Without much hesitation, the ghost of Zellara moves to the middle row of the Spread, flipping the cards in order, revealing more of the prophecy.
Position 4 - Past, Neutral - The Betrayal. This card is partially aligned, but partially misaligned, which means it may have more than one meaning. The Betrayal indicates a person whose loveliness hides an evil heart. Misalignment indicates a turning away from the material world and its temptations. Zellara also points out this card likely highlights Queen Ileosa, and her past betrayal of the old king, and the entire city. It may also indicate your group's turning from vengeance seekers against Lamm, to stalwart defenders of the city.
Position 5 - Present, Neutral - The Cricket. This card is partially aligned, which underscores its importance. The Cricket represents speed and quick passage, and is commonly associated with travel. The peach it sits by represents treasure at the end of a journey. Zellara explains that some sort of important or lucrative trip might be in the offing.
Position 6 - Future, Neutral - The Carnival. This card is fully aligned, it may be one of the most important cards of the entire reading. The Carnival is the card of illusions and false dreams. This card depicts imprudent plans or unrealistic ambitions. Zellara says even today, there are imprudent plans and dreams that are being carried out, particularly those who wish Korvosa ill. You need to stop these actions and make them false or unrealistic.
"Here are the actions that are neither for good or ill. I am afraid only the bottom row remains. It usual brings bad tidings. Strenghthen your hearts, and hearken to this final message."
Nargun waits, his beverage in hand.
So it was all fun and joy so far? Didn't notice.
Taking out his notebook and pen, Atticus quickly makes notes of the reading. While his face is impassive, his fingers betray his nervousness.
Eventually, the last cards of the prophecy are revealed:
Card 7 - Past, Evil - The Teamster. This is Twilight's Choosing card, and as such this is more directed to her. This card is not aligned, and therefore of less import. The Teamster is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. This force can be physical or mental, as a person who exhorts others to continue on when they have no more strength to give. The force can be for good or ill but cannot be ignored. Zellara indicates the force behind Twilight's motivations. the seeking of vengeance for past evils, is the source of this card's story. What happens from that drive, remains to be seen.
Card 8 - Present, Evil - The Avalanche. This card is partially aligned, and has more significane. The Avalanche is disaster. It is an unthinking, unreasoning thing that overruns all who get in its way. Zellara's ghost looks to you sternly. "Something terrible is happening in Korvosa. A disaster in the making. You must find what it is, and put a stop to it before it's too late."
Card 9 - Future, Evil - The Mute Hag. This card is also partially aligned, so the meaning is underscored. The Mute Hag might be silent, but the eye she holds lets her see into the hearts of men. This hag invokes blood pacts and poisonous secrets, the kind that turn brother against brother and son against father. "This card is evil, aligned in an evil place. If the disaster predicted strikes, the damage is plain from this card. Spun from secrets and pacts, the fell work is soon upon us all."
After the last card is flipped, the Harrow taking a dark turn on the last few cards, Zellara sums up. "As you can see, there are dark forces at work in the city even as we sit here. As guardians of the people, I urge you to find what is amiss and set it right. If my intuition is correct, the Queen is at the center of whatever web is being spun and political intrigue rife in the city makes it ripe for whatever disaster is brewing to take root. Be wary and vigilant." With that warning, the ghostly prophet folds up the deck and slowly dissipates from view, leaving the cards in Atticus' hands once again.
Devan snorted lightly in tense amusement at Nargun's comment, but otherwise paid close attention to the seer's words as she spoke of what was, what is, and what was yet to be. The cynic in the young man wanted to go back to the lessons of his youth and say that this was a master deceiver at work pulling the group's strings in order to have them do her bidding, but his recent experience told him otherwise. And of course, there was the fact that their harrowing was being performed by a woman who hadn't drawn a breath in quite some time.
As Zellara's form slowly faded from view, Devan nodded at her final words, though his brown eyes were a bit unfocused. The late Varisian woman spoke of disaster, but things didn't feel any different. Surely the Queen had learned from her recent follies and at least not do any worse. The musician had been hoping things might get back to normal, but it seemed that it was not to be.
The bard looked at his companions after a minute had passed. "So...what do you all think? What kind of trouble could she mean?" A shiver coursed its way down his body as he contemplated blood in the streets, riots being put down by armored Hellknights, children starving as food was rationed. Perhaps the seer's vision wouldn't come to pass.
Even with Blackjack showing up again, the city it do still be balanced on the blade of a knife. It won't take much to have riots in the street.
If the queen she does be planning on reordering the guard, and if something would happen in the transition.... Well the guard would be 'ard pressed to respond. That could be enough to set the city off.
'ell, if the part about vengeance for past wrongs do be right, any sort of transition could be the perfect time for some of Trina's friend in the shingles to rise up in anger against the queen. A new commander could well go to far putting the revolt down and set off the rest of the city.
