Sev moves next to Morosino as soon as Janiven gives the order, but when Lorenzo shouts that he's staying behind he finds himself torn.
Not that I could be any help...but can we just leave the two of them alone?
He looks at the shadow and begins shaking again, harder now then at any other point in the escape and he looks at Faustinia with surprise when she shouts the man down.
"Why can't you both just run with us!? Don't risk your lives!" He finds himself shouting into the tunnels, surprising even himself.
Morosino's praise doesn't do anything to lift Catina's spirit. If anything, it only makes her feel worse. She does what she can for the Hellknights, retrieves the dagger that Faustinia had thrown and then rejoins the others. "I'm ready, I'd really like to get out of here." Of course, the sun must be almost down by now. How long have we been in here anyway? Funny, how being down below makes you lose track of time...
--
Catina stays at the back of the group, as before. She moves up when the group stops, anxious to see what Morosino had noticed. "Blazing He-!" escapes her mouth before she realizes it. "What is that monstrosity?" She looks at the others for an answer, but doesn't really expect anyone she know. At Janiven's words, Catina is quick to comply, until she notices that Lorenzo isn't turning. "Lorenzo, what are you doing? You can't be serious? Janiven has managed to escape that full group of Hellknights - actual Hellknights. We have to trust her to know what's best. Just come with us. Please." She makes a move as to take his hand, but looking down at her awkward hands makes her reconsider. Instead, she turns to their guide. "Janiven, you have to make him see reason. Please tell him there's nothing he can do here to help you, or something..."
Glad for his companions' concern, Lorenzo replies, "It's OK. Just go. If Janiven is ready to face this thing then my sword will only help."
He steels himself, "Trust me that if she retreats, I will do so as well. I'm no martyr."
Catina makes a face at Lorenzo. "Oh, really. 'You're not going to be a martyr.' And that has to make us feel better how?" She crosses her arms, then immediately unfolds them and fidgets, uncertain where to keep her arms. "We've pushed through these sewers. Together, with just the four of us. And now you're just leaving us behind? We have to make our way to the hideout?" She turns for a glance over her shoulder.
"Look at us... Faustinia, Sev, that kid who can't be more than eight. Are you really sending us out there, while you stay with Janiven? Are you leaving us?" What started out as a peevish reply now just sounds hurt and scared.
Lorenzo grips his sword tighter but something in Catina's plea clicks.
Janiven had been the able to take care of herself. What if the others met more zombies or another group of hellknights? Who would be more in need of his aid?
Torn between the two choices, he addresses Janiven, "Are you sure you want me to go? Can you take care of this thing? If so, I think my blade can be better used to defend the others. But I don't want to abandon you either. Will you be OK here?"
"LORENZO!"
Janiven's voice is harsh as that of an angry mother. "That was an order, not a request. Follow your friends and protect them as best as you can".
Faced with Lorenzo's hesitation, Janiven sighs in frustration and turns toward him with a disdainful expression written across her face. "You're just a stonemason with a dubious noble ancestry. You're not a hero. You would be just a burden for me and I can take care of myself. Now, GO!"
Although she tried to be as harsh as she could, it is clear to everyone, Lorenzo included, that Janiven is only offending the young paladin in order for him to accept to leave her alone without risking his life. Somehow Janiven herself realizes she hasn't been very convincing and sighs again, desperately this time. "Well, allright, maybe you could come in handy...but I need you to guide them. They would be lost without you. You have the duty to protect them. They're much more defenseless than I am. So now go!"
---
Eventually, Lorenzo decides to comply with Janiven's request and guides the group in its flee from the shadow as Morosino leads the way. As you flee through the sewers, you discern the sound of a metal object falling to the ground and that of an arrow being fired.
---
"This way."
You're not completely sure how much time it took for you to reach the point where you currently are. You've been running as fastest as you could, and time passed as fast as the many intersections you've get past. What matters is that now Morosino has stopped: his torch shines on yet another sword symbol, although this one appears to be different from the others. It points upward. As you raise your head, instinctively following the marker, you see a rusting ladder leading upward to a trap door. "Phew", Morosino sighs as he cleans up the sweat covering his forehead and tries to catch his breath, "We've reached the end of our flight. Follow me".
Without waiting for you to answer, the boy quickly climbs the ladder and opens the trap door. Fortunately, it opens without problems, allowing the boy to slip away, on the outside. But not yet to his safety. "Hurry up! It's night out here and the shadows lurk in the dark! Come on!", whispers Morosino trying to encourage you to join him. You all manage to climb the ladder without difficulties, even though Lady Faustinia needs some additional support from Lorenzo. Eventually, you all join Morosino out of the trap door. Your nostrils are invaded by a breeze of pure, salty air. There's no more stench to tear your guts. The air is fresh and familiar, and your eyes fall on familiar structures as well. Westcrown, the City of Twilight.
---
It takes some time for you to realize you've finally left the sewers. But Morosino greatly speeds up that process for you by hurrying you up again. "Quick, quick, there's no time to lose. Follow me, this way".
You're in an out-of-the-way alley behind an impressive, imposing structure, even if it appears to be partially ruined and its style seems to be clearly old, such as that of many building predating Thrune's accession to power. Although all of the building's windows are closed an no light comes from within, there's an awe-inspiring bronze gate on the southern side of the structure. Morosino leads you to a back door cleverly disguised as if it were boarded up and knocks on it. A few moments later, the door is opened from the opposite side by a nervous looking man with a lantern. He's incredibly muscular and his clothes make him look as a blacksmith.
The expression on the lad's face is surprised. "Who are you?" he asks, his eyes nervously darting behind him. Then his eyes lower enough to allow him to see Morosino. "Oh, Morosino. They're with you. For a moment I thought...Nevermind, come in, quickly."
_____________________________
Catina winces at Janiven's attempt to push Lorenzo away, and she feels for him even thought she stays silent. Still, relief is clear on her face when he sees reason and decides to go with them. Trying to offer some consolation, she touches his shoulder. "Thank you, Lorenzo. I'm really glad that you will go with us." She follows in the mad dash through the sewers, casting a quick glance over her shoulder as she hears the sounds of battle. She gives a silent prayer for Janiven's safety. Please be ok...
--
At the marker pointing up, Catina puts a hand to the wall to catch here breath. "Did we make it? Everyone OK?" Already night. Please don't let it end here, after what we've had to endure in the sewers. She puts up the hood of her cloak and ascends the ladder, hurrying after Morosino. She nervously looks left and right as she runs, praying they will be left alone by the shadows. She doesn't have to be told twice to come in, and quickly ducks through the door.
Not totally convinced, Lorenzo does as he is bid and protects the group as they follow Morosito through the sewers. He is still amazed at all the complexity of the tunnels and had no idea it would be so vast. When Janiven asked them to go through the sewers, Lorenzo had envisioned staying down there only a few minutes. This was beyond what he expected and maybe that was good.
_______________
Ready to step up and defend the group, the paladin is happy to see that Morosito is recognized. He states to the man at the door, "We were instructed by Janiven to come here. But she stayed behind fighting some sort of shadow creature. Should we go get her now that we are safe?"
He quickly adds to his companions, "You can all stay here but I need Morosito to take me back because I would get lost otherwise. Is that OK?" Knowing that this would endanger the child, he is torn and waits to see what the others think.
|
Faustinia finds herself nodding at Janiven's orders, hoping Lorenzo will see reason and curb his heroics so they can flee to a better position. As they run through the sewers, the light bouncing wildly as they leave Janiven behind, Faustinia concentrates on the path before her and tries not to wince at the sound of battle behind them.
-
Faustinia is already panting by the time they reach the ladder. As Lorenzo helps her up, she tries to meet his eyes. Despite her harsh words earlier, she nods in what she hopes is an expression of humble gratitude. As the sweat on her face cools in the fresh air, she looks on her city anew: filled with violence and corruption, but still beautiful in the night, and ready to be excised of its rot.
-
After ducking through side streets and alleys, Faustinia takes some time to admire their destination. Even in ruins, remnants of that old glory remain in the architecture, and the impressive bronze gate shining in the moonlight gives Faustinia a strange kind of hope.
Once at the back door, Faustinia tries to take some deep breaths, still panting from their mad dash from the sewers and through the streets of Westcrown to here. Leaning on her staff, she nods at the young man who answers the door and quickly enters the building. Once inside, she wipes the sweat from her brow before resuming her usual proud posture. "I am Lady Faustinia Xerysis. A pleasure."
Waiting for the others to introduce themselves, her brow creases as Lorenzo suggests going back. "If we weren't ready to face that shadow with all of us, what makes you think you'd stand a chance looking for Janiven alone? It's already after dark and those things are probably swarming the sewers and the streets. Janiven seems to know what she's doing, and she didn't risk her life just so you could go off and get eaten by a monster, or worse, captured by hellknights!" She lets out a long sigh, both to calm herself and because she's still a little winded from the running. She continues, in a softer voice, "Lorenzo, please. We need you here. It was a struggle just to make it through those sewers, and it's too great a challenge for just you. Please." Faustinia finishes her plea with a concerned smile, and reaches out to squeeze his hand in support.
Sev's heart does not stop racing until they're out of the sewers. He hands are sweaty and his hair is plastered to his face, greasy and wet, he looks a mess and he feels even worse. His mind can't stop imagining the terrible things that might happen to Janiven with the shadow, but he keeps pushing himself forward. Running away just keeps getting easier.
He almost stops at the bronze gate and runs the other direction. Even with the house in such a poor state, a gate like that usually meant some sort of noble, which usually meant some sort of slave owner, but when Morosino is greeted by the other human Sev nods quietly to himself and moves to enter.
"I'm Sev, nice to-" He starts to say before Lorenzo speaks of heading back the way they came. His eyes widen and he looks at the human with respect. I wonder if I'll ever be that brave?
He listens to Faustinia urge Lorenzo to stay and he steps next to the older woman in a show of solidarity. "L-lady Faustinia is right. We need to stay together." His small hands are balled in to fists and his eyes stare at nothing but the ground, but there's conviction in his voice.
