Torn between the display of fisticuffs and the battle of man vs. beast, Penance's eyes darted back and forth like a pendulum. He silently cheered for the infernal rat while simultaneously rooting for Caggan to go down hard. Sure he desired to be victorious over Caggan personally, but even more important was to see the man locked up. Then he would at Penance's mercy, and no mercy would be offered. Public humiliation was soon to be the least of the man's worries.
"Careful my dear. His bite carries plague. I'd hate to have you laid up in bed, unable to work...unable to move...unable to scream..."
The woman recoils from the rat while listening to Penance's words. Kels continues to snore on stage.
Bolgart continues to swing, doing what he can to take Rurisa down.
Once again his street boxing experience gives him the edge he needs to hit Rurisa.
Kayal simply looks to Cimri with a slightly bemused frown, heel of his quarterstaff clapping loud against the floor. "How else are they going to learn?"
Regardless; as Rurisa gives the word, he wills out a tendril that crawls and writhes between the floorboards, billowing through the unconscious woman's orifices like incense and smoke.
"A night's rest should resolve the rest," he drones, advancing away to the stage, patting himself down for a rope with which to restrain the still-snoozing bard. Unfortunately his shadows seem to be wholeheartedly against the idea, shifting his gear against his will; evidently persistent in their desire to bludgeon the helpless musician to death...
Vokrin gives a strong glance to Bolgart, his will surrounding the man. "Stop that foolishness at once!" He puts additional force into the words, punctuating them with arcane power.
Taking a slug to the gut with a grunt, Rurisa grins victoriously and swings her fist to crack the barkeep right between the eyes.
Cimri advances to the other barmaid, sap out. "Sorry Gale, got to do this."
Cimri knocks Gale a bit cross-eyed, but she's still standing and ready to drop.
Bolgart looks briefly at Vokrin, allowing Rurisa to get a good swing at him. His face continuously bruised the brute of a man remains standing, though he looks a bit dazed by the punishment and Vokrin's spell. Gale looks concerned and begins moving away from everyone and sits in a chair nursing her head.
"Unfair my dear, unfair. Still, I do suppose the battle was rather lacking in action. Still, an interesting preview of things to come, no doubt."
"Okay little one. Shoo now, back to your home" said Penance to the rat. The rat begin to melt away, as if soaked in acid, bits of flesh and fur began to smolder as it was dismissed back to its own world on another plane.
Cimri walks up behind Caggan and knocks him on the back of the head, dropping him to the floor. "Sorry to take your fun Rurisa, but I think this has gone on for a bit now. Want to get this lug in the pillory and take Kels back to jail for questioning?"
Putting away her sap, Rurisa unhooks two pairs of manacles she'd retrieved from the jail and clasps them around Caggan's wrists and ankles (arms behind his back).
Giving the unconscious barkeep a disgusted look, she pats him down, looking for a key to lock the place up behind them (and asks the others to do the same). "Kayal, since my handwriting is a travesty would you please leave a note posted on the door that Caggan will be serving two nights in jail for assaulting Penance, and another three for resisting arrest and assaulting me? Thanks." Grunting with effort as she shoulders the big man, she inclines her head towards the snoring bard. "I leave the transportation of good sir Kels to you, comrades."
"Thank you, Kayal, for handling that. I prefer not to get my hands dirty. After all, an arch-mage such as myself cannot be seen doing menial labor. Think of the scandal." Vokrin shakes his head for emphasis. "Overall a good effort, is anyone hurt? I believe I have blood to spare." An allusion to the magic he uses which requires devil's blood to heal others.
Hearing his name not once but twice, Kayal swiftly snatches his rope from an uncooperative shade and binds the still-sleeping bard with practiced ease—taking care to ensure that a conscious Kels has little chance to resist, much less escape their company. The Fetchling is only vaguely aware when one of his more malevolent shades steals a sponge from his pack and shoves it square into the performer's mouth, but Kayal doesn't bother to revoke it. In fact, the less chance Kels has of spouting his nonsense on the streets, the better.
That done Kayal raises back to his full height and grants Vokrin a courteous bow from the waist in thanks for his recognition before turning to Rurisa with a nod and rummaging about his person again, retrieving his writing implements and a clean sheet of parchment from the inner pockets of his robe. On the topic of shifting Kels himself, the shadow priest drones: "Let me see to this first. I would be glad to take one of the minstrel's arms if one of you might assist with the other."