Writing down the last words Atticus smiles at the ghost and waves her goodby.
"Till we meet again! We appreciate your guidance!"
Wizard 0: Acid splash, Mage hand, prestidigitation, read magic. 1:Mage armour, Vanish, Disguise Self, (S)Vanish.2:Vanish, Blind/Def, (S)Silent image | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Political intrigue? A chance to disrupt the queen's plans to repay her for the harm that she had done the city? Twilight couldn't help but be excited about what was to come, though the idea of some looming disaster did temper this somewhat. Having drawn the teamster card and its position in the reading also massaged her ego a bit, being tapped by fate to be the one to get things moving appealed to her in her currently tipsy state.
"Well..."" she said, trailing off in thought for a moment as she took another sip of wine "If I were to guess, and this is just a guess mind you, the queen is consolidating her power. The guard is beholden to the city and the Sables are beholden to the throne. Not necessarily the same thing as being beholden to the one on the throne. And the Hellknights are beholden to nobody really, just their own sense of the law."
She paused for a moment, taking another sip "So, by consolidating the authority of all those organizations in a new organization, one loyal specifically to her alone." she srugged "She doesn't need to worry about how she carries out her business after that. Nobody will be there to question her, or work at cross purposes or hold her in check."
"As for a larger threat looming over the city, riot still seems the most likely given recent events. A little revenge against the queen for what she has been putting the city through might be just what Korvosa needs to get this whole affair out of their system and get the city back on stable footing."
Twilight stifled a yawn
"Well it so,unds like events in Korvosa have just started to unfold. You are all welcome to stay at the Juggler of course, but if you decide to find other lodgings stay in touch, make sure everyone knows how to contact you at a moment's notice since we don't have any idea if or when whatever comes next will happen."
She finished off the last of her drink before rising "I am going to retire for the evening, I've had a little too much wine. If we want to discuss this further we can do so tomorrow with clearer heads." Before she left, she turned to Mirela "You and I have some shopping to do tomorrow if we are going to make those items you wanted." Twilight smiled and waved at the group "Have a good night." Her eyes lingered on Devan for a moment as she gave a little wink and a slight nod of her head in the direction of the rooms as way of invitation. She didn't expect him to respond, but it was fun playing around none the less. With that she retired to her room.
The next morning she woke early, descending to the shrine and spent extra time in prayer to Calistria, humbly thanking her for each and every opportunity that Twilight had been granted. She swore to be the instrument of vengeance to any who was in need of such. At the end of her prayers she looked at the small yellow silk pouches used for tithing, they were never meant for the sums that she now had. She would have to do something about that. She added gold to a few of the small pouches and then tied them together with a yellow silk ribbon. It was crude, but would do for now.
Afterwards, she waited for Mirela before heading out shopping. There was so much she needed before she got down to the exciting business of researching the library and the new spellbook. She brought Mirela to Alexi's Alchemicals and Tasha's Thaumaturlurgicals to shop for materials for the scrolls that Mirella had asked her to scribe. As she browsed through the selection of items she chatted about what to look for in vellumns, why to choose one type of feather over another and what would need to go into the inks for the various effects.
As they gathered up the last of the items Twilight asked "The last thing we need to something that will identify these as yours. How would you like to sign your work? Scribing a scroll is putting a little of yourself into it, whether it is your own knowledge and intellect as from a wizard, or a touch power from the divine connection you share with your deity. I think its important for whoever uses that scroll to get a sense of who made it." She laughed a little "Just look at that wand we have been using to heal, is there any doubt what its creator wanted to convey to whoever used it?"
After Mirela had made her choice about how she wanted to put the finishing touches on the scrolls, Twilight asked if Tasha had any minor enchanted items. The Varisian woman pulled out a jewelry box and opened it up for inspection. Within it were all sorts of small stones, tokens, feathers and a simple ring or two. They were put into the box somewhat haphazardly, but each had a small tag identifying what it was.
Twilight settled on a rather plain looking pearl. Its enchantment would allow her to recall a simple spell after she had already cast it.
With the purchases complete, she headed back to the Juggler with Mirela and together completed the first scroll she asked for. Over the next few days they would get together and scribe others as well. Unfortunately, humero etheric resonances from crafting items prohibited her from making scrolls at any rate faster than one per day no matter how qickly a scroll could be scribed.
For the rest of her time as the city was somewhat quiet, Twilight spent most of her day in intense study in her room. She first set about learning and scribing the spells from Vreeg's book into her own, then spent a considerable amount of time deepening her knowledge of necromancy. Among the books was a copy of the very volume that she had been trying to get when she was ultimately expelled from the Acadamae. All the goals from her past were now complete, it was time to set her sights on the future.
Devan looked upon his wise lover fondly, her words speaking aloud what his worries for the City were. People were by their nature creatures of habit, and most resisted change to some degree. A new monarch would be wise to establish their legitimacy and authority before trying to make other drastic changes, but it seemed the young Ileosa had decided to throw caution to the wind and let the city burn while she remade it in her image.
