Kimiko is happily focusing on the future but wary that the Queen would summon them so quickly. Kimiko mentally laughs at Elegad who does act like a child sometimes as he marvels at the grandeur of a castle. This is not her first time here nor is it the first time she has visited a castle. It is still something to behold no doubt but you grow used to the awe they emit. Kimiko's thoughts suddenly stop when she gets called 'Kimi'
Wait, shortening of names like that usually means ...? Is that the same here, I don't know. Part of me hopes it is. Fujiwara, you have better things to think about!
Kimiko nods cheerily at Elegad. "Yes El, this place is big. It's walls needs to protect the stability of a kingdom after all." To the question about the queen Kimiko replies. "I think it is only because we have her necklace though could be something more. We have after all gotten rid of an underworld boss and taken care of a group of deserters in the name of Korvosa. Or at least it can appear that way from the outside. That is pure speculation though. Likely the Queen will tell us herself, be it by voice or writ.
Kimiko falls into her courteous standard once again when talking with Sabina. "Indeed Ms.Merrin. We have the object of interest. We would be happy to return it. Should we do this in person or will you be our messenger?"
As a citizen of Korvosa Mirian was quite familiar with Castle Korvosa. Although entering the grounds and the castle itself was quite different from seeing it from a distance. She doesn't quite look around gape-jawed and wide eyed, but not far from it. A sobering circumstance was that she didn't want to be here. She could feel the guards eyes on her, memorizing her features. No doubt she didn't resemble the usual crowd that had a audience with the royal regent. The guards would remember her. Famous helpful citizen and drop dead drunkard in the same week. Good job on keeping a low profile.
There was one small opportunity to get out of this. She could always refuse to give up her weapons, then we wouldn't be taken to see the queen and she could leave. But Mirian knew that you didn't refuse a royal summon. On top of that chances were good that refusing to turn over her weapons would gather more attention than just staying quiet and endure. So that is what she elected to do.
---
"So you are in possession of the stolen brooch? Excellent, the Queen will be most glad that it has finally been returned. It is one of her favourite pieces, she was most displeased when it was stolen."
Sabina turns to Marshall Kroft and dismisses her without further ado.
"Thankyou for escorting them here so promptly, Field Marshall, I will take it from here."
Kroft salutes and turns on her heel, her men following her lead. The group of Korvosan Guards march back the way they came, leaving you alone with this beautiful - yet intimidating woman.
"Follow me and I will take you to see your Queen." the swordswoman instructs, setting off towards the throne room, "Her Highness is most eagerly anticipating meeting the heroes who recovered her property. In these uncertain times, the Crimson Throne may have need of groups such as yourself, men and women with unique skills that could accelerate the stabilisation of the new regime."
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base. Sabina takes the brooch from you, hands it over to her queen with a flourish, then takes up a position at the throne’s left side as Ileosa addresses you directly.
"This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope."
“I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more. There is a delicate political matter that requires immediate attention, the Field Marshall will brief you in full, but suffice to say, the talents you have shown accomplishing the seemingly impossible will need to be exercised again, in service of your country. You will be amply compensated for your trouble, of course."
With this, the queen directs Sabina to hand over the reward for returning the brooch—the bodyguard swiftly does so, handing over a small silver chest. Inside the red-velvet-lined interior rest 12 gold ingots imprinted with the royal seal of Korvosa — each bar is worth 100 gp!
“Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
Kimiko is about to ask the Queen of the treaty between Nagajor and Korvosa but knows not to ask at this sensitive time. It might further push away good relations between the two kingdoms. However,
It seems the Queen has me in her good books, the money will be useful but there is something money can't buy and that is her favour. This is my foot in the door here. If I continue to help her I am sure she will look on my people in a kinder light. This is an opportunity, no time like the present to seize it!
As the Queen leaves Kimiko says. "Many thanks your Majesty, you humble us with the rewards you grant us. I for one would be happy to serve this nation for another bout." She bows before the Queen. She places her hands over the chest and closes it gently. Picking up the group's reward tenderly, thanking Sabina while she does so. Kimiko knows the next custom she performs is not one of Korvosa but does it anyway. Kimiko takes a few steps backwards putting good distance between herself and the Queen before turning around to leave.
She joins her group once they have left the greeting hall to meet up with the Field Marshal once again. She nods to Kroft "So I take it you have more to tell us about this political mission? What are the details and what should we be wary off."
Kimiko looks to the gold and knows she has seen quite a bit in her lifetime, the two with her are not of noble upbringing so probably have not seen as much as this before. She suggests. "I do not need much of this reward, I shall take two bars, you may share the other ten between you my friends."
Watching Kimiko bow before the Queen, El tries to mimic the lizard ladies motion by clenching his fist and bringing his arm diagonally across his chest.
