Tusilak watches the looks Vargo is throwing Brask wondering why the man would look so venomously at our host. Once Ralli has moved out into the common area and the group is alone with Minus and Brask again, the shaman asks, "This Vargo, the man in the kitchen? Why is he so angry? You are helping him out by giving him a job here aren't you?"
Russ mostly keeps to himself as the food is served, watching the rescued children with a distant look. He starts to ask some of the children how Mara was treated while she was Lamm's prisoner, but seeing how happy they are playing their games, he decides it's best not to remind them of the wicked man after all. Occasionally, he walks over to a window and looks out into the streets to assess the situation.
While dinner is served, Rhade tries to find out a bit more about Lamm's defeat, and what the future plan for all the children was. She has been working under the assumption all the children around were former Lamb's, and tried to confirm all these facts.
Over the food, Raina fills Rhade in on the details of their expedition: getting a message from a mysterious Varisian fortune-teller, being sent to the fishery, and so forth. She very quickly glosses over the fact that she and Sev were nearly killed, and also does not mention at all what they found in Lamm's office... at least in front of the children.
Raina will eat lunch quickly, eager to join the children in their games. Eventually she winds up play-fighting or arm wrestling with a couple of them, laughing as three young boys try their hardest to tag team her but still fail to best the professional wrestler.
Russ can't help but laugh when he sees Raina play-wrestling with the kids. His laugh tapers off as he remembers his promise to Mara, long ago, that he would stop fighting at the taverns for money. Sorry, Blessed Mara. I would beat the Queen herself into a bloody pulp if it meant you would be alive and free. Forcing his mind away from such dark thoughts, he returns to his meal.
Undoubtedly, things might haven't gotten so out of hand if Talliree hadn't been offering some ridiculous addition at every turn.
Tusilak watches the looks Vargo is throwing Brask wondering why the man would look so venomously at our host. Once Ralli has moved out into the common area and the group is alone with Minus and Brask again, the shaman asks, "This Vargo, the man in the kitchen? Why is he so angry? You are helping him out by giving him a job here aren't you?"
"That is a tale best told o'er mead, me friend."
Brask fishes around for a few bottles as lunch is brought. Though it's far from refined, it's filling, and much to Brask's delight, tasty. After sampling the meal, Brask hands out the bottles to the others in the group
"Vargo, ye see, is from Cheliax. tha lad is about as loyal ta that blasted place as a dog ta it's owner. He moved ta Korvosa because he wouldn't 'stoop' ta anythin' lower. He was tha 'eir ta a minor merchant in some place. From what I've gathered, he almost made orcs seem like gentlemen. Crass, rude, basically a thug ta anyone of lower status."
Brask takes a swig of tha bottle he had gotten for himself before giving a mirthless chuckle.
"He was a perfect gentleman if you were at or above his station in life. Didn't help that he was an idiot. I've talked ta several traders that worked with his family after he showed up, found out that he had ta eat crow several times when he said somethin' then found out who he was talkin' to. Anyway, he felt that tha world owes him, and it wasn't delivering. He was approaching twenty, his parents are pressuring him ta find a wife. He apparently was 'trystin'' with some o' tha servants, but no one ever found him really attractive or wealthy enough ta marry. His parents are hosting some sort o' ball and he finds himself tryin' ta woo this girl. He thought she was from some minor family. As fate had it, she wasn't and he was caught ripping her dress off. tha man had ta run because he just got caught tryin' ta get up tha skirts o' the daughter o' the richest merchant in town. Needless ta say he needed ta disappear, so he wound up here, half-starved and desperate for food. I asked him if he could do anythin' and made him tha cook when he said he could do a little. 'Bout tha only thing he can do is soup."
Brask drains the last of the mead in his bottle and finishes the last of his lunch before letting loss a belch.
"I think yourrrr kitchen trrrroubles arrre overrr Brrrask. This is quite good."
Talliree sips at a sweet, fruity, and decidedly undwarven ale with a mark like that on the barrels in the cellar that the party meet Minus in.
