Uriah will offer to do a Harrowing for the Field Marshal, or anyone else who wishes one done.
Denario waits with checking on his family at Uriah's offer of a harrowing.
"I'm intersted, when you've got the time."
Mavor will hit up the road and travel to Blythe's house, or else check the inn where's she's working to see if she has gotten any more trouble with the riots and such. See if she's safe.
Uriah nods to Denario I would be honored to perform a Harrowing for you. he says as he sits crosslegged on the ground. What is your question?
"Does it have to bea specific or in a grander picture?"
"If specific, "will i achieve my goal of a higher social position?"
Uriah nods at Denario and he shuffles his antique Harrow laying 9 cards face down. Denario asks his question, and chooses a card. Then Uriah shuffles the cards again and places 9 down in a grid. He flips them over and begins interpreting their meaning.
The Tyrant, LE Charisma
The Inquisitor (Lawful Neutral, Intelligence)
The Juggler (Chaotic Good, Dexterity)
The Waxworks (Chaotic Evil, Constitution)
The Joke (Chaotic Good, Intelligence)
The Lost (Chaotic Evil, Wisdom)
The Foreign Trader (True Neutral, Intelligence)
The Idiot (Neutral Evil, Intelligence)
The Marriage (Lawful Neutral, Charisma)
The Wanderer (Neutral Good, Intelligence)
The first card is the Role card. It represents the question... Uriah draws a picture of a dark man with a crow. The Tyrant...does harm to those he rules. Ware how you treat those who depend upon you..
Uriah turns over the leftmost three cards The past. Uriah points to a card of a stern man carrying a sword The Inquisitor represents something in the past that may assist you in your task. He represents immutable reality, that which cannot be fooled or swayed in any way. To attempt to go against this unchangeable object, person, or idea is to court disaster. Uriah points to the middle row and turns over the cards He smiles as he points to the card in the middle The Lost. Misaligned...it means you must keep a cool head when all around seems insane. and finally Uriah turns over the cards representing the future. He points to a card showing two creatures intertwined The Marriage...does not mean nuptials. Rather, it means that sometime in the future you will be faced with the decision to join something that a union might bring forth new power from both parties, or it might be a ruinous joining of that which should never have been united. Once wedded, the two cannot be parted. This is the card of permanent change.
Uriah attempts to summarize his reading of the cards. Something from your past, something immutable, unchanging will return into your life. To go against this is to court disaster. When this happens, all around may seem chaos and insanity. You must keep a cool head. If you join with this force, then you may gain the power to achieve your goal. Or, you may ruin everything, either way the Inquisitor brings permanent change.
Baer takes her share of the rewards and ponders the words she thinks she needs to say to Denario.
Hey Denario, maybe we should go hit the training grounds because you need to learn to fight.
No...
Hey Den, I could use some extra practice with my staff. Might you want to go a few rounds because I think...
...ah, that's just awful.
Hey Den, maybe you might want to work on standing on your feet when you get hit?
That's more like it...but no...
Baer keeps her trap shut on the matter...intending to bring it up at a later time.
"Say, we have all this equipment we swiped from those enforcers. Does someone want to come sell that with me? I'm getting tired of carrying it around."
Denario listens with attention, trying to figure who or what the inquisitor card could mean.
"Interesting. Though what each is supposed to be remains to be seen.
I'll keep it in mind, thanks. Now, if you'd excuse me, i'm off to check on the family, i'll see you guys in a few hours."
Maguses suck, huh?
"I'll come with you to sell things," Allyph says to Baer. "If the others don't want to come, we can give them their share this evening. When we meet up again."
"Uriah, perhaps you want to give me a Harrow reading when we're at the tavern this evening?"
He should really meet Zellara. I think they'll get along.
"Oh, I'd love to receive a reading!" Cressida says excitedly. She lets Denario go first, but eagerly awaits her turn.
"Did you know a Harrow reading inspired me to join the guard?" Cressida asks when Denario's received his reading. "The Harrower told me I could make a difference in the lives of many, but to do so I'd have to make important choices."
"Hello again!" one of the guards says. You recognize him from your earlier visit to the store.
Inside the store you're greeted by the old man who owns the place. "Ah, look who we have here! Welcome! What can I do for you?"
