Jamros nonchalantly drew a card from the deck whilst chewing on a new piece of bread. He did snort when he saw his card. "Well, at least destiny has been consistent thus far, if a tad uncreative." he said with his mouth full.
Garvid waves his hand at Zellara as she apologises. "No need to apologise to me when it should be the other way around. Everyone's equal in the eyes of the guard, but some are more equal than others. It's how it's always been, and it doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon." He grunts. "Anyway, a stepping on Lamm's throat is a step in the right direction."
Garvid takes a long look at the card, the force of nature so well illustrated. Huh. I wonder what the meaning of this is supposed to be. That I'm a force of nature? That anger is something that consumes everything? That Lamm's got a mud golem? Hell if I know.
Might as well try the breat before the damn gnome eats it all... Wonder where the hell he stores it, he's f#&*ing tiny. Taking the end of the bread, he takes a bite, crumbs falling on the table. "Reminds me of something I heard. A conman leaves their targets angry. A con artist leaves them smiling." He chuckles. "Though from what I gather, Zellara's interest is taking care of Lamm. Same as ours. If I got to go all rational on this, there are actual diviners in the world, and every Varisian kid growing up hears about those who really know how to read the Harrow.", he nods. As insulting as that may be for her trade, at least we got something to distract us while we wait to strike. Beats staring at each other awkwardly.
As Yaziyah draws her second card, a wide smile stretches her face. It is definitely an amused smile, but her eyes are cold. "Unlock our destiny, indeed." She flips her card to show its face to the others - The Locksmith. "And what could I read in this card, I wonder? It is so very tempting to interpret it in a flattering light for myself... the one who unlocks the path to the spirit world, the one who holds the key to wisdom. For isn't a perpetual failing of humans, that we see things as we wish to see them? Ah, the extraordinary capacity for self-deception that we have."
She fixes Zellara with her gaze. "How do you interpret this card, sister?"
Zellara does not falter at the scrutiny. Her face remains very serious, the picture of reverence. ”It is not for me to judge the card that has come to you; only to...shed light on its possible meaning.”
She first turns toward Li. “Little Norelia, what have you there? The capricious hare. Observe his stance--one foot in the light, the other cloaked in shadow. Like you, he is torn between the light and the dark, between what is right, and what is necessary. He presents himself as a prince, but note his pierced ear, his broken sword. Have you ever seen such royalty as this? I think not. He is an actor, presenting the charade of something grander, stronger, than he is. He is no prince, you see, only a rabbit with a broken sword, and no armor besides. His days are numbered, and he knows this, wearing time itself around his neck like a noose, drawing ever tighter as each grain of sand brings him one step closer to his doom. Of course you should see this card again, for it is a picture of yourself. Be wary of Lamm, my pet, for he is the broken blade, the noose of time, and under the scrutiny of his gaze I fear all your confidences may melt away. Tragedy may befall even those poised for glory.”
Mouse. ”You have chosen the Peacock, a creature oft admired for her beauty. And while from afar she does exude grace, look closely. She is a worn and broken thing, having faced many trials, and wears her scars openly for the world. Do you see the pain in her eyes, my little mouse? She rests among the ruin that she has wrought, weeping tears of fire. She represents love, you see, and the fruitless desire to obtain dominion over that which we desire. Yet the moment we do, it inevitably crumbles, leaving us alone to march on through time with naught but our own regrets.”
Garvid. ”Forces have been building against you for some time, my friend, whether you realize it or not. You now face a challenge greater than any you have ever known. But in you I see a diamond in the rough, yes. I see one who is prepared to move his own mountains, and those who stand against him will surely fall. The Avalanche represents disaster and chaos, an unthinking force that overruns any who stand before it.”
Jamros. ”The Juggler is titanic, a god. He plays with the lives and destinies of others, as do you. See how his eyes are drawn ever toward the sky, when they should be focused on the path before him. Tread carefully, my friend, for you yourself are the plaything of another. Someone is toying with you, too.”
