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Aye, that path is a tougher in our city for certain. Most of Cayden's people have been chased underground or from the city altogether. He takes a harder stance than our Iomedae priests that adapt their ways to continue their mission. I'd be careful not to let on too much of Cayden if you treat with Vuiper again. Any that connected with the nobility are likely not too keen of change."
I make sure to match the pace of Gorvio, so that we all arrive at the stables quicker and at the same time. Once at the stables, I dismount from my horse and stroke its neck. I continue this until Jacovo arrives.
Emmett follows suit, but his mind is elsewhere. He wonders how this night will make everything different, for him, and for the city... He also keeps an eye out to make sure no one that matters sees him caring for a horse.
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Moondark and Tarvi eventually calm Jacovo down. They make small talk about a pleasant ride and the unexpected weather while waiting for the others to return.
About a half hour after arriving at Jacovo's, an arrogant voice with a cautic tone in an upper-class Chelaxian accent interrupts the conversation. "Jacovo, where in the nine hells are my horses?!? I give you an extra hour and you still don't have them ready and waiting outside?"
An extremely handsome, blonde-haired man in a fine, light purple tunic with gold trim barges into the stables. His eyes flash at Jacovo before taking in Moondark a contemptuous look comes over his face. "Thought you only had the one son Jacovo? Apparently this boy doesn't know how you need to treat your best customers." He pauses for a moment and he spots Tarvi. His eyes slowly look her up and down, drinking in her good looks and figure, "Well, hello. A visitor Jacovo? You must do me the honor of introducing us."
Just then, you can hear the clatter of the horses hooves as Gorvio, Jo, Emmett, and Xianae come up the street.
"What? My horses! What are you trying to do to me man? Allowing my horses out for a ride now of all times? You're a f+**ing idiot Jacovo!"
When we arrive at the stables, I will dismount and stand tall (although no-where near as tall as Jo). I ignore the pretty man and turn to face Jacovo, "Sorry we's are late, did our friend explain's it to you's? I'm very sorry's!" I bow my head to Jacovo and then return walk over to the pretty man, "Sorry, the horses's are here now 'n' ready to go." I bow my head to the pretty man in an apologising manner and then walk over to Moondark, standing behind her.
Jo leading his horse, goes up to the man who cursed.
"No need to use such language in front of dah lady!" he say with a snarl at the stranger.
Intimidate:
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He replies in a mocking singsong voice, "The horses are ready to go." swaying back and forth as he speaks. "You imbeciles! I need these horses tonight for my lead role in The Elopement of the Dowager Princess. How in the nine hells am I supposed to rescue the princess on horses that you simpletons have exhausted?"
He wheels on Jo, "Do you even know who I am? I am Thesing Umbero Ulvauno, one of the greatest tenors in the city!" A dramatic shift takes place as he visibly calms and turns his attention back to Tarvi. "Perhaps you'd like to make up for your ignorance by introducing me properly to the lady." he says with a lascivious look over the pretty woman.
Thesing Umbero Ulvauno is indeed one of the greatest tenors of the city with a reputation for arrogance and a horrible temper. Opera is a very popular art in Westcrown and he truly is a minor celebrity, as unpleasant as he behaves. He is also a renowned ladies' man.
Emmett stays at the back. They might need a lawyer soon he feels...
"Jo not care if you King Phroon! You not curse in front of Lady unless you want 'Best Tuner' on your grave stone!"
Jo waves Rosebud in his face with one long extended arm and a good scowl on his face.
Intimidate (again) =
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Jo's second attempt seems to have had some effect on Thesing for he turns his attention back away from Tarvi and sighs, "Aaah, very well you brutish oaf. I'll stop cursing if you'll get your rather large hammer out of my face. But, if you insist on continuing your churlish behavior, I shall be forced to summon the authorities. Your uncouth behavior has no place in our magnificent city."
He pauses for a moment and turns back to Tarvi, "My apologies for my temper madam. You see, it is just that I will be starring tonight as the handsome lover of the princess and the horses are key to my brilliant escape from the king's horsemen with her at my side." He straightens and looks Tarvi in the eye, "Of course, the princess pales in comparison to your beauty my love. Would you care to see my performance this afternoon and perhaps enjoy a lovely dinner before curfew?"
Tarvi laughs at Thesing's attempt at romance, "Dear sir, I wouldn't have dinner with you if you were the last man in Westcrown."
Thesing's face turns bright red and he returns his attention to the stable master yelling, "Jacovo! My horses now you fool! I'm going to be late. If I am, I'll make sure you never work for Westcrown's theaters again."
Emmett spends all his energies not to roll his eyes. He walks up to Tarvi and whispers in her ear: "Slow down Tarvi, let the man have his glory. Play along. That way we don't get any unnecessary attention... I mean, you don't have to go to the stupid play, just pretend you will. Give the man a smile..."
