GM Mason's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Eminem80

Cal looked through the lot and noticed the brooch right away, not really paying attention to much of the rest (although the strings were seemingly a good quality). He pulled it out and announced to the group with his eyes on Mouse, as she asked whose these might be. "This is the queen's symbol. I've seen her wear it. She would likely not appreciate it being found in a latrine such as this. We should take it back to her, possibly in the morning we could bring it to court." He got a bit of a faraway look in his eye when talking about the queen. She still unsettled him, in a way she reminded him of the stories of talking with a dragon. You could do it, but if you didn't show proper respect, you'd get eaten.

"As for the children, I'm a great patron of the arts. If there are any young things with artistic talent in the group, I'd be willing to take them in. I'll get them nice and busy, but you'd understand if you all came to visit my estate in East Bank. You'd all be welcome, anytime." He didn't feel right putting the seal back in the chest, so he slipped it into his breast pocket. At least there he'd be able to keep tabs on it better. But then again, perhaps he shouldn't keep ahold of it, the others might think he'd run off and get the reward himself. He pulled it out again, and put it back in the coffer.

After Emilia channels her positive energy, Carlisle sits up a bit. "I feel a good bit better now. May I have some water?"

Emilia took the canteen from her pack and handed it to the little boy. "Drink slowly, Carlisle." She was glad when she was able to remove the manacles which chafed and bit into Carlisle's tender skin. She hugged him as he embraced her and an emotion she thought long gone bubbled to the surface for a moment.

Gently patting the boy's arm, and taking the canteen from him, Em instructed him to stay put on the bed and she moved to Garvid holding the now sleeping Maretha.

"I want to wet her cracked lips. She is very dehydrated." Em wet her finger and slowly wiped it across the girl's lips/mouth and repeated the process a few times. If the child awoke at any point, Emilia would put the canteen to the girl's lips and trickle a few drops into her mouth.

Returning to Carlisle's side, she asked the little boy if he was able to walk for himself or would he rather be carried. Not sure how many HP the kiddos are down. GM Mason, would another channel energy help at this point or better to just get them to the church?

Any chance your church'd be able ta take some of 'em in, give 'em food and a room if they'll take it? I'll ask some o' the folks I've worked with too, see if any of 'em got need for some helpin' hands.

Emilia quietly answered Mouse,

"They will care for them when they enter through the door. As to whether they could provide means of work, board and such for all of them...I am uncertain. They may find them positions outside the church. I will ask Bishop d'Bear when we arrive."

You got a way with kids, Sister.

Garvid's praise caught her by surprise for she had very little to do with children since her brother's death. She gave the warrior a quiet reply, "You are kind to say so; thank you. My healer's touch has served me well."

Ach, ninja'd!

Starting to look in the hatbox, Cal was just thinking about how nice it would be to have his compatriots come over to his house for some concert and some good company when he peeked in the hatbox and noticed what was in there. He started a bit, then placed the hatbox back down on the desk with the lid off and proceeded to pull what was wrapped in silk underneath out, putting the lid back on. Between the horrors of his growing up and his time with the hellknights, he'd seen way more horrible things than he'd like to admit.

Unwrapping the handkerchief, he spoke again to the group. "There's something in that box that's a bit of a mystery, albeit a gruesome one. I wouldn't mind discussing it when there aren't children present. We should probably take it with us though. Emilia, you should probably take a look as well."

"There's something in that box that's a bit of a mystery, albeit a gruesome one. I wouldn't mind discussing it when there aren't children present. We should probably take it with us though. Emilia, you should probably take a look as well."

Emilia gave a nod, wondering what manner of atrocity Cal had discovered within the hatbox.

"Once the children are settled back at the church, I will examine the contents and help as best as I can."

Remembering what she had discerned when she looked upon the various items inside the strongbox, Emilia gave a quick summary to the group for they had other pressing matters to attend to (especially getting the children to the church and providing more care/healing).

"The bow string is certainly magical", and goes to explain what it can do. (+3 to UMD skill, wielder can cast Weaponwand once a day. The spell works on a musical instrument, too and uses the Caster's caster level.) Em's eyes strayed to Cal once she finished her explanation, believing he could benefit best from such string.

