The serving girl, a younger redhead girl named Senalise, was only too happy to promise to ask Eliandra to be the one that woke Ansha.
"And as for the archery contest, I was actually thinking of trying my luck in it. And I say luck for my skill with bows is, well... I have not exactly had that much practice with them." Looking at Tebati and noticing her frown, he adds, "This way I will be at the opposite side of the targets. It would take a particularly clumsy contestant to actually manage to hit me, I should think."
"Unable to resist the lure of an audience," Tebati murmurs to him with a smile, "or should I not have mentioned the chance to impress the young ladies of Freehold?" She glances to where the shamaness is proclaiming her holy text. "I should speak with Ntisi. She can inform me of the laws of her community... and if she harbors any misgivings as to Tabansi's guilt, her voice will be helpful in slowing any attempted rush to judgment."
As the commander of the caravan guard approaches, Tebati gives him a nod and a polite smile.
Qhude gives Albert a nod by way of greeting before wordlessly excusing himself to limp over to where Cru-tho-ni-ax sits regaling his audience. He waits just nearby and listens a moment waiting for a break in the story before greeting the gnome.
"You know me," Kieran quips with a wink, his tone teasing, "how am I to pass on the opportunity to impress the men and have the women appropriately swooning over my performance?" He lets the words hang for but a moment too long before adding, "With a bow and arrow."
"Kieran, I welcome the company. Remembering back, I was a better monkey wrangler than archer. I say the river is wide before us,with many chances to round the bend first."
Ansha is sprawled out across her sumptuous bed when the expected knock on her door comes. She had been awake for a while--long enough to prepare her spells, certainly, but had been waiting in bed for the "wake-up call" all the same. Slowly pulling the sheets back, the elf swings her bare feet onto the smooth wooden floor and slowly pads her way over to answer the door. Eyes half-lidded as if she had been freshly awoken, she makes a half-hearted attempt to detangle her hair even as she opens the door.
Finding Eliandra there, as requested, the elf's features brighten into a smile, as though happily awakened. "Good morning," she says softly, affecting a sleepiness she hardly feels and apparently not paying any mind to any looks that her nude figure may have elicited from the serving-girl. Reaching out to take Eliandra's hand in hers, she continues, "Please, do come in for a moment, won't you?" (.)
Gently leading her inside, Ansha shuts the door behind Eliandra and motions for her to have a seat on the bed. As soon as her eyes are distracted from what Ansha is doing, the enchantress softly incants a dull, droning formula, accompanied by languid, repetitive hand gestures.
Once the incantation has its desired effect, with Eliandra's gaze resting on her once again, blankly, the elf lets a coy smile spread across her lips. Slinking closer to the enthralled woman and circling around beside her, the elf's eyes wander salaciously over Eliandra. Leaning in to whisper breathily into the girl's ear, she says, "When you hear that I want you to give me a 'wake-up call', you will proceed to my room as soon as you will not be missed, to answer with full truthfulness whatever I ask you about, over pillow-talk...starting now."
Ansha glances at Tebati. "I was thinking that I should speak to the shamaness later, as well. Do you mind if I join you?"
Tebati shrugs. "I don't know how long she'll be reading. I hate to miss seeing N'bellocq and Kieran compete." She peers toward the archery field, then back up at Ntisi in front of her congregation. "Nor am I interested in sitting and listening to Erastil's rules for proper living all afternoon," she murmurs under her breath to Ansha with a wry smile.
"True," Ansha replies with a smirk. "We could always heckle her about why she lives such a restrictive lifestyle, but I doubt that would really endear us to her--and we may still need her help, of all things."
Jakob looks from N'bellocq to Kierian and back, thoughtfully tapping the fresh bruise on his jawline.
low voiced "Nope, wouldn't work. Kieran can't be in two places at once."
The new-minted noble glowers slightly. "I just hate waiting for them to act...."
Full volume "Hello Albert. You appear to be enjoying the day."
Somewhat unsure of what to do upon seeing Ansha, Eliandra was nevertheless drawn into the room by the Elf's beguiling touch. In short order, the pretty serving girl was nodding along to Ansha's suggestion.
What do you want to know friend?
Yes indeed. After what we went through on the road, its good to relax somewhat isn't it? Albert replied to both Ansha and Jakob, a little more jovial than his usual self. After all- who knows what we'll be up against in only a matter of days... Word around the camp is that you hunted down some monster in the jungle. We would have given you our support if you had sought us out you know...