I.....haven't ever had this much money before. Ah, err. El stumbles with his words, but then instinct kicks in and his confidence comes out within his next statement.
I, Elegad Espris, son of Esther and Derik, vow to fight for the people of Korvosa, for King and Country, and for my own personal beliefs! he states boldly.
Maybe now's not the best time to ask if I can have ma's house back...and gold bars? Surely something's up here? We haven't helped that much surely...But then again....WHEN ELSE AM I GONNA BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE QUEEN?
My Queen....Before you go, I ask you, could I please have my ma's house back? It was repossessed around 8 years ago as she passed, forcing me onto the streets for the entirety of that time....
Looking a little torn apart mentally, with signs of slight distress, El continues to speak with the Queen.
I...I've had to look after myself, finding food where I could, and until now, had been living in the same sh... Don't say sh***y clothes for the past 8 years. My best memories are from that house, so if it's unoccupied at the minute, is there any way that....that maybe I could be given it as a place of residence once more?
Your money will help me to afford clothes and food, so....thanks. Thanks a lot. It means a lot to me. If there's anything else you want of me, just ask. I haven't helped others all that much, but the second I entered my old man's Fishery, I had an opportunity to change all this. With the help of those here, I ended the life of that....douche, Lamm. Now, I'm gonna join the Sable Marines and really make a difference in this City! SO PLEASE!.....it would mean as much to me, if not more than your necklace means to you. Ma died in that house...I just want to remember and feel her presence once more. the boy says with a saddened look on his face.
The Half-Elf bows slightly, trying not to offend her highness.
Mirian closes her eyes and feels herself being dragged deeper and deeper a situation she didn't want. Know the queen and her personal servant knew her name and face. Although her anonymity had vanished when she started working for Marshall Kroft. After that her proposed career of righting the wrongs the guard couldn't were pretty much over. After all, Verik would be hanged. If Mirian continued on her current path she would probably end up like that as well. Perhaps working for the queen could be a good thing. After all she was not as corrupt as the guard, why would she be? Some of the watchmen needed and extra income to make ends meet, some where just greedy. The queen already had it all.
Deciding to take a positive spin on her situation Mirian bows as the queen leaves, eventually releasing a long breath and relaxing as the group is escorted out and left alone.
"What do you make of all this? What do you think the polictical matter is?" she asks.
Kimiko shrugs "I could name a few political matters that are on edge at the moment, though I doubt it is any of those. We have shown our mettle on the field of battle within city confines. I do not think that her Majesty would get us to fight a battle of words after our previous show. Likely it might be removing someone who is causing political unrest, someone like a person that the riots are rallying behind. I do not know for certain. I could be entirely wrong and we might be having a ball dinner with the intent of resolving a political situation though I doubt that one."
Kimiko isn't thinking too hard on the prospect currently. She is throwing ideas up in the air, likely from past experiences.
@ Elegad: From the expressions of the assembled courtiers, you gather such a direct request of the Queen is considered a gross lapse in courtly etiquette (not that you would know that much about courtly etiquette). Surprisingly, it seems Ileosa is prepared to indulge your sandpaper-rough edges, though the dark look her bodyguard flashes at you makes it clear that you have been looking to avoid an impromptu visit to the castle dungeons.
"Yes, it is important to have a place one can call home," the Queen agrees, "You may not know this, but I am not originally from Varisia at all, I was born in Cheliax. Even so, I hope that the people of your fair city will come to accept me as their Queen, so that I might consider Korvosa to be my home also."
"I will have my scribes look into this matter and arrange for someone to bring the deed to the Citadel Volshyenek for you to sign. Now, if you will please excuse me, I must seek my chambers."
@ Kimiko @ Mirian: When you catch up with Filed Marshall Croft in the public courtyard, she is standing in the company of a handsome, athletically muscled man in his late forties, his prematurely white hair tied back in a long warrior's knot.
After announcing yourselves, Kroft introduces you to her friend. He responds; "Ah, Cressida has been telling me all about you! If Korvosa had more fine folk like you, we’d already be out of this mess!"
He turns to Mirian and bows extravagantly, taking her left hand and brushing the back of it lightly with his lips.
"My name is Vencarlo Orisini. It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Lady Greyfeather. I had heard of your skill with a blade, but nobody mentioned anything of your beauty. You should visit my academy when all this is done with, I am sure there is much that we could teach one another."
Mirian nods half heartedly at Kimiko. "Remove" troublemakers. She had no desire to become a personal hitman for the queen. A hired thug brought in to bring people back into line. She had to figure out some way of getting out of this mess.
