"Um...no, that was Maglin, a fearsome assassin by all repute, Liebdaga is a pitfiend..."
Derek shakes his head sadly.
"Our enemies grows powerful indeed, and we are still not close to securing the streets for the common man."
Derek then gives Arael a sad smile.
"But we try our best eh? By the way, have you seen Amaya?"
"Our best is all anyone can ask of us," Arael agrees. "She was here yesterday, but at this hour she's likely at home. If you can't find her there, perhaps she's at her shop or training with the others at the warehouse."
Appario smiles at Xerath's calm rant.
"We shall see in time, Xerath. You can believe in the 'pit fiend' or Aroden's return or the Whispering Tyrant being risen, but the truth of all that is likely to be more rumor than fact. Think about it: a pit fiend lies within the city yet only a dead shopkeeper knows of it? You have a strange hold on 'truth,' Xerath." Appario smiles and continues.
"I prefer to deal with what we know and have seen. I've seen vampires and shadowbeasts. Those we can deal with.along with the Council of Thieves. They are men and we can deal with them, as needed. I'll not waste time worrying about imaginations and fantasies until there is more proof."
Appario considers more, but is interrupted by Arael.
"Of course, Arael, dinner sounds lovely," Appario agrees when the opportunity presents.
Appario again makes ready to go.
"I should go find the contact regarding the sale of goods. Anyone coming with?"
She is dilligent, but I think I will check her home first.
Derek will nod to the others and leave, heading for Amaya's home.
"Well, the mention of a pit fiend is not by chance. But I suppose you'd deny the existence of it even as it standing before you. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Abadaran."
"Oh and Aroden has been reborn. Haven't you heard? He chose to be pathfinder of all things. Oh wait, that was just the ramblings of a lunatic. Nevermind. "
"If it were standing in front of me, I'd be giving my life to slay it, Xerath. Have no doubt about that." Appario pauses and then continues. "What I don't understand is why you so feverishly believe in rumor and innuendo. I'm for pursuing the leads we have, but worrying about greater devils based on the whispers of known liars seems odd to me. However, if you wish to think that a pit fiend is loose in Westcrown yet somehow is undetected to all forces -- angelic, demonic, celestial, and diabolic -- and somehow is unknown to all...well, someone is willing to believe anything. Simply put, we have no proof. And the 'proof' that you would point to is sketchy at best."
Appario shakes his head.
"Pathfinders? Ha. I'm sure they do claim Aroden to be among their number. They are another group of liars and thieves who have played a heavy hand in our real threat: the vampires and shadowbeasts."
Detect Evil on Xerath.
"One wonders why you seem so certain that there is pit fiend here, Xerath. What do you know that you're not sharing? What came of your research with the shadowbeasts that would give you cause to believe so easily? Out with it, Xerath."
Confident that the argument isn't going anywhere anytime soon and content that he's not needed Maddok returns home for the evening.
***
As the morning sun rises higher above Westcrown, Derek reaches Amaya's home, finding the beautiful young Tien woman inside. She's very happy to see him, having heard nothing since he left for Hagwood five days ago, but her eyes fill with concern upon seeing the wounds still visible on his body from his fight with the ogrekin.
"Oh, Derek! How did this happen? Wait, let me heal you." She lays her hands upon his wounds, one after the other, healing energy flowing into him through her soft touch. "Tell me everything!"
Derek smiles a little smile.
"You have grown powerful my little kitten. But the kitten has claws I do not doubt."
Taking both Amayas hands in his he slowly brings them to his lips and kisses her fingertips.
"I'll tell you everything, but for now, let me just enjoy being here with you.
It is a treasure to me to be able to do that..."
After just holding Amaya for some time, Derek slowly breaks away, taking her hand and finding a place to sit, and then he begins the harrowing tale, not holding back, desperately wanting at least one person to understand as much as possible.
Not wanting to interrupt Xerath and Appario's back-and-forth, Yahirma simply touches Appario on the should briefly and says, "On stack of papers is as good as another for this new day; I will join you in your search."
