"Alright, enough of this. He's safe and it doesn't look like he'll betray us." Xerath will leave to go meet up with Appario and Yahirma. He will dismiss the spell on him to change back before he gets to the meeting location.
"Well, he is sufficiently safe. Now what?"
The youth nods to Maddok's words. "You're right. I've seen many who bury their spirit and bow their heads, and now I've made the same mistake myself. I'll speak to her at the dinner, as you suggested, or maybe sooner. My heart will guide me in this, as it will in combat."
Maddok sees the flame of invigorated spirit in Rizzardo's eyes as he goes about the day's work.
Maddok nods, content to see the youth's confidence bolstered.
Together the duo begin work in earnest on Derek's new blade, assorted smaller commissions, and Maddok's larger project.
***
Appario waits at the meeting spot, his mind mulling over the new 'leads' he acquired today, wondering how much stock to put in any of them.
"What do you think, Yahirma?"
Appario looks to see Sclavo coming and hoping to be able to see Xerath pursuing, ensuring the man's safety.
***
***
Filthy and tired from a long, but rewarding, day at the forge, Maddok returns with Rizzardo to the Gardener safehouse eager to find out what the others have learned.
Derek whispers to Amaya.
"Well, I am agreeing with your assessment, and it pleases me that you are able to see so clearly. I've read somewhere that to understand others, you must understand yourself. But that logic, you are well aware of your own strengths and limits."
"Shall we try to lead by example?"
"Here, let me have a go, watch how I do it, it may give you some idea."
Saying so, Derek walks over to the stage, jumps on top of it and begins to act out the male part of the scene.
***
As the afternoon turns towards evening, and the day's work at the forge is complete, Rizzardo clears his throat. "Master.. You have fought the shadowbeasts. What was it like? How did you defeat them?"
***
When Yahirma returns to Delvehaven, she finds her helper enthralled by the dolls as they play, taking extensive notes in a small black-bound book. Yahirma's arrival jolts her from her position. "These dolls are fascinating! But I had something I wanted to ask you. The knowledge contained in the books here is extensive, but I found nothing about the shadowbeasts.. they hadn't begun plaguing the city yet when this library was formed. You faced shadowbeasts once, I think? What are their weaknesses? What tactics should be used against them?"
After many hours of dull waiting, Sclavo finally reappears from the building late in the afternoon. He's carrying a small stack of papers, and appears to be in some hurry as he makes his way towards the meeting place, taking no notice of the trailing Xerath. As far as Xerath can tell, nobody else is following the man.
***
As the appointed time approaches, Yahirma joins Appario in waiting. Shortly after, they see Sclavo hasten towards them, a small stack of papers in his arms. Xerath follows, a safe distance behind. When Sclavo reaches the pair, he stops to catch his breath. "I'm sorry, give me a moment."
Once his breath is no longer ragged, and he has recovered from the surprise of Xerath suddenly appearing from behind him, he goes on. "I have another meeting this evening, so I can't stay long. The sales you wanted information on occurred three years ago." The scribe peers down at the stack of papers he's carrying. "According to the records, the assets sold by the Etrovain family were several warehouses, two apartment buildings, and assorted merchant holdings. The beneficiaries were a variety of noble families. The Aulamaxa, Ghival, Imvius, Lorial, and Xerysis houses all purchased parts of these assets."
Sclavo looks down at his papers again. "The interesting thing is that all of the sales were bargains. The price for a single apartment building on its own should have been equal to the combined price for all of the assets that were sold."
***
You recognize that the noble houses in question are all lesser houses beholden to either the Drovenge house (Imvius, Lorial, Xerysis) or the Oberigo house (Aulamaxa, Ghival).
Amaya smiles as Derek leads her to the stage, whispering as they make their way. "Wouldn't it be funny if we mess up and give Nonon another reason to rant? And at the star of The Six Trials of Larazod, no less! That would give Berkel and Calseinica something to talk about for years."
Her mock fears are put to shame, as Amaya provides a stellar performance as the lead female to Derek's excellent portrayal of the lead male. Even Nonon is speechless following their take on the act that was just rehearsed, and both Berkel and Calseinica applaud wildly along with Millech and the other staff.
