"It is my honor to be of service, Sir Geoffrey."
Toramin
Bjorkus
"Lemme see the note", Bjorkus rumbles in between glances evaluating the form hidden beneath those robes. "How much is your brother in for?"
"That is rather kind of you. Thankyou. How fares trade now that everyone is returning?" Once he has the parcel of meat he leaves.
Bjorkus
"I don't have it. All it said is that he was coming here. He owes them a little over 2000 gold, I don't even know how he got that much in debt."
Lindale
He shrugs. "Been worse. Lot of our meat comes from Andril even if most other wares come from Xilres."
"Did he say when?"
"He left the note a few weeks ago, I assume he got here two or three days ago."
"Then we start with Fenn", the bull rumbles. "He sees everyone that comes and goes in this place."
Realizing that he never introduced himself, Bjorkus pauses long enough to close on the girl and offer her a massive furry paw.
"That name's Bjorkus."
She looks at your hand suspiciously. "Seilvana, although I guess you already knew." She walks by without shaking your hand, opening the door for you to go.
She doesn't know you, doesn't trust you, and doesn't believe you can help even if your intentions are honest.
Bjorkus frowns and follows the girl out.
"Flenn. The girl says her brother left here a few days ago. Do you remember him?" he rumbles. "The notes he left don't say a whole lot."
Flenn arcs a brow. "Didn't realize my name changed. And my understanding is that he just arrived here a few days ago."
Bjorkus chuckles. "Might have had too much grog."
"Have you seen 'im come or go? Do you know this Barry he's mixed up with?"
Flenn shrugs. "Have no idea what he looks like, besides him being human. Barry I've heard of, although he doesn't remember me fondly. He tried to shake down one of my patrons." He chuckles at the memory. "Think he still has scars from that. Anyways, I don't keep tabs on him but I know who does. Talk to Henry, that old bastard knows where every loan shark in the game is. He's probably asleep now, but if you down to the docks tomorrow during the day you should find him, think he's getting ready for a fishing trip."
Bjorkus looks to Seilvana. "Care to describe your brother?"
"Average height, long brown hair, green eyes. Has a scar on his left cheek."
Flenn taps his temple, making little tiktiktik noises with his tongue. "Can't say I remember seeing him. Normally I remember if a man has scars too. I still remember that one you got on your..." He trails off, grinning.
The Sending: Status? Location? Have you received my letters? Are you in distress? I am worried for you, little sister. Please respond.
Bjorkus roars with a laughter at the recollection before sharing a glance with Seilvana.
”It sounds like our best bet’s gunna be to wait ‘till morn and visit Henry. You should get some sleep. We’ll head his way first thing tomorrow.”
Thrungr is your uncle's cousin's uncle. Usually the only time you see him is on special occasions, but he recognizes you. Upon your request he takes out a fine copper wire, handing one end to you and casting the spell on the other end. After a moment a multicolored nexus surrounds the other half, and he nods to you.
After your words there's a moment of silence, and Thrungr frowns. "Even if they don't intend to respond you usually get a flare from a changed emotion or a stray thought. Since the spell worked she's alive, but if I had to guess I'd say unconscious."
Bjorkus
She nods reluctantly, looking outside and sighing before heading up to her room.
'Colin' walks around into the back alley to check out the shop from behind.
He tries to make sure he isn't seen and changes his appearance again to that of a dirty homeless man with all his possessions over his shoulder using one of the resistance soldiers face. If it is clear he sneaks up to the shops back door and takes a look inside.
Lindale
You masterfully make your way back, and peeking in you see a young boy, guessing from his outfit he is the butcher's apprentice. Apparently he was in the middle of skinning some rabbits, but upon the arrival of the letters he sat down, cleaned his hands and started sorting them.
He retreats from the back entrance and into a corner of the alley, hiding and waiting to see when and where the letters will be sent.
Lindale
He counts the letters in each stack, writing something down every time he finishes with a stack. After a good hour of his he takes the parchment and rolls it up, wrapping it in twine and opening the backdoor.
At the end of the work day the parchment is brought to Carl, who begins writing a letter that apparently uses quite a bit of what is on the parchment. When done he throws away the parchment, sealing the letter and telling the assistant to deliver it to the castle.
He waits for the alley to be clear again then gets up and walks over to the rubbish pile and begins searching.
Castle connections... well done brother, well done indeed.
Lindale
You have no problem location the parchment, picking it up instantly. After flecking some bits of meat off of it, you read the now-bloodstained writing.
Beef Roast x12
Venison Roast x8
Tenderloin (pair) x7
Rabbit x25
Squirrel x12
Hog Roast x7
Chicken x19
Lamb Leg x1
Turkey x6
Chicken Liver x8
Cow Tongue x4
Duck x6
Angrily Lindale throws the list back in the rubbish then hurries out to the street hoping to catch up to the assistant and follow him. Taking the appearance of a random close to his height as he moves into the street/crowd.
Lindale the Whale Face
You have no trouble finding the assistant, who is making his way to the castle at a leisurely pace. Eventually he comes to the servants entrance for the castle where a single guard recognizes him and lets him inside.
Dalton was not an emotional person usually, but he was a mother's boy at heart. He returned the hug and smiled. About to fulfill her wish before going through what his mother had been up to, the wizard moved to intercept the delivery.