"Perhaps Kroft is mistaken on at least some of her assumptions, and she'll still be a somewhat calming influence on things." The musician said it without much emphasis or positivity, however, knowing that when push came to shove the field marshal would likely bend or break before the storm of the Queen if ordered to do so.
As the Calistrian bid the group good night, Devan smirked at Twilight's suggestive demeanor, though he didn't take offense. He offered a wave at the departing half-elf before turning to Atticus and the quiet Nargun. "It seems our companions have a busy morning ahead of them. I think it might be wise to retire and get a good night's rest before disaster strikes." He offered a grin to the other two men, though his joking tone did little to quell the unease lurking just beneath the surface.
As his dark eyes settled on Mirela, his grin subsided to a warm smile, offering a hand and nodding suggestively to their rooms much as had been previously done. The redhead had mentioned previously going and meeting her adopted family, and that promised to be an experience that had the man unnerved. Still, best not to dwell on things...he'd enjoy the fine company he had and worry about tomorrow's troubles tomorrow.
---------------------------
The next morning, after offering Mirela a kiss before seeing her off with Twilight to do the shopping they had planned, Devan left most of his things in his room and went out to see if the aged swordmaster Orisini was at home and willing to continue their lessons. Though Devan's skill with the blade had improved by several degrees since he first met with his friends, he knew he had much to learn, and the looming crisis Zellara had spoken of only made him more eager to learn the swordcraft to add that skill to his growing repertoire.
Only after he had made it to the door and knocked upon it did he realize he was wearing the blood-red boots and cloak he had just purchased. He chuckled, wondering how foolish he would likely look to the older gentleman. Devan shrugged, then waited, in good spirits despite the seer's words.
Nargun had a few drinks.
Then a few others.
But surprisingly, he stops quite quickly to drink, lost in his thoughts.
[i]It would be easy to say that the whole of Korvosa is a putrid and decadent cesspit. Much of those of power, at least. But that would be forgetting that there are decent people, like the Kroft girl. Perhaps some of the nobles are good people, too, and my hat off to them, it's probably harder to keep a kind heart when you have money and power. And probably some of the poor Citizen are just hard nosed scum too. there is corruption, of bodies, minds and souls, to come. The Queen won't take lightly to the public challenge of her autorithy, and will come back with an iron fist on those she can harm and won't be able to retaliate. She might be mad with power, but she ain't stupid. Korvosa will be an even more Dangerous place.[/b]
A Dangerous flame flickers in the dwarf's eyes, as he tests the sharpness of his axe on his thumb.
People might be killed. I'll see to that.
Mirela enjoys the rest of the evening celebrating a rare good day with Devan and the next morning is quite a good mood as she first checks on Whisper. Seeing the wolf a little stronger, she carries her outside to have a chance to stretch her legs in the yard. Then in a bit she brings Whisper back upstairs gives her more water and some food. Then with a brief pat to Whisper and kiss to Devan she leaves to meet with Twilight.
Not being too familiar with the magic of wizards, Mirela is quite impressed with both the shops they go to. AShe expresses her amazement quite vocally as Twilight takes the lead in shopping.
When the topic of personalizing the scroll comes up Mirela seems a little at a loss.
I never really considered putting my mark on the scrolls. After all Lord Deadeye says: "Work 'ard in silence, and let your successes speak for you." but....
Suddenly her eyes light up.
We are working together! Which is exactly what the city needs right now. Maybe if we show others that two of the gods 'andmaidens are working together for the common good that anyone can be working together? What would you think if we took your yellow ribbon and secured it with a green wax seal impressed with an arrowhead?
She seems honestly interested in making sure Twilight is happy with this work.
Later after the pair is done shopping and working on the first of their scrolls Mirela heads back to her room.
There she uses her magic to heal Whisper and leads her back outside to start their training. After a number of hours she comes back to the room happy and excited about what the next day brings...
In the aftermath of Trinia's rescue, Queen Ileosa spends the next few weeks bottled up in Castle Korvosa, rarely venturing outside the confines. Her brooding over the escape of the alleged regicide, Trinia Sabor, settles over the city like a heavy blanket, dampening the enthusiasm that the reappearance of the city's hero, Blackjack.
Not long after Field Marshal Kroft gives you the heads up, a new military order is announced. The Grey Maidens, a group created by the Queen and loyal only to her, is announced. The Maidens serve as royal bodyguard and city enforcers. The Queen's bodyguard, the lovely, cat-like Sabina Merrin is placed in charge of this new force, which is made up solely of young women, who, stories say, undergo a rigorous physical and psychological initiation which includes scarring their once-beautiful faces and swearing absolute loyalty, not to the Throne, but to the Queen herself.