Yaziyah. ”The Locksmith. As you say, he is known to unlock secrets for those who draw him. But this is not always welcome news. The key to your destiny is held by another. Yet while they possess the means, they lack insight or care for your well-being. Note the decaying hand which wields his keys. His face is shrouded, hiding his true intentions. Even the light of his window is obscured. You will need assistance, Yaziyah, but beware the person who seeks to aid you, for not all doors lead to salvation.”
Calcedon. ”The crows. Heralds of fate, but known to be harbingers of misery and woe. Two men seated at a table, each wearing a false mask. Who are they trying to fool, themselves or each other? The true crow is the arbiter between them, yet his blindfold fails to blind him. He is a consummate liar, not to be trusted. See how his hands are hidden. Does he guide these fools toward agreement, or seek to stab them in the back? The men, they are surrounded by beautiful things, yet still they are suffused by darkness. It creeps in from the edges, tainting their good fortune. It is inescapable.” She gasps suddenly, clutching the cuff of your shirt. ”Calcedon! He does not know. He does not know!” She proclaims to an unknown presence. Her eyes turn to you, full of pain. ”I am so sorry. Gaedren has taken more from you than you know.”
______________________
Mouse had simply watched, mute with wonder, as Zellara dealt the cards - having no real experience with the process, she was curious to see how it was meant to play out. When the Peacock landed in front of her, she'd examined it quizzically - what's a sick bird mean? But as Zellara explains the symbolism, comprehension begins to dawn slowly. The longer she looks, the more wistfulness the image brings. For Mouse understands a thing or two about trials, scars, ruin, regrets...the world around crumbling away...
Ain't there nothin' she c'n do? Can't she fix none o' what she broke? An why's that question so important all a' sudden?
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Zellara looks at Mouse sympathetically. ”She is just a card, my dear. Her fate is fixed in ink and paper. But you, you are so much more. You are life, flesh and bone and spirit, and possibility. I believe there is always hope to fix that which has been broken, if we can find the courage and the strength to do so.”
Zellara reclaims her cards, shuffling them back into her deck single-handedly, then spreading them out before her in a long row. ”And now,” she whispers, ”the path shall be illuminated. The Harrow knows your secrets, your dreams, and, of course, your destiny. But what it chooses to tell you is beyond even my control, for I am but a conduit for its mysteries. I must therefore warn you--you may not like what I have to say.”
She closes her eyes and glides her hands over the card spread, murmuring under her breath. Slowly, she selects three cards at random. Opening her eyes, she places them face down in a line extending from herself out toward the center of the table.
”First, the past. These cards signify things that have come to pass, or forces that have acted upon you to bring you to your present state.”
She selects three more cards from her spread, placing them in a parallel line just to the right of the first. ”Then, the present. Events that are occurring even as we speak that may bear on our fortunes.”
Drawing three more cards, she places them on the table, completing a three-by-three grid. ”And, of course, the future, your fate, the inescapable truth of destiny.”
She begins by revealing the left-most column, those cards representing the past:
The Juggler
The Queen Mother
The Beating
”The Beating. This card signifies the trials and tribulations you have overcome, particularly those involving physical violence or torture. Unlike the poor soul pictured on the card, you have escaped these misfortunes, though you still bear the scars.”
”The Juggler, once again.” Her eyes pass smoothly over Jamros. ”You have taken much for granted, though you may not know this. Forces beyond your control have been acting against you. This may reveal itself as a strong disruption in your life, as you are the toys which the giant tosses about.”
”And the Queen Mother! She is knowledge personified. She knows all, but does not reveal this knowledge to anyone who does not show her proper supplication. She is fond of the powerless and underlings because they...we serve her when the more powerful refuse. Her presence here is quite significant, for it represents your past desire, your need to fit into society, or to honor those who know more than you. But does this need still exist?”
She then turns over the middle column, representing the present:
The Mute Hag
The Wanderer
The Betrayal
”The Wanderer. He represents transition and flux, indicating that you are currently facing great changes, and are unsettled in your present course. You seek new beginnings, or at least to put old fears and dangers to rest.”
”The Mute Hag. Normally an ill omen, as her evil eye peers directly into the wicked hearts of men, and she uses their poisonous secrets against them. But here she represents unshakeable loyalty and clarity in communication. Some of you love deeply, or are strongly attached to a person or an idea. Her gaze reveals this attachment, but as a noble truth, not a secret. Let us hope that this love endures.”