Cimri shrugs, "I wasn't touched. Actually I think Rurisa was the one that took the most hits. Caggan is tougher than we gave him credit for."
The night is quiet as you head back to the jail. With how strong Rurisa is Caggan's weight isn't too much of an issue while the rest of the party is able to stumble-bum Kels into a cell. Caggan goes in his pillory without issue, though he'll probably be upset about it in the morning. "What now? Crash here for the night or head back to Ash House?"
"Surely we can find somewhere better to sleep than the Ash House, we're official now," Rurisa grumbles.
"Some should remain with our prisoners, one would think." Vokrin interjects, somewhat put out by the fact that no one else is considering the prisoners and people who might object to their having been arrested.
Rurisa nods. "Agreed. I'll remain here then and guard the prisoners and ensure no break-outs occur. Give my regards to Razelgro if he's there." So saying the mercenary sets her helmet upon the desk and sheds her chainmail with a weary sigh.
Kayal blinks, head cocking at the slightest angle as he speaks. "The prisons of flesh in which we reside are but veils upon spirit and might. I find these cells less all-encompassing, but adequate. I was not intending to leave them."
The priest blinks a second time, sickly eyes narrowing as he thinks. "Would you prefer I report to the Ash House? If Razelago expects a summary, it should be provided."
"I will do so also," Vokrin adds. Then with the consideration that others might see this as him making overtones towards Rurisa, states in addition "To provide more assistance as well as allow for rest." He says this with attempted deference to her feelings, but being that he is not the softest touch, it may come off more rude than anticipated.
His arm outstretched towards the heavens and his hand shacking to and fro, Penance blurted out "ooh, ooh, me. Pick me, I'll stay. I think Caggan and I have many words to share."
"Very well then. I will endeavor to keep our benefactor informed and reconvene on the morrow. I pray your nightmares prove liberating." Kayal nods with finality and, unless there is anything further required of him, quietly departs for the Ash House.
Rurisa places a calming hand on the gnome's shoulder. Remember," she says softly, "Caggan's publicly displayed, if you 'tend' to him now it will reflect poorly upon our employer. Be patient, Penance, for just a bit longer. Caggan is proud and foolish, he'll do something to get himself put away soon. You can have him then."
Her piece said, the Hellrazor wanders over to the chair at the desk, kicking her feet up onto the desk and closing her eyes.
"Looks like I'll go with Kayal then." Cimri yawns and stretches, cracking several vertebrae in the process. "'Night"
The next day dawns and Cimri points out several things around town as she leads the way back to the jail. Included are several posters fluttering down the streets telling the citizens of Longacre to 'Stand for what is right' and that 'The Glorious Reclamation will save Cheliax'.
Even if Kayal himself doesn't appear overly interested in the wafting posters, his shades understandably work to tear them from the walls in disgust.
"Nonsense," he drones, after coming across the third or fourth such image, and rips down a print, rolling it away as evidence. "Cheliax continues to surprise me. How can its people be expected to stand if they cannot first kneel?"
On arrival at the jail, the priest arrives quietly, poster in hand, and does his honourable best at a smile. "Good morning gentlemen. Ms Thelvarn." He unfurls the paper, hissing a word to Mage Hand the poster aloft, as though pressed to some invisible, floating wall. "We have a further problem."
Shaking her head to clear it, Rurisa takes her heavy boots off the table and accepts the poster. After a second her lips are pressed in a thin line and she stands. "This will need to be dealt with, but first let's tend to our prisoners. Cimri, dear, take this," the Hellrazor presses a few silver coins into the other woman's hand. "Run down and pick us up a pair of roast chickens, some bread, whatever else. Most of it's for us but I want to turn up the charm on a few of our prisoners."
Slapping the poster down on the table she looks around at the others, voice pitched lower in case the prisoners were awake. "So how do we want to handle Kels? Sweet-talking or scare him? Scaring him would be faster and easier, but we've got a reputation to build and we may need to pick his brain more than once. Might be easiest to just offer him a deal where he leaves town without jail time in exchange for what he knows about this "Glorious Revolution" and this "Angel Knight". Thoughts?"
