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Emilia nodded when Cressida Kroft advised they should report back to her.
Looking to Garvid, Emilia answered his previous question regarding having contacts, "Regrettably, I have no such contacts outside the Guard."
When the Field Marshall mentioned their safe house/headquarters, Emilia instantly knew of the place.
"I know of The Three Rings and its tavern keeper. It's a quiet establishment, somewhere between a tea shop and a pub/restaurant. Its patrons are in main minor functionaries, senior administrators and others of lower and middle class backgrounds. Theandra has musicians who play ballads and folk songs -- gentle melodies as one eats and drinks. They rely on the kindness of the patrons for their livelihood so a tip would not go astray. Theandra was a beautiful adventurer, if I recollect correctly, and retired, bought the rundown tavern and fixed her up. There is a rather intriguing Half-Shoanti by the name of Tauk Par who is the bouncer at The Three Rings as unfortunately Theandra lost a few fingers in a bar brawl awhile back."
"Right. I know the place. And Tauk helped me out of a bind once. He's a big guy. Good fellow to have when you want to put the squeeze on someone."
"What do you say we scout out the butcher shop with the rest of the day. Maybe we can spot Vancasterkin or find someone who knows what's he doing holed up in there. Then we get some rest a the Three Rings before we decide how to approach things tomorrow."
"Sounds pretty familiar, sure I've had a couple of drinks there before." And ran afoul of Tauk when I've had too many, haha.
"I've heard of that place." Calcedon lied to save face. It wouldn't do at all for him not to have known a place that had a good music scene. "Never played there though. Perhaps I should."
But then he sighed. He hadn't been home in a few days. People were prone to worry. "I'll meet you there in the morning though. I've some business at home. I can't galavant about every day."
Garvid grins. "Been there once, on a job. Almost had to butt heads with the Shoanti guy as well, someone ran there to hide." He breathes a quiet sigh of relief to himself as Calcedon mentions meeting them tomorrow. Guess I'll manage to hit the hay.
He crosses his arms as he looks at the others. "I guess we all know where it is, then. Meet an hour after dawn in there? I know that the grub's pretty good." He grins. "I'll bring the manacles. Someone else bring the Calistrians."
If you're scoutin' out the butcher shop, Silvio, I'll join ya. Ain't lettin' ya have all the fun t'yourself, she says with a smile, playfully punching Silvio's arm.
If we're waitin' 'til tomorrow t'get goin' after Vancasterkin, I might just go straight on t' the Three Rings if it's ok, have a quiet night there. Might be I could overhear somethin' useful, an' I c'n get in touch with Theandra.
Plus...it's always the best smells comin' outta there. She grins sheepishly. But I ain't gotta if someone else needs some company, o'course. I ain't got no important plans, just a cup o'tea an' some readin' time.
"You all head to the Inn and get some rest. I'm going to slip over to ask around near the butcher shop. Maybe I can dig up something about Verik." He glances at Marial. "Relax. I'm just going to ask around. I ain't going anywhere near the shop itself. I'll be fine."
Silvio truly only wants to find out about Verik. But he might go near the shop.
Emilia thought nothing more of Silvio's assertions. If the boy wanted to scope out the butcher's shop, then she was almost certain he had the skill to skulk around without being noticed. Mouse had said she would join him, but the boy seemed determined to do it on his own.
The priestess had ignored Garvid's last quip about the Calistrians as she deemed it inappropriate (although it would not be to her practitioners). Sometimes the man seemed to forget there was a priestess among them and such jest was not suitable.
Looking to the others and waiting for a pause in the conversation pertaining to each person's plans, Emilia simply added,
"I will head straight to the Three Rings and speak with Theandra Darklight." Emilia's parents resided in the North Point District but at the most west end, in Ridgefield. She wondered how they were faring and if the riots had affected them in any way. Em was torn, she would have liked to have gone to look on them, but knew that a messenger would have delivered her coin and note to them by now (if all had gone well). Her father would not risk his life knowing her mother was so incapacitated and reliant on him.