*click*
The door closes behind you. You enter a small room containing several crates and boxes, meticulously placed one above the other. “Welcome to our safe house,” says the muscular lad with a broad smile. “Since the sun has set, I guess you’re going to spend the night here. No problem, we’re prepared to that. Originally, this place was a shrine to Aroden, thus it has several private rooms we use to sleep in when the night catches us here. You must be the new recruits. Janiven told us about you, we were waiting for you. The others have left almost half an hour ago, returning to their homes before the sun went down. I’m Ermolos, son of Ermolos the Elder and apprentice blacksmith, pleased to meet you,” says the guy offering you his hand to shake. “As far as Janiven is concerned…I believe it would be a suicide to go out now that it’s dark. She can take care of herself, she’s the best among us and I’m sure she’ll be here soon. She wouldn’t like you to risk for her, although I’m sure she’ll appreciate your intentions once she gets back. Anyway, if you want to go I won't stop you. Just don't involve Morosino.”
---
After your introductions, Ermolos smiles genuinely and keeps from asking any question. “You must be hungry. We should have something to eat. Mathalen could attend to that as you take your time to clean off the sewers’ filth from your bodies. Unfortunately, we don’t have any clean clothes here. We don’t live here, except for Mathalen of course. Anyway, follow me. I’ll take you to your rooms”. The lad speaks with a calm and gentle voice, and he seems truly happy to assist you. “Morosino, go and fetch Mathalen please. Is she’s meditating, inform her that we have some unexpected guests and that they need something to eat. We should have some stock in the storage room. We’ll speak about what happened in the sewers later”. Then he turns to you, “Shall we go?”
---
Ermolos leads you into another room: much larger than the first one, this room’s space is mostly occupied by a long wooden table around which several chairs (almost fifteen) are placed. A number of tall, white marble columns divide the area in three different sections. The central area is occupied almost entirely by the long table, while the side ones are mostly empty. The columns are finely decorated, although their style appears to be quite old. On the walls, several torches affixed to them shine on some awe-inspiring frescoes. These wall paintings are clearly old and faded, but they appear to represent scenes from Aroden’s life.
“This is the common room. Arhael thinks this was used to be the main chamber of the shrine, where faithful gathered to pray together,” explains Ermolos as he leads you to a set of winding stairs leading upstairs. As soon as you reach the first floor of the building, you enter a long corridor: this area is not as clean as the common room, but it bears clear signs of recent cleaning. Several wooden doors line the corridor on both sides. “OK, here we are. These rooms were originally designed for foreigners to sleep in, but we managed to repurpose them to host our members in case they can’t sleep at their homes. Choose your room freely, but please do not go beyond the seventh. We still need to clean up the remaining ones”.
Each room is a 20 x 20 ft. area containing a simple bed with white, clean blankets and a soft pillow. Each room also features an empty wooden wash tub along with a bar of soap.
“Make yourself at home,” says Ermolos as you choose your chambers, “If you need clean water to bath, please let me know. Arhael filled several barrels with water thanks to his magic this morning, so we’ve got enough water for everyone. Unfortunately, we don’t have any means to heat it, so your bath could prove a little cold…but it’s better than being filthy, isn’t it? Anyway, we’ll be waiting for you in the common room for dinner as soon as you’re done. See you later.”
With that said, Ermolos leaves you. You now have time to spend on yourselves, maybe having a bath to clean off the sludge from the sewers. You clothes are ragged and dirty, and there’s no way for you to improve their conditions short of repairing magic. Probably, you’ll need to buy new ones tomorrow.
_____________________________
Tired. Lorenzo was more tired than if he had worked a 16-hour shift. And a 16-hour shift working as a stone mason was no easy feat.
He suddenly became aware of his filth and stink; he became self-conscious especially around the noble old lady and cleric of Shelyn, who always looked for beauty.
He asked for some water so he could at least bathe before coming down for dinner. Thoughts of his sisters flooded his mind. He hoped that Miss Sarah took them to her house once it was clear that Lorenzo was not returning.
But where was he? In a noble villa for sure, at least that was what the exquisite craftsmanship of the stone columns said. But whose? And what was he doing here?
Running through the sewers, fighting hellknights, killing young men was not what he set out to do today. Yet here he was. He gave a silent prayer, hoping everything would be alright. But he didn't feel any better.
He looked to his fellow refugees before going to his room to clean up, "Thank you. I think I would be a rotting corpse if not for all of you. I hope to repay you in kindness and I'm sorry if any of my old-fashioned beliefs put you in danger."
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Faustinia smiles pleasantly at Ermolos, her eyes tired from the long day. "Thank you for your generous offers, Ermolos." Finally indoors, Faustinia seems almost relaxed. Before going much further than the entryway, she produces a bit of magic and cleanses her clothing, the grime and sweat and blood lifted away and disappeared into nothingness. After offering the same as a courtesy to her companions, she follows the young man further in.
Stepping into the splendid hall with its pillars and frescoes, her eyes widen and she utters a soft gasp. "My word, this is beautiful!" she can't help but say out loud, examining one of the painted scenes of Aroden. She lingers just a bit, drinking in the art of a bygone era, before following the young blacksmith up to their temporary quarters.
She smiles at Lorenzo before he enters his room. "I certainly wouldn't be here without you to protect us, Sir Mancini. What's important is that we made it here," she says. "Thank you again, Ermolos. The rest of you," she says, addressing the others, "I'm going to have a bath. Once I'm done, feel free to bring me your clothes if they're still dirty, and I can fix that up for you. Tomorrow morning I'll be able to fix them as well."
---
As Faustinia bathes, she reflects on the bizarre day--was it only a day? It felt like a much longer time, in a different life. She had not expected to step out of the Xerysis estate this morning and end up in a safehouse surrounded by strange, young allies.
Lorenzo was like her, in a way. Noble, but yearning for more. Perhaps she could help temper his rough upbringing into something more refined, but he was loyal and devoted--perhaps to a fault. His heroics would either save them or get them all executed. Time would tell which, she supposes.
Sev was a mystery. Also loyal, but timid. Devoted enough not to flee, though, and that elevated him above the braggarts Faustinia knew. Reflecting on the days events, she found it strange that a servant like him would be allowed to attend this meeting. Either he lied, or had a day off... perhaps he could even be a runaway. But even if he was a fugitive, so was she, here in this strange old temple, filled presumably with the kind of good-hearted criminals who wanted to cleanse the taint from Westcrown.
And dwelling on Thrune's corruption, her thoughts come to Catina. A sweet girl, a bit naive, and still learning to recognize her own strengths. But she was still a tiefling, and Faustinia shudders as she remembers the long fingers on her shoulder. Although the memory had grown dull, tonight it comes back fresh: the tiny, crying creature with the long tail and cloven hooves, and Florio disappearing into the night with it... She takes a deep breath. Perhaps Janiven was right, and the girl's fiendish nature could be healed as Westcrown could be healed.
Faustinia exits her room, freshly bathed and clothes cleaned with a few more castings of prestidigitation, and makes her way back to the hall. What a strange day this had turned out to be.
Catina stays at the back of the group during the introductions. She had planned on keeping up her hood, but Ermelos's sincerity and kindness makes her feel ungrateful by holding back. Partway through his introduction she gently puts her hood down, trying to do so without causing alarm. "I'm Catina," she says simply when it's her turn to speak. "I am glad to hear that Janiven should be able to take care of herself. She's been really tough today." She gives a meaningful look to Lorenzo, hoping to impress on him that it's all right not to go back. She silently thanks Faustinia with a smile for the lady's working of magic, and pokes a finger through her cloak to remind herself that there's still a lot to be mended.
She follows along on the Ermelos's tour of the building. Like Faustinia, she is moves by seeing the old frescoes depicting Aroden. "Blessed be the Rose, they are marvellous..." She stands gaping at them for a while longer, finally moving along and lamenting that it's a shame not more people could see - and appreciate - them. The mention of Arhael bring Catina back to earlier that day, when their meeting at the tavern was rudely interrupted with news that he was captured. She considers asking about the half-elf, but decides against it.
Grateful for the opportunity to have some time alone, Catina doesn't waste time in picking a room. Still, now that Ermelos mentions Arhael again, Catina can't stop herself. "Ermelos, do you know how Arhael is? He was here this morning, you said... But we heard had been taken?" She sounds fearful, hoping he somehow got away.
--
Catina asks for just a single bucket of water to wash up. She isn't used to taking actual baths and now hardly seems like the time to start. A quick wash up means that she has plenty of time left to think. She paces the room, trying to make sense of the conflicting feelings she has regarding everything that happened during the day.
It was an awful day, all in all. We were nearly taken by Hellknights - actual Hellknights - and had to flee for our lives, running through the sewer... Those proved to be even more dangerous than we thought, with not just Hellknight patrols, but all kinds of nasty creatures. And not-so-nasty-creatures that we had to kill, anyway. She sits down for just a moment, but starts pacing soon after. Things sounds so good when Janiven explained it. Coming together with people who wanted to make the city a better place. But in the end we just ended up having to fight fellow Wiscrani. That couldn't have been what they intended...? She fiddles with her bracelet, trying to make sense of her thoughts. What a mess. Things would be better if I could just write it down. That always helps. Let's just pretend... She sighs, considering whether she will ever be able to go back to the temple, being a fugitive, to collect her things.
"Dear diary, the most awful things happened today. We fought all kinds of monsters in the sewers, and Hellknights. I should feel terrible, but somehow I don't... Or actually I do, but I also don't, at the same time. Because there's people here: Not just Arhael and Janiven, but many more I think, and they seem to think I'm OK. They don't shy away from me, or call me horrible names. Even Faustinia seems to make an effort, although I scare her all the time. And Lorenzo seems to stubborn to care. Sev is scared of everything, so I'm not sure that counts either."
"Anyway, I'm pretty scared, and I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. Are we wanted now? Will we have to keep on fighting the Hellknights, and the dottari? I should be appalled at the prospect, of so much violence. And I am! But I can't help but feel like I'm finally at the right place, with the right people. Or something... Isn't it strange to feel like that, when you have no idea what's going to happen next?"
