"Wha' other item? We gotta try ta give it back ta the owner, it could'a been all they had."
"Oh, we ummm, have this little bauble," Shaeda says as she displays the broach. We believe it's the queen's.
Smiling at Pestico, "I am glad we were able to help you. And I may return later to see about some of those dolls." Offering him the silver knife back. Once there the items are collected Emma follows Shaed and Jamir outside.
Shooting Shaeda a glare, "We are on the streets! Put that up for now."
Glancing around before continuing, "We could head back to Zellara's to discuss our plans. That is more private than a tavern."
"Ooooh, tha' looks nice! Kinda wanna keep it, but it'd jus' cause trouble." I look at Emma and nod, "Ta Zelly's then." I let the others lead the way.
"It needs to be returned." Trying her best to shorten her pace to walk with her shorter companions.
"Aye, 'n' maybe if we're lucky she'll give us a reward for it's return." I also slow down so as to not leave Shaeda behind.
Zellara's place is much as you left it; with the illusions gone that made it look inhabited, there isn't anything to attract looters, and it has been left in peace.
Sitting down and trying to force herself to relax, with little success. "That piece of jewlery we think is rather important but I have no idea how we could return it to its rightful owner. Considering what is going on in the city I doubt we could walk up to the palace and ask to talk to royalty."
I squat beside the door and start cleaning under my nails with the tip of one of my knives, "Couldn' we jus' say we found it 'n' wanna return it? They'd know it's 'ers 'n' wouldn' wanna anger 'er."
Sighing and running her fingers though her hair. Resisting the urge to pull it in frustration out of stress, "I only mentioned it because those at the palace do not know us and getting an audience with royalty is hard on a good day."
I stop cleaning my nails briefly and look up, "We don' need ta talk ta 'er though, do we? Could jus' give it ta a guard ta pass on, as longa she gets it back."
"Because the average guard is a straight shooter, and won't even consider keeping an object worth a thousand times her monthly salary all to herself."
I sigh, "Well, what else can we do?"
Shrugging and leaning back in her chair, "I am not saying we do not return it, because it should be returned. We could always do some asking around. Figure out how we could return this thing."
I nod at Emma's suggestion, "If only we knew someone who'd be able ta send us the right way. Ya know anyone who'd 'elp us?"
.
DOT
Searok looked at the nondescript door and checked and re-checked the address. He had gotten the address from a lamplighter who was told it by a street sweeper who was told it by a flower girl that this is where the killers of Lamm were holed up. Lamm! Searok's fists clenched and his vision went red as he remembered the name of his abuser. It was in this rage that he turned the knob and burst through the door. He sees too women there one tall (compared to him) and one about his height. He looks at them and says I hears ye killed Lamm! I don't know whether to congratulate ye or punch ye in the mouth fer not invitin' me when ye did the deed!
Seeing a dwarf enter the building that his mentor had divined as the location of those who killed Lamm, Girad follows the dwarf in. "Congratulate them, no punching. While I would rather have brought Lamm to justice, the city watch considered him a small nuisance, and perhaps this was the only way to free the Lambs."
He moves closer to the dwarf and the group, "I am Girad, Paladin of Sarenrae at your service."
The room you have entered appears long abandoned, with a dust covered table and old decorations. Within, two women, a human and a halfling, and in discussion.
Searok's vision is still red as he glares at the two women waiting as he decides which option to go with when suddenly, this paladin shows up! Searok bellows. He was more than a nuisance! He was a bully-physically and emotionally! He was lower than the crud on the soles of ye boots! He was beyond the redemption of even yer goddess! Searok's vision is now a bright crimson and even if he doesn't punch the women, he is leaning to punching this Girad fellow!
"I agree Sir Dwarf, he was much more than a nuisance to us, but not to the City Guards as they have many more worries than just one man. Praise the gods that he is dead now and can not hurt any more folks."
