Triax cocks his head in concentration as he considers the offer. His face naturally neutral, he nods in the affirmative at Ulreth and makes to follow him upstairs.
"Well met, Lareth, Rosie, Carras," Kadosh replies with a grin. "I'm Kadosh. Just got to Torch. It seems like an interesting place. Better now with that fire out, don't you think?"
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While looking around, Tabitha sees that Kadosh is having fun with a group over at the dice table. She tilts her head and wonders who he is talking too. Tabitha whispers to Androffan to Dejah, through the message spell. "Μοιάζει Kadosh έχει τη διασκέδαση μαζί τους, έτσι δεν είναι. Παίζουν .... Εεε?" Tabitha turns to see that Triax is following Ulreth upstairs for some reason. She points that out to Dejah. "Περιμένετε, γιατί Triax πηγαίνει στον πάνω όροφο με Ulreth? Είναι αυτός που προσπαθεί να καταλάβω τι συμβαίνει από τον ίδιο τον άνθρωπο? Είμαι λίγο ανήσυχος γι 'αυτόν." Becoming a bit concerned, Tabitha motions that she would like something to drink. "Dejah, if you don't mind, T-I am going to see about something to drink. Excuse me."
Making her way over to the bar, Tabitha wonders what to order that isn't going to make her drunk. Oh... I can't drink anything that will inebriate me. Maybe they have wine? Or something like a fruit juice?... Oh dear. She moves up to the bar, and seeing one of the dwarves, she waves to one of them. "Excuse me, what... Um, what do you have that has fruit in it? Erm... Or made from fruit?" Tabitha looks a bit confused on ordering a drink.
Looks like Kadosh is having fun with them, don't they. They are playing.... Huh?
Wait, why is Triax going upstairs with Ulreth? Is he trying to figure out what is happening from the man himself? I am a bit worried for him.
Dejah had listened to Jasper's whispered information regarding the guarding of an old warehouse on the north side of town. She nodded and smiled as if the man was sharing some amusing story or flirtation with her.
Then Tabitha's quiet notification of Triax's movements stopped her.
Dejah's eyes moved subtly to the stairs where their android ally was following Garmen Ulreth. Once more her small fists clenched inward; although not enough to score her palms with her talons.
In low Androffan through the Message spell link, she responded to Tabitha, "τι κανει? Του είπα να μην διαχωριστεί από εμάς."
"What is he doing? I told him not to separate from us."
She shouldn't have trusted the newcomers with following simple instructions.
Is the android in danger? Should we all attempt to follow? He gave no indication of a plan... Dejah contemplated privately.
As Tabitha moved to buy a drink and Jasper moved the others, Dejah made her mind to accompany the wizard girl to the bar. Tabitha seemed perplexed by the choice of refreshments and Dejah took that moment to move to Jasper (who was nearby) and quietly inform him of Triax's movements upstairs with Ulreth.
"Triax is alone. Should we follow? Will you follow?"
Jasper whispers back, I think if we try and follow it will draw too much attention. We need to see how this plays out. Hopefully Triax will be able to handle himself.
Lareth shrugs. "Eh, perhaps. On the one hand, the blighted thing was an eyesore when its flames were going. On the other hand, I was able to find some work hauling skymetals up to its forges. I suppose I'll have to hit the road again before long."
Rosie looks down at the dice table and pouts. "Oh... I really wish it didn't. I only just made it to town--I was looking forward to seeing how the great torch worked myself. It doesn't appear to run on conventional fuels, such as coal & oil, and the sheer colour of its flames suggested some manner of..."
Carras rolls his eyes as Rosie starts rambling on about possible alternative fuel sources. "See what you started, now?" He grumbles at you before wincing and rubbing his temples.
One of the dwarves at the bar turns to you and rests a wineglass on the counter. He fingers one of his neatly-groomed beard's braids. "Well, we've got wine. Unless I'm wrong about surface folk, that's usually made from grapes 'round here."
He arches a bushy eyebrow at you. "This your first time in a bar, lass?"
He opens an expertly-carved door embossed with an image of a very large silverdisk and steps inside. The room beyond is a well-decorated office with green carpeting and red-painted walls. A great portrait depicting a battle between a large, scorpion-like monster and a tribe of Kellid warriors takes up a good portion of the room's back wall. A simple oaken desk sits before the portrait, with a lavish-looking chair carved in the shape of a throne behind it. Garmen takes a seat behind the desk and bids you to sit in a chair in front of it.
