Geoffery turns to look at the younger human as Akasha indicates a definitive choice. The boy looks back, after a moment of sizing each other up and a mutual nod of agreement, Geoffery turns to Akasha and extends his hand to her, "Very well, M'lady, we shall guide you together." He then offers his hand to the rest of the group.
The younger lad stands there watching the half-orc walk away until she is a good distance off. Then he turns and does his best to mimic Geoffery's etiquette, first extending his hand to Silian then Akasha and calling them both M'lord and M'lady. He introduces himself as William, his eyes linger a moment on Lianna's red hair, several shades brighter than his own disheveled rusty-brown.
The halflings don't seem as phased by not being chosen as one might expect, the giggle to themselves as the half-orc woman sulks away, pleased only that she wasn't chosen.
Blaze watches the scuffle between the human and the half-orc with mild confusion, uncertain as to why they felt the need to fight. Relieved that it is over swiftly, and that a decision has been made, Blaze accepts the hand of Geoffery and William, "It is a pleasure to meet you both. I am looking forward to seeing these renowned races."
~~~~~
Geoffery and William talk quietly together for a moment, though it is easy to overhear them should anyone be listening. They're merely discussing the best place to take you, the best route to take to get there, and how they'll split the payment.
They then lead you past several shops, taverns, armories, and food stands. Along the way you catch glimpses of the Griffin and his rider soaring, twisting, and diving. Surely the rider would have fallen off with some of those moves, if not for the fact that he was strapped securely on the Griffin.
Finally you come to a nondescript building, towering above you as so many buildings do in Dura. There is no sign to indicate what this place might be, but Geoffery and William lead you inside as if they know the place well. Just inside the heavy wooden door is a foyer, behind another closed door you hear the sounds of raucous laughter, yelling, and the general cacophony of a large group of people. You, however, are led up a staircase where you pass by several more closed doors with similar noises coming from them. Finally you arrive at the top floor, with one final door. From this door you hear nothing at all. Geoffery opens the door and ushers you inside.
You enter a large open room set with several gambling tables and a bar. The room is empty save an old orc standing behind the bar. He looks up as you enter and nods to Geoffery before returning his gaze to a book he has laid open in front of him. Geoffery nods back and leads you through the room and out onto a balcony overlooking one of the few empty areas in the town, you see hoards of people gathered below as well as each of the creatures to have entered the race. You arrive just in time to watch the last minute of the Griffin's exhibition before it returns to land amongst the crowd below.
The Pegasus takes to the sky, seeming to gallop on the winds as much as it flies. As you stand there watching, the astounding creature flies past your balcony, close enough that if you dared to reach out your fingertips, you might just be able to graze the tip of his wing. The elven woman riding on his back, her knees nestled behind his wings, is nearly as radiant as he is.
Akasha smiles enjoying the best view she has had of the races to date. "You definitely have," she responds looking at both boys. She turns to the one that had the altercation with the half-orc.
"A work of advice kid, next time that woman sees you she'll cut your throat. Watch your back."
"Thank you, M'lord." Geoffery nods his head at Silian's statement. "I am glad that you are pleased with our selection."
Silian's eyes and ears take in many things. The Griffin's rider is a Halfling, but you are unable to determine the sex of the rider. There is a rather large, muscular human male atop the Gargoyle, you cannot be certain from this distance but you believe he might be Marked. The other riders are either obscured by the crowd or simply not currently on their mounts. The crowd has taken to grouping themselves, for the most part, based on which mount they support. Even from here you can hear the chanting for one mount or another, and tell by the movement along the borders between groups when fights break out in defense of their favored creature’s honor.
Silian spots several opportunists who appear to amble through the crowds, most likely picking pockets or cutting purse straps. They are made obvious from this distance by the fact that they move through the various groups of people and are not wearing the colors of any particular participant.
Geoffery appears to be far better dressed than William, as well as much cleaner. On occasion, Silian hears William’s stomach rumble.
~~~~~
William shuffles his feet and mutters an awkward, ”Yes, M’lady. Thank you.” to Akasha, stealing a glance or two at her out of the corner of his eye and turning a delicate shade of red when he sees she's still looking at him.
Aeyra finally catches up, giving everybody a half smile as she observes the scuffle. "Decided to come after all."
~~~~~
Aeyra spends as much time watching the crowds as she does watching the riders. After several minutes she turns to the others. "So, I realize nobody here is overly thrilled about working together, but we should at least agree to, well, work together. At least until the job is up, split the pay evenly." She munches on a bit of jerky, sweeping her eyes over the others.
"She's right, you plan on being any good at being a mercenary, never present a client with something that's clearly a lie." Akasha says looking at the other elven woman.
Aeyra tilts her head, acknowledging the point. "Mercenary not quite the word but I see what you're getting at."
