Darius smiled and shrugged. "Good enough to stay alive, I suppose that's what counts."
"So, what do you plan to do when you get to the Razor? Hawkins put the same bug in my ear and it's had me thinking. Now I'm curious what others plan to do."
"1000 gold for each of these potions...they remove disease." He is clearly taking advantage of the current situation.
David watches the man with the crossbow and looks at him with a flat expression, knowing that sick people are desperate for healing.
”A thousand gold for the potions? Hmm… that’s kind of a high price, in fact, I’d say it doesn’t seem very balanced,” he says, putting specific emphasis on the last word, still recalling with a clear sight the family that was expelled to probable death when this man could have saved them all with a snap of his fingers.
He looks intently at the priest, unafraid – not because he has any confidence that the man will avoid attacking him but simply because if David feels if he’s going to be butchered for insinuating that the priest is not a servant of balance (and therefore not a very good servant to Abadar) then that’s just how things are going to be.
Those people almost died and this basterd could have saved them! He can piss up a rope but good, the little sod!
"I'm not going to an unknown land, I get off at the next port."He shrugs a the non-committal response regarding buying the potions. "Abadar favors merchants and wealth, he isn't called 'The Gold Fisted' for nothing. Pull your funds, whore yourself, I could careless, but I get off in the morning if you want these potions." He smirks at Bri, "Others will get sick."
David moves in front of the priest, his hand easing comfortably on his sword hilt, just to steady it, of course.
”You know, I always thought that Abadar was the god of balance; not the god of thieves,” David says with a cheerful voice, as if he's offering up some interesting trivia.
His eyes are ice, and they scan the priest thoughtfully.
”Maybe you got the wrong colors on, hoss?” he says with a flat tone, giving a little nod to the priest’s holy symbol and tabard.
"Tell the captain that I expect my payment for helping those people before I get off." You get every sense that he just as soon let everyone die.
David watches the man toddle off, but before the priest is out of earshot, he makes his response -
”That ain’t going to happen, bub,” he says with calm finality, waiting for the priest to do something interesting, if at all.
David walks over to Darius and Sath and nods.
”Oye! How’re you doing?” he says to them with a nod.
”Sorry about that business with that basterd below earlier,” he says, clearly meaning the “priest” of Abadar.
He wanders over to them.
”Looks like you two are getting pretty chummy – good,” he adds with a grin.
”Couldn’t help overhearing some of what you were chatting about,” he says to the two of them. He looks at Darius, nodding to Sath – ”you know, he’s handy with healing, and knows his way around the wild, too – if we ever decide to make that hall we were talking about, be it by the coast or deeper inland, his skills sure would be handy,” he adds.
He turns to Sath.
”This one is pretty good at fighting and dealing with people,” he says.
”If we ever need a lad to handle a few bullyboys, I’d wager he could do it,” he says to Sath about Darius.
He looks at them both.
”We maybe ought to rustle up that lass Ambrianna, she’d be good at recruiting some more lads, if we need them, and maybe that miss Brianna could help, too,” he says with a smile.
Darius nods, adding, "If there is any tussling to be done, I'll need someone good in a fight to watch my back. No offense to y'all, but Adriel seemed far better at it. If we do this, I'll want to include him. Doubt he'd be keen to lose the coin though, unless we could show a profit for our efforts."
Darius nods, adding, "If there is any tussling to be done, I'll need someone good in a fight to watch my back. No offense to y'all, but Adriel seemed far better at it. If we do this, I'll want to include him. Doubt he'd be keen to lose the coin though, unless we could show a profit for our efforts."
David's eyes widen.
"The magus?" he says with surprise.
He glances at Sath thoughtfully, then looks back at Darius.
"Well of course he's a better killer; he's a magus," he says with a shrug.
He looks at Sath and Darius thoughtfully.
"You know, I don't mind risking my life once and a while - if it's something I believe in, that is; but I'd rather do it with my friends at my back then mercenaries," he says.
He glances at Sath.
"Still - if you two feel that he's someone that you'd like to have with you, I won't protest," he adds, curious to know what Sath has to say.
"Well, he's full of himself and that means he's either good or overly cocky- one keeps us protected and while the other makes him a pain in the arse it might also provide some entertainment- I would be inclined to include him, if he were interested, that is"
"Well, he's full of himself and that means he's either good or overly cocky- one keeps us protected and while the other makes him a pain in the arse it might also provide some entertainment- I would be inclined to include him, if he were interested, that is"
David looks at Sath thoughtfully and lights up a cheroot, cupping his hands around it to shelter it from the wind.
