Finding herself dismissed, and having no particular motivation to save Fealix from himself, Iolana turns and excuses herself from the direction the audience is heading. She is in no particular hurry to go very far from their current location, lest more stray imps descend upon her and gobble her up.
Outside, Iolana looks for locals, or even just guardsmen to ask after alternative arrangements for the evening.
I've been going over the thread and I'm having trouble figuring out what time a day it is? Is it late already or early afternoon? How long did it take us to see the queen, talk, hike, battle, hike some more, meet this captain, talk some more, then now. It will affect what I say.
I give her a look of "compassion" and concern. "My dear captain. This cities's trouble belong to us all but only a brave and strong few are willing to stand up to do something about it. Truly, kind hearted individuals like yourself take great burdens on your shoulders to do what is right to protect the common folk who are too weak to protect themselves. Your work is hard and often times the rewards are few. I want to hear and relieve your troubles for a night and any time you wish to call on me. I am not only your humble servant who will do whatever I can to ease your burden, but also a person who cares about and wants to know you better and help you through this turmoil.. I know many stress relieving techniques I would be willing to show you if you will have me tonight, the choice is, of course, yours."
You do so well. If this works it will be a good night for us all. Shamira would be proud.
I smile genuinely and charmingly at her.
i listen to Fealix flirt with Cressida before realizing that Iolana has left 'i'll stay at the 3 rings, i'm sure they can make room for me and Raz.' i look to Raz to see if he is happy with that. 'i'll be back in a few minutes.' with that i go outside and keep Iolana company and safe.
Raz nods at the suggestio for the 3 Rings and waits for Tyler to return. Felix had acted like this before, so did the first lady know he was acting that again without her? He'd have to ask her next he saw her.
As the sun begins to dip on the horizon, Iolana's expression is hard and she does not appear to be in the least bit ready to call it an evening. She turns to Tyler and addresses him in Halfling.
"You should return to the others. It will not be difficult for me to find this tavern, but I should have a discussion with this band."
Iolana smiles softly and waits on Tyler's decision before she continues with her evening.
Iolana goes to Verik's shop and observes a while, then approaches the clerk and asks for the "night's special cut."
As it is starting to get dark, the men start to close up shop when you decide to walk over. Upon seeing you the tell you to get lost, they're closed, but once you mention the special cuts they stop their hostile attitude. An slightly chubby man speaks up after closing the front door a little, for some privacy. "Ya got a problem wiv sumbody? For 50 Gold coins we'll sort dem out, make it so dey aren't a problem no more. What d'ya say?"
"Still weird." Raz thinks as he leaves and heads for the 3 Rings.
Iolana offers the chubby man a champion smile, and raises her arms above her head to indicate that she is not interested in any scuffle. "I fear it is not I with the problem," she says, "but you and your ham-fisted operating procedures do," she continues.
"If you would allow me to speak with your superior, I would be grateful. I am aware of what this might entail, well, what it should entail, blindfolding and obfuscating his location, and am willing to submit to such treatment."
Iolana touches her tongue to her upper lip and appraises the situation. She blinks, but keeps her eyes closed for a fraction of a second more as she decides, then opens them and smiles softly.
"Very good. When you speak with your superior, tell him that the Queen has put a bounty on his head. If he should not like for women such as me to mauled in the ensuing bloodbath, or to harm the image he is promoting with this program, he or his representative should ask for Eugeni at the Dwarven Ales."
Iolana dips her head in salute, "Thank you, gentlemen," she excuses herself and begins walking toward the door.
I smile at the captain.
"She is a spirited and admirable flower. Diligent and burdened with hardships. Not arrogant or stuck up. I can tell she desires some form of relief. My only wish is to give it to her."
I say this almost to her in the most charming and alluring voice I can manage.
I then smile. "It is good that you care so much about your work. You deserve some form of gratitude for your valiant diligence. I know it means a lot. I just wish I could have learned more about you. If it isn't too much trouble and you have one available. I would like a private room here in the barracks. I will accept that for my services." I lean in and whisper. "I do want to know "everything" about you and to help you restore your confidence. Come and see me if you change your mind, discretely if you must. Last thing I want is for a strong woman such as yourself to loose face." I pull by and await her response.
