"Nonsense Col. If you're going to insist that I'm cured, I'll pay for it. I have the money from Cressida's reward. Take the herbs though if you're not going to get cured yourself."
I have funds as well and can offer 300 coins from the reward.
Surprised by Nadya's and Ayako's generosity Col can only respond with a nod of his head and a short thanks to Nadya for the herbs, "Thank."
Obediently, even hopefully, Sebastian raises his head. "Thank you, master!"
Donning the quilted white suit and mask, he meets Orisini in one of the side studios. As he salutes his opponent before crossing blades, Sebastian knows he's in for bruises a-plenty. As they duel, Sebastian recaps the recent events, but the combined strain of talking while fighting makes editing the story he tells impossible.
When the group gets back to the inn, Ayako promptly starts brewing the herbs for Col to drink and also gets him into bed with clean clothes and sheets while checking him for fever and perhaps a little bleeding to help balance his humours
Sebastian and Vencarlo trade blows. Sebastian is clearly outmatched but Vencarlo holds back to draw out the dual and continue the conversation.
"So despite my warnings, you achieved your goal and killed Gaedren. But did you really achieve anything? Is the void you were hoping to fill gone? Gaedren was a terrible man and his death is a boon to Korvosa. You are not at fault for bringing him to justice. But I think you've learned a lesson on your own that I was unable to teach you. Vengeance does not heal loss. I am no stranger to loss. Did Sabina ever tell you the story of why she left the Academy?"
Nadya pays for the remove disease spell and Ishani cures her of all afflictions. Afterwards the group heads back to the tavern.
Ayako treats Col and Nadya and they rest in their rooms at the inn.
Col revels in the attention Ayako is giving him, I don't have the hart to tell the lass I've never felt this good. He continues to lay in bed trying to look as pathetic as possible, I guess I can humor her for a while longer. "Cough, could I have some water please," he asks his nurse.
Feeling better, Nadya decides to have another look at the dagger that was recovered the day before.
Ayako obligies Col, making sure he has a wet cloth for his forehead after he drinks and fluffing the pillow.
Sebastian falters mid-lunge, startled by Orisini's question, leaving himself wide open. He only barely manages to parry the subsequent strike, and only because Vencarlo was toying with him. "No," Sebastian grunts, stepping backwards on the defensive as he fends off his opponent.
The events in question had happened years ago. Everyone knew Sabina had been Vencarlo's favorite pupil, and then suddenly she wasn't. There had been an argument, and a falling out, and Sabina left the school. There were rumors, of course, but neither Sabina nor the master ever talked about what happened. Of course Sebastian burned with curiosity, but the way she closed down the conversation anytime Orisini was brought up sent a very clear message. It wasn't long after that she left home, and she had grown more distant by the day. And now the master was dangling the truth in front of him like an object lesson. A lesson about... vengeance?
"Well this story revolves around another man, not unlike you, named Grau Soldado. A number of years ago, Grau came to Korvosa at an early age from Sandpoint fleeing an alcoholic and abusive father. When I found him pickpocketing, I saw a rare spark of talent in him and knew he was destined for more than life on the streets. I took the boy in and I got him an apprenticeship with a good-natured smith. When he wasn't working, I tutored him, free of charge, in the art of swordplay. Soon he became my star pupil."
"However, around the same time, another one of my students had also caught my attention. The young woman was your sister, Sabina Merrin. Although I willed myself against it, I found myself wildly attracted to her beauty and skill. Unbeknownst to me, Grau also was attracted to Sabina. At the time neither of us knew Sabina was more interested in women. A misunderstanding caused Grau to believe your sister and I had grown close. In an act of jealously and vengeance, he engineered a dual between Sabina and I that resulted in the loss of two of my fingers and the scar on Sabina's cheek. After that, Sabina left and I never spoke with her again. I suppose, in the end, Sabina, found her true calling. I just hope that it's something that deserves her attentions."
"When I discovered Grau's hand in the event, I expelled him in an uncharacteristic rage. I haven't spoken with him since either, but I heard he joined the Korvosan Guard and was able to quickly rise to the rank of Watch Sergeant due to his skill at swordplay."
"Don't tell anyone else, but since losing my two star students, I've found little to inspire me among my newer pupils. All of my students...except you. I saw a lot of both Sabina and Grau in you and you had the talent to excel. For I time, I thought you might be my next star student, but then when your friend died and you left to avenge him despite my efforts to sway you from the course, I thought I had lost you too. However, your return and your recent tales of heroism have rekindled something I thought long dead inside my soul."
