"Alright. Tomorrow morning, then. I will risk the walk back to The Salty Mermaid." She inspects her morningstar, ensuring there are no traces of Chelish Citizen's Brigade blood. "Until then," she draws her cloak over her head, retrieves her shield, and heads toward the door.
"Given the notion that the Dottari could be looking for us after the incident at the Stirling, I hadn't thought to move her yet but..." Galen starts to tear up once again and looks over at Dany lying on the bed, his face anguished. "Aww damn...I am sorry I keep doing that..." He wipes away the tears from his eyes energetically and takes a steadying breath before he speaks again.
"I...would like that, Isabel. Very much. Madame Violca would see to her for a few days of course but I should not like to burden her for long. Danyeren is known somewhat at the Songbird Hall actually...she introduced me to the faithful of The Eternal Rose there some years ago when we were both younger and new to the Alabaster Academy. Not that I wish to burden those of Shelyn in times like these, but I would feel more at peace if she was safely there."
"For today and tonight Varian, my home is your home. If Little Lowcleft is clear of Dottari interlopers then I shall go and make purchases upon your behalf in Old Kintargo...perhaps too I can stop by the Tooth and Nail to get some additional food as well as an earful of news at what is happening out there today." Galen's face clouds over somewhat as he has another thought. "Past tonight however, I cannot risk bringing down the wrath of the Dottari upon the people of Little Lowcleft. I will see if Madame Violca will allow me to keep paying for the room, but I should pack my essentials and find other accommodations myself in the days ahead."
She turns to Phineas and Darian enquiringly. "Will either of you gentlemen be returning with me? It might be sensible Darian, for us to be seen far away from Aria Park, just in case. Thank you for your hospitality Galen."
"I should return home as well. Thank you for the offer, Isabel. I will travel with you and Darian, since my offices are between here and the Greens. All three of us came here in disguise, so we should be safe to travel together without drawing comment."
As they prepare to leave, Phineas will listen to Galen discuss future living arrangements with Varian. Before he heads out the door, Phineas speaks.
"Galen, thank you for your hospitality today. Your tea was excellent, and the respite here was most welcome."
Phineas hesitates briefly before continuing.
"I think you are wise to avoid bringing Little Lowcleft into this any more than is necessary. If you are in need of alternative living accommodations, I would offer you my spare room. It is currently being used as a study, but could easily be changed to a second bedroom. If I recall correctly, you mentioned at the Tooth and Nail that you do scribe work on commission. As it happens, my law practice needs a moderate amount of scribing done, and while I generally do it myself, I have considered hiring someone to help with the work. If you would be willing to work with me, we could simply imply to any who might inquire that the living space was part of your compensation, and it would give us a ready societal reason to be seen together without creating questions."
"Think on it, and we can discuss details tomorrow if you are interested. Good day to all of you, and stay safe until we meet again."
Phineas will nod to the room, and head out the door to return home with Darian and Isabel.
"Thank you for your hospitality Galen, I promise I will pay you pack for this" Varian smiles and continues, "But I agree with you. We shouldn't be drawing too much attentions upon your people. Maybe we can find a place to stay together for the next days". Maybe we can arrange that livery into a livable place, unless it's hunted as people say...No one would be searching us there...
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Avrora wearily treads into her small inn room, shedding her armor and weaponry like a second skin. The pieces fall heavily to the floor, reminding her of the burden she has carried all day. Exhausted, she seats herself at the modest desk, retrieving a candle and match from its top drawer. The flame flares then settles, casting the room with an eerie, flickering glow. She stares at herself in the mirror, trying to recognize the girl she sees. She rubs her hands over her face then back over her cropped hair, bowing her head and locking her fingers behind her neck.
She thinks of why she has come back to the city, and of how those plans have now been delayed. Galen's comment comes back to her. If any of us are to have a normal life, it cannot be in this city as it currently exists. If there's even a chance to rid the city of Barzillai, I'd be a fool not to at least consider it.
At that, her shoulder begins to tingle again. This happened earlier, in the alley with Rexus. Curious, she removes her shirt and turns her bare shoulder toward the mirror. It's her birthmark. She'd gotten so used to it she hardly ever thought of it. She almost gasps at the site of it. It has grown. Was it always so large? She can't remember. And such a strange shape, too, like a starburst or a flower. She caresses it gently, mildly concerned. But as she does, a feeling of euphoria envelopes her and she smiles.
Yes, perhaps there's hope for a normal life, after all. She blows out the candle and crawls into bed. She dreams of roses.
Rexus looks at Darian with a smile on his face. ”Well, the hideout itself isn’t what is important - what the Silver Ravens might’ve left there is. Any information about their tactics, perhaps magical supplies, or even lists of other hideouts will be of great use to us. As for the rebellion itself.. after we’re done checking out the Livery, we’ll go talk to a friend of my mother’s that has been working against Thrune - or at least, the general Cheliax government - for most of her life. Laria Longroad. “ He waves his hand dismissing that particular subject. ”I’ll let her give you her story herself though. Let’s focus on the Fair Fortune Livery first before we start thinking about what’s next.”