Iolana pauses at the door, recognizing their reluctance. "He does not know what you are doing, does he?" she inquires, and laughs. "You are more afraid of him than the guard. Excellent! Then you will tell me where he is, and you will get a head start on the run of your lifetime. With the riots currently in full swing, you may even escape with your lives."
I turn to Cressida. "Don't work too hard. This city cannot benefit from your sacrifices if you are too tired and emotionally weary to handle them. One has to take adequate luxuries to simply keep their spirits and performance up. It is often best for the job."
When, and if, she leaves I move over and sit down on bed. Staring intently at the wall I speak in celestial. "This city has undergone an interesting change."
Voice Indeed it has. That queen seems to be your type. Been a bit of a day for you hasn't it? You ended the last man who had tormented the childhood and one after the other met three women in which you desire.
"Is it wrong for me to want so many? I feel their pain and desparation. It is intoxicating. I want to feel every ounce of it. If I can't I would destroy every last one of those rioters to end these women's suffering."
Voice: It is not wrong for you to want them or to have them. You are doing well. Shamira is pleased with you my child and if you do not get the comfort you seek tonight, you can always come home for a visit.
"You control me. Don't think for a second I don't realize that. I would have mother Shamira give you to me as my personal slave."
Voice: A man in power just like your father."
I grip my head tightly. Still speaking celestial "Damn you!"
Voice:I know you too well. I can take total control whenever I like and manipulate your surroundings to my pleasure. You won't do anything though because you love me and you cannot let go.
I begin to struggle with my thoughts. "When I get my hands on you I will enjoy making you squirm! You think this is a power complex but the truth is, this is what I want. Shamira is in my head and she has given you to me, you just don't know it yet."
Voice: Keep talking deary. I love that tongue of your.
I sit their struggling with my own mind for about an hour before I fall back on my bed. "I wish she had accepted my offer. Well, I will see to the investigation tomorrow. I need a lot of rest tonight." I lay there until something happens or I fall asleep.
"On the contrary gentlemen, quite unlike you two bunglers, I am fully appraised of my strengths and weaknesses."
Iolana considers her purse for a moment, and entertains the idea of throwing fifty gold down to get one of the pair to kill the other, a thought that shames her completely. That Fealix could influence her in this way makes her ashamed, but she was certain tha-
No!
"I. am not. a murderer," .
"Good evening, gentlemen," she said tossing a few gold on the floor at her feet. "I wish you luck of your beds this evening, and perhaps the next. And you had best hope that I do not find your employer before the demon child finds you."
Iolana takes her leave, pausing to hear the door slam behind her. She returns to Zellara's home on Lancet Street, and pulls her card.
"Lady, I've need of your expertise," she says in Varisian. "I must contact a man who is helping the people of this city."
When Cressida arrive I seem excited and eager to meet her and noticeably and greatly relieved as if she had just saved my life. I do my best to make her evening as enjoyable as possible.
When it comes time for her to depart I whisper. "I hope I was able to help you as much as you have helped me this night. I would like to see you again soon. Today I will endeavor to make your streets safe. Keep your spirits up for me and do your job well. Until we meet again."
Voice Your such a hopeless romantic.
When Cressida has left I speak again in Celestial. "Cressida is the kind of woman I both admire and enjoy. Never again will I "pay" for my company. It is not as meaningful. Now we have a job to do."
"Well, I have to say it's a step up from the last place we stayed." Raz tells Taylor in the morning. "Not sure how I feel about getting it all just for walking in with someone though."
"Do you want me to take a look at your back?"
As Raz and Tyler enters the room where breakfast is served, Vico is sitting at table eating a breakfast far superior to the normal barracks fare. He waves at them. Assuming they come over, Vico reintroduces himself. "Vico d'Sall, at your service. I've been asked to invite you back to the barracks by my sergeant, it appears there is more they wish to discuss with you."
Vico looks at them curiously, "If you don't mind my asking, what is it about you, a very young man, and a not as young as he appears man, that has inspired such confidence in you? There have been rumors, of course, but as all such do, they contradict each other." Vico is genuinely curious about them.
"Verik Vancaskerkin" Iolana answers in a whisper, uncertain if it is required that she speak at all. Considering the subject, easily treason against Queen Iolesa, even folk who might be divining her intent from afar would have difficulty making out her words.