"Now, about that job you're inquiring about." The man's face turns serious. "What, pray tell, do you have to offer me that I don't already have? A strong sword-arm isn't that hard to come by around here--I've got at least a dozen of them manning this establishment alone. What makes YOU so special, hmm?" He leans back in his throne-chair and crosses his leg, arching an eyebrow at you.
Kadosh shrugs.
"I appreciate skymetal as much as the next person, but it should be put to the proper use. Keeping us safe. Anyway, back to the dice?
"I think it's my roll!"
He grins and tosses the dice again.
"And were back to roll-playing, I guess."
"Ha, a win! My luck may be turning."
Scooping up his winnings, Kadosh gives a genial grin and nod to his fellow gamblers.
"Looks like I'm doing for today," he says, making his way to the bar, where the women and Jasper wait.
"Well, this was a good idea," he says happily, "tagging along with you might be fun. What next?"
Jasper whispers back, I think if we try and follow it will draw too much attention. We need to see how this plays out. Hopefully Triax will be able to handle himself.
Dejah pondered Jasper's concerns of drawing undue attention and gave a brisk nod. "I told him to stay close. He doesn't follow instruction", whispered through the Message spell connection.
The Changeling caught the barman's question directed at Tabitha, but left the girl to answer him of her own accord. Anyway, it was then that Kadosh joined them with his winnings for the night. She relayed Triax's whereabouts via whisper, "Triax is upstairs, alone with Ulreth. We do not know why. Jasper says we wait to see if he returns. But if the android does not descend soon, then I am determined to climb those stairs and see what has happened. We must buy a drink lest we incur Ulreth's displeasure. He has given us credit, so let us dutifully use it and then be gone - all of us. " Dejah's mismatched eyes strayed to the stairs before promptly returning to the tall Kellid tribesman.
She wondered if Kadosh had learned anything of import as he played the dice.
As she waited near the bar/counter, Dejah's gaze casually flit about the space, from the various game tables and then back to the stairs. She listened, too, attempting some subtlety in the endeavour.
"Be careful," Kadosh says, immediately more serious. "He's a machine, and may well be telling Ulreth about your suspicions. You never know what they'll do, but it's usually bad.
"This is an interesting place, but I think too interested in technology," he whispers. "I bet that place Jasper mentioned contains all manner of items it shouldn't."
He leans back on the bar, looking around, as he intones a small orison.
Immediately the spirits flow to his eyes, which glow for just a moment as he looks around for good, safe magic.
Garmen's face turns impassive as you speak, his brow furrowing.
He leans back in his chair and glares at you. "I don't like what you're implying, sir. Furthermore, it's become clear to me that I have no need of any services you have to offer."
He nods at the office door. "The door's over there. You can show yourself out."
Dejah paused at Kadosh's warning that Triax might give away their true intent. Would he? she mused privately, not knowing what the android would do. He does not attempt to hide his contempt for technology or machines. Yet, he makes a point about the warehouse. We should investigate.
Her gaze took in the looks cast at Kadosh. She moved a little closer, took hold of his arm and leaning up as high as she could go, which was not all that high on the tall Kellid, she whispered,
"Ulreth's muscle men are looking at you suspiciously. It appears they may be wanting to approach you. Take care and be ready."
Kadosh grins at Dejah.
"Interesting. But let them. I have nothing to hide from them and am sure they would prove little challenge."
That said, he looks around to see what she's noticed.
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When the dwarf answered her, Tabitha nods. "Yes, wine will be fine. Thank you." An with that, the dwarf pours her a glass and passes it to her, trading one of the in house silverdisks to him. Picking the glass up, she turns to Dejah. "I have to say, this is somewhat new to me. Visiting such a place was... Outside of my expectations of arriving to Torch." Tabitha takes a sip from the glass. Unusual. I have not had anything like this before. It is like grape juice, but... Buzzy? No matter. I must keep focus. She thinks.