When Galen gives him the Iroran book disguised Rexus holds it tenderly to his chest. ”Thank you Galen - I’ll keep this well protected. I had originally not even known my parents followed Irori’s teachings, so this was a relatively new revelation to me. I myself have followed Shelyn for quite some time.. but I’ll give this a read as soon as I’m able.”
In response to Avrora, he shrugs. ”She didn’t trust me enough to tell me about her association earlier - although she might’ve been protecting me in that regards. My parents always gave me plenty of room to develop my own ideologies, with only enough distant oversight to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid. I stumbled through a dozen causes before deciding I wanted to work towards bettering Kitnargo. Just as I was about to announce my choice to my parents, the Night of Ashes occurred.” He sighs, but then shakes his head.
In addition, you appraise the ring to be worth roughly seventy-eight golden sails.
”Anyways, let us reconvene tomorrow morning at say.. eight in the morning? We can all meet up at a general store in Redroof called ‘Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies’ - it’s known to sell supplies for adventurers, and the proprietor is a friendly chap from what I’ve heard. We can meet up there and buy any last-minute supplies before heading out to the Livery. Sound good?” Not hearing any voices against his idea, he nods, mostly to himself. ”Kelimber’s is located just north of the Redroof Market on Cardinal Row, and just south of Hocum’s Fantasmagorium. You can’t miss it. Bring anything you think you might need, though we can always purchase more supplies at Kelimber’s. Should something happen that makes it impossible for us to meet there, instead try to meet at the Long Roads Coffeehouse in Villegre.”
As he packs up his mother’s coffer for safe keeping, he looks and adds as an afterthought, ”Ah! I almost forgot. I’ll be in disguise again, but only my facial features will be changed; I’ll keep the same hair and beard style, and I’ll wear a single black glove again. Should not be difficult to spot. Let us not make mention of our true names at Kelimber’s, if that isn’t already obvious. ‘Victor’ will suffice for my alias.”
With that, the group convenes, each person heading their own way, whether back to the Greens or Villegre, or not far to a certain Salty Mermaid. Although each worried that their battle near Olmer’s Smithy would come back to haunt them, it appears their escape was a success; no one is apprehended, no one questioned.
<< | | | >>
The morning of Abadius 15th rises with a chilly fog blanketing the city. Those out early in the morning wrap themselves tightly in warm clothing, eventually to be discarded later in the day when the warmth finally seeps through the humidity. Activity within the city is slow, as between the cold and the palpable oppression in the air causes lethargy and a reluctance for many to go outside until later in the day.
Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies opens as soon as the night’s curfew is lifted, though the business sees little traffic so early. Maercin Kelimber, a podgy, bright-eyed man nearing middle age, happily greets customers himself, as few as there are this early in the morning. Those needing help finding something are personally shown around his store to find what they need, should they wish it. He’s a jovial, amiable individual eager to treat customers as old friends - even those faces he’s never met before. It’s of little wonder why he’s well liked amongst Redroof’s residents.
The store itself is made of red brick along with the rest of Redroof, all in stark contrast to the limestone construction the rest of the city sports. As a result, the building’s construction does little to keep out the cold, humid morning air, though a roaring fireplace located at one end of the store helps abate it to some extent. The shop primarily caters to Redroof’s residents, and thus all sorts of simple food stuffs, from dried fish to sacks of flour can be found for purchase along with general, everyday household goods such as pots and pans, candlesticks and even the odd board game. Located in and around the everyday household goods are pieces of equipment better suited for adventurers; packages of pre-prepared dried trail rations, rope, sturdy leather backpacks, torches, lanterns and kits designed to maintain armor and weapons can be found, among other things. In a separate section of the store, behind the counter, all sorts of alchemical goods and remedies are on display - everything from flasks filled with acid to delicate glass vials of antitoxin to gold-tipped sunrods. Kelimber does his best to make sure everyone finds what they need - else, if he doesn’t have it, makes sure to either help them find an alternative or find a place that does offer what they desire.
It is here, this cold, foggy morning, that the group gathers.
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Avrora stands before the large fireplace in Kelimber's Dry Goods, warming her hands. The morning chill clings to her still, though she finds herself in a remarkably good mood. The more she considers the possibilities, the more excited she becomes over Rexus's proposal.
She is apparently the first to arrive this morning, though she keeps her eyes peeled for her newfound companions.
Phineas wakes early, rising at dawn to begin preparing for the day. He cooks a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon while brewing a cup of coffee, the pleasant aromas and routine actions helping to distract his thoughts from everything that happened the day before, and everything he plans to do today. He reviews papers related to legal work he needs to accomplish soon while he eats, keeping his mind busy. It doesn't work as well as he hoped. As he finishes his food, he gives up on his pretense of work and sits back with a sigh, holding his mug of coffee and gazing off into space, lost in thought.