Vencarlo finishes his speech with a flurry that throws Sebastian's sword wide and ends with him scoring a touch on Sebastian's chest.
"You have a ways to go, but I would be honored to continue teaching you. That is, if you'll have me as your master."
Ayako, Nadya, and Col spend most of the morning relaxing and then head to the markets to sell and shop. The group returns to the tavern around 5 pm and upon entering the common room, a man in a Korvosan Guard uniform approaches Col. The man looks like he hasn't changed his uniform or shaved in weeks and reeks of stale sweet and ale.
"Neffi, ma old fwend. I neva expwected to meet yoo this faa from Sandpoint. Pwease come sit with ma. I insist of buying yoo a dwink." he slurs.
Ayako wrinkles her nose as the man approaches. Neffi? is that Col's last name or is he so besotted that he can't recognize anyone?
Who is this? Col asks himself as he scrutinizes the man's face. Drawing a blank he responds, "Thanks friend I'd be happy to have a drink with you. How long has it been since we've seen each other?"
At a number of points during the story, Orisini seems distracted, letting his guard down. But every time Sebastian tries to capitalize, he's beaten back. Is he feinting, or is he really this good?
Vencarlo's story had that curious sort of weight that only the truth can ever possess. The pieces finally in place, the past became suddenly clear to Sebastian. He had long wondered where Sabina's scar had come from. Still, it seemed a petty grudge to hold.
By the time the master sees fit to lay the final blow, Sebastian is winded, sweating furiously inside the quilted suit. Bested and bruised, as he knew he would be, he removes his helmet and takes a wobbly knee. "I was foolish, master. It wasn't just Vincent's death. I...I wanted to use my sword for the good of the city, like Sabina... like Blackjack." Tears well in Sebastian's eyes as he confesses his sins, his resolve beginning to crumble under the combined emotional weight of it all. "But I'm no hero. I'm only good enough to kill and maim. What use does the city have for a man like that? Korvosa deserves better." He hadn't been expecting this. Sebastian had come hoping for reconciliation, but as it lay before him, he can't bring himself to accept it. Being in these halls again forces him to face everything he'd betrayed. His sister's example, Blackjack, the integrity of his sword and his school. The worst part of it was to hear such high praise from a man he admires and to know how badly misplaced it was. He didn't deserve to call himself a swordsman, anymore than he deserved to be thought of as a hero.
"That's exactly what I expected you to say, Sebastian. You've always been modest. You should know better than most that blades don't start out sharp; they must be forged. I can teach you to be a better man. A man that doesn't just kill. A man who fights for the people of Korvosa like your hero, Blackjack. But enough serious talk for now. You look exhausted. Come have a cup of tea with me and then I'm sure you have other business to attend to." says Vencarlo.
"Good man." The guard slaps Col on the shoulder and sits down at the bar.
"Gods, Grau! How many times do I need to tell you, this is not your friend Neffi? When are you going to clean yourself up?" scolds the tavern owner, Theandra.
Grau stares closely at Col and realizes his mistake. "Oh it's the end of Korvosa as we know it! How can you stay sober?" he replies and points at Theandra. "What's left for a guard like me? With the king's death, this slut queen is going to run Korvosa into the ground. She doesn't care about us Korvosans. She's a money-grabbing, power-hungry whore. I've lost all those that I loved and now I'm going to lose my beloved city as well. These riots are just the beginning. I can't even bring myself to return to my post."
"Watch how you speak about the Queen! You may not like her, but she's your Queen all the same, and you'll show her the respect she's due." Theandra turns to Col. "I'm so sorry about this. Don't let him bother you. Grau has been a long-time patron and used to be a respected guard. But he's fallen on rough times the last few years. I pity the poor fellow. I wish there was more I could do for him."
Oohh! Grau bemoans and clunks his head onto the bar.
You recognize him as a well-liked Watch Sergeant although he is just a shadow of his former self. He used to be a lean man, with
packets of steely muscle on his well-honed physique. He was always clean shaven, with bright piercing green eyes. Now, he's a mess.
Col scrutinizes the guardsmen and recalls, I know this man he was once one of the most well respected members of the guard. "Sergeant all you've said may be true but you still have an obligation to your men and this city. Let me help you get back to your post," Col offers.