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"We've all placed our names or marks down to accomplish whatever task is set before us. I plan to see it through."
Silian comes back from leaning over the railing, taking in the room. He approaches the bar, glancing at the book the orc is reading, and waits for the bartender to pause.
"A fine establishment you have before you. Have you anything to eat? I would like to see my associates and guides well fed to enjoy the rest of the Race."
The orc is old and moves slowly, Silian's best guess would put him at around 35 years. Heavy scarring shows that he once likely lived a warrior's life. The book he is reading is written in common, it appears to be a history of the Race of Eight Winds. The room itself is rather plain in appearance, no adornments of any sort hang on the walls and the furniture was built with sturdiness in mind as opposed to aesthetics.
After a moment the orc looks up from his book and blinks a few times before responding, "Aye. Haven't got a kitchen or nothing up here so just some dried meat, bread, and a bit of cheese." He stands slowly and turns his back to Silian where he opens some cupboards and retrieves a plate. He begins placing food items on the tray, along with a knife. He comes across some dried fruit and turns, holding it up for Silian to see, asking if he wants the fruit as well.
Once he's gathered it all together, the orc makes his way slowly around the bar and heads towards the patio with the tray of food. "I'll have to ask Mister Geoffery what he wants to charge you for it all, not a lot of people ask for food around here. We usually end up eating whatever he brings in ourselves."
The orc nods his head and continues his slow walk to the balcony. At last he gets there and sets the tray down on a small table in the corner. He addresses Geoffery directly, "Mister Geoffery sir, I don't know what you want me to charge 'em for the food."
Geoffery smiles warmly at the old orc, "It is of no concern, Drurk. Thank you for seeing to our guest."
Akasha walks over to the food, taking a but of the bread and cheese, looking back at William she gestures with a nod. "Go ahead, help yourself. we can't very well have a hungry guide can we>" she says with a smile.
William moves to the tray without further encouragement and begins to eat, at first picking at it nonchalantly but soon his better judgement is gone and he is shoveling food into his mouth at an alarming rate. He looks up at one point, and around a mouthful of food mumbles, "Thank you, M'lady." Geoffery shakes his head slightly and sighs.
"Now that I have plenty of. What would you like?"
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With Tumbledown in view, the Hawk picks up speed, taking the lead. The Hippogriff is not far behind, being trailed by the Pegasus. The Griffon and Glidewing hold the middle ground each attempting to maneuver into a position to attack the other. Neither is successful at doing more than superficial damage to the other. The Owl is gaining on the Gargoyle, and the Eagle is trailing far behind. The Hawk, knowing this area much better than the rest is able to make swift work of the rest of the race avoiding problem areas with ease and finishing in the lead.
Being in Underlook, the Hawk is able to regain some of its lost ground while the Glidewing and Griffon are distracted. The Pegasus still has the lead, however, and is making great headway until the Hawk’s rider looses a quarrel that nips the flank of the Pegasus, causing it to buck momentarily until its rider regains control. The Pegasus still remains in the lead, but its hold on the position is not nearly as firm.
Once inside The Bazaar, the Owl is able to make significant distance, moving from last place to fourth. The Glidewing and the Griffon, having accomplished their goal of taking down the Gargoyle are now attacking one another, tying up the place of third.
By the time Stormhold is reached, the Eagle has fallen so far behind that it is unable to gain any benefiet from being in the district that it is best known and loved. The Eagle is in last place.
The Eagle has started to gain on the Hawk and the Owl who are now neck and neck for fourth place.
The Pegasus finds itself back in first place, neck and neck with the Griffon. The Owl has begun to make significant advancement, much closer to the two in the lead than the two in the rear. The Hawk is just barely ahead of the Eagle at the end of the fifth flight.
The Pegasus has lost some speed as it navigates the less familiar district, yet remains firmly in the lead.
1) Hawk
2) Pegasus
3) Pegasus
4) Hippogriff
5) Pegasus/Griffon
6) Pegasus
7) Pegasus
8) Pegasus
Final) Pegasus, Eagle, Griffon, Owl, Hawk
Hippogriff: Shot Eagle early. Knows Daggerwatch and Overlook. Injured out of race by Pegasus.
Pegasus: Knows Oldkeep and Precarious. Damages Hippogriff badly once in home territory.
Griffon: Fights when in middle place. Teams up with Glidewing despite fight. Short-sighted. Go back to fighting. Finally beats Glidewing. Has notably poor knowledge of Stormhold.
Glidewing: Fights when in middle place. Teams up with Griffon despite fight. Short-sighted. Go back to fighting. Finally loses to Griffon. Knows Fallen and The Stores.
Owl: Doesn't fight, goes with cunning. Knows Rattlestone. Slow in open flights.
Gargoyle: Tag-teamed by Griffon and Glidewing, too injured to continue. Knows Fallen and The Stores.
