Ashe stands and his demeanor is one of seriousness.
"Look, Varrel... I am not going to make excuse or apology for the fact of my actually being a native of Korvosa and knowing this city and its people well! I've lived here all my life and yes.. I know a lot about its poeple and places for they are actually important to me no matter how common or non-noble, whatever non-noble is supposed to mean, of heritage or upbringing those people are. I have seen father's put their lives on the line in the defense of this city to protect their families in the face of death, and I have seen mother's go without food to feed their children though hunger gnaws at them as well... nothing could be more noble or admirable!"
"Yes, I do indeed take on the evils of this city and am willing, if need be, to face them down alone if I must! I'll make no apology or excuse for my devotion to protecting this city or is peoples from harm! Everyday I worry over if I'm actually doing enough, if there is more I can do to help or relieve suffering in this city while also looking after the interests of my family as well... I NEVER feel I'm doing enough that I'm not doing more! I'll NOT make apology or excuse for that either!"
"The fact is this, should you all choose to walk away or not do what is necessary to protect this city I STILL live here and yes, I will do what I deem necessary if you should all choose to do nothing with or without your assistance! I've already agreed to work more closely with Una's leadership... as the forces arrayed against US are more than one paladin - even with the best motivations can reasonably handle on his own. But I'm am also not going to be a baby-sitter and hold Master Hytogg's hand for his wounded pride!"
"I, at least, am not welcome here so I'd prefer not to stay and further anger the Thurge. But don't you DARE ignore the fact that he didn't just shut that door on me... he shut it also on ALL of you; including OUR new leader Una!"
Ashe picks up his helm and settles it upon his head, turning to look to Una for her direction.
There is a saying Ashe, "How do you know when you have met a young paladin?And the answer is: He will tell you." I do not doubt that you truly believe what you say. But while you boast about care and honour, think of another virtue: Humility. Consider what the word means, Ashe and you may understand WHY Hytogg and Una have taken issue with you. I notice it too. But it rarely bothers me, as I have lived under men with far worse character flaws. I tell you as your friend, whom I have confided some of my greatest hurts to, a Dose of Humility would do much for your relationship with this group.
He raises his voice for Hytogg's benefit again, And some tolerance on your part would not kill you, either. NOW, can we please cease this childish prattle and head out? Una, our course, please?
"If everyone has made what arcane and divine preparations are needed, then I think we should move on. The apothecary first, if no one objects, and then on to our meeting with the Marshall." Her voice is slightly muffled by the scarf wrapped around her lower face.
"As to Hytogg, I can understand his anger. He deals with it in a more common way then I would have. But it is best sometimes to walk away from anger until calmer emotions replace it, and I cannot grudge him that necessity."
"For the record, Ashe, I have never said that we should do nothing, in regards to many of our circumstances. I have said that we should wait and see what happens, so that we can respond and act with full information. Your hastiness to act is a flaw that is difficult to work around, but I hope we will be able to work more closely together than we have in the past. I can understand your need for action, but if it is detrimental to the safety of this group, I will strongly oppose it until we can act without endangerment, and I will attempt to remind you of the detriment from time to time, as the need arises. Varrel speaks true: humility might polish that armor of honor you wear so brilliantly. But I will let your conscience think on that for a time."
With this, she shoulders her crossbow, ensures her small pack and bolts are present and waits by the door.
Varrel likewise joins her at the door, Chatterbeak alights on his shoulder ready for adventure.
Ashe makes no comment and his face yields no clue as to his thoughts as his visor is down. He follows suit heading out the door to mount up on 'Redhoof' and await Una's lead.
Varrel spares a glance over his shoulder, hoping Hytogg will see sense and catch up...
Ashe is indeed mounted and will give directions only as needed. He is quite satisfied to have Redhoof trot along slowly so as not to out-distance the party and allow the mare to not be tired out by his weight.
Una calls to Hytogg before she departs the house.
"Hytogg, we're departing now. You are still welcome to join us, but if you are staying behind, I hope you will stay safe."
On the streets, she takes up a leisurely pace but sticks to the shadows when she can, out of habit more than anything else. She also keeps a tactical awareness on the crowd and the city trying to get a general feel for any changes that might have occurred since last night's storm.
Shakhan yawns and stares furiously at the dreary morning sun that half-heartedly peeks through the morning mist.
Hold. It seems someone at the house wants us. We should see what he wants
With her scarf still pulled up around her neck, Una turns and approaches the messenger.
"May I help you, sirrah? A wizard sleeps within; I would not embrace angering him so early."
Varrel waits for the man to speak.
When Una points out the stranger Shakhan follows her and meaningfully stands behind her, hand resting on his weapon.
Varrel chuckles considering the warning the man just received.You are most unlucky, for it is indeed the brooding wizard within that you seek. Let's continue to knock then and I shall do my very best to protect you.
He is merely joking about the danger and speaks with a smile.
Ashe gently reins in "Redhoof" to wait for the courier to be questioned by the rest of the party. Leaning forward on his saddle he rests on the saddlehorn patiently watching the interchange waiting in silence.
Finally unable to sleep due to all the commotion outside, Hytogg throws on his sleeping robe, and his fuzzy Sphinx slippers and heads to the door throwing it open with anger.