"So when you say that he's not willing to learn, you mean he won't learn to respect others? He sounds like he could be taken down a peg or two."
Kishta listens to Raina recount the details of Lamm's defeat while she picks at her food -- her appetite hasn't returned since all the excitement of the morning, but she knows she needs to eat.
With a start, she realizes that she's never shared a meal with a Shoanti before. She carefully puts down her utensils, then tries to surreptitiously observe Tusilak. How does he hold his fork? After how many bites does he take a sip? What is he doing with his knife? Then she starts eating again, trying to use the etiquette of a true Shoanti.
Russ steps back from the window and strides back to where everyone is eating lunch. "Don't be alarmed, but we'd best be on our guard - there are some suspicious folk wandering around outside. They might be looking for trouble."
Rhade finds a bottle of Tien sake. She enjoyed her beverages warm, no surprise given her heritage. When she heard Russ's warning, she quickly moved to the window to see for herself. "Dawnflower keep us safe," she muttered as her tail stood straight up.
Brask opens his mouth to reply to Russwin's warning, but is interrupted by shouting coming from the kitchen.
You can hear what is going on clearly, the walls are thick, but the yelling is loud, and it sounds like Karvo and Raseri are the ones doing most of it.
"You should know your place, ulfen! I am of noble mien and I do not take orders from a northern cow with her snot-nosed brats in tow."
"How old do you think I am? These are my sisters."
"What difference does it make, you probably laid with your own father. The point is I don't need you in my kitchen."
"Our papa would never do anything like that." squeaks out one of the twins.
"And I certainly do not need these filthy horrors in here."
The sharp staccato sound of someone slapping another person, followed by the sounds of crashing pots and a feral snarl, is heard from the kitchen shortly before Karvo tumbles through the door. Raseri stands in it, her face flushed with anger, anger that hasn't been sated yet. She grabs the dazed cook from the floor and slams him into the wall.
"Lay a hand on my sisters again and I will gut you with a rusty dagger."
Brask recovers from the shock and moves to pull the enraged woman from the man, but he sees Alfhildr standing in the door, her cheek turning black and swelling. He glares at Karvo, and for moment, looks as if he might choke the life out of the man himself as he pries Raseri's grip loose.
"Karvo. Did ye strike this child?"
"I fail to--"
"Y-yes."
Again, the anger returns to his eyes, and Karvo wilts under the glare.
"Get yer crap. Ye got ten minutes."
Karvo is gone in five, very much eager to put distance between himself and the woman who'd just soundly beat him.
*Sigh* "I should be clawin' yer back fer that, but I can't say that I'd been much better. Here, lemme see that silvertop."
He leans done and gently moves Alfhildr's head to the side to get a better look at the bruise.
"I-i'm sorry. I just lost it." Raseri takes a deep breath and regains some of her composure. "I'll clean up the kitchen and go. I'm sorry I cost you a cook."
"Yup, gonna have a shiner fer a few days. See if Kin's got sumthin' fer that."
Brask sends Alfhildr off to see the stern half-elf while he turns to the girl's older sister.
"Girly, you cost me a pain in tha arse. Ye have any idear how long I've been lookin' fer a cook worth a damn? Oh no ye ain't leavin' cause o' that. He'd probably be gone in a few days anyway, tha way he was actin'."
Turning to the group he scratches his head and grumbles something.
"A'right. Ye lot need ta get on yer way. Day's half-gone and at the rate things are goin', yer gonna have ta be fightin' goblins ta get outta here. Ye should be fine if you follow Minus' advice. He's about as crafty as they come, and I'm glad ta have 'em."
He's half right. As all of you make your way out, the children you rescued crowd around to say thank you and beg you to come back. Talliree seems like she wanted to stay, and almost had to. In the end, it takes about ten minutes to get out the door and onto the dreary streets. A light, cold rain begins to fall as you make your way to Castle Korvosa.
As the group leaves the building, Rhade approaches Brask. "You saved my life earlier, Brask. I'd you hadn't let me in, the crowd would have ripped me to shreds. If there is ever anything I can do to repay you, do not hesitate to ask me. After all this dies down, I'll be back at Saranrae's temple. Come find me any time," the tiefling says as she hugs the dwarf.