”The Betrayal.” Zellara shift uncomfortably in her chair. ”It is most disconcerting to find this card in this placement for, unlike the hag, this card lays bare truly wicked intentions. It is selfishness incarnate. Envy twists the spirit and leads ultimately to devastation. But whose envy, and what harm results? The card depicts a beautiful woman, a creature whose loveliness hides an evil heart. Behind a mask of good, someone plots against you.”
Finally, Zellara reveals the last column, a prediction of your future:
The Owl
The Vision
The Mountain Man
”The Owl. He stands for knowledge and revelation, as though an important truth will come to you in time.”
”The Vision. This also represents arcane or cryptic knowledge. Coupled with the Owl, this suggests a great mystery will present itself, and a great truth beyond. I caution you, however, for such knowledge can often take the form of madness. This often means an encounter with one who is truly insane, or a decline into such a state yourself.”
”And The Mountain Man. Like the Juggler, he represents a powerful force beyond your control. Surrounded as you are by giants in the past and future, I would say you are surrounded by insurmountable obstacles. This giant, however, is not playful. He is resolute. He represents a strong authority wielded by a strong arm. It will be wise to accede to this force, as doing so is your only chance for survival.”
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Li’s head snaps up and she looks at Zellara intently as she refers to her as little Norelia. No one has called Li that in a really long time and it gets her complete attention. Zellara’s reading is scarily accurate and part of Li can’t help but think someone from her past had fed the woman information. She listens intently and is not surprised by Zellara’s conclusions. She knew her days were numbered from the moment she was left for dead in an alley. ”Little Norelia was tha one who lived in tha light. I’m more at home in tha shadows an' Lamm’s ta blame fer that. I ofta wondered how I’d react when I finally get me chance at Lamm an’ thanks ta ya I be warned.”
Garvid listens to his foretelling, nodding. When you put it that way, it makes sense. It's not the first time people thought I was unthinking, either. All the worse for them.
He crosses his arms. "Well, you're either the real deal, or you've got a hell of a gift to inspire people.", he chuckles, putting his head in his hands, leaning on the table. "Though, what you're saying does ring true. The King's sick and is probably going to kick the bucket soon, and there's going to be some power plays in the high leagues. Takes a moment of thought to reach that conclusion." What the hell was that about the noble guy, though. Didn't strike me as a scam...
As Zellara does her reading, Yaziyah grows very still, the smile draining from her face. Her eyes are fixed on the Varisian woman, the weasel in her lap no longer comfortably settled, but crouched as if ready to leap, ears flat against its head.
"Yes, she is either the real deal," she addresses Garvid, although her eyes never leave Zellara, "or she knows far too much about me. And not just me, judging by some of the reactions here." She then speaks to Zellara directly. "By your own words, you could be the one plotting against me under the guise of offering aid. You know much about us already, so you must understand what is at stake for all of us, the risks we're taking. So why should we trust you?"
Mouse sits mutely through the reading. Zellara's words about the past seem accurate...eerily accurate...and her telling of a current journey toward new beginnings hits even closer, for that journey had been Mouse's only thought for months now - how she would put her past with Lamm behind her, become honest even if it meant scraping by. But suddenly she's not quite sure she wants the visions of the future to be as precise as those of the past and present were...
An' wha's it all mean? she suddenly blurts out. All this 'bout truth an' mystery an' insurmountable obstacles? Beggin' y' pardon, Miss Zellara, an' I ain't sayin' you're wrong; saw the past right clear enough. But I'm jus' an empty, a no-one - great mysteries an' giants ain't for me, jus' workin' t' work another day. I can't hardly even read - how'm I s'posed t' go seekin' some great knowledge? There's gotta be some kind o' mistake.