Silvio heads out into the city. It takes him a few hours to get to the Northgate District. Within a few minutes, he is able to locate the meat market at 22 Stirge Street.
The activity in the streets has picked up. With the number of Hell Knights and Sable Marines patrolling, most of the unsavory folks are holing up to create their chaos in the shadows of the night.
Quite a few people are going in and coming out of the store.
DC: 10 Verik and his boys have taken to calling themselves the Cow Hammer Boys and their program of free meat during the time of unrest is keeping many families from going hungry.
DC 20: The Cow Hammer Boys also hire out as mercenaries—if one wishes to hire them in this manner, all you need to do is to ask about “the night’s special cuts.”
Calcedon heads out into the city. It takes him a few hours to get to his home in East Shore. While he is still hundreds of yards away, he can tell something has gone bad wrong. The front door is broken off its hinges. As a matter of fact, many of the houses in this area look the same. House servants are out in the streets picking up items that were left by looters.
When you finally reach the front door and look inside, you are shocked at the damage the looters have caused. Furniture is broken. Many of your paintings are either gone or ripped in two. The place has been completely ransacked. You search the entire house and there is no sign of anyone, including Kailani and her infant child.
Emilia heads out into the city. It takes her a few hours to get to the Northgate. She passes many affluent neighborhoods on the way to the extreme west end of the North Point District.
The activity in the streets has picked up, but there is a very small chance of danger. With the number of Hell Knights and Sable Marines patrolling, most of the unsavory folks are holing up, waiting to create their chaos in the shadows of the night.
Emilia turns a corner and sees the small flat that her parents were forced to rent after the loss of their business and son. She is less than fifty yards away when she stops and ponders her next move.
The others take off on their own ways. Garvid is left with Kroft. The Field Marshall confronts him. "Now that we are alone, I can be more upfront with you. I think more is going on at the meatshop than I led on to the others. Verik is not smart enough to lead anyone. Plus, he must have some influential friends the way he advanced in the guard. He is a complete d!%@&#@." She pauses and looks at Garvid for a moment to let her words sink in.
"I have heard from informants that he has been seeing a whore. Something is not right with her either. I need to know what is going on. Please find out for me, but don't let the others know. Understood?" She awaits your answer and adds, "You look like s!~! Krein. Head upstairs and get some rest. You can sleep in my quarters. I am going to be up for quite awhile longer. The priests of Abadar have been helping my fatigue with spells."
Mouse and Orcsson head out into the city. It takes them a few hours to get to the Northgate District. Within a few minutes, they are able to locate the Three Rings Tavern in Five Corners.
The activity in the streets has picked up. With the number of Hell Knights and Sable Marines patrolling, most of the unsavory folks are holing up to create their chaos in the shadows of the night.
You enter through the front door. There are a dozen or so patrons enjoying their late afternoon meals. A minstrel plays a stringed instrument on a small stage in the corner. Sitting at the bar, a large man turns to eye you as you enter. He has a large mace attached to his hip. A young lady stands behind the bar wearing a dress and an apron. She waves as you enter. "Please find a seat. I'll be right with you folks."
Silvio watches the people come and go at the butcher shop for a couple hours from down the street. Part of him desperately wants to go inside, acting like the street urchin he was just a week ago. But you promised Marial, you wouldn't. He sighs. At least he had been somewhat fruitful. It seems the Cow Hammer Boys had a bit of a nasty reputation if you overlooked their gifts to the city.
Even being this close was a lie to her, but he didn't see the risk in just watching. Seeing the people come out with meat though, eventually makes his stomach rumble. He kicks at a rock in the street. "I guess it's time to go back and get something to eat." He ducks back through an alley and cuts across a side street, heading towards the Inn.
As the large man's gaze falls upon her, Mouse's hands instinctively rise a few inches, open in a placating gesture. Scanning the room, she spots a table on the edge of the room near her and makes her way toward it. Thank you, ma'am. C'mon, Orcsson, let's sit here. She takes a seat, turning the back of her chair ever-so-slightly toward the wall and setting her backpack at her feet, one foot through the strap as usual.
