Cal noticed the women talk about dancing and his attention was immediately drawn to the tall guardslady who had not introduced herself as of yet. He had a lot of friends in the guards, but he didn't remember her. She must have joined up in they last year since he had busied himself with the upkeep of House Fordyce. "Battle can indeed be a dance, and dance can also indeed be a battle. I've a full knowledge of local dance styles as well as classical, Chelaxian and Taldorian folk and I would be happy to teach. I even can provide the music as well."
He made a gesture in the air and snapped his fingers and instantly there was a violin in his hands. "This is just for emergencies, but I know a few other musicians as well that would be happy to help in such an endeavor." Like an ancient warrior that cannot allow his sword to be resheathed without tasting blood, Cal called upon his violin to sing out it's beauty before letting it vanish back to where it came from with a bit of a sigh.
Regarding what just happened as one of the most natural things in the world, he continued the conversation to answer Nic's question giving her his full attention with his deep brown eyes. "You can call me Cal. I've played in all sorts of places when I was younger, but now I usually play on the East Shore. I've had a few gigs at the Shoreline Drinkhall in the past month. I've also played at the Marbledome upon request. There's a strong lack of good eight fingered violinists in the city."
Annabelle nods at Mercy and returns the smile. "I'd say you're right - though," patting the quiver slung over her shoulder "I prefer some distance with my dancing. By the by, my name is Annabelle. And since we seem to be here for a certain purpose, perhaps I should know a few of yours?"
Anna, her throat a bit parched, would take the offered bottle of wine (a short swig) before taking in a bit of bread.
Giving a great clap and nod to the fine violinist, "I appreciated the offer, but I am a poor study. I'd welcome the music - and what other sorcerous tricks you may have." She gives a easy smile at Calcedon.
Dorian sat and listened when there was a break in the conversation, and wondering if this had been some mistake, he spoke, most likely to nobody in particular.
since introductions are going, I am Dorian. guide, for the Pathfinder lodge, well sometimes.
Nodding to those that speak of "dance" I prefer to dance, as you suggest, only when necessary.
he has some more of the food offered, and avoids the wine. instead drinking the water from his canteen.
Paulus reluctantly pulls his gaze away from Elise, surveying the couple of newcomers with polite interest. He did not recognize either of them, so he smiles and nods in greeting. He continues to refrain from eating or drinking, his eyes drifting to his card. He patiently waits, occasionally glancing at Zev and Mercy to gauge their demeanor, sneaking disbelieving peeks at the Iomedaean. This was one of the happiest days of his life. Any resolution with Lamm would be icing on the cake.
Exchanging a last happy smile with Paulus, the young warrior hesitantly returns her attention to the general conversation. Observing the new arrivals while Cal plays his violin, Elise quickly applauds when he finishes "Well played Cal, you surely have talent. The arts have escaped me unfortunately; all I ever learned was the sword."
Heading over to the table, Elise picks up the note and reads it over a second time before glancing passively at the food on the table. Lost in thought, Elise rubs the back of her neck before finally turning to lean on the table. Looking at each individual in the room, she quickly determines that everyone is probably as confused as she is presently "I'm not one for fortune telling, but it appears each of us was given one of these with a purpose," pausing a moment, Elise smiles somewhat ruefully and adds "hopefully whoever that was arrives soon; it's unlike a host to be late for their own party."
Zev just maintains his position by the door, keeping a watchful eye out for any sign of ambush or threat. If he catches sign of their host, that would be welcome as well. He does not offer any more introductions beyond the first one, and doesn't go anywhere near the food or drink. It would be way too easy to off them with tainted food and drink, and not even have to show up.
Shortly after everyone settles down, a chill wind blows through the room as the front door opens and a lovely middle-aged Varisian woman steps in from the cold. Her voice is pleasant and warm, as she greets you.
