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I smile at the older woman, and I look to see what her reaction the question might be while maintaining a pleasant smile on my face and then I ask another question.
I am glad to see that you work alleviates much suffering in this world that many would say is unjust and unfair...what are your greatest challenges here...besides this medicine, is there something we can do to aid these unfortunate children. I would hate to see them have the same fate as their parents...or to end up in situations where their parents were forced to give them up.
I look at my compatriots, to see if they might add in and are hopefully looking for a reaction as well.
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Isador quietly breaks from the main party and heads over to the side porch where the boys are playing marbles.
Hey fellas... whatcha playen?
Isador smiles after glancing at the marbles in the ring.
Now that is nice shooter you have there...
My name is Isador but my friends call me Izzy. Mind if I join your game, it has been years since I played. In fact, it was in a home kinda like this one... just not as nice.
We had so many extra chores and special missions to do, I did not get to play too many games but I sure enjoyed it. What do you say... can I join in?
Isador makes a sweeping motion and with a quick wave of his hand, he magically reveals a blue cat's eye marble.
Sylorin can notice to deception in Auntie Baltwin's words and she grins with missing teeth as she hurriedly takes the package from Sylorin. Oh thank Sarenrae! I have so many little children that this medicine will help immediately. Have a blessed day. She nods her head a bit and offers a polite wave of her hands in an obvious attempt to move the party along and away from her Recovery House.
Auntie Baltwin crinkles her face as a few of the other party members question her as she attempts to usher away the agents. She turns to Havelock with some deference and laughs a little as she speaks to him. Oh, the children? Well hate to say they come and go. One thing Absalom is not short on is needy orphans. I can only do so much, of course, and I try to heal them as best I can but eventually they set off to find their own way. She casts a disdained glance at Kat before turning to Caoilte. Well, I am not sure why the cats are an issue. They help keep me sane with all these...she clears her throat a bit...children running around needing near constant care.
Auntie Baltwin takes a deep breath in and re-establishes her composure. Now then agents, I am sure you have important Society business. I certainly do not want to keep you from today's tasks. She once again tries to move the agents along.
Meanwhile...
Isador tries to befriend a few of the children playing just out of earshot of Auntie Baltwin. Their little eyes light up and they nod eagerly when Isador asks to join their game. They seem delighted by his magic trick.
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I blink in a bit of shock at how fast the woman attempts to shuffle us out.
Now Now Auntie Baltwin, while we all appreciate you trying to speed us on our way for our next responsibilities...I know I for one always have time for children, especially those in need...perhaps you could show us around your facilities a bit? Perhaps we may notice other things that either the Pathfinder Society, ourselves or others of Absalom might be able to assist you with. Who knows, perhaps I will find a talented child that in a few years might serve me well as an apprentice or ables assistant? I do fined that sometimes, when you have people look at things from a fresh persepctive, that new solutions can be presented...and with a little distance even the biggest challenges can begin to seem small.
I smile pleasantly at the woman while keeping my tone polite, but firm.
[b] Now, if you could please show us around? ...I would hate to have overlooked something that might help these unfortunate children.
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Kat quirks a brow at the look "Aunty" Baltwin gave her even though she had not done anything to draw attention to herself. She gives the children another look-over, though this time to see if she can see any other race aside from human... and feline...
Once she has seen all that she can she tucks her hair behind her ears, fully displaying her elven heritage, before asking a question of her own. Are any who need the assistance you provide welcome here? Or are there some... unspoken requirements...?
The red tries to contain her fidgeting and discomfort at being in such a place.
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I raise a eyebrow at Kat's question and falling into temptation in Elven..
Despite my lighthearted comment I focus on Auntie Baldwin...tipping my head first to my right shoulder and then to my left..until I can feel the welcome "pop" as my neck and shoulders losen up while crossing my arms...but keeping them loose for immediate use. I maintain only the friendliest smile I can muster.
Eloriand takes advantage of all the commotion at the front door to quietly slip away and search around the Recovery House. Near the back of the establishment, Eloriand finds an open window on the ground floor of the orphanage. He peeks his head just over the sill and can see that the adjoining room is completely unoccupied.
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Tarek slowly moves his way forward Good day Mistress Baltwin. Tarek bows his head slightly
It seems you are overwhelmed by the number of needy children in your care. It is a honorable thing to help those in need. It is because of our honor that we can not just walk away when it is clear that you can use some help. Allow myself and my companions to offer our services and healing gifts to help, with the short amount of time we have available. We can help administer the medicines we have brought with us. We can report directly back to Ollysta with how important it will be to continue sending adequate supplies for the children in need. I am sure such a request would not be turned away, for the sake of the children?
