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Hetamon pauses for a moment and then carefully chooses his next statements to Sidius.
As you should be aware, that with the clearing of the Lucky Bones
you have firmly established the your movement as a faction within the city.
This has attracted attention of other groups and nobles with their own agendas.
Some could be allies, some competitors and no few enemies.
He continues.
The addition of a brief weekly meeting with key allies and leaders among with your group is well advised. This may have mutual benefits, including potential help you seek. I was approached by
Lady Mialari Docur of Docur’s School for Girls. Lady
Docur wants to talk to the leaders of the 'Silver Ravens'
about a possible alliance with her organization, and I suggest
the founding of a “Silver Council” if you will. A
meeting roughly weekly as a venue for you and your allies to
discuss future tactics and concerns in the city.
He pauses before adding.
One of the girls, Feiya is her name I believe. She may be able to help you.
There is also an Ifrit named Kenji Haru in town, that follows Irori I believe.
He may also be helpful to your leadership team.
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Seeing the city like this is almost sickening. It’s so hard to find anyone that is willing to talk about what’s happening here. So I’m glad that I found Hetamon at least. It was good to catch up with him. Kenji thinks.
When he learned of the Night of Ashes, during which Thrune agents attacked the Monastery and took control of it from the Order of Archivists, Kenji knew that it was time to return to Kintargo.
But reclaiming the seized relics and books is almost impossible without support. But what Hetamon told me gives me hope. he has to admit.
The city has significantly changed since Barzillai Thrune’s takeover of Kintargo, and he knows that this is the time to resist the agents of House Thrune.
Well, at least the slums of Devil’s nursery have not been hit as hard as the monastery. I heard from Hetamon that he also knows Talvek and that the Tiefling is somehow involved in the resistance. Talvek might be willing to talk about what he’s up to? he asks himself.
Kenji thinks back at the couple of times in Devil’s Nursery and the libraries where he encountered Talvek. They chatted about inequality and all sorts of academic topics. And Kenji knows that Talvek is quite outspoken about his dislike of, and mistrust in, rich people, and has been researching the Silver Ravens for a while.
Hmm … Talvek really is someone special. If he’s involved in this new Silver Raven team then that’s a good sign.
Kenji remembers that Talvek’s family in Devil's Nursery is a well-known entity - a found family of tiefling women - not unlike a polycule with many adopted children - who came together to protect and take care of each other.
Talvek kept mentioning his aunties and sisters, but he only has one blood relative in the family - his mother, Pella - as far as I remember. Hopefully his family is fine after what happened in the nursery. he thinks.
Suddenly, he starts speaking. “I am ready to support the Silver Ravens!“
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Sergio Isaurus stopped in to visit the Shellets in the Iudeimus Tenement, and learned to his distress that young Angus and Phenio were missing. Supposedly the boys had gone out to visit the shops, and had not returned. Their mother and father were beside themselves with worry; they had asked around the neighborhood, but couldn't find any trace of the twins. Sergio consoled them, but had little but comforting words to offer them.
When he spoke with them again later in the week, they mentioned being visited by some people claiming to ne investigating the disappearance. When Sergio asked about them, he was startled when Mrs. Shellet mentioned that a halfling woman who introduced herself as Kyda had said something like "The dawn brings new light." His heart skipped a beat, for he immediately knew that she must be a fellow worshipper of Sarenrae; this was an oft-cited aphorism among the faithful.
When the boys came home a few days later, they reported being held prisoner by cultists of some sort, and overhearing mention of them being sacrifices. Apparently the strangers calling themselves the Silver Ravens had rescued the boys and brought them back home to their greatly relieved parents. They also reported hearing the halfling woman mentioning Sarenrae, and "the Dawnflower". They also described her as dancing gracefully in combat, slashing the enemies with her small scimitar. This sounded very much like the accounts he had heard about the dervish fighting style that he had understood was taught in Sarenrite temples in the south.
Sergio had been in hiding since the Night of Ashes, and had not had any contact with others of his faith, which had been outlawed by the Lord Mayor. He called on friends that he knew in the various tenement buildings, and offered medical treatment to those in need. Luckily he knew how to disguise his divine spellcasting as alchemy, so as not to draw unwanted attention to himself. He hadn't heard from Shensen, the leader of the local Sarenrite community since the Night of Ashes, when her music shop, the Silver Star, had burned to the ground. But now it seemed that his prayers had been answered, and there was one of the faithful in Kintargo aiding the local citizens. But how could he contact her?