Bidding farewell to Brask and the children, Russ packs his meager belongings. "The city could use more folk like you, Brask," he says as they depart.
As they walk along the street, Russ keeps an eye out for those burly-looking dockworkers or any other people who seem threatening.
Raina seems somewhat reticent to leave the kids behind, but eventually acquiesces after a long string of promises weedled out of Brask and his staff (which mostly involved them smiling and nodding and ignoring her after the paranoia took over). She's still a little forlorn as they traverse the streets of Korvosa, convinced that their trip to see the Queen was going to end incredibly poorly. She's quite jumpy, suspicious of any individuals that come too close.
As they leave, Kishta realizes that she never actually met any of the children. Probably just as well. She was nothing to them, and it didn't make her commitment to finding them homes any less.
Accustomed to acting as muscle, she sets herself up on the opposite flank from Raina, and keeps her eye out for trouble, while running through what she might say to any officials they might deal with. Milani teaches speaking Truth to Power, but the elder has asked me to maintain respect. I will do the best I can.
By following Minus' advice, the party manages to avoid the riots all together. After an hour of winding through the alleyways of Korvosa, the Castle comes into view. Heavy patrols of the city guards, Sable company marines, and a disturbing number of Hellknights marches though the wide avenues surrounding the castle. They look over the group thoroughly, but in the end let them pass without much comment.
The climb up the stairs on the Grand Mastaba is long, but uneventful, until the top that is. Once the party reaches the landing, a group of three guardsmen approach.
"The castle is not seeing any visitors. State your business here, or be gone."
Russ thinks it best to let someone else do the talking in this particular situation. His track record of friendly interactions with the city guards is.... unimpressive. He stands holding his weapon in a non-threatening manner and observes from the back.
"Through a miracle of the Dawnflower, we have found a piece of jewelry that is so magnificent, we assumed it could only belong to the Queen. We are here to confirm that fact, and if so, return it to her."
Diplomacy
"Wait here." One of the guards leaves, only to return a few minutes later with a stern, but attractive woman in tow.
"These are the ones ma'am."
"Hmm, indeed. Well, I am Sabina Merrin, the Queen's Handmaiden. If you do have an item of the queen's you're more than welcome here, but I still need to confirm that it is indeed the brooch that was stolen."
Assuming no one protests, she examines the brooch for a moment before nodding to herself.
"It seems you've indeed found the queen's missing brooch. If you would, leave your weapons here with the guards. Don't worry they'll be returned to you when you leave."
As soon as everyone is unarmed, the woman nods to the guards who carry the weapons off to be stowed somewhere safe. She returns her attention to the party and waves for them to follow her.
"Follow me, please. With all that is happening, the Queen is very busy, but I'm sure that she will be willing to spare a few minutes for you."
Sabina leads the party on with a swift confident stride to the throne room doors. She speaks quietly with one of the door guards, who gives her a short answer. She keeps her voice low as she addresses the party again.
"It will be at least another five minutes. In the mean time, how would you like to be announced?"
Untrained Knowledge roll
Rhade advises the others about the announcement process. "I don't have any special title. I am Pasiune Rhade, Follower of Saranrae."
"Hmm. I don't have any titles either. I guess I'm simply Russwin Ardath, of Korvosa."
"Does it really matter?" Raina grumbles. She looks incredibly uncomfortable in this environment. Lucky for her, she doesn't have any weapons to give up (at least, those that can be removed without amputation...).
"Call me Lady Raina d'Avarre of Westcrown."
Her face is shockingly, terrifyingly straight when she says that.
Russ raises an eyebrow but quickly straightens his expression. Lady Raina? That would certainly be interesting... if it were believable... then again, I haven't even known this woman for a day. Could she really be noble-born? She doesn't seem like she's bluffing...
Russ spends a good long while looking bewildered.
Noting Russ's confusion, Raina stoically waits for the major-domo to leave before giving the ranger a sly wink.