We're really doing it. We're really going to rebel against Thrune. The thought does nothing to ease his growing anxiety. And we're going to investigate a possibly haunted building. I am not well equipped to deal with spirits and ghosts, but at least Varian will be there. A priest of Milani!. He smiles to no one and gives a slight shake of his head. That was unexpected. I have found myself in quite the group of talented individuals. Just maybe we have a chance of success after all. The distant ringing of the bells from the church of Abadar drift into the room, snapping Phineas out of his thoughts. I need to get moving, I have to have time to get in costume. Phineas thinks back to the discussions of undead strengths and weaknesses he had with Erica, long ago when they were studying together at the temple of Asmodeus in Egorian. If the stables really are haunted, holy water may be extremely useful. I just wish it didn't cost so much, but Rexus' financial contribution will cover a single bottle, at least. I don't have enough time before we're supposed to meet to forge the correct paperwork and stop by Songbird Hall, but I should at least be able to prepare the paperwork and still make it. Davis is a merchant, so I should be able to forge a believable license for holding limited quantities of a controlled substance for foreign trade.
Phineas shaves and washes his face, then begins the lengthy process of forging the necessary papers and applying his disguise, humming a tune from his favorite opera as he works.
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Phineas arrives at Kelimber's Dry Goods just as the bells toll eight, the chilly fog continuing to linger as it stubbornly refuses to yield to the rising sun. He is dressed as Davis in his sturdy leather boots, wide brimmed hat and oversized clothes with leather armor underneath, an ensemble well suited to warding off the cold and the damp.
He enters to find that Avrora is already there, stoking the fire. Hm. She didn't give an alias last night, but Rexus was right that we should all avoid our real names. I should be able to get by without using her name as long as I address her clearly. Phineas will join her at the fire, warming his gloved hands. "Good morning. Bit of a damp and chilly day for running about, eh? Hopefully the sun will finish rising and burn off this damnable fog by the time everyone else arrives." Phineas glances around the many shelves containing all sorts of useful equipment. "The store seems well stocked. Do you have any planned purchases in mind?"
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Songbird Hall was one of the most beautiful places in Kintargo, even when filled with injured people and their concerned relatives. However for Isabel the temple always brought back difficult memories. I wish you were still here mother... you'd know what to do. You were always so sure of Her love and Her guidance. I just miss you so much. As they enter the temple Isabel scanned the crowd to locate one of the full priests - when she caught sight of Sister Lerian she directed Darian towards her. "Remember the story, we came across a mugging and you were able to scare the men away, we found her like this and brought her here. I trust Sister Lerian, but the less they know...
As Darian carried his cargo further into the temple Isabel drifted off to a side chapel, where a small stained glass window of a dancing couple surrounded by an arch of roses still captures the afternoon sun. Looking up at her parents Isabel has to work hard not to cry. I miss you both mother. I haven't seen father for so long - he can't bear Kintargo anymore. I just want to see you both again, I want to be held and supported. Please find him, wherever he is, help him and... and tell him I miss him. Isabel sat quietly in front of the window for a few more minutes before rejoining the others for their journey out to the Greens. As they walk Darian explained, in unnecessary detail, the provision that the Shelynites were making for Dany and neither of the men comment on the tear that slowly ran down Isabel's cheek.
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When Isabel returned home the first thing she received was a flying hug from Sunset, nearly frantic with worry. By the time Isabel had managed to calm Sunset down and ask for Annette to bring tea Sunset had spilled the whole story.
"I'm so sorry Isabel. The Tooth was manic this morning and I just couldn't get away, by the time I got to the park the protest had already been broken. I heard screaming, saw the guards and that horrible beast thing. I knew there was nothing I could do - I'm so sorry you were there, I came home straight away! Thank the god's you're safe. I couldn't lose another friend!"
Over a warm cup of tea (not mint, of course!) Isabel managed to calm Sunset down and fill her in on a slightly vague version of the days events. "I'm not telling you everything Sunset because there's too much in the air at the moment. If I tell you everything then I betray another's confidence and make you vulnerable. Tomorrow I may be able to tell you more, but tonight ignorance is the best course." Isabel smiles in a slightly rueful fashion. "Besides, that's not the strangest thing I did today... I kissed Darian Aulamaxa..." Sunset, willing to take a hint, exclaims in surprise and the rest of the evening is passed enjoyably.
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The next day Isabel leaves early, with Sunset's help her hair is secured in a tight bun at the back of her head and covered by both a dark hair net and a fashionable hat. Isabel takes care to 'dress down' but her clothes are still of good quality and well made. According to Sunset she appears the very image of middle-class merchants wife, some tactical make-up later Isabel's smooth cheeks have the ghost of wrinkles and her forehead is slightly creased.
She crosses the Bleakbridge without issue and arrives at Kelimbers sometime after eight. She browses for a while, trying to establish who else is in the shop and feigning an interest in Kelimbers spice collection when he comes to help her. Recognising various members of the group she waits for Rexus to appear.
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"Eh, good morning..." Avrora is at first taken back, but then recognizes Phineas's disguise from the previous day. "Ph...Davis. Just call me, um Vera," she says, recalling the name of a disliked cousin. "I did have a few things in mind, but I wanted to speak with all of you before deciding. If Victor is correct and there are ghosts and worse, we'll need to be organized. I want a compass, and I also saw a jar of vermin repellant behind the counter. Yourself?" She clicks her tongue, smiling vacantly as Maercin circles by again.
