"Perhaps, you'll be kind enough to permit to do the delicate negotiations." As he recalls the guttural growls from last night.
"Work your magic", Truk says with an unhappy grumble.
"I'll try to keep myself from knocking his teeth down his throat the moment that bastard says something I don't like."
When you arrive at the Grotto there are a few noticeable changes, the most obvious is the amount of guards in the place. Alphonse has had guards in the past but his security detail has grown. The club has an early morning crowd that has gathered to relieve some excess steam.
When friendly Tracy sees Lucrezia she pales and stutters, "B..b..boss needs to see you." Her eyes shift to corner of the room where two Hellknights are sitting. "two more in your room and the lieutenant's in with the boss."
Truk finds himself distracted from the 'Friendly' greeting by the undeniably unwelcome presence of the Hellknights.
"I get the feeling they're not here for the company", the big orc says in a low voice. "What's this about?"
Andrea arrives back at her apartment with Duncan and the others. Running her fingers along the door, a faint glow appears and then vanishes as she opens it up.
Leeanna? We're back and all set to escort you to a safer place. Andrea says to the no doubt bored woman.Get your things and we can be there within the hour
Andrea slips a pouch of gold into Fiosa's hands(100 gold nest egg).Take care darling, tell Janivan that we'll be back with their winnings soon. and kisses her nose before before leaving to head to the Grulios with Leeanna in tow.
Orsin will cast glibness on himself before they get within view of The Grotto, making the silent gestures as discreetly as possible.
Here goes nothing....well, everything if this doesn't go right.
"Some missin' p'rson happenin' 'bout the time Lucrezia went missin'"
The two Hellknights stand up from their table, as the other two can be heald overhead.
"That's bad..."
Duncan impatiently hops from foot to foot at Andrea's.
Ye know I'll watch after ye girl, but let's get this done quick. I'm still needin ta top Alphonse fer what he's done and I get the feelin it's only gettin harder an harder to do it right.
"Lucrezia Villanova come with us." The helmeted men point towards Alphonse office.
"I have a matter to discuss with Alphonse," Orsin says to the hellknight. "It would be best for everybody if I accompanied her in."
Truk looks increasingly like a cornered animal but tries to remain calm.
He looks to Orsin and silently nods.
Our Orders are to bring Ms. Villanova" He pauses, "We will check with our Lieutenant when we bring her back."
Lucrezia shrugs. "I was on my way to see Alphonse anyway. I know the way to the office."
Lucrezia will lead the way to the office.
A rising growl starts in the big orc's throat.
The two Hellknights on the second floor can be heard coming down the stairs.
Barring the way.
A rising growl starts in the big orc's throat.
Truk glares at the Hellknight(s) barring his way.
Cowards, hiding behind helmets and armor!
Truk backs off and slides up next to Tracy.
"Where's Orn?", he says in a low voice.
From behind Truk, John and Orsin comes a voice, "John, my old training partner." It's Lumar Decan, "What brings you here?" You can see he has made full Hellknight rank
Lucrezia remains casual as she heads towards Alphonse's office, keeping her mind on the plan to buy Orn.
Orn is not in the common room, you haven't seen or heard him.
Orn is not in the common room, you haven't seen or heard him.
Orsin shrugs and waits patiently. They may believe him, but that doesn't mean they will defy orders; they're Hellknights after all.
"Patience, Truk. We'll see this through."
"Been wit Hellknights since yesterday." a tear in her eye.
In the office is Alphonse, a member of the clergy of Asmodeus, and a stern looking Hellknight. "Well its about time you've rejoined us."
Orsin shrugs and waits patiently. They may believe him, but that doesn't mean they will defy orders; they're Hellknights after all.
"Patience, Truk. We'll see this through."
"I'll try..."
"Been wit Hellknights since yesterday." a tear in her eye.
"What do you mean? Speak up girl!"
She shrugs, "They took him for questioning. Something about helping a slave escape but that doesn't make sense. All the slave are here...nobody is missing."
"Alphonse and his two new friends have asked us all questions."
"Do you know where they took him? You don't think they hurt him?"
"You've been real spotty showing for shifts lately, then another bouncer just disappears leaving her belongings and the two of you were seen leaving together that day... what have you been up to?" He waves to the Hellknight Lt.,"I've asked the Hellknights to look into a delicate matter for me. This is Lt. Julistarc."
She shrugs at Truk's question.
With a heroic effort Truk takes a deep breath and centers himself. He pats Tracy's hand with his meaty paw.
"Thanks girl", he says with a strained smile between his tusks.
Orsin turns to Lumar Decan. "You know John, do you? I don't believe we've met." The bard extends a hand, "Orsino Bessatte, virtuoso."
Lucrezia shrugs. "Sunny was new to the city, from some little island somewhere south. Maybe she didn't know how to avoid trouble in a big city or maybe she stayed out too long past dark? I barely had a chance to get to know her though, so I can't really offer much other than guesses."
"As for me, like I said, I been looking for work elsewhere, trying to find something better paying. I made enough from doing that play to tide me over for a bit while I look and take a bit of a rest. I got myself a room at another inn, where I am just a paying customer and not the help. Now, if the armored gentleman here has any other questions for me, I will answer them. Though I would like your answer on whether or not you're willing to sell Orn? I can't imagine that my request comes as any kind of surprise to you or anyone else here."
The Hellknight introduces himself to Orsin, "I'm Lumar Decan, John and I were trained by the same instructor, my grandfather."
"My friends have business with the owner. I am here to accompany them."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid John hasn't mentioned you before. He doesn't mention much of anything, really. I take it the authorities are undertaking an investigation. Can we be of assistance?"
Lumar grins at John, "Thought you'd be inducted by now." clearly referring to the Order of the Scourge.
Leanne is ready in a matter of minutes to leave the apartment.
"Well, of course I been hearing about them. I mean, who hasn't? Though I can't say for certain how much of what I heard is true since it's mostly stuff spoken by the drunks here at the inn. So I wouldn't put much faith in any of the rumors that I've heard."
"Missing property? Seriously Alphonse, you can't think Orn would ever steal anything from you? Are you sure whatever it is you're missing just wasn't misplaced?"
Truk does a double-take at the news that John was friends with Hellknights, even trying to join their ranks.
And Orsin, Lucreazia, and the others trust him?!
"She was not misplaced." the hellknight replies.
make a sense motive.
"Soon i will join their ranks, or die trying."