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"Interesting. But, surely a challenge for you given the very different natures of Cayden and Abadar. Still, it is working well for you. My faith in the gods is less complex. I bet you and Arael could have some interesting debates."
The gates of the city loom ahead. As you draw close, you can see two of the common dottari and no Hellknights manning the gates. They hail you and ask your business as you arrive.
Jo is satisfied with the result of his threat and turns his attention back to his mount.
He loosens the saddle and strokes the horses neck and snout.
"Nice horsey. Betchu feel better wif Jo off your back."
He also unloads the horse from the bundle of swords and crossbows.
Diplomacy:
Successful Shirker: You gain a +1 trait bonus on Stealth checks and a +3 trait bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks to avoid punishment by lawful authority.
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Thesing continues to ridicule Jacovo until Tarvi walks back up to him again, "I'm sorry sir. Just a little tired from our ride. I cannot come to your performance this afternoon, but perhaps another time."
The actor relaxes and smiles knowingly. "That's a shame, but I'm sure you know where to find me."
"The guards laugh. Well there's a new one. Slave speaking on behalf of his masters. Go on through."
You pass through the gate.
Emmett's steps are light as he walks back to the safe house. He's not sure to what extent, but he feels this day is important.
"Lay low for a few days I'm guessing, isn't it?"
Jo is carrying an arm load of xbows and swords as he accompanies his friends to the safehouse.
A tall well-muscled human-looking male with swarthy skin and slightly pointed ears sits by the fire pit, his face a mask of concentration as he lovingly polishing a silvery curved blade.
As the others arrive, he glances up, his violet-hued eyes glittering in the red light cast by the fire.
"Well done rescuing Arael! From what I have heard thus far, it was no small feat; I am just sorry that I was on the other side of the city at the time; there was a matinee performance, and some of the set pieces were quite heavy, so I was kept rather busy..."
A pained look crosses his face, and the fingers of his right hand lightly caress the holy symbol around his neck.
"...The Children of Westcrown did not come through unscathed, though; I have heard tell that Egder died heroically. Tell me, what happened, exactly? You were closest to him at his death, and I would appreciate hearing your side of the story..."
I walk in quietly, look over and see Byron. "Hello Byron, Eg tried to stop the wagon from getting away's. But was run over's by horses. We gave him the proper send off though's. He was not well today 'n' struggled in battle ... maybe my challenge was too much's for him?" I walk over to the bench, sit down and place my head in my hands for a few minutes.
"He fell fighting..." is all that Emmett can conjure about the man's death. He feels terrible for not being able to say more, and guilty that perhaps it had been his fault, but he just didn't get the interest some had in bloodying themselves with wood and metal.
"How long do we stay out of the streets? I was in disguise and could probably run errands for the rest, if necessary."
I look up at Emmett, trying not to say anything about the short explanation. "I was disguised too and my face and body were covered. So I can go out too."
Byron winces slightly at the thought of Egder being pulped by a bevy of horses, but otherwise nods solemnly.
"I am sure that he would have wanted to leave this life in the midst of battle, fighting for something that he believed in. Please, if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know..."
He pauses thoughtfully, before continuing.
"Since I was not involved in today's little fracas, I am fairly certain that my face is still 'safe'... I could probably assist with any tasks that need to be done around town, too..."
Jo looks at the newcomer and walks over to warm himself at the fire also.
"Yep, Egger fell today. A warrior's def. Jo seen plenty fall in dah Pits. Egger no different den dem. He was brave d'oh. I give him dat. Jumped right in der against dem Hellknights. - pause - Jo's hungry. We gots any food around here?"
Jo puts Rosebud (his huge hammer) down with a thud in front of the fire as if to make a point. The meat of the foes he had recently smashed still evident in the crevices if its head.
Coran hearing the voices in the main room comes out of the Kitchen with a plate of bread and cheeses. "Here Jo, something to stop your stomach from complaining." He hands Jo a loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese He looks towards the new person. "Hello Sir, I am Coran Help yourself." Coran starts heading towards the kitchen for drinks.
Jo takes the largest loaf of bread and the largest hunk of cheese off the platter and heads to the table where he plops down. He take a large bite of the cheese right off the hunk, and then breaks the end of the bread off to eat that next.
Mmmmm.... fightin make Jo hungry."
Seeing that Coran has placed food on the table, I reach in and pull out a small loaf of bread and a small piece of cheese. "Thank you's Coran." I begin to take what I think are small bites of the food, but they are actually quite large, like someone who hasn't seen food in a week.
Once I have finished, I wipe my mouth, stand up, walk over to a wall and sit down. Drawing my Battle-Axe, I take out a cloth and begin to wipe some of the blood off of the handle, but not really worrying about cleaning the blade.
Byron face twists into a bittersweet smile at Coran's greeting.
"I am no sir. The name's Byron."