Finally noticing Kadosh has met back up with them Tabitha nods to him. "Maybe once Triax returns, we could investigate that place." Looking down at the floor, Tabitha scowls a bit. She sighs and then she quickly finishes the glass of wine and places it on the bar. Wait, why are we doing this? We should be focusing on finding Master Khonnir! Not frivolously wasting time figuring out some low life if he wanted the iconic torch turned off. We would find out exactly who turned it off when we continue searching for him. Her mind moves fast as Tabitha thinks of the situation here, and below. We don't even know if he is alright! Tabitha looks a little red on her cheeks, but probably not from the wine. She sighs and looks towards Dejah and Kadosh. "I think instead, we should head back to the Foundry. We need to get ready for our next delve below to find Master Khonnir. Not this." Tabitha face clearly has the appearance of slight frustration upon it.
The Kellid's confidence was tolerable and the Changeling smiled at Kadosh and inclined her head. "So be it."
Tabitha's voice filtered into the conversation and Dejah turned her mismatched gaze upon the girl who was not drunk but singular in her motivations. Dejah's words were measured for prudence sake, "Your loyalty to Khonnir Blaine is admirable, Tabitha. However, I do not believe his life worth more than all of the townsfolk of Torch. Aye, we must purchase supplies and ready ourselves for the next expedition, but we must leave the town with some sort of security. We do not know if Knonnir is alive or dead. But the longer the torch remains extinguished, the sooner draws the end of Torch as we know it." The Changeling's eyes were deep - the blue almost grey and icy and the brown, dark and intense.
Over Tabitha's shoulder she called to the barkeep, "An apple cider for me, thank you" and proceeded to hand over the required disks with a small smile. They had to use the credit in-house and so she would before she left.
Addressing Tabitha and the others once again, she simply added quietly, "Once Triax descends, we may all leave for the Foundry and then we can decide our next step."
Garmen's face proves to be as unreadable as ever, save for his anger.
"Get. Out."
The bouncers Dejah pointed out are huddled at the opposite end of the bar from the rest of you. One of them nods to the others, and the five of them straighten their backs and start walking towards you.
”Oi. You, sir.” The apparent ringleader of the bouncers points Kadosh out and folds his arms. ”You look like you’ve been getting quite lucky at that dice table, there. What was that, your first time playing?”
Jasper looks up and says Problem fellas? He crosses his not insubstantial arms and stares right back at them.
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"But... Finding Master Khonnir would work towards figuring out how to re-ignite the Torch. He.. He has the most knowledge about the machines that dot the landscape. We must find him." As Tabitha states softly.
Seeing the tough men arrive and point out Kadosh, Tabitha wonders what is going on. Why are they trying to do? He won that fairly, and mostly will have to return some of it anyway due to the credit. She wonders as she steps forward to stand beside Dejah. Tabitha messes with her ring slightly, and watches quietly of what may happen
The ringleader of the bouncers wrinkles his nose. "Aye--but mayhap it's just one of us jumping at shadows that aren't even there."
"Says you." One of the others grumbles.
"See, Karett there thinks that perhaps either your friend there..." He nods at Kadosh. "...might've been given some loaded dice. Or brought some of his own." He looks Kadosh over and points at him. "Would ya kindly turn out your pockets?"
"Ha! Suspicious lot. I've got no dice on me at all. I don't mind showing you," he says with a grin.
He starts pulling items out of his pocket, largely a number of small rodent skulls, feathers wrapped in catgut and other such fetishes, holding them out to dump in the men's hands.
He smirks at them as he unloads the contents.
The bouncers' expressions turn from smug grins to confused and disgusted sneers as Kadosh empties his pockets to reveal the many... bizarre and unusual knickknacks within. The ringleader purses his lips and frowns. "...huh."
"Well..." He looks over at the craps table, at the women there whose expressions neatly mirror his own. He glances back at Kadosh. "...that's, ah..."
"That's a sign that we oughta have a word with the ladies over there, then." One of the other bouncers gathers up Kadosh's items and thrusts them back into his hands. "Just... just cash your chips out and go."
"Huh. I hadn't even finished," Kadosh says, the grin splitting his eyes wide. "As if I'd need to cheat. The spirits favor me ... most of the time.
"Sounds like it's time to go, though. I find I'm not that interested in being here anymore."
Kadosh will take his chips and cash out .
Triax returns to the common room, rejoining the others. "Greetings.". It says nonchalantly. "It would appear Garmen is more honest then I had theorized. I misjudged his intent."
