Friend of yours Gerard?
Gerard's face goes all business. Pardon me... This could be useful.
Friend might be too strong a word.
The rogue extracts himself, approaching the man with a confident yet casual gait.
Andrea turns herself invisible and follows after Gerard.
I wonder just how powerful this Mother of Flies is...maybe she knows how to...no, don't think about that now. Focus on the performance, Bessatte.
Orsin returns to the playhouse, accompanied by whoever wants to join hm.
Daniel looks on and not wanting to interfere, remains in the street.
Andrea, before the bridge event, gives Orsin a kiss on the cheek. Good luck. Oh, I hope you won't mind giving me away when I marry Fiosa, I would be honored.
It's frantic when you get back to the playhouse Robahl is actually curing your existence when you saunter back.
He takes a deep breath and tries to relax, the vein in the middle of his forehead is thick and prominent, his blood pressure is obviously spiking.
Jarvis is nods to Gerard, "Need some help" he glances around a bit nervously, scanning for prying eyes, and occupational habit. "could use a quick met with your acquaintances, that is if they are who I think they are."
Orsin, in no mood to be slighted, does his best to let the screaming roll of his back. Calling on his inner divo and the antics of Delour the Visbaronetess, he replies, "Sirrah, you forget, this is not the show, this is show. Without me, there is no performance. Now, I have sung these arias for years, so if anything goes wrong tonight, and I mean anything, it will be your orchestra and your theatre to blame. Not. Me. I am understood?"
The man actually growls a bit to Orsin's tone, "Crowds always remember the performer but as you wish."
Striding past the director, he clears his throat to get the orchestra's attention. He sweeps on to the stage with a commanding presence, addresses the conductor and the pit directly. "We haven't much time, so let's begin with the lamento in the second act and run through til scene three. If there's any trouble with the transitions, we can go back and fix them after we've finished. And not too slow, maestro, the aria is a lullaby, not a funeral dirge."
Andrea lurks watching Gerard talk to the man.
The maestro nods pompous swine with a smile, then begins.
Jar, you're wound tight. I know you're typically on the up and up, but these are tough times. Who do you think they are?
You're an information broker, good info begets good payment. I'll make sure you get paid. Watcha got... or what's it about?
"Does the Council interest your associates?" His eyes shift then he leans closer, "You've an eavesdropper on your back...the girl."
Guess she doesn't trust me... In our business, what's new?
Gerard motions for Daniel and Luc.
Assuming everyone comes as Gerard motioned over, Jar will walk a into a darker little side alley. He looks at everyone, "I'm Jarvis...Gerard and I go back a bit." He makes sure everyone is paying attention. “Friends of Westcrown—I come to you with a singular offer. I have long lived on the edge of legality in this, our city, but never have my plans or desires run along routes that might put the city in peril. I'm not saint but I'm not a ruthless killer. I have heard the whispers that the Council of Thieves had something to do with the destruction of Aberian’s Folly, and I know these rumors to be fact — as I suspect you do as well. As you have doubtless learned, the Council of Thieves has not the best intentions for Westcrown. I may live on the other side of law, but I have no wish to see Westcrown suffer, for it is my home as well as yours. And as you now find yourselves aligned against the Council’s machinations as well, I think we can find common cause to work together." He waits to get a sense of his audience's reaction before he continues.
Edit Gerard, perhaps you can introduce us better? Plus any further discussions would be best done when out entire group is here so they can also weigh in. We are just heading to a play and perhaps we can speak afterwards,
Andrea keeps her demeanor neutral.
Plus, just how does this one know we have such a vendetta against the Council? Andrea thinks to herself. If we can get Orsin here, he can help suss out the truth.
In our business Andrea, this is as good an introduction as you get. No one's trying to stick a blade in your back. And, information is life expectancy. The sooner we hear what Jarvis has to say, the better.
Gerard looks to the others and turns back to the informant. Westcrown has become my home as well, please Jar... continue.