You show the old man the gear you've looted from the enforcers, and he starts calculating what he can give you for it.
"I can give you a total of 1324 gold, and 8 silver pieces for this."
The store owner hands over the money, and places the items behind the counter. "Is there anything you wish to purchase?"
You decide to go to the tavern Blythe works at, and realize she never told you its name or exact location. While you stand there, in front of Blythe's door, you notice the neighbors' curtains move. You're being watched.
After knocking the the neighbors' door an old woman opens the door, and she's able to give you directions to the tavern Blythe works at. It's called the Central Star Tavern, and two blocks removed from Blythe's house. One block removed from from you saved her, when the riots started.
Before you enter the tavern you notice a note on the door: Central Star Tavern will close its doors after next Starday. You're still welcome on Starday itself.
Inside the inn, which is rather small, you see several waitresses. They all wear a simple blue dress with a small white apron in front of it. You recognize the dress, as it's the same dress Blythe wore when you met her. There's currently no sign of Blythe, but the old lady who's her neighbor assured you Blythe's shift should start soon.
"Denario!" she exclaims, and hugs you. "I'm so glad to see you're safe! Come inside!"
Your mother leads you to the living room, where both of you take a seat. Emily comes running from upstairs, and nearly tackles you as she also hugs you. "Den!"
"Your father's going to his work again, but Emily's not yet going back to school," your mother explains. "Would you like something to drink, dear?"
* * *
Baer slumps the gathered (looted) merchandise onto the merchant's table.
"This. We have this to sell..." Baer says, laying out each sword and each shield for the merchant to see. He rubs what she suspects is Denario's blood off one longsword.
"Hardly been used, it's like new," Baer offers.
Baer snorts through her nose, sending air cascading around her tusks as she looks about the store.
"Do you happen to have one of them fancy little pearls? You know, the ones that make magic?" Baer asks.
When his half-pint arrivés he nods to the waitress and says "Thank you. How have the evenings been here since the riots? Calm"I hope?"
Denario 's face shows relief at the positive situation, both when he is on the streets as when he arrives home to hear of the current.
"Well, i'll have something simple. I'll have either milk or orange juice. Seems things have become normal again, but ..... the school isn't safe yet, that you're not there yet Emily?"
He takes Allyph's rapier, and moves to the back of the store. A minute later he returns with the requested items.
"Here you go! The pearl of power costs 1000 gold pieces, and the scrolls each cost 25 gold pieces. For the masterwork rapier I's usually ask 170 gold pieces, but I'll make that 160 'cause you gave me your old rapier."
The waitress that took Mavor's order returns with his beer, and a worried look appears on her face when Mavor asks his question. "It's indeed calmed down, but..."
She seems to hesitate, but decides to talk anyway. "The owner's retiring, and couldn't find anyone willing to buy the place. As a result, he has to close it."
"We always have a supply of it, in case you drop by!" she adds jokingly.
Emily shrugs and sits herself down next to you. "I don't know. Mom and dad says it's probably best if I stay home for now, just to make sure I don't get into trouble. You know them. Little girl walking alone in the streets, and all that."
Your mother returns with three glasses of orange juice, and puts them on the table.
"Mom, I don't like that!" Emily says with an annoyed voice.
"Orange juice is good for you, Emily. Just drink it."
"Ugh!"
Mavor looks up at her with a frown, takes the drink and sips from it.
"Retiring you say? Any other reason than old age?" He says still keeping an eye on the door and then flicking his stare back at the waitress, which seems pretty obvious.
If she asks or not, Mavor eventually looks to her and asks the question that's been on his mind.
"Any idea as to when Blythe starts her shift?" He says while mulling over the drink in his hand.
Baer smiles and pockets the Pearl, intending to check its magical properties outside the shop rather than within. After all, she's not all rude.
She waits for Allyph outside, letting the human make her purchases in private. She sniffs the air, wondering what is next.
What will I do when this string of job runs out?
Having already been in a lot of combat today, Baer doesn't feel the need to 'practice' with her staff more today...all her anger has already been beat out of her.
She looks at the Pearl in her hands.
This Pearl is an investment...good now, and I can sell it easily later.
When Allyph is done, she will return to the bar for a day of relaxing and reading. Maybe even studying some magics...now that she has some stability.
Denario drops off the pitchfork and makeshift spear.