Sev keeps quiet at first, not entirely sure what he could or should say in front of these new people. Every encounter today has been a strange one and he's not entirely convinced he won't end up running or fighting yet again. He keeps close to the members of his group who fled along side him, taking some comfort in the fact that he knows they're wanted as well.
He seems unimpressed by the Aroden frescoes but gives them a look because the woman seem to impressed by them. While the art doesn't inspire him, an increasing desire to eat does and he finally opens his mouth and speaks in a small voice.
"I-I would like to bath as well, an-and maybe h-have some of that food you offered." He has to repeat himself a few more times before he's understood, but he finally gets the cold bath water drawn. It's the first time he hasn't had to do it himself and he once again muses on how different life is outside of servitude.
He bathes quickly, and with as little water as possible, as he was trained. The cold water was nothing new and he hardly shivered at all, when it came time to put his clothes back on he grimaces. The shirts, covered in grimes and mostly threadbare, was so damp he might as well not have dried off after the bath. Instead he puts on only his breeches and smallclothes, bringing the shirt to one of the spare rooms (he takes the seventh) and hanging it on any available shelf to dry by morning.
He eats quickly, saying nothing to anyone, enjoying the silence and relative safety. When he's done he thanks his hosts for the meal, and goes to bed, or at least tries to.
Every time he closes his eyes he's met with visions of Hell Knights shoving acid down his throat, or his arrows piercing flesh of people he's never met. Every sound within the building jolts him awake, the image of a shadow creature fresh in his mind. After what seems like hours of tossing and turning, and startling awake, Sev drops his pillow onto the floor along with his blanket and builds a small nest for himself in one of the far corners of his room, just like he did before he ran away. The familiarity soon overcomes his fear and before long the halfling is asleep, still unsure what the next day brings, but happy not to find himself asleep in a closet or alleyway for the first time in days.
Ermolos widens his eyes as soon as Arhael is mentioned by Catina. “Something happened to Arhael? I-I…I didn’t know…,” he says hesitantly. “I’ll tell you all about it later, Ermolos. He’s still alive, or at least I suppose so…” tries to calm him down Morosino, getting only a sorrowful nod from Ermolos as an answer.
---
After almost half an hour spent bathing and meditating, you’re ready to join the others downstairs.
As soon as you reach the common room, your eyes fall on the person you hoped to see: Janiven. The woman smiles at you with a shrewd grin. “Hey there. You would look wonderful if it weren’t for your clothes. Come on, take a seat. Mathalen has prepared a warm dinner to heat our bellies”.
Around the table, apart from Janiven, there are Ermolos, Morosino and a woman you’ve not seen before but whose name you’ve already figured out from previous mentions: Mathalen, a thin and wiry woman with short, black hairs and a calm expression on her face. (Picture) “I’m Mathalen,” she readily introduces herself, “I’m pleased to make your acquiescence. Janiven told us great things about you”.
On the table, a large bowl containing a warm soup is waiting for you. Other dishes are on the table as well, with different kind of cheeses on them. A few jugs of mead accompany the dinner, along with several water pitchers. You eat and drink as you see fit, and once the dinner is over, the others seem to be eager to speak with you. When Sev stands up and makes clear he’s going to leave to reach his room, Janiven kindly speaks to him. “Hey, Sev! Leaving so soon? Why don’t you stay for a chat? I know everyone here is interested in knowing you better, including those you shared your flee in the sewers with. Please, stay Sev. Besides, we’ve got something important to talk about here”.
_________________________
Catina blushes when she realizes she asked the wrong question. "I'm sorry," she apologizes to Ermolos. "I thought maybe..." The words trail off, and she quickly retreats to her room.
--
Catina goes down with the others, in her blue dress and green shrug, both with some holes and acid marks. As soon as she sees Janiven, she runs to the woman and - perhaps somewhat out of character - hugs the woman fiercely. She lets go abruptly after a while, steps back feeling self-conscious. "I'm sorry... Just really relieved to see you again. Did you... defeat that shadow creature?" She then realizes that there's a new person around the table, and composes herself. "Oh... Hello. Thank you for letting us stay here." She quickly seats herself at the table, choosing a seat close to Janiven and not too close to Faustinia, if she can manage. After a silent prayer of thanks, she takes a bowl of soup and some of the cheeses, choosing water to drink instead of mead. Dinners seems to be a silent affair, for which she's grateful. Her thought seem a little clearer from the moment of solitude she had upstairs, but the day's even still has left her confused.
--
After dinner, Catina once again draws near to the woman who first approached her that morning, hesitating at first but eventually giving voice to her fears. "Janiven, I'm almost afraid to ask, but what happens now? Those Hellknights in the sewers will be found, and they know who we are. Are we fugitives now? Can we ever go back to the life we had?"
--
Catina also feels obligated to introduce herself to Mathalen, their host for the evening. "I wanted to thank you again, for letting us stay here. Ermolos showed us around, the grand hall really is beautiful. How did you come to live here?"
--
Eventually, she also finds her way to Lorenzo, hesitating to speak up as is all too common for her. "Lorenzo, I'm really sorry for some of the things I said, when we were at the sewers. I admire your courage. And if it wasn't for your fighting skill, in facing those Hellknights..." She leaves unsaid what would have happened.
His clothes were torn and dirty but at least his armor held up well. Still massaging the black finger marks left by the zombie who tried to strangle him, Lorenzo makes his way downstairs for dinner.
His first action is to nod in admiration at Janiven, "You'll have to tell us what those things are and how they can be defeated. I've always been told to stay indoors when it gets dark but this puts that advice into a new perspective. Do you see a lot of those?"
--
He then properly introduces himself to the others, "Lorenzo Mancini, a stonemason under the guidance of Master Craftsman Oleg. Please tell me how I can be of service."
--
The paladin then adds to what Catina asks, "What will happen to those hellknights? Are we now officially fugitives?"
With fear evident in his face he adds, "What will happen to my sisters? Can I go home or continue to work with Oleg now?"
--
Lorenzo smiles at Catina's apology, "No need to apologize; it is me who was saved from a crushed windpipe by your ministrations. Courage comes in many flavors. Some people show it by brandishing a sword while others show it by just exposing themselves. You are very courageous Catina."
Janiven hugs Catina in return, smiling sincerely. "Defeated it? Oh no, my dear. I tried, of course, but there's no easy way to defeat a shadow. Shadows always come in numbers. I barely managed to harm one of them before other three arrived. At that point I had to flee. I've left behind my short sword, but it's still a good trade I suppose..."
---
Janiven listens to both Catina and Lorenzo with interest, taking a few seconds before replying. "As I said before to Catina, there's no easy way to defeat a shadow, Lorenzo. And staying inside while outside its dark it's still a wise advise...at least until we get Westcrown nights back".
Janiven seems to be happy to chat with you, especially now that you're in a safe place. With a broad smile, as she puts a hand on Lorenzo's shoulders, she explains "No need to worry about it. Just think about it. Those Hellknights were just armigers. This means they were not Hellknights, not yet at least. As such, they were just like any private citizen, and you've just defended yourself from their attack. Anyway, shouldn't this suffice, consider that since those guys are armigers, aspiring to become full members of the Order of the Rack, they would rather admit their usefulness than confess they've failed to capture some fugitives. They will keep their mouths shut, you have my word. Also, you spared their lives when you could easily kill them and...well, I'm not so sure they actually identified you in the darkness and all of that".
Janiven sighs, without losing her smile. "I know, Arhael would have explained this so much better than me, but the point is that you're not fugitives. You can go back to your own lives normally. Catina, you'll be able to come back to the temple, and I expect you to do just that tomorrow morning, possibly with a good excuse for not returning for the night. And you, Lorenzo...Of course you'll be able to come back to your sisters and resume your work with Oleg. All I ask you is to come back here tomorrow, three hours before sunset, so you can meet all of the others. We need to discuss something important...We have to find a way to free Arhael."
---
Mathalen laughs at Catina's words, and there's a hint of mischief in her eyes. "You must have misunderstood this situation, my dear. I don't own this place. This used to be a shine dedicated to Aroden, and so, as far as I know, it actually belongs to the church of Iomeadae. The fact is that the church currently does not care about all of the ruined buildings once sacred to Aroden scattered around the city, or so Arhael told us. This place is our safe house: a place where we gather to discuss, plan our next moves and so on. We used to come here to listen to Arhael's speeches, but it seems like this won't be the case, at least for the next couple of days..." At this point, Mathalen hunches his shoulders and continues. "In fact, I do live here. I decided to purge my mind of “the poisons of menial labor” last week. This attitude struck my employer as lazy, and I've been fired from my job. Now I think of this group as my new calling. Arhael allowed me to stay here and take care of this place between one meditation session and the other."
Again mischievous, Mathalen comes closer to Catina and whispers: "Now, let me ask you something. Are you a tiefling, right? What do you think about purification? Can one cleanse his coscience regardless of what happens around him?"
|
|
Freshly washed and in clean but unfortunately tattered robes, Faustinia descends the stairs to the common room. With time to relax and a dinner to attend, she has regained her usual noble bearing, her expression pleasant but politely inscrutable. She brightens as she sees Janiven, walking over to the woman and taking her hands affectionately. "Janiven! I was worried, of course, but I knew we would see you again soon." Faustinia greets the others as well, introducing herself to Mathalen, and moves to sit down. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches Catina moving toward Janiven and away from herself, and gladly allows the tiefling girl to sidle away and taking a seat further down the bench from them.
---
Over dinner, Faustinia adapts her usual table manners to a setting with substantially less silverware than she's used to, and a gathering of quite a different class of folks. What this dinner lacks in the trappings of nobility, though, it makes up for in location. Even in ruins, she finds her eyes drawn to the faded frescoes and crumbling pillars. Even in their sorry state, she feels the weight of their history filling her with a kind of optimism (or perhaps just nostalgia), and an awe for the suggestion of glory that surpasses even the most lavish parties at Thrune-allied estates, with their dark drapery and tacky Egorian spikes. Having sat far away from Catina, she finds herself seated next to the young boy Morosino. "Please tell me, young man," she says, trying her best to sound friendly, "how are you involved in all this? Does one of your parents belong to this group?"