Mirian starts to delve deeper into hopelessness as there was yet another stranger that knew her name. The plunge is however cut short as the stranger introduces himself. She is caught completely by surprise by the kiss on the hand and starts to blush. "Oh, thank you", is all she manages. After the bender she took last night, Mirian didn't feel beautiful. Especially not since she spent the last half hour beeing overshadowed by the queen and her body guard. Still it was nice to hear and the compliment felt genuine.
"I am still a novice, but I'm getting better. Perhaps I'll visit the academy. Where is it located?" she says, working hard on hiding her blushing cheeks.
That is a strange gesture, wait where have I heard about it before. Hmmm... ah yes, Gallantry. Oh this man must be some a courtly trained soldier of some kind. His hair is tied back similar to the kitsune men. Respectable, I wonder where he's from to pick up that habit.
Kimiko respectively bows. "Greetings Orisini-sama, are you the one intended to tell us of the Queen's wishes?"
Kimiko seems to want to talk about pleasantries but she is honouring the request that the Queen gave her and is trying to get on with the job at hand. She looks very out of place with the current very friendly exchange. Somewhat stern but looking eager to help.
"No, I will be the one to brief you on your next objective," Marshall Kroft turns to Kimiko, while Vencarlo directs Miriam how to find his fencing academy in the district known as Old Korvosa, "Vencarlo has often come to me with news of important changes on the streets, and this is no different — indeed, what he’s learned could degrade into sanctions, embargos, or even war against Cheliax if we don’t act now. This problem is a man named Darvayne Gios Amprei. You might have heard of him—he’s an ambassador from Cheliax whose disdain for Korvosa is well documented, and yet he’s taken great pleasure in what our city has to offer. Even before this recent unrest, this man was ready to recommend to his government a sanction on trade, or perhaps even an embargo. Vencarlo has learned through his own considerable sources that Ambassador Amprei’s actual goals are to undermine Korvosa’s economy to the point where he can buy up large portions of the city from desperate landholders and establish himself in a position of power here. Whatever the ambassador’s reasons, we can’t let his bias or personal plans hurt Korvosa. Yet neither can we take drastic action — not only would killing him be wrong, but it’d simply martyr him in Cheliax’s eyes.
Fortunately, Darvayne has his foibles. Again, Vencarlo has learned that Ambassador Amprei has been making fairly regular visits to a place in Old Korvosa called Eel’s End. This den of vice is run by a dangerous man named Devargo Barvasi, better known in Korvosa’s alleys as the King of Spiders. I’d love to put Barvasi out of business, but he pays his vice taxes regularly and never causes any problems—in fact, since he keeps his business constrained entirely within the five ships moored at Eel’s End, he’s actually one of the least of my worries. Truth be told, I can’t decide whether Devargo is a stirge or a kraken. He seems like a bloodsucking pest most days, but sometimes I fear just how far his tentacles have wormed their way into our great city. In this case though, his insidious web stretching across Korvosa’s underworld might prove to our advantage.
Devargo would never let someone he recognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel’s End, but your group’s a different case. I’d like you to pay a visit to Eel’s End and secure an audience with Devargo. Find out what he knows about Amprei, get proof of any illicit goings-on the ambassador might be involved with, and bring that proof to me to use to undermine any forthcoming attempts by him to get Cheliax to cut us off. Devargo might not be willing to part with his information easily. I’ll supply you with some gold to bribe him, and whatever’s left over you can keep for yourself."
Kroft tosses you a hefty pouch .
"Remember: the man is dangerous, but so are you — if things get violent, I wouldn’t mourn his passing.”
"If you are prepared to leave immediately, then I will escort you as far as Old Korvosa," Vencarlo offers gallantly, gazing deeply into Mirian's eyes to the exclusion of everyone else in the courtyard. Marshall Kroft rolls her eyes. Apparently, this sort of behaviour is not unusual of the man.
As expected, though at least this can end up with no one dead... hopefully. I have heard of this Ambassador before, I don't like the prospect of Korvosa being destabilized. I guess this would come under my diplomatic duties here. Kimiko stares at the bag of gold. Bribery seems so .. underhanded, I am loathe to use that plan. There must be a better one. Let us take the gold for now just in case there really is no other way out.
Kimiko bows at Kroft and takes the gold, securing it.
I will do as you ask Kroft. Let us hope it does not come to more killing but we will obtain the information required of us. Is there any information you could possibly give us about the Eel's End or what dangers this man possesses other than likely a small force of loyal patrons? Kimiko asks Kroft, inquisitive of their target. Likely this time they might be able to get in with more knowledge of this building than the last two they entered. Hopefully, considering it is a inn someone is bound to know something about it.
As she asks Kroft this she discreetly gets out Zellara's cards.
