This horse isn't sleepy at all.
In fact, it seems even more furious, or panicked, than before Nessa's spell.
Maybe it can scent the reptile in her blood...
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Aggravated at chasing shadows for that bastard Saul, Alayna snaps at Therric, "Can ye fix 'is horse, farm boy? Or are we ta' tarry all th'day here?" Why am I bein' so snippy with the lad? Bah, let's get on with this!
Therric gives Alayna a dubious look. "My folks were shopkeepers--I never grew up on a farm."
Still, he steels himself and cautiously approaches the frightened horse to gently stroke its flank. "There, there. Everything's going to be fine."
He channels a portion of Sarenrae's holy light into the horse to try and calm it down...
Unfortunately, calming a furious horse down wasn't one of Zahel's talents. He still tried to see if something could explain its nervous attitude...
"Be very careful, Therric, it may kick you."
Nessa was aggravated at the stubborn horse and decidednthat the equine would submit. She made the same words and gestures and tried to put the stubborn animal to sleep again.
Respectfully, Cameron approaches the man and tells him, "Sir? I'm real sorry her lullaby charm didn't work, she meant well. If you want to take a chance and calm the horse I can offer you the lady's blessing. She smiles on the bold."
"I know nothin' o' horses, and only slighty more about asses. I'll be nae help to ye 'ere."
Tal nods, and seems more confident after Cameron words
[dice=Handle animal, Guidance, bit o"luck]1d20+1+1[/dice]
But unfortunatly, the stubborn horse doesn't calm itself. It rears in the cart, sending splinters flying, and try to bite its reins to get free
Then Nessa cast her spell again
And this time, the horse succumbs to the tiefling magics. Tal gives a big grin.
Wow... How did you did that? I'd like to learn this trick to put my daughter to bed more easily. Don't know what went into poor Ol'Dak head.. Probably that damn Blot! Do you think the horse will be calmer after his nap? We need it to pull our cart. You don't want to buy an house, by the way? Me and my family, we are leaving Riddleport.
Zahel looked upon Nessa with admiration.
"Well done."
The investigator approached Tal.
"Is the Blot making things too difficult?"
The man seems happy to talk.
Sure. People are afraid of it. I am afraid of it, I'm not ashamed to say it. I want to bring my family in a safer place, and I guess it won't be too hard to find a safer place than Riddleport, Blot or not Blot. Between the crimes, the Gendarmes, and now that dark, omeninous cloud with unknown powers hanging in the sky, that's not a place for my little girl to grow up.
And you? What brings you there?
Cameron interjected, "So you're leaving the city in search of a better safer life? Bit of a gamble that." He smiled brightly, it was obvious he approved of those who had the get up and go, "Ladie's blessing in your venture! May your path be clear and your dreams come true." A common Desnan blessing, appropriate for the situation.
Cameron then says to the others, "Lets be on our way. We have a Gendarme to find." If the others agree, Cameron leads the way. He's happy to call in at Caithlin's first if Nessa wishes. Honey cakes seem to help Drexell's mood.
Nessa smiled at the man when he expressed his surprise and replied, "Why it's magic of course. As for the house, well, I'm not looking for one right now. As for the horse, no cluse if he'll be calmer, maybe." She simply shrugged her shoulders at the last statement, how was she to know if the horse would be better behaved after his nap. She listened to the man talk about leaving the city for someplace better to raise his little girl and it made Nessa begin to think, Is that a good idea for Sylee and I? Where would we go, and how could I make a living without screwing people for it? Not that I mind screwing, I like sex, it's just that it hurts Sylee and I don't like to do that. She became lost in her thoughts as Cameron said goodbye and blessed the man and his traveling companions.
She nearly missed Cameron's request that they move along, she just kind of stood there a moment until it registered that Cameron was leaving. She shook her head clear of the thoughts, something easy enough for her to do, and quickly followed him.
Zahel talked a bit more to the man before following Cameron.
"Job. But we've been only recently hired. Did the crimes increase recently?"
Pretty much stayed the same, more or less. Some gangs, some thieves, burglars, cutpurses... and don't forget the Gendarmes. These are the worst, sometimes. Not all of them sure.
The man turns to Cameron, and smiles
Thank you for your blessing, sir. May Desna keep an eye on you too. Come on girls, get on the cart!
You then part ways with Tal's family, and walks toward Caithlinn's place, a few streets away, without anymore trouble.
I hope they make it out ok.....someone has to survive the city...
