Edgar draws his other sap, wielding one in each hand.
"So I should join the side of cowards and murderers? You threw away your FAMILY. Murdered one of your own in cold blood! I may have been their 'pet,' but Fredrick was like a father to me. And I will avenge him like a son!"
Melee: 2 Saps ; |Damage Damage|Crit:19/x2 (Both nonlethal damage)
Edgar slams his sap into Eredin's abdomen, forcing him to bend forward clutching his stomach, and leaving the back of his head exposed for the second one, connected in a painful whup! Which hopefully drops him to the floor!
::I knew I was going to miss it. I knew I was going to fall. It was -way- too far across to make. How did none of the others fail to make the jump? How did they make it to begin with? All my education... all my tutors... all my advantages... How come no one ever thought to give me a -swimming- lesson?::
The thoughts race as his lungs burn, fighting the urge to panic, the urge to breathe... it's only been ten seconds, but the panic is the worst. Stop, think, spread out in the water, kick your feet, use your inner ear, orient... The salty sea seems to suck at him, dragging down at metal shirt and fittings, soaking heavily into his clothing. The water burns his eyes, the panic burns his lungs, the sea crashes around him in a dark hunger.
Maybe his friends will feed it something else?
Eredin collapses at Edgar's feet, the two precise strikes ending his egomaniacal ranting. Edgar pivots to see that their crew is winning the war for the North Star - but Tellar and Sin were on far less sure footing in their own battle.
Tellar's magic touch freezes through the man's armor and up his skin, freezing the very blood in his veins. ice shatters away from his body and he howls in pain... but he doesn't fall.
"Maybe... I'll be.. sending you on your way instead..." Heaving and barely able to stand, the Blackguard hefts his axe in both hands and swings - as much desperation as skill guiding his strike - but a true strike none the less.
The axe carves into Tellar's side, cutting through armor and skin and flesh and bone, splintering ribs even as the blade's acid sets to its abominable work.
Somehow, somehow! Tellar stays on his feet. But the clouding behind his eyes, the taste of blood on his throat, all signs to tell them that the end is drawing near.
He doesn't even see Emilia's second attempted shot of the blackguard, who bats the arrow away with the side of his axe.
Phaedra keeps trying to reach Eaton and then tries to make it back to the surface and then boat with the help of the rope.
"Murderer" Edgar mutters as he spits on Eredin's unconscious body. He then takes a quick look around...Where is Eaton and Phaedra..? He then notices Teller on his last legs and goes to assist.
Melee: Sap |Damage |Crit:20/x2 (Nonlethal damage)
Edgar moves up to the Armored knight and swings one of his Saps at the Knight's face. The Knight tries to dodge, but the blow connects with his chin with a painful dislocating POP!
Phaedra hits the water, and Eaton notices the billowing of her pretty brown hair, the flutter of her shirt in the lashing water. She goes under too, and he finds a burst of strength, his panic at his own mortality momentarily forgotten. He can die. Okay...
But not her.
Arms and legs, frozen in momentary panic, slice the water as he moves upward, kicking for freedom even against the drag of his armor. He snatches precious breath, and then fights his way to her, pushing momentarily off the hull of the North Star to give himself leverage towards her...
The swells and tides of the waters between the ships prove too much, and Phaedra is tossed down like a rag doll. her world spinning like a whirlwind and she loses sight of the sun above the water...
Suddenly a strong grip on her arm, a pull and Eaton has her by the waist. motioning an arm upward. The two swim, up and up and break the water some ways from the now dwindling battle. Treading water, the two of them breathe deep as a shadow falls over them. To their side - safely far enough from them not to risk being hit - one of the two ships - flying the Silver and blue colors of Magnimar's navy - glides by. A wave from one of the sailors draws their attention "Man overboard sir! we've got men in the waters!"
While on the North Star, Edgar's well placed strike pivots the blackguard on his heel and the man falls to the deck, unconscious. Seeing both of their leaders brought low, what few members of the pirate crew that remain, drop their weapons in surrender.
With the combat dying off around them Tellar turns to the rail. Scanning the waters he's able to make out Eaton and Phaedra being hauled aboard one of the approaching vessels. Seeing that they were safe for the moment, he leaned against the rail to see to his own problems.
Gingerly pull his armor aside, he could see the deep wounds the blade had made. Blood instantly splashed the deck at his feet and it was all he could do to stay on his feet. Putting a hand to the worst of the wounds, he could feel the surging power of the ocean pulse through the ship and into his body. It always seemed easier for him to work his spells while out at sea and this time he was grateful for it. Soft blue light flared out between his finger tips and when he pulled his hand away, his wounds had sealed themselves. Some were only thin scabs that would break if he weren't careful but at least for now he wouldn't bleed to death on the ship.
