|
Trisane digs into the food eagerly as it arrives while everyone else speaks only really half listening. He slices off some of the haunch of smoked meat, rips a hunk of bread from the loaf, spoons out some mushrooms and vegetables on a plate in a heaping portion and pours himself some water.
Despite the company this beats the mess hall, for sure.
He barely notices Rom lifting a bit from his pile of food and only stops eating when he hears Ophelia ask her question. He belches loudly before speaking.
Good, now that we’re all friends again… To answer your question Ophelia, there looked to be some kind of underpier past the old barge. Once the shark is taken care of, we should be able to slip inside from there somewhere. If we can stay quiet enough, we’ll catch them by surprise. If we’re really lucky, they might even be asleep.
Trisane looks up to the rafters at Rom and back to Nik.
Rom would make a good lookout… but he’s not the only one. I saw a kid in the upper riverside window all afternoon on watch. Rom could distract the little lamm for us long enough to sneak past undetected. He seems like a friendly enough bird.
what a pretentious little cuss. giving me money for food that I bought is all well and good but to not even tip the staff...that is uncalled for.
Alistair motions for the server to come back over to the table. He looks at nik with an exaggerated look of pain and grabs his chest...
Little nikkie you wound me deeply...and here I thought we were going to sing kumbaya and hold hands as we walk off together into the sunset... he winks at Nik your loss
as the server comes to the table..
Sophia this is Nik, Nik this is Sophia. He takes a drink of his wine Nik, Sophia works long hard hours and enjoys her job. She works for tips and that is how she makes here living. Sophia, Nik here is new to civilization and wanted you to have this nice coin he picks up Niks coin that he placed on the table as token of his appreciation of all that you have done for him. Sophia you have a way of making me smile so much that I come to rely on it to get through the days. As a way of saying thank you this coin is for you. Now I ask that you put these towards keeping your little ones in good clothing and well fed. after Sophia moves away.
she is in need of it and is too proud to ask for help. I am only too happy to help her out how ever I can.
he continues to eat his food as he smiles at Nik and listens to Trisane make his statements...
what about light, what do we have in the way of lighting?
|
|
Nik stands as he is introduced to the woman.
Well met young Sophia. It is an honor, though I must say that the customs of your great civilization are strange to me. My simple folk seem to think it is rude to speak so to your companions, yet the Lord has made me see the errors of my ways.
Let me introduce you fine folk to one of the customs of my people. It is simple but I think remarkable. It is to apologize when such a great offense is done. Please Sophia forgive me. I meant not offense to you and your service. As I had seen it, you were covered by the lords generosity and I was simply providing him with my share of the cost.
Nik reaches for Sophia's hand.
Now, if you would forgive me for that offense, maybe you would indulge me in another custom of my people. It is simple but I think you will enjoy it. Please allow me to dance with you later this evening. It would honor me greatly.
as Sophia walks away
Alistair still smiling leans towards nik and whispers
Nicely done Nik, Nicely done.
|
|
Nik sits again and addresses Trisane and Ophelia.
The idea to use Rom to distract the boy is sound, though the friendly approach isn't his usual style. I will ask him to do it and leave the details to him, though I will insist he not actually hurt the boy.
Ophelia, what now was he saying about some walkway? I didn't catch the details being smitten by such a lovely creature as Sophia.
|
|
Trisane empties his plate in no time and chugs down the rest of his water. He wipes his face clean and throws down the napkin on the table.
Delicious! My compliments to chef Tau. I can see now why you come here so much, Alistair.
Wait, did he say lights? Was that a serious question? I can't tell if he's joking or not with that silly grin. There's more important things to worry about..
Trisane inspects his uniform carefully to make sure he didn't get any food on it then he straightens up and repeats Nik's question to Ophelia.
What's all this about a walkway?
Rom floats gently down and speaks to Nik and Ophelia. He tells them that the walkway along the right side of the building (facing it from the street) is weak and slippery, having seen one of the Lamms nearly fall into the water.
Ophelia translates what Rom says about the walkway, marking it on the map. This walkway here, Rom says it is slippery and saw one of the Lamms nearly fall. We should avoid it, if possible.