"The broom's pole and the meat knife would serve better purpose here.
This pitchfork maybe as Emily's resort against burglars.", he winks to her.
"Is there any place you want to go to?"
She nods her head when Baer indicates she wants to return to the Three Rings Tavern. "Alright, let's go."
If you decide to ask, Theandra has some books for you to read. Mostly romance novels though. There is one other book, detailing information about the Breaching Festival.
The book describes several past activities of the Breaching Festival. They include sorcerous traps, weird puzzles, and diabolical monsters.
The somber expression on the waitress' face changes when Mavor mentions Blythe. She looks Mavor over, and grins. "Oooh. So that's why you're here?"
"I'll be right back!" Mavor receives a wink from her before she leaves.
It doesn't take long for some high pitched squeals to erupt from the kitchen, and you see multiple waitresses sneak a peek at you from the door opening. A moment later, Blythe exits the kitchen.
Blythe immediately notices you, and walks over to you. She looks a bit nervous, which shows in her hasty steps.
"Hi!" Blythe says when she's near your table. "Nice to see you!"
"Mom!"
There's some more bickering between Emily and your mother, but it stops after a while.
"How's your job going?" asks your mother. "How are your colleagues?"
While checking if her hair's still fine, she continues to talk: "We left Uriah with Cressida, and the others went off to other places."
"My job? Well as average i suppose, the riots have calmed down and the city seemingly is back to order. We met a new guy, works with cards. The moody monk left."
Uriah returns to Field Marshall Kroft's office to perform a Harrowing for her. Instead of asking a question mistress, I will perform a standard reading. It's results will be more difficult to decipher, but may glean a better understanding of the forces at work.
Uriah shuffles his antique Harrow and begins laying 9 cards face down. The Field Marshall chooses a card. Then Uriah shuffles the cards again and places 9 down in a grid. He flips them over and begins interpreting their meaning.
The Mountain Man.(Chaotic Neutral, Constitution)
The Juggler (Chaotic Good, Dexterity) Partial Match
The Desert (Chaotic Good, Constitution)
The Crows (Neutral Evil, Dexterity) Partial Match
The Unicorn (Chaotic Good, Charisma) Partial Match
The Vision (Chaotic Neutral, Intelligence) Partial Match
The Empty Throne (Lawful Good, Charisma) Misaligned
The Twin (True Neutral, Charisma)
The Big Sky (Chaotic Good, Strength) Partial Match
The Carnival (Chaotic Neutral, Wisdom) Partial Match
Uriah flips the role card, showing a burly man carrying a Dragon. The Mountain Man; I've seen this one recently..at Devargo's. He represents an unstoppable physical power... I believe this represents our new Queen. Acceding to the Mountain Man is wise, but surviving it is paramount.
Uriah lays out the next nine cards in a grid and flips over the leftmost cards, he shakes his head in disappointment. These are only partially matched, but they paint a picture that is most disturbing. The Juggler here, represents fate, the gods or those who plays with the lives and destinies or others. He is partially matched, so we can assume he or she achieved their goals. But this...the Crows, represents achieving those goals through trickery, deceit or violence. This is the Past, this...is troubling. Uriah flips the next three in the column The Present, again...vague and muddled. The Unicorn means that someone will offer you something. Or has very recently. The offer was or will be generous....The Vision, also partially matched indicates this offer might take the form of madness or cryptic words. But here. The Empty Throne, misaligned. The ghosts of the past are restless...this offer will require you to go through much effort to set things right. Uriah sighs a long sigh. He flips the rightmost column and grimaces The Future. Unclear but ominous, only Chaos is a match...The Big Sky, showing freedom. Powerful and momentous change...but The Carnival represents false dreams and illusion...
Uriah summarizes his reading Field Marshal, to survive the troubles as of late. You will receive an generous offer, if you accept then you must take effort to set past events right. If you do this...powerful change will come. However beware, because it might be an illusion.
Uriah does not speak of his reading the Past, it troubles him deeply. The Queen...achieved her goals through violence. The King? Murdered?
He looks with a raised eyebrow at the other waitresses while they come running out of the kitchen to take a peek, slightly amazed, realization of what they could be excited about only just kicking in as Blythe approaches him.
Oh.. Right.. I guess it must be quite strange for someone to ask about a specific waitress. I hope I didn't make her feel ill at ease.
