1d20+4
Marak notices that Ali seems a bit intimidated by the sheer number of people around, and says to her in a low voice, "Just remember, Alisebett, that all these people are clustered here in the city because they lack the skill necessary to live in the much larger world beyond its walls, where people like you and Muchorak walk without fear."
"Lunas is wiser in the ways of surviving in the world outside of these walls than many you see here. They do not see it as such, but this city is a cage, that they cannot easily escape."
Ali looks up to her healy friend as he bends down to speak encouraging words to her. 'Yes' she thinks 'Lunas is wise. And Ali and Big Bear are not like these two-legs, who must hide in their stone dens. Yes yes! Ali may be small but she is strong and her teeth and claws are sharp!. Maybe Ali not know All world but she know her world." Smiling widely now, she stands up on her tippy toes to give her good healy friend a kiss on his cheek. Her confidence restored, she skips ahead to catch up with the others as they enter the tent.
....
Inside ... the 'Princess of the Market'..a slightly overweight redheaded woman of Varisian extraction somewhat past her prime but still exuding an aura of sensuality..in her younger years she must have been truly stunning. She sits on a throne like chair and waves away the sychophants surrounding her
Mr 'Smith' bows low.."The man Romon M'lady..and his..confederates."
"Ah Mr Hawkridge" she says in a voice which is almost a purr "..or should that be Mr Scoliolo, how kind off you to answer my summons so quickly..please..introduce me to your companions"
Romon takes his cue from the weasel and bows from the waist, "My lady, it would be my honor to do so. " He estimates that to flowery an introduction would be counter productive. 'twould be best to be brief and give away as little as possible. So he introduces the party as simply by name only except for " Muchorak the Mighty from the Great Storval Plain" and "the lovely Galtese Esteriande." He neglects to name the animals and adds at the end, "Hawkridge, if you please for me, ma'am. I no longer use my father's name."
"How may we be of service?"
"Hawkridge as you say then..as to what you can do for me I understand you and your friends here areinvestigating these star Murders. But that is not why I called you here..I have something that was left in my safekeeping for you..from a mutual friend."
She motions with a languid wave of a hand and two of her coterie bring out a oilcloth wrapped bundle.
"I've known Cearnis since I was a child" she continues "so when he came to me and asked me to hold this for you I did some investigating of my own..knowledge is power after all. I may be in a position to help you all if you are willing."
The flunkies give Romon the parcel..which when unwrapped turns out to be a suit of black leather armour.
"Shadow Armour Mr Hawkridge..I believe it is enchanted to protect you also"
Romon takes the parcel and, although he doesn't completely unwrap it, can't resist a peek inside. He looks quietly inside for four heartbeats before saying, "Cearnis' old gear. He always planned to lose a few pounds so it would fit again. Thank you, ma'am. Have you a word from him also? I haven't seen him in much too long a time."
"I believe he has availed himself of a business opportunity in Riddleport. More than that he would not say"
She looks at the assembled group for a long moment and nods slowly to herself..then claps her hands and sends her minions scurrying away.
"Now I understand you are looking into these murders in the city..tell me what you have discovered and I might be able to fill in a few gaps for you"
"Much and little, your 'ighness," Esteriande speaks up with a smile that hovers on amused as she speaks the title, but then grows serious: "We 'ave followed ze trail 'ere from ze 'interlands, where zere were also many killings marked with ze seven-pointed star. We appre'ended ze perpetrator, a ghoul 'oo was once a nobleman, infected with ghoul-fever by agents in zis city. We follow ze trail 'ere, and find zat ozers are dying ze same way. Not killed by a ghoul, zough, but ze pattern is ze same: ze wealthy and ze criminal. Ze ghoul 'ad a list, and 'ere is ze zing - only zose on ze list 'ad to be killed with ze seven-pointed rune marked on zem. Curious, non?" Esteriande raises an eyebrow at the Princess of the Market.
"Curious indeed Lady..as I said I can fill in some details you might not be aware off..all those murdered in the city had one thing in common. They loved gold before anything else.Many off them were notorious profiteers and hoarders..even those who were not involved in acts that could be described by some as..criminal."
