a table not too close to any truly unsavoury types.
Emilia pushed back the dark hood of her cloak and gently (albeit nervously) smoothed the long, wavy, dark strands of her hair. Her attire readily gave away her calling, so leaving the hood in place would not conceal her identity from the patrons. She patiently waited until the barmaid came to her table.
The priestess kept her voice quiet, but friendly enough,
"Good eve. I am seeking a word with Mistress Darklight, if she is not presently engaged in tavern business? And, may I have a cup of tea, if it isn't too much trouble?" Emilia smiled at the girl.
Garvid shakes his head at Silvio. "I don't know who the killer was. I'm guessing Lamm, or whoever was peddling the girls back in those days. As for the badge, I'm sure we got more important things to worry about now. But, enough of that. As I was saying, that's a fair amount of determination to read and write. Keep it up, kids. You might amount to something more than a thief, bouncer or a guard. Not that there's much of a difference between the three, mind you.", he finishes.
"Sorry I'm late, was getting thirsty." Manius takes a good swig from the bottle before looking around the room. "Hells, didn't expect that we'd get some kind of espionage center." He looks at the various maps with interest, apparently oblivious to the discussion he interrupted.
Thanks, Mouse replies, still blushing furiously. Guard ain't seemin' so bad a choice now, though. I was scared of 'em for a long time - habits ain't so easy to break. Spent most o'my life runnin' from em, y'know. But now, I might just see 'bout stayin' on after we're done with this mess with Vancasterkin. Steady money, three squares a day, place t'sleep that I ain't gotta worry so much 'bout it gettin' broke into - don't seem so bad. 'Least, it's a sight better than I ever saw happenin' before all o'this, an' more steady than pickin' up odd jobs unloadin' ships or bodyguardin' folks. An' if it means we get t'stay places like this from time t'time...
She pauses at Orcsson's less-than-subtle entrance. Well, the Field Marshal did say we was comin' to it for a headquarters. Looks like it'll do good for that, an' the food an' drink is tasty. Grabbing a sandwich from the table, she continues. Y'see any sign o'Em or Cal while you were still up there? I'm startin' t'get a little worried - we ain't seen neither of 'em back yet.
Em does not recognize the two men, but figures the large man is Tauk, Theandra's bouncer. She has no clue who the younger, handsome gentleman is.
"Good eve. I am seeking a word with Mistress Darklight, if she is not presently engaged in tavern business? And, may I have a cup of tea, if it isn't too much trouble?" Emilia smiled at the girl."
The barmaid smiles kindly at Emilia. "She's around here somewhere. I'll fetch her. Our special is mint today. Would that be OK?"
The younger gentleman nods at Em from his table and motions for her to come sit with him.
"Thank you. And, mint is acceptable. May I ask what your name is?", Em enquired of the bar maid before the pretty girl moved away to find Theandra.
Emilia caught the younger gentleman's gesture to come sit at his table. She observed him, discreetly (not directly, casually from slightly lowered eyes), attempting to gauge some idea as to his intentions/motives. For the time being, she simply ignored his attentions and simply folded her hands in her lap and waited for Theandra Darklight to join her.
The barmaid is surprised by Em's kindness. "I am Scarlet Madam. Thank you for asking. Can I get you anything else besides Miss Theandra?"
The young man doesn't seem to notice your look. He is definitely flirting. He doesn't seem to have evil intentions. He appears very eager to talk.
"The mint tea and a little bit of bread and cheese would be lovely, Scarlet." Em gave the girl a small smile.
Emilia did not know how long she would have to wait for the others to return and so she thought a little food and a drink would not draw too much attention to her, sitting alone.
As to the younger man watching her, it appeared his intent was not malevolent but more of the amorous variety. Still, she was in no mood for small talk and idle flirtation after her time with her parents, and, so, Emilia continued sitting on her own, waiting for Theandra.
Silvio looks at Marial. "You really thinking about joining the guard?" He glances at Garvid. "I dunno. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad, but I ain't much of a fighter. Half of the time I saw the guards chasing away the Lambs who just needed to find some food to eat."
He looks at Garvid. "Hey, did you know Wylie? He was one of the guards. Took payment from Lamm sometimes to look the other way when we was making a Shiver shipment. Nice guy mostly, I guess. He seemed to like us, but I know he liked the money more."
A graceful lady walks out of the door behind the bar with shoulder length, auburn colored hair. She is dressed in a black leather outfit including tight pants and a jacket. She is exceptionally attractive, but has an air of dignity and experience. You would guess she is in her early thirties. She walks straight up to your table and draws up a chair to sit. She leans back and crosses her legs. You notice she is missing a couple of fingers on one hand. "Welcome to the Three Rings Inn. I am Theandra. I was told you were looking for me? I am guessing you are with the group downstairs?" She smiles and awaits a response.
Emilia studied the woman a moment before giving answer; her voice lowered and discreet as the priestess was still mindful of the handsome man at the nearby table who might overhear them, "Well met, Mistress Darklight. I have been sent by Field Marshal Cressida Kroft. If the group below have been sent by her, then, aye, I am with them. My name is Emilia."
After a couple more seconds he seems to suddenly realise there's a conversation happening near him, raising an eyebrow as he turns to give his input. "Joining the guard? That seems frightfully dull, current political climate notwithstanding. Who wants to be trapped in the city all their life watching walls erode? Would you not rather go out there and see the world? Visit Riddleport? See the tundra beasts of the north? The ancient cities of Garund? Go to Mendev and gaze unto the apocalypse?" He looks back to the maps on the wall, munching another sandwich. "Maybe not that last one. That's probably a bit too much excitement, haha!"
Well... Mouse had genuinely never even thought of traveling outside Korvosa's walls. Her lot may have been poor in the eyes of many, but she had known nothing different; though she logically knew that other places existed, they may as well have been fairy tales for the meaning they had in her life. And besides, she had never had the money for tourism, and downtime just meant coppers that weren't in her pocket. Leaving, even just for a little while, had never crossed her mind. But the last few days had already shown her so much...if home could hold so much she'd never realized, what could she discover in far-off cities?
Maybe someday I'll go travelin'. We'll see.