Looking over to Alistaire, I can provide a light source, if we need, though it would give away our surprise. Perhaps candles, or a lantern would be best.
She'll push the map towards the center of the table, then grab her plate and begin loading it with food.
|
|
Trisane leans in to inspect Ophelia’s map where she indicates the slippery walkway.
Nice work. We should be able to avoid that easily enough.
He then looks around to the group.
Ophelia’s right. No lights until I give the word. We want to keep the element of surprise as long as possible.
How many more assurances do they need? I’ve got this under control and we’re as prepared as we’ll ever be. If only I could bring in a few marines instead…
I’ve also got rope if we need to go up and tools if we need to open locks. Just follow the plan, stick close to me and we’ll all be fine. Now if there are no further questions, I’d like to take my leave and get this over with.
I’ll find you Pellius, no matter what it takes.
Trisane stands up from the table and looks for affirmation.
Ophelia nods to Trisane, I think that is a good plan, thank you. We'll see you at Pier 1.
I can't believe this is happening. I'll finally get my revenge. Trisane seems confident enough, and hopefully competent enough. Stay back, let the others do the dirty work, as long as I get at Lamm.
We should all get a good rest, we need to be up early. She'll finish her plate and push it away from her. Thank you for the meal, Lord Wellington, it was even better than you led me to believe.
She'll grab her journal and stand, ready to take her leave.
Alistair starts to laugh, a great big hearty laugh. He looks at nik and still smiling and laughing.
Good Gentle Nik, You got me I must admit it. I see how you turned my own words back on me. Well play good gentle well played. He leans in a bit.A little advice...and this is not meant to offend your..simple folk ways...please do not push for more than just a dance. Her husband might take offense to that. He holds his hands up Just so you know
He sits back and listens to the others talk about ROM, the walkway and the request for light.
He looks up at Rom
You look like you can take care of yourself and.... you most likely can not understand my words, but be careful out there.
Alistair sighs a bit and rolls his eyes
..and I was so looking forward to giving our enemies a beacon to see us coming. He smiles and winks I want the light for when we get inside. If the outside is any indication of how bad the conditions of the building are... he points to the walkway then the inside might be just as bad. Plus we are moving in with no more light than what the moon produces. Once inside we could be blind. So bring it along and as you say Trisane not until we need it. Surprise is one of the few advantages we have going for us
He will sit back continuing to eat and drink. He will look up as everyone else is leaving
I will meet you all later then and do not worry about the left overs. I have arrangements to give it the needy. as Ophelia gets up to leave Alistair will stand and bow politely. Evening me lady. Please be safe out there and if any of you should need a ride my carriage awaits should you desire one.
Before Trisane, Ophelia, and Nik depart, Sophia appears almost on que.
A fiddle player among the crowd begins to play a Varisian tune, and the beat of a drum or perhaps just a tankand being tapped against a table soon joins. Nik begins a dance and Sophia joins in after watching for a moment. It is a traditional Varisian dance that has Nik and Sophia twirling and spinning in whirls of silk and color.
It takes Ophelia back to the shadows of memories before being lost and one of the Little Lamms, a time of peace and happiness all but forgotten.
As the music and dance reach their crescendo; the crown breaks into wild applause, whistles and cheers. The tensions of the evening seem to fade away with dance and as it ends Sophia leans in and whispers something to Nik gives him a kiss on the cheek and then she slips back into the crowd.
As you leave, the night air is warm and the sky clear. Above you the stars of the night sky twinkle in the darkness and the city lays quiet, waiting for what is to come with the dawn.
The night air is warm and the sky clear. Above you the stars of the night sky twinkle in the darkness and the city lays quiet, there is little activity on the pier. The Jeggare is swollen with spring waters and running high and fast. The boat Daedlin arranged shifts restlessly at its moorings waiting.
|
|
Trisane returns to the barracks and spends the few hours of the evening in preparation. He tries to let his thoughts drift and get as much rest as he can.
This is finally it… I hope all my efforts will pay off. I hope everyone else is ready too.
