Braddon nods approvingly at Malkith's aquiescence. "After breakfast, right," he repeats as if he's paying attention.
When Samaritha blushes at Saul's suggestion, Braddon grins and passes a cheeky wink to Malkith. His humour vanishes when Tendal approaches her however.
"Horns and Tails, everyone is after this girl except the elf. No wait, he was saying something to her when I ran after the banshee." Braddon glares suspiciously at the halfling.
His study of Phillip only lasts until their tour passes the costume room, where Braddon peels away and dumps the Hellknight costume and the boots. He throws his shirt on, grabs his chain shirt and appropriates a decent set of sturdy boots before catching up with the others. Downstairs, he grabs his pay and several items of loot before repairing to his own quarters with a "Good night" for all.
However, upon passing Samaritha, he interposes himself between her and Tendal, with his back to the nobleman and looks into her eyes. "I just wanted to say Thanks. I've really appreciated your help and... smarts today. None of this would have happened without you. I owe you." Braddon pauses, gives her a warm smile, then darts into his room, ignoring Tendal. He locks the door, tosses his items on top of everything else and is almost asleep by the time he lands on his new bed.
Satisfied and belly full, Phillip bundles up his kit and locks it in the chest... at least for the night. Bone tired and head full of thoughts and wonder he drifts steadily to slumber atop the eviscerated and skinned Northern beast.
The sun rises late and sets early in Riddleport, thanks to the rocky ridges to the east and the west. Those whom habit wakes at dawn find themselves opening their eyes to a still-gloomy world and questioning the accuracy of their internal timepieces. By the time morning ablutions and grooming are done, however, the sun has had time to struggle to the top of the eastern ridge and stumble drunkenly through the pass known as the Boneyard Cut to illuminate the town once more.
Inside the Gold Goblin, the casino floor is in the same state of disarray it was left in the night before. The bloodstain on the carpet where the defeated Sczarni lay has dried to an ugly brown. Apart from the sounds of your fellow new employees getting dressed and ready for the day, the main floor is quiet and still. Climbing the stairs to the second story, however, a murmur of activity begins to be detectable. The door with the brass "Owner" plaque stands open, as does the further door into the upstairs dining room. Inside, much of the leftovers from your late-night repast remains on the table, supplemented by a modest basket of fresher bread and baked goods. Saul, Larur, and Bojasc are seated at the table, and the business partners seem to be carrying on a quiet conversation.
Moonday, 28 Erastus
Rising closely after the dawn, Phillip's first port of call is the kitchen... not to eat, but to request a bowl of hot water. Returning to his room Phil spends a good fifteen minutes going through a ritual of preparation for the day. Sweat is sloughed, hair combed, nails checked for dirt and cleansed. Thus prepared he briefly ponders the day before accepting that a sign of some trust is warranted. Much of his heavier belongings are neatly folded or wrapped and stowed in the chest... though nothing of true worth is left behind.
Thusly prepared the halfling emerges and after his expedition proves fruitless on the ground floor, he follows his nose above and towards Saul's office. Pausing at the door, he waits for a break in conversation before wishing the assembled "Morning... though whether 'tis good remains to be seen. May I break fast here, or would you prefer I did so downstairs?"
With the promises of a new day ahead of him, Malkith goes begins with his daily rituals. Once he is clothed and groomed, he sits on the floor in the center of his room and begins shuffling his harrow deck. The feeling of the cards as they intermingle in his hands is familiar and calming. He closes his eyes and silently clears his mind. What feels like hours is only a handful of minutes before the Varisian oracle turns over a single card and lays it face up on before him.
The big sky. A card representing momentous change, as when all the slaves of a nation are emancipated. Malkith contemplates the implications of this card for a moment before burying it back in the deck. With several more practiced flicks of the wrist, he continues to shuffle the cards before laying out nine more in the recognized pattern of a traditional harrowing. His mind focuses on the Sczarni as the cards are turned over...
Thusly prepared the halfling emerges and after his expedition proves fruitless on the ground floor, he follows his nose above and towards Saul's office. Pausing at the door, he waits for a break in conversation before wishing the assembled "Morning... though whether 'tis good remains to be seen. May I break fast here, or would you prefer I did so downstairs?"