Jarvis senses how matter-of-fact the tone is so he continues,
"“My trade is information. Sensitive information. One of my most talkative contacts, a certain black-market pesh merchant named Goren One-Ear who keeps his shop in Parego Dospera, has fallen silent. Yeh, I understand what you are thinking...so what he deals drugs but his information is solid and has saved some lives in the past." The looks closely at Andrea, "It worries me, for he had long claimed to have ties with the Council of Thieves. Indeed, when the manor burned and fire scorched the sky, Goren contacted me with a short but cryptic message. He claimed that the fires and destruction were linked to the Council — more precisely, to the grandchildren of one of the Council’s leaders. He previously had hinted on multiple meetings it was none other than nobleman Vassindio Drovenge. Worse, he indicated to me that there was a coup wracking the Council, and that these grandchildren were all but assured of seizing control if they could engineer the death of their grandfather, and that if they accomplished this, things would grow dangerous indeed for the Council’s enemies." He pauses briefly, "I sense that this may not be news to you but rather confirmation of what is known."
“You see, here we share a dangerous commonality. My trade in information has long made the Council uneasy, but I have always been sure to give as well as take with their agents. Likewise, if word on the street is to be believed, your group has done much, indirectly
or otherwise, to vex the Council. Yet as long as the traditionalists
held power in the Council, things maintained a balance. These upstarts — these Drovenge siblings — care nothing for tradition. If they claim control over the Council’s resources, no Wiscrani is safe — particularly not you or I, who have already troubled the Council on numerous occasions. It will be an all out manhunt on us, we may individually thwart them but there is no way to continuously look behind our backs 24/7, they will strike. If they don't succeed they will try -try again then eventually get to someone or something we truly care about."
"Don't underestimate the criminal network that exists in this City the only safe secret is the one never disclosed to another living soul, heck even then walls can hear and talk in this City." He half smirks. "Information is power and I deal in information."
It is even as I've said not an hour ago... Lack of respect for tradition.
Andrea looks to the others to see how they respond to Jarvis. Frankly, she thinks to herself. I would prefer that they all die. For Sunny,Stoutpour, and every mangled corpse that moved through the morgue. Plus they can't get us if they are all dead.
Andrea keeps her face neutral.
Tradition? It is a long standing tradition to sell Halflings like cattle. I think it is time to sracpe off the crust of years gone by.
He grimly nods to Gerard, “Goren One-Ear claimed to have new and important information about the burgeoning coup in the Council—he also wanted out of Westcrown. I had promised him funds and aid in escaping the
city under the Council’s collective noses in return for everything he knew about these Drovenge siblings, their plans, and both who they intended to strike against and how these strikes would go down. Yet this was three days hence, and I have had no contact with Goren. I fear the worst."
Jarvis, would you ever work for me? If the job and pay were right?. Gerard smiles with a far off look in his eye.
So you will no doubt want us to go check on Goren for you correct?
Perhaps this can be done tomorrow, we have greatly exherted ourselves today and need to refresh our reasources.
“If you can investigate his shop in the Dusk Market alley in Parego Dospera… if you can find any clue to his fate or any notes he may have hidden in his home… I am prepared to pay you the funds I had set aside to aid him in his escape from Westcrown. Certainly, the information Goren possessed can help you as much as I, if not more!” He looks at the paladin, "I'm happy to join you in the investigation, so you know this is on the up and up." He does have a look on his face of concern that reveals he is concerned.
He does look a bit perplexed at the need to wait but he eventually agrees. He will coordinate where to meet up.
This has 'trap' written all over it, and we need to be at full strength before we do anything.
Very well, bright and early would be the best time. We can meet at the Hungry Hound and then head to his shop.
Daniel is willing to listen.
In the morning, yes.
After they part with Jarvis, Andrea mutters to the others. We have been ambushed before. Even if Jarvis is honest about his concerns and information. Andrea glances at Gerard. It is very conveniant that he happen upon us and provide this information.
We need to prepare better for this, we should keep ourselves more spaced apart instead of the grouping we had. More scouting by Lucrezia and Gerard to see if anyone is hiding around.
Me, he knows. You haven't exactly been low profile. News travels fast and he's no dummy. This Council business is bad for business, all around.