Lady, but that I had retained that comb! Iolana thought at that moment. What conceivable use might it have made? she derides herself immediately after. A Queen with a castle would likely have rooms proofed against divination.
"His band is treating him ill, and mine will surely kill him in ignorance. We must prevent this, you and I."
Razule spares a glance at Tylor before going over to the table.
"We caught a criminal and returned stolen property." Raz replies as he sits down and starts filling his plate. "You can call me Raz or Razzy, either is fine."
The table is covered with Bacon, Sausages, Eggs, Bread, Wine, Ale, Black Pudding, Pork Rinds, Jacket Potatoes, Roasted Tomatoes and even some Fish. You are not sure how they got all this food when people seem to short on food, but here it is. Waiting to be eaten and very appetising.
Vico smiles at Raz's response, "Very good, the guard does all it can but there are not enough hours in the day. Especially now." Vico's smile vanishes in a sea of concern, but brightens again as Tyler enters. After Tyler's words he says, "Captives, do you mean figuratively or were you enslaved like.. like... that vile beast Gaedren did with drugs to my sister?" Vico seems to choke with emotion for a moment then shakes a bit then returns to normal. Vico digs in again to the great breakfast knowing its like will not soon be repeated.
"The red skinned pup will not be ruled by reason. His interest in blood is exceeded only by his interest in gold, and I have little of it to buy his silence," Iolana replies and sighs. She slumps forward on the table. "I cannot keep the Queen from pursuing the man. And should he cut through her heroes he will only prove himself the villain that she will paint him to be.
"She is a cunning adversary," Iolana admits and rests her chin on her forearm. "A formidable opponent. If Vancaskerkin cannot change his nature, and she will not change hers, I cannot discern how one single woman can so skillfully reorganize his structure quickly enough for it to survive without his direct influence..."
Iolana's eyelids were heavy. "You've a very comfortable table, Cousin, but I suspect a bunk will be easier on my back."
I make my way downstairs to see what all the fuss is about. I seek out Cressida. Once I find her I ask. [b]"What's going on around here? Things seem a bit chaotic.
"We were Little Lamms." He says quietly. "We got out a while before we got rid of our chains."
Vico looks grim as he digests the news. "That's... horrible, I glad you're free of him. I heard that he was killed recently, wish I could have been there." Vico looks into the distance. "Please sit and eat, few enough get to feed like this now. Though, perhaps you know of a lad. I looking into the death of a child, down by an abandoned warehouse. He was viciously murdered; have you heard of anything about that? It sounds like something Lamm would do or have done but he's never been this sloppy about .... leaving evidence." Vico chews his food hard, in frustration.
Vico sighs, "Disappointing but not surprising. The remains show great brutality but also very professional work. Must've been Lamm's crowd but how to prove it?" Vico finishes his meal. "Can't eat another bite, take your time, when you are finished we'll go to the barracks and you can find out what the bosses want." Vico will wait for them to finish and then lead them to the barracks.
Once you get back to the barracks there are a lot of guards around, but all of them have stopped talking, including Cressida and they are all looking at Fealix, expectantly.
Tyler strides boldly into the barracks to a strange tableaux. He sees Field Marshall Cressida and the solders of the barracks staring at a handsome man, who appears a bit otherworldly.
The Field Marshal is here, must be important. I wonder what it's all about. Wow, that guy must be on the spot, seems like days have gone by waiting for a answer.
I contemplate the possibilities and remember one instance. "On the way here we encountered several peasants mugging a noble. Apparently the chaos is cover enough for people to do as they desire. In this world magic is a good way to do damage and clean up after it. A simpe presdidigetation can clean anything and just about anyone can have that. Without clues there is nothing I can do to help. I might as well start on the task you set us on last night. Where might I find this fellow you want me to bring in?"
"Just you, Fealix, or is the rest of the group allowed to join in your fun?" Raz calls out as he walks up.
Where would you like to go, back to the Barracks, back to Zellara's or back to the Meat shop?
As you are all talking to hear the splatter of water on the windows and as you look outside it has started to rain hard!