"No, no, come in and join us," Saul insists affably. "We eat up here every morning; gives us a chance to talk over the day to come and what needs to be done in it." He gestures to the basket. "We have a standing delivery every morning from the bakery, but they're used to just the three of us. We've told them to start delivering enough for ten starting tomorrow, but until then, the early bird gets the pastry. There's coffee," he goes on, "but I warn you: Larur brews it stiffer than a shot of whiskey." A tea pot is visible on the table also, as well as wine remaining from the previous evening.
The second column concerns the events of the present. The Teamster represents external pressure; the opposition did not originate with the Sczarni but an outside source. The Foreign Trader is a true match in the middle of the array, the cards once again highlighting the importance of the pact that provided the Sczarni with their inside information. The bottom card, the Dance, is misaligned and indicates that the partnership of the source with the Sczarni is doomed to be short-lived; once the two sides are of no further use to one another, they will abandon their alliance.
The final column attempts to illuminate the future. The top card is a third true match: the Publican, symbolizing fellowship and camaraderie. Future dealings with the Sczarni need not be hostile; the cards do not predict protracted hostility. The middle card, the Mute Hag, speaks of tangled loyalties and secrets, a given when dealing with the Sczarni, not necessarily an open threat. The final card, the Theater, warns once again, as in Thuvalia's reading yesterday, that prophecy is unreliable. Much about the future remains unwritten and liable to be changed by the events of the day.
Phil smirks "Fear not, I think I can handle it." pouring himself a hefty enough slug of coffee and taking a hunk of bread to pick at. He moves to the seat he sat in last night, hefting up atop the bolsters. To Saul he opens conversationally "Are you likely to be available this afternoon? I might be in need of a quiet chat..."
"Afternoon?" Saul asks, seeming to run over his plans for the day in his head. "I should be here. If I'm not downstairs on the floor, try my office." He looks at Phil with interest. "You have plans for the morning?"
Continuing to get more excited by both her revealing answers and her new helpful attitude, Dayn nods again in satisfaction after her last answer. "Excellent, excellent Thuvalia. This will all help immensely. I only have two last questions for you before I go speak to Saul and see about getting you out of here."
Leaning forward again, peering intently into her eyes, he asks "Will you be willing to help us directly in our investigations on Saul's enemies? In searching your old rooms and finding out who this 'lady' is? For I think if I can offer your promise of aid it will do much to strengthen my case to release you. Further, what...what would you do after that? Do you truly wish to return to your home? Or do you think you might stay here in Riddleport with...with us?"
Leaning back, trying to lighten things a bit after his intensity, he laughs "And just how did you cast that spell at me? What other magics, and talents, are you capable of?"
Leaning back, trying to lighten things a bit after his intensity, he laughs "And just how did you cast that spell at me? What other magics, and talents, are you capable of?"
"It is nothing," she says dismissively but is unable to conceal a hint of self-satisfaction. "Just a girl has to have a way to protect herself, you know? There are many dancers and singers and performers in my family; we learn a little bit of magic in case the crowd gets ugly."
With a smirk and an inscrutable wave of his hand "I have plans for the day, business and pleasure both. It seems that your other fresh hires are looking to your short term interests... so my mind has turned to a longer term and I'd hope more fruitful outlook." casting a glance to Larur to see if the dwarf is yet intrigued about the reveal of his holy symbol the night prior.
Noticing Larur's discomfit, Phillip does not prolong it - but seeks to address it otherwise "Larur, as I am still new to Riddleport I would appreciate an ear after breakfast to ask some mundane questions regarding that which a local might know?"
"Er, aye, aye, lad," he answers a little too quickly. "Happy to be of help."
"Well, ok then. I think that should enough, for surely Saul is more interested in finding out who his true enemy is." Then he smiles slowly too "And who knows, perhaps you shall find a good reason to remain here."
Dayn then looks to the door, then looks back to the attractive young woman before him. He stands silent for some time, from the expression on his face clearly trying to come to a decision. Finally, firming his jaw he nods once to himself. Then, with an explosion of breath says "Thuvalia, you trusted me, so now I shall trust you. I was going to leave you down here while I go spoke to Saul, but if you truly have agreed to help us, why should you remain in this stinking place any longer than necessary. I'm taking a risk here, but, I do trust you."
Approaching her and kneeling down before her he reaches into his pouch and pulls out his thieves' tools. As he selects the particular items he needs, he looks up into her eyes, their faces less than a foot apart "I can trust you, right?"