The bard watched silently throughout the entire performance. It seemed like she knew, and he knew how that worked. Art could be like that. She was able to touch them because they had shared experience, a resonance of the soul. It was good. She knew her craft, and that was enough for now. If she knew more, she wasn't ready to divulge it, but if this was all she had to convince them, he had to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"If that applied to everyone else as much as it applied to me, if evil is truly known, if opportunity is available, then I'd say we're all in the right place. " He stood up from the seat he'd been on and checked his bags. It seemed everything was in order. He still had his gold, sword and violin, he could take on quite a bit. "Well, a couple of hours asking questions in the area should be enough to see if you're right about Lamm. It would take quite a lot for the whole city to be in on a trap. I'd prefer it if the lot of you came with me, as I'm sure that it will take the lot of us to handle Lamm and his cronies once we get there.
"Truth hurts, sometimes worse than anything, and I know pain." He rubbed his gloved hands together as if revisiting an old injury and it was plain at this point that the fingers of one of his hands were sewn together. "But it's the best thing for the darkness to come to the light. And I mean to see what I can do."
He headed over to the door, turned and bowed stiffly. "Madame, that was masterful. I hope to see you again and return the favor. But for now I have work to do. If any of the rest of you wish to come with, I'd be happy for the accompaniment. If not, I'll return here before I do anything rash. I'd much prefer to have as many with me when I go knocking."
"I would help you, young man, but I'm afraid I'm all but a stranger in this area." Yaziyah shakes her head regretfully at Calcedon.
Jamros grew quiet and fiddled with a copper coin as Zellara explained the meaning of his card. “Someone toying with me? Hmm, isn't that the way of the world, to wrap up the little people in strings and make them dance to others amusement?” he said, snickering without a hint of actual humor in his voice. “Makes one wonder why we even bother.”
Once the reading was finished, Jamros, having composed himself, stood from his chair and stretched. “I suppose I've made a decision then.” He said with a grin.
Zellara bows her head modestly in the recognition.
"By your own words, you could be the one plotting against me under the guise of offering aid. You know much about us already, so you must understand what is at stake for all of us, the risks we're taking. So why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't," Zellara says ominously. "But we both know that you are no longer concerned with what should be done. You are right to be suspicious, for I am sending you straight into Lamm's clutches. You are concerned if I am his agent. To this I merely ask: would it matter if I were? Some of you are concerned with a singular purpose, and to those I offer a chance of reprieve. For the rest of you, this is an opportunity to rid the city of one of its most prolific parasites. You may not have another chance to find and confront Lamm on your own. You took a chance coming this far tonight. Why not take one more?"
An' wha's it all mean? she suddenly blurts out. All this 'bout truth an' mystery an' insurmountable obstacles? Beggin' y' pardon, Miss Zellara, an' I ain't sayin' you're wrong; saw the past right clear enough. But I'm jus' an empty, a no-one - great mysteries an' giants ain't for me, jus' workin' t' work another day. I can't hardly even read - how'm I s'posed t' go seekin' some great knowledge? There's gotta be some kind o' mistake.
"You may feel that you are not worth much, little mouse," Zellara continues, "that you are not deserving of greatness. But do not run from the possibility. Some of us are born great men, while others must work to achieve such status. And still, some of us have it thrust upon us when we least expect it. I cannot say for certain why the Harrow have chosen you. But place one foot before the other, and simply keep walking toward your future. This is my advice."
She then turns toward Jamros with an expectant smile. "And what have you chosen, master gnome?"
The old fishery at Westpier 17 has been abandoned for several months, but has recently received new inhabitants. She doesn't know much about what's going on there, except that there seem to be a lot of kiddies running in and out. She's also seen older, bigger, meaner folk, and even a large black dog chained to the receiving dock.
"I've decided that the docks would be a lovely place for a stroll, wouldn't you agree?" Jamros said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I really should find a night to visit."
Li listens intently to Zellara's reading of the past, present, and future. Much of it rings true to Li's ears but Zellara probably knows what they need or want to hear. When Zellara flat out says that they shouldn't trust her, Li studies her face. However, it was Zellara's next words that helps Li decide for sure. She has indeed taken a risk in coming tonight so she would continue on this path. This may be the best chance she has to strike at Lamm and if she has help then she may actually be successful.
Calcedon's request for them to all go and ask around the neighborhood piqued Li's interest. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be with talkin' ta people but I can come an' observe their reactions. Either way, tha walk will do some good."