This will come in handy I am sure. Once outside I should think of something to ask the fates...
THANK YOU!!! shouts El excitedly. I'll tell everyone how generous you are! says the boy, smiling the whole time with the biggest grin on his face you could imagine.
Why's the queen being so generous, and how the f*** is she even in power? When did she rise to power? The last King...I know of, but Ileosa? Never heard of her until today. Ah well, guess I shouldn't have asked such a huge favour with the look I got from her bodyguard. Still...if you don't ask you don't get!
Not really sure how to answer her now though...ermmm
Ah...Once again, thanks a lot! I hope you reach your goals and hope the people here are as thankful to you as I am today!
The half-elf waves at the queen excitedly, completely blanking her bodyguard, as he turns and runs to catch up with the others.
As he approaches, he shouts KIMI!!!! I GET MY HOUSE BACK!!!!, excluding Mirian in his statement as he's not really sure what to make of her yet.
The boy then looks to the new guy and asks; Who's this guy?, having missed the flirtatious remarks and conversation prior to his arrival.
Then overhearing Kroft's conversation with Kimiko, he thinks to himself Who's Vencarlo? New guy? A place? A town? A person? I dunno.... while standing by, saying very little and listening intently.
As the conversation goes on, the words "Devargo would never let someone he recognizes as an ally of the Guard into Eel’s End" pique his interest. Suddenly, the boy grasps his fist, letting out a passionate sounding yes! quietly under his breath, before stepping forward towards Field Marshall Kroft, seemingly ignoring Vencarlo's attempts to woo Mirian.
Grinning he says; I'll do it! Let me be your bait! They'd never suspect someone like me! You know I'm right!
Still taken off balance by Vencarlo Mirian listens to the briefing. A sigh of relief goes of in her head and her shoulders relax somewhat as she is told the objective. It wasn't a assassination. So far so good. Although the task was far from simple. If most of the guard knew the group by now, chances were that the streets knew a thing or two as well.
Mirian knew the way to Eel's end. She had followed a cart from Lamm to Devargo a few days back, when all this began. And she had sent some of Lamm's thugs towards Devargo as well. Not the best of starts.
"That could work", Mirian says as Elegad volunteers. "Chances are high that someone there knows my face. Also that a nagaji took part in the take down of Lamm. Perhaps El can mask as a guide for Kimiko, on the market for information. That is if they won't recognise you. On the other hand, Devargo is a thug. He understands gold and I would be surprised if he has any allegiances other than to himself."
After Kimiko agrees to go do this she asks her two compatriots. "We don't have too much info to go on and I can't say I am up for bribing the man. I don't care about the money too much but I do wish that we get the information without resorting to underhanded tactics. If you remember Zellara, I think we can use what she left us to our advantage here." She mulls over a couple of things in her head.
"The cloak hasn't shown me much yet but I expect one day that it will so I will continue to use it. The cards we can ask a more direct question. Though I wonder as to what we could ask, shall we ask something about something else that might sway the man or some such?"
This dark chamber is riddled with dizzying tunnels and twisting corridors formed by thick cobwebs. The floor is a sticky, lumpy mass of webbing and dozens, if not hundreds, of bones—many of which seem to be from humanoid bodies. Some of the webs seem to shimmer and dance, almost as if reflecting rainbows in their silken forms. Moving through this maze of webbing is a hideous purple creature, walking upright like a man, but its face is that of a spider, and its hands are sickle-shaped claws....
Suddenly, you are returned to the present, unsure of exactly how much time has passed while you experienced your vision.
Everyone else witnesses Kimiko go into some sort of fit. Her eyes roll in their sockets and her whole body twitches spasmodically. A few moments later, normality returns as though nothing had happened. Vencarlo Orisini is so preoccupied with captivating Mirian's attention that he fails to notice anything strange.
"Underhanded?", Mirian asks. If it got the job done she had not qualms of bribing the gangster. She doesn't have the opporunity to press futher before Kimiko enters the trance. "What happened? Are you OK?" she asks with a worried tone.
As soon as Kimiko regains her senses the first thing she does is draws her swords defensively and looks around at the scene in front of her. Seeing that she is still in the castle she looks rather embarrassed with her face flushed away from her normal scaly green. "I.. I am fine.. just .. spooked myself a little.
By the gods what or .. who was that?
She rather briskly sheathes her blades, laughing nervously. "Ignore me don't worry, I didn't mean anything by it." Kimiko does nudge Mirian with her elbow giving her a worried look to say something is up. Mirian does get the feeling that Kimiko doesn't want to talk about it here in front of Kroft and Vencarlo.