After the boys were rescued, things seemed to quiet down somewhat, but then reports of the Temple Hill Slasher began circulating. Then a couple of weeks later came news that the Slasher was dead: slain by the Silver Ravens! When he heard the announcement that Barzillai Thrune was going to recognize the deeds of the Silver Ravens, he knew that he had to be there, to try to get a glimpse of Kyda.
He joined the crowd. He was tempted by the few Silver Ravens masks that someone was handing out, but thought better of it. He didn't dare draw attention to himself and risk people notice the fact that he was healing ordinary citizens. When the group of halflings came forth and started to claim credit, he was doubtful. Then a halfling woman appeared, announcing herself as Kyda, and his heart skipped a beat. He could see the wisdom of her attempt to draw attention away from the group of halfings: Barzillai Thrune's offer smelled of a trap to him. She had saved them from their own foolishness!
He didn't try to approach her there: that seemed like a bad idea given the circumstances. But he resolved to take matters into his own hands and try to meet her. He started by asking people in around the Iudeimus Tenement about her, and where he could find her. But no one seemed to know where she was staying, or where the SIlver Ravens had their headquarters.
Sidius nods at the information, "Your advice is most sage, Hetamon -- it would be very useful to be able to take His Lordishness' strength, and even more so if we can turn it to our side. And, again, you are correct about the need for us to be better organized and coordinated, even if that structure seems to increase the risks."
Lubella met with Zenger for her weekly meeting to guide him on his advancement in the Siver Ravens organization.
There's a man who's been asking about the Silver Ravens at the Iudeimus Tenement, and about you specifically.". the man told her. "I thought I should let you know, In case he's a security risk."
"I should talk to him, and find out what he wants". Lubella replied. "We have to be open to people wanting to support us. Perhaps you can point him out to me when we're there?"
Zenger replied that he didn't think that the man lived in the building, but that he seemed to visit one of the residents from time to time.
Later that morning, he indicated am unassuming human male with rounded shoulders exchanging pleasantries with the Nurla Botve, the tenement caretaker. After he finished talking to the old woman, Lubella approached him and said, "Hi, I'm Kyda. I hear you've been looking for me."
Sergio couldn't believe his luck: here was the halfling he'd been trying so hard to find! Stumbling to find the right words he said, 'My name is Sergio. I've been trying to find another of the faithful." He rolled back his sleeve to reveal an ankh embroidered on the inside.
Lubella replied to him, "Do you fancy something to eat? The Owl Bakery makes excellent blueberry scones."
Sergio nodded, and Lubella walked with him to Julessa Emberlain's bake shop, and sat down at a table in the back. Sergio told her about how he concealed his cleric spellcasting by disguising it as alchemy, and how he wanted to join the Silver Ravens.
Lubella replied, "I think you could help us a great deal. I want the Silver Ravens to offer free medical services to the needy; does that sound like something you'd be interested in?"
Hetamon directs Sidius to the woman Feiya in the northern part of town near to the Longroads Coffee House.
You meet the woman and she has her fox talk to Aeria.
We understand you are trying to help the city. Anything that sticks it to the Thrunes is good for us.
***
Back when the party is all together, Octavio calls his team together. He leads the report out of the team.
The sea elves have departed from their home. They told me to convey to their extreme gratitude and for you to seek them in Acisazi.
They are hopeful to return to help as a team in a week or two.
He gets a more serious look.
What are the plans for the teams now that we are relocated to this Lucky Bones. We should fortify this place as best we can. I have heard rumors of a call for a special council?
Lubella returned to the Lucky Bones with Sergio and called a brief meeting, "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Sergio Isaurus. He's a follower of Sarenrae, who has come up with a way to disguise his divine spellcasting as alchemy. He's going to be helping us deliver medical services to the needy. I plan on approaching the Cloven Hoof Society to see if we can operate a medical clinic out of their building, or in another suitable location in the Devil's Nursery. He will help us raise our profile among the ordinary citizens."
After hearing Octavio's news, she responded, "I suggest that we meet with Hetamon to get his opinions on the other players. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts too, Octavio."