She spoke about the other items she appraised. (Anyone can read Em's spoiler to save time.)

Suddenly it dawned on him. "I'd always wondered why my parents were in Old Korvosa, and now it makes sense. There's no one else in town that would want and could order such an item. They were getting this, possibly for my birthday..." He choked up a little as tears concurrently fell from the outside corners of each eye. He pulled out his case and set it on the bed. Taking the string he placed it in his case reverently, before snapping it shut again and stowing it in it's normal place.

Nodding to Emilia, he put the hatbox under his arm and started for the door. He knew he had to play a song, and he knew he had to play it here. It was a song of remorse, a song of ineffable sadness, but in the midst, there was hope. Since the source of sadness has ended, he cleared his throat and spoke. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go play a song. There's much in my heart that needs expression."

He solemnly walked out of the room, past the dead alligator and back toward the boat. Slowly he creeped up the walkway, taking far more time with his steps than he did on the way down, a fall right now wouldn't fit the mood, nor was he in a terrible rush. He stepped up onto the porch he first entered this accursed building, he set the hatbox on the railing and pulled out his violin in a serene and almost religious way. He took a minute to apply the magical string, his eyes again brimming from an overflow of the soul.

Putting the instrument to his chin, he wished for a moment that he'd brought the good one, but perhaps the rawer, harsher tone would be what could set off the song with his more refined instrument. Motioning with his off hand, he conjured up the fitting accompaniment, a subdued He closed his eyes and began to play.

Perform String: 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 18 + 4 = 38

I was planning on using the theme for Schindler's list for some time, but I found the rendition above just today. It's amazing, and it's done by another violinist with missing fingers, although he's actually without a whole hand. This is exactly how I hear Calcedon playing, as a man well acquainted with pain. In any case, I'm using my +4 once a day for this, it's important enough to him.

Garvid raises his eyebrow as he hears Calcedon, then nods. It's better than getting piss drunk, bashing heads or sitting in brooding silence. He creates. Staring at the hatbox, his curiosity is raised. Yeah. I think we saw enough screwed up stuff in here for at least a week. Let's wait.

Coughing, he says, "Well? Are we going?", his tone suggesting he's had enough of this place for a lifetime.

No rush if you still want to do something here, obviously.

Marial, looking at the others to assure herself of their approval, grabs the strongbox and stuffs it into her bag. She coils her sodden rope and lashes it to the outside of the bag while it dries, then glances around the room one more time. I've got nothin' more here. I c'n carry the Madame's boy if he ain't up to walkin'. She pauses for a moment. We'll wanna swing through the upstairs, too. The kids deserve t' hear it from us.

Carrying her load, she steps out onto the walkway just as the final strains of Calcedon's song cut through the damp, heavy air. She stops just outside the door and listens to the melancholy yet uplifting refrain. The church, the bone carvin' and gold trinkets, his songs...seen more fine things the last day than I ever thought I'd come across. And if that brooch really is Her Majesty's...but they ain't gonna want someone like me goin' to court with 'em...and I can't say I blame 'em.

She looks down self-consciously at her torn tunic caked with dirt, salt, and blood. Most o' Lamm's stash, we'll never be able t' find where it came from. Think if I get a share a new shirt's the first order of business. A stop at the bath house, too - might even spring for some of that fancy holly soap. Wouldn't that be somethin'?

Ready to move on once everyone else is done.

Silvio watches the brooch. "The Queen's? How would Lamm have gotten that?" He watches Marial put away the strongbox and follows her outside.

"That's it, isn't it Marial? Lamm's gone. What's going to happen now?" He suddenly realizes something and rushes back into the decrepit room. He comes out dragging Lamm's body. "The Lambs might not even believe us if they don't see the body. They need to see this."

He's going to drag the body up to the main level and display him on the loading dock.

What's gonna happen, is we get t' live like we want, without lookin' over our shoulders for Lambs every second. You'll get your apothecary job, I'll keep doin' my work with the folks I know, and we ain't gotta worry about what's gonna happen to us or no one else because we dared to slip away from Lamm. That's what's gonna happen, Marial responds, a grin on her face as she ruffles Silvio's thin hair. She keeps silent the one thought still weighing on her mind - their former friend Teron is still somewhere, and who knows what his intentions will be with no one in charge of him?