The theater is humming with activity, the workers scramble for last minute touch-ups, while the ticket office is bustling with will-call activity. Robahl is dancing around for location to location barking orders and the double sign appears in his wide eyes. "YES...yes...yes I love Money, I like copper, I adore silver, but most of all I love the gold that goes around with a fantastic performance." he sings out loud.
Andrea and Lucrezia you each have enough time for a quick make-over and new clothes at Lady Pennington's shop. Not the same all day indulgence that you've grown accustomed to in the past but nevertheless a wonderful experience.
"Ladies how wonderful it is to see you. Oh, Shelyn's curse what have you done to your hair and oh, my...your nails" She trembles slightly and then starts directing staff to her aid. "The two of you are the hit of the town, you must tell me ALL. I bet you are going to a theater tonight...."
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Daniel, unlike the other men previously in the group (with the exception of a certain bard) is not intimidated by the colors and smells within the shop.
Lady, Elmira, it is wonderful to see you again and looking an example of beauty and refinement as always. It is not surprising my newfound friends would also frequent my Lady Sascar's favorite boutique.
He makes a low bow and kisses her hand.
A greater show of respect than was required by the First Sword of a Major House.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Pennington.
Daniel, come now... have a seat. Best kept secret is a good, quick massage will leave you revived.
If available, Gerard orders a hand and shoulder rub. Ending with a manicure, with no polish... just a buffing of the nails.
"You falter...but I'll take what I can get." She glows and her girls begins to fuss over the both Daniel and Gerard.
Why hello Lady Elmira! I'm afraid we have had another rough day today. Andrea does the little cheek peck that noble ladies often do before settling down on a chair.
Why indeed! We will be attending Orsino Bessatte's final performance! Best seats in the house of course. Poor fellow has been under such stress but he still give shis all for Westcrown.
Andrea keeps up a light conversation as she is tended to and is soon primped and dressed for an evening's entertainment.
Lucrezia is quite happy for a nice relaxing, if quick, make-over. She gets her abundant dark hair gathered up atop her head, save for a few delicate curls to frame her face. She has her make-up up lightly done, a touch of blush, a bit of color on her lips and eyes. For her dress, she chooses one in emerald green, embroidered with golden color thread with a black corset for plenty of cleavage.
"Yes, a bold candy apple for those lips will highlight the dress nicely, a girl should never be without color on her lips."
"Oohh, can we do my nails to match my lips then?"
Backstage, Orsin runs through his usual gauntlet of vocal gymnastics.
♪
♫
"Mee-ee-ee-ee-ah-ah-ah."
"Mi-me-ma-mo-mu..."
"See-ee-ee-ee-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah..."
"Sha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah..."
♪
♫
He vigorously shakes out the remainder of his nerves. He expected this evening to feel more triumphant, but there was something about it that was bittersweet. Westcrown and all the horrors that accompanied it had driven him to this. Had he never come to this city in search of Gregorio's killers, Orsin would still be in Egorian singing for Queen Abrograil or maybe back in Kintargo at the National Opera House. Instead, he was here, fighting off shadowbeasts and worse. He had given up a life of paper flowers for blood-stained hands. Was it worth it?
No use thinking like that. It's nearly curtain.
"Oohh, can we do my nails to match my lips then?"
"Certainly!"
Meanwhile the girl who is tending to yours, face sort of squishes up when she realizes there dried blood under the nails. Earning every cent of the tip.
♪ ♪ ♫ ♪" Mi- mi-mi- mi-mi" ♫ ♪
"♪ ♪ ♪ La-la-la-la- laaaaaaaa♪ ♪ ♫ ♪"
With a confident smile she nods her approval.
"Break a leg out there," he calls out softly between vocalises. I hope I don't break her heart when I tell her after...
Andrea still wears her wig, although now brushed and wiped clean of any unsightly material. Her make-up is light, matching her pale skin and her dress is an elegant black and gold, with a stylish corset like Lucrezia's that hints at her faith while not being obvious.
Simply marvelous my lady! Even a speedy make-over is done expertly!
Andrea has a light shawl about her bare shoulders as she joins Lucrezia in the lobby. I'll be sure to tell you all about the play when we next meet.