"We shall see about what you'd do with a pit fiend in your presence, Abadaran. I suspect you would cut a lucrative deal with it. Pit fiends aren't your typical rank and file devil. They are crafty and patient, only revealing themselves when they wish to. Also knowing the diabolism in this city and this country in general, someone is helping him stay hidden. All I am saying is that I would not write it off like you seem to be doing. That kind of thinking is dangerous. While I agree that we should focus on what we can, we should also be on the lookout for information about this fiend as well."
"As far as pathfinders go, you're forgetting the delusional self indulgent ones as well as the liars and thieves." Xerath smiles.
"And I might as well go with you. Maybe while we're out I can find some information that you can't write off."
Sensing the changes in Derek, Amaya holds him tightly to her while saying nothing, only stroking his hair and shoulders until he breaks away. She listens intently to his tale, holding his hand throughout, consoling him when she feels he needs consoling, but otherwise not interrupting.
When he's finished, she leans her head onto his shoulder. "These evils you have seen take their toll on you. I sense it." She looks up, and finds his lips with hers for a tender kiss. "I will pray that you don't lose yourself completely in their wake, even as you must steel yourself to fight those who committed these acts." She takes his head into her lap, stroking him gently. "I'm always here for you."
***
The feeling of being able to relax, and the intenseness of the stress of the last few days ebbing away is enough for Derek to drift off into a restful sleep for several hours.
When he awakens later, he takes Amayas hand in his and kisses the fingertips softly.
"After what I just told you, I feel like a particularly churlish dog for saying this, but I fear, that in the days ahead, you and the rest of the gardeners may be asked to take a more active part in certain operations."
I received some peace here, now I must seek some passion...and I know someone who has more passion than his body can contain. He should be able to inflame my spirit a little.
so thinking Derek heads to the theatre, looking to check up on the famous demon director Nonon.
"Would you care to join me for a walk Amaya?"
Amaya gets a distinct twinkle in her eyes as Derek suggests there may be a more active part for the junior gardeners in the future. "We'll be ready for that, I think. Antuin says he soon won't be able to teach us more on his own, and only actual experience and facing real threats can take us further." She smiles. "How can I decline? Of course I'll walk with you!"
Maddok looks the outlines over for Derek's blade and the other much larger project he would be working on.
As he gets the equipment ready he turns to his young apprentice, "We've worked together for some time now but I know very little about you. I may lack my little brother's passion for history, but it is important to know why a warrior fights."
"Did you grow up in Westcrown? What brought you to working with the Gardeners?"
"No, I only came to Westcrown a few years back. I lived in Korvosa, but my temper got me into trouble I was unable to handle, as it has many times." Rizzardo looks thoroughly ashamed at this admission. "This time was worse, though. I managed to get onto a ship without being seen, and the ship docked here."
The youth hesitates before answering the second question. "Janiven, you see.." He blushes. "I saw her at a fishmonger's stall, where I was working at the time. I was immediately attracted to her, and volunteered to carry her purchases for her. While we walked, she spoke of Westcrown's need for heroes to root out the darkness. I admit, I only listened with half an ear, keeping my attention on her forms.." Rizzardo blushes again, more powerfully this time. "So. I naturally agreed to join her fight, since it gave me more chances to see her."
He clears his throat before continuing in a passionate voice. "I've since realized my folly, but have also seen the darkness she spoke of, and how the people of Westcrown suffer. Westcrown is my home now, and I won't let the darkness rule its people any longer. I can't stand idly by, doing nothing."
Maddok takes the blushing youth around the shoulders, "There's no shame in your story. You were a strong young buck on the hunt and you are stronger now. A man has needs..."
"oes Janiven know that she stirs your passions?"
Appario leads Yahirma and Xerath () to his Gardener scribe who might help track down the Etrovain family's assets that were sold.
Along the way, Appario continues his discussion with Xerath and tries to draw Yahirma in as well.
