Also just to follow up, Aegwyn, you've been trying not to be noticed, so it was difficult to really tell whether or not the two Adepti were looking for anyone (i.e. your low Sense Motive roll). The Dardishman seems to be sitting there quietly and contentedly (perhaps even with gusto) enjoying his wine and meal.
Gotcha! In that case he knows you are there but you don't seem at all to be interested!
Hearing the bard (for the bard, Gwythyr, Tor now indeed believes him to be) speaking to 'Aegwyn' -- a name he's heard before -- Toranindracar waves to the dæthol and the Valgaardian...
"Ahem! I can't help but think you must be the very man I've come here to see -- Gwythyr Delwyn? And Aegwyn of Valgaard, perhaps? Call me Zairitem Toranindracar, pleasured. This is my associate, Dogsbody. I believe we may have a mutual friend: the Ratush Navza'ar of the Brotherhood. I don't suppose you'd mind if we joined you?"
Before he finishes his question, Toranindracar sits down with the dæthol and the Valgaardian, puffing away on his pipe.
Aegwyn raises an eyebrow at the presumption of Toranindracar.
I know Ratush Navza'ar. To what do we owe the pleasure?
Varan spares a quick glance over at the exchange between Toranindracar and Aegwyn, though he doesn’t stare and he certainly doesn’t intrude – it’s more a casual interest in the unexpected. He does, however, seem to take note of the fact that there are two Brotherhood members in the establishment.
Well, a lovely meal, for starters. I'm quite sure I've heard all across Mtol Dærine that The Scarlet Strumpet has the finest steak.
(Sarcasm Bluff: )
Toranindracar takes occasion to scowl, looking around for that server with his steak.
But perhaps more pressingly, we seek a fellow Brother, who hasn't reported to any of his fellows, causing some concern. His name is Kal'ishal -- a young Domani man, recently inducted to the Order of Lux -- the whiterobes, you know? I suppose I had hoped one of you might be able to offer some help of any sort as we search for the wee lad. Navza'ar mentioned your names...
[b]Interesting - I've worked with Navza'ar before. He's a resourceful man - what do you know about the missing brother?[\b]
Hmm... Well, it seems he was down on his luck -- or possibly just down on himself -- and had taken to drink, which was uncharacteristic for him. He had, of course, just recently been put on leave by the Brotherhood, due to having royally failed his first mission for the Order. One might assume he had grown depressed and fallen in with the wrong sort, you know. Word is that he had begun to see a dæthol girl, er ... romantically. I don't suppose you've heard of him? Any thoughts that might help, perhaps? Again, his name is Kal'ishal.
I don't know anyone of that name, but I can ask around and follow the winds, and see what clues they blow my way. Is this a formal commission? I've always had a standard rate with Navza'ar before - does that apply here?
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My ears perk up at the mention of Kal'ishal's name. It seems I'm not the only person looking for him. Who are these persons, and why the common interest in a Brother with a weakness for drink?
Now I have a quandry, and must figure out a course of action:
-> Do I interject myself in this conversation (risking having to bluff the reason a scruffy stranger such as myself has an interest in the whereabouts of a member of the Brotherhood of Magus)?
-> Do I continue to eavesdrop and see what develops (the course with least risk at the moment)?
-> Do I sneak over the Kal'ishal's home and case the place out before this strange crowd shows up?
I'll continue to listen and see what develops...
Ah.... 'follow the winds'? I'm afraid you'll need to be more specific. My friend Navza'ar wasn't clear on precisely how you might help. A commission isn't out of the question -- in fact, as I'm sure you know, we belong to an organization that has considerable assets at our disposal. But we'd need some measure of confidence in your abilities before we could afford to spend Brotherhood funds to 'follow the winds'. Naturally.
Toranindracar - you fail to appreciably notice the man in the brown leathers in the corner, or at least, you see that there is someone there, but he seems to just be minding his own business like the other patrons.
Gwythyr chimes in, his voice a melodic timbre of silver: "Excuse me Brother Toranindracar, but I am acquainted with the individuals of whom you speak and could probably provide you with some information. I too had heard that Kal'ishal had not been seen in some time. The woman you are seeking is named Anwyn, an Aríannaith, what you would call in your tongue a 'speaker of the stars', although that is not quite how we refer to such subtle entities. I do not think it would betray her trust to confirm to you that she was close to Kal'ishal. You will forgive me if I might be a little reticent in betraying her trust. She is of the Aríannaith and they have their ways, she is, no less, of a higher caste than I, and is one whom I might consider friend, were it not impertinent to do so."