After a very early morning routine, Trisane arrives at Pier 1 at 0330. He loads up the boat with his gear. He dons his Scale Mail armor and rests his hooded lantern nearby to be lit when needed. He secures the chum and readies the sails. He keeps his weapons close at hand, pulls up the hood on his cloak and patiently waits for the others to arrive.
The waters look choppy this morning. Let’s hope I can keep this boat on course. I doubt the others will be able to help in that regard. No point in worrying about it now. I’m in this now for better or for worse to whatever end may come.
It is too dang early, hopefully the others are more awake than I am. Ophelia gets herself ready and heads to the pier.
She's wearing a nice silken robe, with a barbed whip carefully coiled on one side, and a light crossbow slung across her other side. She approaches and sleepily greets Trisane, Good morning, did you sleep well? This is the boat? What do you need me to do?
It smells far worse down here...oh, he's got a bucket of chum...wonderful. Deal with it and soon it will all be over!
|
|
Nik returns to his studio in a foul mood.
I shouldn't let that over-stuffed noble get to me, but he set that up, I know it.
Rom, let's go up to the roof and let the Dreamer sing to us.
Nik climbs out his window and creeps along the roof. He lays down and waits for the peace to wash over him. The starlight is solace to him, and he begins to clear his thoughts.
Merciful Dreamer, thank you.
Nik sleeps there on the roof for a few hours and then climbs down to prepare. He leaves much of his gear behind as he is not expecting to have to use his normal travelling stuff. Then he heads out.
The stars are still out, so he whistles a gentle tune as he arrives a few minutes after Trisane and Ophelia. He nods to them with a smile.
We have the blessing of the Dreamer this night, she will light our way. Smile both of you, tonight good will be done for the world.
|
|
Trisane nods to Ophelia and looks her over as she approaches. He pauses for several moments before speaking.
What is she wearing? Valeria would’ve worn armor. I doubt Ophelia’s much of a warrior. At least she brought weapons. I don't know what to expect anymore. Oh well too late now... If she stays with the kids, she shouldn't get hurt.
Good Morning, Ophelia. You look… prepared. I’ll sleep better when this is over. For now, we wait for the rest.
Trisane nods to Nik when he arrives.
Welcome aboard, Nik. We’ll do some good today alright.
He reaches toward his quiver and pulls out some crossbow bolts. He hands several to both Nik and Ophelia.
Here’s something for the both of you. These are silver. In case we run into more than just children and a few guards.
Alistair will continues to finish his meal and drink his fill.
Sophia would you be so kind as to bring me some of those wonderful coconut finger cookies for dessert, please and thank you...oh and a wee nip of grappa.
He will motion for the fiddler to come over and as he approaches he will toss him a coin..
That was a nice tune, thank you for the pleasure of hearing it
After he finishes his dessert and beverage. He will make his rounds and says his good byes. He will head home for a few hours of sleep and the he will dress and get ready for the nights activities.
He will arrive just a tad bit early. Alistair looks very much as he did at dinner except that his stylish clothing has been replace with black leather armor with two silver horses rampant on the chest. He has two rapiers hanging form his belt. He seems to never be seen without his traveling coat which is worn over the armor. He is carrying a jug similar to the one that was at dinner tonight. Alistair looks at the others as he walks up...taking a long draw on the jug
I guess we are all here, so...are we ready then. He will offer the ceramic jug to everyone. it is chilly tonight seeing that no one accepts his offer right away..he will put the jug down on the ground and pull out a tiny piece of chalk. Alistair tosses it to the ground and then steps on it crushing it into a powder. He will reach down and rub his hands with the powder. Rubbing his hands together he will look at the group, Sweaty hands does not benefit a swordsman and then picks up the jug and holds it out again are you sure, last chance....
|
|
Nik takes the offered bolts and tucks them into his belt.
I assume you mean those pesky imps we see around. Thanks, hadn't prepared for that.
Nik smiles at Ophelia, noticing the whip.
A butterfly, a wasp, and a hippogriff... Sound like a bad children's joke?
Nik eyes Alistair as he approaches, noting the jug in his hands. After Alistair's final preparations and his offer of the jug, Nik casts a glance and judges the nobleman's condition.
Nik scowls and turns to Trisane.