Seems knowin' 'bout what we're headin' into's a good idea, Mouse replies. While you're askin' 'round, I'll go 'n scope the place out - ain't gonna do nothin' rash, like y' said, but seein' what we c'n see first'll help. Be quieter if I'm on my own - I'll be back quick-like.
Making her way through the relatively still nighttime streets, Mouse finds a row of ramshackle houses just across from Westpier 17. One of the houses looks abandoned, its side attic window hanging open. Using windowsills and unevenly laid bricks to give her handholds and footholds, she manages to scale the wall and reach the window, pulling herself up and settling in the attic room.
Carefully, she peeks through the dusty front-facing window, trying to get a feel for the fishery's layout and see any indications of what may be waiting inside for them. She'd been one of the Lambs until recently, but this new hideout had come into use since after her time, and who knows what manner of people Gaedren could have attracted or forced into his service in the intervening months?
At Jamros's comment, Zellara smiles in satisfaction, clasping her hands in approval.
A night fog has begun to travel in from the water, yet you can still see that the fishery at West Pier 17 is fairly typical of those lining this region of the Jeggare. It is a dilapidated wooden affair with a flat tin roof, shuttered windows in disrepair, and a rotting wooden platform that extends around either side and out over the churning, squalid waters of the river. With the hour now quite late, there is relatively little activity on the usually bustling street. A lonely fishwife labors through the fog, pulling a cart of the day's leftover selection (no doubt to be offered again come daybreak). As you watch, a young child (boy? girl?) all but sprints down the street, hands shoved in their pockets. They approach the north side of the building and knock quickly. After a moment, the door is yanked open from the other side and a large, meaty hand extends out from the frame, leaving its owner obscured by the building. It grabs the child by the collar and jerks them inside, slamming the door behind them.
_______
Garvid grunts approvingly at the suggestion. "Might as well accompany you. I can play nice, I promise." Might be helpful for someone to keep an eye on them while they go around. And I can trust me...
“Thank you for the reading madam Zellara, it was most...illuminating.” Jamros said before tipping his hat and departed for the docks. He had missed the smell of the harbor. So many people coming and going creating an underlying aroma beneath the stink of fish that Jamros had found fascinating in his youth. However, his stroll through memory lane was interrupted when he came across a familiar face.
“Ah! Lord Calcedon.” he said, hurrying to catch up with the young bard. “What a happy coincidence meeting you here. Have you perhaps, like me, come here to witness the sights and sounds of the harbor.” he said flashing his customary grin. “What have they told you I wonder.”
Jamros turned towards the building and began focusing on its exterior. “Perhaps I can assist you.” he said as his eyes glazed over, then suddenly his surroundings changed. It was as if he were standing on the pier adjoining the building. He could feel the planks beneath him and see the crates and supplies before him. “Lets see what business goes on here shall we.” he said as he began his search.
"You took a chance coming this far tonight. Why not take one more?"
Yaziyah nods, conceding the point. "Very well, very well. I shall wait here while the others investigate."
So it's th' north door they're usin' t' get in, 'least after hours, Mouse notes to herself. An' Lamm's got someone purty big 'n tough workin' for 'im now, judgin' by that hand. As the already slow action on the street began to dwindle even further, she decided that she'd likely gotten all she'd get for the evening; best to go back to Zellara's and share what she'd found.
As carefully as she can, she makes her way back down the side of the building. For a moment, it looks like a passing coach driver may have done a double take at her movement in the shadows, but it's hard to be certain. Anyway, it's Lambs she's more worried about being spotted by, and hopefully across the street any watchers would have their view obstructed enough to keep her out of sight.
The route between Westpier 17 and 3 Lancet Street is a short one, and soon she's back on Zellara's doorstep. She knocks twice, very softly, to announce her presence and avoid scaring anyone inside, then re-enters to find only Yaziyah in the dining room. You the only one 'ere, Miss Speaks For The Dead? The others still out askin' round?
The older woman smiles at Mouse. "It is quite flattering to be addressed as 'Miss' at my age." She gestures to indicate herself and Zellara, seated just where the others have left them, comfortably sipping wine. "The others have scattered like pigeons. You are the first one to return. I have no contacts here and no skill for skulking around, else I'd have gone as well. I am mighty curious what you've found."