Eagle: Far behind, probably due to injury. Knows Stormhold and Broken Arch. Nearly injured Pegasus out in last stretch.
Hawk: Knows Tumbledown. Burns energy in first stretch. Attacks Glidewing once in foreign territory.
Aeyra follows the race closely, interested how the different areas effect the race. She begins paying attention to the wounded Pegasus rider as she's helped down from her saddle.
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Akasha lets out a low whistle. "Well that was exciting, " she says with a grin looking at her companions for their reactions.
"It would appear that I have won." Blaze says, his sonorous monotone somehow registering surprise.
"Yeah, looks like you did big guy" the magus chuckles giving the warforged a slap on his metal shoulder.
It is not long after the races end that people begin to pile into the little gambling hall. Geoffery, bows slightly at the waist and says, "Thank you, again. I do so enjoy meeting new people and I find I get bored rather easily these days." He accepts whatever coin you pay him, and then turns to William. Pressing the same coins into William's hand he looks the boy in the eyes and says, "You go spread the word, my place gives free drinks to anyone showing a winning ticket, tonight only. Then you come back in a few hours and I'll set you up for the night."
William accepts the money he is given, ferreting it away the second it touches his palm. "Aye sir, I will. I'll bring you in lots of customers. Thank you, sir." William begins to rush to the door, stops, turns around and smiles at Akasha, "Thank you, M'lady. It was a pleasure to meet you."
He then turns again and takes a few steps when Geoffery clears his throat, "William?".
The boy turns again and looks at his new employer, Geoffery nods his head slightly indicating the rest of your group. William's face flushes a bright red, "Oh, um, sorry. It was a pleasure to meet all of you. M'lord Silian, Vannevar, Blaze, Lianna, and Aeyra. Thank you." He rattles off each of your names from memory before poorly mimicking Geoffery's bow and turning on his heel once more.
You realize it is well past midday, and word should be waiting for you at the Cracked Mirror inn.
Aeyra yawns, still thinking another hour of sleep would have been nice from her night of drinking. "Well I'm heading back, let's see what this job is all about."
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Silian presses a galifar and a sovereign into Geoffery's hands. "A fine establishment you have yourself. Terrific view. A guide chosen well."
Silian readies to follow the troop back to the Cracked Mirror, keeping his hand on the handle of his scimitar, knowing that there will be plenty of discouraged gamblers on the streets of Sharn tonight. He keeps his eyes peeled in particular for the disgruntled half-orc.
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Vannevar orders the cheapest ale Drurk offers, and spends his time silently watching the race.
When the posse prepares to reemerge into the alleyways of Dura, Vannevar takes point and surveys the exit before allowing the others to follow. He sticks close to his charge, keeping him within arm's reach at all times, watching the folk milling about closely.
Smiling at William's obvious crush, Akasha readies herself to leave with the rest of the group. Noting Vannevar taking the point, she falls back alongside Blaze, taking the rearguard position, keeping an eye on the more vulnerable members of their company.
Although the streets are quickly filling with rowdy pedestrians, and there are many fights that break out, you are able to make your way back to the Cracked Mirror without incident.
The Cracked Mirror is overcrowded, as you make your way in you notice guards standing at the door that weren't there before. They say nothing to you as you pass, but you can feel their eyes following you briefly. Jess is at the bar, surrounded by people come to turn in their tickets and receive their payout. Two more guards flank her. Mrogab is busy serving patrons food and liquor. Neris sits behind him, looking rather put out by the activity.
Neris hops down from the bar stool she was perched on and comes forward to greet the group. She accepts Silian's hand, and with a glance around the loud, crowded inn she nods her head in acquiescence. "Yes, perhaps that would be for the best. Have you a room?"
Aeyra gently chews the end of an unlit cigar as her eyes dart from person to person in the crowded room. She nods to Silian, following him upstairs.
Neris looks confused for a moment, and then her eyebrows raise when the realization of Silian's belief hits her.
Neris allows Silian to lead her to his room where she begins pacing. After a moment she begins to speak, "Normally, we would simply send a messenger to you, but Mistress Tela was quite... disappointed that I failed to obtain Mrogab's word to help. She was also quite disappointed that I did not bring you directly to her when you offered your assistance. She has sent me back here to fetch you for her. Mistress Tela extends the invitation, to all of you to join her at her home for dinner and to discuss business. She understands that the day grows late, and has offered to accommodate you for the night, regardless of whatever decision you make to her business offer."
"Upset with you? It seems you were only being cautious, what if we were a bunch of assassins sent to kill her? I think you did your job fine."
Neris' chagrin is evident in the smile she offers Aeyra. "That is kind of you to say. My Mistress fears that with another day passed, her property might be lost permanently."