---
Once she has some food in her stomach, Faustinia wipes her mouth with a napkin and elegantly folds it into her lap, listening keenly to what Janiven has to say. When it's appropriate, she joins their conversation, adding, "It seems like we've executed quite the daring escape, Janiven, free now to return to our daily lives, peppered with secret nightly meetings here. Forgive me for being blunt, but with the ordeals we've all been though, I'd like to think we deserve some explanation from you at this point. It's clear that Arhael serves an important role here, but what exactly is all of this about? We know that we all want to help our great city, but it would help to get a more specific picture of what kind of Westcrown your organization would like to see brought about."
Catina waves away Lorenzo's compliment, mentally unable to accept it in the way it was given. "No, that was nothing. I am very glad that I was there to channel Shelyn's blessing, but that's not really courage. I was messing about with the torbles while you were actually getting hurt, and with the Hellknights I would never have been able to fight them. I was just being scared, but you three did what had to be done."
--
Mathalen's laughter and mocking tone have Catina on the defensive from the start, she looks skittish. Oh, I'm sorry for misunderstanding. But it's lucky that you have a safehouse like this, due to these circumstances." The rest of the woman's words do little to ease Catina's discomfort. She has very little clue what is meant, like Mathalen speaks another language despite the words all being in Common. The poisons of menial labor? Already off-balance, Mathalen's whispered words have Catina sputtering in an attempt to answer. "Yes, I'm a tiefling. But... Purification? You mean, like... get rid of the fiendish taint?" She looks at her hands, trying to make sense of what Mathalen is trying to say. "Clear my conscience? But... But... I haven't done anything wrong, have I?" The desperation in her tone says that she's not so sure, old fears resurfacing that she herself was the cause of the break-up of her family and her misfortune since. She looks up, but the frescoes of Aroden bring no solace. Her gaze darts to the exit, to the safety of the stairs up to her room. Knowing that fleeing would do little good, she makes a clumsy attempt to change the subject. "Is... Is Arhael the leader of your group?"
Morosino is almost intimidated by Lady Faustinia's whole figure and authority, and he ends up lowering his eyes before answering to her in a timid, almost apologizing tone. "I-I...I mean, Arhael...I-I lost my parents two years ago. They were killed by shadows...Since there, I lived in a orphanage near Parego Dospera, but...Y-Yes, then Arhael came and took me with him as his assistant..."
---
Janiven listens attentively to Lady Faustinia's words, giving her all the respect that she deserves both for her authority and for her age. For the first time, you see the woman listening like she can actually be taught something. "No, no Lady Faustinia, I perfectly understand your doubts...Your bluntness is welcome, but I'm afraid I'm not the right person to solve your doubts. Arhael would have just the kind of answer you're looking for, but unfortunately they took him from us, as you know". At that though, Janiven sighs painfully, her voice becoming increasingly full of sorrow, "We want a better Westcrown, but we don't want to oppose the governement directly. We want to help the people of Westcrown without exposing them to the risks implied by a rebellion. We just want to solve their problems, help them to improve their lives and gain their trust so that we can finally...solve some of the problems affecting our city. Such as the shadows".
Janiven sighs again, apparently not satisfied at all by her explanation. "If you will help me rescue him, Arhael will explain our plans to you much better than I ever could. Are you with me? It will imply an inevitable amount of danger, of course, but I've got a plan...I just need to gather more information about where he's currently kept and when they plan to transfer him. I'll attend to that tomorrow morning. I invite you to come here tomorrow, three hours before sunset, so that I can describe you my plan in detail."
---
Mathalen puts a hand on Catina's shoulder to ease her anxiousness. "Of course not, my dear" she says in a calm tone, "I was thinking to something more abstract...I though that since you're a tiefling, you should have meditated a lot about purification in itself, wheter it is possible or not. Nevermind, perhaps you're too young to understand..."
The paladin was put at ease when Janiven told him that he would be able to lead a normal life and take care of those he loved. And even continue his work with Oleg although he would have to give him some sort of excuse for leaving early. A sick sister sounded really promising.
Free Arhael?
Lorenzo was quick to ask, "Has Arhael broken the law? Why is he being held and by whom?"
He thinks for a moment, "If he's done nothing wrong then isn't there a legal recourse that we can use to free him? Surely Lady Faustinia knows someone that can help."
_____
Janiven laughs as she takes a sip from her glass of mead. "Arael has been captured because his captors suspect him to be a rebel. I have to admit that he has risked much more than anyone of us, and he recently started investigating some delicate matters. Last time I spoke to him, he told me that he was about to discover something important. He talked about evidences. Arael has always been relatively subtle in his actions, but his known affiliation with the church of Iomedae had unfortunately attracted the attention of the dottari of late. They’ve been watching him with increasing vigilance, and I suppose that when Arael met with a suspected rebel in northern Westcrown earlier this morning, they moved in and captured him. They were just waiting for the right chance to capture him. We don't know much more about the fact, I'm afraid".
---
While you speak, Ermolos looks around himself, since no one has engaged him in a conversation yet. Eventually, his eyes fall upon the sack containing the weapons you've taken from the armigers in the sewers. With a hint of curiosity in his eyes, he asks to no one in particular. "Might I give it a look? I heard its contents clinking before...I bet there's something interesting in that sack!"
Catina is reassured by Mathalen's words, but only slightly. The woman's way of speech still sounds alien to her, but at least she now has an idea of what was meant. Meditating on purification. Should I have done so? I was just pleased not to draw attention, so far... Should I have been thinking about myself, and what it means to be tiefling? Ermelos's call gives her a reason that she considers valid to leave. "I'll... think about it," she says to Mathalen, a little rushed but sincerely, before she excuses herself to join Ermelos.
--
Right. So I think everything was better than being grilled about 'Purification', but now I have to talk about weapons?! Catina summons an inner smile and joins Ermelos at the sacks of armiger weapons. "Sure, go ahead. We only took them because we didn't want those Hellknights, eh... armigers, to be walking about with them. But it you think they can be useful somehow." She's relieved to learn that Ermelos's interest in the weapons is not to arm their group for battle, but to sell them. "I hadn't even thought of that," she says, "but it must cost something to keep a group like yours running. I think it would be OK to sell them, if the rest agree as well."
She looks up from the weapons to the broad-shouldered man. He's pretty easy to look at, isn't it? Sort of look Lorenzo. But different. "So, how long have you been this group?" Hearing her own question makes her think of another question, something that had been bugging her before. "That remind me. Does this group have a name?"
Ermolos gives Catina a radiant smile, almost as though she was a normal, completely ordinary girl. "Are you serious? Well, I've instisted with Arael to let us train with weapons some day, but he always delayed the matter. If you're so generous to donate those weapons to us, we could keep some of them here and use them to train in the spare time. I could try and work on the others, in order to sell them without arousing suspicions. As I said, I work as an apprentice blacksmith, and my master usually has some weapons to sell in case they're requested. I'll see what I can do!"
Somehow, the entire matter appears to have caused Ermolos to grow enthusiastic. "Actually, we don't have a name yet. We're discussing about it. I've been in this group since its foundation, a few months ago", he answers quickly, with another broad smile.
"Again on the issue of weapons you took from the armigers...We'll leave two crossbows and two longswords here along with a hundred bolts, so that we can train in their use. What do you think about it? Maybe we can learn together or..." Ermolos pauses, blushing a little. "Or perhaps you already know how to use a sword. In that case, would you like to teach me?"
Catina's heart sinks when she realizes her mistake in encouraging the blacksmith. She registers that he doesn't react strangely to her (which is strange to her, in and of itsel), but trying to undo the damage she may have caused takes priority. "Well, like I said, the others will also have to agree," she backtracks as gently as possible. "And if Arhael was hesitant, maybe he had his reasons..." She looks over Ermelos's shoulder to draw the attention of any of her new companions, hoping to summon aid.
"Oh, so the group hasn't even been around for that long. In that case, I think it's a good group of people, that you have gotten together." Seeing how that topic doesn't sway Ermelos from talking about the weapons, Catina sighs. She shows her bracelet by way of explanation. "I don't, really. We learn how to wield the glaive at the temple, but even that is only for the dance and the motion, not to fight. You understand?"
--
When her conversation with Ermelos is over Catina returns to Janiven, hoping to draw her away for a private conversation. "Janiven..." she starts, trying to find the right words. "I've noticed... that none of you are scared of me. Or not - scared isn't the right word... You know what I mean. At first I thought it was just you. But everyone else here as well; they seem to treat me like I'm... normal. It's a bit..." She doesn't finish the sentence for lack of a proper word, but her unsure look speaks volumes. "Is this Arael's doing? I heard about his speeches..." Thinking about the man gives her courage to ask her next questions. "Can we really help him?"
Sev ate as much of the dinner as he could, plowing through the food as fast as the humans twice his size. His voracious appetite heightened by the stress of the ordeal. He occasionally looks up at Janiven in awe, amazed that she escaped the shadow in the sewers. When the dinner ends and he tries to slink off to bed, he hears himself being called back, and he relents, joining the others.
It takes him a long time to work up the courage to speak. Decades of being trained never to address a human first fight against his natural curiosity and though he has a hundred questions on the tip of his tongue, he struggles to actually ask them. He's also worried about questions directed at him, not wanting to discuss his circumstance in front of the whole group.
He listens as Mathalen and Catina discuss living in the shrine, and he makes a mental note for later. Hoping he might be able to live here too. I don't have a home I can go back to...
When Janiven asks for help rescuing Arhael, his interest is piqued and he looks at the woman, and finally speaks.
"Wh-where is he being held? Or do you still n-need to figure that out too?" He shuffles awkwardly in his place, standing behind everyone else with his hands behind his back, still only half dressed.
"I, I c-can't promise anything, but maybe I can find something about from other halfling servants. Th-there's a lot of gossip among the slaves, m-maybe it could help?"