Darian concluded his gentlemanly escort of Isabel home, lingering for but a moment to enjoy the sight of her walking off into her home before turning himself and starting towards the Greens. The first thing he sees through the gates to the district, however, is the Victocora estate, and it brings all the jumbled up feelings of the riot rushing back.
Ugh. I can't believe...Rex...Varian...next thing I know, my great-grandfather will come walking up to give me a good slap on the back and say hi.
He thought back to the fact that he has now agreed to take part in an adventure, of all things, with this band of rebels that he finds himself an inadvertent part of, and realized that he knew very little about the place they intended to go. As such, he turns away from the Greens, and roams around town and casually brings up the Fair Fortune Livery in hopes of learning what he can of it.
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That night, he stood in front of the mirror in his room of his parents estate, looking into his own eyes as he pondered the days events. It kept his head swimming, though the current always drew him back to the kiss he shared with Isabel.
Where did that come from? Is she just making a play to advance herself, or does she, in fact, truly like me? She never flirted with me before, during her dancing lessons...no...this isn't some social game. What in the world did I do that snared her eye?
It is then he notices a high pitched panting from behind him. He turned his head over his shoulder, and saw his mother's poodle sitting on the foot of his four-post bed staring at him annoyingly. "Go on, Harcule, go find mom," he says to the dog, who only tilts its head to the side at Darian's command.
Darian turns his voice stern and says again, "Go on! Get!"
The poodle bares its teeth and growls, surely a ridiculous sight to most, given the dogs highly manicured appearance, but one that only angers Darian more. He grabs a hand towel from his dresser and swats it at the dog, shooing it all the while. Harcule snaps at it and, once it has a hold of it, begins shaking its head viciously side to side.
Darian grabs hold of the other end with both hands, and physically drags Harcule from the room and out his door, before turning and quickly closing it behind him.
"Damned dog."
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The next morning, at sunrise, Darian goes to check on Dany at the temple, making sure she is well tended to on Galen's behalf, using the same ruse as before regarding how she acquired her condition if asked. To make sure she is kept comfortable, Darian makes a small donation to the temple, as well as purchases several scrolls of healing magics for their upcoming venture.
He then makes another stop on the way to the meeting sight, purchasing a pair of sunrods in case light is needed, as well as a nice backpack, before going to join the others at Kelimber's.
As he walks in, he sees Maercin look up to take stock of the new customer, and recognition of Darian washes over his face. As the man makes his way to try to help Darian with something...anything...to possibly gain a few coins from his coin purse, Darian holds up a hand and says politely, "I beg your pardon, sir, but I require no assistance. I have a bet going with the Vashnarstill lads that I cannot acquire...well...a certain item...without help. I've had no luck so far, but I wouldn't risk losing the bet by having you lend me aid. I will just be looking around, and if I find what I need I will call you over. But, until then, by all means tend to your other customers, I will not take offense."
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”Vermin repellant? ICK!” Suddenly appearing behind both 'Vera' and 'Davis' is a young man that they would know easily as Galen, though he does bear some obvious differences to one who doesn't know him would focus on first. For one, his hair is now all light grey as if only his hair aged thirty years, the color matching the color of the paneled cloak he wears around him to keep out the cold. For another, his kapenia scarf is a solid bright yellow color. He came around a nearby shelf corner to surprise them on purpose, particularly Vera.
”I suppose the only thing worse than that vermin repellant are the vermin themselves eh? Eh Vera? Eh? Ahahaha!” He chuckles rather smarmily with a higher-than-normal affectation to his voice from yesterday.
Turning to Davis he says, ”Oh forgive me good Master, allow me to introduce myself – Master Hopwise Allswellside, at yer service!” With a wink and a nod he gestures to 'Vera' who he seems to be trying to make uncomfortable as if they are well-acquainted socially. ”Of course, my friends call me Hop the Mouse…or just ‘Hop’ if you prefer…OOH look, alchemy!” He steps forward then to look at the wondrous alchemical items behind the display counter as if looking at gifts for the first time during the Winter Solstice.
”I’ll take two of those flasks of that formidable acid there…best way to clean off a manor’s front porch you know…oh and I do like to look of that candle lamp over there hooked on the wall…just my color…”
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"Eh, good morning..." Avrora is at first taken back, but then recognizes Phineas's disguise from the previous day. "Ph...Davis. Just call me, um Vera," she says, recalling the name of a disliked cousin. "I did have a few things in mind, but I wanted to speak with all of you before deciding. If Victor is correct and there are ghosts and worse, we'll need to be organized. I want a compass, and I also saw a jar of vermin repellant behind the counter. Yourself?" She clicks her tongue, smiling vacantly as Maercin circles by again.
"Aye, Ghosts. Those will be trouble, if they are truly there. I don't need anything here, but I intend to stop by Songbird Hall before we leave and pick up some Holy Water, just in case." Phineas pats his jacket pocket. "Sometimes, having a license for controlled substances can be...useful. I'll want Julius to look over my paperwork to ensure everything is in order, of course; as a scholar, I am sure he will be familiar with the forms and procedures. It wouldn't do to raise any trouble with the government over a simple paperwork mishap."