After a few moments more, he looks down again, concentrating on opening the simple lock. Once she is freed, he stands and lends his hand to help her to her own feet. Allowing her time to shake the feeling back into her legs, he says in a serious tone "Ok. I'm not sure how the others will react to seeing my having freed you, so stay in front of me and let me do all the talking. Don't interact with anyone for the moment, ok? We shall look for and speak with Saul and Laur directly, as only their opinion and decision matters right now. I'll have you tell him all the same things you've told me and I will vouch for you, and let him know how much of an asset I believe you will be in finding, and getting revenge on, his hidden enemy. Ok? If there's nothing else you have to add before we go, lets get this over with."
And, instructing her to pick up the other candle, he picks up his own and follows her out and back up to the dining room where Saul and the others had been meeting.
If he does not find Saul there, he continues to look until he does find him, asking the others if necessary.
When he finally finds the one handed man, he does as he has promised. Having Thuvalia go over again all the information she had given him, and putting his weight behind the idea of keeping her on staff at least until this 'lady' is found and dealt with. Finally hoping to appease the tight fisted Dwarf as well, he adds, giving Thuvalia a stern look not to argue while he does so "Finally, given the nature of her, ah, delicate position with us, I propose that for now she just be given room and board. Not her old one of course, one of the smaller ones should do. And any pay coming to her, shall be held onto by you, Laur, only to be given out, in lump sum, after we find and deal with this ememy of yours and Saul's. Does that sit well with you?"
Looking around at those present, he finishes with "So, what say you all? Shall we trust this capable young woman and make her part of the team? Before you answer, consider, which of us is truly unsullied? Which of us has never made a mistake, made the wrong choice? We all deserve a second chance. Perhaps for many of us, this is our second chance. Does Thuvalia then not deserve the same?"
Reflecting on the harrow reading this morning, Malkith eventually gets moving to seek out some breakfast. He makes his way upstairs, letting the obscured sounds of idle conversation lead him to Saul's office. The Varisian eyes those assembled, looking specifically for Samaritha while silently hoping not to find Braddon. Seeing neither, he approaches the food. He chooses a piece of fresh bread and picks at the remnants of last night's feast, careful to avoid anything that may have potentially begun to spoil.
You take her back up the stone staircase and into the long, narrow corridor of the first basement, turning back right toward the kitchen stairs. Up ahead, you see the faint flicker of another candle from an open doorway; as you approach, Bojasc emerges. He looks startled at the sight of Thuvalia advancing toward him down the dark hallway, and his hand goes to the axe at his belt. Thuvalia's own free hand flutters toward the pouch at her waist where she keeps her spell components, but she either remembers her promise to you or thinks better of the aggressive movement, sandwiched as she is between you and the muscular Varisian. Instead, she tensely stops in her tracks.
Bojasc's gaze slides from her to your face illuminated by the candlelight behind her, and he smiles dangerously. "I see the witch cast her spell to get out of her chains," he says accusingly. Being informed that Thuvalia has agreed to tell Saul what she knows about Volo's tipster, he sneers skeptically and steps back into the doorway to let the two of you pass. Stepping into file behind you, he breathes down your throat, "You watch the witch, and I'll watch you. If she's enchanted you, rest assured I'll strike you down before she uses you to make her escape."
You make an uncomfortable parade up to the kitchen, through the break room, and then back up the steps to Saul's office. Saul and Larur are the only two left in the dining room, and as Thuvalia comes through the door, the dwarf startles and mutters a strangled oath. Saul, whose back was to the door, turns around and raises his eyebrows at the sight of the three of you. You bring Thuvalia back to the table, make your explanations, and prompt her to retell her story. Bojasc stops in the doorway, filling the frame forbiddingly, his hand on his axehandle.
"Finally, given the nature of her, ah, delicate position with us, I propose that for now she just be given room and board. Not her old one of course, one of the smaller ones should do. And any pay coming to her, shall be held onto by you, Laur, only to be given out, in lump sum, after we find and deal with this ememy of yours and Saul's. Does that sit well with you?"
Looking around at those present, he finishes with "So, what say you all? Shall we trust this capable young woman and make her part of the team? Before you answer, consider, which of us is truly unsullied? Which of us has never made a mistake, made the wrong choice? We all deserve a second chance. Perhaps for many of us, this is our second chance. Does Thuvalia then not deserve the same?"
