"Uhm...Barael? What are you doing?"
"Excellent. Barael, why don't you walk with our guest in the shadows, while the rest of us make a bit of a loud scene in the open light. Good thinking about Majenko, brov. Sir drake, perhaps if there's trouble you could come down and fascinate the crowd with your aerial dance? Niko, how about you provide some fancy sparkling lights while I tumble and share some of my puro dad's favorite tales. Charlie, no doubt you have some salty tales to tell, yourself! Briar and Dandi, your ever watchful eyes can well acquaint us with danger before it presents itself."
"Ready?"
"I like your plan Nevie. I'm already wearing a dress of sorts. I can play the queen in your little scenario. Here, put some hair on your chest." At that Charlie gets into character and starts fumbling around thrusting the wineskin at Fondo in an attempt to move his eye away from Trinia.
Charlie is ready to loudly bluster through the streets. Blathering and leaning on anyone who looks like they might not attack him. He's had plenty of experience and he begins drinking from his wineskin in preparation.
To Briar, Barael turns and looks expectantly. "What, aren't we ready to leave now? You've returned from the Warrens with what you sought, correct? Vencarlo seems to anticipate our immediate departure, no?"
To Fondo, Barael moves immediately into his personal space, mouth to ear. "Walk with Trinia? Really, brov? Surely you or Nik would find it more... appealing to escort her? She'd obviously be more comfortable with the likes of you." Barael backs up a bit, and sniffs twice at Fondo, confirming Fondo's understanding.
Dandi walks down the middle of the street with Briar, talking about nothing so much as just passing time. While doing so, she keeps an eye out to see what's what.
Vencarlo wishes you luck as you depart. He smiles and waves as you cross his threshold just as he would with any other travelers leaving his home.
The trip out of town is harrowing, but successful.
You had one close call when a friend in the Guard recognized you and came over with his squad to say hello. It was brief, and Trinia was not recognized as elements of the group shuffled her off as the rest of you greeted them. In fact they barely glanced at her as they said hello - well done!
You scurry across the North Bridge as you planned, through Trail's End, and to the north in open country. The guards at the North Bridge are more concerned about the folks coming into town than leaving it, so they pay you no attention. Trail's End is largely Varisian controlled and they have no interest in outsiders so they leave you alone.
It is normally a long day's travel to Harse. However I presume you are avoiding the high road, dodging other travelers and generally taking the back country so the journey is a little longer. Plan on a day and a half, so you should reach Harse by noon the following day if nothing else goes wrong.
Anything in particular you're all doing in the countryside?
When they are out away from the walls and feeling safe, Briar will drop the package at Trinia's feet.
"Your gear. What we could recover of it. It is yours again."
* * *
Briar will attempt to hunt, if possible, in the countryside. Not enough to slow down the party, but taking off immediately upon breaking camp to try to find some fresh game.
Survival
Barael enjoys the countryside. Any plant life that strikes him as odd, he asks Briar when he can to identify the plants along the hunt. "Briar, this one, its color is quite striking. What's its name?" Barael takes snippets of the more interesting finds.
Barael spends his time back from the hunt, moving back and forth between his travel mates, inquiring about their endurance, and needing to take rests.
Nikolay is thankful the party is so self-sufficient as he nods and smiles along with the plans. Once outside he breathes more easily
"Signore, I count your wisdom as I do your swordsmanship — far keener than mine. The court's a subtle place, and I'm as plain spoken as a Galtish maid is, well, plain." "I trust the soil is fertile for a great friendship, and would ask this of you: train me and perhaps my fellows the art of fencing, both with rapier and tongue. When we return, will you tell me of the noble families, while we practice a bit of swordplay? Twould be an honor."
"Briar, this one, its color is quite striking. What's its name?"
"Mum's nose," Briar answers.
"That one there is Urrear's End," Briar says, pointing out some blue flowers.
"That's a Mutha Bugger...you'll like that one."
Briar helps.
While they're traveling, Fondo regales the party with tales of Varisian caravans, busty gadjo farm daughters, a goat or two, and trolls exacting bridge tolls. If they're willing, he also spars with Nikolay and Barael. Before they rest for the night, he shows Barael some trick moves that dramatically improve his chances to disarm Nikolay . He also shows himself to be increasingly adept at creating openings for his allies on the backswing of his attacks.
Barael takes each description from Briar and does a mental note with a finger wiggle. Barael digresses in conversation as Briar secures his kills.
"They have this kind of flower, back where you come from? I'll bet these pale compared to some of those elven forests a yours. What forests you call home, eh? How far you had to travel to end up in Korvosa? Why Korvosa of all places? Hardly see elves round these parts."
***
Barael heartens at the chance to practice with his new flail, and revels in the new ease of bringing it off in Fondo's shadow. Barael as easily consents to Nikolay's sparring needs, trying to get a better look at his fine blade.