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Isador smiles broadly when the children allow him to enter their game.
Thanks fellas..
He plops down near the marble ring before taking a moment to spread out his cloak on his left side and tap it a few times.
You know, I like to have some treats while I play. Help yourself.
He quickly pulls back the cloak to reveal some candies and treats.
You guys have a nice place here… my orphanage was not nearly as nice as this place.
What is it like living here?
Isador lines up a shot and gives his shooter a flick.
Your head mistress seems a little distracted. Is she nice to you?
Besides playing marbles.. how else do you spend your day? My old head master would allow us to go into town but we had to run errands for him.
Auntie Baltwin hesitates for a moment at Tarek's request then tries to brighten as she addresses him. Why...er...of course. Why don't you stay for tea. It is the least I can do for all of you traveling all this way just to deliver this small, but needed of course, bundle of medicine.
Baltwin ushers the party into the Recovery House and retreats to the kitchen where the party can hear her make preparations for serving the party tea. In the sitting room, Kat spies a half empty bottle of whiskey on one of the end tables. As he gets closer to Auntie Baltwin, Tarek notices broken blood vessels in Baltwin's eyes and nose, that her hands appear somewhat shaky, and that her eyes are glassy. Tarek also notices a fine sheen of sweat on the woman.
After a few moments Baltwin reappears with a serving tray. She appears a bit more smiley than she was a moment ago. She offers Tarek a wide somewhat toothed grin and holds out her own cup to him after placing the server down. You look like you could use a little bit of this, fella. She holds the cup in front of Tarek with shaky hands.
Eloriand waits by the window as the party enters the Recovery House. He does not hear anyone enter the empty room, thought the fairly large window remains wide open and allows Eloriand to see the wind slowly blow the curtains back and forth.
The children, initially enjoying Isador's tricks and playing of the marbles game, noticably clam up when he starts asking them about Auntie Baltwin. His questions are met with silent shrugs with the children looking down at the floor. Isador believes his lack of training or experience in these type of dealings is hindering his ability to further question these children.
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Tarek slowly takes the cup of tea Thank you Mistress Baltwin. Your hospitality is most generous. Although I would welcome the chance to sit comfortably and to drink tea, we should make use of this time to provide you with what aid we can. Please, sit and relax and we can see to the sick children while we are here.
Are you feeling ok Mistress?
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Since I notice old "auntie" seems to refuse my questions I lean back against a wall and observe and listen to Tarek and "auntie", taking note that once again the old bat seems to not wish to answer my questions. My respect and positive attitude toward her rapidly decreasing much like a turkey trying to fly off a cliff; ugly, ungraceful, and rapidly accelerating to the rocky bottom. for a spectacular bloody and explosive ending.
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Seeing the children's reluctance to discuss any of the activities associated with Auntie Baltwin, Isador switches his conversation to the game of marbles and the surrounding neighborhood.
After a few more moments, he glances at the group and smiles.
Well fellas, I had best get back to the others. Thanks for letting me sit in the game; I enjoyed it.
He stands and brushes off his leggings and cloak before bowing slightly to the three boys.
May Desna watch over you and keep you out of trouble.
He quickly waves his hand and flashes a gold coin which he rolls across the back of his fingers before flipping it into the center of the marble ring.
As he makes his way back to the front of the house, he performs a quick inventory check to ensure that the orphans did not end up with more of his possessions than what he gave them.
He knocks on the front door before letting himself inside.
Ahh... so this is where the party is; am I late?
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Caoilte stops for a moment and turns to Izzy. Got a minute? He says and points back out the door.
You see anything odd? I don't. I'm worried that we were told to look for something and come hell or high water we'll find it whether it's there or not. Caoilte pulls off his helmet. I'm not saying she's innocent of any wrong doing but if we're not careful we'll see every move she makes as some sort of sign. Looking back at he house. We're being tested, that's for sure. The test could be to see whether or not we're perceptive enough to see something wrong. Or, maybe we're being tested to see if we'll blindly accept and follow the words of somebody we don't know and have no reason to trust. A paladin, so she claims, and them's the type who see evil in everything that moves anyway. What do you think?
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Upon hearing Caoilte's request, Isador follows him outside.
Everything seems to be on the level..
I tried talking to the kids out back but they were not interested in divulging any secrets. In their defense, I would not have offered any information to a complete stranger unless I was in a very bad spot.