Tebati did not have to wait long for Ntisi to finish her sermon. When the shamaness found the younger woman stood nearby she made a beeline for her and took her aside from the conversation with Albert. On the subject of the communities law's and Tabansi's fate she had this to say-
Sargava's general laws apply, but they are somewhat loose and favor the colonial. Things are better in Freehold for Mwangi; but the Council exerts an enormous amount of influence, for good or ill. If Tabansi's guilt or innocence cannot be established without question, it will down to them to make a judgement. I do not believe he is guilty; this seems to be just another avenue of attack upon him. Do you agree?
It did not take long for Qhude to realise that the amiable Gnome was telling the story of yesterday's hunt in the jungle. Cruthoniax seemed invigorated, climbing up onto the table with a re-enactment of the throw of the net that first caught the mighty animal, winking at Qhude good-naturedly as he did so.
In the distance, it looked like the first participants for the archery contest were lining up- getting ready to fire at straw animals set up at reasonable distances.
"Cousin, quickly, go and take your place at the range. Kieran," she kisses him and leaves her hand at the back of his neck for a moment to keep his eyes on hers, "be watchful. I will come to see you both shoot as soon as I can."
Sargava's general laws apply, but they are somewhat loose and favor the colonial. Things are better in Freehold for Mwangi; but the Council exerts an enormous amount of influence, for good or ill. If Tabansi's guilt or innocence cannot be established without question, it will down to them to make a judgement. I do not believe he is guilty; this seems to be just another avenue of attack upon him. Do you agree?
Tebati smiles wryly. "Which is more likely: that he who has already been cursed is simultaneously guilty of a separate crime, or that both are the work of the same mind, especially when both work toward the same aim of stripping Tabansi of his livelihood and possessions? Tell me, Mother: if the Council judges him guilty and takes his shares in the ranch, to whom would they be given? Or would they be made available for purchase to whomever might have the resources?"
I have little doubt that people here would claim the curse Erastil's retribution for the theft... But I shall do my best to dispel these rumours that have begun to spread. They would pass to his younger brother, who lives in Eleder. Perhaps he would be more pliable to sell his shares than Tabansi is?
Qhude rests upon his guisarme walking stick, taking comfort in gripping the wrapped rope handle. He quietly listens to the gnome's tale, and watches the expressions on the faces of common onlookers.
Uninvited, though not unwelcome, Ansha follows along with Tebati as the shamaness draws her away. For the moment, she remains quiet.
They would pass to his younger brother, who lives in Eleder. Perhaps he would be more pliable to sell his shares than Tabansi is?
"Undoubtedly," Tebati agrees with a troubled expression. She glances aside at Ansha as if to invite the elf to bring up her concerns -- or shoo her away if the matter is confidential.
N'bellocq hurries to the range, he looks for someone official to inquire, "What contests are to be held today and what is needed to compete. I and...come along Kieran, ...that is me, N'bellocq, and my friend Kieran wish to enter if possible."
To Albert
"Well you know how Qhude is about sharing glory. Besides we were counting on you to save Freehold if the bloody great thing ate us." Jakob says speaking and smiling broadly.
Jakob puts his arm across Albert's shoulders as they walk to the archery ground behind Kieran and N'bellocq.
Lower voiced, and urgent. "Watch the drink Albert, I am not positive but something may be going bad. Politics. Get back to Jeggare if you can do it quietly and let him know. This is likely a tempest in a teacup, but some folks are trying to kill an honest man and we are in their way. Keep your eyes clear and open. Sorry."
At this Jakob Laughs loudly and slaps Albert on the back.
"Well, I understand that you came across a ring that belonged to Tabansi recently," Ansha replies, sitting down on the bed. Resting her hands on Eliandra's hips, she pulls the hypnotized girl closer. "How did you get ahold of it, exactly? Did you get it, or did your boss, the halfling, tell you to?"
Ansha smiles to Albert. "I agree--relax while you can," she says, winking. Her eyes wander over Albert for a moment, and a smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she seems to decide against something.
"Anyway, excuse me a moment, please," she says as Ntisi draws Tebati away, and she follows after.
Sargava's general laws apply, but they are somewhat loose and favor the colonial. Things are better in Freehold for Mwangi; but the Council exerts an enormous amount of influence, for good or ill. If Tabansi's guilt or innocence cannot be established without question, it will down to them to make a judgement. I do not believe he is guilty; this seems to be just another avenue of attack upon him. Do you agree?