"So, Nik. What's your story? You got a lovebird nesting somewhere in Korvosa's breast? You got an old man kept you straight in your youth? What makes you sing?"
***
Barael listens to Fondo and Charlie banter back and forth, repeating certain of their humorous phrases to himself and chuckling. Occasional outbursts are accompanied by backslaps.
"Sing? Me? Only after several ales."
"There have been women, but none of them truly special. Duty and discipline were my mistresses. Now, just discipline."
"I guess there's still duty, just in a different way. To the people, not necessarily the crown."
"I've never really been that close to my family. They're not really the ambitious sort. Happy with their lot in life and all. Me being out of the house was one less mouth to feed. Haven't seen them in years."
Dandi keeps close to Trinia, though in all truth, her experience chit chatting with members of her own sex is rather limited. "...and that's why I decided to go with the silver mace instead of a better dagger. But look, it's quite pretty in its way..."
When they are out away from the walls and feeling safe, Briar will drop the package at Trinia's feet.
"Your gear. What we could recover of it. It is yours again."
Trinia is quite flabbergasted at seeing her gear again - and returned to her! "I thought it lost forever!" The first thing she grasps are the nonmagical rings and bracelet. "These were my mothers." She sniffles a bit as she puts them back on, overwhelmed by her continued good fortune.
"Thank you. I'll always remember what you've done for me." She leans up and kisses Briar on the cheek, her tears making a wet stain on his face.
Trinia chats a little with Dandilion on the trip, but she's a little shy - or still scared - hard to say. "I'm fond of the dagger myself, but I don't really need to use it in the city. I suppose I don't put myself in harms way the way you do adventuring and working for the Guard."
- - -
Thanks in part to the excellent hunting skills of Briar, and the mild early summer weather, the trip to Harse is uneventful. You arrive around noon the following day.
Harse is a small village nestled where the Falcon River and the Sarwin River meet north of Korvosa. There are large slow trade barges moving along the river in all directions through the sleepy village below you as you come upon it over a slight rise. There is not a large population there, but there is a public house for travelers such as yourselves if you care to take advantage.
The ranchers Vencarlo spoke of are on the far side of town, on the other side of the river from where you are now. There are two great bridges in town leading over the two rivers. If you want to avoid the town and bridges completely you'll have to swim.
Briar accepts the kiss with a surprised smile, a bit touched by the gesture.
Maybe she's not guilty. Maybe.
"Maybe one of us should pop into town and see if the bridges are guarded or watched while the rest wait here," Briar says while taking off his backpack and sitting down under a shady tree.
The rivers are both broad, deep and slow moving. The barge traffic would likely notice your thrashing about in the water as you try to cross that way.
"Me being out of the house was one less mouth to feed. Haven't seen them in years."
Barael nods in understanding. "The discipline part wears easy on you. I've not seen a Guard with more than you."
"My legs still have a bit of restlessness in em. Could do me some good, practicing to be quiet in an approach to the bridge."
Barael sets his backpack next to Briar's, tilts his head questioningly at Fondo, and sets off.
Barael heads out to examine the bridge.
There is a guardpost, or rather a couple squat towers (one on either side of the bridge opening) protecting the bridge. You imagine it could be quite well defended by a few good soldiers with bows. There is a long walk up to the towers with no good cover, so no sneaking for you.
However when you arrive it is clear that the towers don't see much use. There is no guard on the bridge and little traffic. Most of the traffic seems to be on the river proper. What foot traffic there is would be easily avoided if you timed it right.
- - -
Trinia twirls a small blue flower she picked up from somewhere as she looks down on the village. She smiles at Fondo warmly, "So this is to be my new home? A nice place, if a little small. I'm accustomed to a larger town. Maybe, when things have settled, I can return to Korvosa?"
"If you'll not train with the sword, then tell me of the noble houses, their members, their affiliations. Perhaps over spiced thilieu bark tea and some honeyed griddle cakes?"
***
Fondo joins Barael's friendly inquiry into Nikolay's affairs. "Years? Aye, that's hard. It's been two years since my family left me in Trail's End." He looks very sad for a moment, but continues. "Is yours also elsewhere? I don't take you for a brother of the road, but years is a long time in the tight confines of Korvosa. Have you also brothers who drive you mad?"
***
Fondo begins to offer to join Barael, but discovers that he's disappeared. Quiet as a bat, that one.
***
Fondo takes out the flower and smells it deeply, giving Trinia a sultry gaze. "Well, we ought bring some life to the place before I leave. Fancy a walk in the long grass?"
Trinia nods coyly and walks off with Fondo a little ways away from the party. Just out of earshot. She smiles at him and asks him about his family. "Mine has all passed you see, so I love to hear of others."