Kimiko instead turns to Elegad. Sorry El, we were just discussing our next mission from the Queen before I .. scared myself.. Kroft wants us to get some information from Devargo in Eel's End about an Ambassador called Amprei. We'll work out the details later. She clasps her hand on Elegad's shoulder "Though more importantly I am truly glad that you have gotten your house back. See not all the nobility is bad, it is just hard for them to see everything that happens on their street. I'm glad that you can once again return home once all this is put behind us." Kimiko smiles warmly or at least it appears that way with the groups' only interaction Nagaji being Kimiko. Elegad does pick up that Kimiko is still worried about the trance she just went in.
Mirian jumps several paces back as Kimiko draws her swords, assuming a defensive stance of her own. As the nagaji relaxes so does she, but Mirian keeps her distance until the swords are sheathed. "If you say so", Mirian says without sounding overly confident. "We should get moving. All I can say for certain is that we won't get the information we need by asking, we're going to have to have some leverage. Which means that we need to scout Eel's end first." She motions to the gate. Before walking off she turns to Vencarlo and curtseys. "It was nice to meet you, mr Orisini. I will come by your academy when I find some spare time."
As I wrote earlier this would be a good time to use my adventure card (Spill the beans) on Devargo. Do you have any ideas on how to explain the it story wise? It doesn't really make sense to just go there and say "Spill the beans!", and then he tells us what we want to know.
So I get to be bait? AWESOME! I'll knock every last f***** out when they least expect it. Ya know, a street kid like me could fool anyone! says El, excitedly to Mirian.
Once I make a name for myself, I won't be able to hide or go un-noticed....but then, who's hiding? If it got to that point, I could stage my own death, turning up only in time of need. LIKE BLACKJACK!
Looking to Kimiko, the boy seems puzzled.
Zellara? Underhanded tactics?
I don't underst.... said El, before pausing, shocked at Kimiko's seemingly strange reactions.
As Kimiko draws her swords, El raises his hands up, one in front of the other to protect his face.
Is she okay? She's not really acting like herself...She's back to talking to me now though, so I guess she's ok. I wonder what that was about?
Brushing off Kimiko's actions, El just looks up, slightly cautiously, with an expression of deep concern in his face, and slight.....compassion, giving Kimiko the feeling that he really does care about her in some way, just unsure on what to do in the situation.
Uh, okay! he said, in response to the Nagaji lizard lady.
Pushing Kimiko gently and playfully, he asks; What's the matter Kim Kim? Are you....you again?
The boy smiles, before taking in what Kimiko and Mirian have to say.
It's nice to have something go right for me, that's for sure! You guys should stay round mine sometime! I can tell you all about my ma and the stories she told and read to me as a kid! he said cheerfully, looking towards both Mirian and Kimiko.
As Kimiko places her hand on El's shoulder, the boy smirks, goes to pull out his cigarette, but then slides it back into his pocket again.
I like Kimi-kim! She's really nice, even if she's funny looking. I wonder who had sex with a lizard to create these lizard people though....some crazy drunk probably. I dunno, maybe they evolved naturally. I think we come from monkey's....sooooo it'ssss pooooossibleeee!
I agree with Mirian. I dunno who Devargo or Amprei is, but it sounds like Eel's End's our next stop, so let's get going! Oh and....what's the plan, team?
Once the party is a little away from the castle in a place they can discuss. Be it on the walk to the citadel or actually at the citadel Kimiko addresses the others. "I am truly sorry for the way I acted back there. By that I mean drawing my swords and potentially putting you both in danger. I was in a place was not, at least my mind was not. I can hazard a guess that it was the cloak that sent me to that place. Not that it was a good place mind you." She sighs.
"Bare with me, I don't want you guys thinking I'm crazy. I was walking through a set of tunnels with spun spiderwebs everywhere. Eventually coming to a man .. I think.. who was standing upright and had skin that was purple. He had sickle arms and the face of a spider. I do not know who or what that monstrosity was.. I really don't. She is saying this with utter confusion on her face.
Kimiko does try to think of the implications though. "If I got this vision now it means we might be... Give me a moment I will use up the cards magic for the day to confirm my suspicions."
Kimiko draws the cards then focuses her ki inwards. Just like her brother had taught her. She tries to stir the magic within the cards.
"By the power invested in these cards, I ask the winds of fate. Is the purple creature I saw in my vision associated with Devargo and his dealings in any way?" She asks.
Regardless of the answer the cards give she addresses the party again. "Well, I think we should do like Mirian says and scout out Eel's End. Considering it is an inn we could go there for drinks and investigate at least the inside a bit. I would like to suggest a change of clothes for Mirian and myself though."
