A portly fellow - Banker Absell - administers Esmerelda, his face is a continuous pendulum with outrage and empathy unsuccessfully vying for dominance. "You poor girl, I keep telling them that those sewer dwellers need better cont-- AND WHAT WERE YOU THINKING -" this directed at Caulder "- INCITING A Ri-" he suddenly becomes aware of himself and quickly quietens down to avoid attention. He fails quite spectacularly at it, still, his words press home hard, "Riot! A riot! Right here in the Bank! Have you any idea what you've caused? The chaos! The papers! It took two hours yesterday to get the masses to calm down, two senior bankers needed to be in constant attendance! This breach in protocol! This! This will not go unnoticed! Oh you poor thing, you should not be out there doing such dangerous work. But you! You get out there and defuse that mob. Take twiddle-wee and twiddle-dapper here with you!" He points Pagrip and Ten.
"Yes, sir," Caulder answers smartly, "freaking desk jockey," he adds as he moves back out among the crowd. "If he ever got busted back down to patrol duty, he'd lose some of those swinging jowls. " he shouts to the crowd, swinging his newly acquired manacles ostentatiously. ""
The smile that Pagrip has had since waking up vanishes instantly. "What the... What did I do? Why do I... Who gives that guy the right to boss me around anyway?"
Grumbling, he follows Caulder outside and very nearly face-palms when he sees Caulder's "solution". He stops himself at the last moment, however, as Caulder manages to instil a bit a fear into him, too.
With a sigh, he starts going up to individual people one after the other. "Don't let the big guy scare you. He's just a brute. He was misinformed about that woman's illness. It's not contagious. It's just a flesh wound, nothing more. The bank is perfectly safe and there is lots of healing still available for everyone." He repeats similar words to each person.
Ten looks at Pagrip and then shrugs his shoulders. "I guess we do what the man asks. At this rate, soon every Banker will be owing us favours."
Once outside, Ten noted that it was apparently Caulder's turn to use the outside voice. Pagrip seemed to be handling the good guardsman part of the duo. Ten decided against yelling at the crowd, since the Banker seemed to be coping with that facet of crowd control. Instead Ten decided to help those that were in most danger from a stampeding crowd - the young and old. Ten was in no mood to see the trampled corpse of an old lady today.
But Banker Absell. I am needed. I know the Bank has taken good care of me. But its my turn now. I must take care of the Bank. You must let me take care of us all. Esmerelda pleads with Absell.
Despite his slightly corpulent form, Banker Absell has a heart of gold and is dedicated to his faith with a devotion that borders on inspiring even for jaded keepers of the faith. "No. Certainly not young lady. Abadar may give you leave to smite the corruptors of civilization and demolish the forces of chaos - but I harbor the tenets of said civilization and order." He moves on to use a thick swap that he keeps dipping in scented oils as he washes down the worst of the odorous sweat, particularly the vile emission from her bite marks. "Your... friends can keep the madness outside under control."
Despite his objections, Esmerelda picks up on Absell's soft spot for the paladin. He has a certain fatherly-worry vibe about him.
Perhaps fate is kind, or perhaps it has a sense of humor, but true to the Banker's words, the riot that's been threatening to overrun the Bank's entrance reshapes quite quickly, even the last bit of muttering dies down the instant Caulder glares at the offenders - and even the less open-minded citizens don't mind being helped by a dwarf that apparently frequents the gutters. The crowning moment happens when Ten reunites mother and child when he spots a little boy that had gotten separated from his mommy.
"... remember to eat your vegetables, and do not give your mother such a difficult time in the future," Ten tells the boy as he returns the child to his parent.
Esmerelda grabs Absells hands to prevent them from further swabbing, and looks him in the eye earnestly "Absell. You have been like a father to me since I was little and joined the Bank. You should know I don't like showing ...skin... in public."she whispers "The scars."Loudly she says"That aside, I have a quest. To smite the forces of chaos, as you so eloquently put it. And I am late already. You cannot let your personal feelings stop Abadar's will. Oh look, my friends have brought order back from the chaos ...that they created." Esmerelda sighs.
Banker Absell barely puts on the finishing touches on Esmerelda the sound of small footsteps can be heard. Absell pales a little, and his breathing gets a little tremor. He closes his eyes, and seems to be silently mouthing something. Perhaps repeating calming periodic tables.
"Is about time you showed up. And made a mess'o yourself, haven't you?" When Esmerelda turns to see, she realizes the words came out of a child's mouth. A little girl, last seen at the Old Fishery.
Father Absell, in a slightly pained voice, says, "A whole train of these kids showed up, claiming that you've granted them a home at the Bank. Obviously a scam, since most of the kids have run since then. But this one, and what apparently is a younger brother, they've stayed - milking our hospitality. I trust you can clear this up, right?"