Manius made sure to give the succubi figurine a good examination before he gave it back to Mouse to put in the box. He'd have to remember to claim that piece later.

"We are swinging by an inn for some lunch, right? Preferably one near the dock with the freshest fish. I am dying for some seafood." Manius joked, trying to hide the strange sadness he was feeling as he heard Cal play. He wasn't usually one to get emotional, especially to music.

Mason, any notice on what was in that handkerchief?

Stepping down from his impromptu stage after sending the sound of an absolute masterpiece into the surrounding city and across the water he came upon the rest of the group gathering things and getting ready to go. He put away his violin and stowed the hatbox under his arm again.

"We should stop by Zellara's house on our way back to the Cathedral since it's on the complete other side of town. I'm sure she would also like to know that the deed is done." He sighed and stretched his free arm a bit, still recovering from his epic song. "Then we should make sure the children are taken care of, and then we can sell and split our loot. After that, I guess we can have a party at my house. I'm in definite need of revelry."

The handkerchief contained a small box with Zellara Stardust's name inscribed in it.

When the group returns to the top floor of the fishery, there are only a handful of children left lingering around. The children cheer as they see the dead body of Lamm. They join up with the group as they travel to Zellara's home. When you arrive, Zellara is waiting for you in the common room. She sits at the table where you left her.

She sits with a huge smile on her face. "Well done! I can not thank you enough for your help! Lamm has been silenced and now Korvosa is a safer place!" She motions for you to sit at the table. "The children can rest in my bedroom while we talk. There is a comfortable bed for the girl."

Garvid smirks at Calcedon. "I guess it is loot. Though, I'd probably be more comfortable with 'resource re-allocation', loot implies looting. And you can count me in for the house party. I'll even drop by and get a bottle."

---------------
Assuming that Calcedon didn't mention Zellara's severed head for dramatic purposes. OOC, I am absolutely supportive of this idea.

Stopping by the house, Garvid nods at Carlisle. "Come on, big man." Setting the girl gently to the bed, he then looks at the boy and smiles. "Punching a damn shark. You got... backbone, kid. Keep the Guard in mind for the future. They need folk of action like yourself."

Going back into the room, Garvid pulls a chair and sits on the table, leaning on his arms. "So. He's dead.", he mentions, looking at the Harrower.

Silvio finds a blanket to ensure Maretha is comfortable as she rests. He turns to Carlisle. "Watch over her, please, ok? We'll just be in the other room. She should just rest."

Following Garvid, Silvio takes one of the chairs around the table. He nods at Zellara. "We did it. Lamm won't cause anymore suffering." He glances around for the basket of food, his stomach suddenly growling.

@Emilia I am sorry. I forgot to answer this earlier. You do not need to channel again. They are healed up. Maretha requires prolonged rest and long term medical care.

"Come on, big man." Setting the girl gently to the bed, he then looks at the boy and smiles. "Punching a damn shark. You got... backbone, kid. Keep the Guard in mind for the future. They need folk of action like yourself."

They boy's chest puffs up and he gives Garvid a smile. "I don't think my mom would approve of that."

"Watch over her, please, ok? We'll just be in the other room. She should just rest."

The boy moves over next to Maretha. "Yes sir. I promise." Silvio notices the first hint of the boy's noble breeding as he wipes his curly locks to the side and sits up with pride at the job he had been given.

"So. He's dead."

"We did it. Lamm won't cause anymore suffering."

"You sure did!" She looks to Garvid, "We are all finally free of the evil that he committed on each of us. "

She waves her hand and the lid of the hatbox Cal is carrying flips off, revealing the decomposed severed head. The small inscribed box, under the head, opens and a fancy set of Harrow Cards levitate out. The cards float in the air as if carried by an unseen wind and then dance and flutter as they circle the group for a moment before stacking themselves on the table in front of Zellara.

Marial looks in the box as it opens, then starts in revulsion. Wait, what's - what's goin' on here? Is that - but that's - ain't that - she stammers, turning to Calcedon. Am I seein' what I think I'm seein'? Then how's she - who's - Finally, she lapses into silence, utterly confused at the strange turn of events and staring at Zellara, awaiting an explanation.

