"My family has a claim on the throne. Well, my mother does." Cassandra notes. "A vague, distant claim. But since we dabble in trade we also have money. So the Queen wants to make sure we aren't going to revolt or something. Politics. I prefer magic. Magic makes sense."
She smiles, though.
"I appreciate the support."
At Tolenn's counter Wednesday simply glowers at the paladin but does not say anything.
Tolenn raises an eyebrow at Daud, then turns to the others , "Shall we take the sword master up on his offer?"
Assuming she recieves assent, she leads them out into the streets, heading for Vencarlo's Acadamy.
"If you guys go, I'll be going. As I said, someone needs to keep you out of trouble apparently." Terri grins at them, before going to gather her things and getting ready for the day.
Daud shakes his head before sighing, "Sure, why not?"
The group travels through the streets that not so long ago held mobs of angry smallfolk. Now, there is a semblance of order once again, but the stains of the past remain in the form of blackened store fronts, boarded up windows, and too-sharp glances from shop-owners. It will likely take years for Korvosa to completely heal from her self-inflicted wounds.
The trip is without incident, and the group of five soon reaches Orisini's Academy. As they approach, they see a note tacked to the large, iron-reinforced door. The note says, in an elegant hand (the same handwriting as on your note), Classed Cancelled Today.
The group travels through the streets that not so long ago held mobs of angry smallfolk.
Checking the note beforehand Daud will see if the gates are locked.
Cassandra looks up.
"Well, I can always climb up, find an open window..."
She sounds... eager.
"If the gates are locked be my guest."
"I was thinking the same thing, but since we're expected, perhaps we should try knocking first." Amira suggests dryly."I can also try the lock if need be."
"Indeed, we should exend the same courtesy expressed in the note. " Tolenn says nodding at Amira sense.
Stepping forward , she bangs on the gate with her mailed fist.
"It isn't like I haven't been on top of this building before." Cassandra says with a bit of a pout.
"There's nothing stopping you from clambering about once we're let in, Tangled Briar." Daud points out to the pouting mouse.
"I'm starting to see what you were talking about earlier," Terri says to Amira, a bemused smirk on her face.
As Wednesday gets ready to check the door to see if it is locked, and Tolenn readies to go a step forward and knock, the portal opens suddenly, revealing the greying sword-master Vencarlo. He quickly waves you all in, an easy smile on his face as his keen eyes glance left and right down the street before he shuts the portal behind you.
"I appreciate you coming to me like this on such short notice. If you will follow me, please." The older man leads you down a short hall, his strides still graceful and fluid even though he must have passed his fifth decade already. Near the end of a hall, he opens a door on the left, revealing a small but cozy study. The curtains are closed and secured, the panels over the windows slatted shut. "In here, please."
"So you would clearly rather as few people as possible were aware of this meeting." Amira says in a matter of fact tone.
The respected swordsman grins in a roguish way at Amira, bowing slightly from the waist. "How astute of you, my Lady. Indeed, I believe I would like only..." He makes a show of counting you all, "six to know of this meeting, plus one other who will join us later."
"Our third maid had a bigger room." Cassandra says. She sticks as close to the door as possible.
Vencarlo winks at Cassandra, sliding past her into the room after he addresses Amira. "I prefer homey to sprawling. If I'm going to relax, I don't want to walk across a field to plop down in a chair."
'One other' better not be Croft... Daud grows in his head as he stands opposite of Cassandra at the door.
"You never mentioned he was a charmer. I don't believe we've met before Master Orisini. My name is Terri Riverrun, and I have to admit that I'm dreadfully curious as to why you would mysteriously call us here to meet with you." Terri smiles coyly, turning on the charm herself.
"We've experienced much since our last meeting, Ser." Tolenn says, "Curious...yes, but wary as well. Please, do tell..."
He chuckles at Terri's words, turning his dark eyes on hers. "If we had met, I'm sure I would remember, Terri. Vencarlo Orisini, to those of you whom I have the pleasure of addressing for the first time."
He smiles more gently at Tolenn, nodding. "Of course." He stands at the door, between Wednesday and Cassandra. He speaks more quietly at this point. "I have an important task I would like you to help me with. I need a certain precious cargo transported out of the city, and believe you are just the people to help me do so."
He gently shoos Wednesday and Cassandra away from the door, arching a brow and waiting patiently if they refuse to move. Once the doorway is clear, he opens the door and calls out softly down the hallway. "It's alright, you can come in now."
A few moments later, a familiar face appears. One of you knows the face from years of friendship, two know the face from days before, and two have only glimpsed her image in the 'Wanted' posters scattered around Korvosa. Trinia Sabor, convicted regicide, walks into the room, a nervous excitement palpable on her face. Her green eyes are big and bright, nearly sparkling like emeralds, peering out from under the straw-yellow hair that threatens to overlap and cover them.