"We will need to go as inconspicuous as possible. I know that is hard for me but I can act as a foreign mercenary who just hopped off of a boat. I will need to shed my houses' armour though as if someone recognizes it they will know my noble standing. It is unlikely but in a place where ambassadors go I am sure one or two people can notice foreign nobility such as I." Kimiko has a think of what to change into then smirks and laughs a little at a thought she just had.
"Want to go in dresses Mirian? I can wear one of the local dresses to make myself look that much more like a tourist. I don't think people will draw attention to an 'idiot' Nagaji trying to get a drink will they?" She continues to laugh, it had been such a long time since she didn't have to dress for either a function or for a fight that she actually welcomed the silliness she just proposed.
She winks at El "If we do that, El will have to tell us which one looks prettier." Kimiko jokes.
The reason I would suggest is kind of a metagamey one. Dervago's secret is one of the few things I remember from the AP. Once reason I could think of is that if Mirian knew the secret or lernt of it, she could use it as leverage against him and explain the card.
"By the power invested in these cards, I ask the winds of fate. Is the purple creature I saw in my vision associated with Devargo and his dealings in any way?" She asks.
Mirian smiles at Kimiko's suggestion. Eventhough she had always been more of a tomboy, Mirian could still appreciate wearing a dress, although not in a place like Eel's end. "I rather not", she says still smiling. "I wouldn't want to be caught in Eel's end wearing a dress. But the uniform won't surfice either. Looking like mercenaries or something similar will probably get us more freedom to move around the docks. I have some spare clothing at my father's house, I'd have to go and get it before we start. He's a tailor, he might have something you can wear as well, Elegad."
Awww, and here I was hoping to catch a glimpse of some fine ladies legs. You sure you guys don't wanna dress that way? I'd be okay with it! says El, sticking his tongue out playfully.
Looking to Mirian, he asks; Maybe your dad can alter these clothes for me? They're a much better fit, but I'd like them a little tighter on me. Less likely to get caught on things or seen as often!
El smirks, with a hint of mischief about him.
Bidding farewell to Field Marshall Kroft (who is required back at the Citadel), you follow Vencarlo Orisini north until you reach the Narrows, a network of bridges that cross the water separating Korvosa from the decrepit Old Quarter of the city. Here, the charming fencing instructor takes his leave, bowing extravagantly to Lady' Mirian and insisting that she visit his academy once her mission is complete.
A sprawl of light and sound marks the first pier of Old Korvosa. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and god’s eyes hang from pilings or lampposts, flickering through all hours of the night. During the day, Eel’s End is quieter, yet the place never truly sleeps. Here is a place that caters to the vices and base needs of Old Korvosa at all hours.
The pier itself is 70 feet long, although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. Five ships are moored to the pier the largest of these is the Eel’s End, a warship that serves as the stronghold of Devargo Barvasi and the administrative center of his entire operation. Each of the other four barges are owned by various peddlers and captains, and they pay regular rent for the honor of attaching to Eel’s End. Those who fail to pay or abide by Devargo’s laws find their ship cut loose in the middle of the night, often in flames or infested with deadly spiders.
Eel’s End is open and welcoming of nearly everyone—the enforcers and merchants here are naturally suspicious of well-dressed visitors, but their suspicion quickly caves to greed as they try to fleece these hopefully naive patrons of their obvious wealth. Only those who are obviously affiliated with the Korvosan Guard, the Order of the Nail, or the Sable Company aren’t welcome on Eel’s End. Since Devargo pays his vice taxes and self-polices Eel’s End well enough that trouble here never impacts the city at large (including a strict policy of handing over anyone he realizes is trying to use Eel’s End to hide from the law), the guards rarely have any cause to visit Eel’s End.
Ironically, Eel’s End is actually one of the safer, more stable locations in Korvosa these days. The riots haven’t touched the place, and in fact, the increased need for escapism from the horrors of reality has seen business booming.
The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted ships moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages hang from ropes slung between ships or are nailed to pilings. The closest ship to the east bears a sign that says, “The Twin Tigers—Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!” Opposite that, to the west, a barge’s sign says, “Welcome to the Goldenhawk — No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa!” Further to the southeast is “Dragon’s Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices!”, while opposite that is the “House of Clouds—The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!” Only the largest ship, to the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier, or from the decks of other ships. Sailors, thugs, drunkards, prostitutes, and what could even be a few well-dressed nobles carouse on the pier and the decks of all five ships, seemingly oblivious to Korvosa’s recent troubles. Here and there, large men dressed in chainmail patrol the area, grim faces in a sea of revelry.
Two rough looking enforcers stand watch where the pier meets the land, their scarred, brawlers faces painfully scrunched up with concentration as they maintain a sharp lookout for any troublemakers.
Guys, we're here! the boy shouts with excitement.