Edgar moves over and retrieves his cutlass he dropped. Then he takes a look around to see how far away Magnimar is. He takes note of the amount of captured crew, wondering if it will be enough to sail the Northstar.
"What shall we do now Emilia? Should we desert one of the ships or try to sail both. Where are Eaton and Phaedra?"
The North Star's sails are furled, the Rogue comes along her side and the two ships are anchored and bridged.
Emilia comes across with a few more of the Rogue's men, inspecting the damage to her family's ship. She places a comforting hand on Tellar's shoulder, helping him up to his feet, "Still alive, old timer?" she asks him with a soft smile.
Glancing over her shoulder at the now fast approaching ships - each one proudly flying a flag with a silver tower, flanked by an angel on one side and a coiling Sea sperpent on the other, set against a field of blue - before turning back to her crew. "I would say this meeting is going to happen one way or another." and on seeing Eaton and Phaedra being pulled from the water by one of the two, she sighs, "Definitely now. Give them no trouble then."
It's only a few moments before the two ships are on them, pulling up on either side of the North Star and the Lauging Rogue. A second and third bridge is placed across to each of the ships and a dozden soldiers dressed in dyed blue studded leather swarm each ship. At the last of them come two officers, One middle aged, smartly dressed with a neatly trimmed beard. The other is younger, around Edgar's age and dressed in a similar uniform, albeit with less frills on it.
Taking in the scene, the older one looks squarely at Emilia, "I'm Commodore Jeggare, Lady Valdemar, is it? And I believe we just fished Lord Starse out of the waters." his eyes trail to Eredin's prone body, "Would you care to explain what has happened here?"
"Of course Commodore," And she does, explaining Eredin's betrayal, the murder of her uncle, their imprisonment and escape. Though the canny listener notices that she neglects to mention the mysterious "secret" of her father that her brother and his accomplices sought, nor does she mention the Kraken. "I've proof in my Cabin on the Rogue, correspondence between my uncles killers."
The Commodore's face is a mask of stone, but when Emilia's done he turns back to the man at his right, "Captain Derrington, place Mister Valdemar and his accomplices in the brig. Then assemble a skeleton crew to guide Miss Valdemar's ships - legal or otherwise - back to port."
"Aye aye Commodore, and if I may,"[/b] the younger officer smiles warmly at Emilia, "It's good that you're safe Emilia,"
Emilia returns the smile, her cheeks slightly flushed, "Thank you James, it's good to see you." The younger officer turns to set to his orders.
The Commodore speaks up then, "The Lord Justice will need to launch an investigation. Given your evidence I don't see any reason to place you in custody, but I advise you and your companions to remain in Magnimar. Both ships will be also be placed in lockdown in the Harbor."
"You all heard the captain, no trouble!" Edgar parrots Emilia's command.
Once the soldiers arrive, Edgar takes a deep breath and stiffens up a bit. A nervous sweat brakes out on his brow as he tries his best to attract as little attention to himself as possible. Being around soldiers worries him.
Edgar falters at the exchange between Emilia and James, but quickly regains his composure.
Edgar keeps himself busy with the work on the ship as they make it to port, wondering where this 'James' fellow came from...
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As the other ships pull in to view, Sin pulls the mask from his face, sticking it behind his belt, before sliding down the leather mask he always wears. He moves back in to the press of Sailors, sliding his blade back in to its sheath, planning on staying hidden through this little upset.
'Best no one pays too much attention to me!'
Fished out of the drink and saved from an embarassing death at sea, Eaton is excitedly explaining his identity and position even before he's completely on the ship. He laughs and waves his hands as he speaks, faintly visible from the Rogue and Star as laughs and gestures. The navy of Magnimar are good and honorable men, as far as he's concerned, and he's happy to see them, clearly so, his slicked-back salt-crusted hair dripping with sea-water as he laughs and pats men on the shoulders, even happily giving up his sword as he waits for the spell on him to wind down. He introduces his friend Miss Phaedra, and ensures she's given a blanket to help keep her modest in the harsh sea-breeze and the transparenting effect of being soaked by sea-water.
Tellar moves over to Edgar as the young man takes charge. Laying a hand on his shoulder, Edgar stands a little straighter as the cooling calm of the sea washes away some of his ails. Tellar glances at the young Magnimar officer before pitching his voice low for Edgar's ears only. Best to display your strength in the face of competition I think.
Edgar frowns. "What are you suggesting I do? Demand a duel?" Regardless, Edgar is diffidently putting his "A Game" as he does his job. No reason to look bad in front of the rival.
After being fished up from the sea by the Magnimar vessel, Phaedra keeps rather silent and stay close by Starse. Though she doubts anyone would recognize her, she is rather worried about her fugitive status and would prefer not to draw any additional attention to herself.