Girad lets the dwarf rant for a bit, knowing how he felt when freeing himself from the shivers.
The whispers were already circulating in the poor quarters. Makall had first dismissed the joy he felt hearing of the old man's death.
'What are the chances?' he had asked himself as he struggled to lift another of the old man's victims.
The emaciated form shook with tremors causing Makall to tighten his grip for fear that the addict would slip. He checked the man's pulse it was racing far too fast. The man groaned oblivious to all about him. Makall had known the feeling. The addict was entering Nirvana but soon that dreamlike state would begin to be full of nightmares. He forced the man to drink some water hydration was the last thing the man would think about when he came out of his shiver induced dreams. Staring at the man for a long time he pictured himself there.
'What are the chances...'
Standing up he left the man in as much comfort as he could and headed off to where he had heard the old man's killers were said to be. Nothing was kept secret in these quarters for very long you only had to know who to ask to find out. In the distant he watched as a dwarf entered the building followed by a man. Neither looked like the belonged here.
'Are they the old man's killers?' he rushed along not wanting to lose them. He needed to know if it was actually true.
Stepping through the door he looked at all the puzzled faces. The dwarf was shouting for some reason. There were four of them in here but something did not feel right. The halfling lady and the human woman stood close to each other casting glances at both the dwarf and the man that had just entered the building. Their faces now all turned to him.
"Are you the ones that killed the old man? Gaedren Lamm that is. I need to know now." he blurted out his words the last part being especially venomous.
The redness starts to leave Searok's vision when the paladin praises Lamm's death. I might not have to punch this one after all! but these other two... He begins to turn his attention to the two women when another enters. Geez! What is this? he thinks. As the man asks his question, the redness starts to creep back.
I did not have that honor - though I'd have liked to. It seems like the lasses are the ones we all seem ta be seekin' Searok says bitterly.
As the door comes open and the strangers pour inside, Shaeda turns and draws her weapon expecting some sort of confrontation.
"Hear now, who be you lot of lubbers, with yer caterwauling? We be getting answers out of you before ye be hearing aught of us."
"Hold on Lady. There is no need for weapons. It seems the three of us were all victims of Lamm, and heard that the folks who killed him were here" replies Girad, keeping his hands away from weapons.
"As we are the intruders into your meeting, let me introduce myself. I am Girad, Paladin of Sarenrae. Lamm addicted me to shivers before I was able to rid myself of the drug. And who are you and your friend, may I ask?"
Searok nods in agreement at the paladin's words. For me it was bein' locked in a small room and beaten daily while I was a young dwarf. After I knew me place I was made one of Lamm's enforcers. Couldn't believe me ears when I heard he met his end. So I decided ta seek ye out. Still can't decide whether to congratulate ye or punch ye in the mouth fer doin' it 'fore me. Never thought I'd be happy to be so unemployed! Searok didn't look happy as the memories of his abuse started the redness in his vision and with his fists clenched tight.
He makes no move to unsling his warhammer from his back.
"So it is true." The words fall from Makall's mouth almost more meant for him than any of you. He looks at the paladin and nods as if seeing something he had not noticed before. "Much like yourself I found myself addicted to the shivers. The old man ruined myself and my family. I only came...Forgive me I am Makall Lisnen. Are you not afraid what will happen now that the old man is dead? His death will bring joy to both those he abused but also those that covet what he had."
"Tell me then, all of you, how did you really know to find us here, at this place, and now? And dwarf, you told a story, but you let slip no name, what be it?"
Twisting around in her chair and watching in confusion at the intruder. Snatching the broach and tucking it into a pocket. I could have sworn we locked that. One becomes two, some bickering, then two becomes three.
Standing up and, "Considering the shorter ones temper Sheada I would feel better if you kept your weapon. Much as I do not like them."
Picking up her rapier but keeping it facing the ground. Looking at the two humans, "I am glad you are recovering and that vacuum is one of the many things we were discussing before the door flung open."