Garvid's eyes widen as he sees the decomposed head in the box. What the hell? Rapidly composing himself, he tosses Zellara a mean look. "Now, I'm being reasonable here. I wasn't expecting there to be a head in that box, but I can accept that.", he says in a suspicious voice. "But, either this is your twin sister, in which case you have my condolences, or you better explain the f+#%'s going on." He drills a look into the Varisian woman. "And, since I'm assuming a sister would've taken priorites over your cards, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this, and I just can't wait to hear it." He's not leaning on the table anymore, his fingers drumming on the table.

Suspicious Varisian is suspicious.

Silvio recoils from the sight of the severed head. "You were carrying that around with you, Cal?!" It's only then that he realizes who the head belongs to. "Wait..." He stares at Zellara, his hands moving below the table to draw a dagger.

Slight of Hand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

I edited the above post. Carlisle forgot to respond to Garvid. I will wait for the other players' reactions before moving on.

Thanks for answering re the kiddos' condition/hit points, GM Mason.

When Carlisle and Maretha were properly settled in the sleeping chamber, Emilia gave the boy a smile and listened as her companions made him feel significant as protector of the sleeping Maretha. She checked on the fragile girl's breathing and condition before Silvio lifted the blanket over her.

"After we finish here, Carlisle, we will return you to your mother at the temple."

Before retiring to the adjoining room, Emilia handed Carlisle her canteen and advised once again to drink slowly to quench his thirst.

The children cheer as they see the dead body of Lamm. They join up with the group as they travel to Zellara's home.

Where are the Lamms currently? Waiting outside as I'm assuming Zellara's house isn't large enough to accommodate everyone in her sitting room...?

When the hatbox lid was magically lifted, Emilia finally saw what Calcedon had discovered earlier in the warehouse. Her dark eyes moved from Zellara to the severed head and back to the woman. The flying cards caught her attention momentarily before they settled, stacked neatly on the table.

Her companions' questions and suspicions flew about the room as the cards had done seconds before. Emilia lifted her hand to still the chatter and quietly spoke, the words carrying some weight in the small room, "Let us hear Zellara's explanation."

Zellara looks at each of you and then looks down at her cards. She picks up the deck and starts shuffling out of nervous habit.

"I am sorry for not telling the truth, or at least all of it. My Harrow deck was stolen from me by one of Lamm's Lambs. My son went to find it and was killed by Lamm himself. I used my cards to track him down, but was caught. When we spoke, I spat in his face and the old bastard killed me, cut off my head, and threw me to the sharks." The ghost looks at all of you, the sorrow in her eyes almost overwhelming.

"My soul somehow linked itself to these cards. I think it is because I was supposed to find you all. I still have some of my magic from life...like sitting here in front of you. I can create illusions."

"When I died I saw beyond the veil. I saw Korvosa fate, or rather one of the city's fates. Dark times are ahead, and I can't tell you what you should do, only that the fate of Korvosa, and all of her people, hinge on what your actions will be." Zellara shifts in her seat and then points at you.

"You are all good people, people of stout courage and heart that have suffered because of Lamm in one way or the other. The threat facing us all right now is greater than you know, and I fear that there is more that I am unable to see. It's up to all of you to save this city, and the path will become clear in time, but only you can choose to walk it. Will you help me defend this city?"

They had been talking and dealing with a spirit attached to harrow cards... Now Emilia had not expected that.

"I am sorry that you and your son both lost your lives by Lamm's hand."

Now that Lamm was dead, Emilia did not feel that she had accomplished much to restore her brother's reputation or that of her family's. He was dead for certain and now his soul's fate rested with the Lady of Graves.

Hearing that there was other danger coming; that darkness would descend in days to come, did not sit well with Emilia. Yet, she was not equipped with any fighting skills and wondered at how useful she would be to the group. Aye, she could heal...and that could keep them alive long enough to remove this coming threat. Yet her magic was not as powerful as the Bishop's ...perhaps her connection to the Church could also be of assistance to the party.