He offers a spare to either Sath or Darius as he seems to consider what Sath has said.
”I don’t mind cocky; nothing wrong with that…” he says after a moment.
He pauses to think for a while. He looks as if he is going to say something, but then shakes his head, as if deciding against what he had initially decided to say.
”Look - here's the thing, if he wants to treat with us as equals, pay and the rest of it being an equal cut... Well, like I said, I won’t protest,” he adds.
He blows out a stream of smoke, then looks toward at the sky for a little while, then back to his mates.
"Anyhow, that aside, do you think that Embrianna and Astrianna would be interested in coming with us, too? Or do you think they’d rather keep sailing with Longplank?” he says thoughtfully.
As he watches Sath and Darius consider things he goes and finds his kit and slings it over his shoulder and wanders off to find Embrianna and Astrianna. When he sees them he puts out the half-smoked cheroot and places the remains in his frock coat, knowing that the ladies didn’t care for the smoke that much.
When he finds them he tips his forelock at them both politely.
”Hey! So how are you doing today?” he asks with a friendly smile.
Realizing that they may not have that much time, he decides to come right to the point.
”So anyhow, I was talking to Darius and Sath – you know, the lads that were helping us with the sick folk earlier?"
"Well, we were thinking of maybe doing some independent work on our own; you know – getting away from things and picking out our own scenery, as it were.”
”Now I was figuring that if we had a good team that could do some private contract work that'd be great. So I said to myself - You know, that miss Astrianna is pretty handy with recruiting and handling people; and of course, miss Embrianna knows a fair share of arcane lore and is pretty helpful with the sick folk, and that being said, I figured, someone should ask you and see if you're interested in coming along, you know?” he says with a grin.
”Just so you know: Darius is a pretty good guy to have when it comes to leading troops into combat as a tactician – I mean, you saw how he handled himself with those lads he was training below, right? He was damn good! And also there's Sath; the lad sure knows his way around the wilderness and is pretty handy when it comes to potions and healing remedies,” he says seriously.
He looks at them thoughtfully, curious to know their reaction.
”Oh, and we were thinking of asking the magus to join with us, too,” he adds.
”I don’t know much about him - just what I heard from captain Longplank - but I do know that a magus is a damn good at killing; better then any other type out there when it comes to melee fighting, so that's pretty handy to have, if he's interested, that is,” he adds seriously.
”Anyhow, would either of you like to do some independent contract work with us? You know, whenever it is we formally leave and look for new work, that is,” he says to both of the women, watching them to see what they think of the proposal.
Atrianna is quite surprised as the cleric lets the potion smash on the deck. She frowns, watching it seep into the wood. [i]Proving a point to us? This one's haughtiness rivals Grand Prince Stavian himself. "I just wanted to know if you had any scrolls for purchase, personally." She doubts he either heard or cares.
Despite the protest of the others, Astrianna does find the captain and inform him of the cleric. "Captain. We found three who were showing signs of the sickness, and brought them to the priest. He cast three spells that we assume were to remove the disease, and said he expected to be paid for the spellcasting. He also tried to sell us two potions for 1000 piece of gold, which is a bit high. When we mentioned that, he responded by smashing one of the potions on the deck. Not a pleasant man... I hope we can find a more generous cleric on shore."
Later, Hawkins would find Astrianna drinking a cup of coffee in the mess before she has to run around all day and help with their quick turnabout. Emerald eyes look up at him from over the steaming cup as she takes a sip. "Hello Hawkins. I haven't started coughing blood, so I'd assume I'm doing very well." The half-elf says nonchalantly, accepting that she either has the disease or does not- but she is certainly looking to get checked out at least.
Nodding to him about the inquiry of going ashore with them, she takes another sip of coffee and ties back her hair. "Let me grab my gear. Shame we don't have time for shopping, I need a few things...." The bard listens to the rest of his talking while drinking her coffee, not bothering to interject. "They're all capable individuals. We should be fine running errands for the captain, and finding some priests. As for the contract work- I appreciate your foresight, but frankly Hawkins..." She leans in close to whisper to him, knowing talking of the sickness would be bad form. "...one or more of us could be dead if we don't find some divine intervention and scrolls. Let's save that discussion for later."