She stops as if in thought..then continues
"I am minded to aid you in this..the disruption to commerce these murders are causing is intolerable..so to that end I offer you accomodation and I can perhaps provide you with some more..immediate assistance.In the course of my business I aqquire a number of items which might in some way be useful to those who , shall we say, put themselves in harms way? Normally I would sell these but this crisis calls for a measure of altruism I think"
Muchorak continues to watch on though his mind can't shake the feeling that any deal with this woman is like making a deal with a devil...
"It would seem zat altruism is a virtue many in zis city would do well to cultivate, your 'ighness," Esteriande agrees sagely. "While greed is not a seemly trait, it should not carry a sentence of death - and clearly ze innocent will inevitably suffer, and zese deaths must serve a dark purpose we are yet ignorant of. We are already pledged to put an end to 'ooever is be'ind zis all, but any assistance is welcome - our foes 'ave proven to be dangerous."
Ali loved her friends but they did all like to talk so much! Not very interested in all the words she begins to curiously look about the room, innocently poking and prodding into anything she finds of interest.
Perception: +2 smell & touch
Romon is relieved to hear Cearnis left of his own accord. Maybe I'll look him up after we chase this star killer down.
He listens quietly to the back and forth between Esteriande and the Princess. He muses about Esteriande, How like a princess she is. Beautiful and strong and good....
Other than the Princesses throne this part of the Tent Palace contains two cushioned benches and a couple of braziers..it is a place of business not one of relaxation it would seem.
The Princess of the Market looks at each of you again..and then stands.
"Please make yourselves comfortable..I will have food and refreshments sent into you whilst I make a choice of what to provide you with"
She leaves with grace...
This woman could well be a boon to us. Her agents were able to locate Romon the same day we entered Magnimar. Yet, her place of business seems unobtrusive enough. The fact that she meets personally with the customers gathered here suggests that she is not among the more prominent operators in her line of work. So she probably has fewer enemies than her late competitors did. A lower profile does have its benefits in some circles.
Inikai glances to the people who had gathered to see the Princess before he and his friends had their audience with her. "She seems pragmatic in her outlook. Let's hope her agents are resourcesful enough to point us in the right direction."
"Who knows? Maybe our good influence will be redemptive" he adds with a grin.
Muchorak watches silently as she leaves the tent then in a low voice speaks, though because of his tongue it is directed at all of his companions...
"Bí cúramach a dhéanamh déileáil le h chun maité leis an diabhal. Beidh sí ag cabhrú linn ach ní dá cuid féin, tá rud éigin do di a fháil."
His gaze turns to Wolfspirit and the thought of her being tainted by such evil pains him and for a moment it is evident in his eyes; though he quickly composes himself to the brave warrior he must be.
"I really must learn to speak ze Shoanti tongue, I can see it would useful in present company," Esteriande remarks quietly.
"I can sense no evil in ze Princess, zough zat can be masked with spells if one 'as a mind to do so. While I 'ave no doubt she is acting out of self-interest, I am willing to 'ear what she proposes," Esteriande tells the others in a low tone.
Romon says quietly, "Would you guys relax? We're guests here, as safe as a babe in her mother's arms. Sometimes people greet you with an open hand instead of a razor in their fist. You look like they're going to jump us."
Bluff, secret message: By tone and inflection the message Romon conveys is, " be ready, but look cool. You're embarassing me already."
Some pretty young women dressed in the slightly scandalous fashion of Varisian Gypsies bring you bread, meat and fruits along with a selection of beverages. There is even a large marrow bone for Lunas and a section of honeycomb for Ursas though the girls don't go too close to them and ask if you will give them the food.
One particularly bold young woman sizes up Muchorak quite openly whispers something to her companion and they both break into a fit of giggles as they leave.
Ali claps delightedly as the friendly people think to bring food for her four leg brothers and she asks them if them have another honeycomb for her. Yet when the b*$+# in heat begins sniffing at Big Bear the small Gnome's manner changes abruptly. Growling deep in her throat at the woman, her gaze clearly anything but friendly, she begins to advance on her.
Esteriande declines food as the party have eaten, but accepts a drink. She catches Alli's reaction to the serving-girl's flirting and carefully intercedes.
"Alli, mon ami, what is wrong?" Esteriande inquires politely as she sips at a glass of wine. She can see the look in the wild-druid's eyes, and knows what the issue is, but wonders if Alli does.