Perhaps we should be off Marine.
|
|
Trisane looks over Alistair as he approaches and watches him perform his curious ritual in silence. He grins slightly at Nik's comment.
What in the hell? He better not be drunk right now. Good thing there’s no marines or guards around to witness me with this lot. I’d never hear the end of it from Deadlin especially. Maybe one day I’ll have a story worth telling. Well, there’s no turning back now, all aboard Trisane’s justice boat of lunatics…
Trisane makes sure his hood stays up and covers his face as much as possible ignoring Alistair's drink offer.
Right. We’re all here.
Ophelia and Nik please sit in the middle and mind the sail. Should be safest there.
Alistair, you sit up front with the chum. Reminds me of something we did once to a wash out in basic training... good times.
I’ll steer the rudder in the back… and so I can keep an eye on you all.
Let’s go.
as he walks up and notices the harsh looks and treatment he is receiving....lets his head hang down and shake it back and forth.
what a pair of cat herders these two are. their judgmental ways are going to get them killed someday. Nik might even die tonight because he can not judge correctly
Alistair just smiles and looks straight at Nik
Always judging from your high horse huh. No wonder his brother took off
smiling and laughing softly
is herbal tea to much for your delicate stomach
Alistair softly laughs some more and turns his back on nik and looks to Trisane and nods towards the front of the boat
very well up front it is with the chum
As he turns and walks toward the front of the boat with nik behind him.
at least his dislike of me does not cloud his judgement
|
|
Nik steps into the boat after Alistair is seated and sits behind him.
Rom , să fie cel mai bine pentru acum . Amintiți-vă , distrage atenția privitorului la fereastră și când vom intra în clădire ceas intrarea din stradă pentru orice întăriri .
Nik then draws his crossbow and makes sure it is loaded and ready. He smiles at Opehlia behind him.
Best to be ready in case we get into trouble before we even dock on the other side.
Fie ca noi să găsim fratele Tobar această noapte!
With a flap of wings, the raven disappears into the night.
Ophelia takes the offered bolts with a smile, Thank you, always prepared you are. Prepared for anything it seems. Glad he's on our side.
She'll politely laugh at Nik's joke while reaching down into the powder Alistair created. She'll rub it against her hands as well. Its too early for tea, but thanks for the offer. Still unsure about this one, his skills better not be an exaggeration. He's willing, maybe too eccentric, but is following along.
She'll then follow onto the boat. After Nik loads his crossbow, she'll do the same. [b]Right, better to be ready. Good thinking. Rom is smart enough to stay safe I hope. Nik seems to be on board as well. Dare I say we are actually all working together? Too late to back out now anyway.
Once she's settled in she nods at Trisane, I'm ready, may we all find our own justice this day.
Lamm, I stab thee with my heart.
The night air is cold and clear, and the stars above and lights from the city twinkle and reflect off the Jeggare. The river is swollen with spring melt and rains and every bit as cold as the melting snows that feed it. Overhead the moon sheds a pale light while in the distance the sounds of revelry come from the Drinkhall.
As you climb in, the current tosses the boat about. As you slip the moorings it seems like you might simply be swept into the next peer, but Trisane maintains a firm hand on the rudder and in a moment the breezes catch the sails and the small boat slips away from the pier and into the darkness.
Trisane - please give me a survival check.
Also let me know where you wish to "land" the craft (on the map).
As the lights of East Shore fade behind you, so does the noise of the city. You find yourselves with only the pale light provided by the sliver of moon and the sounds of the river splashing against the boat. The air here is cooler, and the riverwater that splashes occasionally is frigid.
Trisane tugs at the sail and adjusts it periodically. It seems like forever before the lights of midland seem to be approaching. Warehouses stand as black silhouettes against the city light beyond forming an imposing impenetrable black barrier ahead.
As you draw near the fear and excitement build and you all are left answering that unspoken question....
In addition to the main concern - will Lamm be present to meet his fate?
I placed a boat on the map, with Trisane at the rudder - Trisane - use the lower level map and tell me where you dock/land!
Upon instruction Alistair dumps the bucket of chum in the water, similar to what he did during the day before spent fishing with Trisane. This time the fish could bite back though.