The bard does not seem to be in a good mood- likely due to the coffee not kicking in yet.
The Captain is in his room when Astri finds him. He chuckles in a dismissive manner, "Not pleasant is an understatement...damn right an arse." He mumbles but adds. "He and his companion are exceptionally deadly, can't get them off my ship quick enough." He ties a large coin sack. "You will find it necessary to deal with the unscrupulous when in this line of work." He shakes his head.
"When we dock I need you and your group go to this address." he hands you a piece of paper. "See if the woman there, Hielica, can see you medical supplies. Take this it's 3000 gold" He stands up and moves to the door, "I'll pay Lord Ghivel's price for healing this ship."
"Don't waste time, you have 3 hours, I figure someone will blab to the port authorities that we were a sick ship."
As the ship prepares to dock those of you looking can see the wharf is busy already. There is man with a a few bookkeeping folks with him, he is flanked by two armed guards but lightly armored.
More importantly there are seven heavy armed men standing behind the wharfmaster. Those men are in heavy armor that is lock and chain design, with manacle-like gauntlets, helms reminiscent of iron prisoners mask. Their armor has a symbol of a "Hand Wrapped in Chains." The each have a heavy and light flail on their person. Two of the men are clearly ranking officers.
"Hello Hawkins. I haven't started coughing blood, so I'd assume I'm doing very well."
His eyes glance at hers, studying her face thoughtfully, then they slowly move down over her neck to glance at the smooth curve of her throat and then slide down to examine the rest of her body.
His lip quirks thoughtfully as he studies her for any other potential signs of disease, then his gaze returns to her eyes.
”Yeah… you’re pretty good to me,” he says.
”You know – very healthy,” he adds as he continues to watch her eyes thoughtfully.
"They're all capable individuals. We should be fine running errands for the captain, and finding some priests. As for the contract work- I appreciate your foresight, but frankly Hawkins..." She leans in close to whisper to him, knowing talking of the sickness would be bad form. "...one or more of us could be dead if we don't find some divine intervention......
He nods, thinking about what she says for a moment.
Realizing that discretion is important, he leans in too. His mouth is close to her ear and he whispers back –
”Hey – we’ll be okay, nobody’s dying of a disease under my watch," he says.
Pausing a moment, he adds - "Look, it’s my job looking after your health. So I'm just saying – I won’t let you down.”
His tone is intent, but he keeps his voice is soft and quiet in her ear so that no one overhears and it doesn’t alarm the others.
He steps back a pace and leans against the wall.
”As for the idea of getting a few lads together? Well, nothing like having something to talk about while you work, you know?” he says with a friendly grin as he follows her aloft and meets with the captain.
Listening to the gnome give instructions, he nods, his eyes flicking to the coast thoughtfully.
"Don't waste time, you have 3 hours, I figure someone will blab to the port authorities that we were a sick ship."
He looks back at the captain.
”Beg pardon, sir – should we be getting another boat for our ship, too?” he asks, curious to know if they’ll replace their last boat at this port, or another.
As the ship prepares to dock those of you looking can see the wharf is busy already. There is man with a a few bookkeeping folks with him, he is flanked by two armed guards but lightly armored.
More importantly there are seven heavy armed men standing behind the wharfmaster. Those men are in heavy armor that is lock and chain design, with manacle-like gauntlets, helms reminiscent of iron prisoners mask. Their armor has a symbol of a "Hand Wrapped in Chains." The each have a heavy and light flail on their person. Two of the men are clearly ranking officers.
David looks at the harbormaster and his bullyboys and grimaces at their presence.
He notes right away the strange gear, especially the gauntlets and wonders if they’re not some sort of holy order, as something about the gauntlet in chains seems familiar.
He pauses to think a moment, and tries to recollect what he knows of a place like this.
Standing at the rail of the ship, overlooking the dock, Darius tightens his grip on his glaive at the sight of the men in wicked looking armor. "This doesn't look good..." he says to Sath.
The captain will tell Hawkins, "Don't concern yourself about the longboat."
The man with the guards is the harbor master, he is there to note cargo and collect harbor fees.
The heavy armed men look like hellknights.
The heavy armed guards are hellknights of the order of the Chain.
Order of the Chain:
"All men lift themselves up upon the backs of others."