After a long walk, and a few jokes with Kimiko, El is surprised at how bustling and busy the pier of Korvosa is around this part of the city.
Whispering to Kimiko, the boy asks; Wasn't this meant to be a dangerous place? It looks like a whole lot of fun to me!
Looking around in awe, one barge in particular draws his attention, if only for the right reasons.
Grabbing Kimi's clothes, El tries to pull the Nagaji towards the "House of Clouds".
Look Kimi! We can go to heaven! You can finally meet my ma! We'll be able to return right? Of course we can! Let's go! says the boy, hastily and excitedly as he runs towards the barge.
Treanda hobbles along dragging his left leg behind him and leaning heavily on his staff for balance as he approaches the barge of his choice. He looks out of place in the festering nest of humanity that is Eel's End. If anything he looks like a professor that somehow has become lost on a class field trip. He definitely does not look like the person that would be a patron of the 'House of Clouds' but that appears to indeed be his objective.
Treanda pulls up in surprise as he sees an incredibly sight before him. There is an extremely large lizard person being pulled by a young boy and accompanied by a tough looking young woman. Oh my, a Nagaji here?!? This could be the miracle I need. Nagaji are famous for their honor.
Treanda focuses his will and taps that deep core within himself from which he draws his magic. He attempts to send a probe/plea into the mind of the Nagaji.
"Please help me...they have kidnapped my baby sister (the plea includes a mental picture of his sister)"
Back in familiar clothing Mirian feels much more relaxed. The surprise in her fathers expression as he saw her uniform, and the concern as he saw her old mud caked clothes, did bother her though. She would have to adress that eventually. Perhaps tomorrow after this business was taken care off. Only carry one stone at a time. Right now the most pressing one felt the lightest as well. Eel's end was not a paradise, but it was far away from the Citadel and her newly won fame.
"Let's concentrate on the task at hand, shall we?" Mirian says as Elegad starts towards the House of Clouds. The rogue then heads for the Eel's end main entrance.
Kimiko enjoys the walk away from the bustling part of the city mired with riots. True to her small joke earlier she has gotten a commoners dress. It is a matted brown and very simple. She has crudely cut a hole for her tail to feed through the back. She has taken her blades just in case but has hidden them. They are strapped to her legs covered by her dress, they will take a little longer to draw then she would like but better that than no weapons at all.
Kimiko replies to El about the danger "Be careful the worst dangers in town you won't ever see until it is too late."
Kimiko lets herself get dragged by El until she reads what is actually on the sign. Kimiko stops him looking quite embarrassed. "Wait wait, I do not think that takes us to Heaven. It er... well..."
My training did not prepare me for this!
"Let's just say I think it might be a special type of masseur, I do not think..." Then the voice of Treanda fills her mind. She does not know who the voice is nor how trustworthy it could be, her mind has been filled with monstrosities very recently. Although, the image of a sibling in distress is something she knows all too well. She cannot help but sympathize. Despite the danger it might hold she replies in her mind wondering if the voice can hear her.
To El, Kimiko is staring off into the distance behind him.
I can not decline the plea of such distress. Tell me first though who are you? Forgive me suspicion there has been many a psychic in my head recently. I mean no offence if your goal is truly to save your sister. I am just growing paranoid after living here for a few weeks. If you are nearby please step out I'd like to meet you...If that pleases you?
I can not decline the plea of such distress. Tell me first though who are you? Forgive me suspicion there has been many a psychic in my head recently. I mean no offence if your goal is truly to save your sister. I am just growing paranoid...
The three of you see a very ordinary looking human limp up to you from the crowd of revelers. If you look very closely you might notice that the limp is very inconsistent sometimes almost appearing to disappear altogether. The eyes though show that the stranger is in some sort of considerable pain. The stranger stops in-front of Fujiwara and gives a small bow.
"Forgive me lady for my earlier intrusion. I normally would not behave in such a inconsiderate manner but desperation drives me." Treanda looks each of you in the eye for a moment then continues, "Please, please help me. My name is Treanda Cartwright. These monsters" Treanda gestures towards the barges around them, "have killed my Aunt and Uncle and kidnapped my baby sister. I have travelled from Magnimar to rescue her but the Spider is too strong for me to face alone. Tears begin to flow down Treanda's face as he looks at you. "Please, I appeal to your honor and compassion."
Mirian is stopped on her way to the Eel's End Entrance by the limping man. Listening to his story she can feel a few more stones mounting on her back. She closes her eyes and tries to focus on the task at hand. One stone at a time. She knew it was a futile gesture. Of course she would help. She wasn't able to turn down a person in need. Never had been and probably would never be. She had a habit of making other people's problems her own. As she opens her eyes her expression is determined. "What is your sister's name? How do you know that she was taken and that those that took her are here?" Mirian asks with her mind made up.