“Thank you for coming, my friends, and for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you." she says as she takes one of the unclaimed chairs, "I have reason to remain hidden, you see—a terrible man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help. This is a man most of you know, for he has done something terrible to you as well. I speak, of course, of Gaedren Lamm, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of those he touches are matched only by his gift for avoiding reprisal. You see, a year ago, his thieves stole this, my Harrow deck, from me. It is important to me, an heirloom passed down through a dozen generations, and also my sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it, my son, Eran, tracked them down. The thieves were in the employ of Gaedren Lamm, and in reward for finding them, Gaedren murdered my son.
“I sought help from the Guard, but they turned me away. And so I asked around. I paid bribes. I consulted my Harrow deck for advice. And recently, I was rewarded—I found out where Gaedren dwells. He can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where he trains his abducted children to be pickpockets and counts his stolen treasures.
“And now, I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if I were to go to them, Gaedren would certainly know of their coming well in advance. Even if they did arrest him—what guarantee would I have he would be punished? This criminal has evaded the law for decades. But you know of these frustrations as well, for word on the street has it that Gaedren has wronged each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for him to pay.”
Her gaze sweeps over everyone as she pauses for a moment.
"Will you help me, and everyone else who's been under Lamm's thumb?" she asks, an unheard plea buried in her voice.
Paulus's heart goes out to the woman, the plea for those who currently are and have been under Lamm's yoke making him wince in self-reprisal for years of doing nothing to stop the man. Indeed, this fair woman might have a living son if he had...but what was done was done. He steels himself, nodding to the woman.
The bluntness of Rhasuel's comment shocks him, but at it's heart it really is no different than his own feelings, if less polished. He locks eyes with the seer for a moment.
"I will also see justice done, my lady. These wrongs must end. Is there any other information of value you could provide? Lamm is surely not alone..." He looks to Zev at this point. The half-orc was almost paranoid, but Paulus thinks in this situation that could be useful.
Nicoletta springs to her feet at once, her chair clattering to the ground. Excitement and thrill burns in her eyes as she drops a hand to her rapier. "I've waited years for an opportunity like this," she hisses, eyes fixed on the Varisian woman. "Lamm will pay for what he did to my father - for what he did to me." She pats the blade fondly, standing her chair back up as she regains her composure.
Dorian stands there silent. thoughts racing in his head. she lost her son, Fin...I...I'm sorry Dorian's son comes to mind, the son he will most likely never see again.
I will assist. he says, his voice confident. yet some turmoil inside still east at him. but somehow, ending Lamm might, in some way, put him at ease, still, Fin is all but dead to him.
Weighing the words of the Varisian woman heavily, Annabelle nodded and said, "You have my services, all of you."
Chewing on the inside of her lip, Can we succeed where so many have failed - Lamm has slipped beyond they law, it seems. But I hate to circumvent the law and slip into vigilantism..
Mercy watches the Varisian woman intently as she tells them her tale;
Sense Motive:
The Old Fishery... makes sense for the rat to find a new bolt hole...
Mercy tries to recall anything of note from her mis-spent youth about that area and Westpier in
particular...
Knowledge: Local:
Still stern faced, Mercy nods her agreement at the others words;
"Lamm owes us all. One way or another he shall be held accountable for his crimes... May the light of Dawnflower guide us all in this task..."
Zev is startled, and berates himself, for not noticing the woman approach while he was guarding the door. That's what he gets for wasting time talking to the others. He eyes the woman warily, looking for any sign of deception in her story. She seems to be on the up and up, so he finds he is growing as eager as the others to visit retribution on Lamm. He tries to recall anything he may know about the place.
As the chair Nicoletta had previously occupied slams to the ground, Elise raises and eyebrow somewhat hesitantly. Like everyone else in the room, the young warrior had suffered at the hands of the petty criminal, but the desire for vengeance was something that could consume, and cause otherwise rational people to error.
With a light sigh, Elise glanced toward the ceiling. I knew the day would come when I would deal with Lamm, but I always hoped it could be done lawfully. Though such thoughts crossed her mind, deep down Elise was not so naïve as to believe that Korvosan law would allow for such a thing, otherwise Lamm would have met his end years ago.