Mavor looks at Blythe with a slight grin and gives her a quick nod.
"Nice to see you too Blythe. I just came in for a drink and to see how you were doing. I heard more trouble was afoot after we met on the street, so I was a little concerned. Everything alright?"
Baer slumps into the Three Rings Tavern, smiling when Theandra approaches.
"Books?" Baer seems intrigued at first. Her interest dims as she reads romance title after romance title. "Do you have anything that is not crap?"
Baer looks again...stopping to scan the one about the Breaching Festival.
"Oooh! This might be interesting! Thanks," Baer snorks through her tusks. "I'll need this, an ale, some stew, a loaf of bread, cheese, dried fruit, another ale, some pickled pickles...and stewed potatoes..."
Baer looks at Allyph.
"Did you want any food?"
Baer is content to read and eat for a bit.
While Baer spits through the books, Allyph walks up to her and picks one up. She then returns to the couch, and starts reading the romance novel she chose. It's title is The Valisian Lovers.
"Thanks for your reading," she says after thinking about Uriah's words for a moment. "I feel like it'll function as a warning for events to come, as I currently have no idea what this generous offer could be."
Cressida walks Uriah to the door of her office, but doesn't open the door yet. She turns to speak to him again: "I hope the group's to you liking? They're kind people, and when you came to report I had a feeling you fitted in. I hope this is also how you experience things to be?"
She pulls back the chair next to Mavor, and sits down. "It's not my shift yet," Blythe explains in a whisper, "though I shouldn't sit here for too long. I'm already wearing my uniform, and imagine customers would find it weird."
After a quick wink, Blythe continues: "I've been fine, but I'm a bit worried. The tavern's closing in a few days, and I'll need a new job. Anyway, that's nothing for you to worry about. How have you been, Mavor?"
"I'll be right back!" Theandra says, eager to put more consumables on the tab.
She does as she says, and returns with the requested drinks and food a moment later.
Baer thumbs through the Breaching book, switching off every once in a while to think about her magic book. But mostly, she just relaxes in the room, content to read with Allyph.
"I'll keep it short then, though it's a shame to see this place close down. I was just beginning to like it."
Mavor takes another sip and leans in just a tiny bit closer.
"I'm good, I'm good. I've got a new job, sort of... it involves some rough work, but the pay and bread and board are good." He looks to a very surprised and alarmed look of Blythe, then shakes his head.
"It's not like my old habit of scrounging coins from thugs and thieves or anything illegal actually. Let's just say I'm doing my part in keeping the streets safe, that's about all I can tell you I'm afraid. The group of people I hang out with are good folk too, however there's one magus who seems a silly sort, looks intelligent enough but can't keep his wits about him."
Mavor looks back as some customers look their way.
"Hmm... mustn't keep you for too long I guess. You know I could try to inform about any job openings at the inn I'm staying, that is if you wouldn't mind working at the Three Rings Tavern."
Mavor finishes his drink with a last gulp, then looks at Blythe with a raised eyebrow.
"That poor soul," Baer can hear Allyph whisper emotionally.
Allyph puts her book down for a moment, and rubs the tears away. "What are you reading?" she asks Baer.
Blythe quickly covers her mouth, realizing her laughter draws some attention from the customers. "Ahem... Oops. Anyway, if you say you're doing something good, I'll believe you. I'm happy for you."
When Mavor proposes he could inform about job openings at the Three Rings Tavern, Blythe gasps. "That's in North Points, isn't it? That'd be awesome, thank you!"
The amount of customers that give her weird looks rises, and Blythe gives Mavor an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, I'll have to start working now. Will you stop by my house tomorrow, I have the day off? Or perhaps we could go to your house, or someplace else?"
Cressida shakes her head with a big grin on her face. "The mission they had before you... Well, let me just say the people that opposed them were quickly taken care of."
"I think you're a fine addition to the team. They can use your insight," Cressida adds before she opens her office's door for you.
"Have a nice day!"
"My house? That would be a dangerous neighbourhood for you to be in. We could try my new residence at the Three Rings Tavern, but I think that will only draw more stares from my comrades."
Mavor frowns as he thinks about any reactions the rest might have with him socializing with the opposite sex, then shrugs the thought away and says.