It's clear that, despite the fact that the Three Rings isn't necessarily a wealthy establishment, it's still much nicer than what Mouse is accustomed to. Casting her gaze nervously about, she takes in the patrons and the musician in the corner. Least I'm still dressed in these court clothes...don't stick out quite so much... She begins to toy idly with a sugar dish on the table, watching spoonfuls of sugar cascade back into the dish from the small silver spoon. So...been a heck of a couple'a days, huh?
It was a relief that there were no troublemakers out on the streets presently. She stood and looked at the building not far from her -- the wood warped from the weather and changing seasons; the roof looking like it would not last another winter. Emilia remembered a different time; when their townhouse was one of the finest on Pillar Hill. She shook the memory away for it did no good to remember it and relive the death of her twin brother that came with such recollection.
Gimble would have gotten the note and coin to them, Emilia had no doubt at the Halfling's resourcefulness and trustworthiness. He had vouched for their safe delivery and that was good enough for her.
She took a few steps forward and looked up at the modest window of her parents' flat; knowing her mother would be there - a mute sentinel - day in and out.
Em saw her mother's face and lifted her hand, knowing that there would be no return acknowledgement. She proceeded forward, climbing the stairs to the upper floor room her parents' rented from one of the local municipal workers, Haras Patroff. Taking a key from the pocket of her cloak, she put it in the lock and turned it, hearing the quiet click before letting herself in. She steadily announced her presence, looking to see if her father was there -- He often returned to the flat just after midday to prepare a light meal for himself and his wife before returning to his work later in the afternoon. Her father was a proud man, even in his current, diminished circumstances, and work was work. Emilia worried about his health -- He had developed a rattling cough in the last week and would not permit Emilia to examine him. I will have one of the other Sisters see to him. When I return to the Church, I will speak with the Mother.
"Mama, Papa? I have come to check on you, with all the rioting since the King's death."
Garvid smiles as Kroft opens up. "Will do, boss. So, capture alive at all means. I'll pull my punches.", as he listens to the next tidbit. Hearing about the need for subterfuge, he frowns a little. "I don't really like withholding that kind of information, without at least a direct order or a good reason. Either works. You know something more? Think she's his personal 'courtesan'", he imitates quotation marks with his fingers, ", or we can probably get some time questioning her as well? Ah, s!#+s. We'll get it sorted."
Garvid yawns and chuckles as he's given the offer. Hah. I wonder if there is something interesting I can spot in there... plush owlbear or something., then continues, "Can you tell me something more about the Hellknights? Think us and the birdbrains can arrange for the queen to call them off? Or just get them to stop chopping people in broad daylight?", before waiting the answer, giving an informal salute, picking up his halberd and heading up.
Nodding towards several familiar faces, he stares in the distance. I wonder why the secrecy. Is it because she doesn't trust the others? Because they're working for the queen, or just doesn't like handing stuff to civilians... the latter ain't like her., he thinks as he leans his halberd on the wall, giving a quick glance at the room. Huh. Sleep first. Think later..., he says as he crashes on the bed and starts snoring.
He follows Mouse to the table, slumping slightly in his chair as he sits, twiddling his thumbs as he surveys the room. He laughs when Mouse starts conversation. "Hah, you could say that. Bar fights, riots, spirits, a hands-on marine safari experience... We're probably pretty lucky we all came out of the last 48 hours in one piece, haha!" He leans back, reminiscing. "Hells, you were a bit more hands-on with the marine life than the rest of us. You've got some ferrous nerves, you do!"
At the compliment, Mouse blushes furiously. (Or at least, she assumed "ferrous nerves" was a compliment. She'd never heard the word before.) Weren't much else t'be done. I tried t'grab him quicker, but once he fell - well, I wasn't gonna leave 'im for fish food, even if it meant missin' my chance t'sink a fist into Lamm's gut. Thanks for the help with Gobbleguts, by the way. The shark was trouble enough - he'd'a made a bunch more trouble for me if you an' Silvio hadn't took his attention.