The women of the Grey Maidens, including Sabina Merrin as you saw her at the botched execution, dress in grey-colored full plate with a full visor covering their features and a distinctive red plume on their helmets and similar red cloaks. The Maidens start out few in number, their charter members hand-picked from the Hellknights, Korvosan Guard, or other elite troops, but over time, their ranks swell.
The Grey Maidens are announced by the Queen in the same square where Blackjack rescued Trinia, with your aid. Once the annoucement is over, the Queen secrets herself in the ebon-walled Castle which is closed to the public for the first time in recent memory. While brooding over the loss of her fall guy for the King's death, Ileosa sends the Grey Maidens out to scour the city for signs of Blackjack and Trinia. And, it is said, a royal bounty of 5000gp is placed on the heads of the young artist. The Maidens means are ruthless and perhaps extra-legal, but as they go longer without finding the fugitives, the more desperate they become.
It is this environment, while staying in their rooms at the Yellow Juggler that the heroes' dinner is interrupted by a young boy, a messenger it appears. The youth holds a message he says can only be hand-delivered. When let into the dining room, he hands the message to Devan, gives a short bow, and departs, hustling from the room and the Inn.
The note is written in a bold, firm hand and says: "My friends, I hope this note finds you in good health in these dangerous times. In light of recent unrest, I feel that I could provide some tips on self-defense to adventurers such as you, and would be most gratified to meet with you for these lessons offered gratis, at Orsini Academy, 16 Hillcrest Street. I eagerly await your arrival on the morrow. Vencarlo Orsini.
Devan looked after the boy for a moment in consternation, having been in the process of digging in his coin purse for a copper for the lad before he had run off so hastily. He finally shrugged and looked down at the short note, his interest piqued obviously as he handed the message to Mirela.
Once everyone had read the missive, the bard addressed them. "Vencarlo provided the info needed to infiltrate Eel's End and provide Kroft the blackmail needed to keep Cheliax from invading. In addition, I've been spending some time working on swordplay with him, though he likely finds himself wanting for a more clever student." Devan chuckled self-deprecatingly, then continued.
"He's a friend of Kroft and Korvosa, and I'm sure there's something deeper at play than a simple tip on self-defense. I say we go to see him on the morrow, though perhaps we leave at separate times so as not to draw too much attention?"
I agree we should go. A note like this that 'ad to be 'and delivered? Well that do be seeming a bit much for a simple lesson on self defense, unless it do be the political kind of defense.
But going alone at a time like this may not be the best idea. If we decide to go separate, maybe we go in pairs? That do be safer, and shouldn't be drawing too much notice.
I can take Whisper as my partner. It would be a good test to see how she reacts to being out in the city.
Atticus nods to Mirelas and Devan´s words.
"Indeed. We might need every friend we can get!"
Individually, in pairs, or as a group, you make your way through the streets to Old Korvosa, and cross the bridge to that island district. The city is seemingly full of activity, with commerce back to somewhat normal, but there is still a sense of foreboding across the city, as if the Queen's brooding is a physical weight pressing down on Korvosa and its citizens. There is a feeling of waiting to see what's next...
Finding Orsini's Academy is not difficult. It is well known in Old Korvosa, and Devan has been there before to explain the route or to you guide you. Unlike other visits however, the place looks dark and quiet. There are no fencing students practiing in the yard, or doing their forms, or running or stretching. The place seems deserted. As you approach, a sign hands on the front door which reads "Classes Cancelled Today."
When you all have gathered in front of the empty academy, whether you knock on the door or not, Orsini sweeps open the outer door with a graceful motion, ushering you inside as his eyes scan the road and neighborhood outside furtively.
"Thank you for coming. I apologize for the admittedly cryptic note, but you shall see why the subterfuge is necessary momentarily. Follow me." The fencing instructor moves down the hall to a comfortably furnished study. He motions for you to sit, and offers a drink to any who will partake. You note that all the windows in the study are shuttered, with shades drawn. The only light is provided by a few flickering candles positioned at various points around the mostly-darkened room.
"I have an important task for you." he almost whispers, speaking in hushed tones so that you have to lean forward to hear. "I know you are true friends to Korvosa, and even if certain others did not, I saw your actions that day in the square. Cressida speaks highly of you, and I have come to understand why. It is to request this great favor, that I called you here today. I apologize again for all this..." he motions at the shuttered windows and the darkened room theatrically. "But I fear my politics are not in favor at Castle Korvosa at the moment, and I am watched by the Queen's spies at times. Maybe now, maybe not. But as you shall see that puts me in a rather...delicate...position."
He strides across the room to another door, and opens it, slowly whispering something to someone beyond who is just out of sight in the shadows. Orsini escorts the shadowy figure into the study, and as they move into the light, you see it is a lithe woman with long red curls and a big floppy riding hat that partially obscures her face. As the woman removes the hat, it only takes a moment for you to recognize the most-wanted woman in Varisia, Trinia Sabor.