Once the party is all together, it becomes clear that their welcome is wearing thin at the Silverdisk Hall--once they've had a chance to cash out their chips, they're quickly ushered out into the cold, barely-lit streets of Torch.
Jasper says, once they're outside, Well we're not going back underground tonight. Who's up for seeing what good ol'Garmen is up to at that warehouse of his? A slow smile spreads across his face, giving him an almost mischievous look.
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With being ushered outside with the others, Tabitha can only look back inside with a concerned look. "I wonder why they got so upset all of a sudden. Not that welcoming is it once you've visited." She turns to the group as she hears his plans. "Hmm... Looking should be okay. Since he was cheating his guests out of their coin. Maybe we can recover a bit of it and give it to the people that lost the most? Or maybe fund our next expedition below?"
At Kadosh's treatment by the bouncers and Triax's announcement that Garmen Ulreth was honest .. Dejah simply shook her head. How honest could someone be when there were magnets at the roulette table and eyes staring out from paintings? And something guarded in a secret warehouse ...
As they were about to leave, Dejah levelled a parting shot at the bouncers, "As invited guests of Mister Ulreth, I must say your behaviour has been unacceptable and unnecessary. Good night", and she walked out with Jasper by her side.
Once outside the doors of the Silverdisk Hall, she turned to Triax and a gleam of ire could be noted in her mismatched eyes as she spoke in hurried, angry whisper, "We were supposed to stay close together and you went off on your own with Garmen Ulreth. Do not take such a risk with our lives, or yours, again." She did not wait for an answer from the android, but turned to discreetly respond to Jasper's plan,
"I am ready to scout out the warehouse. Let us be away now lest we draw any further attention to ourselves."
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With a goal in mind, the party departs the Silverdisk Hall's grounds and sets off into the night.
The skies are clear tonight, with countless stars twinkling above. The moon shines down on the party as they walk, accompanied by a gentle breeze. Were it not in the face of an imminent economic tragedy, the night would seem peaceful. Nobody else is wandering the streets tonight, though other buildings have their lights on and activity can be seen within them.
However, all is not peaceful tonight--the party hears a sharp *CLANGING* and *BANGING* followed by some very colourful Kellish invectives. It's clear that they're being followed.
"Sounds good to me," Kadosh says with a grin. "Accusing me of cheating. As if I would bother. Let's see what secrets this man has."
Jasper whispers to the others Keep walking...I'll see who's following.
The next time the group turns a corner, Jasper immediately ducks into a shadowed doorway and freezes still as a statue.
After a minute of waiting, you hear the sound of someone grumbling to himself.
"...f!~#ing stupid trash can... why in the HELLS would ANYONE leave a g*$!&$n trash can there? Now I need a bath, a stiff drink, and somewhere else to hide... the boss isn't going to let me hear the end of this now..."
The grumbling is coming from another shadow about twenty feet away from you.
"The shaman guy, the android, the tiny one, and bright-eyes there... wait. Oh, s&~#--where'd the big guy go?!"
Triax stares at Dejah as she admonishes the android. "I apologize if I did not appreciate your level of concern regarding group cohesion. I calculated the risk to be minor in comparison to the possible information rewards. If it troubles you I will endeavor to stay closer." It pauses for a moment, absorbed in its thoughts.
It continues. "It would help if you could teach me the tongue you speak with Tabitha. It was quite... beautiful."
Triax notes the sound and attempts to follow Jaspers lead, sticking to the shadows and depending on its superior senses to navigate through the dark. It does a fair job depite its heavy armor. It pulls blade as it
readies a reverse ambush on the pursuers.
Dejah was about to turn and look upon the one following them (her darkvision useful in the night) when she heard Jasper's whisper to keep walking as if she had heard nothing. She had not known him long but Dejah knew instinctively that Jasper would stop the one following them. Did Garmen Ulreth send someone to follow us? She kept her senses alert and ready in case of trouble when she heard Triax explain his actions and then ask his question. Beneath her breath, she replied, "Aye, I will teach you Androffan. It would be good if we all spoke it for ease of communication when we seek discretion." But then the android seemed to have disappeared among the shadows of the night and was seemingly more quieter than their pursuer.