"It does seem that way," Ansha chimes in. "It could be any of the council involved, you know."
She steps closer and whispers in Ntisi's ear, "In fact, did you know that Bellis Mara is running a brothel out of her inn?" The elf raises her voice enough for Tebati to more easily hear as well as she continues, "More control, or Council-members with a more favorable view of her enterprise could easily be a motive. Perhaps we should be looking at her, no?"
"It seems like an interesting way to pass the time," Kieran adds regarding the contests. "Even more interesting if we win, of course," the half-elf quips with a wink.
Eliandra stared at Ansha with a blank expression upon her face. Confusion was weaved into her voice as she replied-
A... Ring? Belonging to Tabansi? I don't know what your implying, but I do not know what you are talking about...
The man running the archery competition seemed to be an acolyte of Erastil, judging from his robes. He quickly explained to Kieran and N'bellocq that this round is only a qualifier- with either bow or crossbow, they must score seven or more hits upon the straw animals set up less than sixty feet away; using only ten shots.
Ntisi's nostrils flared as Ansha whispered the news to her. Clearly upset, she said- I had heard stories... but I was never entirely sure one way or another. I doubt this gives her a motive for such intricacy though... If she has been able to operate her... practices... thus far, why would she seek to disturb the way of things?
Ntisi went silent for a short time and looked deeply troubled. With a long sigh, she seemed to come to some conclusion and spoke again.
If you seek my counsel here- I believe that one of the council themselves, perhaps more than one, are responsible for all of this. Although it does not sit easily with me, I think you should ask your Half-Elven companion to secretly enter the home of the council member you most suspect. He has some experience in this kind of thing, or you would not have used him to test the secrecy of my storage in the temple. Am I correct? Archersfeast would provide a perfect distraction while he investigates. I'd suggest Zesaste's home, although it may be the most dangerous...
The elven enchantress gives the confused girl a gentle smile. "I must have heard wrong, then," she says. "But let's not dwell on such things."
Her fingers idly loosening laces and buckles and generally contributing to Eliandra's state of growing undress, she leans up to kiss the girl on the side of her neck. "Tell me, does Tabansi fancy you...? Do you think he'd mind...someone else sharing in that fancy...?"
She smiles seductively, her meaning clear: To draw Eliandra into the bed with her for a while.
"No, it does not give the halfling a clear motive for the scheme. But that said, she did scheme to get your ring into Tabansi's possession--even going so far as to say that her serving-girl stole the ring from Tabansi in order to appeal to Kieran's better nature in 'returning' the ring unnoticed. But," Ansha says, smiling crookedly, "I have it on quite good authority that the poor girl had nothing to do with it. I know that you dislike the town wizard, priestess. And you are right that his is likely the most dangerous abode to infiltrate. We will definitely keep it in mind...but perhaps we should exhaust the obvious lead first."
And perhaps I can try to get answers from Zesaste myself...Starting with why, and perhaps ending with how and who.
"A bow should do quite nicely," Kieran says with a smile before taking one up, as well as helping himself to ten arrows. Once the round is about to start, the half-elf takes his place and begins shooting, taking a moment each time to aim as best he can.
Tebati glances around to see if she can spy any of the Council members. "Mother," she asks Ntisi, "you said Tabansi would have had a part in the celebration today if not for his troubles. Are any of the rest of the Council scheduled to take part in the festivities? Have you seen any of them yet today?"
Eliandra looked increasingly uncomfortable, extricating herself from Ansha's advances with a well-practiced, polite smile. Blushing, she muttered as she created some space between her and the Elf-
I think it would upset him and... I have work to do, i'm on shift...
Eliandra moved to leave the room.
Ntisi thought for a moment.
They will all be expected to show their faces, at the least. Salgarth and Mindra will be present, probably bickering over something... They are sat over there she gestured towards the center of the large group of tables. Zesaste tends to appear around midday for a couple of hours but I have not seen him yet- he doesn't like crowds. Mitabu will be watching the archery tourney I expect. Last Archersfeast he was present all day. Bellis alternates her time between the Maw and the cider stall she provides.
Meanwhile, Kieran's single miss brought him a round of polite applause from the participants, led by the acolyte. Looking around at others taking shots, it seemed making nine placed him well ahead of the average, with no one having yet scored ten.
