Lorelei rolls her eyes at Richard. "Sure you'll be able to concentrate with your tongue so far out of your mouth?" Lorelei teases, "We don't want to get drool on the poem."
At Mera, Lorelei chuckles. "Honey, I live in a bar. You're going to wish you had more than a crate."
The left side of Mera's lips curl up into a smirk before bursting into laughter. "Why, I think you and I are going to be fast friends."
Tal makes his way to a cot and collapses quickly upon it. Trying to fall asleep all he can do is hear the raucous oration of Mera. Grabbing a nearby blanket he wads it over his head to drown out the sound and rolls over. Soon his snoring can be heard as he gets some much needed shut eye.
Not to be outdone, Richard decides to join in with Mera's oration.
Buuuuuut it's clear who 's in charge tonight.
Sherix is quite ashamed.
Lorelei and Richard recite the poem several times and are stumped. When a bored Mera asks to give it a try, she does a dramatic reading of it for fun but it is then that she notices that the poem’s meter and construction are unusual—every twelfth line has an extra syllable in it. When the trio writes those syllables down on a piece of parchment they discover a second (and much shorter) poem— one called “The Wave Door.”
This poem describes how one can activate the secret Pathfnder cache in Cutlass Cove.
Mera tries not to wince at Richard's oration. She holds the facade up the best she can and offers a obvious fake smile. "Well done. Truly."
Words are Mera's thing, history clearly is not. Scoffing loudly as she kicks her feet up on a table. "Cutlass Cove? How cliche is that? That's obviously not a real location. Seriously. It's probably around the bend from Pirate's Bay or Cannon Harbor."
Richard scratches the back of his head, embarrassed. "Not my... best day, is it? Then again, getting this close to being burnt to a crisp with frazzle anyone."
She can't do it, but you know Sherix is rolling her eyes. "I'll have to trust you on that, Mera- I didn't really learn much about geography. I spent too much time helping Sherix."
Savonarola casts Guidance, and gives himself (and Mera) a Bit of Luck, and then tries to remember something useful...
"A-hah!" Lorelei exclaims when they make progress. "Well done..."
But as none of them seem to understand the directions, Lorelei leans back in her chair. "Well, I guess I know what I'm researching tomorrow..."
Looking at Mera, she asks, "I don't suppose you have a vast collection of maps around here?"
"I don't suppose you have a vast collection of maps around here?"
Mera looks around and frowns. "Afraid not, love. It I were back at my father's manor I could raid his library, but here in the hideouts it is slim pickings I'm afraid."
Mera yawns rubs her eyes. "Maybe tomorrow will bring us new insights, no? Let's get some shuteye and reconvene in the morning."
The night passes without incident and without anyone waking you. When you do awake, it is to the smells of breakfast cooking. The smell of bacon and eggs and coffee fill your nostrils.
Tal wakes up a little still and sore from the day before. Rising from the bed he stretches for a while loosening up all of the joints before making his way to the breakfast table. Eating quickly he wolfs down his food and makes to leave. If you have need of me I will be with Lily for the day. There are some errands that we need to run so look for us either at my house or in the market near Mainz Street Smithy.
Lorelei stuffs herself to bursting at the breakfast table. She waves goodbye to Tal, but only manages to get out a muffled, "Yeah!" through the eggs and bacon fillng her mouth.
Lorelei either has horrible manners, or is not used to having so much food available...
When the meal's done she stands and stretches. "I'm heading home to get cleaned up. Then I'll see if I can figure out the location of Cutlass Cove. I'll see you guys at the Devildrome."
Lorelei then proceeds to do just that. She heads back to her home--a tiny room in her sister Yakopulio's bar, and gets cleaned up and dressed in fresh clothes. She checks on Yakopulio, curious if she's awake or asleep.
Lorelei grins. "Morning. Miss me? I'll assume you were bereft." she chuckles. "How was work last night?"