The girls giggle dies on her lips and she throws a frightened glance over her shoulder as she scurries away.
Romon's admonition is clear to Inikai so he tries to feel more at ease here."Thank you so kindly, miladies" Inikai says in Varisian to the young women. He dips his head in a friendly bow and thinks about how best to oggle them without being obvious about it.
Ali's growl seizes his attention and he turns to her, irked that he will not be able to admire the women as they depart. He consoles himself by thinkging Probably too much like the girls of the Pixie's Kitten anyway.Then he turns to his druid companion.
"They were just being polite in their own way, Ali. Surely most women would consider a strong man to be a choice mate. That was just her way of saying it. And she could not do any more than that because her job brings her away now." The young man smiles at Ali and takes a bite of his food.
Inikai looks around and his mind turns to the gold in his haversack. There is little use in carrying around so much coin. And certainly this Princess must have something worth trading it for.
Muchorak takes the offered honeycomb and though Ursus almost whimpers at the sight of it he holds off as his brother examines it...
The ranger tastes a portion of the honeycomb cautiously...
Survival
Once certain the food isn't fouled he tosses it over to Ursus who gladly catches it in his paws and nestles down enjoying the treat.
The Shoanti more involved in checking the safety of the meal doesn't notice the girls giggle; however his attention is quickly brought away as Wolfspirit growls...hearing her feral growl his first instinct is switching to a defensive stance ready to draw his blades. As he notices there is in fact no danger he relaxes and moves over to Wolfspirit curious as to what set her off. As he approaches at the end of Esteriandes' and Inikais' words he places a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I'm sure Ursus would share some of his if you like Wolfspirit."
Romon doesn't mind checking out the Varisian girls. He just makes sure he's out of Esteriande's line of sight when he does.
He's a little jealous that the two are ogling Muchorak and not himself, but tries to remain cool. He's got that exotic foreigner vibe. And girls do like the killers. He has to smile when Ali's reaction is similarly motivated, but far different in intent and expression.
"In light of the 'Recent Unpleasantness' that has fallen upon her competitors, our hostess might well be preparing to move up in the ranks. Certainly there is a demand for people to fill this function, especially in a place as large as Magnimar. It seems to be the natural order of things in this society. She can aid us as we aid her."
Inikai reflects on his own words for a moment and then decides to simply be more direct for the benefit of Muchorak and Ali. "Yes, she wants something out of this. But she is only aiding us in something we were going to do already. She gets something out of it when we eliminate a threat to her. But now she does not have to take action directly against here enemy. Instead, she makes it easier for us to do so. All she has to do is spare some equipment and information. This is not risky for us. Our goals just happen to coincide with hers."
Inikai takes a sip of his drink and hopes for some affirmation that the ranger and druid are more at ease for his words. He also wonders what Esteriende thinks of this arrangement. She does not seems to be anything like the holy knights that Inikai has read about.
Romon is in his element here and Marak is pragmatic in his outlook, it seems. Inikai does not worry much about them. Naria remains a bit of an unknown to him but she has not shown a rigid outlook on things so far. Nothing to do now but wait for the princess to return he decides.
The Princess returns with a surprisingly small box.
"I trust the refreshments were adequate to your needs." she says as she settles back in the throne like chair "but now to business.." she opens the box then motions to Esteriande "come forward my dear"
She pulls a jewelled belt from the box.."I believe this will suit your style " she says then produces a wand.." and this will assist you as well.
She calls each off you forward in turn
For Inikai she has what appears to be a simple string of beads.However he soon finds it to be a golden chain with 9 attached golden spheres.
For Marak a simple pearl encased in a golden representation of a dragon claw
Romon is gifted a ring crafted to look like a feather bent round his finger "For when you are in the high places of the world Mr.. Hawkridge"" the Princess says with a small smile.
To Naria she gives two wands.."I hope these will help you when things go to extremes"
Calling Ali forward she looks long and hard at her.."Little One..I have nothing to offer that you would want from me but I give you this in the hopes that you will use it to bring life to the barren places"
She hands Ali a simple feather
Finally she turns to Muchorak and speaks in perfectly accented Shoanti
"Muchorak an Tamiir qua, tá tú aon cúis aige chun a muinín dom fhios agam, ach a iarraidh mé leat chun leataobh do mhothúcháin faoi siúd le linn a bhfuil éagóir ar do daoine san am atá thart agus glacadh leis an bronntanas as dom. Tá sé ar cheann choinnigh mé ag súil go mbeadh bhfaighidh mé fear ar fiú ag caitheamh"
Shoanti
She reaches into the box again..pulling from it a shirt of fine white buffalo skin embroidered and painted in the Shoanti style.