The two crews are kept primarily separate, with Emilia's... freelance... crew continuing their duties on board the Laughing Rogue while Derrington's soldiers take over the posts of the North Star.
For her part though, as the rest of crew returns to the Rogue, Emilia makes no move to follow, instead her eyes are rooted on the doors to the carved doorway to the North Star's captain's quarters.
"Emilia," the young officer steps up beside her, "Are you alright?"
taking a breath she answers, "No James, I'm not, but I'll survive."
taking a breath she turns back to the others, "I'll be staying aboard the North Star for now. Mr. Arrowni, you have the conn."
Eaton and Phaedra, for their part remain on the Magnimarian vessel as it wheels back towards the city.
And soon enough, through for fog and clouds and rain Magnimar comes into view.
Without fail, the first sight to come into clear view is the world famous Irespan. A Remnant of ancient Thassilon, the Irespan is a giant Bassalt bridge, three hundred feet high that juts out from the prominent foundations of the Seacleft. The Giant's Bridge - as it is known to be called - eclipses part of the city beneath it before breaking away to nothing in the waters, leaving a few ruined pillars as thick and tall as any tower.
The Four vessels pass beneath the shadow of the Irespan and the city proper comes into view. Even in the overcast skies, Magnimar is a sight to behold. The City of Monuments lives up to its name; aside from the Irespan itself, the next most prominent structure is the Arvensoar - The four hunder foot tower that rises from the bottom of the Seacleft to the Summit above and serves as the central Headquarters for the Magnimar Guard and all her divisions. The city itself seems carved from Basalt and white marble with curving streets, elegant and impressive buildings, accentuated with stunning gardens. Every city has its poor sections of course - in this case the area directly under Irespan, the Shadow - but Magnimar is a sight to behold.
All four ships are guided into berths at the Military owned docks on the northern end of the Dockway, where again the entire group reconvenes, stepping off of the ships alongside Emilia, Captain Derrington and Commodore Jeggare.
"Once you've finished your investigations Commodore, I would appreciate if any personal belongings of mt family that Eredin has be returned to me."
"Of course, Lady Valdemar," Commodore Jeggare nods respectfully.
"I will be holding a small dinner party tonight as well, in memory of my uncle and to meet with the heads of his... my holdings. I insist on both of your attendance."
Both men nod politely, and James can't help but keep a small smile from his features, "We would be honored, My Lady."
The Soldiers bid farewell as the two ships are placed in lockdown. Donnell and the crew bid farewell after receiving their pay. "I'll send word to the Valdemar's estate, in case your in need of us." he smiles before he and the others head off into the bustle of the Shore.
"I'm afraid I must return to the Estate. And frankly a hot bath sounds lovely, would you all care to accompany me home? I insist in fact," Emilia smiles, some of her noble veneer washing away in the company of friends.
Eaton rambles off the gangplank, he and Phaedra already clean and dry thanks to the incredible versatility of the Prestidigitation he keeps prepared and on hand. All grins and handshakes and remembering names, as usual, he plies the captain and crew for a stiff drink to shake off the chill of the sea, and shares the tale of their journey so far, conveniently playing up his own part a bit, and forgetting to introduce Phaedra by name...
As the ship slides into the port, he's as blase about the City of Monuments as the sailors are. He's seen them all before, and they're nothing to stare at the fifth time you're in town. "Stroke of good fortune you fellows sailed in when you did! Cayden Cailean himself couldn't expect better. I am -not- a strong enough swimmer to go floundering about in the sea like that. If you're ever in Oppara come up to Aroden's View and ask for directions to the Starse House, and we'll put you up for a night. I most definitely owe you all a night of oppulence for your valor today!"
Hurrying to meet up with Emelia and the party again, Eaton smirks sheepishly and gives a little shrug of his shoulders. "Don't think I'll be leaping from ship to ship again, but yes, I'd love a chance to recoup at your estate. I need to compose a few letters, and get one off to my mother immediately."
The docks of Magnimar are of the same beast as Riddleport, Boisterous, chaotic and and always alive. With hawkers, laborers and sailors. Yet at the same time they are intrinsically different; seeming brighter and more open. And safer - with a visible presence of the City's watch garbed in leather armors and deep blue surcoats.
Still it takes a brisk walk into the city proper and then a wait of almost a half an hour before a carriage can be flagger to carry the six of them to Valdemar manor.
The carriage winds through the streets and avenues of Magnimar - from The Shore, up the winding road that travels the wall of the Seacleft and onto the part of the city know as the Summit.
The ride takes you along streets of white marble and cobblestone, past works of art, architecture and countless monuments that give Magnimar its nickname. Finally you arrive in the neighborhood known as "The Vista" that runs along the cliff's edge, and to the Valdemar estate. A somewhat modest three story mansion with a fenced courtyard.