Ayako winces at Col's grumbling pep-talk of the now drunk watchman and lightly runs a finger down her cheek while whispering a spell.What my friend says is true, this is not the time for drink but for reaffirming your duty. Don't go back to your post for the wueen, do it for the people and help keep the streets safe for them.
Grau listens to Col and Ayako's words and responds, "You're right. I'm making an ass of myself. But I don't know if I'll be able to make it back to Citadel Volshyenek in this state. Can you help me? Ooh Cressida Croft is going to have my head. But I'll sober up in the barracks and make amends."
Well, we arn't going to be doing anything until Croft sends words, Col. So I guess we can escort him up. If it gets too dark, we can always stay at the barracks.
Sebastian, too downtrodden to refuse the offer, accepts a hand up from his old friend and joins him for tea.
Leaving the Academy, Sebastian finally feels as though some of the weight has lifted from his shoulders. The story had taken a strange turn these past few months, and the twists were coming faster and stranger. Fingering the dagger in his pocket, he wonders what new strangeness awaits him as he strolls toward the Palace Arkona.
Col nods his head in agreement to Ayako's remarks, "Let's go."
Sebastian heads towards Palace Arkona, only a block away from the Orsini Academy. As he's walking, he gets a brief urge to simply turn around and go home, but he shrugs it off as an odd sensation, and continues on.
Palace Arkona is perched at the highest point atop Endrin Isle in Old Korvosa. The grounds are generally open, decorated here and there with tiny copses of trees, exotic topiary animals (elephants, cobras, and tigers being the most common), beautiful flower gardens, and exquisite fountains. The palace is a breathtaking structure built in the Vudran style, with golden pillars, high windows that rise to tapered points, minarets, and domes decorated with slender spires.
Before Sebastian even reaches the gate, he is intercepted by a patrol of six house guards who politely but firmly demand to know his reasons for approaching the palace. "Greeting, my good sir. What business do you have with the esteemed House Arkona this fine day?"
Ayako, Col, and Nadya escort the inebriated Grau Soldado south to Citadel Volshyenek. The going is slow as the drunk guard drags his feet and stumbles the entire way. Twice along the way, you need to wait as he expunges the contents of his stomach into the street. This ultimately results in the trip taking twice as long as it should have.
When you finally get there, Grau asks, "Please don't notify Cressida just yet. Just sneak me into the barracks and I'll face her on my own in the morning." Any guards that you encounter seem to respect Grau enough that you pass by without questions.
Before they get to the barracks, Ayako sees if the barkeep has an alchemist kindness that they can use to sober up Grau. Ayako will pay and if it is not available, stop at a stor ebriefly to feed it to Grau
Ayako pushes Grau into a shop where she knows she can find some alchemist kindness and mixes it into a mug of water. Drink this, you will make your case better if you don't stain her shoes with whatever is left in your stomach..
Ayako will nod to the guards who let them pass and aim Grau towards the barracks. Good luck to you. Ayako will then return with Col so Sebastion won't start wondering where they are.[/b]
The alchemist's kindness definitely helped. "Thank you so much for all you've done for me. If you hadn't talked some sense into me, I'd still be hopelessly drowning my sorrows back at Three Rings. I'll speak with the Field Marshall in the morning and I'm sure I'll be able to make amends with her. I'll find a way to thank you as well one day." Grau thanks you as you drop him off in the barracks.
Ayako, Col, and Nadya take Harborview Boulevard back north. They street is quiet now with no foot-traffic except yourselves. Most people are probably at home, not wanting to get caught up in another riot should one start. You are halfway back to the tavern when a flight of four imps swoops down to attack you, seeing you as possible easy targets for gold and mayhem. These red skinned nuisances don't immediately attack you with their stingers but start yanking your hair and tugging at your coin purses while issuing forth the foulest insults they can think of.
Born directly from the pits of Hell, imps are among the least of the true devils; these vicious, manipulative fiends, however, hold an important role in the corruption of mortal souls. Unfettered from the ranks and duties of diabolical armies, imps delight in any opportunity to travel to the Material Plane and subtly tempt mortals toward acts of ever-greater depravity. They are lawful evil outsiders with a poisonous sting and can shape change into various small animals.