The dwarf scowls but seems content for the moment to let his partner take the lead. Saul frowns at both of you sternly. "Bojasc, hold the prisoner. Daynadrian, my office." With a jerk of his head, he leads you through the waiting area and unlocks the office door. Turning up the supply to an oil lamp burning low inside, he turns back to you, and his frown has become a gleeful grin. "Well done, sir; excellent!" he congratulates you in a low tone. "I thought the sub-basement might loosen her tongue. Could have just locked her in one of the rooms, but a dusty bedroom doesn't concentrate the mind on one's alternatives quite like a dungeon. Expensive perfume, she says; in Riddleport, you'll generally find that one of two places: either the House of the Silken Veil or Windward, possibly a pampered pet in Leeward District but most of these merchants are too tight-fisted to spend that kind of money on their wives." He produces his key ring and separatesa room key, but then stops and smiles at you craftily. "You sure we'd feel safe putting her in a room by herself? What if she found a way to escape back to Lubbertown and stir up the Sczarni? Perhaps she needs to share a room with a trustworthy guard? She's probably feeling as grateful to you right now as she'll ever be...." He waits for your reaction.
Saul and Larur both nod a greeting to Malkith as he comes in and finds a place at the table. It's not long after that Samaritha and Braddon come up the stairs together, having serendipitously bumped into each other exiting their rooms. Samaritha looks a little weary but smiles a good morning to Malkith as she picks through the basket of fresh pastries.
"Well, we're most of us here," Saul takes the floor as everyone is seated. "Might as well get you up to speed on the day. Larur's going to be pricing out a new carpet and is liable to be out of the building all day, so if you need to speak with him, do it now unless it'll wait until the evening. We'll need to mend the puncture marks in the Hellknight armor and get the blood cleaned off it, or Fiora will have my head. On that note, our tieflings ran off with their horns and tails last night when the place evacuated. Not judging them, but we'll need to track them down and get the costumes back. Cleaning staff will be in later in the day, and we'll take a look at any damage to the furniture. We'll have the broken window boarded up and will need to get that replaced as soon as possible; it's a security hazard."
"Also," he goes on with a tone of more interest, "our elf friend was able to get some additional information out of our Varisian Chelaxian last night. Says whoever put them up to the job was a female, wearing expensive perfume, presumably first encountered in the Free-Coin District."
Braddon had struggled back to consciousness, rolled over and fallen back to sleep.
At the sound of a nearby door slamming he had peeked out grumpily from under his pillow but then had sighed at the comfort of resting in a large soft bed that didn't sway across the ocean. The quiet of not having the waves crashing outside had been almost disconcerting and Braddon's sharp ears had taken in the sounds of movement outside. He had been wondering whether to get up when he had heard movement across the hall.
Was that where Samaritha was staying?
Even on the off chance, Braddon had been out of bed in a flash instead of his usual sleeping in late. Throwing on clothes and tucking a dagger into his new boot, Braddon had been thrilled to bump into Samaritha exiting her room, but had merely nodded "Good morning" and asked how she slept.
Following the weary Samaritha into the dining room, Braddon had flashed a huge grin at Malkith before sitting down next to her and offering her some coffee.
"Maybe getting up early isn't so bad after all," thinks Braddon while pretending to listen to Saul.
When Saul finishes, Braddon asks through a mouthful of bread, "Do you want us to start there instead? Are Free Coin and Lubbertown anywhere near each other?"
Dayn can't help but smile at the praise for a job well done. This was, after all his first 'real' job and Saul was his first real boss. Despite the man's many flaws, it was hard not to like him. Smiling his appreciation of the praise, he reaches out to take the proferred key. When Saul retracts and makes his teasing offer though, Dayn's cheeks redden slightly and his eyes widen as he looks up at the incorrigible man. For a moment at loss what to say, he finally chuckles slightly and takes the key from Saul, answering "Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by such a thing, but, well, I guess where I'm from, having a woman spend the night in my bed out of obligation just wouldn't feel quite right, you know? I'll give her the key to her own room. And, ah, well, should she decide on her own that she'd rather not sleep alone, that'll be no one else's business." finally, unable to resist he adds "Not that I'd mind of course though."
"If there's nothing else then sir, it's been a long day. I'll see you tomorrow."
Leaving the office, Dayn nods and gives his farewells to Laur. Approaching Bojasc, no smile whatsoever on his face, he states flatly "Let her go. Then move." not breaking his stare until the half-orc does so.
Guiding Thuvalia down the stairs Dayn hands her the key and explians "Saul thought maybe you shouldn't be allowed to have your own room just yet, that you should share mine, but I told him that's not how I'd ever choose to have a lady share my bed." his cheeks flushing slightly as he looks away.