Curiously though, as you exit the carriage, you find a man waiting alongside the gate, wearing blue and silver robes of a city official,
"Greetings Lady Valdemar," he smiles, before turning directly to face Eaton, "Lord Starse. The Lord-Mayor has requested the presence of yourself and your four companions post-haste."
"Ah, of course. You'll give me a moment to stow my effects, and I'll be right with you, eh... Steward?" Eaton combs his fingers through his beard. He'll have the moment to clean up inside when he drops off his equipment. Nothing in a backpack is needed for a trip to see the Lord-Mayor! He turns to Emilia and splays his hands helplessly.
"I'm sorry, Lady Valdemar! I'll have to see to this immediately. I'll return as soon as possible. A thousand pardons for the delay." He looks at 'his companions' and offers wry smirk, shrugging again and tilting his head. That's sort of the way of the nobility. People and events are assigned 'to you'. "Apparently the Lord-Mayor wishes to see us. I need five minutes with a mirror, and I'll help clean up anyone who needs it on the way." He bangs on the side of the driver's box and calls up cheerily "Stand fast! We'll need your services momentarily!"
With Emilia's blessing he hurries inside. Eaton uses that prestidigitation to oil and trim and comb his beard, literally just a few minutes in front of the mirror, and most of it spent on just that. He also takes a moment with Emilia's grace to change into some proper clothes and fix his hair. It's good to be a self-sufficient man, but if she wants to lend him a servant... Well, a Taldan noble is hardly going to say no, is he?
"Well, ahh, as long as we're not intruding." Edgar says when Emilia offers to have them accompany her home.
Edgar is mostly silent for the ride, seemingly in a sombre mood.
When they arrive, Edgar is surprised when the steward says that they are to meet with the Mayor.
When inside, after unloading all of the parities things, Edgar says, "I... I don't think we should leave you alone right now Emilia. I mean, well, everything seems to be going 'too' smoothly here. Something just doesn't seem right..."
Tellar followed his companions silently, first through the city and then into the house. He hated being away from the water but this wasn't a simple stop over for supplies and he couldn't just wait with the ship. At mention of seeing the mayor, Tellar simply followed his companion's lead again.
Phaedra remains fairly quiet throughout the carriage through the city. Silently taking in the hustle and bustle of the city as she wondered what the fate of the group was to be. Hopefully people believe Emilia's story and that we were just unfortunate travelers caught up in all this. I'd really hate for her brother to still have associates higher up to convince the authorities that she was the one instigating a takeover of her family fortune...
When they arrive at the manse and Starse is given his "invitation" to see the Lord-Mayor, Phaedra has a moment of panic as she realizes that she has nothing at all suitable to wear in his presence. Deciding that she may as well go in what she is wearing now, Phaedra will at least ask Starse to use Prestidigitation upon her so that at least her outfit and hair are clean and then she will attempt to braid her hair up in a suitable manner.
"If it isn't too much trouble," Emilia speaks up as she exits the carriage, "I'm afraid I have a matter of business to discuss with my first mate and my scout. Would the Lord-Mayor be terribly inconvenienced if I kept the two of them?"
The Aide smiles and nods graciously, "Of course Lady Valdemar. The Lord-Mayor understands that matters of estate must be looked after." He offers a bow, saying, "To the rest, I look forward to your arrival. Until next time."
The steward departs as Emilia leads the group through the gate, up the courtyard and into her home.
Though not the largest manor in the neighborhood, the Valdemar estate is still a sight to behold. Surrounded by a seven foot stone wall, the estate rises three stories above with an architecture of renaissance Gothic design. Leering gargoyles and capering nymphs festoon the eaves of the roof.
Entering into the manors lobby - with white stone walls and red carpets laid across marble floors, the party is greeted by an Elf. He is old, at least eight hundred, but whether by his character or his heritage he carries it well. His long blonde hair shows the faintest hints of grey and is pulled back into a loose ponytail. His eyes are a deep blue, like swirling pools, and any wrinkles are the elf's face are from laughter and smiles, not age. - This is Tanyn Winterleaf - The Valdemars head steward.
"Lady Emilia, how good of you to return, we weren't expecting you for at least another fortnight."
Emilia sighs heavily, "Much has happened Tanyn, I'll explain all shortly. For now my guests need rooms, Lord Starse will be given the same chambers as his last visit, please see to the rest. They may stay as long as they wish."
The Old Elf is familiar to some of you - he's been with the Valdemar's since before Frederic's father was born - nods and doesn't press the matter. Being as much a grandfather as a butler to Emilia, he knows when not to press the situation.
Turning to her friends Emilia says, "Tanyn will see you to your rooms, as I said make yourselves at home. I'm sure you will want to see to the Lord-Mayor as quick as possible, though..." she turns to Edgar and Sinders, "If the two of you wouldn't mind, I'd like you to come speak to me once you've had a moment to settle. I've a task that I feel would be suited by your talents. I'll be in my father's study. Edgar you know the way."