Emilia's dark eyes scanned the faces of those in the room with her. Perchance, in this new endeavour, she could find the peace she still sought. "As a healer, I am ready to help the cause against Darkness."

Silvio stares at Zellera. "You're...dead? A spirit? A ghost?" He shifts back, away from her. "I...I'm sorry Lamm killed you, but I don't know about working with a ghost. Aren't ghosts supposed to be evil?"

He glances at Emilia. "Do you believe her? That we're supposed to save the city?" He shakes his head. "I don't know. I'm just a kid. I don't even have real place to sleep anymore."

GM Mason: Can Em take 10 on Sense Motive for a total of 17?

At Silvio's question, Emilia looked upon the Zellara, attempting to gauge the spirit's true intentions.

She answered Silvio simply for now, "Zellara has not led us astray thus far. Aye, she omitted the part about being a spirit, but it did not play a significant factor or detriment in bringing down Lamm. I want to believe in her, until I am given reason not to. If her readings tell of us saving the city, then it may be part of our intertwined destiny beyond today and our mission against Lamm. As to sleeping quarters, we will figure something out, Silvio. My room is small, but I can share it. Or the Church may provide for us. I will speak with the Bishop. No one will be left homeless." And Em believed that with everything that she was -- If she had to find work and/or homes for each of the ex-Lamms, then she would undertake the task.

At the news, Marial just sits back in her seat with a thump and stares as the figure converses with Emilia, lost in disjointed thoughts she can barely gather together. Spirit...bound ta cards...she's dead...what...dark times...but I... She looks down at her bloodied tunic, her rough, callused hands, her beat-up backpack sitting next to her on the floor, one strap around her leg as usual. Silvio's words finally cut through her tangled thoughts, and she speaks up.

Sil, ya know I ain't gonna throw ya out on the street, or Maretha. We c'n manage in my place fer a bit if the Sister can't find somethin', an' I know a couple spots we c'n ask after. But...

She turns to Zellara again, clearly more nervous about communicating with her now. I - I think - ya gotta be wrong about me. I ain't nothin' special...just like Silvio said, a kid, a mouse, hidin' in my hole an' scrapin' by on gathered crumbs like most the other folk in this city. Two-bit laborer at best - an' I been lucky, it's worked out better for me than lots o' others, but...

She goes silent for several more moments, thoughts beginning to coalesce behind her violet eyes, which travel to the faces of each of her companions, to the spirit, to the door behind which Carlisle and Maretha rest. Oh gods.. Lamm's dead. Just like that - an' the man was half a god ta me, an' Sil, an' the whole mess o' kids sittin' outside this house right now. Maretha's alive because we got there in time, an' the Madame's kid's ok because I swum in an' rescued 'im from Gobbleguts, an' the shark, an'...

Finally, she speaks up again, her voice even softer and more timid. I...I ain't got much ta offer. I c'n lift an' carry, know the Old Town a bit, c'n hit stuff ok if it comes to it. If that'll be what...

Look, I...I seen more today than I ever thought I would. Music an' art prettier than anythin' I could even think of, folks what can wave their hands an' make my cuts 'n scratches disappear, an' Lamm dead, not hurtin' no one any more when part o' me thought he'd go on forever. An' now a spirit talkin' from a pack o' cards? I...guess I'm ready ta believe just about whatever right now.

She scans the others one more time, meeting each of their eyes. If ya think I'll be any help, I'll buy it. Korvosa's all I know; I ain't got nowhere else ta go if things go dark like the harrower lady says. I c'n help - or at least, I c'n try. Her eyes dart back and join the spirit's again. What is it needs doin'?

Cal was angry for being deceived. His uncle had originally came as a friend and ended up being so much worse. But his uncle had never apologized either.

"Look, I appreciate what you've done in bringing us together. Your choice of compatriots is good and the team you've assembled is strong. I could not have done it nearly as excellently as you have done. If the darkness is coming, then you have done well.

"I will fight the darkness of this city as I have for the last year in my own way, and I welcome any who wish to aid in that quest. But honesty is the key to trust, and I don't trust you. I'm not the only one who thought that this might be a trap, and I'm still not convinced it isn't." He paused his oration, and looked at his comrades. "But I think I can trust them. They've all proved their mettle."