Bijannar, up until this point, has remained silent and stood, casually, just behind Toranindracar. At the mention of Dogsbody, he smiles wryly and eyes the tegan for a second before returning his gaze to the two folks before him.
"This women sounds very trustworthy. Surely, if Navza'ar has employed her, her skills must be of the highest caliber."
I don't know anyone of that name, but I can ask around and follow the winds, and see what clues they blow my way. Is this a formal commission? I've always had a standard rate with Navza'ar before - does that apply here?
Aegwyn nods to Bijannar, Thank you sir.
Turning to Toranindracar
I am augur. I listen to the winds and, guided by Taras, they tell me things. But it seems that Gwythyr knows more of this than I.
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So. Gwythyr knows Kal'ishal, and has provided the identity of the lady friend. This interchange is providing several bits of valuable information. Gwythyr and I are acquainted, perhaps I can approach him and ask for an introduction.
An "Augur?" She's a comely lass, but her hair keeps moving of its own accord! What kind of a mess have I gotten myself into? I should have known the Hand wanted an independent agent for this job because they wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Lucky me.
Time to make my presence known.
I tamp out my pipe and slowly approach the group.
Bluff:
"Gwythyr! There are many miles along the road since I saw you last. You certainly have come up in the world, I'm thinking, to be in the presence of such distinguished company."
Bijannar looks at the new human, his pipe in hand, and raises an eyebrow. "It seems this district brings strange angles together."
Toranindracar smirks at Bijannar's comment, gives a faint nod, and assumes Thomi is merely catching up with his old friend Gwythyr, and not taking part in the conversation. He turns to Aegwyn to let them catch up.
To Aegwyn: Magnificent! An augur. Now I find I'm very curious to see this process in action. This god, Taras, speaks to you through the wind, you say? And grants you information on specific questions? Fascinating. We're looking for any help we can get on this assignment. Gwythyr may help us, but I think if we can see this augury ourselves, we should like to make use of your abilities as well....
Aegwyn smiles at Toranindracar. You already have - of all the bars in Mtol Daerine, why else would I be sitting right here, right now when you needed an augur to find a missing brother?
No need trouble with augury at this point - I'd suggest we talk to Anwyn, surely she's the likeliest person to have seen Kal'ishal last? Also, I'm assuming you checked his place? Someone that far gone in depression could easily drink himself into a stupor and not emerge for days. In the north, there are some who last the whole winter like that.
She's also going to grit her teeth at the "This god, Taras" comment - don't they teach the brotherhood adepts anything? I'd have thought a basic familiarity with the major deities that shape the world and the fates of men would have been somewhere on that curriculum.
Aegwyn raises her tankard,
Aegwyn Jarlsdoter - and you are? I'm curious that you just happened to be within earshot of a conversation about a missing brother. What brings you here at this time of day?
Gwythyr seems a bit taken aback by all of the sudden talk and movement and leans back against the counter of the bar and pulls out a pipe of his own.
"Friends, my people are a slow and careful people, and we have most of us just met. Aegwyn shows the wisdom of the gods when she says that we, all of us, have come together at the same time in the same place in Mtol Daerine to find your missing Brother. I fear though that my assistance at this point in the gambit may come to a close. I do not know where Kal'ishal makes his home, except that it is in the Lesser Ward, not far from the Emerald Inn. I will tell you that Anwyn can often be found at the shrine of Naillüwé in the Temple District, for she is a servant of that divine goddess. She currently has taken residence at Treetops, a somewhat exclusive locale in the Sylvan District. She was often to be found with Kal'ishal at the Emerald Inn, but since they parted ways, I do not think she has been back. Truth be told, I have not seen much of her since that time."
- Knowledge (local): Kal'ishal?! That's clearly not a Daerine name, why would they be looking here?
- Sense Motive on Tor: Toranindracar is definitely hiding something, although it seems more like reserve than hiding a big secret.
- Sense Motive on Gwythyr: Seems glad to welcome this new coming individual
- Perception - The two young men glance up, a mixture of curiosity and irritation. The bar keep is becoming a little anxious and apprehensive. The dark knight in the center hasn't really moved or eased the smile from around his lunch.
- Sense Motive on Thomi: He's been waiting for an "in" to the conversation and found his chance.