Catina's heart sinks when she realizes her mistake in encouraging the blacksmith. She registers that he doesn't react strangely to her (which is strange to her, in and of itsel), but trying to undo the damage she may have caused takes priority. "Well, like I said, the others will also have to agree," she backtracks as gently as possible. "And if Arhael was hesitant, maybe he had his reasons..." She looks over Ermelos's shoulder to draw the attention of any of her new companions, hoping to summon aid.
Lorenzo comes to Catina's aid, "It's good to meet another craftsman. My art or rather my job is with stone but I can appreciate someone who works with metals."
He quickly adds, "I have some training with sword and shield and would be happy to teach what I know. However, I suspect that Janiven knows a move or two."
He showed him his sword, "Perhaps you can take a look at my sword and see if any of the ones we acquired is better..."
|
|
Janiven, Faustinia, and others
Faustinia sighs, obviously having expected more. "I understand. Despite the ridiculous gauntlet I've been put through this evening, I do believe you're trying to make Westcrown better. And it sounds like, if I'm going to get a clearer picture, we're going to have to find this Arhael fellow." She smiles, with the slightest hint of mischief in her eyes. "I suppose I'll just have to come back tomorrow night."
---
Faustinia frowns, but her eyes grow soft. "Ah, I see. You have my condolences, young Morosino. So has Arhael adopted you, then?" she asks, trying to tread lightly. The little one was obviously nervous; ironic considering that he seems more worried about an old woman's words than the frightful trek through the treacherous sewers.
---
As Catina hastily excuses herself from conversation with the dark-haired Mathalen, Faustinia approaches, drink in hand. "Good evening. Mathalen, was it? Ermolos mentioned that you live here—a fascinating place, isn’t it?" she asks, taking an appreciative look at the nearest frescoe. “As I mentioned at dinner, I am Lady Faustinia Xerysis. You seem to be a bit more . . . educated, shall we say, than the rest of this merry band. Tell me, how did you come to live here? Ermolos also mentioned that you were meditating earlier. Is that to do with some sort of magical practice? I haven’t met many other practitioners who weren’t toadies to Thrune’s diabolical rule.”
---
Her eye drawn to the noisy clanking of weaponry, Faustinia wanders over to Ermolos picking over their spoils from the armigers. Although she approaches, she keeps her distance and lets the excited young blacksmith pick over the armaments with polite distance. Or rather, she does until one particular sword catches her eye. She comes closer and says, "Pardon me, Ermolos, may I see that blade?" in the tone of one who doesn't expect to be often refused. Gingerly holding the weapon and bringing it close to examine its crest, she takes a moment before sheathing it and sagely nodding. "Ah, I knew I recognized this. House Mhartis, of course. If memory serves, they are beholden to House Arvanxi, and therefore the mayor. This could be a dangerous weapon to flaunt. Certainly selling it could be tricky." She frowns and creases her brow in thought. "Perhaps I could try to return it? It may be worth a favor from House Mhartis to have this back. In any case, any honest merchant who knows this crest will be immediately suspicious. If you think it's a sword worth keeping around instead, try not to get caught with it, I suppose."
Ermolos seems disappointed by Catina's backtracking, seeing it for what it truly is. He's just about to protest when Lorenzo chimes in and offers to train him. Ermolos' face lights up again with enthusiasm at the paladin shows him his longsword. The blacksmith apprentice takes a closer look at Lorenzo's weapon: "This is a good sword, but nothing special I'm afraid. Obviously, these swords you've found are no better than yours, Lorenzo. I suggest you keep yours, as it appears to be balanced for you."
Before Ermolos can say anything else, Faustinia intervenes. The apprentice blacksmith listens to her carefully, taking a closer look at the sword belonging to a member of the Mhartis family. "You're right, my lady. This is no ordinary sword, and we cannot hope to sell it without exposing ourselves too much. I suggest we keep it here, eventually returning it if the chance arises".
Turning to Lorenzo again, Ermolos puts a hand on his shoulder and speaks with a friendly tone: "I readily accept your offer, Lorenzo. Do you think we could start tomorrow?"
---
Janiven nods at Catina as she speaks about the fact that no one, in the group, seems to be treating her differently based on her tiefling nature. "My dear, Arael explained us that beauty and valor can be found in any external shape. We know what you are. We simply don't think there's something wrong with it. Your status is the result of this country's foolishness, and the fact that you're a tiefling is partially our guilt, because we accepted to live in a city ruled by devil worshipers since now. We think you're precious, Catina, in yourself and for us...and yes, we can really help him. Or at least I must believe so. Come back tomorrow, and you'll learn more about it".
---
Janiven is pleased that Sev has chosen to stay, and listens to him with a smile on her face. "Exactly, Sev. We don't know where he's being held now, but I plan to discover it tomorrow. If you're willing to help, well, everyone here is going to be grateful to you. Just take caution: before asking, think about the fact that if you ask too many question around, people will get suspicious. And I don't want you to get involved that much. Try to be discrete as you ask around, please."
For a few seconds, Janiven appears to be lost in her thoughts as the others speak among themselves and only Sev is close to her. Then suddenly, Janiven whispers in Sev's ear: "Sev, Jemet told us that you don't have a place to go. Arael wanted me to offer to stay here and make this place your new home. You're going to share it with Mathalen, but I hope this won't bother you. She's a silent and meditating type anyway. Arael would like you to help in cleaning up this place in your spare time, but apart from that, you can stay here for all the time you need and beyond. Here, this is a key to the back door: you'll need it if you plan to come and go." Janiven concludes her speech with a friendly wink as he hands out a tiny key to Sev.
---
Still in awe of Faustinia, Morosino shakes his head as soon as Arael's adoption is mentioned. "Not officially. But I hope he's fine...I care for him, very much", confesses the boy, his eyes filled with retained tears.
---
Mathalen nods at Faustinia and smiles mischievously as usual as the woman approaches. Her impertinent look suddenly washes away as soon as Faustinia is close enough, won by a sense of deference. "A fascinating place indeed, milady. I was recently fired from my job because I wanted to purge my mind of the poisons of menial labor and my employer didn't like it. And yes, I was meditating. I always do, when I'm alone..." Mathalen eyes lower imperceptibly as she speaks now, "But there's no magic involved. I don't have that gift. Or perhaps I don't know it yet. Anyway, my aim is to self-perfect myself through meditation in order to attain the perfect balance between body and mind...This, well, I... The girl suddenly becomes aware of her apologizing tone and stiffens. She shakes her head fiercely before adding: "Anyway, there's someone in our group you could be interested in. Her name is Tarvi. Her parents own a prosperous jewelry store in Westcrown—the “Glitter Palace”, you may have heard of it. She’s worked there for years, but is far too witty and intelligent to do the job well. In those years she has engineered the failure of no less than a dozen attempts by her parents to get her married into nobility. Her true passion is studying magic, and as she always says, she has little time for romance, hoping some day to be able to create and sell magical jewelry".
Mathalen seems much more comfortable now that she's not speaking about herself and is encouraged by Lady Faustinia's interest. "Oh, and then we have that Gorvio, too. He appears to believe that he has fiendish blood flowing into his veins, and he's trying to find evidences of it, although I think he didn't manage yet."
As the conversations flow, time passes and your tired bodies begin to suffer the impact of the hard day you've experienced. Your lids start to feel heavy, and every now and then you catch yourself yawning. Noticing it as always, Janiven smiles, interrupts her conversation with Sev and draws the attention of everyone in the common room by hitting a glass with a spoon.
"A second of attention, please. I know our new friends are interesting for us all, and we would ask them a thousand question before allowing them to go to bed, but they've had a hard and tiring day, and deserve some rest. We'll speak with them tomorrow again. In case it wasn't clear, we're going to meet in this very place tomorrow, three hours before sunset, so that our new friends can know the others and help us in plaining Arael's rescue. Please, make sure to bring your gear with you: we don't know if you're going to actually use it, but prevetion is better than cure. Mathalen, Sev will live here from now on and help you in cleaning up this place".
At this point, Janiven clears her throat, takes a sip of water from her glass and ensues: "We have few rules here, but it's important you pay attention to them in order to avoid future issues. Rule number one: you'll access this place from the back door only. We don't want to draw any undesired attention to our safe place. Rule number two: Consider this place as your second home. You can come here at anytime you want, knock on the door and stay here as long as you wish. You can also use this place to store items you don't want to keep at home such as weapons, armors and adventuring gear. We have a storeroom that will contain your gear. Rule number three: When you enter or leave the safe house, please avoid to do so in mass. Always wait at least two minutes since the last person left before exiting the safe house in order not to draw too much attention to this place".
With a pondering expression on her face, Janiven spends some seconds thinking about she has something to add, but eventually ends up smiling: "I think that's all for now. I thank you for today, and goodnight. We'll meet again tomorrow."
_________________________________
Lorenzo got up early as soon as the sun was out and made his way back to his home. He thanked Teresa, his sisters' caregiver, and guided two sleepy young girls back to his place.
During breakfast, he cooked for them and spent longer than normal with them, answering their questions and telling them that they would also spend another night with Teresa, their caregiver, while he went out 'working'.
On the job site, Lorenzo was more stoic than normal, rarely lifting his eyes from his work. He redoubled his efforts and got a full shift worth of work done by early afternoon. He then excused himself from work and got ready to go back to the abandoned villa.
He prayed when he got home and read a few pages of 'Acts'. He then took the girls over to Teresa, his older neighbor, and thanked her for all she was doing for them.
He sauntered over to the meeting place and waited to make sure the coast was clear before entering the manor again.
Restless from the day's events and from the thought-provoking meetings with Mathalen and Janiven, Catina says her good-nights and retreats upstairs. She once again laments the fact that she hasn't had the opportunity to write in her diary, but finds the need for sleep overwhelming such concerns. Despite the amount of things running around her thoughts, she quickly falls asleep.
--
The next morning, Catina wakes early and dresses without washing. She hurries to the temple, making sure that she has a story ready in case anyone should wonder where she spent the night. I was bullied by some boys, and had to flee down an alley. That should also explain the state of my clothes. I ran too far away from the temple to make it before sundown, and had to stay the night in a flophouse. That should be plausible... Lucky for her, not many people deign to talk with the tiefling, which suits her just fine for the secret she now holds. Their distance seems to sting more then normal, however, after her experiences the previous day.