Talliree ponders for a moment before beaming brightly.
"I am Talliree Yndercook, Touched by the Tundra to toss about spells of winter better than thaumaturges to timid to not tote titanic tomes to and throe."
Mirroring Russ, Tusilak raises an eyebrow at Raina's response, but then simply bows his head respectfully to Sabina. Speaking in his deep voice, he declares, "I am Tusilak Stalks Twilight, shaman of the Skoan-Quah, and pupil of our great shaman Thousand Bones."
"Strange garb for a lady, if you'll forgive the suspicion milady." Sabina replies to Raina. Nodding to Kishta"And I'm afraid you have not introduced yourself."
"Kishta Feathersmoke."
"Very well, I believe the Queen is almost ready to see you."
A few minutes pass before the doors open. Two men, merchants from the look of them, walk out swiftly, their eyes wide and voices low.
The throne room is vast and richly decorated in reds and blacks. Stained glass filters the light as it comes in giving the hues a deeper feel. At the head of the room sits a the fabled Crimson Throne, and upon it sits Queen Illeosa, dressed in black, and her face covered by a veil. Even so, her beauty is still clear.
"Your Majesty," Sabina begins as she bows low, "I present Lady Raina d'Avarre of Westcrown, Pasiune Rhade, Follower of Saranrae, Russwin Ardath, of Korvosa,Tusilak Stalks Twilight, shaman of the Skoan-Quah, and pupil of the great shaman Thousand Bones, and Talliree Yndercook. They come to deliver this back to you." Sabina climbs the stairs of the dias, and hands the queen the brooch you had recovered from Gaedren Lamm.
“This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope."
“I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more."
“If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way—the Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourself. Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I
hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
The Queen rises from the throne and departs, leaving Sabina to see to your reward and escort you back to the square around the castle. She has a guard bring a richly decorated chest filled with 12 gold ingots. (Ingots and chest are worth 1250GP)
As the Queen leaves, Rhade turns to Sabina. "I think us helping the town would be a wonderful idea. There is so much good in this town that I want to help protect. I'd be happy to pitch in and help the guard deal with the riots. Tell Field Marshall Kroft that she's got a volunteer."
Raina blinks at Sabina's comment. She hadn't thought this far ahead...
"I, uh, I'm on a mission from my Father to understand the plight of the lower class. You know?" Raina certainly doesn't look like she knows. "Gotta fit in, live like 'em, and so forth."
=======
Raina will bow to the Queen, if only to keep up appearances, but otherwise remains impassively neutral throughout their meeting. Once Queen Ileosa leaves, she scowls, muttering to the nearest person:
"God she waffles on, doesn't she?"
"As for her 'suggestion' that we help out... well, besides the fact that it sounds less like a suggestion and more like an order to me, I guess I don't have much of a problem with it. Sounds like the type of work I do every day. Uh, as a cover, y'know," Raina hurriedly adds for Sabina's sake. "But really, if it means we can quell some of the riots it can't be a bad idea. People shouldn't be scared in their own homes for some idiots taking out their anger on everyone else."
"So... yeah. Count me in."
As the merchants slip by, Tusilak sees if he can catch any of their conversation, hoping to gather a bit of information to help anticipate the queen's mood. Unfortunately, they pass much too quickly and the shaman follows the rest into the throne room.
Inside, Tusilak watches for clues as to the etiquette to be displayed with the queen, never having interacted with such high nobility. He bows to the queen after Sabina's introduction and listens to the queen's speech. Perhaps everything is not so far lost as Minus thought. By working with the queen, it may provide an opportunity to stitch back together some of Thousand Bones's work that has been undone by the riots.
As Rhade and Raina offer their willingness to support the queen's request, Tusilak adds "Companions, it sounds like we'll be together a little longer than originally planned. I too would join this cause in hopes that it may help build bridges among our people. It sounds like we are needed at Citadel Volshyenek."
"Guess I'm in too. We're not going to have to wear uniforms, are we?"
Talliree pipes in.