Mirian is stopped on her way to the Eel's End Entrance by the limping man. Listening to his story she can feel a few more stones mounting on her back. She closes her eyes and tries to focus on the task at hand. One stone at a time. She knew it was a futile gesture. Of course she would help. She wasn't able to turn down a person in need. Never had been and probably would never be. She had a habit of making other people's problems her own. As she opens her eyes her expression is determined. "What is your sister's name? How do you know that she was taken and that those that took her are here?" Mirian asks with her mind made up.
Treanda takes comfort from the determination on the young woman's face and dries his eyes.
"Her name is April, April Cartwright. Here's a locket with her picture in it." Treanda pulls a locket from around his neck and shows you all a drawing of a beautiful young woman. He quickly relates the contents of the letter he received from April and then discovering her gone when he reached Korvosa. "When I talked to her neighbors, I found out that she was being harassed by a pimp from that place!", Treanda says as he points to the House of Clouds. "I have some small skills at magic and was able to use my powers to find out that April had indeed been brought there but she only was there for a few hours when two enforcers from the King of Spiders took her with them back to his ship." The tears start leaking from his eyes again. "The bastard's ship is too well protected for me to get onto. I am at my wits end. I was planning on at least killing the pimp that started this but then I saw your friend, the Nagaji, and knowing that they are normally an honorable people contacted her with my mind to ask for her help." Treanda again wipes the tears from his eyes and looks expectantly at the three of you.
"As luck would have it we're heading to the same place", Mirian says with a determined smile. This was exactly the thing she wanted to stop when she joined the guard and not being able to within the bureaucracy was the reason she quit. Aren't you stepping into this abit harshly? asks a voice in her head. What's next? Do we celebrate the latest side-step with another bender? Mirian pushes the thought aside and turns back towards the entrance. Agreeing to help wasn't the smartest thing, but she didn't have to be smart to face herself in the mirror. She just had to be right.
But I wanna go in and see what's inside! If it's possible to see ma, even if a masseur has to take me there, I'm gonna go to heaven!
Tugging at the Nagaji some more, the resistance lessens as Kimiko looks into the distance.
Hey....HEY! El waves his hands in front of Kimiko's face and says Are you even listening to me?
Don't ignore me. We have to go to heaven! Devargo can wait! Come onnnnnnn!
Pulling at Kimiko a few more times but with little to no reaction, El turns around, wondering what Kimiko found so interesting. As he turned, a strange man with an odd walk came hobbling towards him, focused more on Kimiko than anyone else.
Now who's this guy? thought the boy, as he stood by, listening to what the man had to say to Kimiko and Mirian.
Another poor guy who's lost his loved ones. It seems there's plenty of us out there!
Hey, you! Treanda? Yea, TREANDA! We're kinda in the middle of something. I'm trying to get into the House of Clouds so I can see my ma in heaven! We'll help you after!
"You are not going to find your mother in there. Trust me.", Mirian tells Elegad. "Let's take care of our situation with Dervago. Keep a clear head, you're going to need it."
Kimiko bows respectfully back at Treanda.
I am surprised, he greets me like a Nagaji. One of the few who knows our customs.
Kimiko listens to Treanda's story then the subject of the Spider.
Wait.. is that Dervago's alias?
"Sorry Treanda, tell me what do you know of this 'Spider'? Do you know how the name King of spider came about?" She asks.
"Regardless we are headed to similar goals Treanda. I feel that we can find your daughter along the way. We should be careful though there is much we do not see that will cause us problems." Kimiko says.
Kimiko is getting more embarrassed at the consistent plea to go into the House of Clouds. Kimiko bids Elegad come closer and she whispers something in his ear.
Kimiko bows respectfully back at Treanda.
I am surprised, he greets me like a Nagaji. One of the few who knows our customs.
Kimiko listens to Treanda's story then the subject of the Spider.
Wait.. is that Dervago's alias?
"Sorry Treanda, tell me what do you know of this 'Spider'? Do you know how the name King of spider came about?" She asks.
"Regardless we are headed to similar goals Treanda. I feel that we can find your daughter along the way. We should be careful though there is much we do not see that will cause us problems." Kimiko says.
"My apologies Lady Fujiwara Kimiko for my poor manners in forgetting that you were not raised in Korvosa. I know little about the Spider except that Dervago is widely known as the King of Spiders and is rumored to be able to command Spiders to do his bidding."
"Lady, I agree that some degree of caution is necessary as the Spider's ship is surely well protected but I must add the thought of my sibling being held there drives me forward as quickly as possible. I know that I am asking much of all of you. Please know that if we survive what is to come, I will owe all of you a debt of honor and gratitude."