"Tis a sorrow to hear. I haven't spoken to mine for a while. Well, some cousins and distant kin, but the main have... Left me in Korvosa to tend to matters." .
"And then there's my little sister. Small, lovely Esmira. Died at the hands of a vile man who'll not harm another soul again..."
He walks close to Trinia. "You'd like my puro daj. Er, grandmother. Strong-willed and sharp as a razor. Had an eye for beauty. Must be where I giet it." He steps close and risks a kiss, though less wantonly than he's accustomed. Alas, I'd be shunned twicefold more for wedding a gadjo lass. But there is always this crossroads. And they've already left me, anyhow.
She accepts your kiss, though with a laugh that makes it clear she's having fun - but no more.
You chat for a little longer and return to the others about the same time Barael does.
Fondo blushes almost imperceptibly and laughs. Vixen. I like you more already. We'll need to get you back in Korvosa, or me out thereof.
Returning to the others, Fondo lifts his head proudly. If asked, he murmurs, "A gentleman doesn't speak of such matters." Perhaps he'd be convincing if he were a gentleman at all.
Alas, Fondo's not used to rejection (or so he tells himself), and isn't that convincing.
Today I've learned to cope with that what's new.
Ill luck with Desna and her daughter fair.
When Barael returns, Briar will rise from his be-shaded spot and put on his backpack and grab his bow.
"Seems like we should be moving on now."
Briar is ready to enter town and try to nonchalantly cross the bridge.
Giving a bump to Fondo's shoulder on the way in, Dandi grins gently, murmuring under her breath as she moves to join the others crossing the bridge.
"Hang easy Nevie. Lessons in humility are a blessing. Take a bite of this take that color out of your cheeks." With that and a hearty shoulder squeeze Charlie hands over his flask of the good stuff.
Fondo wants to tell Dandi, "Bugger your city." Instead, his hand absently travels to the scarf-wrapped harrow deck. Protect Korvosa! Protect my home! He sighs, puts a hand around Dandi's shoulder, and accepts any drink Charlie offers. "Lovely stuff. What brew's this?"
You stride through the village with confidence and reach the ranchers (two brothers) without further difficulty. They welcome you into their home and put you up for the night so you may leave fresh the next day to return to Korvosa. They're quiet on the topic of Trinia - apparently their plans for her safekeeping are somewhat secretive.
Not too surprising really - what you don't know you can't reveal to Cressida if asked.
That night and the next morning you make your good byes and head back out to the warm embrace of your home - Korvosa.
Briar awakes early to consume his usual breakfast of whispers from the void.
When that is completed, Briar is anxious to return to work on DOLL.
Home! Never did I imagine so much for me. Dandi looks at each of her companions in turn, smiling to think such a family is hers now. With no little place for privacy, she and Wraith do the best they can, though the stress of the situation leaves a tension around her eyes, and though most could never tell, she can see the fading of her poor spider's colors as well. "Soon we'll be home, Wraith. We'll spend some quality time together then, I promise."
Sometime afterwards, Dandi and Wraith join the others, as ready to go as they'll ever be.
Unless there is something local that is painfully interesting, Barael recognizes that their extended presence would draw undue attentions, and sets to leave as soon as the marketplace buzzes at break of day.
Fondo lingers with Trinia a bit as the party is preparing to depart. "It seems for now you're free to go anywhere but your home, and I'm tethered to it. I'll pray to Desna and Pharasma that fortune and fate find us again at the same crossroads. May I?" WIth permission, he gives her a kiss goodbye, and perhaps overstays his welcome on her lips.
Fondo preens a bit as he catches up with and then skips ahead of the party on the way home.
She's free and fair but gone. Free too am I
To taste what other fancies fortune sends.
Barael scrunches one eye, then the other, as if to block the light of the sun from playing with his vision. The man skips! His skin blushes! Maybe a new strain of Blood Veil. May lead to an enlarged heart... or other organs...
Barael pulls alongside Charlie. "There's a different Fondo there, in'nt it? That's not his usual lusting."
Maybe he's also happy that Trinia's not within those city walls in the present. If that Blood Veil is as spreadable as what we've seen in Trail's End, there is comfort in knowing those we love aren't in the same woods as that red wolf.
Barael runs to catch up to Fondo. "Brov, did you think of staying maybe? Keeping her company, keeping her safe?" Barael's expression darkens a shade. "You've been strongly sick once, and we're returning that chance again. We're lucky to have those in our ranks who can look after us, but you saw how unconcerned Vencarlo was at the mention of a possible outbreak. Of course, he didn't have the privilege of hearing Zellara speak the words she did. It may be difficult to convince folks of that danger, without seeing it themselves. By that time..." Barael doesn't say very much the rest of the trip home.
Fondo looks at Barael and laughs. "You worry too much, brov. We've got Charlie to help us, and Desna watching over us. Even still, Korvosa needs us." Free and bound, all at once.