Russ looks at the others before turning back to Sabina.
"I'm in."
The handmaiden turns her eyes to Kishta. With a sigh the Milanite shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, but I feel that the are better ways for me to help."
With that, she bids everyone farewell before heading back into Korvosa proper. Sabina waves over a runner and asks him to fetch a couple of guards. A few minutes later, a couple of women dressed in the livery of the Korvosan guard appear.
"Ah, Velrina. Have you thought about signing on?"
The younger looking guardswoman absently runs a hand through the tangle of black hair on her head.
"S-sorry ma'am I just don't think I'm as good as you think I am."
"Well, I have to disagree, so please think about it. In the meantime, I need you two to make sure that this lot makes it to the Citadel safely."
The slightly older woman snaps to attention and gives Sabina a curt salute.
"You can count on us, ma'am."
Sabina gives you all a nod before leaving you with your escorts.
The streets are strangely silent in the wake of the violence from the morning, that is until a drunken man spies the group.
"Neffi? Ish that you?"
Make that reeeeeeaaaaally drunk.
Spying Rhade, his face brightens, turning from flushed to shiny red.
"Neffi! Howya been pal?! I haven't sheen ya shinsh dat Wi-wither-weaffer? Da vickersh shon got dropped offa da Gate."
He claps a hand around the priestess' shoulder and begins hauling to a tavern nearby.
"Dere's dish place vid da besh ale an' girls vid big ol', well, ya know."
His eyes drop to Rhade's bosom and a frown comes over his face.
"Shinsh when did ya haff a rack?"
"sorry, friend, but I'm not this Neffi that you seem to be looking for. And I'm not a guy either, which I assume Neffi is. But, a piece of advice...it might be worth your time to find some coffee, because your head will probably hurting really badly in the morning. The Dawnflower brings the light every morning, whether you want to see it or not," she says sympathetically to the fellow clearly in his cups.
Before the drunk man can take a few moments to process what Rhade said, the older of the two guards' eyes widen in recognition.
"Sarge? What the hells are you doing drunk?"
The sergeant squints blearily at the woman, some sense seeming to come back to him.
"Sham? Whacha doin' in Riddleport?"
Tusilak looks sadly at the man, thinking of how many of his fellow Shoanti have also succumbed to drink rather than find peace in the city. "Not Riddleport...Sarge?...you're in Korvosa." The shaman considers the incantations he has prepared today, coming up blank with ideas on how to help the man. "Perhaps a nearby tea room or coffee house where he could sober up. Or, would you guards be able to take him back to a barracks to recover?"
"Lishen here, bub. I knowsh my to--" Whatever he was trying to say, it's interrupted as the man empties the contents of his stomach onto the street.
"If you can help Sergeant Grau here stay on his feet, then the Citadel is exactly where he should go." The older woman, Sam keeps looking about, her tone edged with worry.
"Sorry Miss. He's normally not like this." Velrina apologizes to Rhade. She too looks about and even through the overcast gloom it is clear that the sun is setting.
"Unless you want to be out on the streets at night, we need to hurry." Sam warns.
"Sure, we can help get him to the Citadel. Come here Sergeant Grau. Let's all walk to meet Field Marshal Kroft arm-in-arm like old companions. We can help get the city back on its feet together. What do you say?" Tusilak looks around for someone to take the other side as he slides an arm under Sarge's arm and over his shoulder.
Rhade was no brute, but she certainly could support the drunken man with Tusilak's help. "Hold still, Grau. Let me on the other side of you. Here," she struggles, and latches onto Grau, trying to work in tandem with him and Tusilak.
Raina seems a mix of moderately disgusted and half-heartedly bemused at the state of the sergeant, and mutters, "Gods, no wonder the Queen's asking us for help - if this is the state of her army!"
She'll walk backwards in front of the drunken officer, ready to steady him should he lurch forward and keeping an eye out for anything he might stumble on.
"If you want the military, you want Sable Company. We're just the city watch, even as good as we try to be." Samantha looks at Grau with a look that manages to mix disappointment, jealousy, and a touch of sadness.