"Anyway" he coughs "I hope you're happy with how things worked out? Certainly better than spending the night in the dungeon. And you'll get free room and board and a nice lump sum payment at the end of our next mission. And, ah, well, if you like I'll help you gather your things from the other room and move to your new one?"
If his offer is accepted he will do so, helping carry whatever is required of him.
Unless anything further is asked or required of him, once she is settled in her new room he'll simply wish her a good night's sleep and that he'll see her in the morning. Once in his own room, he'll carefully put his things away, perform his evening ablutions and tuck in to bed. Despite his weariness though, sleep is a long time coming. Hands folded behind his head, his listens to the sounds of the casino and reflects on his first day of employment in this exciting, new city he now calls home. Unless anything disturbs his rest, he finally falls asleep, a small smile of satisfaction on his face.
Finishing up his hunk of bread, Phillip starts in on the bitter coffee - sipping rather than supping. "Well I shall be busy for at least the morn, and lunch. Back some time for the afternoon and then out for the evening." giving no clue as to what he had planned, nor where he was going.
Tendal rolls out of bed like a week old corpse, as the sun (evil evil sun) lances through the half-pulled curtains, filling the room with vile sunlight.
His mind full of mush, Tendal wisely avoids shaving for a few minutes, instead splashing water on his face and rinsing out his mouth before sitting down at the small desk to study his spells for the day.
That selection seemed to work well enough. I might switch up one of my cantrips however...hmmm
Some time later, the knowledge of his spells buzzing in the back of his mind, Tendal shaves and washes, pulls his hair back into a neat tail, casts mending and prestidigitation on both his sets of clothes, carefully dresses in his travelling clothes, then takes his cane and proceeds out to break his fast.
I wonder where everyone has gotten too?, he thinks as he leaves the hallway and enters the quiet and (at least for the moment) empty casino floor.
Kitchen or dining room? Probably the dining room...Tea, jam and biscuts would be delightful...how I do love civilization. he thinks, making his way upstairs.
Thuvalia looks relieved when you return; Bojasc is standing over her, holding her firmly by the elbow and glaring as if daring her to make an offensive move. He gives you a hard look for a long moment before reluctantly releasing her and stepping slightly to the side.
Guiding Thuvalia down the stairs Dayn hands her the key and explians "Saul thought maybe you shouldn't be allowed to have your own room just yet, that you should share mine, but I told him that's not how I'd ever choose to have a lady share my bed." his cheeks flushing slightly as he looks away.
"Anyway" he coughs "I hope you're happy with how things worked out? Certainly better than spending the night in the dungeon. And you'll get free room and board and a nice lump sum payment at the end of our next mission. And, ah, well, if you like I'll help you gather your things from the other room and move to your new one?"
She seems neither shocked nor embarrassed by Saul's insinuation. "A lady now, am I?" she asks lightly with a teasing smile. "I don't believe I've ever been called that, not when I wasn't playing a part anyway." As you reach the foot of the stairs and move out onto the casino floor, she looks toward the room with the broken window she was using as a dressing room. "There's not much there," she shrugs. "I'd like my dress back though, I suppose."
Entering the room with the broken-out window, you gather her fancy dress, her hairbrush, and her pot of thick makeup and cross back to the guest wing. The key Saul gave you fits the room to the north of the atrium; you note that it has no window and that the door is visible from the casino floor. Thuvalia wrinkles her nose in disgust at the dingy state of the room. "Still, once it's cleaned up, it's larger than where we were," she admits. "In the morning," she asks you, "we'll go back to Lubbertown and retrieve my possessions before they are stolen? Volo and the others' too; they won't be needing them anymore."
She sets her brush and pot of cosmetic on the dresser and considers tossing her dress onto the dusty bedspread but thinks better of it, keeping it folded over her arm. Walking you to the door, she leans against the frame and looks down at your feet. "Thank you," she says quietly, "for not letting them send me to prison." She looks back up at you and smiles. "You never told me your name."
Throwing on clothes and tucking a dagger into his new boot, Braddon had been thrilled to bump into Samaritha exiting her room, but had merely nodded "Good morning" and asked how she slept.
"Oh," she covers a yawn with her hand, "we arcanists are used to a bit more sleep than this; it's important for spell preparation to be well-rested. And I stayed up a while last night cleaning my room; couldn't bring myself to lie down in so much dust. But it's my first day on the job. I want to make a good impression, right? An early-rising go-getter, not a shiftless layabout." She smiles. Her room does appear to be the one directly across the hall from yours.