Morning prayer seems to go by in a daze, and Catina's thoughts continually come back to Mathalen's focus on "Purification" and Janiven calling her "precious", the latter even going so far as to lay blame for her condition on... well, everyone. Pieces of the recited poems and the sermon speak out to her in ways they never had before, seeming more personal.
She takes her free time that morning to catch up on writing her diary, deciding to practice her calligraphy at the same time. It was an activity that she normally didn't have the patience for, but she finds that it is easier today to composure for the activity. She's happy with the result, and proud that she's taking steps in making something that cause pass for artistic. After noon prayer and a light midday meal, Catina attends dance. While wielding the glaive and performing the graceful maneuvers, she finds herself wondering how it would be to wield a weapon in actual combat, like Lorenzo had done. Would it feel like this, even if it were for real, of would the panic of the right overwhelm all other sensations?
Once she has washed up from her practice, Catina barely has time left to get ready before she has to leave. She hastily performs some repairs on her dress and cloak with thread and needle, cursing herself for not leaving enough time to do a proper mending with magic. She snatches up her diary to take along with her and also smuggles her glaive out of the temple, not knowing what to expect of Janiven's plan. With the hood of her cloak up as always and the glaive wrapped in cloth so at not to attract attention, she departs. On the way to the safe house, Catina allows herself a brief stop to stare at the windows of a tailor's stop. Maybe I should buy some other clothing some time. Something more practical, if we are going to enter the sewers more often? Should I also buy Sev some clothes in that case? He would probably look dashing in a good shirt and trousers. And isn't that a small way to add beauty to the world?
--
Almost late, just as the day before, Catina arrives at the bronze gate leading to the back entrance of the safe house. She allows herself a few minutes of observing the gate from the shadows to see whether no one else has entered recently, remembering well the rules that Janiven had laid out. Then, she quickly dashes through the gate and knocks on the disguised back door.
At sunrise Sev wakes up from his nest on the floor and breathes a sigh of relief. He looks around at his room and wonders if he'll ever be able to sleep on the bed. My room. That's going to take getting used to.
He remembers Janiven offering him a place to stay last night, offering him a home, and the tears nearly well up in his eyes again. He'd almost cried right in front of the rest of the group when she mentioned it and quickly made an excuse to retire for the night after accepting the offer.
His shirt was still damp, and extremely dirty but he wiggled into it, found his shoes and got ready for a day of work and investigation. While it was early he walked around the building and started cleaning here and there, getting rid of cobwebs and sweeping floors. Anything to keep him busy until the markets started getting busy enough that he wouldn't stand out too much. He makes some small talk with Mathalen, but finds himself quickly ducking out of the awkward conversations. And will I ever learn to talk to humans without stuttering?
When the sun is high enough in the sky, Sev departs for the Miratanza, moving through back alleys and other streets known mostly to slaves, so they can keep out from underfoot. His first priority is finding new clothes, he couldn't be spotted in the markets dirty as he was, it would be a dead give away. He searches for any shop that may sell clothing of any sort, and pretends to be purchasing for his old master.
Once he secures some clothing, Sev ducks into another ally and changes into them. The bath last night means his hair and face are clean too, and he hopes it will be enough to help him just blend in with the other house servants.
Not brave enough to actually enter the guarded market, he waits, casually a few blocks away, and tries to catch the ear of any house slaves that he's acquainted with, mostly ones that come from houses that don't deal with the Drovenges.
He never directly asks about Arael's location, and just makes casual conversation, only asking "Did you hear about that rebel they captured yesterday?" and hoping the other halflings might drop the information he needs. He doesn't stay long, only an hour or so before he drifts back toward the safe house, keeping to the shadows just in case he was recognized on the streets.
|
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Once the morning arrives, Faustinia stays in the safe house for a short while to prepare for the day. She takes a small breakfast up to her temporary room and lays out her spell book. She uses some minor magic to repair her tattered robe before venturing out into the streets.
Making her way back to the Xerysis estate, she slips in through the front door and makes her way to her study. She settles in to read more of her forbidden history, but finds that she can't concentrate in the same way as she had this past week. Instead, her thoughts keep coming back to last night's excursion, and the rag tag group of well meaning criminals she had chosen to become embroiled with. She attends to the usual business of the household, checking in with her servants and aging mother, trying to occupy her busy mind before the next meeting.
Once evening approaches, she makes an excuse to her majordomo about late night research at a colleague's home and sets out for the safe house. In the afternoon light, she watches the sparkle of sun on the canals and crosses over eventually to the dilapidated church. The bronze gates are even more impressive in the light, but she does her best not to linger and heads to the backdoor. Hopefully today would go more smoothly, and wouldn't end up smelling quite so bad.
When you all arrive at the meeting, you're welcomed in as soon as you knock on the door and encouraged to join the others gathered around the table in the common room. There's a lot of noise here, as those gathered in the common room are debating something important. But most importantly, there are a lot of people. Including Janiven and Morosino, there are 13 people at the safe house currently, and with you the grand total amounts to 17. You can see many new faces, people you've never met before.
---
Amaya: Amaya is an incredibly beautiful Tian woman who’s somewhat self-conscious about the effect her appearance has on others—she dresses plainly as a result. She's kind and well-mannered.
Fiosa Fiosa is a halfling house servant who is friends with many halfling slaves. She wears simple clothes, but has a holy symbol of Iomedae around her neck. She speaks gently but with stoic determination.
Gorvio: Gorvio is an elegantly dressed man who speaks with deep and rich voice. He's very polite and well-behaved, almost to the point of being prissy.
Larko: Larko is a handsome Garundi man who dresses simply and has dreadlocks and meticulously cured mustache. He’s the strong, silent type, rarely speaking unless he has to.
Rizzardo: Rizzardo is a massive Varisian man with long, blond hair dressed as a dock worker. He speaks aloud and laughs often. He also drinks hard.
Yorith: Yorith is good-looking lad with blonde hair and delicated lineaments. His eyes are as blue as the sea, and the way he speaks betrays a good education. He has a symbol of Iomedae on an amulet around his neck.
Tarvi: Tarvi is a young girl dressed in silk clothes, with straight brown hair and astonishing amber eyes. She has several jewels on her, and speaks in an erudite way.
Vitti: Vitti is a strange, eccentric man who dyes his hair green and refuses to eat any food he doesn’t grow or catch himself. He does not speak much, but when he does, his words are wise.
Yakopulio: Yakopulio is an exuberant gnome with pink hairs prone to bad language. She wears her atheism proudly, and her eagerness to contradict often sparks arguments among the others in the group.
---
When you arrive, Janiven quickly introduces each of you and tells to the people gathered around the table of what you've been able to do yesterday. When the introduction is over, the other “rebels” return to the heated argument about what they should call their group. Some see themselves as rebels and freedom fighters and push for names like “The Knights of Westcrown,” or “The Scions of Aroden” (in particular Yorith, Ermolos and Rizzardo). Others see the group as something that should be gentler and more subtle in its attempt to win the hearts of the citizens, and as you know, this is Janiven and Arael’s preference as well, and push for less antagonistic names like, “Guardians of Cheliax” or “Children of Westcrown” (in particular Amaya, Fiosa and Yakopulio).
This latter name is the one with the most traction, currently. As you take a seat around the table, Yakopulio stands up on the table and draws the attention of the whole group by kicking a glass of mead against a column. "Everyone, why don't we hear what our new recruits think about this?" The others nod and encourage you to reveal your opinion.
_____________________________________
Catina puts up a hand in greeting when she's introduced. She has remembered that wearing her cloak isn't necessary here, although she still feels vulnerable revealing herself in such a large group of strangers. She listens to the arguments, finding that several arguments resonate with her. She's quite startled by Yakopulio's sudden way to grab everyone's attention. She has to take a breath to recover, but then feels safe enough to speak, still hesitating at time and trying to remember the new names. "Well, I eh... think that Amaya and... Fiosa made some good points. From what Janiven told us, we don't want a rebellion, but a... gentle approach. To preserve and restore what is, or was, good about the city." She realizes that she has more points to add, but isn't yet comfortable making them in public, and holds her silence.
--
During a break in the discussion, Catina approaches the Tian woman. "Hello. Nice to eh... meet you. I just wanted to say that I really agreed with a lot of what you said. I also think you really presented the case in a very gracious manner." She fiddles with her bracelet and blushes as she adds "You must be very lucky, to be blessed with such beauty."
--
Catina also finds herself in conversation with the exuberant gnome, even though she's a bit apprehensive of speaking with the contrary woman. "You know, I was thinking... someone suggested "Guardians of Cheliax", but isn't that a bit far-reaching?" She pauses, hoping that her words don't immediately spark a fierce reaction. "It's good to dream big of course, but I was thinking something related just to Westcrown might be better..."
--
Seeking some calm and stability after her conversation with Yakopulio, Catina finds herself next to Larko. She had come up with a suggestion of her own earlier, and he seems like the type who will listens without judging too harshly. "I was thinking. A number of people seem happy calling the group "Children of Westcrown", but I think it doesn't really make it clear what our goals are. You know? So, I was thinking, would "Stewards of Westcrown" be an idea?" She starts explaining herself before Larko could possibly react. "I got the idea, because we're trying to preserve what's good about the city, even if our eh... government hasn't been able to act with the best interest of the people in mind. It also says that we're not really trying to take over, or something, but are just taking care of things that need eh... taken care of." Her own words give her another idea, which she immediately spouts since she's already talking so fast. "Of maybe "Wiscrani Caretakers", in the case. To make it clear that we care about the the city. And the people." She finally remembers to breath, and waits for Larko's reaction.
--
Lorenzo is surprised to see so many people already gathered. Normally shy, the young man hopes for Lady Faustinia to speak for them.
Seeing that people were asking for his opinion, he excuses himself, "I'm sorry but I don't have enough information to provide an educated opinion on the subject. I am new to this... group."