In her right hand is a wide-brimmed riding hat, in her left an obviously expensive wig of long red curls.
Moving to the side when he ushers him without complaint Daud's eyes almost bug out of his head when Trinia steps into the room. Staying to the side he shifts his head down to avoid meeting her gaze.
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Terri stands there, struck dumb for a moment, and unable to believe what she is seeing. The emotions that roiled through her when she had heard of the ridiculous claims and Trinia's fate return but are soon overwhelmed by joy and happiness.
"TRINIA!"
The young priestess wraps the painter in a bear-hug, laughing and crying as she greets the friend she'd thought she'd never see again.
Tolenn's face splits into a wide smile at Trinia's sudden appearance, she steps forward, waits for Terri to allow her friend a chance to breath and grasps her by her upper arm "It is good to see you safe and hale, Trinia. Allow me, on behalf of my friends, to apologize for turning you over to the authorities, we were only doing what we thought best at the time."
She then turns an appraising eye upon Vencarlo, "So, do we call you Vencarlo or...Blackjack?"
The woman charges at Terri, dropping her hat and wig as she embraces her friend. "Terri!" The woman duplicates the laughing and crying for a bit, then releases the priestess, turning to Tolenn and Wednesday. "Sorry for that bit in the Shingles...I didn't know you for the fine folk you are at the time. And I appreciate your help, also." The woman smiles, her face radiant.
Vencarlo laughs, holding his hand up. "Just Vencarlo, please. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala
when that rogue Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The people’s hero and I have had some dealings in the past, but still, it’s been some years since I’ve seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words, and soon swooped off—doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong—but not before entrusting Miss Sabor into my protection and care.
Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. He says the girl is innocent of the crime she’s been accused of, and I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded harlot playing at queen.
The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for Miss Sabor. I’ve arranged for friends in Harse—a couple of well-respected ranchers—to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole ‘assassination’ foolishness blows over. Its the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company have been searching for the young lady tirelessly—they’ve stopped by here three times so far, and each time I’ve only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. My most reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness’s considerable bounty for Trinia’s capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to escort a lady home?”
Inwardly groaning as Trinia thanks them he nonetheless straightens to look at Vencarlo and Trinia before speaking a single solemn "Gladly."
Amira is silent during the revelation and exchange, though her sharp dark eyes twinkle a bit and she seems for a moment to be almost...listening to something before nodding her head. "I'm glad to finally meet you Trinia. Korvosa herself would see you safe even if it requires you to leave her environs. I'd be honored to get you to safety."she says solemnly, her gaze shifting from Trinia to the swordmaster.
"O-of course I'll help! What kind of a friend wouldn't be willing to do that?" Terri, still giddy from seeing her friend again, wipes away the tears from her eyes.
"If you ever see Blackjack again, tell him he has my most sincere thanks for saving my best friend."
Vencarlo smiles, but looks grave. "I don't want to sugar coat this. If you are caught, it will mean all your deaths." He brightens a bit, shrugging. "But what is death but the next leg of our journey through the cosmos, am I right? I appreciate your gracious offer to help!"
He goes to a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of fine wine and seven small glasses. He pops the top, letting the wine breathe a bit before pouring a measure for each of you, handing you each a glass. He holds his glass up in the air, offering a silent toast, before tipping it back. "Ahhhh...a fine vintage. Now to business! With the recent activity at North Bridge, I would suggest avoiding it. Instead, I would propose you travel with the afternoon traffic down to High Bridge, then turn up the Dwarfwalk Road, leaving town with the afternoon's merchants. What do you think?"
Trinia smiles through it all, putting her arm around Terri and giving her a friendly squeeze. She puts on the wig, then the riding hat, posing with one hand lightly brushing the rim of the hat while the other hand rests on her waist, the elbow jutting out. "How do I look?" The blonde giggles nervously.
At Terri's words, Vencarlo nods. "If I ever see the fellow again, I will be sure to pass your thanks along."
"Like you'd rather be riding out on the plateau." Terri answers with a giggle of her own.
"Don't worry, we will be very careful on our way out. Although if I have to lose my head, I can't think of better reason to be losing it."
"What the hells. I'm in." Cassandra says cheerfully. "Anything to poke that a$~&~@@ on the throne in the eye."
Smiling as Vencarlo explains his plan, she looks at Trinia, "A chance to right a wrong that pained us mightly, I say yes, let us spirit you out of Korvsa!"