I don't remember no bar fights, though - sounds like y'must have had some fun before y'came to the Cathedral that first night. She grins conspiratorially.
"Ah, yes. Me, Emilia and Garvid met while being accosted by a bunch of Lamm's friends. That's where Garvid began his reputation for being a bit heavy-handed when it came to putting people down, hah. Knocked a man right over a bar and killed him with the blunt end of his weapon." Manius chuckled at the thought, before realising that was a rather grim image. "Sorry. Hopefully the big guy over there didn't overhear that or Garvid will never get in, eh? Haha!" He makes a subtle motion towards Tauk Par.
"How'd you end up at the cathedral that night? Don't remember it being anything to do with the spooky cards..."
Mouse reaches into her belt pouch and pulls out her card, setting it on the table before her. Well...it's kinda 'bout the cards. Me an' Silvio go a ways back, knew each other from the Lambs and all. He come to my place that night after a - Her voice catches a bit. - "friend" of ours made 'im see why I'd left Gaedren's gang some time back. We was talkin' when we got the cards, all spooky like y'said.
The cards had that address on 'em, so we went t'scope it out, see what the lay o'the land was. On the way we saw our..."friend" harrassin' Cal, an a couple other Lambs with 'im. We wasn't gonna let 'em get the drop on Cal, so we warned 'im an' the Lambs came after us. We had t'hurt a couple when they came after us, so we took 'em t'the Cathedral for some healin'. Then we met the rest of ya an'...well, sharks. She smiles again.
An' now meetin' the queen an' workin' with the Guard an' all...not exactly what I saw comin', tell ya the truth. I ain't exactly high class or educated, sure ya can tell. Couldn't even read til Silvio taught me a few years back. The Lambs was all I knew 'til the last couple'a days...world's a lot bigger now than it was before. Like this tavern - ain't never been able t'afford more 'n a sniff of a place nice as this. You been here before?
Eventually, he had to get up. Perhaps someone knew what had happened. He started canvasing the other servants doing clean up on nearby houses, seeing if there was anyone who knew what had happened, or perhaps somewhere they were able to go.
"Ho boy, I should show you some of the books we had at Anamanexus. They've got maps that'd blow your mind!" He chuckles, wondering how Mouse would react to those images of Golarion and beyond.
"Yeah, I've been here a few times. I'm quite the explorer of Korvosan drinking establishments, y'know." Some might consider it a problem, hah.
After a few minutes, a young looking city guardsman enters through the front door breathing heavily. He heads straight up to the "bouncer" and whispers in his ear. The "bouncer" turns and glares at you guys again. He nods while staring at you. A second later the young man leaves the way he came. The rather large gentleman stands and leans over the bar to tell the female bartender something. She looks over at you and heads through a door to a back room. The bouncer walks over to your table. "How can we help you today?"
Emilia heard the cough before she finished getting out her greeting. As it was her Father's custom, he was in the kitchen cooking up a meal for he and his wife. "In here Sweet." Emilia heard him answer during a pause in his chopping.
As Emilia entered the kitchen, she saw the familiar sight of her Mother sitting at the table staring blankly at the wall to the right of her Father. <cough, cough> "Thanks for the note and the coins. It was a huge help." Em catches her Father's face blush. He was not too prideful to accept the help, but it still was a shot to his ego. After all, it was a Father's job to provide for his daughter.
"Mom is good." <cough, cough> "She has been eating more..." He trails of before finishing "I still have to feed her." Changing the subject quickly, he sets the knife he is using to chop carrots down and walks over to you. "How about a hug? It's crazy about the King. I can't imagine what the Queen's court looks like now. Can you imagine?" He leans over and hugs you.
I don't really like withholding that kind of information, without at least a direct order or a good reason."