Octavio nods and pauses in thought .
”Hetamon Is wise in recommending establishing a council with the different factions. Some would be valued Allies but others I would not dare trust. “
He counts out on one hand.
”Hetamon’s Rose followers of Milani. The Bellflower Network. Our Order of the Torrent. Those are a given. The Cheliaxian Navy Captain I am less certain, as is the Church of Abadar. Possibly allies, but they must straddle the river else the Thrunes would confront them openly. There are a few of the half dozen or so powerful noble houses that would have funds and some guards. But keep in mind…none of these could strategically challenge the Kintargo government as they stand now. “
He shrugs
”As you have already seen, he is able to call upon supernatural and diabolical forces well beyond any army of mortals. Much more powerful and In greater numbers than anyone has ever seen. The Glorious Reclamation and their lofty paladins are challenging Cheliax on many fronts. But they do not care about Kintargo. It has no strategic importance to their fight. No, we still must operate under cover for a time longer. Building a collective force from here in the city or beyond. “
Talvek gives Sergio a cheerful wave. "Good to meet you, and thank you for your help!" The tiefling then turns to Lubella. "Speaking of, one of my sisters told me that someone has been asking about me in Devil's Nursery - asking for by name. I'll go see what that's about. Then I'll meet you at Hetamon's to talk about this council idea."
Applying a disguise is by now almost second nature, and within twenty minutes Talvek present as an elderly tiefling with a limp and a pot belly, shabbily dressed and with long, unkempt white hair. He tries to stay out of sight until he reaches his neighbourhood, where one more tiefling would not seem out of place.
He only sheds the disguise when safely inside his family's house, then goes to greet his mother, aunties and all his sisters, asking for news and gossip.
Lubella replied to Talvek. "OK, be careful. We'll need to discuss the security implications of this council."
Kenji was advised that the whole Silver Raven Team is in hiding.
"Not good enough for me to wait ... I will try to find Talvek in disguise ... eventually he will visit his family I assume." Kenji thinks.
For the last days he tried to disguise as a Tiefling beggar near the home of Talvek's family with his disguise kit.
Sitting in the streets Kenji waits.
Having learned about the beggar who had been shadowing their home for the last few days (and whom Talvek really doubts is really a beggar), the tiefling goes in search of him.
Spotting his target only a few streets away from his home, Talvek walks past the man and flips a silver coin to him with barely a glance. The coin is actually two coins stuck together, with a brief note tucked between them. The note says Devil's Threads.
It takes some time until Kenji even realizes that the coin that he received was actually a double coin.
“Wow. I really don’t see anything. Who did I get that from?!?“ he asks himself.
He of course knows the establishment. Owned by the tiefling Hetamon Haace, the Devil’s Threads has a reputation as having some truly wonderful items of clothes on sale, though he himself realized that it has been unusually sparse compared to the past.
He makes his way to Devil's Threads.
Sidius nods and smiles, "Oh, it's a given that no one noble house could stand - but that's not what we'd be asking... at least, not at first. As I said, just taking them off the board so that Dear Cousin can't set them against us is an advantage -- doubly so if that can be managed smartly. Guards that just don't quite catch us or see us are an extremely valuable asset."
He then sobers and says, "However, your point about who we trust enough to bring to a council is a fair one. Especially since making a wrong step could expose and destroy everything we've worked for."
Talvek and Kenji are able to meet.
Sidius returns from his visits in the city.
The teams are ready for their next week’s task assignments.
In the Devil's Threads Kenji orders a drink and waits to be approached.
"I hope he arrives at all ... " Kenji thinks.
The tiefling proprietor Hetamon Haace greets you
”Good morning, welcome to my little establishment. How may I be of service? I do not believe we have formally met, but we have a mutual acquaintance who said you might be looking to be fitted with a new…outfit. “ he winks and grins.
Octavio nods to Sidius
”The setting for the first such council of Silver Ravens will be key. Who to invite, and where to hold it. We do not want to draw attention to the Lucky Bones. We could host at my cousins Tooth and Nail bar but I would recommend someplace further from this base. Perhaps the Longroads Coffeehouse. Then change locations every week or two. “
Lubella replied to Octavio, "The Tooth and Nail might draw too much attention to Setrona. I'd be uncomfortable exposing her to that much potential scrutiny. Longroads is a possibility, as long as the higher bridge tolls don't make it too difficult or people with with more modest means to attend. I'd want to run the idea by Laria first. I'm going to go to the Devil's Threads to seee what Hetamon has in mind."