___________
The young paladin, eager to learn about Iomedae and more comfortable with simple folks, naturally gravitates to Fiosa. He introduces himself as a student and worshiper of the Lady and asks, "Are you involved in the Church of Iomedae?"
Seeing that people were asking for his opinion, he excuses himself, "I'm sorry but I don't have enough information to provide an educated opinion on the subject. I am new to this... group."
Catina gently touches Lorenzo on the arm, hoping to encourage him. "It's OK," she whispers.
Seeing that people were asking for his opinion, he excuses himself, "I'm sorry but I don't have enough information to provide an educated opinion on the subject. I am new to this... group."Catina gently touches Lorenzo on the arm, hoping to encourage him. "It's OK," she whispers.
Misunderstanding her comment, he smiles back, "I know it's OK; they understand."
_____________
Despite his apprehension of mingling with someone of obvious higher social status than himself, Iomedae was too much of a magnet to pass on the opportunity.
Lorenzo quietly approached the well-dressed blonde man, "Pardon my curiosity but I wanted to learn more about your connection to Iomedae. Have you found a formal teacher or priest?"
Quickly correcting his perceived faux pas, he quickly adds, "Are you a priest of Iomedae?"
____________
Although not a heavy drinker by any means, Lorenzo feels drawn to the large man. He seemed very similar to the men he worked with every day. Boisterous men who worked hard and sometimes drank hard.
He nods, "Rizzardo is it? May I ask what you do for a living sir? I can tell that those forearms weren't made by writing contracts. Are you in the construction business by chance?"
Sev's first reaction when he sees Gorvio is to run and hide. The man looks too much like a noble and Sev is sure he's been caught, but when Janiven introduces everyone, he relaxes and pushes out a thin smile.
It takes him while to speak to anyone, the number of people around him was almost overwhelming, but he finally works up the courage to approach the other halfling in the room. He gives no suggestion to the name of the organization, feeling far too unimportant, but he thinks the "Guardians of Westcrown" would be a nice compromise to all the names, he whispers is into Janivens ear at some point before scurrying away from the discussion.
"Fiosa, right?" He asks timidly. "I'm Sev. Do...do you know Jemet too? He's the one that helped me get here in a way, I've been hoping to see him but." He trails off awkwardly, trying not to speak over the other halfling.
After speaking with Fiosa, Sev wanders around the room for awhile, trying to figure out where he can go without speaking to anyone else, but his curiosity about Larko wins him over and he approaches the Garundi man cautiously. "H-h-how did you come to Westcrown? Wh-why do you want to save Chelish citizens?" He hopes his stuttering doesn't offend the man as he twirls his thumbs waiting for response.
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Faustinia flinches, then raises a contemptuous eyebrow at the rowdy gnome Yakopulio. Still, she had been invited to speak, but as she clears her throat to address the crowd, Catina pipes up first. Faustinia looks at her in surprise; despite her timidness, the girl continues to enjoy moments of bravery every now and then. After the tiefling speaks, Faustinia nods sagely in agreement. "Catina has the right of it. The more aggressive we are, the faster we'll have Hellknights jumping to put us down. A subtler approach to win the hearts of our fellow Wiscrani is what we need. Not rash aggression, but aspirations of glory. Hmm..." Faustinia trails off, thinking a moment. "What about something like... 'The Aegis of Westcrown'? Something inspiring and specifically Wiscrani."
---
Tarvi, with her jewels and educated speech, draws Faustinia like a moth to a flame. ”Hello, dear,” Faustinia begins, wearing a warm smile. ”Tarvi, was it? I believe Mathalen mentioned your name to me yesterday. You are the daughter of jewelers, isn’t that correct? I must say, your outfit is splendid. I don’t know if I wore finery of this quality when I was your age.” The older woman’s word are polite, but also quite sincere. Her flattery sounds genuine, perhaps even nostalgic. ”Mathalen also mentioned that you are a bright young girl interested in magic. Despite my age, I have begun to study the arcane arts fairly recently myself. I would be happy to try to share what I know, or recommend a competent teacher. Interested?”
---
After speaking with Tarvi, Faustinia finds herself drawn to Gorvio’s rich voice. Faustinia introduces herself again, making sure to emphasize her noble line. “Tell me, Gorvio, how did you get involved in this whole...” Faustinia gestures around the room, and sips from a glass of wine she managed to find. ”This whole thing. You’re obviously an educated man, and I suspect you are of good upbringing. Apologies if you’ve already said, and it’s slipped my mind in the bustle of this evening’s activities, but of what family are you?” she asks.
---
As she mills around the hall, Faustinia suddenly shivers as her soft slipper steps in the spilled mead on the floor. She frowns and looks down, and happens to find herself right next to the gnome who initially kicked it onto the floor. She frowns and shakes her foot, then removes her shoe and quickly cleans it with a bit of magic. “I expect you don’t make a habit of punting drinks across rooms to get people’s attention often?” she chastises, slipping her now dry shoe back on. “In any case, I heard you talking before, and I find you quite intriguing. Am I correct in thinking that I heard you say you don’t believe in the gods? Mind you, I’m not particularly devout -- although of course I recognize the glory of Aroden before his failure to return to us -- but I find it quite the curious position. Since you’re here and still breathing, I assume you’re not very vocal about this when the Dottari are around?”
Amaya smiles at Catina, "Nice to meet you too. Thank you, for your kind words on my speech. I really like the Children of Westcrown name, indeed". When Catina praises her beauty, Amaya does not blush at all, instead sighing thoughtfully. "I don't know if it's a blessing, Catina. Yes, beauty is considered a good thing by almost everyone in the world, and I consider it that way too, but...Well, when it is embodied things change a lot. There's a lot of difference between beauty in abstract and a beautiful woman. In my case, I would say that possessing that beauty you kindly attribute to me, well...It hasn't been always easy for me to manage it. Beauty brings attentions, and among them also the most dangerous ones. I had to cover my beauty to protect myself, and I'm not free to dress as I'd like to because of my beauty. In my experience, beauty is synonimous with danger. It has its good sides, but also its bad ones, I assure you".
With that said, Amaya smiles at Catina again, taking a few instants to look at her more closely. "But I can see you're beautiful too, so I'm sure you'll understand. What about you, instead? I heard you're a priestess at the Temple of Shelyn. Do you play any instrument?"
---
Yakopulio's big, vivid eyes are set on Catina as she speaks to her. She seems to be analyzing her, almost studying her gestures and voice, her facial features and everything belonging to her. Eventually, Yakopulio snaps her lips and looks at Catina with interest. "Yeees...Far-reaching indeed! But as you can see, those men make up for their big, attractive muscles...", and Catina could swear Yakopulio is serious with her remark, judging from the aroused expression the gnome doesn't bother to hide, "...with their tiny and completely empty brains". Yakopulio expression has changed again, turning to a grimace of disdain. The gnome shakes her head. "Don't listen to what they see. They're like tools: you can use them if you need to, if you know what I mean", the gnome remarks with a mischievous grin, "but you wouldn't ever listen to a tool's opinion on a matter, isn't it?". The conversation is very bizarre, especially because Catina is not capable of understanding whether Yakopulio is being serious or not.
"Ahahah!" Yakopulio breaks into an uncontrolled laughter. "Of course I was joking, Kathrina! Or maybe not..."
---
Seeking some calm and stability after her conversation with Yakopulio, Catina finds herself next to Larko. The Garundi man listens to her with attention, meditating for a few seconds before answering the tiefling. "Steward, eh? Mmmh...That name suggest a managerial aspect, and I'm not sure we're ready to manage Westcrown. But I like the way you look at things. You're a gifted speaker, Catina. Being able to speak with the right words is important, especially in our country. I like the sound of both of the names you proposed, if my opinion counts something. If I had to choose, I'd go with the first one though. It speaks to me much more directly". At the end of the conversation, Larko smiles at Catina and falls silent again.
Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, he then speaks to her again. "Where are you from, Catina? Were you born within the city walls? Have you ever seen the wildlands surrounding our city? I heard you're a priestess of Shelyn. If you want to look at the true beauty of our city, you shouldn't be looking, as everyone, only to what is contained behind its walls. The wildlands around Westcrown are rife with beauty. I suggest you to take a look at them, when you'll have the time to do so."
____________________________
Fiosa is surprised to see Lorenzo speaking to her directly and blushes in awkwardness as he listen to the young paladin's introduction. With a hesitating voice, she explains: "M-My f-faith in the Inheritor is rather newfound, I-I'm afraid. A-Arael told me about the church, b-but I-I'm not personally involved in it...Arael says there's no ufficial church of Iomeadae in Westcrown. There are followers, of course...B-But they're not coordinated by a formal organization, as far as he knows..."
The halfling appears not to be outgoing enough to ask questions to Lorenzo, but eventually she gathers her courage and speaks to him with a much more calm voice. "What about you, Lorenzo? I see you wear your faith plainly. There are others of our faith in town? Apart from me, you, Arael and Yorith, I mean."
---
Yorith smiles brightly at Lorenzo, indicating a free chair for him to sit on. "No curiosity to forgive, Lorenzo. I'm curious about you as well. I'm not a priest, just a humble scribe. I've found a teacher and priest of the Inheritor, though, but I think he'd be best defined as a mentor: Arael. He's a righteous, strong man, his words are inspiring and his faith is sincere. I owe my devotion to him. From the look in your eyes, I can tell that you're just like me a few months ago: full of faith, but without a guide. I think you'll find it in Arael. But as you must have heard, he's been captured by the Hellknights...I would like to do something, I'd give my own life for him. But it would be a useless sacrifice, since no one ever taught me how to wield a sword..."
---
Rizzardo answers to Lorenzo's questions with a vigorous pat on his shoulder. "Eheh, good question Lorenzo. I work at odd jobs. Unskilled laborer, as my employers classify me when it's time to pay for my services. Let's just say I switch my jobs frequently. I'm not good at following orders from one person too long", Rizzardo explains before breaking into a loud laughter. "Ermolos, come here!" he then shouts, "Is this the guy who's supposed to train us? I mean, take a look at him. He's so skinny I could break him down with my bare fists..."