A student at the Acadamae is required to undertake several dangerous steps in order to graduate—one of which is the summoning and bonding of an imp. Many students opt to take imps as familiars, but just as many fail and let those imps get loose. As a result, imps are a constant problem in Korvosa. Nests of them lurk in the eaves of the city's Shingles in packs, often attempting to ally with or manipulate city gangs.
Fortunately, the indigenous pseudodragon population, creatures who dwelt in the region before Korvosa was founded and adapted readily to the city's advent, are quite adept at keeping Korvosa's imp population under control. Two or three times a year, the imps and pseudodragons take to flight in the skies above Korvosa and engage in mass battles.
Imps! Tnfestations of them lurk in the nooks and crannies of the city. Watch out for their poisonous sting, if only we had some friendly pseudodragons here.
Ayako loads a stone into her sling and lets fly.
Imps! Dam infernal creatures! Col remarks to himself. He draws his rapier and stabs at the closest one.
Col's attack hits but his rapier merely bounces off the imp's tough skin.
Nadya uses evil eye to reduce an imps AC.
One imp grabs at Nadya's hair and hangs on tight.
Another imp makes obscene sexual gestures in an attempt to intimidate Ayako and fails miserably but it doesn't seem to care and laughs at its own crude humor.
The third imp tries to pull down Col's pants and the final one tries to kick him in the groin. Both fail and Col can take an attack of opportunity if he wants.
As the party struggles, a flock of a half-dozen pseudodragons spots the troublesome imps and swoops in to attack them.
Surprised by the imps unorthodox moves it takes him a second to recover and strike out at the malevolent creature that tried to strike is privates.
Ayako puts her hand into her purse and throws out a handful of coins. LOOK! Shiney coins! Trying to distract the imps.
Col steps up and wraps his arms around the Imp in Nadya's hair helping her try to dislodge it. [b]"Get the nice shiny coins,"[b] he offers.
Nadya rips the imp from her hair and tosses it to the ground.
Three of the imps spot the pseudodragons and quickly turn invisible and flee.
The remaining imp, that was wrestling with Nadya, gets distracted by the coins on the ground and starts to pick them up. The pseudodragons take advantage of the the devil's inattention and all six descend upon it. It's hard to believe how loud the imp screams as their tiny teeth tear into its flesh and then you hear the sound of the imp's neck snapping and it goes silent. The miniature dragons chirp to themselves as they drag the corpse aloft and out of site above a nearby rooftop to feast. The entire encounter is over nearly as fast as it began.
Ayako is rather amazed at the ferocity of the little dragons. Thank you very very much! She calls out to them. Well that was...different. I think we should hurry back before any more imps come back and we don't have any civic minded dragons to aid us.
Nodding his head, "Lets get out of here."
Ayako, Col, and Nadya return to the tavern without further incident.
Theandra smiles at you as you come back inside. "I hope you got Grau back safely. Thanks for that."
Indeed, we also got to see the city's pseudodragons as well. We'll just wait for Sebastion to arrive.
Sebastian inquires about Vimanda Arkona but the guards simply state, "Lady Vimanda is away from the Palace and we are not at liberty to say any more. Lord Gloria Arkona is likewise not entertaining any guests today."
Dejected, Sebastian heads home.
Two days pass uneventfully. Then on the morning of the 7th, while the group is eating breakfast in the common area, a guard messenger from the Citadel arrives at the tavern seeking you.
"Friends, the Field Marshall has sent me to deliver a message to you that she has another task that she'd like your assistance with. She requests your presence at the Citadel, as soon as you are able, to discuss the details with you." reports the guard.
Ayako turns to the others. Well it appears we will have some more work coming our way. Is everyone up for another job?{/b] Ayako will gather her things and head to see the Field Marshall.
When Col hears of the message he thinks, I was just starting to enjoy Ayako waiting on me, oh well all good things must come to and end. He gathers his gear and prepares to leave when the others are ready.
"I'm ready. Definitely feeling better after a couple days of rest. Hopefully we won't need it, but I've been throwing my dagger and I think I've come up with a way to make it more accurate by enhancing it with my magic."
"I'm ready. Definitely feeling better after a couple days of rest. Hopefully we won't need it, but I've been throwing my dagger and I think I've come up with a way to make it more accurate by enhancing it with my magic."
Col nods, "That will come in handy."