When Saul finishes, Braddon asks through a mouthful of bread, "Do you want us to start there instead? Are Free Coin and Lubbertown anywhere near each other?"
"Mmm," Saul shrugs with a grimace. "Both on the north end of town but on opposite sides of the river. Might as well be opposite ends of the Inner Sea. Free-Coin is the newest part of town; Cromarcky claimed open land and built his casinos there. Lubbertown, well, it's not really part of Riddleport proper at all, just the place outside the city where the caravans used to set up; wagons and tents gave way to lean-tos and shanties, and they've got their own semi-permanent population out there now along with the caravans that come and go."
"I thought I might ask your advice... do you know of a decent tailor? I had hoped to get a lady's scarf this morning."
"Eh? A tailor?" Larur frowns. "There's a man on the square in Leeward. Only sells gentlemen's clothes, as far as I know, though. I wouldn't know where ladies shop. Saul probably would; he's had wives." His eyes suddenly light up. "Fiora! The costume mistress. She's a seamstress. Makes clothing; I don't know about scarves." He thinks a moment longer. "There's a shop between the Mystery of the Gate and Zincher's arena; sells frippery from foreign ports. They might have something more exotic. 'Something Bazaar' or 'Bazaar Something.'" The dwarf seems disinclined to bring up the topic of religion.
"Mmm," Saul shrugs with a grimace. "Both on the north end of town but on opposite sides of the river. Might as well be opposite ends of the Inner Sea. Free-Coin is the newest part of town; Cromarcky claimed open land and built his casinos there. Lubbertown, well, it's not really part of Riddleport proper at all, just the place outside the city where the caravans used to set up; wagons and tents gave way to lean-tos and shanties, and they've got their own semi-permanent population out there now along with the caravans that come and go."
Samaritha takes a sip of the coffee Braddon poured her and almost chokes. Finding the eyes of the table on her, she tries to deflect attention from her reaction to the drink. "That -- that's true. They even have rooms you can rent by the day or week, in case you're between caravans for a while. They're a little drafty, but they're a lot cheaper than any inn or flat in town." She leans over to Malkith beside her and whispers, "You know, I think I'd rather have some tea."
"That -- that's true. They even have rooms you can rent by the day or week, in case you're between caravans for a while. They're a little drafty, but they're a lot cheaper than any inn or flat in town."
"They're no worse than some vardos that I've traveled in," Malkith points out. He smiles and nods as Samaritha whispers in his ear. Standing up, he addresses Saul and Larur, "Unless there's anything further we should know, or that you require from us, I think we should get on with our plans. If the Sczarni won't give up what we need to know, perhaps someone in the Free-Coin will."
He offers a hand to Samaritha, helping her to her feet, "I could go for a cup as well."
Tendal drifts into the room wearing his fine clothing from the night before, but cleaned and in quite decent shape.
"Ah, wonderful. I thought I smelled coffee. It is always a good sign when your employer is a man of civilization and taste." he announces when he enters the dining room.
Tendal moves over to the table, and snootily takes a seat. He sits quietly for a moment before he realizes that nobody is passing any food around to him, then he politely asks for several items before eating quietly and listening to the tail end of the discussion.
"Unless there's anything further we should know, or that you require from us, I think we should get on with our plans. If the Sczarni won't give up what we need to know, perhaps someone in the Free-Coin will."
He offers a hand to Samaritha, helping her to her feet, "I could go for a cup as well."
Braddon rises and swigs down his coffee. There is a pause as his face twists and his eyes water.
"That is good coffee... I may never sleep again."To Malkith he says, "There's tea on the table," and points at the pot then his face lights up, "or are we getting some from Lubbertown? Clever. Will that be our cover?"
Looking around the room for a while and watching, Phillip finishes his cup of coffee and leans catlike back into the bolster and chair. Unless directly queried he waits for the group to begin to disperse where he seeks Larur for his questioning.
Tendal drifts into the room wearing his fine clothing from the night before, but cleaned and in quite decent shape.
"Ah, wonderful. I thought I smelled coffee. It is always a good sign when your employer is a man of civilization and taste." he announces when he enters the dining room.
Saul grins. "You say that before you taste it. Afterward, I'll remind you that Larur brewed it."