Nonon smiles broadly once he has composed himself, and makes his way onto the stage with arms outstretched, hugging both and kissing Amaya on both cheeks. "Well! That is certainly something for these two to aspire to. See that?" He looks towards the two younger actors making their way onto the stage. "That's the way it should be done! If you two can be close to that on opening night, we'll be raking in the gold!"
"That is interesting. It's like they just wanted to give these assets to them but they wanted to make it look legitimate."
Maddok takes a moment to reflect on his apprentice's question.
"It probably does not surprise you but there is more than one type of Shadowbeast that stalks Westcrown's streets", he explains. "I've only seen and fought two since I joined the Gardeners but I have no doubt there are others out there."
"The first, and most common that I've seen, are the Shadowmen. They are shaped like a man but have no flesh. Their touch is icy cold and where their form passes through flesh they tear a piece of your spirit away."
"But as you would expect from creatures made of shadow, they are weak. Avoid their blows and return your own in kind and they are destroyed easily. Certain magics are are better protection against them than others. Semenya seemed to understand the difference."
Maddok grows very solemn as he continues.
"It is the hounds you should wary of", the Shoanti says as he recalls his experience. "They are large - more muscled than the mightiest warhounds, and cloaked in clinging darkness. Their howl tears at your very soul and can cause even the most stalwart heart to falter", Maddok says with a bit of shame.
"Fortunately, when we battled them a few streets from here I was able to fight back the fear and rejoin the battle before it could finish Appario and Yahirma."
"Do you know what I found when my hammer smashed into the shadow-hound's flank? It can bleed", the big smith explains. "And if it bleeds you can kill it."
"The theatre can inspire, it can bring one to tears or to laughter, it allows one to experience all the wonders of a good book but at the same time be able to see the emotions of the characters so clearly in ways the written word can never achieve."
"It makes our hearts soar when we are feeling down, and it makes our eyes water when we need to cleanse our souls.
With such said, it is only fitting that we inspire ourselves to release our passions on stage."
"As such we need to connect with the characters we play; we need to feel what they feel, see what they see.
Our words must echo with the intent of the speaker, we must be a reflection showing what the author of the manuscript intended."
"Find your passion, harness it, express it and release it.
If your character faces heartache, feel its sting in your own heart, if they laugh, find the joy in your own life as an inspiration.
Make yourselves proud, and listen to master Nonon, he knows what he is about."
Smiling and taking a bow, Derek holds out his arm to Amaya.
"Well, all this speaking has left me in the mood for food, shall we go, Master Millech, Master Nonon?"
The two younger actors listen intently to Derek's instruction, then both thank Derek and Amaya profusely for their demonstration, before the two huddle together to practice further.
Nonon waves the hunchbacked illusionist to him, and he and Millech follow Derek and a smiling Amaya. "By all means! Lead the way!"
***
Rizzardo listens closely to Maddok's explanations. He nods as he mentions protective magics. "Semenya showed Gorvio some of her tricks. Perhaps he learned the right ones." The mention of fear furrows the youth's brow. "I have fear for no hound. But I will be wary. If these ones could strike fear into the heart of one as mighty as you.. Fiosa mentioned she had learned how to wash away fear. I will stay close to her." Maddok's final revelation bring the fire back into Rizzardo's eyes. "If they can bleed, my blade will kill them," he says with finality.
As Maddok begins making his way towards the safehouse after closing up the smithy, Rizzardo excuses himself from his master's company, and walks the other way. "There's someone I have to meet."
Maddok nods as his apprentice excuses himself.
"Farewell then. If we do not meet at the safehouse tonight, I will see you at the smithy on the morrow", the Shoanti says as the two part ways.
Yahirma purses her lips in thought while considering the various tidbits and rumors. "It would appear that both the Mhartis and the Ciuccis have fallen on supernaturally hard times, though I'm relieved to say that none of it sounds much like the work of a greater fiend," she admits. "If this is something that we would like to follow up on, then we might make headway by speaking with the Mhartis about their haunting problem. Much like the party after our theatrical performance, it would give us some access to the Ciucci estate to investigate some of their family's rather dark past."
"I also heard some rumors about..." Yahirma pauses a moment to consider options. "...well, I suppose the shapeshifter is already good enough for Xerath. I am tempted to think that somebody on the street might have learned about a dragon who walks the streets and is seeking to foment chaos."