The party makes their way south to Citadel Volshynek to meet with the Field Marshal. At the Citadel, you are lead to the Field Marshal's office, only this time, she is not alone. A handsome man sits in one of the chairs at her desk, and as you enter, he rises and bows.
"Welcome. Thank you for heading my call. This is an old friend of mine, Vencarlo Orisini." Cressida introduces.
You recognize him as one of Korvosa's most respected and renowned teachers of the honorable arts of fencing and swordplay.
Vencarlo is a charming man, and he bows deeply as he's introduced.
"Although Vencarlo himself has always been an outspoken critic of Korvosa's government, I have always valued him as a friend and advisor. Particularly in these dark times, his input about the temperament and morale of the citizens of Korvosa is invaluable to me." Cressida explains.
"You are too kind, Cressida. The pleasure is all mine." Vencarlo bows low and takes Ayako's hand and kisses the back of it, then does the same with Nadya. He motions an offer for Ayako to take his chair. "Sebastian has been telling me about your deeds. Congratulations on your recent successes with Gaedren Lamm and Verik Vancaskerkin. If Korvosa had more fine folk like you, we'd already be out of this mess. I would love to learn more about each of you and your thoughts about the state of our government."
"As much as I would enjoy continuing the conversation, I fear we just don’t have time." Cressida butts in. "Vencarlo has often come to me with news of important changes on the streets, and this is no different—indeed, what he's learned could degrade into sanctions, embargos, or even war against Cheliax if we don't act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei. You might have heard of him—he's an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, and yet he's taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this recent unrest, this man was ready to recommend to his government a sanction on trade, or perhaps even an embargo. Vencarlo has learned through his own considerable sources that Ambassador Amprei's actual goals are to undermine Korvosa's economy to the point where he can buy up large portions of the city from desperate landholders and establish himself in a position of power here. Whatever the ambassador's reasons, we can't let his bias or personal plans hurt Korvosa. Yet neither can we take drastic action—not only would killing him be wrong, but it'd simply martyr him in Cheliax's eyes."
"Fortunately, Darvayne has his foibles. Again, Vencarlo has learned that Ambassador Amprei has been making fairly regular visits to a place in Old Korvosa called Eel's End. This den of vice is run by a dangerous man named Devargo Barvasi, better known in Korvosa's alleys as the King of Spiders. I'd love to put Barvasi out of business, but he pays his vice taxes regularly and never causes any problems—in fact, since he keeps his business constrained entirely within the five ships moored at Eel's End, he's actually one of the least of my worries. Truth be told, I can't decide whether Devargo is a stirge or a kraken. He seems like a bloodsucking pest most days, but sometimes I fear just how far his tentacles have wormed their way into our great city. In this case though, his insidious web stretching across Korvosa's underworld might prove to our advantage."
"Devargo would never let someone he recognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel's End, but your group's a different case. I'd like you to pay a visit to Eel's End and secure an audience with Devargo. Find out what he knows about Amprei, get proof of any illicit goings-on the ambassador might be involved with, and bring that proof to me to use to undermine any forthcoming attempts by him to get Cheliax to cut us off. Devargo might not be willing to part with his information easily. I'll supply you with some gold to bribe him, and whatever's left over you can keep for yourself. Remember: the man is dangerous, but so are you—if things get violent, I wouldn't mourn his passing."
Cressida hands Col a small pouch filled with 1,000 gp—your funds for bribing Devargo. As she prepares to give you the address of Eel's End, Vencarlo steps in and says, "I was heading back up to my academy in Old Korvosa anyway. I'd love to escort you four as far as Old Korvosa whenever you're ready."
Nadya bows her head and blushes as Vencarlo kisses her hand. After listening to the Field Marshal's briefing she asks, "Do we know exactly what sort of vice is the ambassador's weakness? Is it absolutely necessary to deal directly with Barvasi or could we get what we need by observing Amprei?"
Why didn't he kiss my hand, Col wonders as Vencarlo introduces himself. He listens to the assignment and and takes the purse when it is offered.
When his companions are done with their questions he says to Vencarlo, "Of course we'll escort you."
Ayako accepts the hand-kiss gracefully and takes a seat. After listening to Cressida speak, she nods. Indeed, controlling a man's vices is an excellent way to gain a hold on them. She frowns slightly. An escort would be welcome. As for dealing with Barvasi more violently, I believe another would just take his place, one that is unknown my the authorities. better the snake you know than one you don't.