The two ranking officers look like: Maalictor - midlevel officer (Lt)and a Signifier - arcane/religion leader
The order of the chain makes their base in this region. the concern themselves with chasing down runaway slaves and those trying to free slaves. They believe everyone serves a purpose in a proper society.
The First Mate steps up the those getting off the ship to get medical supplies. "Captain sez make it 2 hours." He has a concerned look at when he sees the armored men.
Embrianna nods in agreement as Astrianna answers Dirk. "Like Astri said, not the time for that right now. Let's get some scrolls and potions and then get out of this port before someone makes trouble for us. That a#*~@+% cleric might even be running off to the authorities now to tattle on us."
Later on, after Astri goes to the captain's cabin, Bri will join back up with her to head on into town for the supplies. "Hopefully we can get this done right quick and then have a few minutes to spare to pick up few little things for ourselves too."
As they are waiting on deck to disembark, Bri leans over and whispers to Astrianna:
After receiving the orders to join the team heading ashore for supplies, as well as the updated, and reduced time frame, Darius says, "Alright then, let's be quick about this. I don't want to be left behind and lose my cut. Joy shopping is just going to have to wait until after this is done."
He then leads the group off the boat and straight for the address.
Astrianna takes charge of the bag of gold, slipping the heavy satchel into her haversack. "Aye Captain." The bard gingerly takes the slip of paper, having no problem reading it in the dim light. "We'll find this Hielica, and see what she has in stock. I won't spend too much time haggling, but I don't want us to look desperate. I hope she's a friend of yours?"
Astrianna leans over to listen to Bri, and the bard chuckles, smiling and whispering back to her.
Astrianna's conversation with Bri is paused as they come onto the dock, and her eyes sweep over the heavily armored men in the distance.
"Piss-biscuits." The bard hisses, quietly speaking to everyone. "Those are Hellknights- Order of the Chain. Manhunters and jailors. I hope none of you are escaped slaves... One is a caster, by the way." Thinking quickly, she recalls the people they have on board. Quickly pulling a piece of copper wire from her spell pouch, she casts Message on herself and points subtly back towards the Captain.
Captain. This is Astrianna via a Message. Hellknights on wharf, Order of the Chain. About seven, two officers, one a Lt. and the other a Signifier. I'm going to assume our "guests" may wish to know." She waits to see if there is a reply.
She nods to Darius. "You're right, as much as I'd like to do a little pursuing. Let's go. Don't make eye contact with those Hellknights. Once we're out of their sight, we should hurry."
Recalling her own wanted status in Taldor, she briefly considers taking on a disguise. A few logical steps later deems this unwise, as the Hellknights would have no business with Taldan law and the Signifier could be detecting magical auras on all who pass.
Unless stopped by the harbor master or the Hellknights, she and Darius guide them to the address.
Distracted from her whispered conversation with Astrianna, Bri follows her gaze as she takes in the sight of all the heavily armored men.
"Not an escaped slave and warrants out for my arrest." Not sure how they feel about casters, Bri takes a moment to ensure Emmy is suitable camouflaged with a scarf around her neck.
"So, right, no eye contact and walk briskly. No sneaky acting stuff to make them think they should check us out."
The sellsword follows along with the captain's orders and heads down with the rest. THIS was his line of work. Get the stuff, make sure no one bothers the couriers.
He leans to Darius, You got left, I have the right.
He nods to Salt and Sawbones. He hadn't spoken a word to either. Darius was his friend and the two women more than held his attention. They were enough friends for now.
The disembarking is slow. The Captain has the harbor master come aboard and he declares his passengers and pays the hefty harbor-age fee. They talk and talk, then one of the scribes leaves to go back down the dock where he talks to a few merchants. to the experienced eye of sailor you know the captain has asked the harbormaster for a quick turn around time and to use the harbormasters "preferred" merchants. This type of deal tends to have customs go a bit quicker due to special business arrangement that may exist on the docks.
The harbormaster clears the small group to exist the ship for your task. he hands the captain a note that he gives to Astri to show to the Hellknights. It is basically permission to pass.
Subsequently the passengers are all lined up, papers check and double checked, then each person has to be checked by the Hellknight to ensure they are not slaves, illegals, and whatnot. The captain sighs heavy, hoping each passenger passes without incident. He further hope that the passenger manifest that he provided is not seriously or the passengers questioned too hard on their voyage.