After discussing the possibilities for a few more minutes, Yahirma excuses herself to check in at Delvehaven.
Thinking back to her embarrassing night of hound-hunting with Maddok and Appario, Yahirma takes a moment to remember the weaknesses of Shadowbeasts. "I know of two forms in this region, though some of the other Gardeners have mentioned another type. The first known to me is the bodyless Shadow-Walkers, known locally simply as shadows. They are incorporeal, which means that they can travel through most solid barriers, though condensed magical energy can be dense enough to inhibit and harm them. With a touch they drain the strength of an individual, though such a victim can recover in time from a non-fatal attack," she explains.
"Semenya seemed to enjoy throwing magical missiles of force at these shadows, and I suspect that any similar types of magic that you might learn would prove effective."
"The other form is a shadow hound - mastiff is the word employed at times, which I believe is a breed of dog. In many ways they are combatants with the same savage strength of a large wolf, but they also command two potent powers: a cloak of obscuring shadows and a howl to chill the blood. The umbral veil hides its true position so long as the hound can fight in darker surroundings, though powerful magical light could brush away this protection. The howl is even more dangerous, for it can send you and your allies fleeing only to be hunted down individually at the hounds' leisure. I would recommend having wax ready to stop up your ears if you plan on hunting shadow hounds, though perhaps a scout or two should maintain clear senses."
Although she ties to piece together some sort of lead from the new intelligence, Yahirma is at a loss. "An excuse to lose property to an ally it may be, but I know little enough about any of those families."
Tarvi takes extensive notes as Yahirma explains the strengths and weaknesses of the shadows and shadowhounds. She purses her lips in thought when she's finished. "I have researched a form of magic like the one you describe. I will make sure to prepare my mind to utilize it multiple times." She moves one finger along her written notes. "Magical light won't be a problem, but wax is so .. mundane. If only I knew magic that could bring silence. Perhaps Fiosa or Amaya have knowledge of such magic. I will ask them."
At the day's end, Tarvi joins Yahirma some of the way towards the market, parting company about halfway to Yahirma's meeting.
***
The scribe looks at his papers again, as if finding comfort in the stack. "That may be the case. The law does require an exchange of gold or goods when transferring ownership of buildings or businesses. It's not possible to simply give such assets to another at no cost."
"Neither do I. We should find out more on these families. Find out the connection and maybe why they wanted to give them these properties."
"That is as I assumed. And under normal circumstances, a noble family wouldn't want to give anything away for free. We should head back to the safehouse. The others will want to know what we've learned." Xerath will just follow behind Yahirma and Appario, looking out for anyone suspicious.
"If this is something that we would like to follow up on, then we might make headway by speaking with the Mhartis about their haunting problem. Much like the party after our theatrical performance, it would give us some access to the Ciucci estate to investigate some of their family's rather dark past."
"What dark past do you mean, Yahirma? I'm not sure I recall. Maybe we should enlist Xerath in this. He seems to believe everything, no matter how far fetched. Besides, sounds like they will pay for well for a job well done...I am easily willing to take this on."
"Would you come as well?"
* * *
Know (Nobility)
Appario nods as Sclavo reveals what he has learned. "So, the two houses that benefited most were vassals to the Drovenge and the Oberigo Houses, eh?" Appario mulls it over.
Appario makes a list of the assets sold with addresses of known addresses into his ledge, under a title of "Former Etrovian Assets".
Appario looks over the list again, unsure what to make of it.
I'll need to convene with others as to what this all means.
"Thank you again, Sclavo. You've done well and if you ever need anything from me, do not hesitate to ask. By the by, what is your other engagement tonight? Maybe we should escort you there?" Appario smiles.
***
Sclavo holds up one hand. "That's quite alright. I can take care of myself. I'm meeting some of the other Gardeners."
"Only the dark past that comes with murder and shadowy intrigue," Yahirma responds. "I have no more information than that. Given the increasingly dark nature of our foes, investigating the two houses under one roof may yield fruit."
Glancing towards the market as if to illustrate a point, she adds, "While the teeming masses of this city may know much, I have come to understand that sometimes only those of noble blood hold key information. If nothing else, we would have another contact in Westcrown."