"Xerath, you seem quite certain that this little snippet of information is utterly true. I would like to see more evidence before I jumped to conclusions. For instance, we have multiple sources pointing to the Council of Thieves, I personally have fought the shadowbeasts and vampires, yet all we have is a name to connect to the devil. Heck, it could be the name of someone's cousin for all we know."
Appario looks at Yahirma.
"What do you think? What do you birds and intestine auguries tell you, Yahirma? Should we expect to find a grand devil waiting for us in the Council hall?"
Yahirma laughs cheerfully at the prospect of finding a pit fiend in a pig's bladder. She is momentarily distracted from explaining her amusement as her eyes trace the southwards flight of Garundi starlings exploiting the morning's growing heat to find insects in the beach's thermals.
"I believe that finding a pit fiend anywhere, even in the Hells, is a rare occurrence, and we should not be jumping from shadows. Even so, a shadow may betray a greater threat, and even the dappled understory of the rain forest may veil a leopard of as many spots. Rumors of a pit fiend may not actually mean a pit fiend, but they could as readily speak of a greater devil. The hamatula, the gelugon, and even the cornugon are all ferocious nobles of the Nine, even if they do not carry the same influence," Yahirma cautions. "Even outside of devil-bound Cheliax, I would read those leaves as signal enough to sharpen the silver and bless the steel."
Perhaps next the chicken's liver will show images of a barbazu, and an imp will hatch from the fowl's egg!
She chuckles to herself once more before adding, "Those informants we have had all seem to share one story: the Council is powerful and has considerable resources. If anyone in a fifty mile radius has the capital to secure a devil, it is they. Until we know more about their arsenal beyond one assassin's name and calling card, we must assume that their weapons are myriad."
Appario listens to Yahirma like he usually does: trying to understand exactly what she is talking about but eventually finding his eyes glazing over as she delves into esoteric magickery.
Hamada-hamada devil? Jello-ugon? Corngun? Huh?
Appario smiles and nods along thinking that Yahirma is agreeing with him.
"So yeah...we should keep doing what we are doing, right?"
Looking at Appario askance, Yahirma nods slightly. "We keep doing what we are doing, but we cannot completely dismiss the possibility of a pit fiend," she says while gradually getting the impression that she might need to phrase her point a different way. "Imagine that you are to fight a duel with your enemy's champion, and you have heard that the champion is the grandmaster of his craft. You might become concerned, thinking that you have overstepped your capabilities. The next morning, you learn that the actual grandmaster is leagues away; certainly the champion you face cannot be him! When you face the warrior, you are too lax in your stance, and he finds a gap in your defenses left open by your overconfidence. Whether grandmaster or novice, you still end up dead for falsely gauging the situation."
"For us, the supposed grandmaster is this pit fiend. Even if the rumored devil is not so powerful as that, it might still be a ferocious fiend in its own right. Until we can confirm that it does not exist, we should make basic preparations under the assumption that it might exist. Perhaps this is similar to the insurance concept I have heard about."
Appario smiles and nods along thinking that Yahirma is agreeing with him.
"That's what I was trying to say. If you weren't so intent on ignoring my actual words, you'd hear it. It seems Yahirma here is the only one with any sense. Thank you, my dear. We're in Cheliax, how hard is it to believe that there might be a devil here? I'm just saying we should be ready in case it is true."
Appario smiles and nods along thinking that Xerath is agreeing with him.
Xerath just shakes his head and rolls his eyes as he realizes he can't argue with someone so out of touch with reality.
The youth shakes his head. "I don't think she knows, but.. Her passion is for the cause. She mentioned once, in conversation with another, that she has no time for any man. Although it pains me, I thought it best not to bring my feelings to her attention."
***
The small group catches up with the Gardener scribe, Sclavo, on his way to work in Rego Scripa (the Scribe's Sector). He nods a greeting as they approach.
***
Derek and Amaya find the director inside his theater, in the middle of rehearsals for a play Derek can't immediately recognize. Once he notices the pair, he immediately calls for a break and comes to join them.
"My friends! What can I do for you today?"
"Yes, somehow that does not surprise me, you will probably surpass Arael himself soon enough, though I dare say he would improve himself if he had time for "field work" a bit more often."
