Salonius smile becomes a trifle fixed as Meliandri abandons him, "Ahhhh? Thank you Lady Aulamaxa, I am sure my Mother would wish me to convey her greetings and well wishes. As a rule I am more invested in my studies at the Alabaster Academy, and my knowledge of Kintargo's Nobility is not what it ought to be, but I have of course heard of your reputation as an astute political mover. Might I be so bold as to ask for your take upon our fair cities current political climate? I am always interested to hear an expert expound upon their field."
"You don't expect me to be outside during curfew, do you?!? Ashana asks terrified.
Eldonna hesitates for a moment, then she tells "The citiy has seen better days, but so far it is bearable, if not annoying."
But she goes for the change of topic. "You study at the Academy. What is your area of expertise?"
"That depends on how masterfully worked you would want such a spear." Chuko replies to Saul. He walks to a weapon stand and takes out a few spears.
Showing them he explains "You can go for a normal longspear with a silver head. That would cost you 95 gold. You also could take a really masterfully crafted longspear, that would cost you 395 with the silver. But silver is not really good for piercing weapons. If you really want to have something good, you'd take this longspear here with the mithral head. That works just as good as steel plus the effect of silver for a mere 1000gold." Chuko caws.
"You're playing hard to get, or do you really not know?" Chuko chuckles. "Silver is a rather soft metal. Hard to keep it pointy or sharp. You could go for a silver mace. There it is no difference. But it's about the same price for the well made ones. 102 gold for the silver mace, or one well made for 402 gold. But if you want something cheaper, you could go for a light mace. That you can have in silver for 25 gold."
"But that's a weapon for girls." he adds. "But why does it have to be silver?"
"Primarily botany, I am studying the cultivation of fruit trees, attempting to combine various magical factors and forms of hybridizations in order to achieve improved yields, tastes, and resistances. Of course magic is, necessarily, my second course of study, and in many ways it is nearly as fascinating," Salonius replies, gesturing to Peeko as he mentions magic.
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"Well, I already have this bad boy." Saul pulls out the masterwork silver morningstar, which up to now was hanging from his waist, concealed by the duster.
"But a longspear is my preferred weapon... against the devils of Kintargo. Haven't you heard the rumors? Along with proclamations, the Lord Mayor is introducing monsters to our streets. A man should have the right to protect himself, after all. Unless there has been a new proclamation about that." Saul says this last part rather bitterly.
"No, but you might not be 'ome by the end. You can stay with us; we 'ave a place that is safe." Meliandri grabs Ashana's hand and pulls her down the hall. "Now we need to go. And do not say anything to mother."
After the encounter with the rats Jhen retires to his room and begins treating the scores of bites and scratches that riddle his body. This can't be good, he concludes as he lowers himself into his tub wincing as the water stings his wounds.
Fhingle goes back to painting the new base of operations.
"That sounds, ... interesting" Eldonna replies, wondering that Meliandri isn't bored to death by that guy. "Where are you putting that studies to the test?" she tries to keep the smalltalk going as Meliandri comes rushing down the stairs, the poor Ashana in tow.
"You tell me about it." Chuko tells with despise. "If you have the coin, you can buy the whole shop. I'm pondering to leave town."
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"Wish I could, new friend, but I am not a rich man. In any case..."
Saul lowers his voice and leans in closer.
"...it sounds like we share a similar sentiment. You know, there are a few of us here in town... talking. Talking about how we can resist the Thrune. Not in open force; we are not stupid. But we are keeping our eyes open for opportunities to take the Lord Mayor down a peg. We would certainly be happy to have a weapons dealer as a friend. In fact, just yesterday we had three other Tengi join our ranks, one goes by the name of Maggie, if that means anything to you."
"'Salonius can make things taste like other things. For example, 'e is a way for me to keep 'aving my mint drinks." Meliandri interrupts. "Now, if you will excuse us, we 'ave to get on with our jobs so we can 'ave Ashana back before the curfew. It 'as been nice to see you, mother."
Meliandri heads for the door, though she stops if Eldonna insists.
Well, the girl is growing up. Eldonna smiles to herself as Meliandri leaves the house together with her new friend.
She almost calls out for Ashana, but catches the word before it leaves her mouth. I'll write a letter, that'll do.
She goes back to her office, takes a sheet of paper and a pen and starts writing
Dear Mrs. Barradin,
...
"Who is this 'we'? And does that tengu have a last name, not that it would matter, I don't know a Maggie." Chuko replies. But you see some hope in his eyes as you mention opposing Thrune.
"I could use a few new friends. Mine are getting scarce, since Shensen disappeared."
Fhingle searches out the Tengu, "Hi I am Fhingle, who are you? How did you all come to be down here?"