Glaring at still unnamed Dwarf, "Mr Dwarf, sometimes the world does not give us what we want and you simply have to except that. Though your coming in unannounced and then threatening violence makes me feel as though you are still under Lamm's sway or you are just an ass. I have not decided which one yet. Knocking would have been a better idea. Should you have done this a few hours ago you might have been riddled with arrows. So consider caution in the future when you do not know where you are entering. Though I am grieved by what you have lost. I lost someone very dear to me and you clearly lost your common sense."
Oddly, neither Girad, Searok, nor Makall can quite recall just who told them that Gaedren Lamm had died, and who had done the deed, and where they might be found. Surely they must have heard it somewhere, you overhear things everywhere you go, and with the city in a tizzy there are rumors off all kinds flying left and right.
Walk down a street in Korvosa today and you'll "learn" everything from theories about long lost heirs to the throne, to rumors of a masked crime fighter returning from the grave, to the new queen secretly being a dragon, to some nonsense about killer puppets. But overheard snatches of gossip are rarely specific or accurate enough to provide a street address.
Searok glares at the two women for a moment before saying, I'll give ye me name an' give it freely. Searok Ironbeard is the name, and there be some in this town that quake at the mention of it. As one of Lamm's enforcers, I have had better insults and more damaging projectiles thrown me way then your insults or your arrows. Some by Lamm himself! Searok pauses for dramatic effect before considering. As for your door, Lamm never taught us ta knock!
"What do he say Emma? Do we roll the bones and trust them, or do we think they be scurvy pirates come to take our booty?"
Shaeda uncurls her whip in anticipation of one possible answer from Emma.
"Thank you for the name and you are going to need to learn to knock."
Pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing before looking down to Sheada, "I do not thing they are after 'booty'."
Looking back at the men in the entryway, "What is it that you all are wanting other than conformation that Lamm is dead?"
"In my experience, men are always after booty, but I hear what you be saying. Alrighty ye lubbers, take it as true den that Lamm be dead."
Makall nods 'Now what? The void that the old man filled will be filled soon enough. But maybe they don't care. Should I?'
"Whatever you recovered from the old man is yours to keep. But if you all have ties to the old man then you know as well as I that we must make sure that the children and any harmed by the old man are given the opportunity to heal.
How do you intend to do this? Is there anything found on the old man that might help protect the people here? The old man had ties everywhere it is said. Surely there is something that could help these people."
"We rescued a number of children, and we have seen them safely to shelter and comfort. Where were you then when we could have used your aid? We don't need you condemning us after the fact. We did what seemed right."
Makall ignored the sting of the fiery retort from the halfling. The old man had injured more than any could count both physically, emotionally and perhaps in the halfling's case both.
"I am not here to condemn you for your act and I am glad to hear you were able to rescue a number of children and provide them with safety. Having only heard of your efforts this very night there is no aid I could have provided. Even had I known earlier I do not know if I would have had the courage to to kill the old man? I can say what you have done has at least inspired me and that is what likely led me here."
Searok stands in front Shaeda staring at her face. Yer about as tall as a dwarven lass and about as fiery as one, but it looks like ye don't have a beard like one! He steps back. I just wanted confirmation that he was dead, and I have decided not ta punch ye both in the face after all. Like I said, I'm now unemployed so I guess I'll be lookinf for work. Might I ask what are the plans for ye both now that ye both the most famous lasses in the underworld?
"It is good that the children were rescued. I thank you for that. As far as what I am going to do now, I don't know. My mentor told me it was time to leave the temple and find my way in the world after confirming that Lamm was dead."
He starts for the door, then stops and turns to face the four, "it seems we have something in common, a hatred for Lamm. Now that he is gone, perhaps together we can find something more positive to do?" He looks expectantly at the group.
"Am I to understand that it is known throughout the city that we are responsible for Lamm's death?"