If anything, the lady is using the drink to calm her nerves and, he takes a quick glance at the numerous cats and kids, I can't say I would be any different.
Everyone seems healthy, clean and well clothed so unless someone has an overwhelming objection, I saw we get moving. We have two more tasks to complete.
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Tarek looks to Sylorin and then back to Auntie Baltwin.
Sylorin and I will only need a few moments to check on those that are ill. I thought I heard a few coughs and sneezes earlier. We both can use our healing knowledge to be sure you are receiving the proper medicines. If you can point us in the right direction, we will be quick with our examination.
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I just nod along and smile at the conversation, using my experiences in Cheliax to no doubt help me discover or look for any sign of deception.
In Cheliax, i reflect back on , it would not be too far fetched for sombody to run a home for orphans and waywards to help upport all sorts of hidden addictions and perversions. I maintain my guard, less I be a naive fool.
Auntie Baltwin smiles to Tarek and shakily accepts the tea cup back from him. She uses one hand to wipe a bead of sweat that formed on her brow as she allows Tarek to seat her. She smiles kindly to Tarek Oh no dear, I feel fine. Just getting older I am afraid. Do not worry for me. I am still able to care for all my little charges. Thank you Pathfinders, but I am fine. She shoots Caoilte a quick look and a wink. My dear man, you should try the tea, you may find it more to your liking than you think... She trails off looking around at the gathered pathfinders. Well, if you will not take tea I really do not wish to keep you from what I am sure is a busy day...
Kat manages to slip away unnoticed and does a quick look about the recovery house. As she does a through search of the premises while the owner is otherwise occupied, Kat uncovers a chest that is filled to the brim with various medicines. A quick rummage through the various curatives shows that about a third of the stash is similar to the ones provided by the Silver Crusade. The other medicines looks as if they came from at least two other sources.
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I look at old Auntie and then I sip the tea, letting it sit there for a moment seeing it my lips or mouth goes numb, or any other unusual taste or burning can be detected...if not..I drink it and silently pray to Aroden and Iomedae.
I of course smile and wonder where my friends have wandered off too.
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So, back to Ollysta for our next assignment? Caoilte stands, loops his shield across his back, and hooks the beard of his axe on his shoulder plate in a relaxed strolling pose. He begins walking, quietly singing an old Linnorm fighting tune...
Rooster of a fighting stock
Would you let a Chilaxian cock
Crow out upon a Linnorm rock
Fly up and teach him manners...
Folks, it's just my opinion but I think this was a test to see if we'd blindly follow perceived authority. Maybe something ain't quite right in that orphanage but I wasn't about to turn the place upside down on the word of some god-bothering zealot. No offense intended there Tarek or Sylorin.
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she definitely enjoys her drink, but that is not a reason to deny her aid. There were no signs of neglect or abuse and I attribute her nervousness to a large group of armed individuals being in her home. Unless anyone has anything to add then I see no reason to suggest the deliveries change. I think we explain everything to Ollysta and allow her to decide how she wishes to proceed with her relationship with the orphanage
After spending time with dear old Auntie Baltwin, the party decides the medicine is in reasonably safe hands and returns to the Temple of the Shining Star. The group is instructed to wait for Ollystra and allowed to roam the beautiful main cathedral floor as they wait. The party spends a few moments taking in the splendor of the Temple when Ollystra enters the chamber with the same calming bright smile.
Well met agents! So good to see you again. I trust your mission was successful. Thank you so much for aiding our cause today. Tell me, what did you think of Auntie Baltwin's operation? She smiles and awaits the report.
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Isador steps forward and nods slightly.
I agree with Caoilte's assessment of the children in her care. Everyone seemed clean, well clothed and adjusted.
The only thing that was a bit out of the ordinary was her statement when first arrived. She said that we arrived just in time because her stores were running low but we did see a large chest filled with supplies, some of them from other suppliers, but I have no way of knowing how quickly they them. I assume that you will know if that is a normal level of goods.
Overall, everything was pretty uneventful.
Unless you have other questions, I believe that we should be taking our leave.... there are others in need and we Pathfinders need to tend to the greater good.
He forms a thin smile before turning back to his fellow Pathfinders.
Agreed?
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I detected no deception in Auntie Baltwin and agree with Isador's assessment of the situation. I too feel we have done all we can and should be on our way. If you have any need of the Pathfinder services you may call upon me to aid in any way that I can Tarek gives a respectful bow I bid you a good day Ollystra and wish many blessings upon you