"Well I suppose the first thing you need to know is that the statue of Sythrael, that was his name, is not a mere statue, but a living being who has been turned to stone via flesh to stone. The lunatic and his followers worhip the statue practically as a god. The hand you had was apparently one of the last they needed, they’ve spent two years collecting the pieces, the missing eye was the only one left. The leader, he said his name was Junius one moment and Hilegard the next, ad seemed to be shifting between multiple personalities." Akasha states after thinking for a while, retracing their encounter.
"It is true then. I did not believe... Well, we are all very, very lucky he was not able to find the last piece."
Neris returns with Kurthan and they set about separating each of the pieces into various boxes, or cloth wrappings without questioning their mistresses orders.
She stares off in thought for a moment before coming back to herself. "Your payment. Yes. I will need to make a trip to Korranath. I can have your payment delivered to you at the inn, or if you prefer you may accompany me to the Kundarak Bank of Sharn."
Jonah looks at the others.
I don't mean offence madam, but I think I will accompany you.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lady Tela raises an eyebrow slightly, "I have no problem with an escort, but I would prefer that at least one of those who I actually hired be present. I mean no offense, either, but I do not know you and I did not agree to your services. If Lord Silian, Lord Vannevar, or Lady Akasha have made arrangements with you outside of my original agreement that is between you and them. However, my arrangement was made with these three and those who accompanied them on their first visit."
Managing to not smile, Akasha considers, not wanting to offend lady Tela but wishing to make the best decision.
"We trust you Lady Tela and would be fine receiving payment at the inn, unless you felt the need for an escort given the nature of your trip." she says calmly.
"Oh no, dear. I find that people rather prefer to keep their distance while Kurthan is with me."
"Then I would say we'll be at the in M'lady." Akasha says with a smile.
You leave Lady Tela's and are given a ride in her airship down to the Cracked Mirror where you see Jessamin standing outside the inn. She seems to be in an argument with a very drunk man.
Getting off the airship, Jonah looks over at the argument and then the others.
He then sighs, and starts to make his way over to Jessamin, stopping a small distance away.
Maam, do you need help?
As Jonah approaches, Jessamin places one hand on the mans shoulder and with the other she delivers a quick, sharp blow to his stomach. The man immediately bends over and begins to wretch.
"I mean it, Sam, don't come back until you're sober," She says while patting the puking man on the back. She turns her head to look at Jonah and says, "No, thank you. I've got it handled."
Recognizing Silian, Vannevar, and Akasha she smiles. "I see you folks made it back in one piece!" Her smile falters for a moment as she realizes that the group that left here has not returned in whole and she says, "Er, um, some of you anyway?"
----
Silian laughs and walks passed Jonah, patting him on the shoulder, "I think the lady knows how to take care of herself."
He stops a few feet from Jessamin, "Yes, well that annoying little twit didn't last long at all. The others sort of just disappeared over night. We're not sure where they wandered off too. We've picked up a few replacements along the way. Lost them too, but managed to find these two tied up by the crazy men. They handled themselves well enough in a fight. This one," He says indicating Garotte, "Was buried in a pile of rubble. Said he'd been there for two years."
----
Garotte stands by quietly observing the interactions. Perhaps this woman might have information on the target.
Vannevar follows in Silian's wake, a look of disgust aimed at the drunk man who clearly could not manage to drink and maintain appropriate decorum. "Jessamin, He says with a slight bow of his head. "We were told by the Lady Tela that accommodations have been made for us."
A little agape at her actions, Jonah seems somewhat restored at the mention of accomodations.
He then makes his way into the Inn, following the others while shaking his head.
Akasha nods at the question unspoken by Jessamin. "The things we faced in fallen proved a bit much for some of our companions. Lianna saw fit to leave but she was well when we last saw her."
She gives the half elf a lopsided smile, "I know you two had become.....close."
Jess looks genuinely saddened by the news, "Pity, I rather liked her. Still, maybe she'll find her way back around."
"Yes, yes accommodations have been made," Jess says leading the group inside. "Mrogab! It looks like we're at a draw of sorts! Are the rooms you promised Lady Tela ready?"
The dwarven innkeep looks up from behind the bar and smiles. "So it seems, Jess. So it seems! Welcome back to The Cracked Mirror! I'm glad to see that at least some of you made it out of that wretched place alive. Have a seat then and I'll get you something hot for your stomachs."
Tava keeps her hood close to her eyes, the sharp light of the sun causing her much discomfort.
Keeping quiet, her ears visible perk up a the mention of food and her great nostrils flare as they try to pull in the smells from the kitchen.
Smiling broadly, great tusks jutting from her mouth, she gingerly follows the others in, staying close to Jonah, the one who had healed her wounds, a rare talent down in the depths.
Is there baths in the rooms Lady Jessamin?
Where we have been, it will be a pleasure to get cleaned up, and then I will wrap myself around that meal you just promised us.
Jess scoffs, "Lady? Do I look like a bloody lady to you? Just Jess is fine. Yeah, I'll have one of the girls draw you a bath."
"Yes, a bath might actually rank higher than food or a bed for me after what we've been through." Akasha says with a sigh.
Jess smiles, "Hot baths for everyone."