So this was it then, a strange but sympathetic woman bringing forth an opportunity to some of his former victims to find justice, or revenge. Though it made her uncomfortable thinking about how this could all go down, there was a greater good that would be served one way or another with an end to Lamm’s operation.
"While I’m not particularly fond of the notion of vigilante justice, in Lamm’s case, I’m afraid there is no alternative. He has evaded justice one too many times, and for that reason, you can count on me.”
The clatter of the chair surely gets his attention, and he spots Nicoletta tapping her blade as she makes her exclamation. No surprise there, the woman had had a couple of years to temper her inner fire and apparently had let it continue to burn hot.
He listens to the two strangers give voice to their agreement. He was glad for the help...it might take every bit of their combined might to win through.
He nods at Mercy's statement. The Church of Sarenrae did not normally advocate this kind of work, but Lamm's dark deeds in the city had to end. The fact that Paulus, Zev, and Mercy were all here was proof of that.
He turns slightly as Elise speaks, listening intently. Well...it was also an opportunity to look at her a bit more without acting strangely. Her words echo his feelings on the matter. He hoped some of his more...feisty comrades would be able to control themselves in Lamm's lair.
Cal had nodded appropriately to those who expressed the appreciation of his music before their host came in and gathered all attention in the room.
Calcedon steepled six fingers in front of him curling two down within his palms, deep in thought. So, the harrow brought him here. He may never know whether or not Lamm was involved in his parent's murder, but it was certain that this man was a blight on the city. Considering his sins, this was either a shot at redemption or a possible retribution. Either way, he was called here for a reason.
"If he isn't alone, it seems we aren't either. Do we have any information on the layout of the old fishery or anyone he works with? Do you think we could find some things out before we went in there?"
Mercy listens intently at the others words and council, before finally turning to the woman who had brought this dispirit group together - speaking in a voice clear and pure - one out of sorts with her bloodlines features;
"My Lady. Your words stir our blood. Your hidden tears touch our hearts. That Lamm is a devil is true, but that you sought us out shows you know we are not mere hired swords nor assassins... All here have reason to hate; to see the old bastard ended..."
The tall shield maid pauses to look at the eyes of all those assembled afore continuing;
"... Yet we must remain clear when all reason is gone - that point when the ghosts of the pasts rise up and when old scars bleed once more... and bring him to justice first and foremost..."
Paulus looks to their hostess, wondering if she will deign to answer his questions, for he agreed with Calcedon that they should arm themselves with information before embarking on this journey.
He again nods at Mercy's statements, offering a reassuring smile as he looks over their fellows at their reaction to her words.
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Rhasuel nods. Jack him sky high on Shiver and let him fall back down before the head-mounting then. Got it. By his tone he in only partly joking. His Peri-blood is stirring again. That centuries past flirtation with evil by someone in his family tree is still effecting the bloodline. In Rhasuel's case, it means a distinct lack of second chances.
A bunch of washed-clean types in here. At least I know how to get my hands dirty. If it were left to them Lamm would probably get a trial.
Dorian was mostly silet but the words of "justice" definately weighed heavy on him.
finally he decided to say his peace. Justice, You say we must bring him to Justice. It was Justice that took away my home. It was justice that took my wife. It was Justice that took my son. It was justice that took my faith. And, it was Justice that almost took me. I will give Lamm justice. The same justice that was shown to me.
with that Dorian fell silent. he turned away no longer facing the others, His head low.
"Justice?!" Nicoletta asks incredulously, staring at Mercy as if the half-orc had grown a second head. "You think justice will get us anywhere? You think the law will do anything considering what they've let him get away with?" She shakes her head in bewilderment, her fiery hair shaking about her sharply-angled face. "You know what justice did to me? Justice ignored the clear alibi my father had when he was charged with murder. Justice was something I had to take into my own hands in an attempt to clear his name." She stabs a finger in Paulus' direction, her eyes glowing with poorly-contained rage. "He saw what justice did to my family. My father trying to take his own life because of the stares, the whispers, the conviction that caused him to lose his job, everything - he tried to kill himself because of your precious justice." She looks down, noticing her hand on the hilt of her rapier, and snatches it away as if the blade were red-hot.