Given the sensitivity of the nature of the matters to be discussed, Lubella donned a disguise that she hadn't used before and headed to Hetamon's establishment to wait for Talvek. She approached the shop cautiously, casting an arcane spell first to heighten her senses, and checked the surroundings for unwanted attention before entering the shop.
With some help from his sisters, Talvek is disguised as a young tiefling woman as he enters Hetamon's shop and approaches his target with a coquettish smile.
"Hey there, stranger. New in town? Here for the birdwatching festival?"
Before she departs, Lubella notices Sergio perk up at mention of tolls. He had overhead from the Shallets that there was a rumor the bridge tolls were going up again.
"Good to see you again Talvek! It is me ... Kenji. I hope you remember me!" he says with a happy smile because he finally found him.
Kenji explains to Talvek with secret messages that he is back and that he is devestated to see what happened to the Irori monastery and the Tieflings.
Kenji has a reputation to be a competent warrior and scholar and he clearly expresses to Talvek that he wants to aid the resistance movement.
He heard from Hetamon about Talvek`s leadership role and wants to offer his aid.
"So what do you think Talvek?!" he asks with hope in his voice.
"Kenji?! Good to see you again!" Talvek claps his old friend on the shoulder, making seemingly small talk about the neighbourhood. He commiserates about the devastation of the monastery and the other misfortunes, and when Kenji suggests that he wants to help, he says, "Let's wait for my friends here, I think they would like to meet you and talk to you about ways you can help."
Throughout the conversation he surreptitiously scrutinizes his interlocutor - while he didn't think Kenji was a spy, it never hurt to be cautious.
Kenji definitely is eager to support.
"Of course! I know that you can never be too careful. I am looking forward to meeting the others!"
Hetamon asks the two men in his store.
”Your other colleague was here earlier asking about an outfit for a formal meeting. Has the event been planned? I would like some time to select appropriate materials for meeting dignitaries or other city leaders. “
Before she left Lubella brought Sergio up to date about the new bridge tolls, "It's a terrible burden on the ordinary citizens; few can afford to pay such exorbitant tariffs."
Lubella entered the shop and noted the Ifrit talking to her friend.
She nodded to Talvek and said, "I take it you found who you were looking for?"
Kenji looks at Lubella and smiles.
"A pleasure meeting you lady, my name is Kenji!!" he says and bows in Tian fashion.
He points at Talvek and smiles.
"We know each other from way back. I was out of town for a while." he says.
If time allows and Talvek gives a sign that he can trust the halfling lady and Lubella also shows interest, then he again uses a series of complex secret messages to explain his brief acquaintance with Talvek and convey his motivation and his desire to aid the Silver Ravens.
Hetamon asks the two men in his store.
”Your other colleague was here earlier asking about an outfit for a formal meeting. Has the event been planned? I would like some time to select appropriate materials for meeting dignitaries or other city leaders. “
Kenji looks at Talvek and Lubella because he has no clue what Hetamon is referring is to.
Directing his attention to Hetamon, Talvek responds. "Well, here she is now, and we were going to discuss those very details, if we could make use of a more secluded corner of your shop."
Once they have some privacy, he makes the introductions. "Kyda, this is Kenji. Kenji, this is Kyda, one of my associates. We all have taken to using code names, for security reasons." Turning to Lubella, he continues. "We've known each other for a while, and if you remember that monastery under Hocum's Fantasmagorum - well, Kenji was part of that before it was destroyed. He has expressed a strong interest in helping."
Hetamon ushers you three into his back room. The tiefling's ears perk up at the mention of the monastery.
Were you there when the late Arcbaroness Porcia Victocora was there?
I mean, you know before the Night of Ashes where the Thrunes hunted down the Sacred Order of Archivists?
Oh I am sorry. I never met anyone who survived. The Archbaroness and her son were good customers of mine.
He drifts back into memories. I apologize for the interruption. Please continue.
Lubella bowed to Kenji, "I am at your service. I don't know if Jackdaw has explained the Silver Ravens' Officer positions to you, but I am the Demagogue. My responsibility is the Public Relations of The Silver Ravens: getting our message out, and shaping the public's perception of our organization."