"Yes, Emilia." Edgar replies and then starts to help the others with getting their things into their rooms.
It doesn't take Edgar long to settle into his room. Most of everything he had was stored in the chest he bought. Once that was secured against the foot of his bed he dressed his wounds and changed into some clean clothes. He then makes his way to Sin's room and once he is ready they both make their way to Fredrick's study. Once they arrive, Edgar knocks on the door.
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When Emilia asks leave to detain Sin from the meeting, his eyes light up. 'I can take being a Scout for Emilia over Starse's companion any day. At least this way I get the title Scout instead of plain old companion!'
As the Elf closes the door behind him, Sin stares around the room and smiles faintly. 'Simple, small and cozy. I like it!'
Sitting his backpack on the bed, Sin pulls out the leather armor he "borrowed" off the pirates, before sliding it in to a drawer, adding the belt with the thin, stiletto esq daggers before sliding the door shut. 'Extra gear stored. Check!'
He took a moment to wash and brush out his hair, before binding it back up and slipping in to a clean tunic and pants, just before the door swung open and Edgar entered.
Sin smiled openly, his face uncovered and gestures towards the bed. "Take a seat Cap'n. I'll be right with you!" Sin turned back to his gear and began to stow things about his person, before sliding on his armor.
Nodding to Edgar to lead on, Sin closes the door and follows!
Eaton uses a quick depiliation charm to trim his eyebrows and neatly design his beard, cutting his sideburns and cleaning everything up. He uses magic to perfume both he and his green-eyed companion, gussying her up a touch with a speck of magic here and there.
She looks so pensive though, and has been so -quiet-. Once they head out with a proper thank-you-fare-well-be-back-soon to Emilia, he helps Phaedra up into the coach again, closing the door behind him and giving a knock. "To Lord-Mayor Grobaras, if you please, driver!" He sits heavily back down into the bench, and leans across to take Phaedra's hand, frowning his concern to her...
"Silver for your thoughts? You've been quiet since we were fished out of the sea, Phaedra. I thought at first it was because you were worried your top had gone all see-through, but you hardly cast a blush. You actually looked a bit pale. Your colors back, but... Is something wrong?" He furrows his brows over those brilliant violet eyes, poised and all but ready to leap across and comfort her with a moment's invitation.
"I doubt my internal ramblings are worth a full silver m'lord. When we were first fished out I was worried the other ship would treat us as pirates and I must confess I'm still a bit worried not everyone will believe her version of events and don't like all of this splitting up of our group. It was also easy to forget about my own problems while we had the task of getting Emilia's ship back, but now that that is done, I find myself at loss now as to what to do with myself and where to go. And on top of all those worries, I had also never been in such a fine manse before and am unused to and uncomfortable in the presence of nobles. I'm sure you'll laugh at that since I've been with you and Emilia this whole trip, but that's not the same. You two hardly seemed like nobles at first since you were as drenched and dirty as the rest up down in that hole"
Phaedra finally pauses in her long rambling to take in a deep breath as she finally meets Eaton's eyes with her own. Concern and worry clearly in her look as she now wonders if he is going to laugh at her worries or take offense to comment about him hardly seeming noble at first.
Tellar had simply waited in the grand entry of Emilia's home, his few meager possessions either on the ship or on his person. He glanced around at the opulence of the manse and while he could certainly appreciate the beauty of the display and the power required to have acquired it all, it was simply not for him. A solid ship on the water, that was all he would ever need.
As Lord Starse and Phaedra made their way out towards the carriage, Tellar followed quietly behind. He hadn't bothered to change, simply for the matter that all he had or felt he needed were the clothes on his back. A simple sailor, he had no desire to try to impress nobles who would just as soon ignore him anyways, which he was fine with.
He watched the two climb into the wagon and didn't even bother to call out as Starse pulled the door shut behind. Between those two and Edgar and the captain, Tellar had grown more appreciative of Sin's company throughout the trip.
Not bothering to say anything Tellar climbed up next to the driver. The two men gave a companionable nod to each other, kindred spirits in their removal from polite society. As snippets of the conversation drifted out of the carriage during the ride he let himself drift off, happy in his choice.
Eaton smiles indulgently and pats her hand, reaching across the center of the carriage as he sits opposite her. "A bargain at any price, Miss Phaedra. You are a magician, an arcanist, and with your bird around, if there's one thing I've learned in the whole of the world, it is that an arcanist can make themselves heard in any court, any nation, the world over. You have, time and again, with a click of your fingers and little more, disabled our foes one by one. You have never faltered, you have never failed us... and when I went under that cold dark sea, -you- were the one who jumped in and saved me. I am eternally in your debt. As long as you're with me you shan't be mistaken as a pirate, or called down for imagined crimes, or refused service because someone suspects you of being a -witch-. We're both intermediaries, Miss Phaedra, and I can't help but think that means something in the context of things. What odds, really, that Life and War would come hand in hand so readily?"