You return to the city you love, but things are not all well. As you travel back into the city an aggressive beggar stumbles up to you, hacking and wheezing, a splotchy red rash and blisters the size of ripe grapes covering his face and arms as he pleads for coins to buy food and medicine. As you travel the short distance through the streets to Leftover's Inn you see no fewer than five others - beggars, commoners and even a merchant - who display familiar fiery rashes.
When you check in at Leftover's, there is a note there for you from Ishani Dhatri, the Abadar acolyte you, uh, met at Tayce Soldados.
"Gentle folk. I hope you will not allow our first meeting to be our last. I need your help reaching out to Cressida Kroft whom I believe you know. Please come to the Grand Vault of Abadar as soon as you can and seek me out that we may talk further.
-Vaultkeeper Dhatri"
There is also a more abrupt note addressed to Fondo.
"We need to talk - Kare Madic"
Briar stares at the note.
"I wonder if I'm being fined or rewarded for pointing out the flaws in their foolish dogma."
Briar looks at the party.
"This seems pretty serious, as does the prevalence of the Bloody Veil in town. Maybe the two are connected. And perhaps the Bankers wish to purchase the Halfblood's wonderous satchel of cures."
Briar is ready to go now.
Barael finds himself mirroring each rashy wheezer, as they stumble towards the party, he tumbles around and about, as if Aroden Himself were tugging on the marionette strings.
Barael takes Charlie aside while the notes are reviewed. "Protection, Charlie? Is there something we can use to keep it off us?" Barael looks down, and realizes he's holding onto Charlie's arm with more strength than he intended.
To the group, Barael readies to leave. "I can run. I understand that, at least. If Dhatri needs word sent, I can bear it to her. Can we run fast enough?" Can one outrun a storm already above one's head?
To the group, Barael readies to leave. "I can run. I understand that, at least. If Dhatri needs word sent, I can bear it to her. Can we run fast enough?" Can one outrun a storm already above one's head?
"By yourself? Surely someone... " She looks around, but finds no one that should not go to the temple save herself. Nikolay should attend the others, in case the guard is out in force. He speaks their language well enough. "I am likely not as fast, but could run with you, if the lot of us must move in separate directions?"
"That would be welcome, miss Dandi. Let's see what Dhatri says, and perhaps our calling will be collective. Maybe Dhatri and his flock are looking to atone for their lesser steps in preventing this outbreak."
"What could he want with Cressida? Protections? Permissions? If what we've come across in Leftovers is any indication, what of a center of healing?" Are we running into more poxed crowds?
As the party enters East Shore, Fondo's momentary elation has settled into a leaden feeling. He is approaching that most leaden of things—duty—and witnessing the desperate need for it in each pox-ridden face. Protect Korvosa. Protect my home. The familiar words come unbidden as he traces a butterfly over where the cards sit.
As he reads his message, he says, "Kare Madic has left a note asking to see me. I propose we stop to see her on the way. Charlie, if she or her people are sick, would you be willing to help them? We must... Help all of these people. And yes, brov, protect ourselves while we're at it."
"Cover your face with a kerchief and wear gloves. If you don't have one I have bandages in my pack until you can get something more stylish. I think we need to see Cressida right away to see what we can do to stop the spread. We need to make our stops quickly along the way to expedite acting in a bigger arena. I'm worried that medical supplies will be scarce very soon. I don't want to use what I have on me in case we ourselves need it. Depending on what Cressida says, we can come back and help Kare Madic's people. This is moving fast and I'm pretty much standing by to freak out and begin to panic in earnest."
Charlie puts his cowl up and covers up with kerchief and gloves.
In the middle ages it was largely believed that disease was spread through foul vapors. So go ahead and cover your mouths. However physical contact was not a known way to catch disease so you wouldn't think to wear gloves. That concept came much later.
So far I have the party stopping to see the Dwarves and Cressida before seeing the priest. Is that right? Keep in mind that seeing Cressida is often a multi-hour affair. I'm fine with it, just want to make sure you're aware.
"Charlie, why not go to visit the priest? Cressida'll be grateful for a full report. But I feel I must check in with our workers, even if briefly. I shall be happy to catch up with you, if you feel you must hurry."
On guard for poisoned words and poxy pus.
Returning to town at a casual pace puts you into Korvosa around lunchtime on Starday, Saranith 16, 4707.
Briar looks at the Halfblood.
He wants to help these people? And to think that we are spending lots of money building a new home when, if we could have just waited a few weeks, this plague might be opening up lots of nice houses for sale.
Briar takes a moment to think.
"I think we should go to Cressida after the Bankers, if at all. After all, the note says they were in contact with Cressida. Might be completely unnecessary."
Briar takes off for DOLL, then intending to go to the Main Vault.