Looking over towards Makall with a tired smile, "Shaeda is a little temperamental and we are still rather frayed after everything."
Shooting Searok a glare, "Priest Girad perhaps you could dedicate your life to teaching Searok manners. Talking about punching people is rather rude and not a common thing in friendly conversation."
Sitting back down and laying her rapier across her lap, "We do not really know what our plan is after this. I never wanted to leave a big mark in the history books though I suppose all things considered why stop doing what I have started." Running a tired hand over her face, "We want to return everything we found since it is not ours. Nor do I plan to remain in the underworld."
Shaeda places her hands on her hips, "a little temperamental? I will have you know that I can be very temperamental when it pleases me."
Head cannot hit the table! Looking tired, "Yes I know Shaeda."
"Miss, I have known several dwarves in my short life. Only one has manners, so what you ask of me may not be possible." chuckles Girad.
"However I will try."
"Rather than just calling you Miss, will you give us your name?"
"Am I to understand that it is known throughout the city that we are responsible for Lamm's death?"
Searok shrugs, Girad is correct, Lamm may not have mattered to tha guard, but he was a big fish in the underworld. Some will be given credit fer yer deed, others will take credit fer it. Some will guess tis was ye and some won't, but rested assured - many will know.
"Priest Girad perhaps you could dedicate your life to teaching Searok manners. Talking about punching people is rather rude and not a common thing in friendly conversation."
At this, Searok lets out a loud
"Miss, I have known several dwarves in my short life. Only one has manners, so what you ask of me may not be possible."
Searok nods heartily at the statement.
"However I will try."
At this Searok shoots Girad a baleful look.
Look Shaeda is it and whatever your name is, perhaps ye might need some bodyguards while tha heat is on. Needless to say I'm no stranger to a fight, and this Girad fellow might not be either as a redeemer and such.
He then looks over at Makall. Don't know what this one brings to tha table though...
Shaking her head, "I have known many Dwarves with manners, just so you know."
Leaning forward in her chair and looking at the three men, "You can call me Emma. It has been a long day and you are barged in here so you will have to forgive my rudeness. Can I know why you want to align yourselves with us?" The last bunch were quick to leave the mess behind.
"I have known many Dwarves with manners, just so you know."
At this, Searok rolls his eyes.
When Emma asks why Searok would align himself with them, Searok shrugs, Like I said, Miss Emma, I am currently unemployed so throwing my lot in with you two seems like my only opportunity. He then looks at Emma and then Girard and affecting the mocking tone of a noble Searok continues, besides, who will teach me proper manners on how to drink tea and eat crumpets while I am at the ball dancing with a Duchess.
Shaeda seems resigned to the situation, "very well, but let's make it clear that Emma is in charge. There are aspects of recent events that I think only she is competent to understand, and it is best we ensure a clear chain of command around here."
He then looks over at Makall. Don't know what this one brings to tha table though...
The rude dwarf was not wrong in asking what he had to offer the others. Part of him was more inclined to leave and return to helping those on the street, but he knew this was important and likely his actions here might put him in a better opportunity to provide assistance to all the people that the old man had wronged in his illicit dealings.
His father had been one of those ones wronged by the old man. His death had been the reason why Makall had chosen to lose himself in the shivers. Well that was partially the reason. The other reason was something he had tried to hide from everyone. The feeling that he was always being watched by unseen eyes. He had thought himself crazed but it turned he wasn't...
"I wish I could answer that. Maybe I have little to offer but I am skilled in some rudimentary healing practices and from the way you talk and act dwarf you'll likely need to be stitched up soon enough.
Also while I never began my studies I was about to be admitted to the Acadamae before things turned for the worse in my life. So I have some understanding of arcana. Right now it's important for me to see that some good comes of the old man's death and unless I am wrong I think you want the same thing."
let's make it clear that Emma is in charge.
"I have no issues with that. She seems like the only person we all willing to listen to."