Leaping across the little gap, he settles in beside her with a thud, twisting his fingers together with a murmered incantation... "Arcaniss vorel caesin charir-kethend!" he repeats it a few times, each one creating a glittering, transparent flower in his hand, like gemstone spun into sparkling crystal. Obviously magical, and as fragile as spun sugar, he hands her one, and offers indulgently "I thought I might weave a few into your hair? You shouldn't be without jewels in the presence of the Lord Mayor..." He also perfumes them both, and gives a quick polish to their still mostly new boots.
The Manor solar sits at the end of the manor's top floor. Floor to ceiling picture windows open out to the cliff top vista of the ocean. Shelves of oak and redwood. Over the walls filled with books, scrolls, parchments and maps. A large desk sits in front of the window, and a set of plush chairs surround a coffee table to the side.
Emilia is looking out the window and turns to greet the two. "Ah, Edgar, Sin, come in. Shut the door. "
She motions for the pair to have a seat as she crosses around the desk. I know that what I'm about to ask you is... to be frank, illegal. But there was something on the North Star that Eredin wanted." she bites her lip, not sure how to go on.
"With what we learned about The Kraken, I want us to be the ones to find out what that is. I want the two of you to sneak aboard the ship and find it. "
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Sin bows to Emilia before taking his seat. As Emilia begins to speak, Sin frowns softly, staring at Edgar out of the corner of his eye. 'Edgar seems to be a honest man... But he is madly in love with Miss Emilia... Poor man is caught in a trap here!'
Sin shrugs softly, before he begins to speak. "I do not dare to question you, Lady Valdemer but..." He frowns for a moment, before speaking once more.
"Edgar is, from what I have seen, an honest man. I do not suggest that he will not do this, but I would just like to put this out there, to both of you, I will do this alone, if needs be. I am more than familiar with the wrong side of the law. A little breaking and entering is nothing to me. It is up to you both, of course!"
Edgar is silent a long moment.
"...Thank you Sin, but it isn't necessary. It might come to a shock to you, but I've a history on the wrong side of the law as well. although I'm a bit reluctant to delve back onto that side, I owe Emilia, well, I owe her my life. I wouldn't be her today if it wasn't for her. ...But, If we are caught, it would bring suspicion back on you Emilia. With how delicate the situation is, are you sure we should risk such a move? Won't you inherit the ship once the matter with Eredin is finished? Or do you also think that everything is going too smoothly."
Color seems to return to Phaedra's cheeks as she appears to gain confidence from Eaton's speech, wanting to believe everything he says to be true and pushing her fears from her mind. Leaning against his side as they sit in the back of the coach, she replies: "I would love a few of those flowers for my hair. Thank you Eaton for making me feel better and lifting my spirits."
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Sin pauses, staring at Edgar for a moment, before bowing his head in acceptance. "Well then we are settled. It would be best if we post haste then. The hour is getting late. We will likely need a reason to be down at the docks, so I suggest we head to a Bar first, down some cheap ale and get a feel for the pulse of the city!" Having worked as a sometime Assassin and spy, Sin is no stranger to the art of misdirection.
"Lady Emilia, would we be permitted to borrow some horses from your stables?"
"That's what 'gentleman' means, Miss Phaedra." He lifts her hand as she leans up against him in the carriage interior and kisses the backs of her fingers before letting her settle for just a few moments. Afterwards he gets on with the decoration, resetting the spell and repeating the words to generate the little translucent and obviously magical blossoms, putting all his art and Art into the creation of the simple cantrips. A few break off and flutter free even when he's working the others in, the things so fragile they break with hardly more than a few touches... but still. Not bad for what is essentially 'free magic'.
"You know apprentice magicians can get work at just about any establishment to season food and remove spills for about five gold a day? There are even bars in Oppara where the drinks are served by mage-hand..." he laughs in that sort of off-hand way, brushing fingertips through her blown tresses and turning her head this-way and that...
"Don't be nervous about the Lord Mayor, alright? I'm sure the Kraken hasn't gotten to -him- too..."
Directly upon the Seacleft stand several estates of the city’s more daring nobles, but even the most lavish of these are outshined by Defiant’s Garden, diplomatic resort and home of Lord-Mayor Haldmeer Grobaras.
The Mansion - as it were - is really closer to a small castle, with eight fully staffed floors of comfortable salons and sumptious lounges, surrounded by an impressive garden. Talk around town was that before Lord Mayor Grobaras took up residence, the estate was used to house extremely important visiting dignitaries. rumor had it that Lord Gyr of Absalom has once summered there.