"Ah so there's a time aspect to consider? Well we ramble here, if my companions agree I say we go to meet your Mistress and work out the details."
"Since time is of the essence I suggest we head to meet with your mistress sooner rather than later." Akasha says from her spot near the door.
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"As much as I would love to see Blaze knock a few skulls around for his winnings, I have qualms in leaving now to meet with Lady Tela about her missing property. By your leave, Lady, we shall follow." Silian bows slightly, offering his hand to Lady Neris.
He turns to Lianna, Aeyra, and Akasha. "Of course I've a free arm if any of you ladies wish to entwine yours with mine as we walk the post-Race alleys. I'd offer to you, Blaze, but you might need both of those metal mitts for dealing with gamblers less fortunate than yourself on the way." Silian chuckles.
"Oh wonderful. I have a coach waiting. Thank you, Vannevar, you reassurances are well received. I am sure I can convince Jessamin to attend to Blaze's winnings without having to wait in any lines. Shall we, then?" She accepts the offer of Silian as a proper escort and lets him lead her back down stairs. She excuses herself momentarily and makes her way to Jess, the crowd seems to part for her with no encouragement. She speaks with Jess for a moment and you see Jess nod. Jess looks up and motions for Blaze to come to her.
Blaze makes his way to Jess and hands her his ticket upon request. She looks over the ticket, compares it to her notes, and then counts out 10 gp for him. She speaks with him a moment longer, and then he returns with Neris to the group.
Speaking to Lianna, Blaze says, "I was asked to tell you that Jessamin would be most pleased if you were to come visit her again after you have finished your job."
Neris leads you out to the coach, it looks like it will be a tight fit. When realizing this, Blaze offers to sit next to the driver to which Neris agrees and thanks him for his consideration. Once piled into the coach, Neris asks, "Is there anywhere at all that we must stop along the way?"
Already lost in thought, Aeyra wrenches herself back to reality. "No, I have nowhere to stop."
Neris nods and the small Skycoach takes to the air. After some short time you come to the Upper Wards of Dura, and soon there after you arrive in Highwater. Neris directs the driver to a tower made of polished black densewood. It is dusk by the time you arrive, and in the last vestiges of the evening sun, the building seems to sparkle. Neris pays the coachman and he takes his leave.
As you come closer to the building you see that it is silver inlaid in an ivy pattern that is catching the light. A massive bugbear guards the gate; his deep red fur has been oiled and brushed, and he wears a beautiful breastplate covered with black enamel. His armor is marked with the same coat of arms that hangs above the door - a stylized silver dragon surrounded by an ivy wreath. He nods first to Neris and in a deep, growling voice says, "Lady Neris. You have returned. Mistress Tela wishes for you to oversee the preparations for our guest's rooms."
Neris introduces the bugbear before hurrying off into the house. "This is Kurthan, he will escort you to Mistress Tela." Kurthan looks at your group gathered before him and nods slowly before speaking "Welcome to Silvervine. You are expected." He ushers you inside and leads you to a large sitting room.
Next to the fire place stands an elven woman. She turns when you enter the room, and smiles. She seems to glide across the room, her glamerweave gown looking as if it were woven from dark silver smoke. Her long, platinum blonde hair is bound with ornaments of silver and jet. "Kurthan, leave us, please." The bugbear leaves but you are quite sure he is standing guard outside the door you just entered.
"Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable. I am Kaelys Tela. Thank you for joining me. I hope you do not mind that I have excused the servants, but allow me to pour you a drink. What I have asked you here to talk about is somewhat of a sensitive nature, and servants do like to gossip."
She holds her arm out indicating the chairs near the fire place. On a near by table is a selection of crystal decanters with various shades of liquid in them, as well as a tea pot and glasses. You cannot help but to notice a large object sitting rather conspicuously in the middle of the room covered in a black cloth.
"You must be Silian d'Thuranni, and you, his guard, Vannevar d'Thuranni. I am acquainted with your house. It is a pleasure to meet you both." She extends her hand.
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Smiling, Silian nods at Kurthan as they enter, wishing he knew a smattering of Goblin to thank the guard in.
Once inside the room, Silian marvels at the luxury. He bows to his hostess, and when her hand is offered he takes it, placing a kiss on her knuckles.
Switching back to the Common tongue, "Forgive our tardiness. We understand that your issues are pressing, we allowed ourselves the opportunity to enjoy the Race of Eight Winds. I sincerely hope our frivolity has not jeopardized the task you have at hand for us, nor your opinion of our priorities."
Silian's eyes are drawn to the spirits on the table and the mysterious hidden object.
Aeyra walks in, pretty much looking everywhere but at the woman. She's happy to let the nobles do their talking, examining the room in detail.
Kaelys seems quite pleased by Silian's manors, and smiles warmly at him.
Silian is quite certain that the object beneath the black cloth, is in fact, a corpse.