"They speak the truth. They can stay in my room if there is no other. Remember I was once too like these children and it took a wise cleric to see what I would become."
Esmerelda smiles at the little girl "I hope they have been treating you well. I hear the others didn't care to stay. To stay here does mean food and a roof but hard work as well."
"I wish I could stay and talk for longer but I have a quest. And I am afraid I have delayed my friends too long already."
"I trust you'll be paying the Bank for those children's room and board, Darkbane. This isn't a charity ward." The crowd quieted, Caulder has wandered back in. "You should have sent them to the church of Sarenrae if you wanted them coddled -- or one of the orphanages, if you want them to make something of themselves. Reporting back that the crowd is under control, sir," he addresses Banker Absell, "and wondering if I could purchase a few healing potions. I have hard money to pay for it, unlike Darkbane's ragamuffins." He grins at her. "Oh, and I have a tithe for the treasury. The reward from the queen will help us all."
Pagrip follows Caulder back into the bank. "You really do have a heart of stone, don't you?" he says. He takes out his sack. "I'll pay for those children's room and board if it needs to be done. Healing potions sound like a good idea, too. How much?"
"They will pay for their own room and board by working hard, as I did when I first came here. Caulder might sound all gruff but deep down he means well. Really deep down. I trust once everyone has finished their shopping we can continue with our quest?"
Banker Absell's face is slightly contorted, it reminds Pagrip a bit of a man that has just bitten into a particularly sour apple. "Well... then..." a thought strikes Banker Absell, "If you're going to be staying, you might as well start with your lessons right away. Oh there's no use trying to resist - we'll be doing numbers and letters four hours each day; and you still have to do all your chores." He tells the little girl as he drags her away. "But first! We need to get you washed, you filthy street rat. What? NO! You call me Banker Absell!"
Maybe Banker Absell's hoping that he can scare the kids away with hard work.
Caulder nods with approval as the Banker leads the little girl away. "Some good discipline will ensure she stays on the straight and narrow. We should have delivered the whole lot of the little pickpockets to one of the orphanages in Midland, if we hadn't been in the middle of trying to ferret out Lamm at the time. We ready to go, Darkbane? Did you get your pamphlet on avoiding common diseases?"
The four have little trouble from here on out. Truth be told, North Point does reasonably well for itself and hasn't suffered half as much as some of the more volatile areas. By high noon the party finds itself just a bit short of the butchery's main entrance. The place is quieting down, but judging from the number of clients leaving currently it is clear that it is quite popular.
Esmerelda rolls her eyes at Caulders comment. As ready as I will be today. As I said, really, really deep down.
Esmerelda heads off, a bit stiffly, to "All the World's Meat".
The four have little trouble from here on out. Truth be told, North Point does reasonably well for itself and hasn't suffered half as much as some of the more volatile areas. By high noon the party finds itself just a bit short of the butchery's main entrance. The place is quieting down, but judging from the number of clients leaving currently it is clear that it is quite popular.
Indeed, All the World's Meat seems to be thriving. The stock must be about depleted for the day, judging by the lack of new customers. But the last few customers seem very satisfied.
"The Field Marshal said this place was abandoned," Caulder mutters to the others. "Looks like this Vancaskerkin has quit soldiering to set up as a private businessman. How do we want to handle this? Just walk in the front door and ask what's going on? Send one of the civilians in posing as a customer?"
Send one of the civilians...
Ten looked over to Pagrip and said: "I think he means us. Feel up for some espionage?"
"I'm not really comfortable with this sneaking around. Though I am not really comfortable at the moment anyway. On another note, I don't think we should split up. We did so the last few times and look how they turned out."
"Espionage?" Pagrip says with a shrug. "I'm not sure we really need espionage. Why not just get in line and see what people are buying? It's starting to look to me like this Vankaskerkin guy just decided on a career change. Nothing too sinister about that. Sure, he probably should have given his former employers some notice, but other than that, doesn't look like he's doing anything wrong. Shall we go ask?" He starts walking up to the butcher's shop.
Esmerelda shrugs "Sounds like a plan." and follows Pagrip into the shop.
Limping, Caulder brings up the rear. He hopes that he can at least manage to block the door, should anyone inside make a break for it.
A sign bearing the image of a fat, smiling cow hangs above the entrance to this shop. Inside, a long counter runs over half the room’s width, beyond which a door stands ajar. A low bench sits against the east wall, while to the north a marble-topped table displays cuts of meat before a wide, grimy window. A few flies crawl and circle in the air above the meat. A lone man stands behind the counter, he doesn't bother to look up, "We dun for today. Nothing left."