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Saul's eye glint and he smiles. "I don't rightly know their last names. You know, I had a friend, a young washer-woman who wore plate armor everywhere but to the laundrymat, who was also looking for Shensen. We sort of came to the conclusion that she was probably locked up in Castle Kintargo. Alamara left the city, though. Think she was lost in despair; she really looked up to Shensen."
"Tell you what though, Mac. I think you could really really use a cup of coffee. Why don't you stop by the Long House in Villegre after work? Maybe I'll see you there."
"Maybe." Chuko replies. with a smile.
"So, ... are you buying something, or do you need to think about it first?"
Salonius waves a goodbye to Lady Aulamaxa, as he is swept along in Meliandri's wake, smiling down at Ashana he greets her,
"A pleasure to meet you Miss Ashana, Salonius Barradin at your service. And this is Peeko, my familiar."
The four tengus sit in the basement killing their time, while they try to decide where to go in town. Maggie answers Fhingle. "I'm Maggie Fushi, and these are my sisters Jay, Treep and Korva. We were on our way from Riddleport to Westcrown. Nan, the guy that was eaten by the alligator brought us here."
"The pleasure is all mine." Ashana replies, while she tries to keep up with her short legs with Meliandri who drags her on.
"We may 'ave time for introductions later, when we 'ave arrived at our eventual destination. Right now, though..." Meliandri stops just outside the entrance to the Greens. "You 'ave to take us to wherever it is you buy paint and painting supplies. Now, wait 'ere for a moment, I 'ave to talk to Salonius for a moment."
She pulls Salonius aside, out of easy earshot from Ashana. "Ashana is not Fhingle. Feel free to treat 'er kindly, but remember she is probably going back 'ome tonight or tomorrow. She is not an equal."
Salonius stiffens face turning pale and lips narrowing into a taught line,
"You may chose not to treat her as an equal, but I do not. Fhingle was a slave he was property, is your ownership of Ashana justified because you choose to treat her better than his Master chose to treat him? What possible right does a sentient being have to own another? Because your ancestor was a bigger thug than theirs? Because you payed for them? Because you take care of them? If your lawful ruler, Barzillai Throne stripped you of your title and made you a slave would you accept that, or would you rail against it? If everyone should listen to their betters what right do you have to mint tea and Opera when someone of higher rank has denied them to you?"
"I do not even consider myself to "own" Peeko and he would literally cease to be sentient if he left me. To be frank it is not the slave I consider to be lesser, but the slaver, the victim is not to be blamed, the criminal is. You need only look at the races that practice slavery, drow, devils, duregar, and those who do not celestials, elves, dwarves, and progressive societies like Andoran and decide who you whose behaviour you would rather emulate?"
"I realize that there is little point in preaching on such matters, and the law is certainly on your side, but take a look at those laws and try to tell me you like what you see. I appreciate that you were raised with slaves, and likely treated them well enough, but I know that mild tempered as I am, for the most part, I would do my uptmost to kill any man or woman, or thing, who tried to make me a slave, and I have never heard an argument that would convince me I did not have the right to own myself - and I do like to think I have and will actually listen to such arguments."
"Now unless you choose to bring it up again I will not, nor will I interfere with your chattels. I would like to think we are on the way to being friends, and your opinion is not unreasonable given your circumstances; But please do not ask me to treat another person who has never offered me harm, or offence, with anything less than the respect they deserve."
Chuko tells Saul goodbye. Saul leaves the shop and walks in direction of the water. Or more specific to the Vashnarstill Shipyard. But walking there reminds him - it can't be seen, but behind the houses of the other side is the burnt scar. Where the Thrashing Badger stood not long ago.
On the docks there are fishermen repairing nets, bigger ships loading and unloading cargo. And of course all the artisans building new ships and repairing or improving old ones. It's a busy part of town.
"It is not about...No one is trying to make you a...She is not the same as you." Meliandri sputters, planting her hands on her hips and glowering at Salonius. "You know what? I would like to see Ashana free, but Cheliax is not the place to make that 'appen. Especially not right now. She is safer like this."
"We should get this over with so we can get the paint to Fhingle and clean up our secret 'hideout." Mels turns on her heel, sashaying back over and taking Ashana's hand. "Show us where to go."
Ashana is visibly uncomfortable in the midst of this discussion.
She is glad as it is over and she can move on to her normal duties. Taking care of Meliandri and her whims.
The shop of her choice is Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies. This sprawling general store serves much of Redroof’s personal needs, from daily supplies and food to a sort of public post for messages and other deliveries. It's a general store that has almost everything. Even dead parrots.
Salonius grins as Meliandri turns away, deciding to drop the subject, though he dearly wants to ask how Ashana's safety would be compromised by getting paid.
He is instantly intrigued by the huge store, and makes an excited beeline for the seed selections, "Look they have four different varieties of millet! Oh, and these tubers are Thorrasika Bupopuli! And is this Veroshnikov's Hellfire Horseradish Professor Glenell has been trying to get hold of this for months - shame it is dried though."