And by that time, I may have a gift for you, something of mine to hold on to, to help keep you alive...
Derek shakes Nonon by the hand, immediately struck by the difference between himself and the director at the moment.
Older, less attractive, less skilled in the active arts, and yet...so very full of life and fire.
"Well you know the theatre, it is in the blood, so it is impossible to stay away foe long. And since my current schedule does not allow me to act in a play, the next best thing is of course to watch a play directed by someone who actually knows what he is about...unlike some directors I've worked with in the past."
In reality, Dereks hope is to get a chance to watch Nonon fly of the handle and into one of his famous rants, just to see such passion and fire again.
Maddok thinks about the fallen Pathfinders a moment.
"This business we are involved in is dangerous. You and I could die tomorrow or the day after. Talk to her or risk being haunted by what could have been", Maddok warns.
"In two days Master Arael plans a dinner to get all of the Gardeners back in touch. That would be an ideal time."
Appario approaches the scribe, Sclavo, on his way to work.
"Sclavo! Good to see you again. You remember me right? Appario Lind, at your service." Appario does a Derek-like flourish bow to emphasize his point.
"And you may know Yahirma..." Appario nods to Yahirma, "And let me introduce you to Xerath who is totally not evil at all, I assure you. He's assisting us right now."
Appario smiles.
"I need a favor, if you would." Appario looks around to see if anyone is listening before he begins. A few coins appear in Appario's hands from his coin purse.
"We seek to track down the Etrovain family's assets that were sold recently. We need both buyer and seller information as well as a list of what goods were sold. Can you help us get that information? It's important."
Appario looks to Yahirma and Xerath to see if they have something to add.
"Just call me Xerath. And well met to you Sclavo. I assure you the information is for a good cause. So if you could help, we would appreciate it." He only raises an eyebrow as Appario introduces him in his unique way. "First the devil thing, now this. This is going to be a long day. Well, at least Yahirma's here. She has enough sanity to make this day bearable."
Yahirma nods in response to Appario's memory-jogging introduction of her, and it is with some difficulty that she keeps her composure at his testimony of Xerath's non-villainy.
"I think it's worth noting that we're onto something considerable, and there may come a point at which the ones we're investigating might seek to silence the detectives. For everyone's safety, we should seek to keep our objectives veiled and avoid asking pointed questions," she adds. With a glance at Appario, she adds a quick layman's summary. "That is to say, be careful and don't draw too much attention to yourself."
"Hah! You flatter! All true, of course. Other directors simply don't have my skill. Are you sure you don't have time to act again? This play suffers from a horrific lack of competence!" The rotund director points to a young man on the stage. "Berkel couldn't act half as well as you even if his life depended on it!" A young woman, quite attractive, but not even close to Amaya's beauty, makes her way to the stage to engage in banter with Berkel. "And Calseinica! Oh dear, oh dear.." He shakes his head. "There is talent within, I'm sure of it, and I will force it out of her even if it kills her!"
The director pauses, whiping a trickle of sweat off his reddened face. "You're welcome to watch the rehearsals, of course. Perhaps you and fair Amaya could give my so-called "stars" a hint or two."
"Perhaps you're right. What's the worst that could happen, right?" He swallows as he says that, perhaps not quite as confident in this endeavor as he'd like.
"Of course I recognize my fellow Gardeners. Well met again, and to you as well." He tips his hat to Xerath, although his eyes betray some unease after Appario's unique introduction of the man.
He pushes away the offered coins. "That won't be necessary. I will do what I can for the cause. Etrovain, you say, and recently? Meet me again this evening." He looks around briefly, to see if anyone else is within hearing distance. "The Inheritor willing, I should have answers for you then."
He nods to Yahirma's warnings. "I understand. Thank you."
Derek chuckles a little. "No indeed, and in my case, my life DID depend on it as well, doesn't say much for his chances does it?"
Watch the rehearsals? That might actually not be a bad idea. It is sure to call up a rant for me to enjoy.