The pair are greeted by an attendant, dressed similarly to the one that had met them on the street outside the Valdemar Manor. "Ah excellent, you have arrived. This way please."
He leads the trio up the steps and into the building. Though massive hallways that echo with everystep and up winding stairs.
The three are brought to a room with a large dining table stretching down it's middle, perpendicular to where they enter. The far wall has a huge window that stretches the length of the table - which is covered with an impressive looking feast. At one end of the table is a rotund man with a moustachio waxed to curl up and a balding head dressed in fine garments of cloth of gold. He sits eating - under a massive portrait of... well, of himself. This is Lord Mayor Grobaras.
Without pause the page calls out, "Announcing Lord Eaton Starse of Taldor, the lady Phaedra Valerius and Tellar Bronsev." It occurs that the man never asked anyone for a name.
"Ah yes yes! welcome!" The Lord-Mayor responds jubilantly waving a chicken' drumstick while motioning to the feast in front of him, "Come friends, eat, eat! We've much to discuss."
"Question me all you like, Sin." Emilia answers with a smile, "You two, and the others, are my friends and allies. Not servants or underlings."
Nodding to Edgar's words, she continues. "Edgar's skills from his past life are one reason I'm including him in this. The other two are that I would rather you each had someone to count on in this task, and that I trust the two of you implicitly."
Looking out the window she goes on, "I keep going back to what Old Wazir said about the Kraken. Who's to say they don't have people in Magnimar's government? If what he said of the man in Eaton's father's employ is true."
"I'm worried that the key to finding out what my uncle died for, what we were taken captive for, is on that boat. And I'm worried we may lose it."
She smiles, "And yes you can take some horses."
"All right then. We will do everything we can to figure out this mystery. Be careful Emilia. If the Kraken has infiltrated the city, then there is no one here to protect you." Edgar says worriedly.
Once they leave the study, Edgar turns to Sin. "So whats the plan then. Any idea how we are going to slip onto the Northstar?"
Tellar shrugs his shoulders before moving up to the table and helping himself to some food. He can feel Eaton's eyes on his back at his behavior but he isn't exactly dressed like a lord, so why worry about acting like one. Gathering his food and drink, he sits himself down and mumbles a brief prayer to the waves and the deeps before digging in.
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Sin bows to Emilia before following Edgar out of the room. He stands there for a moment, head cocked in thought, before speaking.
"Well...We need to head to the docks, find us a seedy tavern and set in for the night. We wait till it is dark, then we go find some..." he looks at Edgar for a moment, seeming to imply something more than he is willing to say, "women..."
He coughs softly, before continuing. "We pay these women to seduce the Guards protecting the gangplank to the ship. We swim to the ship under the cover of darkness and climb up the mooring rope to the deck. We look around and find what we can, then slip back over the side again. Seem like a plan?"
Sin begins to check over his weapons slowly, making sure everything is in place.
"Ok, sounds good. I doubt any guard worth his salt will be seduced while on duty, but it still would be a distraction. I have a habit of putting my foot in my mouth, so you do the talking, alright?" Edgar and Sin make their way down to the tavern.
Eaton immediately takes Phaedra's hand and leads her around the table to the Lord Mayor's right (where the guests sit) and draws out the second chair for her, nodding for her to sit herself down at the place, where he quickly edges her chair forward for her with practiced elegance. He runs fingers briefly through his fussily groomed beard and gives a half bow to the Lord Mayor before taking the seat closest on that side.
"You do us great honor with your invitation, Lord Mayor. I'm pleased to at last have the opportunity to meet with such an august personage. The day finds you well, I trust?" He settles himself with easy aplomb and, utterly disregarding Tellar's brisk and businesslike dig into the food, he sets to the requisite pleasantries with all the honest delight of an upper-crust enthusiast.
Unsure of the proper etiquette, Phaedra gratefully follows Eaton's lead and hopes that she can manage to not do anything to embarrass herself or her group. She remains quiet for the moment and allows Eaton to speak for their little group.
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Sin shrugs softly, agreeing with Edgars assesment of the situation, before arching his eyebrows softly, as if to say "Really? You are asking the near mute Ninja to speak?", before shrugging once more and nodding softly.
"I will speak. We will need to bring dry clothes with us. Pack a bag and meet me in the stables in ten!" He turns on his heels and strides back to his room.
Sin empties his backpack on the the bed, before filling it once more, with clean clothes, a clean length of toweling and some shuriken. Tying the top of the pack, he slings the light pack over his shoulder, before sliding the deep cowled cloak on over his head, pulling up the hood and heading out the door.
Reaching the stables, he picks out two small, lithe chestnut mares, non descript and easy to handle and begins to saddle the pair, as he waits for Edgar.