Kroft grins at you. "Well consider it an order then." She walks over and rolls up the map. "Damn metalheads! The Queen called them in. I would lie if I told you that they weren't a help. Now I wish they would leave." She frowns as she mentions them. "Hopefully they will be gone soon. Trying times these. More the reason to stick with people you trust. We've had our difference Krein, but I trust you. I'm afraid this city will fall into chaos without soldiers like you and myself."
She watches you head off to sleep.
You wake and for a minute forget where you are. You see the sun setting through the crack in the shades. From your estimation, you got about six hours of sleep. It would have to be around seven in the evening.
Bet they are somethin' t'see, she replies. I was lookin' in the book shop a bit earlier an' saw a neat map o' Varisia on the wall in there - Just then, she sees the guardsman speaking with the bouncer, and instinctively shrinks into her seat as their eyes lock on her and Orcsson. Well, I betcha they know who we are now...
She tries to play it low-key when the man comes to them, glancing around at the other patrons in the shop. Cup o' tea for me, the one with the little purple flowers in it, if y'don't mind. An' a little loaf o' bread with some butter if y'got it.
She leans in a bit closer and speaks in a hushed tone, hoping to avoid being overheard. Little later, we'll be needin' the space y'got downstairs. We're some o' the ones sent by Field Marshal Kroft - she said you'd be expectin' us, an' I'm guessin' I just saw you get the news. Others'll be along later - they had stuff needed doin' before they come along.
Emilia heard the cough before her father's voice calling her into the small kitchen. She placed a smile on her face and pretended she could not hear the persistent cough between his words.
Em understood well enough what it meant for her father to accept coin from his daughter. She nodded her head and simply replied, "Good. With the riots, I was worried the runner would not get through or would be set upon."
At her father's assurances that her mother was eating more, Emilia was about to pick up the spoon and help feed her some of the broth when her father sought a hug from her. Emilia smiled and moved to him. He was still a tall man but he was leaner now and she wrapped her arms about him. He was a changed man in many aspects. "Papa, the people do not trust the Queen. She is in deep mourning and is locked away behind the palace gates. She has called in the Hell Knights and this has only stirred the people further and most of the guards have deserted their posts. These are troubling times for Korvosa. Take care when travelling the streets -- there are looters and ruffians about." Emilia held onto her father for a moment or two longer and then drew apart. "I cannot stay long. How are you faring, Papa?"
Emilia took the rickety seat beside her mother as she waited for her father's reply. She picked up the spoon and put it to the broth, blew to cool the liquid and then carefully pushed it passed her mother's lips. "Mama, please eat", Emilia whispered to the woman who had loved her brother so much she lost her own will to live when he had died. She looked into her mother's dark grey eyes, unlike hers and so much like Marco's. Her maternal ancestors were not of Chelish descent. Emilia's eyes were dark brown like her father's. There was no light in her mother's eyes - only a vacant stare. Emilia took another spoonful and continued to dutifully feed her mother.
The man frowns as Mouse asks him for food and drink, but answers the second more quiet comment.
"Little later, we'll be needin' the space y'got downstairs. We're some o' the ones sent by Field Marshal Kroft - she said you'd be expectin' us, an' I'm guessin' I just saw you get the news. Others'll be along later - they had stuff needed doin' before they come along. "
"Yes. I was just informed of your arrival. I will get Taletha to bring you some refreshments." He crosses his arms and continues. "This place in not a place where you can act like typical adventurers. I expect you to be on your best behavior. Understood?" He pauses while you agree. "I'll go get Theandra."
He leaves and heads through the same the bartender entered. Minutes later the bartender returns and heads over to your table, carrying a tray filled with items. She is cheery and warm. "Welcome. I have some freshly brewed tea, dried meat, assorted cheeses, and freshly cooked bread." She sets each on the table as she names them. "I am Taletha. Don't mind Tauk. He's just protective of me and the Miss!" She turns to go. "Oh...by the way, everything is covered while ya stay with us." She heads back behind the bar.