"Hello," she says with a crooked smile and a cute wrinkling of her nose. "Sorry for all the troubles in the Shingles before."
Devan eyed the empty training grounds uneasily as the group arrived at the Academy (not THAT one), wondering what Orsini was about. With Korvosa at its most normal in weeks, if a bit tense, things seemed to be somewhat stabilized. Still, the bard knew the old swordsman well enough to know that he likely wouldn't have called the party here if there hadn't been a good reason for it. Perhaps Kroft would communicate through him in order to limit the group's and her own exposure.
As Orsini opened the door and ushered them inside, meeting Mirela's eyes with a bit of concern as the gentleman scanned the area outside. Still, Devan followed him inside to a room he hadn't been inside yet, accepting a weak vintage from the older man as he offered the group libations in the dim light.
As Vencarlo started to speak, the musician listened attentively, anxious to know why the man had sent for them. He kept his face impassive as Orsini admitted to having seen their exploits on the day of the botched execution, though if the fencer had noticed, others likely had as well. Devan cocked his head to the side slightly, listening as Orsini got to the matter at hand.
As Vencarlo escorted the woman out into the flickering lighting, Devan's brow furrowed as he tried to figure out what was going on, but then the woman took off her cap and revealed herself as the sought after Trinia. The musician's eyes widened, and he nervously took a large swallow of wine that he had to painfully gulp down as he understood the perplexing position Orsini was in.
Devan was somewhat thankful, however, as it seemed the party had a chance to do the right thing the second time around. Setting his glass down on a nearby table, he smiled and spoke. "Hello, Trinia. I think we should be the ones apologizing...if not for some timely intervention, our mistake would have ended quite poorly for you." He didn't add anything further at the time, preferring instead to fade and allow his companions time to process the situation.
Since Orsini seemed to want to keep the meeting low profile, Twilight disguises herself as a commoner. She carries a bundle wrapped in burlap, as if she was simply making a delivery to the academy.
Once inside, she takes note of her surroundings. Though the light might be considered dim to a human, her elven heritage allowed her to see room as if it was well lit.
She accepted the drink and took a sip as she listened to Orsini.
As the woman in the hat stepped out into the room, Twilight squinted her eyes and leaned forward. Something wasn't right with what she was seeing. She was about to bring this to Devan's attention when Trinia took off her disguise and revealed herself.
Twilight stood up in surprise before composing herself.
"Its nice to see you in good condition Trinia."
She turned to Orsini"You are an associate of Blackjack's then? He must have great faith in you to leave Trinia in your care." Twilight sat back down. This was a fascinating turn of events. "What can we do to help?"
Of course, Nargun accepts the drink, and listen with a strange calm.
So either you know Blackjack very well, and he trusts you, as the Princess just said, or you are yourself Blackjack, Orsini.
Mirela sits petting Whisper as she listens.
The shock of seeing Trinia is enough to keep her quite for a bit until Nargun speaks up:
Wait, he can't be Blackjack, Blackjack has to be an elf, otherwise they wouldn't be able to be active for all this time. An Sir Orsini is clearly human.
Then she looks around at Orsini and Trinia.
There do clearly be a story 'ere. We met you last time with only part of the information, and it almost got you killed. I do be thinking we should 'ear the 'ole story before we jump in this time and do be getting someone else 'urt.
Some are smiths, from father to son, since there are Smiths. Maybe an Orsini can follow the same familial tradition, who knows, and be a Blackhjack? No offense meant, of course. Quite the contrary, in fact.
"You were all at the Queen's debacle a few days back, so I don't doubt you recognize this charming young woman." says Orsini. "I had only just reached my home the day of Her Majesty's morbid gala when that troublemaker Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The so-called "people's hero" and I have had some dealings in the past, but 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 to my protection and care. Although I don't know Blackjack's motives or politics, I trust his judgement and have seen much done right by his blade. He says Miss Sabor is innocent of the crime she's been accused of, and I'm more than disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of the some bloody-minded child 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. It's the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Ever since the Queen put a price on her head, mercenaries soldiers, and the Queen's new Gray Maidens 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 bounty for Trinia's capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after some time to let the trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to a escort a lady home?"
Vencarlo grins, reasonably sure you will accept given your actions at the Castle. He further agrees to fund the escape, relating a horse is already saddled for Trinia in his stable along with supplies for her travels. He is willing to cough up a bit more for any mundane supplies you think you might need to help smuggle the girl out of the city and spirit her to Harse.
"In my estimation, a simple, subtle egress from Korvosa seems most prudent and should draw the least attention. Perhaps a slow walk through town, crossing the bridge and turning north once on far side of the Jeggare is in order. Flying or other showy means of escape are probably what the Maidens and Hellknights are looking for. You don't have to take Trinia all the way to Harse, that's more than 60 miles. Instead, I have arranged for you to meet one of my rancher friends, Jasan Adriel at a crossroads inn north of the city called Trots." He tosses a small leather bag filled with 20 gold crowns to Devan. "This should cover a night's accommodations at Trots if you wish to stay a night there, rather than returning same day. What say you? Will you help me deliver this girl from her prosecutors and get her to safety out of reach of the Crimson Throne?"