Eventually four crew members, plus two officers, advise the captain that they will be departing the ship, not making the trip over to the Razor Coast. "Ship's cursed without a proper Chaplain, morale was pushed and we feel bad things are to come. We be taking our earned fee and be departing with the passengers."
A second one adds:
"Me thinks those new crew brought more strange things to this ship." He continues, "That Sawbones asks a lot of questions." He grimaces. "Over heard 'im grillin' the quartermast'r."
Darius nods to Adriel's request, taking position on the left as they disembark and move through the streets. Darius doesn't raise his hood over his head until they are well past the Hellknight's however, as he doesn't want to raise their suspicions.
When they arrive at the address, he steps to,the side and allows Astrianna to initiate the exchange.
Captain ordered her to do this, and she seems like the most skilled of tongue of all of us.
Astrianna takes the note, carefully folding it into one of her side pockets. "Be back as soon as we can captain. Unfortunate we're in Chelix territory, if there was a place I could play One-and-Thirty on the way I'd be tempted to double this coin purse for you." The bard is clearly joking with the Captain, trying to lighten the stressed atmosphere.
She beckons the rest of the group onward and to the Hellknights, handing the Maalictor their permission slip. She speaks to them as little as possible, simply waitin for them to be waved forward.
If there is no incident with the knights the bard draws the note containing directions from her pocket, and begins to navigate the streets of the port. She makes small talk with the group as they walk.
"Shame we don't have any time for real shopping. I could use a new fiddle, and a new buckler- preferably one made of wood."
The Maalictor reads the note and looks at each of you, he shows it to the Signifer, "Harbormaster's signature?" The other nods, "Move along." He waves the group on by.
Embrianna waits until they are out of earshot of the Hellknights before she lets out an audible sigh of relief. "Woo. We got past them just fine. Glad they didn't bother to harass us or anything. After all this, I wouldn't mind a little shopping for something nice and extremely alcoholic."
Bri pears over Astri's shoulder to look at the address on the note.
Astrianna gives a wistful sigh at Embri's comment. "Oh don't get me started Rose... I'd kill for a bottle of absinthe right now. I hope they have wormwoods on the Razor, and people distill it by the gallon."
David glances at the men flanking the harbormaster.
He flexes his fingers into a tight fist, but maintains a pleasant smile despite whatever it is that he is feeling.
As his eyes stray to the men his fingers absently caress the hilt of the dagger on his hip.
Embrianna nods in agreement as Astrianna answers Dirk. "Let's get some scrolls and potions and then get out of this port before someone makes trouble for us. That a!~$+*% cleric might even be running off to the authorities now to tattle on us."
David’s eyes narrow.
”Let him squeal… I prefer a straight fight instead of all this sneaking around,” he mutters to himself, but does not voice that comment loud enough to offend his comrades.
He considers moving with the others as they disembarked, curious to know their plans. He looks at the two ladies and notices they’re moving off together. Then he looks at Darius and notices he’s moving with the magus.
David looks at the elf and thinks for a moment, studying him and trying his best to read him. However, he notices that the elf doesn’t seem very interested in chatting with anyone but Darius, and so he merely shrugs.
Well, maybe some other time…
As David waits for the others to disembark he watches the hellknights and his thoughts tack back to the Halfling’s he ran with when they freed slaves from the likes of these scum. He thinks a lot of the Halfling folk he worked with. Then he looks at the hellknights and considered his options. For now he knows he should probably just walk past them, although he would simply prefer to stab the little whore-bytch whelps as he passed them.
However, it occurs to David that may upset some of his comrades, therefore, he instead recalls to mind a little ditty that a Halfling ranger had taught him while they were having drinks at a tavern. The tune was catchy, and as everyone has stepped off the ship, he starts to sing it cheerfully as he struts down the gangplank.
…and we lifted our blade as he stood in the glade and this is what we said -
Well my good lord, we’ll lift our sword and slice your fleshy chin
But should ye still come, well then by gum, we’ll slice you at the shin
And if that don’t freeze your charge at we’s who’s cut you oh so damn bad
We’ll doff our hats to you, my lord, for you be quite a lad!
”...Yes, you be quite the lad,” he sings in a pleasant voice as he moves past the company of hellknights at the pier.
As he passes the hellknights he flashes them a grin and a wave, and catches up with the rest of the group.