The weasel is no longer in her lap; its whereabouts are a mystery quickly solved as Mouse feels tiny claws clambering on her calf from behind her, the distinct sensation of being sniffed and then a tiny furry head gently butting her knee. Yaziyah barks out a laugh at the sight. "Why, I think he likes you, mouse girl!"
Walking around with Li and Gavros was not terribly eventful, but it got the job done. Calcedon was a bit distracted with Li, as the name Norelia seemed to spark some kind of memory, but he couldn't be sure. Garvid was a comfort to have around, as he kept too many people from lingering their gaze on a seemingly well-to-do out after sunset. They had just gathered the requisite stories from the locals when they came upon a certain smirking gnome.
"I have indeed, master Jamros. It seems a gaggle of youngsters has recently been sighted near westpier 17 as well as a few roughs and a big black dog. It would be a shame if such children were subject to forced labor, not to mention against the law. Some well meaning citizens may need to investigate." He smiled back at the gnome, although he wasn't really sure if the gnome was actually cheerful or not. "By all means, do look on. We may have to tell someone what we've found."
Once the information is collected, the bard accompanies the group back to Zellara's abode where he speaks what he knows to the lot. "If Lamm himself isn't there, I'm sure we could at least take a large bite out of his resources. It seems the Madame has not led us astray or prepared a trap for us, and this really might be a chance to rid the city of some unnecessary filth. There should be no more delay, now would be the time to strike."
"I have indeed, master Jamros. It seems a gaggle of youngsters has recently been sighted near westpier 17 as well as a few roughs and a big black dog. It would be a shame if such children were subject to forced labor, not to mention against the law. Some well meaning citizens may need to investigate." He smiled back at the gnome, although he wasn't really sure if the gnome was actually cheerful or not. "By all means, do look on. We may have to tell someone what we've found."
“Then we should make haste, if we’re to find this good samaritan.” Jamros said as he began leading the merry procession back to Zellara’s.
There should be no more delay, now would be the time to strike.
“We will need the element of surprise if we are to succeed. A night raid seems the obvious choice, but there are other possibilities.” Jamros said as he created a rough sketch of the fisheries exterior. He was more reserved now, putting aside his devilish grin in favor of a more taciturn frown. “Perhaps someone would be interested in causing a distraction?”
During this time Zellara has remained back at her home with Yaziyah, ruminating over the Harrow reading with a serious expression. She seems deeply concerned about the spread, but if asked to elucidate further, simply smiles distantly and says "I hear the music of the city, perhaps more clearly than most. But I am only a spectator, not a player."
As the others return from their scouting mission, she stands anxiously and clasps her hands at her waist, her knuckles almost white. "Ah, you have seen that I am not a spider. At least, not one that has you in her web. I am glad for this."
As Jamros begins to formulate a plan, she paces nervously in the background, the ghastly tapestries on the wall forming a morbid backdrop. "What sort of distraction? Lamm is smart, though he tends to surround himself with imbeciles--those lacking the wits or ambition to attempt to double-cross him or usurp his throne of splinters."
Giving the curious weasel another friendly stroke with her forefinger, Mouse looks to Calcedon as he finishes his report. I went n' watched for a bit from 'cross the street - looks to be the north door they use t' come in an' out. 'Least, that's the way the kid I saw went through. So that's the way t'go in if we wanna seem like we belong; if we wanna 'void most o' the people another door's prob'ly the way. An' it looks like someone pretty big's workin' for 'im, or 'least the hand I saw was big.
I'm thinkin' a night run may be the best way - I dunno if he'd be likely t' send everyone out durin' the day jus' for hoopla in the street, an' that's when it'll be busy. But I didn't see no guards or nothin' set 'round when I was watchin', an' it was barely even gettin' dark. Her eyes go distant for a moment, and dark. If we wanna try an' make some kind o' distraction...I c'n try an' be seen by one o' the Lambs, peekin' through a window or somethin'. Some of 'em might know me yet - it ain't been but 'alf a year or so since I left. 'E'll remember me for sure, so word o' me bein' seen 'round 'is patch might draw 'is Lambs out.