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”Vermin repellant? ICK!”
Avrora visibly jumps as the gray-haired Galen leaps from behind an unassuming corner.
”I suppose the only thing worse than that vermin repellant are the vermin themselves eh? Eh Vera? Eh? Ahahaha!” He chuckles rather smarmily with a higher-than-normal affectation to his voice from yesterday.
"Oh ah, yes, indeed, vermin!" She laughs nervously in an attempt to mimic "Hop's" near-maniacal gaiety, though the look she draws from the two of them suggests her laugh is more deranged than jovial. She ends abruptly, transitioning into an awkward cough. "Excuse me," she mumbles.
She was never very good at acting. "How on earth will you convince a lord that you love him?" her mother had once asked.
She turns to "Davis." "Yes I'm sure he has experience with such things. Speaking of, have you seen the others?" she asks, seeking to deflect attention away from her "performance."
Varian enjoys the hot bath, letting his thoughts drift away. His mind is filled with images of terror, pain and blood, but as he relaxes, those images are quickly replaced by those of joy and friendship. I've met new friends in the last few days...Strong-willed individuals with the boldness to oppose the government. Maybe this is just an illusion and their fortitude will collapse in front of the first hard time, but there's no way I can know. I trust them, at least for now...But the hesitation in Darian's eyes...I must be strong. I must help him understand that this is not my battle, it's ourbattle, and we must stand against Thrune...at all costs!
---
After bathing, Varian shaves and uses his newly acquired cologne to smell nicer. He looks at his own reflection in the mirror. I'm back he thinks to himself with a self-satisfied grin. His raven hairs are clean and perfectly tidy, his face has gained its old elegance once again. And he has got new clothes, those of a quite fashionable scholar: black and red, with golden thread embroided in the weaving.
---
At the fixed time, Varian meets with his newfound allies again. He smiles as soon as he sees them. He smells nice, his scrubby beard his nowhere to be seen, replaced by a confident and manly face kept tidy. He wears new, elegant clothes as well. He's more imperious than ever, and he seems to exude confidence.
He greets everyone politely and quickly analyzes Phineas' document, in search of any possible mistakes.
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"Thank you for taking a look at my paperwork, Julius. These forms can be complex, and I wanted to verify I had everything in order. I see Victor is not yet here. I don't wish to hold us up, so I will go and make my purchase from Songbird Hall. When Victor arrives, let him know I should return it half an hour, and we can depart."
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Phineas walks into Songbird hall, wiping the mud from his boots and shaking the damp from his jacket. The walk here had been largely uneventful, with the cold and the wet keeping many people inside. The temple itself, however, is busy despite the early hour, as more people than usual are still seeking succor here due to yesterday's events. He joins a small group of people waiting to receive blessings, purchase magical healing, or otherwise conduct business with the temple. Soon, he is seen to by a tired looking acolyte.
"Good day, my friend. I seek the blessings of Shelyn, and a flask of holy water. I will gladly donate to the church for your trouble." Phineas shakes his head sadly. "I heard about the riot at the Aria yesterday. Bad business, that. You all do such good work here, I want to support your efforts. " My faith died with my marriage, but Davis is devout. Play the part, Phineas. They do good work here, at least, and they are taking care of Dany. When the clergy asks for his license, Phineas produces the proper paperwork. "Aye, I have it right here. License for foreign trade in domestically controlled substances. Just need to restock a small bit before heading out." Phineas smiles as the man looks over his papers. "I trust everything is in order?"
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”Well now, Varian, you look a fair bit more to your proper self there!” Galen sits cross-legged on his bed with his worn leather satchel completely dumped out across it, nibbling on a thick piece of bread while picking through a variety of goods he’s collected or stored, deciding what he needs to take with him in the morning. Upon the fine bookshelf are the books he’s collected, minus the Irori sacred text he gave to Rexus to keep earlier that morning. Varian finds that food has been arrayed on the lone wooden table as well as hot tea and fresh water, some of it Galen bought while he was out and some brought up by Madame Violca’s family. The shared washroom at the end of the hall has been left entirely to their use for now, giving Varian the peace and time he needed to get himself washed, shaved and clean.
”It’s hard to choose what to leave behind,” says Galen absently as he packs a bag of marbles tightly in a pouch and tests its slipknot bindings, ”but I’ll have to leave all my books and writings and most of my scribing tools and clothes of course. It’s just things I suppose, after all, though I’ll miss my routines. Still, it’s been a comfort…I’ll bring the teapot and incense censer and at least we’ll have tea and a fair aroma for wherever I end up.” Galen sighs and finishes his bite of bread, looking over to Varian now arrayed in decent clothes befitting a scholar once again.
”I suppose now’s a good time to owe you my apologies, Varian. A week ago, at Isabel Rhelian’s fine home, I was against you and your words to wake up to the evils of this Barzillai Thrune and what he represented. The proclamations, the fires, the taxes – all of it I didn’t want to believe, thinking reason and compromise would prevail here as it had so often in Kintargo before. My ‘Rose’ is not your ‘Rose’ after all…” he muses sadly, ”…but I should have been more willing to listen to you that night.”