Atticus looks somewhat uncomfortably, but he just nods. "Well what happened here is without honor, and the queen spits on our tradition!"
Devan heard his companions speak of Blackjack and his association with Orsini, cocking his head as he narrowed his eyes in thought. Surely Mirela was correct and the legendary hero was one of the longer-lived races. And it HAD been quite some time since anyone had seen Blackjack, so Vencarlo could have known the masked hero when he was younger and more entwined in the City's politics and nightlife.
The bard deftly caught the bag of coins with a sly smile, also knowing that the group couldn't say no to the proposal. In addition to it just being the right thing to do, it would also frustrate the Queen's agenda. The more it could be reasoned that people could vex the monarch, the less the citizens of Korvosa would fear her. Thinking back to his brief forays in Varisia, Devan thought he remembered where both Harse and Trots were in relation to the city.
After Atticus spoke, Devan nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed, Professor. Of course we'll help. The question is, how do we want to spirit her away? A disguise? Magic? A Distraction?" The musician pondered aloud as he sought input from the others, knowing the gates would be heavily guarded but also the quickest point of egress from Korvosa.
We snuck 'er out of the Shingles with a disguise last time, if they do be knowing about that, they might be looking for the same thing again.
Mirela turns to Trinia
What did you tell anyone about your escape last time? That might change how we get you to safety.
As others gather ideas, Mirela eventually pipes up:
Do any of you be knowing anything about boats? Using the river might be the least guarded way to be getting 'er out of the city.
Twilight smiles "This is going to be fun."
"Trinia, do you have any magical talents? I could scribe a scroll that would greatly improve your disguise."
She listens to Mirela's suggestion "I don't know anything about sailing. Myself I would prefer to go through the gates. There are more people to blend in with there. And besides, we have the perfect cover." Twilght grins mischievously as she sits back in her chair and takes a sip form her drink before gesturing to Mirela and Devan
"Two young lovers are heading out to her adopted parent's place so that she can introduce her fiance to her family and get their blessing to wed. With them are the groom to be's closest drinking buddy and his childhood friend from the Academae while with her travels her two best friends. One she met through her aunties and the other who took her under her wing when she was still a fish out of water in the big city."
TWilight looked at Trinia "The biggest challenge I see with this plan is whether you have the nerve to stay calm if they start asking you questions. If you don't think you can do it, maybe the water route is the best choice."
So when did I got out of the Academae? With the honors, I hope?
The artist smiles at you, twirling a finger through her long red curls. "You don't notice my disguise already?" As you recall, the girl had close-cropped blond hair when you chased her through the Shingles. "It's not but a wig and a hat, but it does hide my identity a little bit. If you want to create a cover story, that's even better. I am confident I can play whatever part you assign me." she grins again. "I do have a some limited magic, making simple illusions, or enhancing my abilities are my best tricks, comes in useful as an artist at times..."
Orsini, for his part, is mostly quiet. "I shall leaving the planning of the escape to you. My mind ponders other matters. My outspokenness in the past may have been a mistake. As the Queen puts her own shock troops out as a police force, I may be in jeopardy. Fortuately, I have some friends in Old Korvosa who owe me favors. While you are off to Trots, I will attend to those private matters and disappear for a while. Do not try to find me. I shall call upon you again when the time is right. Till then, good luck and godspeed. You may stay here as long as you like, but don't dally. The Grey Maidens will be back again if I don't miss my guess, this time with an arrest writ. As I said, there is a horse in the stable, ready for our guest when the time arises." With a short bow, he leaves the room, his footfalls light on the worn floorboards of the fencing school.
Devan bowed to Orsini as he took his leave, the threat of the so-called Grey Maidens arriving providing some urgency to the matter at hand. He still managed to chuckle at Nargun's comment before weighing in on the subject of how to spirit Trinia out of the City. "I think Twilight's plan has merit. We need to make sure we do it at a high-traffic time, so that hopefully the guards will be more prone to hand wave people through to keep the gate from clogging."
The bard looked at Trinia's disguise again, frowning at the relative simplicity of it. Then again, simple was sometimes easier to fake...the more elaborate a plan was, the more likely there was a facet of it that would fail. "We need to make sure the horse looks like a pack animal that is carrying all of our supplies for the short trip. Let's go have a look at the beast and see if we have to downgrade it to fill our needs."
If no one objected, Devan went to the stable to inspect the animal, getting on its tack and saddle if one was available. The musician's heart was already pounding a fast, staccato beat at the prospect of trying to sneak Trinia out through the gate, though his face betrayed little of his excitement. What a fine day this would turn out to be if they succeeded.