Caulder leans up against the doorframe, trying to look casual and like he's not preparing to bar escape in that direction. He looks to the other members of the party to do the talking.
"That's too bad," Pagrip says, striding up to the counter. "We must have just missed the last. I guess you do good business here. Doesn't surprise me. With all the craziness going on in the city, some people are probably pretty desperate for food. I know I sure wouldn't mind a bite to eat. Could you tell me what time you'll be opening tomorrow and what you'll have to offer?"
"Get yourself away from that door. We're ex-guards here, you dun want trouble with us," the guy meaningfully hefts his cleaver. It's designed for chopping through meat and bone and definitely gets the message across. He looks to Pagrip, "We taking orders from Vancaskerkin. Business is good, cause we giving away the meats for free." He brightens up a little, "Perk is, only cause everybody wants it, we's get to be a bit picky on who gets any. And I don't like your face Grimjaw -" he smirks at Caulder, "- so you ain't getting none."
He brightens with his most fetching smile at Esmerelda, "But you, you can come any time and get a little extra. We got some big ol' Korvosan sausages, for you."
"Well now that you mention it, I am a bit peckish." Esmerelda thinks about it for a second and then realization dawns evident by a slight blush "Oh. You mean... That's filthy. Apologize, you filthy, filthy man."
"Now, now, let's not be so hostile," Pagrip says, raising his hands in a calming motion. "The big guy over there doesn't want any trouble either. None of us do. We were just curious about the meat. Free, you say? No wonder you're doing such good business. You lot seem like some pretty charitable guys. This...Vancaskerkin did you say his name was?...he must be one hell of a nice guy. Give him my compliments, would you? Now then, apologize to the lady here and we'll be on our way and back tomorrow to sample your fine meats."
Caulder comes away from the door. "What did you say? I know I must not have heard you correctly because no one would ever say what you just said in the presence of a Banker of Abadar. Did you say you're giving your wares away for free? What the Hells kind of sick, twisted business is Vancaskerkin up to here? You tell him I want to see him now."
Esmerelda rolls her eyes "Thanks for defending my honor, Caulder. But you are correct. Giving away goods for free is a mighty sin against Abadar. I am afraid we will have to take you in. Pagrip would you do the honors?"
Pagrip stands mouth agape for several seconds. "You...you want me to...WHAT?" He shakes his head. "What the hell kind of idiot thinks giving something away is a sin? It may not make much business sense and these guys are likely to go out of business pretty damn fast, but who the hell gives the bank the right to arrest someone for giving something away? That's something that everyone has done at some point or other, and if you try to tell me you've never done it, you're liars. You are way overstepping your authority here and I will have no part of it. Arrest them as deserters of the Korvosan guard if you must, but that authority comes from the Korvosan guard, not the bank. I'll be outside."
With that, he storms out of the shop.
"Don't be angry at the dwarf, Caulder. He knows not of what he speaks. Pagrip, come back here. Have you no sense of duty? We have a job to do. I think we have more than enough information from this butcher already."
Esmerelda steps forward taking out her sap and shield. "I'll give you this one chance, Mr Butcher. Put down your cleaver and surrender quietly and you won't get hurt."
The butcher seems as surprised as Pagrip. "I dun think it's against the law to give things for free. Letme call Vancaskerik." He turns to the back door, "OY! VERIK!" After a few seconds wait, there's not much happening, apparently, so he repeats, "VERIK! SOME STRAIGHTS HERE FOR YOU!"
Some sound, possibly from upstairs, makes it down to the shopfront. Satisfied he turns around. He keeps the cleaver to hand - but is not threatening anybody with it. "He'll be down in a minute. Now stop yelling about. You dun have nothing on us. We're clean, and you dun have no cause for arrest."
"Very well. Let's hear what this Verik has to say."
When Verik arrives Esmerelda speaks before he or the butcher can say anything "Verik I presume. Explain yourself. How is it you are giving away free meat?"
The man who enters looks fresh. A crisp shave, piercing eyes. A longbow is on his back. His voice is friendly, but resolute. "Welcome to All the World's Meat. Is there a problem?"
"Pagrip, I'm sure that Caulder simply means that even charity must follow the proper channels. He's just concerned that the folk here are busy with something unsustainable - right, Caulder? And, Caulder, if you like, I could prescribe a good calming brew - something good for the tired mind..."
"Ah, I see what your concern is." Verik nods seriously as Caulder explains the cause of his outrage, then explains, "The guard work foremost for the city, if the city thrives, then the Crown and the Bank follows and thrives along with it." He gestures to the butchery: "This place has been abandoned for a year - the owner did not survive his tenure in prison, and the holdings have been left in administrative limbo since then. That gives us the right to use these premises until the city allocates a new owner. I feel that I can help the city most effectively by working out here for now; the chaos erupted only days ago - but it only took half-a-day for food shortages to manifest. Without food, the riots will turn to a full-scale revolution. I don't want that, and I'm sure neither do you. We are not so much giving the meat away for free, as that we invest in the future. Surely the Bank sees the wisdom in that?"