Moments later, Silvio walks through the door...
"How are you faring, Papa?"
Teodor continued to finish preparing the food. "I am well Emilia. I have work. That is more than many others can say." <cough, cough> He turns and smiles. His dark brown eyes betray his pain and embarrassment though. "Things will never be the way they were sweet. I know that. I am just glad you are doing so well." <cough, cough>
Marcella's dried, cracking lips open half as wide as they should to receive the food. She stares blankly as you feed her. Teodor continues, "She's proud of you Emmy. If she could speak, she would tell you." Tears forms in your Father's chocolate eyes and he turns so you won't she him fighting his emotions. Not looking at you this time. "I'm proud of you too."
Emilia cast her eyes down as the tears gathered in her father's eyes before he turned away to temper his emotions.
"Aye, Papa. The past cannot be unwritten. I am proud of you for all you have done to keep us from the poorhouse."
Emilia did not want to be uncharitable toward her broken mother, but Marcella had only loved and taken pride in one child and that had been her brother, Marco, suitably named after her. She had not begrudged her beautiful brother the love and/or affection. Emilia had simply wished her mother could have spared some of it for her daughter, from time to time. However, in this moment, she did not, and would not, contradict her father's words, for in his heart he believed them. Emilia trusted in his approval of her work and accomplishments and that was enough. It brought some happiness to her heart.
"Thank you for believing in me, Papa...Mama", Em turned her eyes on her mother and picked up an old, hand made napkin and gently wiped some of the broth from the corner of her mother's mouth. I will need to put salve on those cracked lips or they shall bleed again. Emilia made a mental note to do so before she left.
Leaving the spoon balanced against the inside of the wooden bowl, Emilia clasped her hands together and broached a difficult subject. She had not included it in her brief note for it was best to speak of such things in person.
"Papa, I am working alongside a group of people to help the city during this terrible time. Two days ago, we discovered that the renowned singer, Dinah Lester, had her son abducted by Gaedren Lamm, for ransom of course." She paused a moment to give her parents time to comprehend what she was telling them. "We managed to track down Lamm and his Little Lambs, fought him and his pet crocodile and ... they are dead and the Lambs disbanded. Gaedren Lamm is no more. It happened so quickly that I did not have opportunity to clear our name...but it seems the gods saw fit to punish the filthy blaggard once and for all."
Emilia ventured a look at her father and waited for his reaction to the news that Marco's ruiner was once and for all ruined. She had spared him the finer details, for if he knew of the danger they/she had faced, he would fret.
Best behavior from me, y'got it, Mouse answers with a nod, fidgeting nervously into her best impression of a prim, proper posture.
When Taletha brings the tray, Mouse smiles. Thanks a bunch, she replies, already grabbing a cup of tea from the tray. I know he ain't meant no harm. Wouldn't be doin' 'is job if he didn't protect ya. She reaches into her pocket for a silver coin and hands it to Taletha. For you. Thanks for the food an' drinks an' all. An' maybe Tauk'll believe we ain't here t'cause trouble now, she jokes with a grin.
As Taletha walks away, she turns and sees Silvio walk through the door. Over here! We gotcha a seat! she calls out with a wave to her friend. Then she remembers she's supposed to be on her best behavior, and she's not sure if shouting across the dining room qualifies. With a bashful look at Tauk, she lowers her hand and begins sipping at the hot cup of tea, leaning against her arms as she rests her elbows on the table.
Find anythin' interestin'? she asks in a hushed voice as Silvio sits down.
Silvio smiles at Marial from across the room and quickly makes his way over. He smiles even bigger at the selection of bread,meat, and cheese. Taking a hunk of bread, he takes a huge bite of it before even sitting down and then reaching for the cheese. He chews quickly before he speaks in a low tone hopefully only they can hear.