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”You are paid through Abadius, Galen. I will hold the room for as long as you pay it through. As far as the other matter, I have spoken with my own family and that of the clans who hold sway here. Galen lives and works here quietly – as he has always done - and has not been seen or known about in any troubles of the city. Alas, he always seems to be out on errands should any come to call upon him.” Madame Violca chuckles at the deception, then adds to Galen, ”Just make sure you do not come here straightaway should you need actual use of the room, but by the secret ways. Just in case the Dottari have spies or informants outside Lowcleft that are somewhat capable. Understand?”
”Yes, Madame Violca, and thank you. You’ve done me a great favor with all of your help to me, and I am indebted to you.”
Galen has just finished saying his goodbyes to Varian Tanessen as “Julius” a few minutes before, several Varisian children leading him off to discreetly leave Little Lowcleft by lesser traveled alleys before the light of the morning. Galen already related to the boarding house owner of Dany’s condition and her transference to the Songbird Hall, his voice steeled to it now after fits of sobbing the day before and a long night of nightmares of the attack that laid her low. He now dresses in his performance garb – minus the colors magically applied for the moment – with everything he plans on keeping in his satchel or in pouches on his belt. Galen is now a vagabond without a road to tread on.
Madame Violca dismisses his notion of burden with an audible scoffing sound and puts a weathered hand on his shoulder. ”Nonsense. I see to the last heir of my dear childhood friend Mireli, your grandmother now in spirit. I know of the Harrowing you see, and I have my own oaths and debts to pay which far outweigh yours. Keep the room paid as symbol of your commitment to my family name, and I am satisfied with the rest of it.”
”I promise, Madame Violca.” Galen smiles and looks down at the street to an uncertain future. ”Time to go.”
”Fortune and luck be with you, Galen Mistbringer.”
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“Hopwise” does his best to generally make a nuisance of himself to Vera, Julius, Isabel’s disguised self and others after Davis leaves Kelimber’s for the Songbird Hall, even as he packs his recent purchases in belt pouches or his worn satchel. For a while Hop fiddles with the newly purchased candle lamp, ensuring he can hold the top brass ring while palming an ordinary stone in his hand at the same time. Satisfied with the results, he asks Maercin Kelimber a variety of inane questions on the various alchemical goods he has displayed.
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As the group browses Kelimber’s goods and greet each other, they are joined by ‘Victor’, wearing the same clothes as he had yesterday and sporting only a few minor changes in his visage; as a result, he’s easy recognized by everyone expecting him to be there. Though wearing the same, exact clothes as yesterday, they appear to have been cleaned, even if they look like they’ve been thoroughly worn lately; what used to have been a fine set of courtier’s clothes has become minorly frayed and worn thin due to having been over-used and stained repeatedly and cleaned in a short amount of time. Due to his recent misfortunes, it is likely that these are the only clothes Rexus - ‘Victor’ - owns at this time.
Regardless, he greets everyone with a smile as he approaches, leaning on an ornate, wooden cane as he walks. ”Ah what a surprise it is to run into you all here! If none of you are currently busy, let us vacate poor Kelimber’s store and find.. another location.. to mingle, shall we?” he winks as his message is painfully clear to the group. Kelimber, however, although busy helping another customer, waves everyone goodbye as they leave for the Fair Fortune Livery and invites them to shop at his store again.
The walk to the Fair Fortune Livery takes but six minutes as the group goes down Cardinal Row, taking a turn onto Scarlet Pathway and down a small side street named after the long-dead Juliac Family. It is here that the group stops in front of the old Livery.
The Livery itself is an old brick building with a dilapidated roof, its windows completely boarded up and the front doors loosely chained shut. Cracks and moss line the brick walls and the mortar appears old and unmaintained - it's a wonder the building still stands at all. Rexus, standing next to Darian, whistles at the sight. ”So.. an adventure. So exciting! Who wants to go first? Perhaps we should peek around the perimeter, or should we just barge in? I’ve never done this sort of thing before.”
Thankfully, Juliac Way is relatively deserted this time of day so no one is around to watch the group contemplate entering the Livery - or to listen to Rexus get excited about the task they’re about to undertake.
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Darian takes in the sight of the building, before replying, "I'll take a quick look around the outside. Everybody wait here."
Before he steps away, he pauses and turns to the rest, locks eyes with Isabel for a brief moment, then looks to Varian, and says, "Before I do, I feel I owe you all an apology for my behavior yesterday. I let my emotions of the situation get the better of me. But, as the saying goes, I've went from the frying pan and into the fire at this point. There is no going back. So whatever we have to do to secure the safety of the city, our families, and our loved ones, I want you all to know, I'm going to do my best to see that it is done. On that note," he reaches into his pack and removes three scroll cases, tosses two of them to Varian, and fastens the third onto his own hip. "I purchased these early this morning. Scrolls of healing magics. They will likely come in handy, though I hope we don't see a need for them."