A ghost? What? Garvid continues tapping his fingers on the table. "Yeah... I'm in. I've already sworn to defend Korvosa, that's not going away simply because I'm not in the Guard anymore. If you're here to do the same, we should work together."

I...I ain't got much ta offer. I c'n lift an' carry, know the Old Town a bit, c'n hit stuff ok if it comes to it. If that'll be what...

Smiling at Mouse, "Well, you just described me as well. And it ain't about what you can do, it's about what you want to do. We're here for Korvosa, and we want to prevent whatever it is Zellara saw when she... died." And there's a sentence I never knew I'd say. "Plus, there are no special people, Mouse. Sun doesn't shine out of anyone's a$&#*~@, regardless of whether they're poor, noble or even the sun gods' chosen. There are only people who have a purpose and people who do nothing but exist." Standing up from the table, he starts pacing around the room. "So, Zellara, I heard you say you can't tell us where to go and what to do. Can you suggest where the biggest problem would be?" He stops pacing and leans on the wall, eyes kept on the door.

Manius between the severed head and Zellara with shock for a good few seconds before quickly regaining his composure.

"Well, I guess that explains all the spooky nonsense," he says when he's recovered. Should probably have bet some coin on some supernatural nonsense being afoot. Didn't expect a ghost though.

"Oh, come on Garvid, I like to think I'm a little special," Manius says with a chuckle, leaning against the inside of the door while absent-mindedly playing with his gloves. "Saving the city? Sure, sounds like fun. I'm in."

Silvio sighs and looks around the table. They're willing to take on something and they don't even know what it is. He shuffles his feet. Destiny? Saving the city? Those would be laughable just yesterday.

He looks at the others and finally to Marial beside him. She can do it. She's brave. Lamm didn't even have the guts to go after her.

Lamm's dead.

What else am I going to do now?

"I can come too? I don't know much about saving the city or darkness. But we just took down the biggest darkness in my life. I guess I'd like to stick with you guys if that's ok."

Zellara watches as the companions work through various emotions. She knew it was risky to wait to reveal her true self, but she thought is was for the best. "Thank you for the kind words. I do understand your frustrations and I apologize for the guise, but I believe we all have a shared destiny." She looks at each companion, but focuses longer on Silvio and Mouse. "We all have a part to play in saving this city."

She spreads the hand-painted harrow cards on the table. Now that you have a good look at them, you can see just how special they are. The pictures look three dimensional. "These cards are special. I and they are one. Though it will be a small part to play, I can travel with you through these cards. They even carry some of my power. For instance, I can identify magic items for you. I can also create a major illusionary image once a day. This is how I am projecting myself to you right now."

She picks up the cards and puts them back in the wooden ornate box. "I can communicate with you all empathetically while you carry these cards. I will be able to listen to what is going on. I can do readings for you."

She pauses and looks around again. "What do you say?"

"Plus, there are no special people, Mouse. Sun doesn't shine out of anyone's a&+$#~%, regardless of whether they're poor, noble or even the sun gods' chosen. There are only people who have a purpose and people who do nothing but exist."

Without even knowing it, Garvid had hit on Marial's biggest fear. Ever since leaving the Lambs, she'd felt aimless, lost, with no purpose beyond just making it another day. Today had been the culmination of a dream to her, being able to rescue the Lambs from Gaedren's grip. But until Zellara had made her revelation, anything beyond tonight had been beyond Marial's thoughts. Doin' nothin' but existin' - I guess it ain't gotta be my lot...

"What do you say?"

With one more self-conscious look at the others, Mouse speaks up. I say...I'm in. She looks at the cards on the table, admiring the quality of their craftsmanship, then suddenly starts as, in the corner of her eye, the figures of the Marriage seem to shift, their nebulous forms intertwining. Whoa! But if her...spirit's...in there...I guess it's bound ta do some weird things...

So...what do we gotta do? What's happenin' that Korvosa needs us so bad? An'... She looks down at the muck and blood still partially encrusting her hands, feet, and clothes. ...any chance fixin' it takes us past a bath house?

