The sights and sounds of Korvosa have Lia's full attention.
Looking back and forth, Andando responds, "That's right." he continues nonchalantly.
"Better go over it to be safe, no knowing how fallible my pathetic human brain is." he says with rye mirth.
"Alright, Asmodeus commands, old Octavian here follows. Now away with you." he shoos the invisible being away. And walks closer to the group. "It sounds like we're supposed to help that lady save her city, like Octavian was a hired thug and the woman might not be a bad guy."
He looks earnest when he talks and opts to leave out the betrayal and Asmodeus parts.
Aerodus's keen ears can pick up Andando mumbling to himself. His brow raises, especially when he hears 'Asmodeus'. He glares at Andando. "Is there something you're not telling us? Why were you talking to yourself? Why did you say that you follow Asmodeus?"
Listening to Aerodus talk, Lia finally turns her scrutiny to Andando.
She folds her arms across her chest. "Well?"
"Hoho, Scrutinizing glares from the happy couple have we?" Andando chuckles feigning surprise. "I didn't say I follow Asmodeus." his voice changes, "I said Octavian probably follows Asmodeus."
His voice changes back to his normal tone. "And besides, you two don't get to demand answers from me, I'm not your servant."
Aerodus's scowl deepens. "Well, you're out here talking to yourself. I'm wondering if you're going to slit our throats in a moment of weakness. And again, I got the feeling you're hiding something. If you are, then tell us."
Andando smiles his thin lipped smile. "Fear not Aerodus, I never have weak moments." He laughs lightly and naturally. "I am simply getting into character, will any of you have any trouble improvising? You'll all be playing the part of Octavian's gang, and the lot of you don't look much like the criminal element, 'cept maybe Aerodus."
Lia sighs. "I'll just keep quiet and let you do the talking. I can't lie to save my life."
"Judging by the circunstance that woman will request our aid in dealing with something from inside the city structure, maybe its militia. But why Octavian? Should we visit the Queen now? I mean, if she is going to receive us."
"Thinking about it, I don't believe that's a good idea at all. If the brooch was a gift to Octavian from the Queen... well, you can imagine..."
Aerodus snorts. "Why would the Queen give something like this to some common thug like Octavian? I say we stick to the original plan. Visit the Queen, then help the woman."
Lia nods. "Sounds good to me. We've got, what, an hour or so before we're expected?"
"Because maybe, just maybe, the roots of corruption go deeper than we think. It's unlikely, but worthy of note. Anyway, it seems I'm minority, so..."
Aerodus shakes his head at Venator. "Nah. Your opinion matters. We're all working together. So, O Wise One, what do you think we should do?" If one were to look closer, they would see a faint, almost nonexistent joking smile.
"I'm just suggesting we hear the woman first, and then we can decide. If the queen is involved in anything suspicious, well.... We were lucky to hear the first woman who showed up." He closes his eyes for a second before continuing. "Might continue that winning streak."
Aerodus looks at Venator. "Damn. I hate it when you make sense. Now I'm conflicted. Fine." He digs in his pocket and pulls out gold piece. "Heads, to the Palace. Tails, talk to the woman." He flips it into the air and catches it. When he opens his palm...
it shows tails. Aerodus stares at it before putting it back into his pocket. "Let's talk to the woman, then."
Lia decides to ask for directions to Vizio's Tavern.
Andando helps in shadier ways.
Venator helps in brighter ways.
Should we all go in or should any of us wait outside with open eyes. It seems like a cozy enough place but with all the intrigue... Jirani offers a small shrug and looks to the others
Aerodus looks to Andando. "Well, Ocatvian? Do we go in or not?"
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry." Lia's stomach growls. "I'm getting something to eat." With that, she moves to enter the tavern.
Hearing his own stomach growl, Aerodus follows Lia. He moves so that he's standing next to her, making sure his hood's up. He whispers, "If anyone asks, we're together. Think you can stick to that cover?"
Lia blushes a little before shrugging. "Sure, honey." She whispers back to Aerodus before turning to the half-orc.
She bites her lip at the sight of how sickly-looking he is. "Um... may I ask what the special is, sir?"
Oh my... hasn't anyone gotten him help?
Aerodus's cheeks become lightly dusted in pink when Lia calls him "honey". He growls out, "Then let us go in, darling."
Aerodus's brow raises. "Very well, the roast chicken then. Are you all right, sir?"
Lia isn't entirely reassured by the half-orc's recommendation of the roast chicken. The wink might have had something to do with it.
"Er... certainly." She moves to take a seat at a table next to the tavern's fireplace.