I sigh as Raz shows up. I give him a curious, and sort of annoyed glance but return my attention to the lady before me. "I......and my....companions shall head out and investigate at once." I look at the gathering of folks and shrug. "Human shields and distractions. I'll make them work. "Well lets head out. We need to take this guy in before someone else takes him down. I would rather not risk the latter." Turning back to Cressida I bow. "Take care of yourself. I will return with either Van in tow or at least whatever info we can find should things turn sour. Farewell." Without checking I make for the door and head out into the rainy streets towards the butcher shop, regardless of weather or not the others chose to follow.
After getting his orders Vico snaps a perfect salute. "At once, Field Marshall." Vico marches out just behind Faelix.
If Zellara cannot help her contact Vancaskerkin, Iolana returns to the butcher shop.
You all head to the shop that the Field Marshall informed you of and just as you are approaching a familiar figure appears, it's Iolana. The rain is still pouring and you are all wet through to the bone and a little cold. The shop appears to be open for business and quite busy, despite the heavy downpour.
The seem to be two men, both appear to be down on their luck, they are at the stall and waiting for meat.
At a second glance, they don't appear to be like the other citizens, they look dirty enough but under their dirt spoiler rags you can see the smallest glint of metal. You also realise that while they are waiting for food, others seem to be getting it before them, even though they are near the front ... in fact they are giving others the meat they are being given.
Profession:Soldier Do I know the armored men professionally? How competent do they appear?
Knowledge:Local What do I know of this place, of the people I see here?
Sense Motive What do I sense is going on? Is the place being robbed quietly or is this a covert charity or something else?
Vico enters behind Faelix and surveys the crowd. The scene is strange to his eyes and he tries to make sense of it.
Vico recognizes the warriors as members of the guard. He feels some disappointment at their defection but that feeling is overwhelmed by his puzzlement. In an uncertain tone of voice, Vico whispers to the others, "Those two up there giving out the meat are Guardsmen, with their armor, good but not great fighters, but I do not understand this, they are greedy men, not charitable at all." Vico's mustache shakes as his lips twitch with frustration. "You seem to know these places better than I, how do you wish to handle this? We do not need more riots."
I nod at the scenario. "I go up and be front with them. That is how I do things." I make my way up to the two men. "Excuse me. I am here looking for a man named Vancaskerkin. There is a matter of utmost importance that I must discuss with him. I am an ambassador for the city guard and I would like this to be a peaceful encounter."
You want a fight don't you?
I await the men's answer
Diplomacy:
Iolana watches the scene unfold from across the butcher shop from the remainder of the party. Fealix acts just as she suspected that he would, and she scarcely bats an eyelash at the fact that he will not be able to obtain what he intends. She can only hope that if he brings hostilities in this public place he will be executed like the monstrous mongrel that he is by the guard.
She tries to recognize the new man with Tyler and Razule.
The men watch as Fealix approaches and when he asks for Vancaskerkin the nod inside the building and are about to let him through, when he mentions he is with the city Guard. "What ya' want wiv da boss? We doin' nuffin' wrong, we not goin' back to da guard!" This is the man behind the store speaking, the other seem's to be blocking Fealix' way slightly.
As Faelix talks to his former co-workers, Vico is impressed by the young man's confidence and fine talking, too bad it looks wasted on these louts.
Watching the scene enfold, Vico misses Iolana's intense study. She sees an average man in a good quality Guardmen's uniform and a buckler on his arm and a very good quality sword. In a rare display for a Guardman, he wears a necklace with the Spiral of Pharasma on it.
Thinking it over, she remembers some talk about him, since it involved the miscreant Lamm. Vico is the son of a well know litigant to the various ministries and courts. He has a twin brother and supposedly an older sister. A tragedy involving drugs, the sister, and Lamm happened. The church of Pharasma got involved, normally they don't. After the brother joined the Black Roses, the special intelligencers of the church, they sometime work for the Guard in cases involving the supernatural. Vico graduated from the Eldrin Military Academy, and is noted for great strength, and joined the Guard as a common Guardsmen, though he is due for a promotion. He was known to hunt for the elusive Lamm, going so far as to search the endless sewers and ruins in the city. Recently, his assignment is to find the murderer of a child found near the dock where Lamm died.
As Fealix's encounter with the ex-guardsmen starts to go awry, Vico leans forward, prepared to draw blade and defend his charge.