"He deserves nothing, do you hear me?" she hisses. "Nothing but death. I don't care whether it's slow or quick, but the law will have nothing more to do with this."
Paulus winces at Nicoletta's words, almost recoiling as she jabs a finger in his direction. He remembered the day all too well that his holy brother Rainieri's father had been brought in on death's door. It was times like these he wished the world were more black and white.
He stands and locks eyes with Nicoletta, speaking softly at Rhasuel's wise request. "I think we all agree on Lamm's fate. The proper law has failed in this situation time and time again. But we should move ahead with clarity of mind and purpose. We might go to his dwelling as his executioners, but we go as executioners of Justice, not Vengeance. We should go to make Korvosa a better place to live, not to sate blood thirst. And perhaps while we are there we will find an opportunity to grant mercy, as well, to those in Lamm's employ. Especially the little ones. I myself could have ended up as one of Lamm's thugs if not for the bravery of one child and a kind twist of fate, so there is an opportunity for a better person to be born from each of them." He sits at this point, expecting a bitter retort. He starts to think of all he knows of the dock areas. A pitifully small amount. hopefully others knew more of this part of the city.
"I would hope that you'd be so kind as to help the children he's dubbed his lambs find a new home, and I know of a place you can take them even." Zellara breaks in.
"And yes, I am asking you to take this into your own hands. Lamm is too crafty and is owed enough favors that unless you manage to find solid proof of his crimes, he'll likely get off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. That doesn't mean I want nor expect barbarism." she finishes with a pointed glare in Rhasuel's direction.
She then looks to Mercy and Elise. "I understand that I have put you two, especially, in a difficult spot. If I believed that the courts would give Lamm what he so richly deserves, I'd say hand him over to the guard, but he hasn't gotten to his old and bitter age without finding the friends he needs to make sure he'll never see the inside of a cell. He deserves death for his crimes and I ask, no, beg you to deliver it to him. Preferably, without putting his head on a pike or torturing him."
After the fortune-teller takes a moment to calm herself down, and allow the tempers around the table to cool, she pulls out a Harrow deck, whose design matches that of the cards you carry.
"I believe that some of you have questions about the cards that I used to contact you with. The Harrow holds many subtleties and deeper meanings that other from of divination do not. I would like to perform a Harrow for all of you before you leave, although it is hardly proper repayment for what you have agreed to do for me."
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Rhasuel flips the harrow card between his fingers while he waits for his turn at the deck. This lady was kind enough, if a little soft. He remembers those days when the world was good and worries were simple. Hopefully he could get those days back. First thing's first though. Lamm needs to get dead.
Perhaps this wasn't the time to tell people he used to be a Hellknight, or at least one in training. Although he had some friends still in that arena he didn't agree with their methods, especially when they lacked mercy. He looked over at the half-orc. Yeah, she'd never really fit in there.
There were some definitely hurt and angry people here, and while their gracious host had specifically called things back to some semblance of reason, when she wasn't around things might get a bit hairy. "If we are as brutal and merciless as Lamm, we'll end up being like him in some ways and I do believe that none of us want that now, do we?"
Without giving much time for a response, Cal turned toward their host. "I wouldn't mind a reading. I'll take whatever aid you might have to give. If the man has connections, it may get ugly after this, but that's a risk I'm willing to take."
Paulus walks to the seer and hands her his card, the Midwife, before taking his seat again, curious. He is eager to start planning, but if this will help the woman cope, he is more than willing to sacrifice a few minutes to help her.
Dorian pulls his card from his pocket. looking it over, he then lays it on the table I don't normally believe in such things. but if it will make you feel safer, then I will listen
Quietly watching as Nicoletta vents her frustration at Mercy, Elise began ponder her own cruel encounter with Lamm. Perhaps he is beyond the reach of the law, or maybe Korvosan law is simply broken and too corrupt... either way, this situation has probably always needed an act of vigilantism to be resolved. Regardless, something about taking the law into her own hands was worrisome to Elise, as though ending Lamm might be just the initial descent down a slippery slope.