Garvid remains mostly quiet during the trip, listening and shrugging as they make their way in the streets. Well if Lamm doesn't know we're after him, he'll surely notice now. We're like a circus..., he notes, taking a look at the rag-tag band, featuring a street thief, a gnome, a noble and a guardsman. "We're certainly a damn sight together...", he mutters, after an urchin takes a slightly longer look at them that Garvid considers polite.
----------------------------------
Back at Zellara's house, Garvid frowns as Mouse proposes her idea. "If it's only distracting them by looking through a window, I guess it's not that dangerous.", he chuckles. "As far as non-dangerous things go in this situation, truth be told." He sits on his chair, beginning to fiddle with his thumbs. "I think a distraction could be helpful, but I think we need one that has them acting now. What about...", he stops, looking over the table. "Maybe cause a ruckus outside the fishery that I'm, or me and you, are going to take care of Lamm. While we get the initial guards outside to attack us, or politely invite us to talk it over a cold pint, the rest could sneak up inside, or try to sneak up inside. Then we take them in a pincer move." He shrugs. "Depends on our ability to act like we want to kill Lamm and the ability of the rest in the arts of subterfuge.", he smiles.
Li considers everything shared. Having the others was definitely a bonus because they were better at planning than her. "Tha dark be our friend fer gettin' at Lamm. I'm all fer bein' part a tha team that be sneakin' in. As fer a distraction, fire always gets people a runnin'."
Yaziyah muses over steepled fingers. "A distraction would be good. Draw a few of the guards outside, I can sing them a lullaby." She grins wickedly. "It is, after all, past bedtime." Looking at Mouse, she smiles. "It must take a great deal of courage for you to offer yourself as bait like this, but we would be gambling on some of his thugs remembering you, which is by no means a given." At Norelia's suggestion, she shakes her head. "Fire can burn us too, if we're not careful. We can't predict where they'll flee to and Lamm would be a fool to not have more than one exit to that place. We already established that a fool he is not."
She turns her gaze to Garvid, weighing, measuring. "So, what do you think, guard man? Will you investigate the complaint of a poor old woman regarding a certain location on the docks? Can this humble citizen rely on you to protect her from any unpleasantness?"
"If we're looking for a distraction, I have been known to draw attention from time to time." He tapped his violin case. "Of course, my kind of attention getting will get a lot more attention than from just one warehouse. I'd likely wake half the neighborhood. If Mouse can get them out of the door, then we'd have a tactical advantage in that more of us could get to more of them. If we can get the drop on them from two doors, and catch them unawares, that would be an advantage as well. But since one is a bit easier than the other, I'll go for Mouse's plan. Some of us might be quiet, but I'm not one of them."
Might be it bein' me snoopin'll pull out more of 'em, Mouse replies, but seein' anyone snoopin's liable t' bring out at leas' one or two. If we c'n get 'em comin' out one or two at a time, might be even better. The look on her face is equal parts intense concentration, anxiety, and sadness.
Jus' know I'm not goin' in t' kill none o' the Lambs if it c'n be 'elped. Lamm's earned it an' no mistake, but mos' of the kids ain't guilty o' no more than doin' what they had to t' survive, an' for some this might be the only thing they known. I know we'll probably have t' do some knockin' 'round, but I don't wanna have t' send none of em t' the Gray tonight if need don't be.
Might be it bein' me snoopin'll pull out more of 'em, Mouse replies, but seein' anyone snoopin's liable t' bring out at leas' one or two. If we c'n get 'em comin' out one or two at a time, might be even better. The look on her face is equal parts intense concentration, anxiety, and sadness.
Jus' know I'm not goin' in t' kill none o' the Lambs if it c'n be 'elped. Lamm's earned it an' no mistake, but mos' of the kids ain't guilty o' no more than doin' what they had to t' survive, an' for some this might be the only thing they known. I know we'll probably have t' do some knockin' 'round, but I don't wanna have t' send none of em t' the Gray tonight if need don't be.
“Lure out the cat with a mouse.” Jamros said with a grin, clearly relaxing now that the plan was taking shape. “I like it.”