Muchorak is shocked at first when she speaks in his language and so fluently. He moves forward, nodding, and accepts the gift.
"Labhraíonn mo dheartháir go ciallmhar." he looks at Inikai, "Táimid ceangailte anseo taobh istigh de na ballaí; mórán mar an iompróidh agus an t-iolar. An dá fhiach an t-iasc sna sruthanna ach nach cairde. Beidh muid ag seilg an iasc mór le chéile agus beidh muid ag déanamh nuair a scoilt in ár bealaí. Beidh mé ag glacadh le do bhronntanas agus gan aon saincheisteanna ar sheoladh ar ais chugat nuair a muid ag déanamh anseo."
Muchorak.
At first Inikai thinks that the sstring of beads is impressive only for its craftsmanship. His eyes widen and his jaw falls open when he learns of its powerful and dangerous nature. The enemies they share must be dreadful for his benefactor would give him such a valuable and potent weapon.
Speaking from the heart he says to the Princess: "Your reach and generosity are exceptional, my lady. I will take the utmost care with this to see that it is well used."
... "Yes, she wants something out of this. But she is only aiding us in something we were going to do already. She gets something out of it when we eliminate a threat to her. But now she does not have to take action directly against here enemy. Instead, she makes it easier for us to do so. All she has to do is spare some equipment and information. This is not risky for us. Our goals just happen to coincide with hers."
"I concur," Esteriande nods, "we should be gracious, as she 'as been. One does not win respect and inspire virtue by acting churlish and 'ostile."
She falls respectfully silent as the Princess returns.
"I believe this will suit your style, and this will assist you as well."
"Merci, your 'ighness, zese are rich gifts indeed," Esteriande bows graciously and accepts the gifts, then watches the reactions of her comrades in arms.
Naria quietly but at the same time politely accepts the wands.
Lol True, but Ali is well used to honey, it being one of the staples of her diet for many years now. While she is very fond of it, I don't think she'd get any rush from it
"They were just being polite in their own way, Ali. Surely most women would consider a strong man to be a choice mate. That was just her way of saying it. And she could not do any more than that because her job brings her away now." The young man smiles at Ali and takes a bite of his food.
Ali simply looks at Icki and her new pretty lady friend. She knew they were simply trying to comfort her but she did not need it, for she was not sad. She also knew that most of the time her friends looked on her as if she was still a pup, but she was not! She knew what that b**&+ had wanted! She could smell it on her. Her pack leader had not yet expressed his desire to mate with her and, in truth, she herself did not know when she would be in heat, but she knew it would happen sometime, as it had with all the other females from her previous pack of four legs. Whenever that time did come, she would be his first pick of mate! Not some weak two legs, reeking of false scents and softness, no fangs or claws at all! If he chose to mate with others after her, well, that was his right as leader of the pack, and she would not be mad or sad at all, no no she would not. As she thought on it, she wondered which of the other females in her pack he might pick next. ' Small friend, Nara, and new friend, Est..Estian...new pretty lady friend both are pretty, yes yes, but maybe Nara too small for Big Bear to mate? For she smaller even than Ali! Maybe new pretty lady friend better, yes yes, and she smell like close to her time of mating most of time, yes yes she does. Maybe Ali talk with Nara and new pretty lady friend and we decide who pack leader should mate with after Ali. Yes yes, for this is way. Then we tell Big Bear who he mate with first, middle and last, in case he no know. And maybe too it be good we tell sneaky friend Romo he no can mate with pretty lady friend unless Big Bear say it ok. Yes yes, Ali grow wise in ways of female! Missing friend Kali would be proud, yes yes she would.'
Although sad for a moment with thoughts of her long gone friend, as her rapid train of thought has brought her to a satisfactory conclusion, Ali's mercurial mood instantly improves. It improves even further as Muchorak offers her some of Usrsas' honeycomb. Knowing her small bear brother enjoys the sweet substance almost as much as she does she only takes a little bit, making sure to thank her four leg friend as she does.