"If everyone else agrees, we take care of those precious children first. Then we see about selling the items you found. Lastly, we meet the Queen. Something tells me that finding the brooch was no accident."

"Zellara, I accept your offer and I can carry the box with the cards on my person, unless another prefers to...?", looking about her companions.

Having heard Mouse's question, she waited for Zellara to answer before declaring, "I should bring Carlisle and Maretha to the Church as soon as possible. The boy needs to be returned to his anxious mother and the girl requires days of care and rest. If there are those who would seek the bathhouse, then perhaps we can split up and meet back at the Church?"

No, it's fine. I'd like ta see the kids safe ta the church first, too. Then maybe we c'n split for a bit. Folks can go do what they need ta do, if anythin', before we go an' see the Queen. An' if anyone's not got nothin' ta do, maybe they c'n see about sellin' that stuff. I know I ain't much help at that.

"You'll find no objections from me. I stay away from the magic-y stuff.", harumphs Garvid, crossing his hands as Em takes the cards. "And I suggest we take it slow with the Queen's brooch. Once we do something about it, there's no telling what she can do. As for the... found goods, I think both me and the kids know people... But for now, let's get Carlisle out of our collective hair and let the girl recuperate."

"We're going to see the Queen?!" Silvio seemed panicked at the mere idea. "Seriously? Because...she's the Queen!"

"What are we going to do, walk right in and say, 'Hey, I think this belongs to you!'?"

He sighs, slumping back in his chair. "Ok, maybe we'll work on that. I think you're right, we need to get back to the Church. Get Carlisle to his mum and find a safe place for Maretha to rest." He looks around at the home. "Zellara, what about your home? What will become of it?"

"I believe Calcedon is a fine representative to address the Queen in regard to the brooch. We'll all be in audience, however he can speak on our behalf", trying to calm Silvio's present anxiety.

Emilia inclined her head to Garvid who seemed more than happy for her to hold Zellara's special cards.

"It is best we leave soon. We can collect what we need from the house and carry the children to the Church."

Emilia waited for Zellara to answer Silvio's question regarding the matter of her home before checking on the children and preparing to leave.

Still suspicious of the cards, Calcedon gave a wary look toward them. "Your list sounds exactly like our list. Very well, but don't be too disappointed if we won't blindly follow your advice. If you're straight with us from here out, we could use your insight."

When Silvio seemed nervous, Cal smiled at him reassuringly. "Don't worry, I've talked with the Queen before." He gave the young man a healthy pat on the back and whispered in his ear. "She scared the hell out of me as well."

Turning to Em he spoke lively as he began to lead out of the door. "We have plenty to do today, we may as well get started. Let's go see your friends!"

"I should probably go see man about a book," said Manius, thinking of his still missing spellbook, "I'll meet up with you guys at the church. Maybe after a bath. I imagine I smell a bit fishy..."

"You ha-" Silvio turns to listen to Cal when he hears his whisper. He rolls his eyes. "That doesn't help, Cal! Especially since you're liable to do all the talking. I just don't want to end up in the dungeon!"

Silvio returns to the bedroom to get Carlisle and check on Maretha. "How ya doin' kid? We're headed back to see your mom now."

Can...can I take a turn carryin' Maretha for a bit? Mouse asks Garvid as she rises from her seat in Zellara's sitting room. Following Silvio into the bedroom, she gathers Maretha from the bed into her arms, settling the girl into place with her head resting on Mouse's shoulder. She begins talking to her passenger in a soft voice, though the girl shows little sign of responding.

Maretha, girl, it's Mouse - ya remember me? Don't know if ya could hear before, but Lamm's gone now - he ain't gonna be able ta hurt ya no more. We're gonna take ya to that big Pharasmin church in the Grey now - one of the ladies that came with us is a priestess there. They'll take real good care of ya there, so you just rest and get better. I need ya around ta help me keep Silvio in line - too big a task for just me. She gives her friend an impish grin and leans her cheek against Maretha's forehead as the girl slumbers on in her arms.

I'm glad we made it in time, Sil.

Shifting her free shoulder slightly to make sure her backpack strap is in place, she waits for Silvio to lead Carlisle out ahead of her, then departs Zellara's house with the others continuing to the Cathedral.