To the common folk, Grobaras is no better or worse than any Lord-Mayor of the past. He has kept the city functioning and thriving against the wilds of Varisia, stayed the tide of a resurgent war with Korvosa and kept the Hellknights in check, among other things. Not to say that he did all this, but it happened during his tenure. So it isn't so much that the people like him... they just don't dislike him.
In the higher circles of society, it is an open secret that the Lord-Mayor is as corrupt as the day is long and has no scruples about a back deal here or a look the other way there if it furthers his own personal gain. A number of high ranking, influential or just plain wealthy positions have been awarded to friends and allies of the man, and he takes great pleasure in the luxury afforded to his position. The most prominent example would be the estate in which Eaton still stands, as Grobaras is the first Lord-Mayor to ever take up personal residence in Defiants Garden, his predecessors choosing far more modest housing.
That said, Grobaras is not evil, but rather selfish and what's good for Magnimar is good for him, and he sees to the care and upkeep of his city with a precision few would expect him to have, based on his demeanor.
The Lord-Mayor smiles as he bites into the meat of a large rib, tearing the glazed flesh from the bone. Juice dribbles down the crevasses of his two chins, which he half-heartedly wipes away with a kerchief before sucking his fingers dry,
"Quite well my boy, quite well. But you will excuse me if I cut to the chase of this. I'm a busy man." He grins widely, wagging his still greasy fingers in Eaton's direction. "You see I called you here to do you a favor. Rather I will do you a number of favors for the cost of one!" he holds up one of his sausage like digits to emphasize the point.
"There is a chamber in one of the legs of the Irespan, I'll have a map prepared for you of course, and in this chamber is a relic of sorts. Something that my sources have reffered to as A Shard.." he grins widely, the bristles of his thick and curled mustachio twitching across his lip as he hefts a large slice of pie onto his plate - the blueberry stuffing tumbling out.
"Now normally, I would hire some would-be adventurers to brave the dark of the Irespan and retrieve the bauble for my collection, but instead I rather think you and your companions will perform the task for me. For free of course." He smiles amicably before shoveling a forkful of the pie into his mouth.
"a-ta-ta-ta," he waves a hand again, before anyone can say anything, though his eyes are still centered on Eaton, "I could point out that while Miss Emilia's evidence against her brother is strong... things always go missing, and it would be a shame to see young Eredin dismissed of these heinous charges. Or I could point out that the loss of Magnimar has a port to Starse goods could cripple your fathers ventures in Varisia. But I shan't say anything of the sort because we are all friends yes! I'd much rather we be civil."
he leans forward, a piece of blueberry sliding down his chin to fall on his plate, he glances over at Phaedra, "I understand you had something of a run in with a petulant little lordling. Horrible business that, my dear, but it seems he was in fact that son of one of our Chief-Justices." he leans back again, turning to Eaton, "Now of course you understand that the boy can never be publicly charged for his crimes against Miss Valerius, but I can ensure that the matter will be quietly dealt with and your charming friend can feel safe to walk our streets without fear of the law." he holds up another finger to stall any comment as he continues on,
"And then there's your other companions. Did you know that the quiet one, Sinders I believe, tried to steal from me once. Slipped up and all but I've eye-witness accounts and proof as well and it is a dire thing to commit a crime against the State. And the navigator - Mr. Arrowni - would you believe that he was once a pirate. He was a boy to be sure but still, it would seem that in his zeal to protect the lad that Frederick Valdemar never actually sought out a letter of pardon for him..."
The Lord-Mayor takes another bite of his dessert, "I've my fingers in a great many pies Lord Starse. So what say you? Do me this one favor and retrieve the Shard for me and I'll make all of these problems disappear."
Edgar and Sin ride easily from Valdemar manor, through the open and airy streets of the Summit and down the winding way into the more congested passages of The Shore.
Truthfully speaking, while the beauty of the higher Precipice of the Summit can not be ignored, it's the teeming cauldron of life that makes up the districts of the Shore where Edgar and Sin feel more at home, and like carrier pigeons who know their way by instinct, the two quickly come to The Dockway.
The Dockway forms the heart of Magnimar's maritime activities, nestled round the shore of Outcast's Cove in the city's Shore region. Dockway never sleeps. The constant flow of trading ships and local fishing vessels keep the docks busy at all hours. Much of this part of the city is home to businesses that cater to the hardy sea folk who spend their earnings here. A few blocks inland from the salt-soaked dock fronts there are a host of more comfortable inns and taverns that try to cater to the exotic tastes of Magnimar's foreign visitors. The most famous of these Dockway sanctuaries is probably the Fang, a cheap dockside inn run by Ol' Mam Grottle, its no nonsense proprietress. A big part of the establishment's appeal stems from Ol' Mam Grottle herself. She is a burly, no-nonsense woman who has decorated her inn with nautical mementos of her late husband.