"Bah," the dwarf grumbles. "That delicate concoction you call coffee wouldn't keep a dwarven child awake for a puppet show. Might as well be chamomile tea. When you've worked the night shift at the Forges, you'll know what it means to have to stay alert."
Samaritha accepts Malkith's hand up. "If you like, Mr. Vankaskerkin, I could try to track down your horns and tails. I'll be in Leeward later on anyway, finding Drulia and the others; I know most of the costumed tieflings were their friends and neighbors. A couple of the girls they said they didn't know, though; I don't suppose you'd know their names or where to find them?"
"Thank you, my dear, that would be most helpful," he smiles at her ingratiatingly. "Afraid I didn't get a list of names or addresses, though, any more than I did from you; it was strictly a one-night job, pay at the close of business, so no need for records. Fiora might have some idea who they are; she handled the hiring for me. Tendal, my boy," he turns his attention to the Magnimarian, "after breakfast, I wonder if I could see you in my office. Have a matter of some import to discuss with you."
Dayn smiles in return, glad to have her ask him. "It's Dayn. Well, Daynadrian, but most of my friends would call me Dayn."
Smiling rakishly and tipping his imaginary hat, as he bows "And good night to you, my lady" winking, he turns and heads to his room, a large smile on his face.
Coming into the dining room just as some of the others are standing up, Daynadrian gives a slightly wary smile "Ah, I'm glad I caught you all. I take it Saul has told you all about my information gathering efforts last night? And, um, the new member of our team?"
Stepping up to the table, the Elf nods to Saul and Malkith and gives Samaritha a smile in greeting, although it is noticeably less warm than his previous such gestures towards her. Grabbing a loaf of bread from the table, he takes a large bite a speaks around it "Braddon, I'll be heading to the Free-Coin District today, to follow up on some leads and collect all the belongings of our dear, departed Hellknights. Good chance things could get dicey, so I'd like to have your sword arm at my side, if you're so inclined."
Swallowing, his eyes catch the small humanoid at the end of the room. Stepping over, he nods to Laur, then swallows his mouthful and extends his hand towards the Halfling "I've seen you a few times now, but I don't believe we've officially met. Dayn. I take it you're part of this mangy crew now? If you'd like to get to work, I'd be happy to have you come along as well." he offers with a friendly grin. He quite obviously doesn't extend a similar greeting or invitation to Tendal.
Phillip looks Daynadrian up and down while mulling words before extending his own hand for a relatively limp gripped shake "Phillip... though you're mistaken in part. I am by no means part of your... mangy crew?" emphasising the words in such a way to question the term and the meaning for it. Retrieving his hand Phillip repeats "and I have business to attend today..." making it clear that the business is his own, and he had no intent at present to be involved in his.
"I thank you for your advice Larur... though I already know the way to temple... and have no desire to worship there."
Dayn's friendliness cools noticeably at the limpness of the handshake, something he had always, and reliably, attributed to an untrustworthy type. Glancing at Laur with a raised eyebrow, as if to question this addition to the Goblin staff, the Elf shrugs his shoulders, deciding who the Goblin's owners hired was their own business, long as the halfling didn't get in his way, Dayn had little problem with him for now.
Besides, wasn't he himself the one who had convinced them to hire on Thuvalia. Speaking of the woman, where was she?? Dayn now took her behavior as partially his responsibility, and it certainly wouldn't look good on him if she slept the whole day away.
Ripping off another hunk of bread with his teeth, he tuens away from Phillip and looks on the table for something to wash his mouthful down with while he waits for Braddon's response.
As Saul turns his attention away from Samaritha to Tendal, Braddon turns to her.
"Sam. I know..." Braddon is cut off as Daynadrian enters.
Braddon looks around during Daynadrian's speech. "New member?"
When Daynadrian is done, Braddon looks back and forth between Daynadrian, Samaritha and Malkith.
"Wouldn't it be safer if we all stuck together? I can't look after everyone if we all go separate ways. And even if I go where the trouble is, there's only one of me. If I come up against another pack of four, I may not be able to take them. You were all very helpful last night. And besides, if I'm going to learn this town, I want to go everywhere. Which reminds me..."
He turns back to Samaritha again.
"Those couple of girls they didn't know... was that the one with the round face, those deep brown eyes and the luxurious chestnut hair that fell in wavy locks across her dimpled cheeks. And her friend with the straight auburn hair, the small waist and that tattoo on her... Anyway, I was chatting to them, for business. Sussing them out. Which was how I guessed the Hellknights were up to no good. But they admitted they were working for Shorafa. Well, not last night anyway. Last night they said they were just there... for fun. So they asked me not to tell her."