Strays thoughts circulating in her mind are suddenly put to the side as Krucina saw the sign. I must open up my eyes more often, or I might not have saw the sign...
Caithlinn's house is a welcome sight, probably even more for Nessa.
A place where you can feel safe.
Nessa was delighted to be back and opened the door and said, "Hey Sylee, I'm home!" There was a squeal as the girl came running down the hall and jumped into Nessa's arms. She squeezed the little girl and stepped inside out of the way of the others. "Sylee, I brought a couple new people today. This one is is Zahel," she pointed to the investigator, "and this one is Therric."
When the introductions were done she said, "So, did you leave any honey buns for the rest of us?"
With youthful enthousiasm, Sylee answers
I ate them ALLLL, Mommy, all in my little tummy! They were so yummy!And Caithlin said there will be more tomorrow!
Therric waves a cheerful hello to the little girl who just jumped into Nessa's arms.
"Hello." He beams at her, his face shining with cheer.
Cameron noticed Krucina examining an odd looking carving that was part of the decoration Caithlinn's house. He didn't know what it was either, although he didn't think much to the design. Any thoughts of the sigil where gone when he watched the unfolding human drama. How would Sylee react?
Cameron smiled at the little girl and said hello, but otherwise kept a low profile.
Alayna enters Caithlin's home warily. Like a battered ship slipping into a calm harbor. Infested with sharks. Still she puts on a smile for dear Sylee. "How have you been little one?"
Sylee hugs her mummy, burying her face in her neck, then she smiles shyly at Therric.
Caithlinn comes in, as graceful as ever
Hello, everyone. How kind of you to pay a visit to an old lady...
She looks at Cameron with persistent interest.
Nessa folded her wings down around herself and Sylee as she held her enclosing the both of them inside of them. She noticed that Alayna hadn't gotten a reply from Sylee, looked at her, and shrugged a little as she wasn't sure why. "Honey, Auntie Alayna asked you a question." Nessa seemed content to let Cameron do the talking since Caithlinn seemed most interested in speaking to him at the moment and gestured for the others to come into the living room to sit for a few moments. Once they had she asked, "Can I get everyone anything? Tea maybe?"
Oops. Sowwy!
Sylee runs into the blonde piratess legs, hugging her
I'm GREAT! And I'm not hungry anymore...
There is a brief sadness in Sylee's eyes
I have forgotten what it was not to be hungry anymore...
Her smile is soon back, as the barrage of questions
Did you have fun? Could you make me some pigtails? Or do you want to play another game? Could you sing me a pirate song? Can I play with your hair? Why is your hat so strange, Auntie Alayna?
Therric walks in and takes a seat in the living room.
"Some tea would be lovely, thank you."
For once, Zahel's face brightened with a genuine kind smile when he saw Sylee rush into her mother's arms. When Nessa introduced him, he nodded:
"Nice to meet you, Sylee."
The place was welcoming and seemed safe. The half-elf started to relax. It was a nice break from being constantly on alert...
"A cup of tea would be perfect. Thank you very much," he answered to Nessa.
He nodded at Caithlinn, thanking her for the welcome, and let his eyes range the room.
A professional quirk...
Cameron smiles at the chit chat but after a while it became apparent that Caithlinn was politely waiting for them to get to the point. Cameron broached the subject by saying, "I must complement you on your most excellent sweet morsels Caithlinn. Those honey buns went down a treat with the good Sargent Drexell. That's partly why we are here, I was hoping we could pick up another batch."
"Aye we need to talk to Drexell again, there's been a crime. Oh no it's nothing like the last one we investigated for you, well at least I hope not. It's to do with work, either somebody has kidnapped Larur and taken a lot of money that was supposed to pay off Lymas Smeed or something really fishy is going on. Frankly we're a bit out of our depth here, and I was hoping Drexell might want to investigate."
Nessa felt Sylee squirming as she said sorry and set her down, smiling as the little girl ran over to Alayna. She folded her wings back down and went tot he kitchen where she gathered the tea settings and hot water that was always kept ready for such an occasion along with several different pouches of tea for everyone to choose from. She moved around with a tray and poured the hot water into each cup, dipped in a packet, and lifted the cup with her tail to hand to the person it was for. She finally took a cup for herself and sat next to Therrik with her own. She looked at Caithlinn and asked, "Did I do that right? I think that's the first time I've served tea to anyone that didn't live here."