After Hetamon had finished, Lubella asked, "Hetamon, I understand you are proposing setting up a "Silver Council" to discuss matters in Kintargo with potential allies. Can you fill us in on the details of what you are proposing? I assume this would be a series of invitation-only Meetings? Who do you think we should contact? Is there any precedent for such a council?"
Hetamon responds to the question.
”I was making a recommendation since it appears there are many groups wanting to see a replacement to the current city government. However none will succeed as each will be easily stomped down by the boot of the Thrunes. “
He continues
”So it only makes sense to join forces on a common goal. The teams you have assembled are the closest to such a coalition. My ally,Lady Docur with her School for Girls, has observed your movement and would like to know more before she commits her resources to the contest. Her resources are just what you need. And you do not want to conflict with her or you will both lose. Other factions like Bellflowers or my Roses…we likewise cannot stand alone but could support the broader goals. But need assurances. “
Lubella said to Hetamon, "Tell me more about Lady Docur. What resources does she have at her disposal?"
Hetamon smiles
”It would be rude for me to speculate. But I have known her for years and let it suffice to say her organization’s resources exceed mine. I will vouch for her.
He leans forward reassurance.
She approached me to establish the dialog with the ‘New Silver Ravens’
And likely that of you coalition’s.
But I would rather goals and resources come out in a discussion between the two of you.“
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Hetamon ushers you three into his back room. The tiefling's ears perk up at the mention of the monastery.
Were you there when the late Arcbaroness Porcia Victocora was there?
I mean, you know before the Night of Ashes where the Thrunes hunted down the Sacred Order of Archivists?
Oh I am sorry. I never met anyone who survived. The Archbaroness and her son were good customers of mine.He drifts back into memories. I apologize for the interruption. Please continue.
Kenji nods slowly.
“Maybe I start at the beginning he says … I was an Asmodean slave once … “ he starts providing details about the Pathfinder and Bellflower agents that rescued him.
Suddenly, Kenji makes a strange howling sound with his Wolfscarred Face but obviously he doesn’t even notice himself.
“After this event, I aided the Pathfinders and the Bellflower network in Cheliax, and as a result, we were hunted down and all that were found were punished and even executed. Ever since, I vowed to get justice against the church of Asmodeus and House Thrune!“ he says with determination.
He continues explaining that during this time Kenji received a more formal education by a human Pathfinder agent, Olef Garl, from Kintargo who was a Paladin of Irori, the God of history, knowledge and self-perfection.
The howling sound of his wolf jaw appears randomly after some of his sentences have ended like an awkward punctuation.
“The story of a mortal man who ascended to godhood by attaining pure physical and mental perfection was so intriguing that I followed Olef! I was young and not of importance in the hierarchy but I saw the Archbaroness twice although I never talked to her. Similar to Olef she was a member of the highly secretive Sacred Order of Archivists, a group of worshippers of Irori dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the true history of Cheliax that has been redacted and altered by House Thrune. This was enough to earn the wrath of newly ascended Lord-Mayor Barzillai Thrune, who attacked and destroyed the Order's headquarters beneath Hocum's Fantasmagorium during the infamous Night of Ashes!!!“ he says with anger.
He explains that before all the tragedy no official Iroran temple existed in Kintargo, the semi-secret Many-Steps Monastery worked against House Thrune’s constant redactions and rewriting of history. Kenji found a true safe haven and started to learn more about the world, about himself and about the beliefs that he wants to focus on.
While not interested in direct confrontation, the Iroran scholars taught Kenji to seek out documents and relics crucial to maintaining an accurate picture of the past and safeguarding them for those who might legitimately seek out their secrets. During this time the Archivists expanded beyond Cheliax, establishing cells wherever corrupt governments, extreme nationalism, or prejudice might cause people to sweep inconvenient truths under the rug.
“Because of that I accompanied Olef that originally introduced me to the faith of Irori to Absalom where I also got accepted to the Tempering Hall, an Iomedaen combat school that traditionally trains paladins of Iomedae as well as those Paladins called by Abadar, Irori, and Shelyn, as well as those dedicated to fighting evil! The three-year course of study and training was a valuable preparation against powerful foes!“ he says proudly.
Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his Iroran Mentor and former Pathfinder, Kenji also joined the Pathfinder Society to gain and protect the knowledge of the past across the Inner Sea and beyond! The dangers he faced not only showed him that he truly has a deep connection to the Master of Masters but he also was hit by curses that transformed him forever!
“But when I heard about what happened to the Irori followers here I had to return!! And here I am … I have to admit that I haven’t been in the city for years and that I do not have any extensive contacts or any funds that I can contribute to your cause! But I have my determination to help the city and to find out if any of my fellow worshipers survived and if their work to secure the real history of the past can somehow be retrieved! I would be honored to serve your Silver Ravens and hope that you will give me the opportunity!“ he says with a hopeful voice and looks at the trio and suddenly howls again.
”It would be rude for me to speculate. But I have known her for years and let it suffice to say her organization’s resources exceed mine. I will vouch for her.
Sidius nods, "Your good word carries a heavy weight with us, Hetamon. Though I do think that we should probably work on some direct meetings before calling a broader council."
Lubella suggested, "We could perhaps meet with Lady Docur at her school, which is not too far from Longroads, if I recall correctly. We could check in with Laria while we're nearby. We could possibly hold the first council meeting at Laria's, but I want to consult with Laria first."
Hetamon Haace nods
”I will make the arrangements for the school later this afternoon , if you are available. Tomorrow may be more difficult as the rumor is The Lord Mayor is raising the bridge toll effective midnight tonight. I fear the local citizens will not be happy and the bridge could become a bit congested. “
Kenji welcomes Sidius with a smile.
He then raises his finger like a school boy.
“Ehh … I don’t want to be presumptuous but given the fact that you’re so openly discussing these topics in front me … well, may I assume that I’m allowed to participate in your planning on probation?“ he asks carefully and suddenly howls again although he doesn’t comment or acknowledge the sound at all.
Lubella replied, "If Jackdaw vouches for you, that's good enough for me! I should warn you: there's dangerous times ahead."
She shook her head at the mention of higher bridge tolls, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised: "Barzillai Thrune seems determined to make life miserable for the common folk! I guess we might as well go to Loadroads today and save some coin."
Kenji looks confused.
”Okay thanks but just one question … who is this Jackdaw?“ he asks.
"Ah, that would be me. That's my code name in our organization." Talvek gives Kenji a scrutinizing look, to see if his friend remembers the origins of the name.
"We have inconvenienced a lot of people, so it's safer to use code names when in public."
“Ahh, of course! Now I understand because I thought Jackdaw of the Silver Ravens was dead so this would have been something. So thanks and I need a name as well? Do you give one or can I choose?“ he asks.
Hetamon turns to Lubella.
I can make contact with Lady Docur to expect you or your group this afternoon. I am willing to attend if needed, and not to presume, I can spare my attendance for the larger council meeting, if there is one. And if you make arrangements with Lady Docur, after your interview.
"Yes, I am quite keen to meet this lady. Perhaps my sisters could attend her school." Talvek winks at Hetamon.
Hetamon locks up his shop and gives you each directions to the school if needed. It is best not to go as a group together. One of you I can accompany.
As you traverse the few blocks to the bridge, you can see a bit of a commotion at the normal queues.
Arcos overhears a couple farmers in the line.
“The increased taxes on Bleakbridge are just the start. I hear Thrune’s planning on taxing entertainment, food, and
even the streets themselves soon!”
While Kenji overhears two businessmen speaking.
“Sounds like Thrune’s considering ending the curfew—maybe he’ll even return taxes back to normal after the Ruby
Masquerade. Wish I could attend and hear for myself!”
Otherwise, people are complaining to the Dottari.
Move along, citizens. Remember to bring your extra coin for the increased fare tomorrow. Taxes are needed to fund the war against those Reclamation nitwits. Move along!
With all the distractions it is no problem crossing and the Dottari seem to be ushering people faster today to hope to avoid any major riots.
***
Once you are within sight of the Lady Docur's School for Girls, Hetamon will look around, then approach and knock. He announces himself and guest(s) and your groups are ushered inside.
Wanting to make a good first impression, Lubella cast a spell on herself in preparation for the meeting.
Kenji is glad that he is allowed to accompany the group.
He tries to be inconspicuous.