He turns to Saul. "They seemed genuine."
He turns to Samaritha. "They were just kids."
Malkith reaches for the tea and a pair of cups, assuming Daynadrian was referring to the halfling as the new hire. As he pours for Samaritha and himself, his expression turns quizzical when the elf introduces himself. "I take it there's another individual in Herr Vankaskerkin's employ that isn't present then?" he asks with a raised brow. "Anyways, it sounds like most of us are bound for the Free-Coin today. Braddon is right, it would be safer to stick together, especially if whoever is behind this isn't done trying to ruin our employer.
"I suspect what we're looking for will be in the Free-Coin district, but there may be additional information to be had from the Sczarni." Handing one of the cups of tea to Samaritha, Malkith looks at Braddon, "I'd still insist that Sam and I swing by Lubbertown by ourselves. It'll be a lot easier than trying to create a story about why a bunch of outsiders are hanging around with us. We can catch up with you in the Free-Coin when we're done." He then turns to Samaritha, "That's assuming you're still interested in accompanying me this morning."
"Is Lubbertown safer? Are the Sczarni safer?" Braddon is addressing Malkith but there is once when his eyes dart to Samaritha. "Outsiders may look suspicious, but bodyguards are easy to explain and everyone just ignores the hired goon. Isn't that right Bojasc?"
Braddon continues before he can answer. "How about we all head to Free Coin district and see what we can learn from there first. If there's time and need after then we can head to Lubbertown and decide if I'm going, staying, or following unseen from a safe distance."
Braddon looks around during Daynadrian's speech. "New member?"
"I take it there's another individual in Herr Vankaskerkin's employ that isn't present then?" he asks with a raised brow.
Saul grins. "Let's just say we've got our brunette for Varisian caravan night. Where is La Barrabio? Didn't take off during the night, did she?"
Tendal raises his coffee cup in acknowlegement of Saul's direction and proceeds to take a sip.
It isn't immediately obvious what causes the frown to cross Tendal's features, the oily tar-like concotion in his cup, or Daynadrian's unwelcome arrival.
Ignoring Daynadrian almost as well as Daynadrian is ignoring him, Tendal turns to Larur. "Are you certain that this is coffee, it certainly smells like it, but I am wondering if it isn't actually some sort of machine lubricant distilate?"
When Malkith asks for conformation as to who the new member is, the Elf ranger gets that slightly wary look again, and opens his mouth to answer. He snaps it shut though, clearly relieved, when Saul answers instead. A second later though, his expression becomes slightly concerned as he looks towards the door "What? No. No, I'm sure she didn't, I mean she wouldn't...she's, ah, probably just taking her time getting ready. You know women. Oh! Ah, sorry Sam, no offence meant." his cheeks flushing slightly in embarrassment.
Clearing his throat, his expression becomes more relaxed as he states firmly "No, I'm sure she'll be up any minute."
Bluff:
He's definitely not as confident of her imminent arrival as he wishes to appear
"Anyway, I have no major problem with all of us going to clear out the Hellknights digs, but when we start asking around, looking for leads, a big group would attract too much attention I think. Perhaps that would be a good time to split up."
As he grabs a few more bites to eat, almost against his will, his eyes occasionally dart towards the doorway.
He turns back to Samaritha again.
"Those couple of girls they didn't know... was that the one with the round face, those deep brown eyes and the luxurious chestnut hair that fell in wavy locks across her dimpled cheeks. And her friend with the straight auburn hair, the small waist and that tattoo on her... Anyway, I was chatting to them, for business. Sussing them out. Which was how I guessed the Hellknights were up to no good. But they admitted they were working for Shorafa. Well, not last night anyway. Last night they said they were just there... for fun. So they asked me not to tell her."
He turns to Saul. "They seemed genuine."
He turns to Samaritha. "They were just kids."
Samaritha seems taken aback. "I ... I'm not sure. I don't suppose I looked at them as closely as you did," she says a little primly. "If they don't want Shorafa to know they were here, then how can we collect their costumes?"
"'Genuine,' eh?" Saul asks, rubbing his chin and glancing down the table at Larur. "That's three of Shorafa's flock we know were here last night. Still, these girls didn't seem to be involved with the Sczarni ... unless they were just here to watch and report back what happened."