"I said to leave me alone". Then seeing the messenger he stops for moment, grabs the message without thanks, breaks the wax seal, and begins to read. As he reads his face goes white, and all the anger disappears from his face...replaced by...
DC 12 Sense Motive
A mixture of sadness, and shock.
He then drops the letter to the ground ignoring everyone else, and leaving the door open, before heading back to his room, slamming his door behind him. You can hear various bangs, and slams from his room...behind his closed door. The message lies forgotten on the floor just inside the entryway.
Varrel bends down and picks up the message, but does not read it. The Messagewas for Hytogg. He enters after the wizard. Pausing to thank the messenger and then moving to knock on the wizards door.
Hytogg, Is everything all right? Do you have a reply for the messenger perhaps?
Una takes the message from Varrel and reads it.
Having given into temptation and looked over Una's shoulder, Varrel understood that this group had lost an important member. He could not deign to stop the man, dire as the city's need was, this was something Hytogg must do.
He turns away from the house, and heads back towards the alchemist shop and the Marshall's. Good luck, my friend....
Chatterbeak flaps a bit on his shoulder.
Una, Shakhan, Ashe. The city will not wait.
Ashe's expression cannot be read under his visor as he replies, "...No, it won't wait, but Master Hytogg must do as he feels is best for him."
He makes not further comment as he reins "Red Hoof" to follow the party through the dawning morning streets of Korvosa.
"Right. Onwards. Do we know where we're going? Other than an apothecary?"
To the Marshall's Shakhan. She will at least have an idea of the Queens reaction to the rescue and possibly some work for us. If she has nothing, the temple of Many would be the best bet if there has been any disease outbreak.
Una raises an intimidating eyebrow at being called a Sir, but says nothing about it.
"Antiplagues, medicines, cures for the deadly ills of this world. That is what we are after. We heard tale of a plague ship being sunk last night, and we've come to be prepared."
Varrel stands behind Una, she had stated their intent and hopefully the store could help. They had taken a massive hit with Hytogg's absence
On there arrival at "Hedge Wizardry" the alchemist's shop Ashe dismounts and follows the others in.
Though likely the proprietor Phaeton Skoda recognizes Ashe's golden hued armor and distinctive helm with its large white plume atop as Ashe has frequented his shop often for alchemical needs - Ashe lifts his visor politely and greets him cordially with a smile and a little wave.
"Good morning Master Skoda."
Majenko lifts his head from his perch at Ashe's armored shoulder - suddenly interested as his tongue flashing out of his snout taking in the many varying smells and acrid aromas of the shop...
Ashe looks shocked at the SEVERE markdown Master Phaeton just gave for a alchemical remedy that usually sells for 50gold each!
He waits to see what the other party member's reactions are if they notice but mentally makes a note of how many vials the party purchases and will make sure his mother suitably recompenses the man for his wares.
That is most generous,thankyou.
Varrel new little about alchemy, but he did know enough that magical concoctions doing similar things cost far greater than what this man was charging.
He wondered the nature of Ashe's relationship with the man. Family, perhaps?
Uncertain about such things and their costs, Una eyes Ashe and Varrel to see what their reactions are before she parts with a few gold pieces.
"How much, good sir, for water purifiers?"
This seems too cheap. Is the man trying to cheat us I wonder?
Ashe smiles broadly listening to Master Skoda's words.
"Aye, May the Dawnflower shine with favor always upon you Master Skoda! Again the Inheritor's closest divine ally finds way to aid her efforts. You have our gratitude for your pious devotion and generosity... it shall not be forgotten or when the means are available repaid in kind."
Varrel relaxes a bit, unable to find any falsehood in the mans words.
Thank-you. It was unexpected generosity. How about the water purifiers, Una asked about?Then we need to be heading off.
"If we all chip in 27 gold we can purchase all 12 serums he has available... I'd be willing to put in my portion."
I will gladly pay at that price.
Varrel hands Ashe 27gp
Una silently hands over the 27 gp.
Ashe comments, "I can do that with the alchemical lab at Whiteplume manor - it seems simple enough that any of our few house servants could do the same, producing clean water for many more if set to the task for the day. I can also create water through divine magics, if our need is desperate."
I believe that is all we came for then, Una? Shall we head on to the Marshall?
Shakhan looks at the vials doubtfully as he hands over 27gp. "So this stuff isn't magic? How is it supposed to cure disease if it isn't magic?"
Ashe smiles as he pays Master Skoda, collecting the 12 vials. He splits them evenly into three sets of four vials keeping none for himself and gives each party member 4 vials.
Explaining to the superstitious Shakhan, "These are natural medicines from herbs and chemical compounds Shakhan. They do not cure disease in themselves but they do boost your own natural healing to fight off infections. Sort of like how a man who is very drunk does not feel injury as poignantly as a sober man."
Lowering his visor he turns again to Master Skoda, "Be well and wary Master Skoda... may the Inheritor guard and guide you as the Dawnflower deems needed and acceptible."
He turns for the door moving to hold the door for those exiting...
"hrmph... now that makes sense paladin. The Peg-Legged Goat is on the way to the Marshall. I'll pick up some potions there."