Kayal barely responds, simply coaxing his head to one side, his quiet disgust palpable as he stares down at the seditious poster. "I am for whatever you all deem most appropriate," he says flatly, further explaining, "You are moderately aware of my talents. They are at your disposal, however you see fit."
Cimri takes the coins and with a nod prepares to head out the door. She stops before and looks back briefly, "Anyone want me to grab anything else before I come back?"
"Some poisons would be nice, uh...helpful I mean. Nothing too deadly, just something to weaken the will. Or whatever you can find" Penance said with a shrug.
"I only gave her five silvers, Penance," Rurisa chuckles as she shrugs into her chainmail. As Cimri comes back in the Hellrazor nods to everyone. "Alright, let's bring him in then. Kayal, you've a silver tongue and better knowledge of Longacre's laws than I do, if you hand the bulk of this I'll help you out where possible." As the Nidalese man goes into the cellblock Rurisa sets out some of the food Cimri brought on a plate, or a strip of cloth if nothing better is available.
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Vokrin rises in the morning. "Should we desire, I have ways of making people talk also... given time to prepare." A wicked grin crosses his features, though he's actually only speaking about a liberal application of Charm Person, which he would literally have to prepare, as a spell in the morning.
Choosing to interpret the others' silence as assent, Rurisa grabs the food Cimri bought and takes it to the prisoners. "Breakfast is here, ladies and gentlemen! For you too Caggan, and I got you this as well," after setting down his share of the food in his cell, Rurisa reaches into her pouch and draws out one of her healing potions. "Hopefully this takes care of most of your bruising."
Unlocking the door to Kels' cell, the mercenary inclines her head towards the room where the others are waiting. "Your food is on the desk, sir, and we'd like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind."
Caggan just scowls as the deputies grumble a thanks, none looking Rurisa in the eyes. Kels plasters a charming grin over his face as he walks toward the door. He hisses something to the former deputies, at least one of whom brings hand to face in a clear display of disbelief.
Kels freely walks to the desk, rubbing his hands as he eyes the food. He throws Rurisa a wink while avoiding looking anyone else in the face, particularly Penance and Vokrin, both of whom seem to disconcert him. "What questions can I answer for you my dear?"
Rurisa fights down a scowl and instead gives the minstrel what she hopes is a dazzling smile and motions for him to take a seat. Then she softly closes the door to the cell room.
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As Rurisa goes to retrieve the bard, Kayal sighs a prayer for Kuthite mercy and coats himself with another of his spells ; doing his best to appear wholly professional—standing across the desk with all the uncanny stillness his race typically exudes, knuckles cracking as his fists come together beneath his sleeves. There is something distinctly off about his own greeting as he gives Kels a short bow of the head; finishing with a look that one might offer a small, easily frightened animal.
"Good morning, Master Kels. Forgive me if you do not recall, but I am Kayal of Ridwan. No doubt you remember Ms. Thelvarn. Ms. Staelish. Archmage Vokrin. Master Penance." He indicates to each of their party in kind with a nod. "First, allow me to apologize on behalf of my comrades that your accommodation this evening has been...less than warranted. Fear not though; should you prove compliant with our investigations—we shall endeavor that your stay in Longacre remains as short and painless as can be reasonably possible." The Fetchling smiles, keen to imply that the bard's life presently teeters on the validity of his cooperation.
"Now I understand that you are a man of stories, Master Kels—and a...memorable one at that. To start, might I ask you for the tale that explains your being in Longacre? From one transient to the next, such as it is." He cocks his head to the side, yellowing eyes narrowing just a touch. "That you keep so many of its locals in your company speaks volumes of your character. I admit my curiosity—whatever did you share to make them so amicable?"
Kels is clearly excited to have such an amenable ear. His eyes light as he begins digging into his food with gusto. "You know you lot aren't anywhere near as bad as what the locals would have me believe. You know it's funny, I was talking with Mrs. Unero..." His speech is nothing noteworthy as he talks about his journey from his last place of residence to Longacre. It is only when the story reaches a couple of days ago that it becomes interesting...