"Consider me a part of any endeavor that involves hauntings and curses." With a smile, she adds, "Yes, let us bring Xerath. He would benefit from confronting a rumor head-on."
"Perhaps that means that the Mhartis and Ciuccis would make even safer allies in times to come. Any house allied with the Drovenges is a house to tread carefully around."
Noticeably brightening, Yahirma turns to Xerath to fill him in on earlier discoveries in the market. "While we explored this morning, there was talk of mysterious killings in one of the noble houses - one not linked to these other five. Another family has taken in the first, and the evicted party is offering material rewards for any who might cleanse the estate of the lethal cause." Slyly, she adds, "That, and I have heard talk of shapeshifters in the streets," as extra incentive, suspecting that such a possibility might get Xerath's alarmist gears turning.
"A murder you say? That is intriguing. Shapeshifters as well? Entirely possible. Maybe they're linked? Do you know of anything else?"
"The streets are abuzz with news, Xerath, but that seems to be all we know until we speak to the nobles themselves," Yahirma responds. "I suspect the rumors of thievery linked to goblins and a few confirmed sightings of... well, it seems as though we already have a task ahead."
-----
Once they break from their meeting with Sclavo, Yahirma will head back to the headquarters. There she takes a few moments to look over the items left out for identification, jots down a few notes about the functions of each, and relaxes for a bit of light reading with the Dream Journal of the Pallid Seer.
Most bizarre...How is it that up could be down yet red still be blue...?
Once most of her closest companions are there - and once there are none of "younger" Gardeners around, Yahirma asks, "Have any of you noticed the other Gardeners becoming a bit more...proactive about their duties? It was only earlier today that Tarvi asked me about the nature of shadowbeasts and how to destroy them in combat. I get the impression that they might be planning a daring and dangerous hunt."
Xerath says nothing else on the matter but nods his head in agreement with Yahirma.
Later on....
"Well that would be foolish. But on the other hand you do have to admire their initiative. Any idea where they're going?"
Maddok reflects on his time with Rizzardo that day and the apprentice's late departure.
"Rizzardo did mention attending to a meeting after our work at the smithy today. He asked me about our prior battles with the Shadowbeasts as well", the big man explains. "Do you think they would hunt the beasts on their own? The boy is strong, but I do not know if he's ready..."
"It is only recently that I began working with Tarvi, so I do not know the extent of her capabilities. If I better knew the strength of her spellcasting and spirit, I might be comfortable leaving her to her own work," Yahirma acknowledges, torn between giving the fledgling group room to grow and intervening for their own safety.
"You seemed confident in your ability to shadow Sclavo earlier, Xerath. Would you be able to follow them unseen to intervene in case there is trouble? I walk with a soft step, but I have little magic that would obscure my presence."
"Shadow them? That is well within my talents. But possibly saving them from themselves? That is a little more difficult. They may get themselves into more trouble than even I can deal with. However I do have a scroll that may be of help. I can mask all of our presences for a few minutes if we all stick close to each other. However, that is the best I can do."
"My suspicion is that they will wander for more than a few minutes before being beset by shadowbeasts, though such magic could make all the difference once conflict began. I think I may try trailing them, though I will only be interfering if there is considerable danger. At the least I plan on learning where they meet, in case there should ever be a reason to recall them here in an emergency."
There are so few hours in the day and so many tasks that need doing. Perhaps I should return to the markets to find a ring of sleeplessness as was mentioned in one of the Delvehaven Chronicles.
"Sounds wise to me. What say you Maddok? Will you join us in making sure the junior gardener's are alright?"
Maddok frowns, "The less experienced Gardeners are not privy to all the works we do. Are we entitled to be a part of theirs?"
"I trust Rizzardo to fight his own battles."
"I understand, oddly enough. Regardless, it would be irresponsible to turn a blind eye in case they do get in over their heads. I will still shadow them at least."
"Perhaps that means that the Mhartis and Ciuccis would make even safer allies in times to come. Any house allied with the Drovenges is a house to tread carefully around."
Appario rolls his eyes at Yahirma's assertion that the Lady Drovenge has much to do with anything.
I believe in the shape shifted dragon who wants children's teeth and is afraid of the light moreso.
* * *
Appario is privately glad that the Gardeners are taking more initiative in the City.