Returning her attention towards Zellara with a slight squint, Elise shrugs lightly and responds "Aye Zellara, I am resolved to help you, but I think Mercy will agree with me on this one, we cannot devolve into barbarism. Justice... justice will be swift, but not cruel." Shaking her head, it appears her otherwise outgoing and cheery disposition momentarily departs "He may have treated us all with the utmost cruelty; but I'll stoop to his level."
Moving behind Paulus, the lithe warrior places her hands on the chair he occupies as she stares at the card. The midwife. None of this had any meaning to Elise, but she found herself nonetheless fascinated. With a whisper quiet enough so that just Paulus and those immediately near her hear, Elise murmurs "This ought to be interesting."
Mercy absorbs the whiplash of pain, anger and hurt to her plea for clear heads and clemency like a stoic bulwark.
When the hot coals of emotion once again are tempered she listens to Elise's words and nods;
"The Goddess teaches us that trial by fire forges the exemplar steel; a process that requires patience yet yields that which is both strong yet flexible, is keen of edge and should only drawn when no other option remains... and as Lady Elise rightly says, justice, when it comes will be both swift and righteous."
The shield maid allows her words to be weighed upon, but it is clear she seeks no theological nor moral parley. Here stands a woman once of Lamm's shadows now reborn in the fires of Sarenrae's Healing Light; steadfast in her own purpose, yet respectful that others may not share her disciplined belief.
"Mistress I will listen to your words on my card..."
Mercy waits for her turn, then presents her card The Empty Throne to the fortune teller.
Remembering the haunting dreams she had since a youth, Annabelle seems a bit hesitant to get a reading. Looking at the Varisian woman deep in the eyes, "I'll take your request, madame, though these readings...they're just fortunes, right? Nothing deeper?" She holds The Dancer in her hand, but does not quiet hand it over just yet.
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He smiles as he twists to look behind him at the holy warrior, nodding his agreement before turning back to watch the Harrow reading. He believes Sarenrae guides his life in all Her wisdom, and no deck of cards will sway Her will, but he also knows there is much of life he doesn't understand, and so watches with an open mind.
Nicoletta tosses her card onto the table, looking down at the juggler's face. She sits back, her anger almost physically radiating from her like a simmering flame.
Zev, drops his card on the table, with a scoffing 'hmmpf', but he makes no move to leave or ignore the woman. It probably as close as she'll get to an acquiescence from him for a reading. He's willing to listen, though, as he's actually curious about what the card has to do with him, if anything. To the others he only offers, "I'm pretty sure I know where the fishery is. I think Lamm is squatting, so the only innocents we need to worry about are the children."
Paulus turns to regard Zev, green eyes sharp as he notes the information. Zev was reliable, so if he said he knew where it was, it was good enough for Paulus. As for the other statement...Paulus would try to save any lives he could in the hopes of restoring them for the Dawnflower, or at least washing souls before final judgment was pronounced, but there was no reason to argue about it here, in this atmosphere.
Zellara smiles like a mischievous child who got away with something. The lights grow dim and the candles flicker in an unfelt breeze. Cards dance and shadows caper as she settles into her chair.
"Nothing deeper dear? My, my, how this age has sapped the faith of people. The cards know more than most. Indeed, a skilled Harrower might be able to glean far more than one would think possible. I believe that the card fits you better than you'd expect." a flick of her wrist catches a single card in her fingers as her other hand sets the neat stack of cards on the table. "The Dance, you seek to find a balance. One of law and order and kindness. Ever graceful and fluid in a rigid structure. Does this not describe you? An archer that seeks to be one of the Sable Company's marines?"
She doesn't wait for a reply or an answer as she flicks the card around once more. "And you sir," she says, turning to Rhasuel, "The Uprising. A groundswell, a desire to be free of bounds or fear, but care must be taken lest what drives you consumes you and you turn into the thing you hate the most. Ever walking a tightrope, between giving up and raging through the streets, overcome by anger and hate. Am I right Scholar?"