"Ah, yes - mum, I met a splendid baker in my adventures out; do try one of his cupcakes!" He recounts the story while the two eat, saving the wine for later. This is what a son should do for his mother.
Dalton's divination of the usurper's blood along with his sorceress had been quite illuminating. While originally off-putting, the quick gain of knowledge made the magister ... relish the process a bit. It didn't confer the same familiarity old-fashioned research and practice did, but magical vitals were a substitute for the man on the go. Speaking of which:
"Mum, the army has extended me an offer. Better pay than I make at the store. Precision work. I intend to stand and take it, but I wanted to tell you first." It was truth only in word; Dalton accepted without much hesitation after the first night, but had his mother been there, he would have told her.
*******
Time back at the shop allowed Dalton to practice his other art. Having no orders (he stemmed the "tide" (more like trickle) before leaving), he was free to persue his own project. If I'm to be part of some group, perhaps an insignia by which we could know each other might be handy. Thus it was Dalton set out to craft. He didn't want to pick a material too flashy, so he melted down some coppers. People look down on the metal, but its color is quite lovely. Keeping the design simple, he gave the band one bend - a Möbius strip. A tiny jasper, nearly valueless save for the precise cutting, set opposite the lone twist. Nothing too fancy.
No symbol, no engravings... Not a hard item to create, but Dalton wasn't going for a masterpiece. He imagined secrecy was probably a priority for this group. Except for that bit about charging the towers. The man's surprisingly deft hands left the spartan items as they were - half a dozen. Not that I know how many people I'll be put with. Doubt that Heff knows anyway. The man seemed clever but a bit airy - not the type to plan ahead.
********
Bidding farewell to his mother before too much time had passed, Dalton - in clothes thrice-washed since their venture into the sewers - made his return. Something about a certain Drow skilled in magic - I better see her soon. The dark race was one he felt comfortable divulging his divining to - and he was glad they got a woman. The real masterminds, from what I remember reading. He would see how masterful her mind was soon enough though...
Dalton
She takes the cupcake, taking a miniscule bite of it and her eyes light up. "Why that is a splendid little desert!" She nibbles on the cupcake while listening. As you finish she looks excited. "Moving up in the world! It sounds like you're being recognized for your talents instead of marching with the army." She's very proud that her boy will be working on "precision work", a line of work that is most assuredly pertaining to an honest application of his arcane talents.
Smiling to himself he kept walking, turning down another street, eventually heading to another part of town. The side he had once led a group of thugs from. He wasn't sure how he would be received but there were always fools willing to do almost anything for a bit of gold. Returning to his homeless garb we walked forward...
I'll have to send that baker some coin for his trouble. He scribed a quick note to his benefactor
Master of the muffin:
Many thanks for your perfect pastry assortment. My mother and I had a wonderful time enjoying your work. Enclosed are a few silver than should cover your time and costs. However, please feel free to stop by my store. One of these days when I am around and see you, I'll be happy to make you an accessory to give your appearance the palatable pop that the wine had in taste.
In good health,
Dalton
Surely this new order will have some couriers. In this way, he was providing an indirect service of sorts to them as well; the man's bakery did have a secret entrance to a tunnel of import to those interested in security. Wouldn't hurt to stay on his good side. Then again, with cupcakes like those, he had nothing to worry about.
Lindale
You see a group of men clustered together with rugged clothing, and from their neck tattoos you easily recognize them. As you approach a few glance over, then one steps in front with his arms folded. "Pick another ally to sleep in, this one's occupied."
Dalton
He carefully walks a little closer. "I need to speak to your boss. I have information for him. He will want to see me."
Lindale
The man snorts, spitting at your feet. "That so? I can deliver the message for you." A gangly looking man calls out. "Oh let him in, 'e can't do nothing."
You are led into the back door of a dark, seedy tavern where a well dresses man is sitting with a few ladies around him. They sit you down across from him, and the man turns to face you. His hair is dark and slicked back, and there is a vertical scar through his left eye. He eyes you up and down for a moment, then with a gesture calls for a couple drinks. The ladies whisper amongst themselves as he begins speaking with an eastern accent. "So my boys tell me you have something I would like to hear?"
Dalton
As you're finishing up the rings, you drain the last of the wine. However, as the last drops fall from the bottom of the bottle, you see something inscribed on the inside of the bottom. You peer in, eventually making out the words I prepared explosive runes thi....
You wake up groggily, your entire body pulsing with pain. Every time your blood pumps you feel a sharp pain at the back of your head. The last thing you can remember is the feeling of your stomach dropping upon some horrid realization. After you steady your breathing you look around to see you're in a temple of Sarenrae surrounded by various other injured or sick people in beds. They accommodations are comfortable, everybody is fairly spaced out and in a comfortable bed. You feel something on your arm and turn to see your mother has her hand on you, sitting in a chair and fast asleep.
Toramin
After you part ways with Geoffrey you're approached by a young acolyte. He appears to have been running, and quickly explains how your comrade Dalton has had an attempt on his life. He survived, but is recovering in a temple of Sarenrae.
"Who would want to kill, Master Dalton?" Besides those of course who have felt the sharp side of his ever-needling tongue.
Toramin bows low to Geoffrey, "If you will excuse me, sir, I would like to go check on Master Dalton. It would not do for him to survive Xilres only to be brought low by assassins."