"You ever hear of a place called Cutlass Cove?"
Lorelei smiles fondly and shuts Yakopulio's door, leaving her to sleep in.
---
Then Lorelei heads out into the city, intent on acquiring the necessary maps and figuring out exactly where Cutlass Cove is.
A new day.
Practice your voice (last night was embarrassing!)
Feed Sherix, even though she can feed herself.
Prepare today's clothing.
Smile!
Richard waves goodbye to Tal and Lorelei and then briefly visits the Holysmith family. Life is going on as usual, as the family tells tales of evils vanquished, lives saved and the next step in driving out corruption.
Richard talks about a new group he's joined, and how he witnessed a brave warrior tackle on a beast of pure flame. The family is of course impressed but they wonder when he will fight a great evil on his own.
It's so hard to impress your family...
Mera awakens as the sunlight streams into her quarters. Grumbling as she stretches about the lack of luxury in the hideout, she yearns for her silk sheets as she slips to the floor and gets dressed.
She makes a brief appearance at breakfast, but doesn't dally too long before heading back home. Once in the manor, she sets about using her father's extensive library in the hopes of uncovering the secrets of Cutlass Cove. I still think this is a terrible name.
Hours of research in the library.
Leaving that to the diplomats in th group. Some don’t like her if I remember right.
Mera is still super grumpy at the last Pathfinder and while she isn't overly excited at the prospect of engaging with her again, I don't think she'd rule her out because of that. She'd want someone else's feedback on the subject.
Around lunchtime she comes to the conclusion that the Pathfinder may be their best option at this point. She returns to the hideout to find her companions to discuss. When everyone is gathered she offers the prospect of reaching to their contact and asks, "So, what do you think? Is it worth the hassle again? She was a pain in the ass last time, but I think we're at a bit of a dead end here."
Ta; happily spends the day shopping with his wife. They enter the market and stop at a few stall selling some nice linens and other fabrics that Lily needs for around the house. Tal also stops in at the smithy to make sure that everything is running smoothly and that orders are still coming in. Even though it could be a front for the rebellion that did not mean that he would let the day to day business get sloppy. Tal paused momentarily as a thought of the rebellious group he was affiliated with crossed his mind but then put it out of his head. He would not think about that at all today as tomorrow would be dedicated towards those endeavors. when the shopping was over he went home and relaxed in his favorite chair for the first time that week.
That morning as you are walking to the Devildrome, you spot handbills posted to walls and poles announcing the main event. Street urchins are seen passing out the same handbills announcing that the star of the recent 'Trial of Lizard' will be appearing! Despite the mistaken name, people seem to know what they are talking of and there is quite a buzz.
Lucca greets Tal warmly until he spots...Mera! Lucca has pretty much ignored Lorelei, Richard & Girolamo up to this point, and now Tal finds himself in the same category.
Ms. Wist-Thrune! It is an honor and a privilege and statements of your beauty are an understatement! Please tell me you will be there star of our little entertainment? He then looks at Tal No offense, River.
Mera is temporarily sidelined by this stranger calling Tal Raveen. Why is he calling-? Ah. Yes, the performance.
Smiling at the compliment and playing her party, Mera offers a smile and thanks. "You're too kind, truly."
Turning to look at Raveen, Mera raises her upturned palm to him and offers "As much as I'd love to star, I'm afraid that Raveen's constantly in the shade of my performances and this is the perfect opportunity to allow him to show the world that he ready to take the spotlight. Let him shine brightly for all to see.
Looking at Tal she winks back at him with her left eye before turning back to Lucca. "But if you're interested, perhaps we can can work out some additional arrangement of some fashion where I can make a brief appearance with some of your most appreciative clientele. Hmmm?"
Lorelei smiles, completely happy with being ignored.
"Good luck," she tells Tal, before leaving to find a place to watch the performance.
"It isn't too bad, not to be in the spotlight." Richard grins. "At least you don't have to deal with some of the... more aggressive fans." Richard shrugs.