Nik, how will you handle the shark?
Pending the resolution of the shark - everyone provide a perception check and stealth check.
Ophelia remains quiet in the boat. One hand is gripped to the side, while the other is holding the crossbow in her lap.
Alistair begins throwing chum into the dark of the river waters, and it is not long before the jigsaw shark begins to circle and slowly gobble up the ground up fish bits tossed out. As he draws closer and closer to th boat Nik prepares and casts a spell. The shark seems to follw the boat for a short time as Nik points, waves his arms and wiggles his hands. Theshark eventually get the idea and heads out into deeper waters of the Jeggare for a meal.
Trisane navigates around the dingy and in between the buildings. As they glide in, he notices that the upper windows, while still open are empty. The fishery sits quiet and dark. Traisane glides the boat up to the wharf. When they get close, Ophelia grabs the dock and pulls the boat closer to dock, but a sudden eddy slams the boat against the pilings with a loud thud that seems to echo up between the fishery and the warehouse next door.
|
|
YEAH! That actually worked. Never tried that on a fish. Good to know it can be done.
Nik turns to Trisane with a smile and whispers.
Well that's one obstacle down. Lead the way gentlemen. Also, Rom seems satisfied so I think his part went well.
Nik takes out his paired holy symbols and raises his crossbow to his shoulder, ready to fire at any threat that comes at them.
Alistair sits in the front looking down at the chum. He reaches into a pouch and pulls out a piece of rolled up bark. The aroma of cinnamon flows across the boat before being swallowed up by the smells of the river. He rolls the bark under his nose a bit and then places it in his mouth. He sucks on one end of the bark as the other half sticks out. He continues to toss the chum over the side and then he notices the shark coming over. He slowly stops tossing the chum and turns towards trisane. The cinnamon bark hanging from his mouth....
We are going to need a bigger boat
After seeing the shark swim off he relaxes a bit.
as the boat collides with the dock he flinches and after it comes to a stop he will look at the dock to make sure it is safe for him to step out and that the area is clear.
Scanning the area one more before he reaches his hand down to Ophelia to help her out.
Once she is up on the dock he will draw his rapier and wait for the others to join. He will step away to give them room to climb onto the docks.
At the pier the shadows of the fishery and warehouse next door make the pier itself seem even darker. As Nik steps up on the dock the wood creaks and cracks. Surely if anyone was standing watch, they would be coming to investigate, however after what seems like hours the night remains dark and silent except to the lapping of the Jeggare.
Trisane and Alistair both slip onto the dock silently, and within a moment the boat is secured. The air here is still and quiet and you all find yourselves waiting and peering into each shadow and dark place expecting something to jump out at you.
Nothing does.
Trisane - go ahead and roll a perception check for your search of the door.
|
|
Trisane rests his crossbow against the door gently, sets down his lantern, ignites the lantern and covers it with part of his cloak to provide some illumination while he works. He rests his crossbow against the door and pulls out a set of tools.
It takes Trisane some time and several tries, all the while you are standing on the pier right on the water.
Will anyone spot you, will the shark return, is this a trap?
Finally, the door swings open with what again seems like an obnoxious amount of noise.
|
|
Ugh. That's not great... Either everyone in here is deaf or sound asleep. Let's hope for the latter.
As the door swings open unexpectedly, Trisane picks up his lantern and crossbow quickly and moves inside as quietly as he can. He motions for the others to follow. He scans the room upon entering.
Before you even step into the room you notice the section of flooring just inside the door is rigged to dump the unwary into the water below.
Alistair will draw his rapier and follow Trisane towards the door. Waiting and watching for trouble while he do his thing with the lock.
As Trisane opens the door and informs us off the trap he...
Whispering Well then there must be another....seeing Trisane fail to circumvent the trap ahh ^%&**
He will attempt to grab Trisane before he goes over.
Trisane tries to jump to to the walkways to the side as straight ahead the floor opens to the river. Unfortunately, Trisane's grear clips the door frame and he staggers across the trapped section, which drops with a load thud. Trisane attempts to catch himself and..
Reflex save from Trisane with a +2 as Alistiar reaches out and grabs him.