"Your house then? I'll try to see if I can talk Theandra into hiring you, I'll let you know tomorrow. What time? Somewhere past noon?"
Baer looks up from her reading to answer Allyph.
"Just some trashy recounting of something called the Breaching. Some Academy claptrap testing ceremony that some were lucky enough to attempt before I got there," Baer tosses the book aside. "I heard about it a bit when I got there, but I missed most of it."
Baer snorts angrily, still holding bitter feelings toward the Academy. She rolls over on the bed
"Maybe a nap..."
"Well that's wonderful, dear," your mother replies. "Does he also play poker? I bet you'll get along just fine!"
Emily gives your mother an odd stare, and misses Vasquez then seems to realize she's accidentally talking to you as if you were ten years younger.
"So... uhm... You staying tonight, or...?" she asks, and Emily sighs.
"Just drop by when you have the time! I'll be at home all day."
Blythe walks off toward the other tables, and starts taking the orders of other customers. You hear her apologize to a few women, who are seemingly annoyed they had to wait two minutes for a waitress to come. when Blythe walks back to the kitchen she gives you a quick wink.
Allyph stares up at the ceiling. "Hmm... I'll read some more first. Good night, Baer."
She continues to read the romance novel. You sometimes hear a soft sob when Allyph reaches a part in the story that moves her.
Denario just raises a brow at the tone his mother used.
He then responds to Emily. "Well i wouldn't mind an overnight stay, if tnat is ok."
The next day he's going out to the cardgirl for some social talk, if she's not toobusy.
"Shame to see the tavern go, I was beginning to like it here. Good luck in your travels, sir."
He then puts the coins he owed on the table and strolls outside and sets out on a path towards the Three Rings Taverb, once outside slinging his greataxe back onto his right shoulder and keeps his steps up.
Once He's at the Three Rings Tavern he seeks out Theandra and ask her some questions.
"Theandra? Please humour me with this question, will you? Do you have any vacancies in your roster? I know of a waitress with some experience working in the trade who's looking for a job. You've got any position for her to fill?"
Baer sits on her bed, ignoring the weeping from the soft Allyph.
Poor girl needs to put on some muscle.
She spends the rest of the first day reading and relaxing, pretty much avoiding any thought of what she should be doing.
The next day is spent training in the morning, reviewing her books in the afternoon...and utter boredom in the night.
The next day was the same...except more listless and more lost. Her training movements were sloppy and sluggish, her staff barely whirling and she hardly broke sweat. She slept as much as read in the afternoon...and wasted the evening entirely.
The next day was worse...something was gnawing and eating at her like she hadn't felt since before she applied to the Academy: she didn't know what she was doing with her life.
She had a life once as an Academy student...then Lamm stole that.
Then she had anger and a burning desire for revenge...and she got that.
And now she has nothing. What was she doing?
Day 1, evening:
---
"Hmm... I'll give it some thought," Theandra later replies to your request, when you're back at the Three Rings Tavern. "I may be able to use a new waitress."
"I'll let you know tomorrow. Alright dear? Now... would you like something to eat or drink?"
After you've had a chance to eat and drink something, you decide to return to your room for the night.
Day 2:
Emily grabs your arm, and pulls you out of your bed. After spending breakfast with her and your mother, you decide to leave. Your father's already off to his work.
"Bye!" your mother says as she waves you goodbye. Emily stands next to her, also waving.
---
You head over to Diana's shop for some social talk, hoping she's not too busy. It turns out she's not.
"Denario!" Diana stands up from her seat behind the counter, raising both her arms as she greets you.
She puts down a pencil, and walks over to your side of the counter. If you decide to take a peek at what Diana was doing, you'll notice she was making the drawings on a new set of Harrow cards.
"How are you doing?" Diana asks as she gives you a quick hug. She immediately returns behind the counter to pick something up, and returns to you with the item.
The item Diana shows you is the latest set of Harrow cards she made. It's obvious her artwork's improved. "I worked so hard on this! What do you think?"
Theandra offers you breakfast, and soon returns with food and drinks for those who order it.
"Mavor," Theandra says when she puts the food on the table, "I've thought about your request, and I can indeed use a new waitress. If you tell the girl you have in mind to come over, and she's the decent sort, I'll hire her. What's her name?"