Ansha reaches out to take Eliandra by the arm as she pulls away, her brief touch imparting another measure of her innate charm to the girl .
Smiling, she asks, "Never been interested in finding out, mm?" She motions with her head for Eliandra to sit beside her. "Or too soon? I suppose you did give me the wake-up call I requested"--she puts a slightly odd emphasis on the words 'wake-up call,' hoping to recall a bit of the hypnotic suggestion in the girl's memory--"so I won't hold you to anything more. But perhaps you'll tell me a bit more about yourself before you go?"
She takes a conspiratorial tone, as if she were sharing the secret of her first crush with a friend at a slumber party as she asks, "Any dark secrets you think I'd like to know about, my friend?"
Information first; seduction later, she chides herself.
Ansha glances at Tebati, nothing further to say for the moment.
"Thank you, mother," Tebati bows her head to Ntisi, "for your time and for your voice on Tabansi's behalf."
As they take their leave from the shamaness, she murmurs to the elf, "Ought we to try to keep eyes on all the Council members? Mindra said that it was Zesaste and Mitabu pressing for a speedy trial for Tabansi; might the guard captain have a grudge against him as well?"
Qhude rests upon his guisarme walking stick, taking comfort in gripping the wrapped rope handle. He quietly listens to the gnome's tale, and watches the expressions on the faces of common onlookers.
N'bellocq cheered Keiran's initial success and offered optimism with the next two shots. The applauded loudly when Kieran pushed past the threshold without a miss.
When it came time for his trial, he lined up his shots hoping for as much success.
Some of the nerves remain, but not enough to hold him back.
Eliandra seemed increasingly uncomfortable and seemed to come to a compromise in her head.
Sometime when i'm off shift, we can talk she told Ansha before leaving the room, avoiding the Elf's eyes.
Ntisi smiled in farewell and quickly found a place for herself apparently giving advice to a young man, bidding him sit down beside her as she spoke in her soft manner.
Cruthoniax was a good storyteller but it seemed he was mostly finished by the time Qhude had got settled. Before long, he took a bow to a round of hearty applause, much of it directed to Qhude himself. The townspeople around the Gnome seemed heartened to hear that such a dangerous animal roaming near their town had been put down.
With eight shots on target and many straw animals punctured, N'bellocq also qualified for the next round. It looked like several waves of fresh competitors were ready to themselves qualify; some of who had probably not held a bow before in their lives. The acolyte in charge of this area told Kieran and N'bellocq to relax and enjoy the festivities for another hour or two before the next round began.
Ansha offers a reassuring smile as the serving-girl vacillates. "Sure thing, hon," she says as Eliandra averts her eyes and exits the room.
Oh well. I still owe her a tip anyway... she thinks, standing as Eliandra shuts the door to her room. It was time to head downstairs and join the others, anyway. Now where did she put her clothes...?
Ansha dips into a shallow curtsey, a polite smile on her face as she and Tebati excuse themselves from the priestess of Erastil.
"It's really hard to say. About the only one who doesn't seem to have at least some motive or part in this is Mindra. Kieran should probably make arrangements to slip into the Maw and look for any suspicious business records. I think I need to pay a visit to Zesaste myself. Maybe I can distract him long enough from his house to allow an intrepid sort to get inside there, as well," Ansha says softly in reply to Tebati.
"It's really hard to say. About the only one who doesn't seem to have at least some motive or part in this is Mindra. Kieran should probably make arrangements to slip into the Maw and look for any suspicious business records. I think I need to pay a visit to Zesaste myself. Maybe I can distract him long enough from his house to allow an intrepid sort to get inside there, as well," Ansha says softly in reply to Tebati.
"Hm," Tebati gives a dry laugh. "The way things are going, I half expect Mindra to turn out to be the culprit. So much political scheming and so many hidden secrets and self-interested motivations beneath the surface of this simple town." She shakes her head. "And under the very nose of the church of Erastil." She looks up suddenly as she sees N'bellocq and Kieran in the crowd even as the two women are about to reach the archery field. "Have we missed the competition?" she asks them in disappointment.
Cruthoniax was a good storyteller but it seemed he was mostly finished by the time Qhude had got settled. Before long, he took a bow to a round of hearty applause, much of it directed to Qhude himself. The townspeople around the Gnome seemed heartened to hear that such a dangerous animal roaming near their town had been put down.