As Cameron spoke Nessa considered, Sylee claimed to have eaten all of the honey buns for the day but it wasn't a guarantee. Knowing Caith she had another batch hidden somewhere for just such occasions as this. Still, in an effort to be come up with alternatives she asked, "If there aren't any left is there something else you might suggest we give him to catch his attention."
Alayna gets down on the floor and plays with Sylee, glad to see that she seems happy. While she avoids Catithlin's eyes, she does honestly feel relief.
"Why is my hat so funny? Well, it be funnier when ye wear it, wee lass!" and she with that she plunks fer over-sized-for-Sylee tricorn on the girl's head."[/b] It be a good thing tha' we put our arms down in the foyer rather than 'ave Sylee ask what our workin' tools are for...
Spending the time with Sylee is a relief from the worries and violence of life in Riddleport, and after a while the two girls are tromping about singing "Wot ken ye do wit' a drunkin' sailor?"
I hope you don't think you will be able to battle every crime in Riddleport. I've lived longer than any of you, and crime was always there, having the upper hand and deliverin" low blows...
She smiles, and sits near Cameron. Discreetly, her hand brushes his as she takes place.
I'm afraid there is really no more honey cakes, as Sylee has a tremendous appetite. But they don't take too long to do, so if you need fresh ones and can wait two hours...
She smiles at everyone, and her smile is a little more seductive when she looks at Cameron. She then adresses Nessa
You have done right with the tea, sweetie.Thank you.
Sipping some tea
Isn't Lymas Smeed a moneylender? I'm glad to be an independent woman...I'm not rich, but I don't have much expenses either.As for catching Drexell's attention, if you managed to stop the murders on the dock, none of my honey cake can outdo that, I'm afraid. But of course your company is much appreciated, and Sylee is happy to see her mother and her friends, to spend some time with you. Speaking of your friends,Nessa, I don't think I know your newest comrades...
She looks at Zahel and Therric
As for Caithlinn herself, she's an old elf woman with a slender figure and smart eyes, a sharp dresser who still knows how to enhance her body.
Nessa noticed Caithlinn's actions with Cameron while she preened at the praise, it seemed the elderly elf's opinion really mattered to her, far more than would seem likely considering how Nessa has reacted to people's opinions til now. She looked at Caithlinn and said, "That's true Caithlin, if we managed to catch the right thing responsible he'd be more than willing to at least listen to us. We also need to confirm the deaths have stopped before we report in for the reward for stopping them." She looked at the others and asked, "Do we need to wait long enough for more treats, or should we track him down now and get back to the casino and report back?" A devious glint appeared in her eyes as she said, "Or do most of us want to return to the casino and only a couple of us track down Drexell to avoid making the boss suspicious of us. I could go find Drexell and you could always tell him I went to the temple to ask around for information, he'd believe it readily enough."
Probably against her better judgement Alayna is feeling more comfortable than she expected. At Nessa's suggestion she says, "Be damned with the fool man's suspicions! He sent us on'a run and we aint back, wot'll 'e do? Come find us? Ha! The man cannae keep 'is 'and nor 'ook on 'is coin, how can 'e keep us close as cards?"
Zahel drank with delight. A hot beverage was always welcome...
The half-elf nodded at Caithlinn:
"Pardon me for not introducing myself sooner. Perhaps was I distracted by the peaceful beauty of your house. My name is Zahel Greyhawk, and I am an investigator."
He took another sip of the tea.
Delicious.
"I have not been around for very long, and it seems like I missed some important events. I have heard about murder in the docks, but I don't know much. Could you explain how are you linked to the Sergeant Drexell, and what is your plan?"
"Me? Name's Therric Morant--a squire in the service of Sarenrae, ma'am." The man says as he gratefully takes Nessa's offered tea. "Thank you very much for your hospitality, by the way."
"As to the recent goings-on at the docks... well, the way it was explained to me, is that someone's going around and murdering... well..." He momentarily pauses, trying to settle on a term that wouldn't shock little Sylee. "...ladies of the night. These folks were hired to find whoever's responsible and bring 'em to justice. I'm mostly just along for the ride--I wasn't officially hired to help."
I'd still get involved anyway. Murder is inexcusable, no matter who the victim is.
"As to what our plan is, well, we're kinda deciding between telling this 'Sergeant Drexell' fellow and going to the temple of Calistria--" His cheeks turn slightly pink. "--or some such."