He looks after a few minutes wincing, "Ahhhh, would you Ladies mind awfully getting the paint? I promise I will just be a minute..."
"How did he die? That other thing with you killed him? How come?"
"She had a temper issue. That's why we had to leave Riddleport." Maggie replies. "As he told, that our contact to bring us away from here and to Westcrown wouldn't come she killed him."
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Saul takes in the smells and sights of the docks region of Kintargo. Sailors, carpenters, and fisherman bustle back and forth.
Wasn't that long ago that I was here fishing with good old dad, gods rest his soul. He always said that the shipping trade was the heart and soul of Kintargo, where boys went to become men, and men went to become rich. Why in the world does our Lord Mayor seem so intent on shutting this place down?
Saul clearly remembers what the Mayor ... Can't rightfully think of him as the Lord Mayor, now can I?... said, just a couple of days ago at the protest.
("You say you chafe at the presence of nonnatives in positions of power? That authorities not of this city have no place as its leaders? That you will not be yoked by intruders? Your lord-mayor hears you. And so it is with a heavy heart that I issue this proclamation, in response to your demands: all ships’ captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo docks or streets, under pain of... let’s say... squassation!"
Why? Why bar captains from ever leaving their boats? It is so strange. Trade is already dropping off. Captains don't want to bring their ships to a city like this. Thrune is going to impoverish us, economically wipe us off the map. But why? What does he stand to gain. So many questions, and no answers.
Saul continues to watch the crowd. He is looking for faces that he recognizes, perhaps an old friend or two of his father.
"Interesting, well once we are established we could try to help you get to Westcrown"
Meliandri nods and lets Ashana lead her to someone who can help. Once she's found someone, she starts talking. "We need painting equipment. A bucket, several brushes, and a stepladder. Actually, maybe a taller ladder would be useful. And if you 'ave cleaning supplies for paints, that would be useful too."
Maercin Kelimber serves Meliandri. After a bit of back and forth about what the paint is for, what color it should be and details about the area to paint Meliandri is left with a large pile of paint buckets and equipment, that she will never be able to get away from here. And she is billed 13 gold.
"That would be appreciated." Maggie replies.
"Tell me, where would you go to have some fun, here in town?"
As Saul walks on the docks, he hears someone - seems to be the captain of the the Chelish warship Scourge of Belial - fuming about being stuck on the ship.
Walking further along he finds one of his father's friends sitting on a poller. An old man already he can't do his old job anymore, but comes here anyway for sentimental reasons.
Salonius reluctantly concludes that botanical purchases are not his current priority and moves over to examine Meliandri and Ashana's selections, "Mmmmm, I know next to nothing about this sort of stuff, but Fhingle did give us a fair bit of coin, will this be adequate? I mean it looks great, but seems to cost less than he was expecting?"
Fhingle thinks for a long time, "I am not sure, I am a recently freed slave and have never been out to "have fun"" Fhingle tells truthfull
"Shall we find out together?" Maggie offers.
Fhingle smiles and gets up and goes with Maggie.
"There are lots of food stores around."
"How about a good drinking hall?" Maggie asks.
"Do you have any more durable brushes, perhaps hog bristle or sable? And maybe some ancillary tools?" Salonius asks the clerk, mindful of Fhingle's request.
"We will need to leave some of the paints and bulkier items here for pick up tomorrow if that is acceptable? I would prefer to spend our coin here, but it is not practical for us to carry this much away today."
"Sure we have. Cost a bit more, but we can store it for you, until you get a cart or whatever." Kelimber adds a pair of fine brushes and a toolbox that he fills with everything painting related he can find in the shop. "That'd be 63 gold. Just tell me what you'd want to take now, and I put the rest into storage with your name on it."
"They are already painting right? Do they really need quite this much? Or he I suppose. Could we just buy fancy brushes, and a couple of buckets full of supplies? I was envisioning being able to carry it, if not easily, without too much difficulty. At this rate we might as well just return with Fhingle tomorrow." Salonius says, hand ruffling through his hair as he contemplates the pile.
"This is not practical.
Jhen makes his way back to basement and finds it empty. He retreats upstairs to the coffee house and flags down Laria and orders, "Sweet tea please."
Laria brings the tea after a few minutes with a small bottle full of honey. "I've seen you before. But I can't remember where. You got an idea, where we might have met?"
"Perhaps at the opera... I've had a couple of small roles. To be honest very small non speaking parts," Jhen replies modestly. "Unfortunately, I don't think my career will be taking off anytime soon."
"That might be. Were you that guy that died in the fencing duel in 'Othello in love?' " Laria asks.
"So you're an actor - I could use some light hearted entertainment here. Is that something you can do?" Laria asks.