Looking at Trinia's disguise, she nods, then frowns "Would that we had Gaius' talent with us still, he'd have made you completely unrecognizable. But, this'll do fine, Trinia."
Reaffirming himself Daud nods his assent.
"Ok well first things first, we need to be a little less, noticable as a group unless there's a bunch of sell swords roaming in that direction at the time. Right now anyome traveling armed is likely to draw attention." Amira says finishing her drink.
"And how do you suppose that with a scarred up thug and a resplendent paladin of the Dawnflower?" Daud asks dryly after having finished his glass in one drink.
"Rooftops!" Cassandra shouts. "Or, you know, pretend to be a merc company."
Vencarlo chuckles, "I admire your creativity, young woman, but I believe your companion has the right of it. Inconspicuous travelers just blending with the crowd is probably the best way to get out of Korvosa, right now. They're likely looking for things such as Miss Wagner mentioned."
Terri winces when Wednesday refers to himself as a thug. She'd have to talk to him about it later, though. Now wasn't the time.
"He's right, we could leave our more conspicuous things here and retrieve them after we see Trinia off. Besides, taking a nice long leisurely stroll will give us plenty of time to tell you about the time we got asked to model for a Calistrian artist. That is one experience that neither of us will forget."
"I'll follow from the rooftops, anyway. At least to the edge of the city." Cassandra says. "I'm wanted, too. Having two people the guard are looking for in a single party is asking to be dipped in oil and set on fire."
She hesitates, then says.
"I've done that twice now. It isn't as much fun as it sounds."
Vencarlo laughs, shaking his head at Cassandra's deadpan story. He grins, cocking his head. His brow furrows as he realizes the woman isn't kidding. He uncapped the bottle of wine, pouring himself another healthy measure and tossing it back.
Trinia laughs at Terri's words, her cheeks turning a healthy shade of pink. "Oh my, I had tried to forget that, albeit unsuccessfully. I sure hope that isn't hanging on some wall in Korvosa, at least. Likely it's in some old Lord's manor, the only thing keeping his stodgy blood flowing." She turns to Terri, winking. "Not that I minded the company, though." She giggles.
The swordmaster listens to the banter, grinning from ear to ear, "If only I were a painter. Alas, the only art I know is the art of fencing. But that is a story for another day. I trust you all will take care of Miss Sabor. I have some business to attend to in Old Korvosa."
He turns to Trinia, "I'm sorry for all you've been through, dear. When it is safe, we will send word."
"You and me both," Terri agrees, "It was bad enough when she showed it to the head priest at the church!"
Turning to Vencarlo, Terri gives him a small bow while thanking him, "I'm in your debt for looking after my friend, Vencarlo. Take care, and I hope the next time we meet, it is under better circumstances."
The young lady giggles even more. "The look on the man's face when he saw it was almost worth the embarrassment. I thought he'd go up to meet the ole' Savored Sting right then and there. I swear, we must have been drunk to have honored that one."
Vencarlo returns Terri's bow with a fluidly executed one of his own. "I look forward to meeting you all again. If you are willing, I will contact you in the future and we can discuss future business. For now, I must take my leave. Farewell, my lovelies." He turns to look at Wednesday, "And farewell to you, good sir. You seem to have more luck than you know what to do with. I hope it holds for you." He winks, then exits the study door.
Luck? The Devil's own luck maybe, the only reason I'm still here is for the world's cruel amusement. Not even bothering to look he raises his empty glass towards Vencarlo as the man leaves.
Tolenn regards the study door for a moment or two before turning back to the others.
Glancing at Daud, then the others, she says "Well, you all should be able to dress down and pass through the gates relatively unnoticed. I on the other hand..."
Pacing a little back and forth, she stops "Even dressed as a farmer or mild maid, I'm afraid Saranae's Grace will shine through no matter what we attempt. Perhaps, I can act as a distraction. When you all are passing through the gates, I can arrive, mounted and distract the guards enough for them to pass you by without a thorough inspection."
Daud actually stares at her wide eyed after she gives her plan before speaking up. "And how do you plan to actually distract them? Doesn't your Vows prevent you doing certain things, like lying?"
Daud's comment dampens Tolenn's enthusiasm a little "Well, if I come clattering up on a horse, seeking exit from the city, I'm sure to distract some, if not all of the guards. I won't be lying, I am leaving the city" she says , thinking aloud. Looking at the others, "It might work."
She then places a hand on Daud's shoulder and leans down to say in his ear...
"And Wednesday, my Vows are solely a matter between myself and Saranae." she says gently, but with a hint of steel in her voice.
Shifting an eye sideways to glance at her he mutters out a "Sorry." before lowering his head. His voice, though grated with a hint of annoyance, does sound genuinely apologetic.