Once more the card twirls. "The Keep." she says, looking to Zeverin, "An unshakable fortitude. A power that will not be extinguished so easily. Something that was hard won after falling to temptation. Is that true Alchemist?"
The card flashes again. "Ah, the Midwife." she smiles at Paulus, "Fitting for a man that has shown and given several a new life after finding that they could go no lower. A worthy recipient of that card you are Priest."
Her fingers flip the card yet again. "The Juggler" she says as her gaze falls on Nicoletta. "A tempter of fate, one who sees destiny as a mere suggestion. A firebrand that sets things in motion with nothing more than luck and moxie on their side. Do you believe that is you, Sword?"
The card twirls again, revealing two cards this time. "The Empty Throne and the Trumpet." her eyes look to both Mercy and Elise in turn. "Two women of faith and kindness. One is a shield, the other a spear. One is mercy, the other justice. For one, loss brings better things. For the other, she is a declaration of her faith's power, an instrument of her goddess' will. Do I have the right of it, Shield Maiden and Spear Maiden?"
The cards become one as they dance across her fingers. "The Publican" She says looking at Dorian, her eyes dim. "I know more than you would probably like, and I will not reveal it here, but I do know that you value other's friendship and companionship more than you are willing to show. I say to you, Hunter, that you are among friends here."
Zellara twirls the card one last time, letting it spin on a corner on the table until it falls face up in front of Calcedon. "The Theater, fitting for a performer, I believe. Despite setbacks and very difficult times, you have become what others said you would, a master violinist. I regret that I have only heard of your prowess, Maestro. Perhaps you would be kind enough to let me listen some time?"
She sweeps the card back into the deck and shuffles it once more before drawing nine cards.
"The first part of the Harrow is the choosing. The card you draw reveals a little about the role you are to play in events to come. There are nine of you and nine cards, chose wisely." the fortune teller spreads the cards out in front of everyone. Her hand still as she waits.
Zev goes straight away for the fifth card, representing how long it's been since his whole life changed.
Paulus feels a shiver run through him as the woman recites through each reading. Some stories of those in the room he knows, others he can guess at, but the woman seems to know an abnormal amount about them. He eyes the cards with wariness and not a little bit of wonder.
He contemplates scanning the woman and her deck for the sorcerous means she is using, but decides against it. This felt RIGHT. He was certainly not in the business of questioning Her will, so he reaches forward to claim a card at random.
Dorian listens to her words. he still does not buy into the cards dictating his fate. but still, something in her words, something called to him to draw.
The Juggler sounded more like Nicoletta than she cared to admit. Swallowing hard, she reaches out for the second card. Two years she's been searching. It felt right.
Mercy looks to Elise as the Harrower's words drive home.
I am the bulwark of my faith; a Shield Maid of Sarenrae. She has the right of it...
She then reaches out to the 9th card.
Eight notes in a scale... he thought to himself as he took the eighth card. "I will be happy to come and play for you soon. There's this unfortunate business I have to take care of first but when that is complete I'll come back here and play for you."
He gave her a smile which had it's own sort of magic and awaited her words.
With a raised eyebrow, Elise considers her fortune somewhat reluctantly. I have never considered myself a weapon... Looking over towards Mercy, it appeared the orcish Sarenraen found some revelation with Zellara's assessment. Pondering a moment further, Elise glances slowly at the shinning blade at her side, provided to her by the Abbess at the temple A Spear Maiden; maybe Iomedae has designs for me in all this after all.
Elise was growing more intrigued by the moment, and as though no longer under her own will, the young warrior passively selects the sixth card.
A look of wonderment sweeps about Annabelle's face. Some coincidence, perhaps? Many would look at me and think of my aspirations. But I've never seen this woman before, so how else could the rest ring so true?
Composing herself, she looks at the remaining two cards. In a quiet voice, "Then I must take my shot." she proclaims, and takes the fourth.