If pressed, he would remark: "Tis a good thing. Shows the will of Abadar. It is the will of civilization: to protect the social compact and each other...by joining together to protect their common interests, they show respect for the compact of civilization. I applaud them and may Abadar protect them."
If pressed further, Appario would be open to following the Gardeners on their excursion...if only to help should things go badly.
"Ah, here we are, one of this cities "hidden" gems. You have to have connections to be able to find this place, or get a table."
Derek indicates a building that looks unremarkable; the only thing that truly stands out about it is the fact that it is so...ordinary, yet placed in a very affluent part of the city.
The signpost above the entrance proudly proclaims it to be "The gilded Grell" in crimson letters under a picture of a fat smiling Gnome in a chef’s hat.
"Recaro Thunderbelly specializes in serving cuisine made from rare meat.
some say he stumbled upon the idea when he came upon a Grell that had stumbled into a hot spring and accidently boiled itself alive.
Being curious (like all his kind) he naturally tried some and found it surprisingly good fare."
"Despite the name, Grell is not on the menu, some say it is because Thunderbelly is reluctant to share that particular dish with others and risk Grells being hunted to extinction."
"Mind you, it's more that it would deprive HIM of his favourite meal than out of any consideration for Grells as specie."
Derek pushes open the door and calls out.
"Come out here you fat bellied little knee-high, you got customers! And make sure you do not serve us any of your usual slop, these people here actually have more than two functioning taste buds to rub together!"
Despite the harshness of his words, the tone is playful, and his face betrays a smile that is genuine.
With a smile matching Derek's, the thick-bellied gnome calls out. "Perhaps they do, but what of your own?! Last I checked you couldn't tell the difference between a dish of griffon and a dish of manticore!"
Making his way towards the entrance with some difficulty, the chef holds his arms wide as he grins. He embraces Derek (although his arms are unable to reach around him, stopping at his sides). "Good to see you again! I began to believe you had forgotten all about old Recaro Thunderbelly and his Gilded Grell! So, what can I do for you today?" Recaro leads the group to a secluded table. "Can I interest you in today's special? Tenderloin of Lamia, delivered from Varisia just this morning!"
Maddok frowns, "The less experienced Gardeners are not privy to all the works we do. Are we entitled to be a part of theirs?"
"I trust Rizzardo to fight his own battles."
Inclining her head to acknowledge the point, Yahirma responds, "They are not entitled to all that we do, yes, but at the same time we have led them down a dangerous path. Whether it is Tarvi, Amaya, Rizzardo, Sclavo, or any other, our guidance has..." Yahirma pauses a moment while attempting to devise an appropriate analogy.
"...stoked their fires, and in those flames they envision ambitious goals. The blaze of glory is hypnotic, and one can lose himself to the present while daydreaming about a glorious future. I would not leave an apprentice to imbibe his first spirit-draught alone, and I doubt that you would let a student smelt lead and arsenic unguided and unventilated. Nor would you send a pupil to forge star metal when good iron is in stock." Yahrima spins a piece of charcoal on the table a few times while thinking, then she gives it one last twirl and watches it roll a few feet one way and then another before falling off of the table and coming to rest in a groove between two floorboards. She tilts her head slightly to the right as if considering how the charcoal's path speaks to the present issue. Snapping her head up to meet Maddok's eyes, she picks up where she left off, albeit somewhat tangentially.
"I benefited - perhaps suffered - from a glut of instructors, though each had his own agenda hidden behind helpful lessons. When their machinations became too much, I invoked my Maa'tokali, a vision quest of sorts. That was my time to wander the wilderness before coming here, and in finding the Gardeners, I found friends and allies who would watch my back."
"From what I understand, you first wandered the wilderness before finding your way here. You too had your mentors - one of each world - and I understand that each has taken an active hand in helping you to become who you are today. In finding the Gardeners, you know that you have friends and allies who will watch your back."
Giving a trademark smile that touches only the left side of her face while being felt in both eyes, she concludes, "I would say that we have some history in common. Each of us has known solitude prior to finding strange solace in Westcrown. As our friends reach out to help us in our endeavors, let us extend the favor by assisting in theirs."
Maddok frowns as he comes to find himself agreeing with Yahirma.