"Then you are maintaining order in this part of the city without resorting to violence and threats. This is no small feat and I thank you for it. However, I must ask you to accompany us to the Citadel Volshyenek and explain yourself to Field Marshal Kroft. Please." Esmerelda pleads, looking clearly torn between duty and the good of the people.
"If the City wants to distribute food, it needs to be done in an orderly fashion and under the proper authority, and you, Mr. Vancaskerkin, do not have that authority. You could have gone through proper channels to obtain permission for your 'investment' here, but you chose not to. Now the proper channels have come after you." He shrugs. "We're here on behalf of the Guard, not the Bank. If you can explain yourself to the Field Marshal, she might well send you back here -- although if you're truly distributing food for the good of Korvosa, you might want to put someone behind the counter who doesn't see your goods as his own personal ticket to sexual favors." He gives Verik's underling a disgusted glance.
Verik is amused at the notion, and bows ever so slightly towards Esmerelda. "But you must admit, that she does draw the eye. M'lady." He returns his attention to Caulder, "It takes all sorts, and we all serve the city in the manner we best can. Bitterness should not try to overcome kindness."
He examines the present visitors then adds. "But since you sound like you like it by the book: you do not look like you're under any official seal and order to be here. I don't believe the Field Marshall would take on irregulars just to call me back. Which makes me question your motivation for being here. Can you properly identify yourself and the authority you wield? If not, I will have to ask you to leave - or I will ahem have the guard escort you from these premises."
"No more than you can provide a deed of ownership to this property, friend," Caulder responds. "'Administrative limbo,' and all that. We were asked to bring you back alive. You," he specifies Vancaskerkin, with a glance aside at the other 'butcher.' "Your compatriots we were given more leeway on. What's it going to be, citizen?" he asks the other man. "You going to help us solve this quietly, or are you willing to die to defend your boss?"
"I have no proof that I can show you outside taking you to see the Field Marshal. Only my word. As paladin of Abadar, my word is my bond. If your intentions are truly for the good of all then you should come with us to see the Field Marshal and we can have this cleared up before lunch. And please don't anger Cleric Baradin any more."
"Threats reflect badly on your intentions and methods," Verik doesn't budge. But spends a few seconds in reflection. "I believe I'm doing the right thing, here - but if I return to Field Marshal Cressida now, I have no assurances. She'll probably arrest me - as is required by the book; and that would mean an immediate end to my aid to Korvosa - guard or otherwise - at a time when she needs me most."
"You talk like you're a law unto yourself," Caulder scoffs. "'You believe you're doing the right thing.' So does every lowlife thug who knocks over a jewelry store: freeing up all that lovely money to flow around the taverns instead of it being locked up behind glass doing no one any good, and the owner's a rich man anyway so it's not hurting him. That's what the Law is there for: to serve as an impartial standard when every man has a rational excuse why he should do what he wants to do anyway. You think it's so obvious that Korvosa needs you here? Then you should have told your superiors and obtained permission, instead of deserting and leading these men into desertion, instead of leaving the Guard shorthanded when they need every man they have to keep order. You know what I think, Vancaskerkin? I think you're a coward. I think you were afraid of the riots, found yourself a nice, safe hole where you can hide out and get the rabble to forget you were on the Guard's side by giving them free meat, and have made yourself up a pretty little story about how what you've done is really for the best. You think you're helping the City? Come back and explain it to the Field Marshal; if your virtue is so blinding, she'll let you go. Hells, even if she does throw the book at you, if you've made your case, she'll send other men to carry on your mission here and 'help Korvosa,' if that's what you really care about. You're done for the day here; you've no more charity work that it will keep you from. But I have a charge: to bring you back. The Field Marshal didn't ask me to listen to your excuses and use my own judgment. And that's where I differ from you, Vancaskerkin: I follow orders."
"So why did you desert?"
After Caulder's tirade, Esmerelda's innocent question catches Verik somewhat off-guard. "A girl tha- ...never mind." He sighs, and it really does sound that it carries a strong sense of resignation. "Very well; do you mind leaving the boys here then? They've mostly been running shop after I've organized and set things up. They can keep it going without me; and it sounds like the Field Marshal primarily cares about me."
The other butcher doesn't show if, or how badly, the intimidate affected him.
His pokerface likely comes from being on patrol a lot back during patrol duty; looking easily intimidated does not help there - and it is a trait that many in that line of duty quickly develop. Still... he's looking a little more tense, as if he's worried something might happen after all.