Li shrugs at the dismissal of fire. It is a risk to use such measures. If it was up to her, she'd probably bar the doors and light the fire just to make sure Lamm was dealt with. However, first she'd have to be sure Lamm was inside and that option is only best if it is just her alone fighting a warehouse full of Lamm's people. The good thing is it sounds like she doesn't need to fight Lamm alone anymore so there were more options. It is then that she asks, "Did anyone see Lamm? Do we know he's inside or are we willing ta go in even if he's not? I'm good either way, was just wonderin'."
Li adds, "I can disable tha other doors ta make sure they go out tha way we want."
Miss Zellara said 'e was in there, right, miss? 'E's gotta hole up somewhere, an' it's as likely there as anywhere. An' if 'e ain't there, 'least it might be a chance t' take some other of 'is goons out, an' see if we can't get no hints 'bout where else 'e might be hidin'. Mouse shrugs, though Li's point had introduced a hint of worry to her eye. We gotta try, leastways.
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Glancing around warily from her hiding spot, Mouse turns to Li. Go 'head an' get those other doors stuck shut, quiet as y' can. I c'n follow with some space, make sure if trouble does come y' ain't alone. Once y' done that, get back with the others an' I'll climb t' the window, see if I c'n draw some eyes. Mouse looks to the others. Keep a weather eye out; if y' see somethin' go wrong, come on out, but if not, look for me t' start climbin' an' 'ead out by that main door then.
She turns her gaze to Garvid, weighing, measuring. "So, what do you think, guard man? Will you investigate the complaint of a poor old woman regarding a certain location on the docks? Can this humble citizen rely on you to protect her from any unpleasantness?"
Garvid smiles, then raises an eyebrow. "Come on, you're not that old. I'm betting a couple of years older, at most. And no one really call me old."
Garvid nods. "Alright, kid, don't do anything too crazy. He leans on a flaky old wall. If we play it smart, we'll get the bastard tonight... I can barely believe it...
Garvid smiles, then raises an eyebrow. "Come on, you're not that old. I'm betting a couple of years older, at most. And no one really call me old."
The Shoanti woman throws back her head and laughs throatily, giving Garvid a light, playful smack on the arm. "Damn right, guard man, damn right. Lead the way then and let's crush that scaly rat." She whistles low and the weasel skitters across the floor as it takes a running jump onto Yaziyah's outstretched hand, clambering up her arm and standing at the base of her neck, front paws on the woman's head in a watchful stance. Yaziyah takes off her cloak and with a deft move turns it inside out; the inner lining is a much tamer shade of red that she hopes won't stand out as much once they go out on these streets.
____________________Sticking close to Garvid, Yaziyah flexes her fingers a few times, limbering them up. She relies mostly on her magic, the gift from the spirits, but her crossbow is already loaded and held at the ready, just in case. She normally uses it to shoot at pigeons from the rooftop of her shack, but tonight it might get a different use. However, she is mindful of Mouse's observation that not all who might be inside had much of a choice in the matter; she resolves to abstain from using lethal force unless the circumstances leave her no alternative. She nods to Garvid to indicate her readiness.
As you approach the northern door, you cannot help but overhear a mild commotion coming from inside the building. You hear a deep voice bellowing in anger; another, higher-pitched voice rises in seeming argument.
A fifteen-foot-wide loading dock abuts the side of the building here. A few carts sit nearby, partially loaded with large tar-caked barrels marked with a fish-shaped splotch of red paint on the side. Double doors to the immediate south of the loading dock’s ramp provide access to the building’s interior, while a rickety flight of stairs descends nearly to the river’s surface to the east, where a second door provides a secondary entrance.
A slippery boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by barnacle-thick pilings that have been worn halfway through their thickness at the waterline.
The Shoanti woman leans against the building and puts an ear to the wall, a grimace of distaste on her face. A whiskered nose peeks out from under her cloak, sniffing the air.
Go 'head an' get those other doors stuck shut, quiet as y' can. I c'n follow with some space, make sure if trouble does come y' ain't alone. Once y' done that, get back with the others an' I'll climb t' the window, see if I c'n draw some eyes.
Li nods and makes her way to the back door. She melds into the shadows and moves silently towards the door. She is able to strategically place a few shims around the door so that it won't open from the inside. Once she finishes, she makes her way back to the others.