"I found out that the butcher shop is giving out free meat to people. Verik and some others are calling themselves the Cow Hammer Boys. They give out the meat from the shop, but if you know the right thing to say, they'll also hire out to mess people up. Mercenaries, if you will." He pauses, taking a bite of cheese. "I watched the shop for a while. Sure enough, lots of people going in and out. I didn't see any signs of Verik."
Garvid wakes up and tosses a couple of looks around the room. Hurrying up, he quickly puts on his boots and heads downstairs. Knocking politely on the door, he salutes properly this time, as he picks up the manacles from the guards along the way. You know, if every day in the Guard was you heading in, sleeping for the better part of the day, and then going to a tavern, we would've gotten a lot more recruits. And a lot less work done., he thinks to himself, twirling a pair around his finger.
Leaving the Citadel, he quickly remembers the route and disappears into the small streets.
When Silvio arrives Manius listens to his description with interest. "Lots of people, you say? Any particular character to them or do you reckon we might be able to sneak in as we are?"
I like your thinkin', Orcsson. My guess'd be we'd want t'go in as scruffy as possible, t'look like the others beggin' food. Inwardly, she breathes a sigh of relief at the thought of going out in her simple tunic and trousers again. The tight lacing on her court gown was starting to get on her nerves. Maybe I should speak for us; I ain't gotta unlearn any high-brow talkin', after all.
The door opens again and Garvid steps through it. The minstrel continues his playing in the corner and the other patrons speak quietly to one another. The large bouncer takes note of the entrance of the large human and eyeballs him as he heads over to the table of his companions.
Garvid walks in, giving the bouncer a look back. "You don't have to worry about me, pal. Not here on that kind of business." Seeing the others already sitting around a table, he waves and heads over.
Pulling a chair, he stretches and begins talking. "Alright, people, what have we learned?", as he stares at the bar. Hope I don't have to break this one, too... He leans on the table with interest.
Silvio lays out what he saw at the butcher shop again for Garvid's sake. "I think there's a good chance that Marial or myself can pass as urchins looking for some handout of meat. I mean, we were until last week. Ain't hard to remember."
"But the Cow Hammer Boys hire out too, Garvid. People call them mercenaries, but probably just some tough thugs who shake people down for you. Word is you come in asking for 'the night's special cuts.' Dunno what Verik is playing at here. Maybe trying to get people's good will and establish himself as a neighborhood player like Lamm."
Seems like it t'me, Mouse agrees. If he c'n get in good with folks 'round the shop, might be they'd come runnin' t'help if trouble came for 'im. Y'know...trouble like us. We'll have t'be extra careful not t'go chargin' in obvious - might pull those as he's gotten popular with down on top of us. Sneaky as we can's the order o'the day.
"The issue here will probably be disguising music-man and the sister of the Lady of Graves. Other than that we can probably quite easily pass as a group of renegades," he says as he assembles another bread, meat and cheese monstrosity and scoffs it.
"If we're just going in for a look at some of them, then we don't need Cal and Em. In fact, Marial and I can go by ourselves. The goal is to look pitifully hungry and no threat to anyone. I can manage that." He grabs a piece of cheese and begins carving hunks off with his knife, lifting the pieces up to his mouth.
"Now, afterward, that's a different story. Maybe we hire them out and ambush them? Yeah, that's smart! Hire them to attack Garvid, and we're all there to pounce on them!" Silvio glances around, suddenly realizing his excitement might have been too much. He lowers his voice. "So what do you think? Marial and I take a look first and then set them up?"
As you search the mansion, you sense the evil you felt the night you had your nightmare. A coldness chills your bones and you begin to shiver. The setting sun casts long shadows in the empty mansion. As you travel from room to room, terrible memories are played over and over in your imagination. You pause before entering the passage that leads to the secret parts on the house. A distant laugh pierces the silence. You stand for a bit and gather the courage to continue on. Suddenly, tormenting voices whisper all around you. Many of the voices are unfamiliar, but one is easily recognizable...your Uncle's shrilling voice.
"I am here Calcedon....I have come to finish what I started...I have taken vengeance on your whore...I will not stop until everyone you love pays..."