Slightly thrown by Caithlinn 's response he replies awkwardly, "Perhaps you are right, although they do say the way to a man's heart is though his stomach... Not that we're trying that really and uh I just remembered something. My brother told me that proverb was first spoken by a swordsmaster and uh he meant it literally. Yeah, not sure where I was going with that. Anyway Sylee is very lucky, your honey cakes are simply divine."
Caithlinn nods curtuously at Zahel
Thank you for your kind words about my home. This is not much, but it is everything for me, and I hope my home, for the childs that grew up here, will be cherished in their memories.
Turning to the young man
You are welcome into my home, Therric Morant, squire of Sarenae.
Caithlinn uses Therric's own words to answer him, her tone managing to be both respectful for the man and his religious beliefs and a little playful of his formalism.
I sure you will learn much from your visit into the temple of Calistria, Therric.
She sips some of her tea with an amused twinkle in her eyes
I was myself one of the faithful of the Favored Sting, in my youthful days, could you believe it?
She cross her still slender legs, showing some skin under her yellow dress
Turning to Cameron, laughing at the swordsman's joke, then looking at him right in the eyes
We Calistrian aim lower than the stomach or the heart...
Her eyes trail down the priest chest, right to his lower belly.
It's quite effective too.
"I sure you will learn much from your visit into the temple of Calistria, Therric."
She sips some of her tea with an amused twinkle in her eyes.
"I was myself one of the faithful of the Favored Sting, in my youthful days, could you believe it?"
She crosses her still slender legs, showing some skin under her yellow dress.
"Eh..."
Therric does his best to not glance, but despite himself, he does. He tries to cover up his blush with another sip of his tea--this time it takes him a little longer than he should to drink.
"...I certainly can, ma'am." He glances back at Nessa and crosses his armoured legs.
I imagine I know a bit more than I ever normally would anyway...
In reply to Caithlinn's quip, Cameron drawls, "Different strokes for different folks..."
After a moment of sympathy for Therrick's obvious discomfort, Cameron attempts to change the topic. In a serious voice he suggests, "Nessa's suggestion has merit. It's not at all obvious what Saul intends for us to do. Most of us should report back and we can legitimately say Nessa is making some discrete inquiries."
Nessa developed a small smile at Therric's words and contrived to lean against him for a moment while the discussion continued. She was actually surprised that Cameron agreed with her suggestion, it was unusual that she had a good idea, "I'm glad you liked it Cameron."
"Yeah, um... about that." Therric shifts in his seat as Nessa leans on him. "Do you think you'll be alright on your own, Nessa? I could go with you."
He doesn't really think about the implications of what he just said.
'Aww bless they want some time together...'
"Oh that'd be fine!", said Cameron with a conspiratorial wink, "Don't worry we'll cover for you!"
Therric arches a confused eyebrow. "Huh? Er... thanks."
What's he winking at me like that for? I mean, it's not like it'll take too long, right?
Do you want to wait for Nessa's return here, Cameron, while sheenjoys Therric's company?
asks Caithlinn
Sylee seems to have fun with Alayna's songs... If you are not in a hurry to go back to the Gold Goblin, why not stay here? Especially if you think your boss is playing mind games with you, let him wait your return, leave him in the dark....
'Was that? Surely not! She tends to prefer a statuesque physique. But then again...'
Cameron replies, "Alas duty calls. I'm pretty sure Saul will expect me to be among those who report. That said a competition between honey cakes and Saul's dubious charms is not exactly a fair one!" Cameron's stomach rumbled as he spoke.
A thought crossed his mind, 'Even if she just wants somebody to talk to that seems a better way to spend the day than keeping up appearances in the Goblin. It's obvious Saul doesn't really care about the casino. I do care about my little flock of gamblers however, and I'm curious. What is Saul really up to?'
Nessa's grin became naughty as Caithlinn mentioned her enjoying Therric's company and the elderly elf knew her well enough to know what that look meant, she'd already been there and been tapped by that. She also knew Nessa well enough to notice something slightly different there, maybe something a bit more than simple lust even if Nessa didn't realize it herself. She looked at her companions and asked, "Do we have a plan then? Therric and I go to the temple for information? Are the rest of you staying here or going back to the casino? Are we also going to meet up with Drexell and talk with him? What order are we doing all of this?"
Nessa waved Sylee over to here and gave the girl another hug, "Therric and I are going to the temple where you and I lived for a little bit, was there anything we left that you want me to bring back or anyone you want me to give a message to for you?"