With a nod to the cheese platter, he continues:
"I appreciate the offer, but I would not dream of getting between Jo and his snack..."
"That looks delicious, but I rather feel like a smoke..." Emmett sits at the table and meticulously start to unpack his smoking 'gear' and lay it on the table in front of him. The movements have the calm and precision that only numerous repetitions can unfold. "It keeps my hands agile. Works wonder for the practice of the Art too!"
Byron tips his head to one side, and watches with interest whilst Emmett prepares his 'gear', before nodding with satisfaction.
"It is important to keep your fingers limber, and your skills honed; you never know when they will be called on, especially in these dark days..."
Coran returns with a few pitchers and some glasses then sits down near Emmett "A smoke sounds good right about now." Coran pulls his pipe and tobacco out and begins to get it ready.
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Arael comes back to the common room a moment later with his own pipe. "Now, I hate to be bringing this up, but it is getting close to curfew. Do any of you need to head home?"
Before any of you can speak, Yakopulio comes arrogantly strolling into the room. "Way to go heroes." Her voice is dripping with contempt. "I hear you went and got Egder killed. So you can handle a shadow beast, but can't manage to rescue Arael without getting into a fight with Hellknights. Nice. Time to start learning subtlety folks. Time for a little contest. I hear Bluehood is offering bounties for more dead shadow beasts. Show me what you can do heroes. But here's the deal. Any dottari involved. Any Hellknights involved. You lose. Up for it heroes?"
Arael responds, "No. This is uncalled for Yakopulio. Your call for subtlety is appreciated, but what was accomplished today was no mean feat. They need to stay undercover until things quiet down."
Byron frowns as he regards Yakopulio.
"Yakopulio, they managed to free Arael, and managed to avoid any further deaths, something which was highly likely to happen. Moreover, how were they expected to free Arael from a Hellknight caravan, without engaging the Hellknights? I agree it would be nice in principle, but in practice..."
He sighs.
"It would, however, by churlish to make them go out, one man down. If they do decide to take you up on your challenge, I will insist on taking Egder's place."
Byron smiles faintly.
"Of course, I don't intend to literally take his place; I would prefer to avoid dying, too..."
He then turns to the others.
"What say you?"
At Yuko's suggestion of contest I look up, "Hmm, a contest? I'll do it's, for a few reasons. Firstly, it will make's me stronger, secondly it's what Eg's would do 'n' lastly it sounds like fun's."
My axe is now clean, well the handle anyway, the blade has turned to a dark crimson colour with all the dried blood on it.
Emmett is trying to stay calm: "We tried subtlety Yakopulio. Problem is, they saw right through our best act of subterfuge. But I'm curious, how would you have done it?"
Later: "I'd like to stay here tonight. Any room for me?"
Jo looks at the little redhaired creature that walked in.
Little redhead kid has a big mouth he thinks to himself.
He takes a big bite of the cheese hunk he's been nursing. He bites down and gets a big piece of rind. He turns and spits it out on the floor.
He takes another bite and stars at the little gnome.
Coran looks at Yakopulio "As Emmett said we tried subtlety and have the marks to prove it." he wring his wrists where the manacles were "It sound like you want us to prove are selves to you, then fine I am up for the challenge"
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Yakopulio spits at Emmett's words, "How would I have done it? Better! You knew you were facing the Badger. He'll see through anything. But, he's also a bull in the market. All you needed to do was give him something to chase. Probably would have left Arael alone for the taking."
"But ok, at least some of you are up for the challenge. You up for it tonight? Dawn. Whoever drops the most stones and carcasses on the doorstep of the tavern across from the old Leroung estate wins."
Byron grins.
"That sounds like a challenge that I could get behind."
Emmett keeps at his pipe, not looking up at Yakopulio: "Pray tell us then, how would this action taken by the Children of Westcrown, on the eve where every hellknight will be out looking for them, will help the citizen of Westcrown live in a better place? I mean long term, fir a subtle man like you must have surely thought of that... I f you can find me a reason, then I'll risk all our lives for it, even Arael's, who hasn't even had time to start doing some good."
He then raises his gaze to look into the man's soul.
"Jo agree wif him."Jo says between mouthfuls of his second loaf of bread.
"Makes no sense playin dangerous games wif monsters in dah night. Jo taught we haf more important fings to do den playin silly games."
He bites a large mouthful of the crusty bread and says "Youf probably not goof any way short-shtuff."
I look at Emmett and then Jo, hang my head and sigh as I realise he is correct, "Ya's right as always Emm. But if we got's stronger wouldn't that be good's as we can help's the people's better?"
"Until the *puff* streets clear of hellknights a bit, I will stay put and prepare for our *puff* next action." Emmett sinks in his chair and tries to make himself comfortable. This is nowhere near is good old studded leather couch at the praxis, but somehow the harshness of it is satisfying tonight.