Eager to be gone from the warehouse and done with this portion of the assignment, Srina leads the party back along the pier and directly to the Pickled Imp. Guaril smiles when he see the party enter, "Ah, back already? I trust you bring my property as well." Andrazi turns over the mahogany box and the Varisian peeks inside just long enough to verify its contents. When he looks back at you, he is positively beaming, "Excellent job, Pathfinders. You've served me well. Now allow me to serve you in kind." He slides a full coin purse across the counter in your direction. "Don't fret, I'll let your Venture-Captain know just how helpful you've been. And remember, when you're finished with Ambrus's other errands, I'd be happy to discuss providing you with further assistance in your endeavors should you be so interested." He smiles knowingly.
The morning crowds of people making their way through this portion of the Docks foils further attempts at locating the mysterious halfling. Rather than waste further time, your party sets off for the Ascendents Court by way of the Coins. Although it is a couple hours still until mid day, the populous is out in droves. The warehouses and fish markets of the Docks quickly turn into mercantile houses. Eventually this gives way to the shrines and churches of the Ascendents. The address provided to you by Ambros is easy to locate, especially considering it belongs to the district's massive temple.
Upon your arrival, you are greeted promptly by a young acolyte. His voice is soft as he greets you, Welcome to temple of Sarenrae. Please enter and find rest within these walls."
The acolyte bows, "Right this way." As you're led further into the temple, a woman carrying the pose of a queen and a warrior simultaneously, notices your presence. She strides forward, addressing the younger servant of Sarenrae in a strong voice, "Who is it you have here, Jordane?" The boy bows respectfully to his superior, "They requested an audience with you, Lady Zadrian. I thought to bring them to your study." The woman nods once, "Thank you, Jordane. I will handle things now. Please go attend to the infirmary." The acolyte bows once again and scampers off to tend to other duties. Ollysta Zadrian casts an appraising eye over your group. She arches an eyebrow, as if to question your motivations for coming to her temple.
"Ah, yes," her face lights up in recognition, "Thank the light of Sarenrae. I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.
"Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many faction splintering the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society's resources. As it is said, ' The Dawn brings new light' and I've made it my life's work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and the Pathfinder Society.
"I appologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin's Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?"
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"Yea, what a shame. People only out for a quick gold piece." Andrazi says with a hint of sarcasm."Yea, I heard of you guys. You do some good work from what i hear. Of course we'll do this job. Me and the crew won't quit until its done either. Isn't that right?" That last part intended for the party as He looks around for a response.
Ollysta calls to an acolyte that happens to be passing within earshot, "Geoffrey, please bring me the delivery for Auntie Baltwin's." The young man bows towards Lady Zadrian and hurries back the way from which he had come. While you are waiting, the lady address Thoradin, "When your duties permit it, I would be most happy to tell you more of the Silver Crusade. Our work is never ending it seems and we will always welcome a new pair of hands to lighten the load." Moments later, the acolyte returns with a small package wrapped in thick vellum and tied with a length of twine. He turns it over to Ollysta who immediately hands the parcel to Srina, "Thank you once again, my fellow Pathfinders. May the light of Sarenrae continue to shine on you this day."
By backtracking through the Coins, you're able to follow the major thoroughfares through Absalom to the district of Eastgate. This is clearly a residential district. Trade shops and merchant stands quickly disappear and are replaced by an assortment of living establishments. The majority of the rickshaws you spy are headed out of the district, carrying their passengers to work or play in other parts of the city.
Nearly swarming with cats and children, Auntie Baltwin's Home for Recovery is a fine upper-class home that appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boys shoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch while several cats lounge in the yard. Sounds of dishes, coughing, and meowing emanate from inside.
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Seeing that Tanrov is still a little down, Thoradin walks up and Pats the large fellow on his Back
"Cheer up lad, me' Paw always said: "Me boy, the gods blessed our world with beautiful things that we may lay our eyes upon and smile, A rich vein of ore, a Finely crafted hammer, or a Frothing mug of ale. Women folk are among these, but are a little Diffferent. Don't stare, but glance, don't be shy to tell them you think they look pretty, BUT, don't ever touch them unless invited. Thats how you get in trouble!"
The boys look up at Andrazi's mention of coin. All at once, they make a break for the house, pushing and shoving to be the first one inside. You hear something shatter as the last boy disappears through the front door. As you wait patiently for someone to return, Tanrov walks over to where the cats are basking. Before he can reach out to even pet one, they scatter across the yard.
A moment later, one of the boys materializes in the doorway. He is waving to the party, indiciating they should come inside.
The interior of the house is teaming with cats and children. A few of the children take care of chores while coughs and sniffles softly erupt from the dormitories upstairs. The young boy who ushered you looks at Andrazi until a noise at the far end of the hallway draws his attention. An old crone of a woman emerges from one of several doors that occupy the length of the hall. She hobbles in your direction, looking each of you over as she draws closer.
"Go on," she commands, waving her arms at the youth still standing next to Andrazi, "Go play and let the adults talk."
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"Are you Auntie Baldwin? Because if you are, we got this package for ya." If she confirms her identity as Auntie Baldwin he will ask for a tour and make small talk with her."So how's things here? These little rugrats not giving you too much trouble right? Let's talk a walk around." He will give her his most charming smile as he speaks.
"Aye, I'm Gilga Baltwin. Has the Silver Crusade finally seen fit to send me the potions I asked for?" she questions as she extends her hand, "You'd think an organization devoted to helping people would put a little more priority on the young ones."
She looks at Andrazi as if he just declared the sky was blue, "How do you think they are, mister? I've got a house full of sick and restless children swarming over this place like flies - and I'm not exactly as spy as I used to be. Now, where's my package?"
"Are ya daft, girl? Look around. I nurse these children when they're sick or hurt. What do you think they're for? Eh, then again, I suppose you don't know anything about the healing arts, do ya?" Gilga looks to the package again and then to Andrazi with impatience.