"Remember I have this Sheild of Faith scroll, Tal. Tell me when you want me to use it."
Tal clears his throat nervously as the talk is about him being a star. Ah yes, Mera is indeed the star wherever she is. A star that I am quite willing to admit outshines myself greatly on the stage. However I think in this 1 particular 'performance' I might just be able to outshine her. That being said I am sure that she could provide quite a boost to the entertainment with her presence.
Hoping to turn the matter to more lucrative endeavors Tal asks, Now according to our arrangement we are to receive the art object and the agreed upon take of the cut after the fight. On a personal note however where can I place a wager on myself? Tal pulls out a purse with gold pieces in it. I am quite confident in my skill at fighting.
"You're too kind, truly."
I'm single too! Lucca says with a wolfish grin.
Let him shine brightly for all to see.[/b]
Lucca is confused. Eh? Is he gonna blind the summoned with light?
"But if you're interested, perhaps we can can work out some additional arrangement of some fashion where I can make a brief appearance with some of your most appreciative clientele. Hmmm?"If it puts coin in both our pockets, I say why not? Lucca says nodding appreciatively.
"Good luck," she tells Tal, before leaving to find a place to watch the performance.A thug steps up to block the exit. Yer supposed ta watch in the area behind 'im. He says menacingly.
Lucca looks suspicious. You aren't going to help him? What is going on here?
"Remember I have this Sheild of Faith scroll, Tal. Tell me when you want me to use it."Lucca nods, Yes! Yes! Perfect!
On a personal note however where can I place a wager on myself?By all means!
Lucca will then take the wager.
Tal rolls his shoulders as he limbers up Ah about miss Lorelei over there is not part of my help in the arena. Instead she is along for council. Richard will be accompanying in the arena and supporting me.
Whenever Mera has finished playing to the clientele I will be ready. Just let me know when the fighting starts.
To Richard when they have a moment. I would recommend starting with the heroism first. Then proceed with the shield of faith. After that...well we will just have to see what he all sends at me and how.
"Apologies, Lord Lucca, but I can't assist him without breaking the rules of the arena. I'm afraid I've no support to offer but cheers." Lorelei smiles at the thug, and then Lucca. "But, if it concerns you I will watch from behind him. I'm afraid I won't make for much entertainment."
"Of course, Tal." Richard casts Heroism. "Good luck on the battlefield, sir!"
Lucca chuckles, Well it will definately help if the stars of the Six trials stand behind Reeva, here. In fact there is a very important VIP that wishes to meet you. Lucca nods and a thug quickly exits and returns five minutes later with a ravishing beauty.
Lucca is obviously flustered. May I present Chammady Drovenge!
Chammady smiles at Tal and Mera. Yes, yes, we have met before at the Mayor's little picnic. She then spots Lorelei, Richard and Girolamo. But I do not recall you three there. She smiles seductively (at both Lorelei and the men) as she circles each one. And what do each of you bring to the party? hmmmm? I am curious why you did not partake of the play, but are here now? she purrs.
Lorelei bows her head deferentially. "I'm afraid I'm just a personal assistant, Lady Drovenge. The only thing special about me is who I get to associate with these days. Yourself, for example. And Lord Lucca, here."
Lorelei smiles. "Well, if you want to know all the sordid details of my life, I may admit to being a dancer of the more.... scandalous persuasion." She then winks at Chammady and Lucca.
Richard clears his throat.
This woman orbits around him like a predator.
"Ah greetings, Lady Drovenge! I have a lot of money riding on him." He grins. "I also owe him a favor, so I'll be supporting him afterward."
Richard is very careful not to name him. If she mentions Tal, which name will she use? Richard prepares to deflect the conversation.
"At any rate, I'm certain we can get better acquainted afterwards?"
He grins.
Sherix isn't fully sure if RIchard is up to his old tricks, or if he's trying to distract a potential leak.