Baer lets the others know she wants to spend the morning doing some training. "Why don't you visit one of the magic schools?" Theandra asks her. "Not the Academae, but one of the smaller ones. They could probably help you train."
"I'm not the most diplomatic sort out here, but I can see yer troubled, so spit it out. Why are you so anxiously eyeing the door? Usually the bartender himself lends an ear to stories of his customers, but I'd reckon you could use one now as well. What or who's been troubling ye?"
Then he turns his head as he lies down toward Uriah.
"So what have you been up to this night? Playing cards with Denario? Where is that guy actually, I thought I was being an half-orc of the night."
Mavor asks for a piece of hard old bread, a bit of crumbling cheese and two soft-boiled eggs, hoping it's not too much trouble. When Thendra returns and asks Mavor about Blythe he nods and responds.
"Her name is Blythe and she will be glad to hear it. I'll convey the good news to her this afternoon. She's off for today so I'll ask her to come with me so I can introduce you two. And also thanks for the breakfast, old bread and old cheese are a favorite of mine."
When Theandra leaves he looks back to the others.
"So no word of Denario then? Perhaps he's training his spells and such as well, he might need to do a crash course if he doesn't want to keep his record up. Either that or he's leading a secret double life that we're not supposed to find out about." Mavor grins broadly as he knows about secret lives, he's leading a secret one himself now with his employment with the guard, or at least his detachment with the guard.
Denario enjoys the pancakes before heading off for the day.
When Diana gives a hug, he obviously does so back.
"Oh i'm fine, thought i'd drop by on my way this morning."
He takes a short peek, she comes up with the item anyway.
"Looks nice, refined detail, a special project of yours or the latest variant?"
The tavern owner shakes his head. "It's nothing, sir. I just haven't been sleeping very well."
It's rather obvious the man doesn't want to talk about it, and he excuses himself. "Pardon, but I need to tend to something in the kitchen. Have a good day, sir."
As he walks off, the man gives a hesitant look in your direction.
"That'll fill the tab nicely," slips out of Theandra's mouth as she walks off.
"I've been practicing my butt off, but it's worth it. My sales haven't gone up very much, but I feel like I'll just need to be patient."
Diana stores the cards again, and turns back to you after doing so. "How have you been? I as so worried during the riots! I'm glad you're okay. Did you know they tried to get in here? Luckily, I had the door barred."
I think I'll go to my house today. I haven't been there since Lamm started to pursue me. The place may not even be there anymore...
She then hears something very interesting, which she absolutely has to investigate.
"Mavooor?" Allyph asks with a big grin on her face, and a way too sweet voice. "Who's Blythe?"
Allyph continues to stare at Mavor, determined to get an answer.
"How did you meet her?" she asks excitedly. "How long have you been seeing her?"
Your 'hind's still attached though.
Cue quick glance.
"As you can see i'm still in good health. I've been working with a few other people, after that, most of the riots died down. Checked up the family, who'd been fine as well.
..and nice going keeping it barred."
"You got anything to do tomorrow night? I heard old man Haggard's renovated his inn along with new menus."
"Why don't you visit one of the magic schools?" Theandra asks her. "Not the Academae, but one of the smaller ones. They could probably help you train."[/b]
Baer looks at Theandra as if she had just said something she had never thought of.
"Oh right...the other schools. Like Holywood Upstairs Mage's Clinic," Baer says. "I might think about that. Interesting."
Baer does, indeed, consider it for a few minutes.
"Which ones are the good ones? Are they expensive to get into?"
Baer listens to the news about Denario, but doesn't have any opinions yet.
Poor guy. Mixing magic and weapons isn't easy.
"We've met during the riots, after I beat up some thugs that were harassing her we kept contact. That said, I owed her something as she bought me brekafast at the tavern where she worked. Unfortunately that one's closing so I offered to ask Theandra. Nothing special really."
Mavor attempts to wave the subject away and gets stuck into his breakfast.
At Blythe's house he politely knocks on the door and waits for Blythe to open the door. When she does open the door eventually, Mavor grins and says: "G'day Blythe. Wonderful day for some good news right?"
When she's done eating, Allyph gets up and picks up her backpack. "I'm going to check on my house, to see if it still exists. See you later!"
Allyph then exits the tavern, waving her comrades goodbye.