- Perception - He's carrying a bandolier of knives and his armor is rigged for combat
- Knowledge (local): You think back to what you know about Kal'ishal, the Emerald Inn, and all you've heard. You could probably, with about an hour's work, get yourself from the Emerald Inn to Kal'ishal's apartments (even though you've never been there before).
Varan downs the rest of his cup of wine, pushes aside his small earthenware plate, and rises. He approaches the small gathering, bowing his head graciously and addressing the group, with something of an aristocratic note in his voice, “Please, forgive my impertinence and my interruption – I could not help but to overhear your conversation, and I believe that we may all be looking for the same person. This dæthol woman, Anwyn… she is of interest to me, as well.”
He smiles disarmingly, his pleasant expression a stark contrast to his heavy dark armor. “Ah, but where are my manners? I am Varan Urquman and, if I may be so presumptuous, I would ask to accompany you on this errand.” His hand strays to the hilt of his sword for just a moment, and his smile no longer looks quite so pleasant. “I have been given reason to believe that the way may be perilous, and, after the events of this morning, my blade is thirsty…”
The bar keep of the Strumpet comes over to you all, wiping or wringing his hands inside a dirty cloth and says: "Friends, your company has grown quite large! You've friends old and new! Perhaps you'd all like a larger table, toward the back? Brothers, please, welcome to the Scarlet Strumpet, I want now trouble and I harbor no renegades, so you need not fear me on that point. If there's anything I can do to help I will, I just don't want any trouble.... Or explosions." The last bit muttered under his breath.
Nods to Varan, sizing him up.
To the bar keep (dismissively):
Yes, yes, a larger table, certainly -- as long as it has a high chair...and, ah, the steak!
To Gwythyr:
Now, did you say the two parted ways before Kal'ishal's disappearance? Some sort of disagreement, perhaps?
In response to the innkeeper's last comment, Bijannar lets out a little chuckle. "Heh, explosions..." He says with a smile.
The bar keep: I think that table in the back will serve you all just fine, enough for you six. And yes, of course, the steak. Right away. Anything else? Just please sirs, I mean no trouble with the Brotherhood and want no ill fortune brought to the Strumpet" He looks around the main room nervously and moves to usher you all toward the back table.
Gwythyr, walking towards the table: "Truly, I cannot say because I do not know," he runs a hand through his long dark hair and rubs the back of his neck, "Surly you know Brother Toranindracar the respect my people owe to the sons and daughters of Magus. Anwyn is of the Aríannaith and I of the Qwayraith and while it is true that outside the Homeland, we daetholayn come together more and the rules and strictures of caste and clan are eased, still, I did not know her as well as I would have liked. I can imagine though, that for Kal'ishal and Anwyn, as between any lovers, the abyss between human and daethol is not an easy one to cross. Moreover, you know, as I said, the respect all daetholayn give to the Brotherhood, but, I would guess, that his status could not have been an easy thing for her. In the Homeland our attitude to the Brotherhood is...complicated. But yes, as I understand it, they parted ways before he went missing. A tearful affair, witnessed in the Sylvan District, or so I am told.".
Once the others have sat, Bijannar casually walks back over to the innkeeper and speaks to hin in a low tone.
After speaking with the innkeeper, Bijannar returns to the table and listens to the conversation. He pays particular attention to Gwythyr.
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To Gwythyr:
Curious.
To all:
Perhaps some sharing of knowledge is in order. It seems many of us search for Kal'ishal, and you [Varan] seek his recent lover. But each one knows a different part of the story....
To Varan:
For example, you say Anwyn is of interest to you. What interest precisely is that? Is she lost as well? How do you know her? Do you know anything of Kal'ishal as well then?
To Thomi:
And Thomi... You know of Kal'ishal, but how? How much do you know of him, and what can you tell us about his recent past? If you know where he lives, you must have been a close friend, no?
To all:
Do tell!
Toranindracar refills his pipe and puffs away, his eyes smiling.
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To Gwythyr:
Curious.To all:
Perhaps some sharing of knowledge is in order. It seems many of us search for Kal'ishal, and you [Varan] seek his recent lover. But each one knows a different part of the story....To Varan:
For example, you say Anwyn is of interest to you. What interest precisely is that? Is she lost as well? How do you know her? Do you know anything of Kal'ishal as well then?To Thomi:
And Thomi... You know of Kal'ishal, but how? How much do you know of him, and what can you tell us about his recent past? If you know where he lives, you must have been a close friend, no?To all:
Do tell!Toranindracar refills his pipe and puffs away, his eyes smiling.