"I think that sounds like a very good idea, and after rehearsals, maybe you and master Millech will join me and Amaya for a meal? I know a good little place..."
Derek takes Amaya by the hand and finds a good place for them to enjoy the show.
"Tell me what you see Amaya, you have proven to have great skill of your own, evaluate these aspiring actors for me."
"Thank you for the help. We will see you this evening."
Maddok nods, "Good."
"Never deny what you feel", the big man offers. "Some men believe that there is strength in control - in rigid discipline, but all they do is geld themselves. A man must follow his instincts and stay true to his heart, because for all of the strength in our bodies there is none greater than the strength that comes from here", the Shoanti says as he taps on the youth's chest."
"Now bring the coke over here. We have a great deal of work to do today..."
"Thank you. We'll meet back here at sundown-ish?" Appario thanks Sclavo and makes way to the markets for his usual rounds.
On the way, he comments to Yahirma and Xerath.
"Just in case, one of us should tail Sclavo from his work to the meeting spot. I would hate something to happen to him after speaking to us. I'll volunteer unless one of you has some sneaking or camouflage ability?" Appario glances at Xerath.
"You assume much about me. Luckily this time you're right. Just go on your errands, and I will try to ensure his safety." Xerath will wait for the pair to leave before he ducks into an alley. "Morphing Time." Xerath whispers to himself. He can feel his bones adjust shape as the spell takes its effect. His hair grows longer and changes its color from black to blonde. He pulls back his hood to let it flow down his back. His face softens and his scars fade away. His eyes change to an emerald hue and his hips widen as does his chest. "Still can't get used to that." He leaves the alleyway and trails Sclavo from afar.
Appario walks away satisfied and whistling.
I wonder if I should tail Xerath...nah...what could possibly go wrong?
"Yahirma, unless you'd like to enjoin me in the markets, we can meet back here before sundown, eh?"
Appario will go visit the Gardener-merchants to check on them and crime in the area. After all, 'protection' is protection and if the Gardener merchants are having issues, then Appario needs to know so he can step in.
Appario will return to the meeting spot about 1/2 hour before sundown to wait for Sclavo.
"Although I wish to think the best of each of the Gardeners," Yahirma begins, "There was something concerning about the way that he said 'try.'"
She shrugs and addresses Appario. "Did you wish to start in the markets, having dispatched another to search the documents?" As the Abadaran leads towards regions more mercantile, Yahirma begins chuckling. "Imagine how pleased with himself he would be were he to find more evidence of the fiend! Oh, but I shouldn't joke about such things here; I - ah ha - know it's not the same humor in Westcrown as south of the Vanji," she says while repressing another laugh and wiping away a half-tear of mirth.
Of course, anyone could learn anything today.
"Xerath..." she says while taking a look around to make sure that nobody is too close, "Seems quite fixated on the infernal rumors. I trust he would not jump at other such unlikely news?" Yahirma then smiles deviously. "Imagine if we were to...uncover some news about a shapeshifter who actually controls part of town under a false guise."
To Appario's question about helping to check the market for information, Yahirma responds, "I will certainly assist in listening for news. The walk has been refreshing, but the task at hand is important."
"Besides, I cannot leave just yet; the ravens are flying counterclockwise in groups of five, which is a clear sign to seek news beneath a roof of clay," she proclaims as she makes a beeline towards a tile-roofed storefront to begin her investigations.
Appario smirks at the thought.
"Indeed, Yahrima." Appario wonders at Yahirma's impish playfulness.
"That is a divinely inspired idea. Let us go see what we can 'uncover' about other threats. We'll see how our new Gardner, reacts."
Appario, during his time in the markets, will spend some time with the more 'insane' and 'exotic' of beggars and crazies, trying to uncover some additional rumors about what threats make themselves against Westcrown.
While Xerath attempts to stay far enough behind the Garundi scribe to not be noticed, Sclavo still casts nervous looks behind him at times when Xerath gets closer than he'd want to. At one point Xerath has to elbow his way past a few people to keep up, followed by the scribe speeding up, having apparently recognized that he had been followed for some time. No confrontation occurs, however, and a few minutes later Sclavo enters a building in the Scribe's district.