"Do we know exactly what sort of vice is the ambassador's weakness? Is it absolutely necessary to deal directly with Barvasi or could we get what we need by observing Amprei?"
"If I knew his vice, that'd make things much easier, but unfortunately I do not. And I've already thought of observing Amprei and have had guards do just that for some time now, but so far, they've turned up nothing. Whatever Amprei is up to, is happening behind closed doors. But he must have a reason for his frequent visits to Barvasi. Those two types just don't deal with each other if it can be avoided. That's what I need you to find out," replies Cressida.
As the group heads north along Harborview Boulevard, Vercarlo strikes up a conversation. "I want to thank you for how you handled the situation with Grau Soldado the other day. Cressida told me about it and says he's now on the road to recovery in the Citadel. Grau was once one of my most promising students. I was worried about him and am glad that he is okay."
You vaguely recall hearing something about some scandal involving Grau, Vencarlo, and Sabina.
Vencarlo positions himself closer to Nadya. "Lady Nadya. Your beauty far exceeds the descriptions I've heard of you. Your skin is so white and pure. But I see such sadness in your eyes. There is something otherworldly about you. Very alluring."
Then he swings around to Ayako. "And Lady Ayako. Another charming girl. Tien women are so exotic. Sebastian has found himself some very cute companions. Excuse my rudeness but I can't help but notice your limp. It would be ungentlemanly of myself not to offer an arm for support."
"And Col. Col, Col, Col... What isn't there to say about Col." He smiles.
"You all remind me of my youth. Oh, those were the good old days. Why if I were only twenty years younger... I had such adventures back then. I envy you. I'm sure you'll see your fair share of heroics in the coming years."
As you head up Sunrise Boulevard, you check by the Three Rings Tavern in case Sebastian showed up and sure enough he's waiting at a table there.
"Sebastian, my son. Your friends are good people. We've been talking along the way. What are you doing here by yourself? You should stay by their side. Good friends are hard to come by these days. We're heading to Old Korvosa. Walk with us the rest of the way."
When you finally cross the Narrows and enter Old Korvosa, Vencarlo tells you, "You can find Eel's End to the east, the first pier after the last bridge over the Narrows. And now I must bid you all adieu." With a swift bow, he spins on a heel and is gone.
It's probably unimportant but you notice the two smaller fingers of his right hand never seem to bend.
A sprawl of light and sound marks the first pier of Old Korvosa. Lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and god's eyes hang from pilings or lampposts, unlit until the evening. Eel's End is comparably quiet during the day, yet the place never truly sleeps. Here is a place that caters to the vices and base needs of Old Korvosa at all hours.
The pier itself is 70 feet long, although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. Five ships are moored to the pier—the largest of these is the Eel's End, a warship that serves as the stronghold of Devargo Barvasi. Each of the other four barges are owned by various peddlers and captains.
Ironically, Eel's End is actually one of the safer, more stable locations in Korvosa these days. The riots haven't touched the place, and in fact, the increased need for escapism from the horrors of reality has seen business booming.
The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted ships moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages hang from ropes slung between ships or are nailed to pilings. The closest ship to the east bears a sign that says, "The Twin Tigers—Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!" Opposite that, to the west, a barge's sign says, "Welcome to the Goldenhawk—No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa!" Further to the southeast is "Dragon's Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon's Dreams at Affordable Prices!", while opposite that is the "House of Clouds—The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!" Only the largest ship, to the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier, or from the decks of other ships. Sailors, thugs, drunkards, prostitutes, and what could even be a few well-dressed nobles carouse on the pier and the decks of all five ships, seemingly oblivious to Korvosa's recent troubles. Here and there, large men dressed in chainmail patrol the area, grim faces in a sea of revelry.
Col enjoys the walk with Vencarlo, A little to charming perhaps but good company nonetheless. as he bids farewell to the old man he notices that the two smallest fingers on his right hand do not bend, An old or new injury I wonder.
When they arrive at their destination he asks, "Any ideas on how to approach this?"
Ayako accepts Vencarlo's arm. Rather charming and polite.
When the group arrives at Eel's end, Ayako finds herself back in an old haunt, the smells and noises bringing back old, bad memories.
Follow me, I might be able to get an introduction. Ayako heads to the House of Clouds and up the gangplank, looking for the madam.