Ermolos quickly joins Rizzardo and Lorenzo and with a simple but easily recognizable nod tries to justify Rizzardo's behavior. "Forgive him, Lorenzo. When he drinks he becomes completely unable to explain himself correctly. Anyway, Rizzardo, yes, he's the man. First, he's not skinny; that's just you being drunk. Second, he's very skilled at arms. Janiven ensured me, so we can trust his skills".
"Oh, Janiven. What a woman!" Rizzardo comments before abruptly standing up, raising his glass to the air and proclaim: " The most beautiful, strong, and..." Unfortunately, Rizzarso collapses on the table, completely drunk before he could even manage to end his toast. Ermolos sighs and shakes his head. "He exceeded his limit again. I'll take him downstairs, so he can sober up".
Fiosa smiles at Sev as the halfling speaks to him. "Yes, Fiosa. And you must be Sev, right? I've heard a lot about you. It's very nice to meet you".
Fiosa plays timidly with her hair as she ensues, "I've heard a great deal about this Jemet, too. I don't know him personally, but I know he works to attain my same goals, so I respect him. But tell me about you! It's nice to have another hafling among us. I'm a house servant, and I'm friends with many halfling slaves here in town. I take advantage of my freedom to help our kin as best as I can. Recently Janiven and Arael helped me smuggle several halfling slaves out of Westcrown, and out of a particularly heinous merchant's home. What about you?"
---
Larko cannot hold back a smile as Sev speaks to him. "Eheh, little one, I was born in this city, as did my parents before me. My grandfather came in Westcrown about 75 years ago, and for some reason he choose to stay. I'm willing to fight for Westcrown because I'm part of it, just like you."
_____________________________
The Hellknights have finally secured control over Arael, the bureaucratic complications of what jurisdiction the prisoner fell into finally having been resolved in the Order of the Rack’s favor. The Hellknights are preparing to move Arael from the city jail to Citadel Rivad, the order’s stronghold outside the city walls. Once he’s there, he’s as good as lost.
Lorenzo smiles; it seems that he is in the right place. "Well, I've come to our faith by way of the Acts but I lack any sort of formal mentor or guide so hearing you speak of Arael warms my heart."
He adds, "Please feel free to call on me for whatever you need and now that you mentioned it, I think I will try and talk to Yorith to see what his take is."
---
Glad that Yorith confirms what Fiosa has said about Arael, Lorenzo adds, "Well, I very much look forward to meeting Arael and acquiring some much needed guidance on our Lady's faith."
He pats his sword, "I'm no expert, actually a stone mason by trade, but I swing a pretty good sword, probably from having been swinging a hammer since my early teens. I've spoken to Ermolos about teaching him, actually more like training with him, so you are welcome to join us whenever we get around to doing so."
He thinks for a moment, "In fact, we managed to recover some weapons yesterday so you may want to talk to him about that as well."
"is this something you be interested in?"
---
Lorenzo smiles and nods to Ermolos as the large man falls over drunk, "Do you need some help carrying him? You look strong but I'm used to heavy labor as well."
Catina smiles weakly when hearing that her compliments on the woman's speech were well-received. She's about to comment that maybe 'Children of Westcrown is a bit too gentle, when the conversation takes a turn she hadn't expected. She looks incredulous. It's not as if she'd think Amaya was lying per se, but she just has a hard time believing such a thing would cause trouble, or that such would diminish the blessing of such beauty, even if it were dangerous. In the back of her mind, she registers a bit of irony, that she herself has to cover herself because of her disfigurement, while the Tian woman claims she has to cover up because of too much beauty.
The thought is still on her mind when Amaya tries to claim that Catina is beautiful too, which throws the young girl off-balance completely. "What? No. It's not like that at all! I have to keep my hood up and cover, whenever I go out into the streets. But that's not beauty." Her voice is raised slightly, and not fully in her control. "Look, those are horns and these here," - she points at her scars - "Say awful things. If people see me for who I am, they chase me and throw things at me, call me a taint on the Chelish race, or threaten to throw me in the river! That's not... That's not..." Realizing she's losing it, she takes a deep breath and wipes a sleeve across her face. She hopes to avoid further embarrassment by taking up the second subject Amaya had broached.
"Well, euhm... I'm a priestess at the Temple. Acolyte, really. There's quite a way to go before I can become an actual priestess, I think." She sighs when she thinks about how far she'll really have to go, and recalling how even the other acolytes at the Temple can't bear to look at her for too long. "It's... I play the violin, but it's not so easy." She holds out her hands, spreading her fingers to show their deformity. "These are not really meant for playing, I think. Not like mama..."
--
Catina feels quite self-conscious under Yakopulio's studying gaze, fiddling with her bracelet as she often does. She opens her mouth to speak and say something in reply, but no words come to mind. "But.. but..."
She blinks twice as the gnome breaks into laughter, finally finding something so say. Still not sure whether she was joking or not, Catina decides to err on the safe side and assume the woman was serious."Well, I suppose some of them are handsome enough. But that doesn't mean they're automatically stupid." She looks piqued at the notion. "Besides, even if that were the case. That doesn't mean you can think of them as tools." Listening to herself repeat Yakopulio's words, she thinks the woman must have been joking, and she shuts up to avoid further embarrassing herself. In a thin voice, she adds "It's Catina, by the way..."
--
Still flustered from her conversation with Yakopulio, Catina just nods at Larko's reaction to her suggestions. She easily caves. "Yes, I guess you are right. I was thinking about a steward as a sort of conservator, you know, like in a museum. But people shouldn't think that we want to take over the city. Perhaps Faustinia - euh, the Lady Faustinia's suggestion isn't so bad. The aegis speaks of protecting what is important, of providing a shield for the weak, but also shows that we aren't afraid to take a stand if it becomes necessary."
She's initially surprised at his question and suggestion to venture beyond the city walls, but also intrigued. "I've always lived in the city. We had a nice garden, but that was it. And there's the parks in the city of course. But that must be very different from the wildlands." She considers for a moment, trying to recall whether nature was ever mentioned at the temple. "I think we're used to considered beauty in art, mostly. Things that we can make. The opera, and sculpture, those kinds of things. And fostering love is also something of people. So I guess it makes sense that we stay in the city. Isn't it just a lot of farmlands and such, outside the city?" The question sounds a bit naive to her own ears, but she's genuinely interested in what Larko has to say about the subject.
Faustinia's proposal for the name of the group proves to have a good amount of traction among the people gathered around the table, so much that Yorith interrupts his conversation with Lorenzo in order to show his liking. "I like the sound of it" comments the young man.
---
Tarvi accepts Faustinia's praises with a practiced smile, without blushing but clearly showing his gratitude for the kind words. She performs a quick bow with her head in order to show that the noble woman's word have pleased her. "Thank you for your kind words, Lady Faustinia. It's such an honor to receive praises from a woman of fine tastes as you are. If I can add anything, though, let me confess that I doubt you ever lacked jewels as precious as mine". The girl returns Lady Faustinia her warm smile, before adding: "And yes, Mathalen says the truth. I'm very interested in magic". Trying not to expose herself too much, the girl listens to Lady Faustinia's proposal with practiced composure, but from the look in her amber eyes it is clear that the opportunity to learn magic from Lady Faustinia excites the girl. "I'm interested in your offer and ready to accept it gladly. If could choose, anyway, I would prefer to learn from you, my lady. I feel we're somehow on the same page..."
---
Gorvio cannot avoid blushing at Faustinia's words. "I thank you for your kindess, milady. It's a pleasure to see that you consider me an educated man with a good upbringing. But I'm afraid..." For a moment, the man appears to be losing all of his usual verve, blushing to the point of being too embarassed to continue. Anyway, he quickly finds a way to push back his feelings, sighs elegantly and goes on: "I'm afraid I'm just good at creating false expectations. I'm no noble, milady. My parents were wealthy merchants, used to earn their living by trading exotic fabric. They died a few years ago, and their business quickly...went up in smoke. With my contribution, of course...Now I work with my uncle Jacovo, a horse trader." Gorvio sighs again and appears to be educately desperate, putting his hand to his forehead. "I hope this won't change your consideration of me, milady..."
---
Yakopulio stops to look at Faustinia in such a way that she almost seems to be disrespecting her with her very eyes. "Of course, my noble lady, you can expect it. It would be incredibly boring to repeat the same things over and over again. But I can't promise anything about my future pranks...I'm mostly an improviser!"
When the conversation takes a more serious turn, Yakopulio sits and listens to Lady Faustinia with the proper attention, then starts making a myriad of different expressions as she thinks about a brillant answer. "It's not that I fear them, milady. I just don't want to upset them. You know, their world is so small and ugly, they wouldn't manage to see their faith crumbling. I personally do not care that much for my own safety. I spit on their gods, but I prefer not to let them catch me as I do it...", she concludes with a mischievous wink.
"I'm a house servant too...well, um, I was." Sev isn't sure why he finds himself confessing the truth of his runaway suddenly, but given Fioas just admitted to freeing slaves, he figures there's no use hiding it."[/b] He rubs the back of his head awkwardly and tires to smile, not sure if he should feel proud or not. "I escaped the Drovenge family just a couple days ago. I...I never considered that as a house servant I could help others escape..." His face falls, and suddenly he feels ashamed and selfish for having thought only of himself when he ran.
For the second time tonight Sev looks embarrassed. "Oh...I-I'm sorry Mr. Larko! I didn't know." He turns bright red but fights the urge to run away. "I'm not used to seeing Garundi in Westcrown, especially n-n-not ones native to Cheliax."
He finds he's run out of things to say but doesn't want to be rude so he blurts out whatever comes to his head. "Uh, h-have you ever been to your grandfathers h-h-h-homeland?"
When Sev is alone, and sees everyone else occupied in conversation he approaches Janiven and informs her what he's heard about Arael's imprisonment. "The Hellknights are moving him from the city jail to Citadel Rivad, or are preparing too!" He tells her somewhat urgently. "I-I don't know how I can help, but if I c-c-can p-please let me know!"