Qhude shifts uncomfortably under the eyes and applause of the townspeople and a sharp jolt of pain is felt from his still healing wounds. He was not comfortable being lauded for actions... especially as the beast was bested as he lay bleeding insensate on the ground. Bidding the gnome to come closer and talk, Qhude begins to walk with a labored gait - still resting on his guisarme.
"You enjoy a story Cru-tho-ni-ax... even if the tale is coloured by your memory. I wished to tell you that I have not yet had time to butcher your trophy from the beast. The head was given to Macini, while the tail lies in wait of my knife at the camp of Jeggare. I hope to finish the work tonight... unless the carnival gets in the way of it."
Jakob wanders the fringes of the competition trying to keep an eye on Kieran while at the same time watching what any council members are doing.
Cruthoniax was a good storyteller but it seemed he was mostly finished by the time Qhude had got settled. Before long, he took a bow to a round of hearty applause, much of it directed to Qhude himself. The townspeople around the Gnome seemed heartened to hear that such a dangerous animal roaming near their town had been put down.Qhude shifts uncomfortably under the eyes and applause of the townspeople and a sharp jolt of pain is felt from his still healing wounds. He was not comfortable being lauded for actions... especially as the beast was bested as he lay bleeding insensate on the ground. Bidding the gnome to come closer and talk, Qhude begins to walk with a labored gait - still resting on his guisarme.
"You enjoy a story Cru-tho-ni-ax... even if the tale is coloured by your memory. I wished to tell you that I have not yet had time to butcher your trophy from the beast. The head was given to Macini, while the tail lies in wait of my knife at the camp of Jeggare. I hope to finish the work tonight... unless the carnival gets in the way of it."
The amiable Gnome sat down next to Qhude and passed him a wooden plate, serving him some meat and cheese. He shrugged easily at Qhude's words, speaking to the Bas'o quietly during a brief lull in conversation at the loud table-
The trophy can wait Qhude. Why not enjoy the day- eat, drink, be merry for a time. Spend some time talking, hmm? Let the carnival get in the way!
N'bellcq still wears a smile of his early success. "It was but the first round. They have dismissed us till later. It seems the entire towns wants to take a turn at the targets. It will give me time to compose, if I hope to keep up with Kieran's fine showing."
Qhude sighs as he waves off the food for the moment, he thought of responding to Cruthoniax's words directly, but instead started on another topic "The tale you told is not the way I recall it Cru-tho-ni-ax... I remember the sight of Kieran falling wreathed in blood. I gave into my impekupheku and walked into death. As it lashed out at me, I returned it's fury... though it was stronger. I do not see how that becomes a tale worthy of applause..."
N'bellcq still wears a smile of his early success. "It was but the first round. They have dismissed us till later. It seems the entire towns wants to take a turn at the targets. It will give me time to compose, if I hope to keep up with Kieran's fine showing."
Tebati smiles at both of them, happy to hear that they have acquitted themselves well, then steps closer to fill them in on the conversation with the shamaness. "Ntisi will speak for Tabansi. She does not believe that he is guilty, and the word of the one wronged ought to count for something. However, she agrees that someone on the Council, or more than one, is orchestrating events to bring about his downfall. They all should be here for the festival. Did you see Mitabu at the archery field?"
Cruthoniax looked at Qhude with an odd expression on his face. He leaned in conspiratorially once again and asked quietly-
Qhude, do you think if people always knew the grim realities behind tales of heroics and triumph, that they would relish and enjoy them so? Some creative... embellishment... on my part, costs us nothing and helps people to enjoy and share in a fine tale. Is that so wrong? Besides, you held the beast off long enough for your comrade to finish it and struck a blow or two yourself as I recall.
Qhude grunts in response to the gnome a weary smile creasing half of his face. "And if I died in the jungle no doubt you would have me made martyr... I am not one for tales of heroics Cru-tho-ni-ax..." but showing a more friendly demeanour and his tone having nothing of chastisement within it "Honour N'bellocq within your tale over me - it was he who slew the beast... though again I thank you for walking beside us, you have heart little one."
N'bellcq still wears a smile of his early success. "It was but the first round. They have dismissed us till later. It seems the entire towns wants to take a turn at the targets. It will give me time to compose, if I hope to keep up with Kieran's fine showing."