Orsini has chosen the horse well. It is not a stallion charger fit for a cavalier in full charge, nor it is a broken down nag. Instead it is a chestnut palfrey that is fit for riding or pack train. She is small but seems sturdily built and in fine condition, as far as he can tell.
The tack is easily retrievable in the stable, and the pony is suited up for riding in almost no time.
The story might work, but if they are really searching that 'ard for 'er, I doubt the simple disguise will work.
She turns to look at Trinia:
I think we really need to do more to disguise you before we try to sneak past any checkpoints. But unless someone has magic, I'm guessing this will have to do for right now, as all I have to disguise you is my extra set of clothes. Do any of you have more? She asks turning to the others.
If not where do we take 'er? Do we make for the gates now, or do we stop someplace to gather what we need for our trip? As we talked about before Madam Zellara's 'ouse is empty and wouldn't be a bad place to whole up.
"Depending on how much time we wish to take before we head out, one of us could swing by the gate to see exactly how thoroughly they are searching people, that would give us an idea about how far we need to go.
We can also pass by the Juggler and I can get my disguise kit to improve the deception. And if Trinia herself cannot cast an illusion to enhance her disguise, I can scribe a scroll that would allow her to do so. If we have an hour or two to wait.
A lot of what is possible depends largely on how much time we are willing to commit. More time to prepare improves our odds of getting through the gate, but also increase the chances of being found out."
Twilight pretends to examine the horse, but she knows nothing about animals.
"Only one horse? I guess the rest of us are on foot? If so Devan and Mirela should be the ones riding. That way they will be the most prominent among the group and the ones most likely to attract the guard's attention.
Hmm, speaking of which. Trinia, your red curls are gorgeous, but they are eye catching. As nice as they look, we might want to see if we can make them a nice, neutral brown."
Well you 'eard what they said about the Grey Maidens getting 'ere soon. If we do want to wait, I suggest we move now and take our time scouting when we are someplace that isn't being watched. Lets make for Madam Zellara's house and then we can scout and plan from there.
Devan thought about things for a while before shaking his head. "The more we move about the City, the more likely Trinia's cover will be blown. I hate to go against the grain, but when we leave the Academy we should be heading towards where our final point of exit will be, in my opinion."
He looked at Trinia, then at Twilight. "Do you have some makeup on you? Maybe add some color to her cheeks and darken her hue slightly? If not, let's just go as-is, with Mirela on the horse and me leading it, Trinia on the left and Twilight further out, and Nargun and Atticus on the other side. Just a quick walk to the gate, Mirela, Twilight and I can do the talking, and then we're on to Trots."
Devan shrugged, thinking he would likely be overruled, and maybe that would be for the best. He wasn't thrilled about the idea of moving about the City with Trinia in tow, however. Especially entering an abandoned house with the young woman. The less suspicion the better.
We ought to be quick. And it's better if I don't do the talking. I'm just here in case of troubles.
Anyone have a bow they can give Trinia? If so we can use the red hair to an advantage.
Think about it, if anyone is watching the academy and saw us arrive, they know how many of us there were. So if they are counting people, they will know there is one extra.
Maybe I can keep attention on me... She looks at Trinia. We are about the same size and build. With 'er 'air she looks something like me from a distance.
So if she can dress like me, and I can ride out with my bow in my pack and my spare cloak up. I will draw all the eyes. That way if anyone stops us, Devan, you and Trinia can go ahead and can make her look like you and I are walking away while I try to keep the watcher's attention focused on me.
There is a small cache of weapons, mostly for practice, in the stable. Trinia picks out a shortbow and a quiver of arrows that she can use if things go south. "The red hair is just a wig." says Trinia removing it to show her neatly trimmed blonde underneath. "If its too much, we can do something else. I defer to you, but i think the hat covers it well." The floppy riding hat does indeed keep most of her hair covered, and hides her face well also.
Devan grinned at the Erastilan priestess, nodding enthusiastically. "Quick thinking, my love. Perhaps at the gate Trinia and I can walk ahead of you guys, so if the guards decide to get a closer look at you lot they'll let us through unmolested in their haste to accost you. They might not even remember the two of us when they figure out you're not the droids persons they're looking for."
The musician looked over at the rest of the group, preferring to get their buy-in on the plan before proceeding. He was a little worried for the others, especially Mirela, but thought they'd be ok even if they were apprehended. Surely things hadn't gotten so bad that the guards would unduly harm the party for no reason once they figured out they weren't wanted people.
"If we are looking for a bit of a distraction..." she begins as she lets down her blonde hair "Perhaps they will just wave you through while they are scrutinizing me. I may not look like Trinia, but I doubt any of these guards have anything more than a passing description of her which probably begins with "blonde haired woman". It should be easy enough to convince them of their mistake when they take a closer look and see my elven heritage.
In any event, it sounds like the direct approach is the route we are going. Here, let me help touch up your disguise a little."