Saying nothing but walking along with the others, he merely listens in thoughtfully.
"Shame we don't have any time for real shopping. I could use a new fiddle, and a new buckler- preferably one made of wood."
David pulls an apple out of his pack and takes a hearty bite from it.
”Well, we got two hours – if we get this hash square before then who’s to say we can’t try to rustle up a little extra loot on the side – if we have the time, that is,” he says munching on it with gusto.
”But hey, it's just a thought is all,” he adds, then takes another bite as he looks around.
He considers the forces at the dock and wonders why so many of them where waiting around for their ship. His eyes narrow as he considers them.
Hmm… Imperial forces at the watch just to greet us at the pier… The guards glibly telling us to “move along” when it’s clear that they’re likely just waiting to look through the passengers who are disembarking and trying to see if we’re moving runaways that they can pick up on the fly… Well, it’s clear to me, but who the hell knows – I could be way off…
His eyes narrow as he pulls his kit a bit more snug around his shoulder and cinches it as he walks, enjoying another bite from the apple.
You know – I got a baddd feeling about this place…
Hawkins:"No one is dead yet, it's true. Just tell me if I start to show the signs."
David looks into her eyes.
"You can count on it," he says, not bothering to mask his response to her.
Astrianna's raises an eyebrow at Hawkin's song, having heard it before in a seedy Westcrown tavern known as a smuggler hangout. once they are past the hellknights the bard looks back at him curiously. "Hell knights are specifically bred to lack a sense of humor at birth, Hawkins. The irony of your song is probably lost on them. They'll think you're up to something if you look too happy to be here. Everyone has something to hide, and they know it- it's just a matter of if it's worth their time."
”Well, we got two hours – if we get this hash square before then who’s to say we can’t try to rustle up a little extra loot on the side – if we have the time, that is,”
The half-elf shakes her head. "Unless we find this place in the next ten minutes, I'm not willing to risk the Mother's Blessing leaving without us. That sweet, sweet payment when we reach the Razor is more than enough motivation. Not to mention Port Shaw is going to have everything we can imagine, and a lot of things we probably have never imagined." She ends with a grin. "I can wait on my shopping spree. I've got another century in me at least."
Not to mention Port Shaw is going to have everything we can imagine, and a lot of things we probably have never imagined."[/b] She ends with a grin. "I can wait on my shopping spree. I've got another century in me at least."
"I hope you are right, princess. On both counts," Darius says as they walk.
After clearing most of the rabble around the docks, he continues, "So, Hawkins, Sath, and I have been talking. When we get to the Razor, we are considering going together and getting us a business started. The sort, as of this moment, depends on what is currently available there, as we would need to take advantage of a niche not being filled by anyone there currently. But, we were hoping the rest of you would be interested as well. If we all went in together, we have a serious amount of coin to use to get ourselves established. Could be quite the lucrative enterprise if we all use our heads, and I believe we have quite the intelligent gathering here, all of which have valuable talents to lend to the project. I don't expect any of you to make a snap decision, but if you would like to talk about it more once we are back aboard the Blessing, know that I am game."
Once you get a littlw further off the dock you are here the calls for all kinds of goods and services from the panhandlers and shopkeepers. There are are several scrimshaw hawkers and tinkers working the streets.
"Aye...say-lors c'me on in...fer some smoke and guud time."
"Hell knights are specifically bred to lack a sense of humor at birth, Hawkins. The irony of your song is probably lost on them. They'll think you're up to something if you look too happy to be here. Everyone has something to hide, and they know it- it's just a matter of if it's worth their time."
He takes another bite out of the apple and swallows.
”Well, to be fair, I always thought it was a subtle statement about perseverance in the face of all obstacles inasmuch that the artist continue to strike his opponent until the end... Also, it reminds the audience then when the opponent you face is filled with courage or honor even as he competes against you then it's alright to admire or respect him him, even if you end up massacring him,” he adds as he takes another bite but shrugs.
"But I guess there could be some irony in me singing it now, too - given the situation," he adds, giving her a wink.
He considers her comments about the hellknights back at the pier.
”Well, the way I see it - if those whores decide to follow us then they'll likely come after us, corner us in some alley and then we fight them."
"If we fight them then we kill them or they kill us. But either way you slice it they’re gods damned slavers, so piss on them and their seed for a thousand generations,” he adds with a careless grin.