"Me too." Silvio watches as Marial picks up Maretha to carry her to the Church. He smiles as she teases his sister. He looks over to Carlisle and holds out his hand. "Come on. I bet the church will have some food for us all."

"Zellara, what about your home? What will become of it?"

Zellara looks around. "Nothing. I owned the house. It will be here if we need it."

After more conversation, Zellara responds: "Then it is settled." Zellara smiles as Emilia offers to carry her prized cards. When Em touches them, Zellara disappears.

The group gets their gear together and goes to retrieve the children. Carlisle is sitting proudly next to Maretha, as if standing guard. Maretha remains unconscious as Mouse lifts her and gently carries her from the house.

When you open the door, the five Lambs are pointing at smoke rising from the west (near the castle). One of the boys speaks up, "What ya thinkin' caused that?" Another responds, "Hell...I don't know." A loud siren rings in the distance. Suddenly, long shadows overtake you as a group of four Sable Company griffon riders swoop overhead and dart for the smoke. The group hears one of them shout to the other. "Dead? I thought the King was improving!"

As you begin to move in the direction of the church, more people are leaving their homes. They are looking towards the smoke. The streets begin to get crowded as more and more of the locals move in the direction of the castle. A group of guards run past. Sable Company Griffon Riders circle above, taking in the brewing chaos. You travel against the stream of locals and make it to the doors of the church.

Garvid simply nods at Mouse. Right. So, yesterday I was looking behind my back for little backstabbers sent by that old bastard with the crunchy ribcage. Now I'll probably be looking behind my back and their backs, for professional assassins, while the town's future is at stake. Thanks, Lamm, really. I mean it... His face turns to frown as he says nothing, deep in his thoughts. After a moment, he clears his throat. "Well. Like Calcedon and... Zellara said, this city isn't going to save itself. Too many ass...pire for power. And I'm guessing Carlisle's mom misses him, and he just can't wait to tell her all the new words he learned from us." A faint glimpse of a smile appears on his face. "But, in all seriousness, do tell her you punched a shark, kid. Let's go." The guardsman moves out of the door onto the street outside.

Wait...what's happenin'? What's the smoke mean? An' what's that they said about the King? Marial asks worriedly, ducking around another knot of people and trying to shield Maretha's still form with her shoulders and back as the crowd bumps and jostles through the streets. It ain't nothin' good, is it?

The stillness of the Gray is a relief after the crowded streets. Marial shifts Maretha in her arms to re-settle her in a more stable position, and takes one more look at the sleeping girl. Your friends will be able ta help her, right, Emilia?

Silvio ducks reflexively every time a griffon rider soars overhead. When the guards rush by, you notice he is staying still and up against the walls. Clearly the young man had had some run-ins with the guard in the past. As they near the Church he seems to relax some. "Something very wrong. If the King's dead, this whole place could be in chaos. And people will try to take advantage of that. We need to make sure the Sisters will be safe here. Maybe they know more."

Once he saw the smoke, Cal's somewhat cheery attitude froze on his face. He knew it was going to be bad, he just didn't expect it so soon. "Well, there goes my concert for the king. I should have known the queen was merely being optimistic." He shrugged his shoulders as if it wasn't that big of a deal. "I'd probably have to go and see her tomorrow, seal or not. Ah well. Back to business."

As they made their way to the church, Cal thought about what he knew from his contacts who would make a bid for power now. If the queen couldn't keep up her strength, and he supposed she probably could, then there might be a bit of a bloodbath in upper circles to see who could take advantage of the situation. Cal hoped to be much more connected when the king finally died so he could possibly press his house into a better position, but he still needed to actually have a house besides himself. One mistress and a bastard didn't help. But he couldn't just let them be.

He was glad when he got the idea to put all sorts of riff-raff in his vacant manor. It not only livened things up, it also gave him a bit of a smokescreen to take care of the ones he really cared about without tipping his hand about the kid. Although some probably knew and were keeping it in their back pocket in case they needed to press him about something, it would work for now.

He opened the door for the more burdened individuals and ushered them inside. He could hear the acoustics very well as soon as he entered in, and made a special note to play again here in the near future.