He then turns and moves quietly to the corner, then around the building and out of sight.
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Varian follows Rexus and his allies to the old Livery. I never liked Liveries...They smell terrible, thinks Varian to himself as the group walks through the city streets. And those rumors about haunts in this place just make me uncomfortable...But I must stay strong and bold, I cannot show my fear to them. They rely on me, I need to stay strong and set an example, so...You'll have to live with your distaste for liveries, my dear Varian. His fears about haunts and bad smells are though quickly overwhelmed by excitement as the group draws nearer to the old Livery. Varian curses the secrecy of their task once more: he would have like to share his excitement with his allies. We're going to visit a place somehow linked to the Silver Ravens, those who standed against all odds and set an example for us to emulate today. Maybe it's not a mere coincidence that this is happening now. I've spent years searching for even the least clue about the Silver Ravens, but Thrune have made them vanish from history...Until now!
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As soon as they reach the old Livery, Varian brings his hand up to his face, gesturing to Rexus to lower his voice. The excitement in his eyes is somehow contagious, but it also suggests that the party will have to pay particular attention to the man. He's new to adventure, as he admitted himself, so they'd better watch out for any danger before the unexperienced man can stumble across them.
Turning to his allies, Varian whispers with a resolute voice. "I suggest we search the perimeter of the livery before entering. Lady Isabel, rumor has it half-elves have keen eyes and senses. Would you mind taking a look around for us? I could come along as well if you need me, of course."
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When Darian apologizes to him and Isabel for his recent beahviour, Varian tries to stand strict and emotionless, but he can't help but smile genuinely to his cousin. "That punch reminded me I needed to shave, cousin. That's ancient history now" he says nodding to Darian. "And I'm glad you've realized that this isn't just a choice, something we would have done regardless...This is simply the only thing we can do to save those who care for...At least those who still live".
As Darian tosses him two healing scrolls, Varian quickly rolls them up and tucks them into his ornated scroll case depicting a silver dragon leading an army. His smiles fades into a painful grin, then turns into a resolute smile again. Your death won't be in vain, Celissa he swears to himself.
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⓪ — enhanced diplomacy, light, stabilize
① — bless, protection from evil (), summon monster I
"I've went from the frying pan and into the fire at this point. There is no going back. So whatever we have to do to secure the safety of the city, our families, and our loved ones, I want you all to know, I'm going to do my best to see that it is done."
"Well!" Avrora exclaims under her breath, "I'm glad to see that it only took a massacre and a hellfiend to knock some sense into him. At least it wasn't difficult." But she smiles as she speaks, clearly impressed with the man.
"So," she says as she hefts her thorned mace and shield, "Anyone heard any good jokes lately?"
Phineas' heart beats faster and faster as they approach the dilapidated old building. He's never done anything like this before; his only experiences with conflict in the past have been with people, obstacles that could be overcome with the right words, the right psychological pressure applied in just the right way. Digging around in a crumbling, possibly haunted building is outside his realm of expertise, and it has him on edge.
"Before I do, I feel I owe you all an apology for my behavior yesterday. I let my emotions of the situation get the better of me. But, as the saying goes, I've went from the frying pan and into the fire at this point. There is no going back. So whatever we have to do to secure the safety of the city, our families, and our loved ones, I want you all to know, I'm going to do my best to see that it is done."
Phineas will nod to Darian as he replies. "You fought well yesterday, despite being pushed into this. You're right, there is no going back for any of us. We're going to move forward, and see this through to the end. I am glad to have you with us."
As Darian moves to scout around the building, Phineas will stay put. "Like you, Victor, I have never done anything like this before." Phineas feels a sense of panic rise inside him as he thinks about trying to scout the exterior. He's never learned how to try and hide himself, and thinking about it is unsettling. He loathes being unprepared for attempting a task. "I...I think I should stick here with the rest of you until Darian gets back. I've never really tried to surreptitiously move about a place before, and though I suppose I should learn soon given what we're about, now is probably not the time to experiment..."
Darian returns to the group from the opposite corner of the building.
"The building is in pretty bad shape, that much is clear. But, there is a back door that doesn't appear to be locked, but opening it isn't going to be quiet. I think we should go in that way, anyway. That way the front door will remain chained and perhaps make the place continue to appear undisturbed."
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Before he steps away, he pauses and turns to the rest, locks eyes with Isabel for a brief moment, then looks to Varian, and says, "Before I do, I feel I owe you all an apology for my behavior yesterday. I let my emotions of the situation get the better of me. But, as the saying goes, I've went from the frying pan and into the fire at this point. There is no going back. So whatever we have to do to secure the safety of the city, our families, and our loved ones, I want you all to know, I'm going to do my best to see that it is done. On that note," he reaches into his pack and removes three scroll cases, tosses two of them to Varian, and fastens the third onto his own hip. "I purchased these early this morning. Scrolls of healing magics. They will likely come in handy, though I hope we don't see a need for them."
Isabel smiles gratefully as Darian apologises. You are a good man Darian Aulamaxa, not many men of your station would apologise - whether they were wrong or not... Her esteem for him rises a little higher.