** spoiler omitted **
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My interest in Kal'ishal is purely for the completion of a task. I have a message for his ears only, and do not receive payment until it is delivered. As for his lady friend, I have no knowledge that is useful.
I see no purpose in trying to locate this "Anwyn", when we could visit Kal'ishal at his residence. No one seems to have seen him for days, and he has not been visiting his usual haunts, so my suggestion is to see if he is at home.
The taller Brother appears to have a very fat purse. He would be less encumbered if its weight were reduced...
Perception:
Sense Motive:
Varan looks to Toranindracar, “Anwyn may possess some information that I require.” He shrugs slightly. “As to this Kal’ishal, the name is unknown to me and, as far as I know, I have no business with the man. If finding him can potentially lead to Anwyn, however… well, I’m not precisely pressed for time, at the moment.”
Aegwyn takes a seat, one close to the door and across from Varan.
"And what exactly is your business with Anwyn? She is a friend of Gwythyr and it would be ... rude to bring trouble to her door unwanted."
She gestures to the two Brothers. "These two have made their motives clear, they need to find a missing Brother, and I will help them out as part of my arrangement with Navza’ar. But yourself and Thomi just indicate that you have 'reasons' to find these people. I'm not sure I'm willing to help strangers find people who may not have vanished, but rather don't want to be found."
Varan nods understandingly to Aegwyn, even as he takes his seat. “As I said, all that I need from her is information. I mean her no harm, if that’s what you’re asking. My understanding is that she may be able to offer me a lead on a group that I need to find. Or, if not her, then maybe Kal’ishal?”
** spoiler omitted **
Varan nods understandingly to Aegwyn, even as he takes his seat. “As I said, all that I need from her is information. I mean her no harm, if that’s what you’re asking. My understanding is that she may be able to offer me a lead on a group that I need to find. Or, if not her, then maybe Kal’ishal?”
To Varan:
So, what's the story, and what's the nature of this information you seek from her? What pointed you to her, and what leads you to believe she may have this information? If she's a friend of Gwythyr, perhaps he can help, or perhaps the information will have some bearing on Kal'ishal's location... If so, maybe we can all help each other?
As his steak finally arrives (a portion large enough to satisfy a full-sized man), Toranindracar grabs it with his hands and tears off bites with his teeth, licking his chops with a beastly hunger. He grins at Aegwyn, juices running down his chin.
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To Aegwyn:
The reasons for a message to Kal'ishal are known only by the sender. It certainly is not my place to reveal either the originator or the message. To do so would result in the end of such work. Confidentiality pays well, as I'm certain you would appreciate if you were to entrust someone with such a task.
To All:
It appears we have a common interest in Kal'ishal or Anwyn. We can debate the reasons for this all day, if you desire. Myself, I intend to act instead of talk. Perhaps the Augur can determine which person we should visit first.
I take a Solin from my pocket, flip it in the air, catch it, and slap it on the back of the other hand.
To Aegwyn:
One side is up. Where shall we start?
To Varan:
So, what's the story, and what's the nature of this information you seek from her? What pointed you to her, and what leads you to believe she may have this information? If she's a friend of Gwythyr, perhaps he can help, or perhaps the information will have some bearing on Kal'ishal's location... If so, maybe we can all help each other?As his steak finally arrives (a portion large enough to satisfy a full-sized man), Toranindracar grabs it with his hands and tears off bites with his teeth, licking his chops with a beastly hunger. He grins at Aegwyn, juices running down his chin.
At the mention of his name, Gwythyr looks to both Toranindracar and Varan, his eyes twinkling and the slight silvery aura which surrounds him seems to dance: "Friends, I am not sure how much more help I can be at this time, although perhaps more in the future. I've told you what I know of Anwyn's location and disposition, at least the last time I spoke with her. She, like many of her clan, is a secretive one, and no doubt there is much more in her mind and intelligence than I am made to know, particularly given the differences of our caste. I'll tell you what else I can, you need but to ask. Although," he runs his hand through his hair again and rubs his face, "I really should get prepared for tonight's performance. I'll be putting on a show, something magical indeed, this evening at the Theatre of Rahan. You are all welcome to join if you so wish. I can leave your names at the door."