You are all shown to your rooms where you enjoy relaxing hot baths.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Jess smiles, "Hot baths for everyone."
You are all shown to your rooms where you enjoy relaxing hot baths.
Jonah relaxes into the bath, and just soaks out some of the aches from his pack.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Garotte, having no need for a bath, instead stations himself near the bar so that he can see the entrance while attempting to engage Mrogab and Jess in conversation. Although he does a good enough job of describing the woman he's looking for, with such little supporting information and the amount of time that has been passed they simply aren't able to help him.
Silian takes his time, being fickle and making sure that the temperature is just as he likes it before disrobing and stepping into the hot water with a sigh.
Vannevar bows his head slightly to the serving girl who takes him to his room and prepares a bath for him. Once she has left the room he leaves as well to inspect the area and check on Silian.
Content that the area is as secure as it can be, he returns to his room where he bathes quickly and then redresses. Choosing a spot that will allow him to act swiftly should someone enter his room, he sits in meditation until the time Silian seeks him out for dinner.
After cleaning up, Jonah dresses again, and then heads down to the common room for the promised meal.
Akasha takes her time, luxuriating in a hot bath, and washing fallen off of her body and out of her hair. Dressing in a silken blouse and soft leather breeches, she buckles on her sword belt and heads down to the common room.
After the others have gathered in the commons room and have already started enjoying their meals, Silian finally returns with Vannevar trailing behind. He motions to Mrogab and takes a seat, waiting for the dwarven innkeep to serve him dinner.
While you are enjoying your meal, the best thing you've had to eat in days, Kurthan enters the inn carrying a small chest. He pauses in the door and scans the room, as his eyes roam the area, heads that looked up when he entered quickly look back down at their plates. Others suddenly find that they have other things to attend to and leave the commons area all together. Spotting the group, Kurtan approaches the table and sets the chest down in the middle. "Your payment. My lady has asked that I also express to you once more how grateful she is for your swift retrieval of her property."
Silian says, "Yes of course," but does not bother to even look at Kurthan as he leans forward to drag the chest closer to him.
Vannevar looks sideways at Silian before standing. "Please, do tell your lady that we are grateful for the opportunity she presented us with and that if there is anything else that she would require of us while we are in Sharn, to please send word. Thank you, as well, Kurthan for assisting us in this manner."
"May your lady be well in her endeavours, and not hesitate to contact us again should she need asistance of the kind we can provide," Akasha says with a smile.
Kurthan nods and walks away, again heads swivel quickly away from the bugbear as he exits the inn.
Jonah relaxes for the day, while he just listens to the stories that people talk about.
As eveyone heads to thier individual pursuits for the rest of the day, Akasha finds Jess. "Any idea where a girl can get a good massage? After the last few days, I need to be pampered bit."
Jess purses her lips as she takes Akasha in before saying slowly, "I don't think that you're looking for the kind of massages that are offered around here. I don't go to the upper parts often, but I have heard that there are a few nice places to relax with excellent masseurs in the Highest Towers of the Upper Central Plateau."
Raising n eyebrow, Akasha chuckles. "There's a time and place for those too.......I'll definitely check out the Upper Central Plateau though." the magus says with a grin, before heading out.
Jess smiles and winks, "Have fun!"
Smiling, Akasha makes her way to the lifts. Depending on just how relaxed she felt afterwards she might spring for a skycoach back but for now a little fresh air wasn't all that bad.
It isn't long before Akasha notices that the buildings are better kept and the people nicer dressed. She wanders the streets for awhile taking in the sights and enjoying the fresh air as she looks for her destination. Having to ask for directions once or twice she finally arrives at a small building with a sign outside listing all the many services that are offered for the relaxation and beauty of their guests.
Smiling to herself, Akasha heads inside to availa herself of the offered services. After the last few, a good day was definitely a welcome change.
|
At the Cracked Mirror, Silian speaks to the dwarven innkeep.
"I am certain there must be some magewrights down here trying to play at being more powerful mages than they are, do you know of anywhere where someone might get something enchanted, or find a few baubles without having to sift through wares of snake oil and false trinkets?"
Payment? Useful for extracting information.
When Akasha returns, a sum of coins is handed to her. "Bartering and trading are your tools. Iron and steel have little need for luxury."
It is clear that the warforged has no idea what to do with money.
"This is Sharn, lad. There are places to buy magic items all over, places to pay to have spells cast for ya too. Really depends on what you're after, and how much you're looking to spend. If you're looking for something big probably best to go to Everbright."
"There be spellcasters around that area too, some will take your money some will want favors. Just ask around there, you'll have more luck that way. Jess is free to come and go as she pleases, but she only gets paid while she's here. You can ask her though, she might be willing to guide you for a few coins or a pretty face."
Jess is lounging against the door frame watching the customers like a hawk. Her eyes take you in as you approach and then skim past you to land on Vannevar, ever present by your side. She smirks and winks at Vannevar.
"Help you boys with something?"
----
As you enter, you are greeted by a lovely elven woman, "Welcome. How may we be of service today? We have just reopened the hot ponds, if you would like. Or perhaps a mud bath? We also have several packages that you could choose from, they are quite the deal and are guaranteed to leave you feeling splendid."