Twilight helps Trinia get back into her disguise and adds a few touches here and there. "If things go very wrong, it so happens that I have been negligent in altering the magic I have available since the day of Trinia's escape. I wasn't exactly expecting to be heading off on a quest today. If it comes down to last resorts, I have a few tricks I can use to get past the guards."
Taking the horse, and touching up Trinia's disguise a bit, the group leaves the safety of Orsini's Academy, headed for North Bridge, the closest exit point to the city. As they cross the narrow bridge to leave Old Korvosa and return to the city proper, a trio of heavily armored Hellknights stands at the far end of the small pedestrian bridge, scanning those that come across.
"Here goes nothing," you hear Trinia mutter to herself, her face drawn in spite of the disguise as she continues plodding ahead.
The traffic on the bridge makes only a slow walk possible and the storm troopers get a good look at all who pass by. Just as the group is nearing the end of the bridge, and everyone's hearts can start beating again, one of the Hellknights calls out, "Hey, you there!" and everyone turns towards him. He's clearly pointing at you, motioning you off the road towards him with a mailed hand.
Atticus moves forward towards the man and bows.
"Yes? Please identify yourself. My name is Atticus Fulvios and I was pressed into the queens duty 2 weeks ago!"
The bard hid his dismay as the Hellknight motioned the group away from the press of traffic and toward the looming trio. A friendly smile plastered itself onto his face as he regarded the armored man, but before he could say a word the Professor was already moving and speaking, Devan working hard to not wince.
The musician went over options in his head, including just playing dumb and pretending Atticus wasn’t with the party. However, logic won out as he reasoned the relatively calm demand would turn sour quickly if the group tried to continue without stopping as the Hellknight requested. So Devan led the pony after the Professor, continuing to smile, ”Yes, sir?”
The Hellknight ignores Atticus' request to identify himself. He smiles grimly at the saucy tone of the Professor. "Watch your sass, peon. Queen or not, I'll cut you down where you stand, if you take that tone with me again." As Devan takes a more respectful tact, the Hellknight turns to him in his turn. "My friends and I are hungry. Bring us food. Then, be on your way."
It seems the trio of mailed warriors isn't interested in investigating and certainly they haven't seen through Trinia's disguise, they merely want someone to serve them, and picked your group out of the crowd.
Devan kept himself from breathing out a sigh of relief, instead bowing his head timidly. "Of course, sir." Turning back the way the group had come from, the musician met the eyes of his companions and flicked them back towards Old Korvosa, beckoning them to return.
If the others choose to do so, once they are out of hearing range of the guards, Devan spoke. "Does anyone have any good food on them? I doubt we can throw some rations at these guys and get by. Maybe we can get some from Eel's End?" The bard wasn't too concerned by the turn of events...if they could satiate the bullying instincts of the Hellknights the young man figured they could get by easily enough.
All I 'ave is rations and some dried meat for Whisper. Maybe there is a tavern nearby? I don't want to take too long. Less you do be wanting to ask them what they like?
She looks around for any obvious places to purchase food and drink in sight.
As it happens, you are just a block or two away from the Laughing Wave Inn, a tavern where you spent some time preparing, just before your excursion to Eel's End. You recall the food there being more than adequate.
As things seemed to go smoothly, Twilight relaxed a little and enjoyed the stroll through the city. There was a pang of doubt as they came upon the bridge guarded by the Hellknights, but this was quickly banished "Calistria veil the eyes of those that would seek to see through our deception"
She walked past the checkpoint with confidence and had to suppress a smile as the party got to the other side without incident, but then her heart leapt up into her throat when the knights singled them out.
As the group was pulled to the side and Devan and Atticus took the lead, she did her best to look sufficiently cowed by the intimidating presence of the knights.
When their request was simply to fetch them some food she was relieved. "I can fetch something from the Laughing Wave if it pleases you sir" she said quietly, keeping up the pretenses of being intimidated by the guard, yet ready to cast a vanish spell should the situation warrant it.
"Ah, Calistria is mercurial today. The guards don't see through the disguise as petitioned, but that doesn't mean She doesn't want to test our resourcefulness. Or maybe She just wasn't to see us squirm a bit for Her amusement, things *have* been going very well for us recently."
As the two ladies mention The Laughing Wave, Devan walked with them the short distance to the tavern, irritated at the delay, but thinking that otherwise things were going fairly well. As the group arrived, the musician quickly ordered some food, mainly meats that could be prepared quickly, and asked for a box or container for the food to be placed in.
If the party is ready and agrees, the musician led the horse back to the bridge connecting Old Korvosa to the city proper, holding the box (or container) in his other arm. Once they reached the trio of Hellknights, the bard quickly handed them over the meal, bowing his head once again. "Here, sir. Thanks for keeping Korvosa safe." With that, he quickly strode back to the waiting mount, leading it past the guards should they not issue a challenge.