Dejah kept her eyes forward/before her for the time being, hoping to deftly and steadily manoeuvre them on the street and keep herself and the others safe as Jasper and Triax undertook their own actions. Her movements were not hurried so as to arouse suspicion.
Jasper waits until they get a bit closer before stepping out casually. Evening boys, he says cheerily, Out for a little stroll in the moonlight? I'd say you picked a poor spot for a romantic walk however as the two of you could have a much nicer time down by the lake. You could even get together a rowboat and go out to lay together under the stars
Jasper has adopted a loose, almost arrogant, stance as he looks at the two bouncers. He is deliberately goading them to see what happens and to provide cover for his friends.
The two bouncers freeze in their tracks when Jasper approaches and calls them out.
"Out for a little stroll in the moonlight? I'd say you picked a poor spot for a romantic walk however as the two of you could have a much nicer time down by the lake. You could even get together a rowboat and go out to lay together under the stars."
"It wouldn't be so romantic if I fell out and I started getting a rash later." One of the bouncers replies, sounding surprisingly composed considering the circumstances. "Besides, I already know what that sort of thing is like just from the drinks at the Silverdisk Hall."
The other bouncer isn't nearly as calm--his eyes are darting everywhere for a possible escape route before sizing Jasper up.
Jasper smiles and says A rash would be unpleasant but if I might ask...is there a reason you're following us? I mean I know that we are an attractive bunch but I have to disappoint you that my heart is already set on the small raven haired beauty.
The calmer bouncer snorts. "Sir, What makes you think we were following you? The Marrymaid is down the street--we were heading there."
"Right, Lavic?" He turns to his accomplice...
...only to notice him taking off down the street, running in the opposite direction to where the party is going. "...huh. Poor kid--such a shy one. Couldn't handle the thought of seeing a woman naked, I suppose."
Jasper shrugs his shoulders and says Well, when you were making enough noise for a herd of stampeding Aurochs, I overheard you say "The shaman guy, the android, the tiny one, and bright-eyes there" before saying "oh s@&~ where did the big guy go?" I can only assume you were referring to me in that last statement. Now, I know you are lying so I'll ask again... He begins to slowly move closer, why were you following us? He lets a bit of steel show in his voice as he says the last bit. At the same time, he summons forth the essence of the flying bat and his eyes begin to reflect the dim lights, causing them to shine eerily.
The remaining bouncer swallows and takes a step back. "...that's a very good question, sir."
"I'm wondering that myself." He promptly spins on his heel and starts to run away.
Jasper considers for a moment going after the man but all he has done is follow them so he decides to let him go. Making sure he really left, Jasper goes back to the group and says Let's pick up the pace so we can check out this warehouse before they get back.
Jasper then begins to jog towards where the pickpocket mentioned to go.
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With two of their group sneaking off into the shadows, Tabitha can't help to feel a bit nervous. Looking ahead as Jasper suggested, she looks ahead and tries to listen well to her surroundings.
She can't really focus all that well due to hearing her own heartbeat in her chest. She glances to Dejah for a second before speaking quietly. "Tabitha hopes everything is alright. Seeing Jasper and Triax go off into the night like that. Especially when there is someone or something following us."
When Jasper returns, Tabitha can't help to let out a little squeak when he appears. Which she immediately covers her own mouth with both hands. Tabitha looks around, and then mumbles. "Sorry. Tabi-I am definitely not used to that." She doesn't trust herself to speak much else right now and only nods in agreement.
"Ha! That was good," Kadosh laughs as Jasper catches up with him. "This place is fun. Why do you think they were following you? I've only been here for a few hours, hardly enough time to get into any trouble."
Does Jasper have a sweetheart? The comment about a raven-haired beauty had piqued her interest, but she shook it off for more serious matters.
Dejah had heard the conversation between Jasper and the two thugs. She silently applauded the man for not giving chase unto the night and was returning to them.
"You handled them well", Dejah acknowledged Jasper's action.
At Kadosh's question, Dejah shrugged and added in passing, "Any number of reasons, I suppose. Ulreth may believe we have discovered something under the Black Hill, or we are a threat, or you cheated with your magic at the gambling hall or Triax said something to the man when the android was alone with him ...", her voice trailed off before she asked, "Where is Triax? Come along, android", she called unto the shadows and then set forth after Jasper, picking up her skirt and briskly moving to keep pace.