He becomes serious.
”Look – I don’t want to bore you all with stale tales of my life, but the fact is – I’ve seen the inside of a poxing blackbirder – it’s, it’s not something that I can brush off easy,” he says, his smile looking a bit forced.
”But anyway – no worries, I’ll try not to upset anyone while we're here,” he adds, then adjusts his expression to look far more serious and stern.
As he walks, he hears Darius call after him.
"So, Hawkins, Sath, and I have been talking. When we get to the Razor, we are considering going together and getting us a business started."
”Getting a ship – and, or a guildhall with a tight crew that can run missions together? Why whoever came up with that idea is a bloody genius!” he says with complete seriousness.
David rolls his eyes and tosses the now finished apple core at Darius somewhat playfully.
”Yeah – that's a hell of a plan. I loved it almost as much as when we talked about it on the ship earlier,” he says with a cheerful laugh.
”Look - however you all want to do this, I’m on board,” he says with a grin at the others.
"”Well, to be fair, I always thought it was a subtle statement about perseverance in the face of all obstacles inasmuch that the artist continue to strike his opponent until the end.. Also, it reminds the audience then when the opponent you face is filled with courage or honor even as he competes against you then it's alright to admire or respect him him, even if you end up massacring him,” he adds as he takes another bite but shrugs."
"They don't want you fighting back at all- if you're not a law-abiding citizen, you're supposed to take your punishment laying down or it gets worse. That's why I want to be out of here, too stuffy..."
She lets the two men throw apples at each other or whatever it is they're doing, walking up to one of the street peddlers. Astrianna reaches into her coin pouch and rolls two silver pieces between her knuckles, bridging from finger to finger. The woman puts a lot of salt in her voice, pushing her hat up to make eye contact with the street merchant. "We're in port lookin' 'bout fer Hielica, 'eard she's 'ere and's our Captain's lookin' to fill the meddie bay. Got some piece o' silver for ye if yer willin' to tell 'ow to git to the place on this scrap." The woman shows the tinker the piece of paper, and will read it to them if they're illiterate.
The street merchant eyes the silver and his smile widens reveal several gaps in his mouth, "Yer Captain's right, Hielica's 'ere." He spits through one of the gaps in his teeth.
"You're supposed to take your punishment laying down..."
He considers Astrianna's comments.
"Huh - well, when you put it that way, I guess it could be worse," he says, glancing at her with a grin.
The bard continues to roll the silver between her fingers. "'course he is- 'e's a good man. Now 'ow abouts are we to git to 'er, and ye'll git yer coin."
He rubs his fingers together for the coin. Once it is in his hand he bites it to makes sure it is silver. He points to the top of the hill which extend for about half a mile, "Top O'hill make right down th'alley." He looks let and right. "go till the cross alley, and it's on the corner. Look for blood drape." He then goes about yelling at other people on the street.
"Go till the cross alley, and it's on the corner. Look for blood drape." He then goes about yelling at other people on the street.
David looks at the man.
"Thankee fer the square tip, mate, it be damn fine of ye," he says with a smile.
Then he shoulders his kit and heads down the path with with the others.
You see mostly rundown shops, trinkets, taverns, whorehouses up the road. The alley is more of side street than a turn alley - to your surprise - there are few girls and couple boys working the alley. There are "rooms" for rent.
"C'me lookie...we can pl'y."
"By chance you've other tastes?"
You see mostly rundown shops, trinkets, taverns, whorehouses up the road. The alley is more of side street than a turn alley - to your surprise - there are few girls and couple boys working the alley. There are "rooms" for rent.
"C'me lookie...we can pl'y."
David glances at her, keeping his gear tight to his person.
He looks at her.
"Sorry, sweets, I'm too bloody broke to play," he says with a doleful smile.
He nods at her and continues up the path.
Astrianna looks where the man is pointing, giving a steady, continuous nod as he explains. "Thanks kindly." She tips her hat to him and goes on her way.
She begins walking down the street, making their way up the hill and following their directions. "Blood drape. Hope there aren't too many of those after the cross alley." The bard crests the hill and looks for the alley to turn down.
Her hand touches your Dirk's arm, "Scrounge a f'w silv'rs from yer friends." She tries to nuzzle up closer. The smell of cheap perfume, sweat, and smoke linger.