"Should get closer."
Xerath pulls out a scroll and reads it. Her form shimmers for a moment and then disappears. She then walks up to a window if possible or the door if not to listen/look in.
"Should get closer."
Xerath pulls out a scroll and reads it. Her form shimmers for a moment and then disappears. She then walks up to a window if possible or the door if not to listen/look in.
The director clasps his hands together. "Excellent! A good meal with friends will be just what I need after a morning like this one!"
The rehearsals proceed much like Derek would expect; the actors are obviously more talented than Nonon gave them credit for (although not up to Derek's or Amaya's standards), and to a layman their performances would likely sound spot-on.
But to Derek's trained ears, the male lead, Berkel, struggles immensely with several key phrases, delivering some with emotions not fitting the context of the play, and others without the rhythm that should be there, leaving the whole thing sounding "off". Calseinica fares much better, and her performance isn't far from where it should be once Nonon takes the play to the stage.
Amaya whispers her evaluations to Derek. "Berkel struggles. His delivery is without rhythm, and his emotions don't match his words. Nonon won't be happy. Calseinica is doing fine. I've heard about her on my visits to the theater. Many don't give her credit for being a good actor, and assume her only claim to fame is her father's gold purchasing lead roles for her. But she's certainly talented."
Nonon, however, isn't impressed with either actor. "Calseinica! You mumble as if you were a babe sucking milk! Your voice must be strong, to reach those in the back," His rant seamlessly shifts its attention from Calseinica to her male counterpart, "and wake them up after Berkel's toneless intonations have rendered them unconscious. Your rhythm is like an elephant dancing the tango while trying to escape a mouse. Horrible! Inadequate! I'd call you mediocre, but that would be the grossest flattery! And your emotions! I have no words! No words can describe the suffering of my ears!"
The director's face grows increasingly crimson during his rant, which only ends when he has to catch his breath, allowing Berkel the chance to run off the stage and escape.
The remains of the morning and afternoon prove fruitful, as the unlikely pair uncovers a vast amount of fantastic rumors from the various merchants, insane beggars, and crazy elderly conjured up from beneath their regular hiding places.
A middle-aged woman tells this story. "Poor Myrla. Phyllis said to me that Myrla's daughter, a sweet young thing, was burned horribly in an accident at the Mayor's manor. They cover it up, of course. No servant has been injured there, oh no."
An elderly man sitting nearby nods in agreement. "Tieflings live beneath it, they say. Hellspawn!" He spits on the floor. "Always up to no good. I tell you, this is their doing!"
From one merchant, they discover that the Mhartis family have fled their home and moved into an unused wing of the Ciucci family's estate. "They've offered a reward, gold and a family heirloom, to anyone who can prove they've ended the "curse" on their townhouse. Apparently their guards and servants kept vanishing without a trace. It's probably nothing."
Another merchant, one closer to the northern ruins, has a problem of his own. "Goblins! The filthy creatures keep taking my wares. We tried to follow them once, but they vanished without a trace!"
From a former house servant, they hear a whispered tale. "You didn't hear this from me, right? Well, you know the Ciucci family? Wealthy bunch, they are. Anyway, first Arten Ciucci took advantage of his own brother's daughter, then robbed him, and finally murdered his brother's wife after he was found out! How depraved can you be to do such things to your own family?"
And finally, as afternoon turns to evening, a beggar is adamant that he "saw it, oh yes, I did! A man turned to woman before my very eyes! I was hidin', and he thought noone was there. But I was! Shapeshifter, that's what he must have been. Prob'ly some ruler of the underworld, or somethin' like."
A first-floor window is available for Xerath to peruse, and through it he can see Sclavo greeting the men and women within, who all sit at writing desks. Sclavo makes his way to an empty desk, where he removes his hat and cloak and sits down to begin the morning's work.
Xerath doesn't see much more in the few minutes that pass before he has to leave his vantage point to find a suitable location to become visible again.