You enter into the "torture chamber". The indiscernible whispers continue as fear grips your heart.
As you work out your plans to recon the meat shop, you hear the door swing open again. A thin, hooded figure enters and heads to a table in a corner across the room. Tauk straightens up and puffs out his chest while he peers at the new arrival.
Taletha heads over to the table and greets the stranger. The stranger pulls off his hood. Mouse is the first to see the young man's face. It is her old lover, Teron. He looks Mouse straight in the eye and smirks tauntingly. He returns his attention to Taletha for a minute and speaks unheard words. She heads off to the kitchen and he turns his gaze back to Mouse and winks.
Emilia reached out and laid her hand atop her father's.
"I played a small part, Papa. But Lamm is gone and we should think of him no more." Her voice was soft/low ... Emilia's connection to her Mother was a complicated one for the woman had loved her brother more profoundly and openly. Emilia understood the feeling behind her mother's tear -- it was for Marco and all that she had lost and would not have again even with Lamm's death.
Emilia stood and moved to the small wooden box by the wash basin in the kitchen and retrieved the salve she kept there for such purposes. Washing her hands in the basin first, Emilia sat back down beside her mother and gently applied the lotion -- dabbing the salve across the cracked lips and gently wiping away any excess from the corners of her mouth.
"There, now, your lips should feel a little better, Mama."
Emilia stood and returned the salve to its box and washed her hands anew.
Standing near the small table, she looked to her parents, "Is there anything you need me to bring on my next visit, Papa? I shall bring some vegetables and bread for I know how much you enjoy a good broth. But if there is anything else you require, then tell me, for I must go soon before the sun sets and it is dangerous to walk the streets alone." Emilia placed a gentle smile on her lips and waited for his response.
"There, now, your lips should feel a little better, Mama. Is there anything you need me to bring on my next visit, Papa? I shall bring some vegetables and bread for I know how much you enjoy a good broth. But if there is anything else you require, then tell me, for I must go soon before the sun sets and it is dangerous to walk the streets alone."
Papa pulls up a chair next to his wife. He lays his cheek on her hand. As you attend to your Mother's health and offer to bring food, he looks up and smiles. "You truly are a good daughter Emilia. We do not deserve you." He raises up and speaks to glazed over eye. "Can you say something to your Daughter honey?" Still emotionless, Mama speaks softly. "Get out." Your Father leans back in shock. "What did you just say?" She fails to respond. He looks at you with sheer terror in his eyes.
Look careful, don't be obvius. The one looking at me was a Lamb, atacked us yestarday. The friend I said, Orcsun.
See? It's a long one - hab-uh-dasher, right? She tries to disguise the look of fear that flashes Silvio's way as mere confusion.
Emilia reacted instantly to the two words uttered from her mother's lips. Her posture grew rigid and her cheeks flamed red.
She noted the look in her father's eyes and she did not know how to assuage it.
After a silently deafening moment had passed, through steady words, which took all her will to maintain, she spoke, "It is alright, Papa. I shall go." Emilia rarely cried anymore ... but she felt the moisture begin to gather in her eyes as her heart beat furiously inside her chest. She pushed the emotion away as hard as she could.
"I will bring what I can on my next visit", and she bowed her head to both her parents and quietly and swiftly made for the door.
As you leave, your Father's face turns from a look of terror to one of pure rage. He turns to face your Mother as you leave. "This has gone on long enough Marcella! I have cared for you every day since our sweet Marco hung himself. I said it...he hung HIMSELF." He steps back and uncharacteristically flips the bowl of food in front of his wife to the floor. "I am through! Do you hear me now?! I slaved to provide for this family and to restore this family's name...and FOR WHAT?! For you to sit here and stare at a wall?!" He moves to the door to catch you before you run off. "I loved our precious Marco, BUT he is gone and now our wonderful daughter visits and you tell her to leave?! She has become twice the woman you ever were!" He attempts to catch you before you leave, slamming the door between he and your Mama.