"Sorry about all this ma'ams," Velrina pauses, then flushes slightly as she seems to become away of the two men in the group, "An-and sirs!"
The rest of the journey is, thankfully, uneventful. The sun paints the clouds a bloody red as it sets, leaving the Citadel lit only by torches and lanterns. The men and women of the Guard scurry about, some more haggard than others. More than a few sported cuts, scraps, or bruises.
"This way, please." Samantha leads the party through the gates then grabs one of the runners as he races past, nearly jerking him off his feet. "Where's Malcolm? I need him to get Grau somewhat sober."
"Dunno, ma'am, probably out with a patrol on their way to the Academy, some idiots set it on fire, again."
After a minute or so, Grau is hauled off to the barracks to sleep off the drink. Samantha and Velrina lead all of you through the central keep to the office of Field Marshal Cressida Kroft. She is found at her desk rubbing her temples while a mound of reports threatens to overflow her desk. With a resigned sigh that's barely heard she looks up and smiles.
“Ah yes—you are the ones sent by Queen Ileosa. Greetings— my name is Cressida, and heroes of your caliber are exactly what Korvosa needs now. You’ve been on the streets. You know better than me how bad things are out there. It’s breaking my heart to see Korvosa tear herself apart like this. Every little bit of aid we can get from upstanding citizens like you helps. If you’re willing, I’d very much like to retain your services as agents of the Guard. I don’t need to say, of course, that you’ll
be well compensated for these services.”
The smile slips into a weary frown as she continues, and the stress of trying to keep the city from falling apart lines her face.
"For the most part this town has taken me in with open arms. I'd like nothing more than see it remain whole it all its glory. Saranrae brings light and fire, but all things in moderation, so I'd like to keep the town from being burned to the ground."
"I would help as well Field Marshal Kroft. I came to the city to help Thousand Bones to help forge peace between our peoples. It would hardly be helpful to see it burned to the ground."
"If there's money involved, I can manhandle--woman-handle?" Raina looks quizzical at this thought, then shakes her head. "--a bunch of rioting looneys all you want, ma'am." She gives Cressida a half-arsed salute and a grin. "I've got a lot of experience as a privately-operating bodyguard and bouncer, so I'm sure I can do a good job."
I wonder what Sev would say to me now? Joining up to the most legit of all legit jobs there is--city guard? Raina chuckles to herself, but deigns to not explain it.
Both Russwin and Talli agree to help out, at Raina's suggestion, the field marshal sighs.
"If that was the only problem, I'd gladly let you at it. Things have been chaotic, but I'm finding that some of my men and women have deserted. Most because of concerns with family, but there are a few that I'm certain are only trying to save their skin, and drag others along. I'm sure this day has been tiring on you as well. Get some sleep and I'll call for you when I have something more than a wild goose chase to send you on."
With that, you are escorted to a room in the barracks, While it's not private, the group has it to themselves.
"Drag others along? We'll get some rest, but we're ready to help when you need us." Tusilak retires with the others to the offered room in the barracks, then tops when he feels the sensation from the Harrow Deck. After waiting a moment to make sure the feeling is real and not just the figment of an overly stressful night and day, he pulls out the deck and turns it over in his hands, then experimentally reaches for a card.
The cards take on a life of their own, swirling on winds only they feel. After a moment, Zellara stands before you, smiling as the cards dance over her fingers.
"I was beginning to worry that you had forgotten about me. I'm sorry for the deception My friends, but I needed to speak with you."
The smile fades from her face as she continues.
"As Raina, Tusilak, and Talliree know, I'm dead. Killed by Lamm like my son. Among other oddities, I've found that my divinations are more potent, and my spirit is tied to my Harrow deck. There are darker things on the horizon than a petty thug and a few riots. Grim days are coming."
The fortune teller sighs as something grim clouds her face.
"Korvosa is in need of heroes. Ones that are willing to risk all they have to protect others. Others than fear you, despise you, and turn on you. I can't tell you the outcome, only that if you do nothing, Korvosa will fall."