As Darian sneaks away Isabel steps forward cautiously and places her ear to the front door, removing her hat to do so. Even with Phineas and Victor bemoaning their lack of experience she still manages to get a good sense of what's going on inside by the time Darian returns.
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As she listened at the door it suddenly dawned on her that Varian had asked her to help with the scouting a minute before. Glancing around she hopped up and hurried after the cousins.
"There's something inside. I'd say a dog, possibly more than one. The growls were quite deep so I'd say one of decent size."
Isabel patrols the perimeter carefully with the others, keeping her ears open as best she can.
"The building is in pretty bad shape, that much is clear. But, there is a back door that doesn't appear to be locked, but opening it isn't going to be quiet. I think we should go in that way, anyway. That way the front door will remain chained and perhaps make the place continue to appear undisturbed."
"That sounds like a good idea. Noise might alert whatever inside is making that growling noise, but I think it is worth it to keep the building such that it appears to be undisturbed from the street. Lead the way."
"Right, I agree. If this is what we hope it to be, we don't want to draw any undue attention toward it." Avrora warily leads the group around the back and side of the building and toward the back door. She eyes it with trepidation. "What if it's trapped?" she asks.
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Galen nods silently with Phineas and Avrora, following along with both of them closely. As they approach the back side of the livery he withdraws a candle and the small shuttered candle lamp he just purchased at Kelimbers, but also extracts a rose-hued crystal from his kapenia and palms it while holding the lamp in his right hand.
As they pause at the back door, Galen works to light one of his candles to put in the shuttered lamp, working with a slight degree of nervousness to keep himself busy while the others talk about entry.
Darian looks back to everyone, and says, "If Isabel is right in what she heard, we may not be in for a pleasant greeting. I suggest we be ready for a fight," as he readies his sword and shield.
He then moves forward, and reaches for the handle of the door, and begins trying to open it...
Behind the old livery, the group finds a backdoor that appears to be unlocked and unchained unlike the front doors. A stack of old, rotted wood and a rusted stove sits near it; both have obviously been untouched for ages. A small patio roof sits half-rotted through above the back door, providing a small amount of shade and cover. The door itself is of solid wood that appears to be in pretty poor condition. It is slightly warped due to the city’s abundant humidity and due to lack of maintenance. Through inspection, there does not appear to be any sort of trap guarding the door and after a couple of minutes of shoving on the misshapen door, Darian finally busts it open.
Right after he does so, the group hears growling coming from within the building - due to the light creeping in from the building’s cracks and damaged roof, they can see the outline of a large, feral mastiff standing near a wall, growling and baring its fangs. The mastiff appears half emaciated and patches of its fur are missing. Although the animal is in poor condition, it does appear that this dog matches the requirements of Barzillai’s Third Proclamation, should anyone in the group want to earn a measly two silver shields for the capture of said animal alive.
Although difficult to see due to the darkness, there’s an old, busted wagon sitting half-destroyed in the building’s interior amidst scraps of wood, old straw and dog droppings.
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Darian lights his sunrod and places it in his shield sconce as he steps through the door, turning to half-jokingly ask the others, "Anyone got a steak?"
Avrora draws in a breath at the sight of the dog. Feral muts are common enough in the city, though the image of such suffering has always made her uneasy.
"How did it get in here?" she asks, searching the room for an opening. "It might be intentionally placed to guard. For all we know, this building could be used to hide illicit drugs."
Seeing Darian light a sunrod, she utters a soft prayer and her shield begins to glow, illuminating her face with a soft light.
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Phineas peek tentatively over Avrora's shoulder at the outline of the dog, taking care to keep his more durable friends between him and the beast. "Does anyone have any food on them? I don't know a lot about animals, but that dog looks hungry. It might let us pass without incident if it was busy eating, or if it had gorged itself too full to move."
To repel darkness, Varian whispers a prayer to Milani, lighting up his morning star as he draws it. "Poor dog" says Varian shaking his head upon seeing the crook creature. "Unfortunately, I don't have ant food with me Phineas, but I think yours is a good idea. I would prefer not to harm this dog, and providing him something to eat would be a good solution I suppose."
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Varian and Darian enter the building, slowly approaching the mastiff, their weapons out just in case. ”Good doggy... don't bite me now.” Darian says in a friendly voice to the mastiff - however, although he makes no threatening moves or gestures, the dog’s growling deepens and it barks aggressively and appears about ready to attack. Two more dogs, these ones half-emaciated mutts, smaller than the larger mastiff that appears to lead the pack, come out of their dens and begin barking. Although of less pressing matter than the feral dogs, anyone entering the interior of the building gets hit in the face with a strong smell of old urine, dog feces, rotting wood and dust. It’s clear that the dogs have marked their territory within the Livery and do not like trespassers such as Darian and Varian.
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Seeing the hound grow even more aggressive, as well as the rest of the pack appear, Darian calls out, "Damnit. Take them down quickly before the ruckus attracts attention!"
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"Damn."
On hearing the commotion begin inside, Phineas steps behind Galen to get a better angle to see what is going on, then begins to cast Sleep.
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