"Please," Kieran counters with a small bow of his head, "it was mostly luck. Unlike you, I have not trained all that much with a bow, even if I do know how to use one."
"I have no doubt that, once the real contest begins, you will do more than just keep up with me," the half-elf continues before adding with a wink, "Now, were it a dueling contest..."
He then turns to Tebati. "I think I did see him lingering about, but I have to admit I did not pay him too much attention. He should still be around here somewhere."
"The shamaness suggested we -- you -- examine the homes of the council members we might suspect while they are busy at the festival," Tebati explains, "and try to find evidence that they and not Tabansi are behind the theft. Then again, you entering the home of another on the word of a seemingly benevolent stranger is how this all began." She sighs. "Ntisi suspects Zesaste, but it was Bellis Mara had the ring in her possession. What ought we to do?"
Seeing half the town trying their aim at the fest Jakob decides to try his aim. Taking up the crossbow he sights on the straw targets.
1. Twang
2. Twang
3. Twang
4. Twang
5. Twang
6. Twang
7. Twang
8. Twang
9. Twang
10. Twang
Having scored the required seven hits upon the straw targets, Jakob secured himself a place in the next round of the competition; albeit barely. The two bolts lodged into the ears of a straw deer were a testament to his two near-misses, the bolts just barely scoring hits.
Qhude bid the gnome farewell for the moment, bidding him to come past the camp of Jeggare on the morrow when he hoped to have his trophy prepared and begins to wander the festival. Chest slowly being freed from tightness by the mobility and weighing upon the words of the gnome, Qhude happens to find himself by the archery field.
With Cru-tho-ni-ax's advice in his mind, Qhude sighs and decides that of all the festivities... this at least was closest to his heart. Disdaining the choice of bow or crossbow, Qhude instead looks around for a set of decent length shafts to use as javelins. Putting his rope-wrapped guisarme to one side he tests the balance of his chosen projectiles by spinning them in one hand before stretching out, letting the ritual o'erwhelm the remaining stiffness and pain.
Then squinting his eyes and standing a few yards back from the line for each throw - Qhude pretends that he is upon the hunt... and tries to bag some straw animals...
Shot 1:
Shot 2:
Shot 3:
Shot 4:
Shot 5:
Shot 6:
Shot 7:
Shot 8:
Shot 9:
Shot 10:
"The shamaness suggested we -- you -- examine the homes of the council members we might suspect while they are busy at the festival," Tebati explains, "and try to find evidence that they and not Tabansi are behind the theft. Then again, you entering the home of another on the word of a seemingly benevolent stranger is how this all began." She sighs. "Ntisi suspects Zesaste, but it was Bellis Mara had the ring in her possession. What ought we to do?"
"Well," Kieran replies with a shrug, "it will only mean trouble if I get caught. After all, I have already done so once, what it one more time?"
Thinking for a moment, the half-elf continues. "I think Bellis would make a good candidate for a bit of honest breaking and entering, seeing as she was the one who had me... return that ring."
"As for Zesaste, I would not rule him out, but entering a mage's home uninvited and unexpected..." He lets the words hang, certain his meaning comes across easily.
Tebati nods. "Then one of us should keep an eye on the halfling while you are investigating. Ntisi said she divides her time between the Maw and her cider stall. If there were to be trouble at the stall..." she smiles, "and I know just who could provide it." She looks around for Bellis Mara's favorite party member. "Where is Qhude?"
Ansha smirks. "I like your sense of style, Tebati," she remarks, looking around for the Mwangi pugilist. Spotting him, she motions toward the archery targets.
"You know, someone should probably keep an eye on Qhude, too, just in case things get out of hand...."
Having managed the seven shots on target to move to the next round, Qhude was satisfied - and the workout began to work some of the kinks out of his injured body. Ansha and Tebati's roving eyes would find him stretching out further and growing back into his skin.
"You know, someone should probably keep an eye on Qhude, too, just in case things get out of hand...."
"Agreed," Tebati sighs. "And perhaps someone to signal to Kieran when the halfling is heading back to the Maw?" She moves over to the Bas'o to fill him in on what they have learned and the part they wish him to play when Kieran is ready. "If you could keep Bellis Mara present at the cider stall.... Perhaps just looking as if you might start trouble would be enough."
Qhude takes in Tebati's words and weighs them "So you wish me to draw her gaze to mine at her stall of cider and hold it there? How long do you think I will need to do this task?"