"And that's how I found myself being chased by a badger for a jar of honey!" Kels laughs uproariously, slapping the table several times and nearly choking on a piece of bread before calming down. "Well, I found myself just outside of Longacre, about 2 miles give or take, at dawn. It was a glorious sight, the sun's rays, resplendently radiant and setting up the ravishing figure of the Angel Knight. When the sun came down on her sculpted helm I would swear a halo burst from the top of her head. Truly, I felt touched by the gods that moment and dropped to my knees as she approached.
"She pulled me up with her amazing strength and told me not to be afraid. When I asked her name, in a heavenly voice, she replied, 'Lencia Visserene.' I can only imagine the beauty that makes such a sweet sound; alas, I she was covered head to toe in plate. I spent the rest of the day writing ballads for her. Would you like to hear one? I just need my lute..." Kels abruptly tries to stand and retrieve his lute from the storage locker.
"A moment yet, Kels, please. Just a few more questions." Rurisa flashes another smile. "The Angel Knight, what happened then? Did she escort you into Longacre or depart for good works elsewhere?"
Kels shrugs, "She disappeared like the angel I first thought her to be. Say, you lot don't seem too bad, why are you working for that terrible Fex? His ever-increasing taxes have taken out many a business here, at least from what I can tell. The Glorious Reclamation is supposed to help with that."
"And do what, precisely?" Kayal's expression dips to a frown. "Those taxes are required to fund the armories and guards that protect their lives and land and homes. The world is growing darker, Master Kels. Precautions are necessary. Not always pleasant, but necessary. Lord Fex is highly protective of his assets—of Longacre and its people. That he devotes such attention to their security and stability simply shows how seriously he considers these recent and so-far empty declarations against our Courts, Country, and Crown. If this so-called 'Reclamation' has intentions to drag the common folk into their needless acts of violence and sedition, then as able citizens we are charged to ensure such nonsense does not occur. Working for the Archbaron himself is merely an added bonus."
Kayal pauses; a rogue shadow crawling over the lip of the table to pick at a slice of bread and hover it tantalizingly close to his mouth. The priest gives the slightest shrug before crushing his teeth over the dry bit of loaf, forcing him to chew around his words. "Contrary to what you may have heard, my comrades and I are hardly the antagonists here, Master Kels." He swallows, returning to his slightly off-kilter smile. "We certainly weren't the ones to ambush and beat a man of faith unconscious in the street, for whatever that might be worth."
Kels' face drops, perhaps sensing the shift the conversation has taken. "Surely if Archie were to listen to his people rather than trying to beat them into subjugation..." He starts looking rather nervous, uncomfortable with your lack of support for his worldviews.
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Rurisa tries to look both stern and sympathetic. "Oh, so we're the ones delivering the beatings, are we? Kels, let me tell you a little about how our time working for the Archbaron has gone." She comes around and sits on the desk, so that she's facing him.
"Our very first day on the job, we were tasked with posting up a few notices around town. One of our stops was the Last Stand, because places with a lot a people are good places to post a notice, right? Well we're in the midst of hanging up the notice when Caggan comes barging out and attacks Penance. Scalded him quite badly with boiling soup." She affixes the bard with an indignant expression. "Over a mere posting! But it gets worse: our last job that same day was to deliver some unfortunate news to Sheriff Staelish, that her resignation had been requested. In what I presume to be a misguided sense of solidarity her employees all resigned as well and walked out. But..." Rurisa glowers at the memory. "...as we were leaving this very building they ambushed us on the street, attacking us and beating good Kayal here unconscious in the street!"
She reaches out and rests her hand on his. "You seem a decent sort, but it sounds like you've been presented with some very self-serving narratives. It's our job to make help ensure that the peace is kept here in Longacre, but as I've explained the violence isn't coming from our side. Please, if you know how to contact this Angel Knight we could meet with her and find a way to diffuse this situation."
Vokrin seethes at the bard's referral to their master as "Archie", knowing that if he were given a similar appellation, he would visit a most gratuitous amount of violence on any such individual.
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"Indeed, tis true. I have raised no arms against any citizen of Longacre and like all of her inhabitants, simply wish to earn a living in our fair town. Yet time after time, my own efforts are met with hate and violence, as if I am not welcome in such a grand and supportive community. I mean no harm to any and only wish to find my place."
Penance does his best to portray himself as small and inadequate, shoulders hunched down and head bent, averting his gaze and not making eye contact.