The night is dark and full of terrors...
"Perhaps there is merit in what you suggest. We can follow from a distance, but we must go unnoticed. If they catch us doting on them it will be a stain on their honor that they may never forgive us for."
The big Shoanti picks up his things and makes his way to the door.
"Let's make haste."
"Remarkable. I thought for sure Maddok would stay his course. This woman has more power than I realize." Xerath will just follow behind them and any others that wish to join them.
Yahirma unpacks her wooden armor and dons it, finding comfort in the way its plates do not creak or sing as do the links of Tian chain.
"Would you care to join in, Appario? Our fellows seem to have left to flush out shadowbeasts, and that may in turn give us a second chance to face the shadow hounds," Yahirma jokes, clearly invigorated by the prospect of another nighttime hunt. "If anyone knows these streets by now, it is you."
Appario smiles and accepts Yahirma's invitation.
"A stroll might be nice. I ponder upon things this day. My business partner seems far too concerned with womenfolk than getting started building things." Appario muses.
"Maybe that is a good thing...if he stays away from the business. It will keep him from drinking away the profits. So maybe it's not all bad."
Appario gathers his stuff and is quickly ready to go.
Derek embraces his friend back and as he pulls back a sad smile plays over his lips.
"You would be hard to forget by anyone’s standards my friend, not just because of the atrocious sins against nature you label as "cooking".
I've...not been quite right. But I believe I am getting there again."
Derek pulls out Amayas chair for her, and like a true gentleman doesn't sit down until all his guests are seated.
For himself, he picks the chair opposite Amaya so he can look into her eyes.
After Millech and Nonon have taken a seat as well, Derek pulls out a fifth chair next to his own.
"Tenderloin sounds fine, i haven't tried that yet.
Do you still do that fermented goblin ears and cave fisher eyeball jelly stew?
I still cannot forget the look on that Ulfens face when you told him what was in it. If Hannah had not been here I swear he would have torn you limb from limb and served YOU up.
Mind you, between them, they did break the door, two windows and half a dozen of chairs and table. It was a dear evening for me, in money of nothing else."
Derek indicates the fifth chair.
"Bring the food and join us why don't you?"
Leading the others, Maddok wanders the dark Westcrown streets for some time before acknowledging that he's lost.
"I had hoped they would have been easier to find", the Shoanti says. "Yahirma and Xerath, do you have any magic that would help us find the other Gardeners?"
"I know only that we contracted that gladiator to train the better-muscled among them. I am not certain where he is located, but it would be a reasonable place to begin," Yahirma recalls. Pulling out the crystalline wand she employed before the water elemental, she adds, "Of course, there are magical means, but they might be less precise."
"Try your magic", Maddok says indicating the wand. "It does not appear we have many other choices."
"Yes, I do not have such magic. I follow people by, well following them."
Yahirma nods once, clears a space on the table, and gets to work.
"Where will the other Gardeners - Sclavo, Tarvi, and Rizzardo - be tonight?" she intones upon drawing out the magic of the wand.
***
Appario leads the others through the streets towards an apparently abandoned warehouse just north of the canal splitting mainland Westcrown in two. When you draw closer to the concealed entrance, voices can be heard within.
Knowing stealth was never one of his strengths, the big Shoanti waits across the street while the others investigate.
The gnome chef laughs heartily. "Of course, of course! If for no other reason, reactions such as that would be cause enough to keep them on the menu!" At Derek's suggestion that he join them, he grins. "Of course, of course! This dish deserves to be savored by one such as I!"
Amaya, Millech, and Nonon all defer to Derek and Thunderbelly as the choice of foods is decided, and waiters are quickly at hand to bring cups, a decanter of wine, and a mug of water to the table, as well as the necessary cutlery. Shortly after, delicious smells waft towards the table from the kitchen, followed soon after by the chef and waiters bringing platefuls of food. Recaro pulls out a chair for himself and sits down. "What have you been up to lately? I see you've at least found wisdom in one area. This fair lady wasn't with you when you last came by!" He winks and smiles at Amaya. "And this must be director Nonon, yes? I've heard much about you!"
The gnome stretches out a hand to shake Nonon's, who smiles in return before remarking "Nothing good, I hope! I wouldn't want my actors to believe I've gone soft."