As the lady on the big chair begins handing out presents to her friends, Ali looks on curiously, not expecting, or even wanting, anything for herself. Yet when she is given a beautiful feather she is delighted and thanks the lady with a big smile. Turning away to admire her new possession she almost misses the explanation of what it does. When told of it's true nature and purpose she stops in shocked surprise for a moment, her eyes going impossibly wide. She then squeals with glee and runs up to the Princess and throws herself in the woman's lap, wrapping her arms around the woman neck for a big hug. Turning her head to Muchorak she yells "Big Bear look! Look! This lady be good good, yes yes she does! She understand! She know what is important!"
She then jumps off the chair and runs up to each of her friends, showing them the feather and explaining to each the same thing before running over to show the next "Look! Look what Ali get! This little feather make Big Big tree!" spreading her arms out to show just how big the tree will get.
It is clear this Princess knows us all very much better than it would first appear - she must have been studying us all at least since the incident at the Mansion, which means she already knew of the Skinsaw Man's murders and the similarities to those committed here in Magnimar. That she has now intervened at this stage implies that she suspects we are about to face some very severe opposition. It would be wise not to underestimate her.
"Oui, Ali, she is most," Esteriande glances at the Princess, meeting her gaze, "perceptive, non? I would wager zat she 'as much wisdom of zis city and it's people," and by zat, mademoiselle, I 'ope that you know a little more of what we may face, for ze greatest advantage is not arms but knowledge ... Esteriande adds mentally.
If she shows this all to be lies i'll string her entrails on the walls. Muchorak thinks to himself the anger in his thoughts springing from the truth that Wolfspirit has not learned yet. Her innocence and lack of existence with these civilized men; she has never had them raise her hopes then crush them with the lie.
His attention comes back as Esteriande imphasis's the word...how does she know us this well? What magics is she working for this? He thinks about the white buffalo skin she gave him, was this a gift or did she take it from a corpse? Perhaps she caused the corpse as well? He stops his thoughts before they can weave a larger scale of deception and lies, reminding himself that his mind needs to stay in the here and now.
The Princess settles back in the chair her face a picture of concentration and then she gives a slight smile towards Esteriande.
"I believe you already know where your investigations should carry you but beware.My sources tell me this place you seek holds deeper darker secrets than you might expect.My advice would be to rest for tonight and visit at dawn. As to the exact nature of the foes my sources are vague but I can tell you that you will face only mortal foes whilst in Magnimar"
"Tres bien, we shall take your good advice, votre Altesse, and approach our target at our full strength," Esteriande agrees amicably.
She knows, then, that this foe is strong, although perhaps not beyond what she could muster herself. Why, therefore, does she not do so? Because something in the nature of the enemy makes her wary of attempting it, while we can do so with greater impunity, I would guess. As others have stated, this is a path we are already upon and I for one will not turn aside - but it would be very wise to be on greater guard than is normally my habit. After all, I do not want to be at the mercy of my foes again. In that respect, what if she is in league with our foes? attacking at a given time may walk us into a trap. Still while it is best to be wary, I sense no evil in her and while that may be disguised, there is every chance she speaks truly.
Sense Motive: Is there a hidden agenda?
[Esteriande]
Romon is quietly appreciative of the ring and murmurs a gracious thanks while he slides it onto his finger, but the armor has him excited. He can't wait to try it on.
Still, he listens carefully to the conversation around him.
"Anyway..." Naria begins somwhat wearily "...As much as I enjoy being given free stuff and all perhaps we should take the good lady's advice and go rest?"
"Let me have you conducted to where you can rest fully. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you desire"
She claps her hands and a somewhat nervous girl enters her eys fixed nervously on Ali.
"Take these good people to the guest quarters and provide them with any services they wish"
The girl leads you from the tent by a back way and into what appears to be an inn..which is surprisingly empty it would seem that it serves purely to house those who might feel uncomfortable sleeping in a tent in the middle of a city
"Very comfortable," Esteriande approves. "You know, I first zought zat ze Princess must 'ave a remarkable network of spies," she remarks after the servant has disappeared. "Zen I realised zat she made 'er most insightful comments upon 'er throne. Some magic, I zink, for detecting ze zoughts, non?"