The half-elf sighs in resignation. "There is little else we can do for the child now, so finding a place to rest seems wise." At the thought of crashing in an over-crowded tenement in the Devil's Nursery, Aldren privately laments his failure to get to a bordello the last few days, but finds that frustration warring with his appreciation of the gesture of hospitality, tenement or not. "That's very kind, Talvek. I promise to be on my best behavior. I hope we won't be too much of a burden."
The prospect of sleeping on something other than the pavement or a bare wooden floor was appealing. "I would be honored to meet your family, Talvek," Lubella replied.
The dawn comes with a pale light and your scant rest ends with the sounds of the city awakening and the lifting of the curfew.
Heading to Talvek's family home in the Nursery with your bundle and story of the fey presented to Pella and others.
You have done well. We owe you a debt of gratitude for completing what the city guards would never consider for the forsaken here.
She examines the body of the child and looks to a few others gathered to hear your tale.
We do not recognize this youngling. But there are so many without homes or family. A stray who fell victim to these villains. We will give him a proper burial.
Lubella chose her words carefully. "Every resident of Kintargo should have the right to walk the streets without fear." She knew her words could be interpreted as disapproving of the restrictions on free movement around the city, and containing an implied challenge to the idea of a curfew. "The dottari are over-extended, and don't always have the resources to fully protect the innocent in this neighborhood. In these circumstances, members of the community need to look out for each other. We had the ability to help, and thus felt compelled to do so."
"I will pray for this child," Lubella declared. "I will entreet my goddess to guide his soul to it's final destination with her divine light." It felt a little odd not to explicitly state Sarenrae's name aloud, but she needed to be cautious about announcing her banned faith. She paid attention to the reaction of those assembled, trying to judge if any of them numbered among the faithful.
During the group's bit of rest, Aldren kept his word to Talvek -- he was on good behavior and even kept most of his clothes on. As Lubella spoke with the family, he couldn't quite suppress a grin at the oblique reference to her faith. Diplomacy wasn't the half-elf's forte, so he was inclined to leave most of the talking to the halfling, though he felt compelled to respond to one point.
"My pint-sized colleague with the outsized sting speaks truly, though I feel I must say... the fact you feel forsaken by the city's rulers is itself a sin. If there is justice we can give you or others who have wronged you, please let me know." He pauses briefly, then adds, "And maybe, in time, we can help with the other orphans, too, and get them off the street and into a home that protects and values them."
The gathered tieflings look from Lubella to Aldren to Talvek and back to Pella. Aldren can sense they are unsure whether to be estatic or defensive at the bold claims.
We are deeply in your debt. No other in the city has come to our aid like you have. We owe you more than coin. We offer ourselves to your cause; should you need our assistance when the time comes, we will send aid to you.
Their worried looks become smiles of approval and acceptance.
Lubella was pleased with the reaction of the local residents. "We have in mind some social initiatives to help the people of Kintargo, which will benefit this neighborhood. I'll be sure to let you know when we're ready to roll them out. In the meantime, please let us know if your community needs assistance about a specific matter."
After the meeting wrapped up, Lubella talked to Aldren. "I was thinking that we could set up neighborhood associations, to keep an eye out for criminal activity. They could later serve as the nucleus for our local militias. As the Silver Ravens Partisan, that would fall under your jurisdiction. What do you think?"
She turned to the others. "I should head back to the Long Roads Coffeehouse; Laria must be wondering what happened to us. Then I should get to work finding a buyer for the textiles in the Wasp's Nest warehouse. I foresee the need for more funds!"
Aldren is privately ecstatic at the tieflings' response but tries to keep a restrained demeanor. They may not be elves, Mistress, but I understand why You favor them.
He says the appropriate goodbyes and then, later, responds to Lubella, "I think it's a good idea and we should try to build on this momentum now rather than risk it fading. We'll just need to be careful. If the dottari think residents are forming anything that looks like a militia, there will be a severe crackdown and the situation will be worse than when we started."
He pauses, considering how frank he should be, then decides to add, "Beneath the feelings of abandonment and helplessness, there is anger and resentment. That could be shaped into something powerful but, if we're not careful, it could explode in all of our faces." And we wouldn't want that... not too soon, anyway.
"Oh, and by the way, you were marvelous in that fight, paralysis aside. I learned years ago to not underestimate a halfling but you're living proof of it... And I'm glad you got your teeth back; the look of a gap-toothed dervish just doesn't quite work, does it?" He winks and chuckles at his own jest.
Lubella replied to Aldren, "I agree; we can't appear to be challenging the government until we're ready. I was thinking of a group which would ostensibly cooperate with the dottari — observing and reporting suspicious activity. We'd have to be careful about how we pitch that in the Devil's Nursery, however, given their distrust of the authorities."
When the half-elf mentioned the battle against the tooth fairies, she said, "You acquitted yourself pretty well, I think!"
The denizens of Devils Nursery wave as you depart.
We will rally our neighbors and send them to your aid. Word of your deeds will spread. Just ask and we will provide support to your resistance.
*** ***
Crossing back over the bridge and paying the minor toll is not a problem, as the guards are preoccupied with bigger problems than you at the time. They continue to hound the local citizens.
Returning to the Longroads, you find Laria waiting, with a worried look on her face.
Where have you been? I thought you had been arrested or ...worse. Why did you not tell Rexus what you were up to? At least he made it back. she waves at the aristocrat and his stack of books and journals as he comes down from upstairs.
So, Laria {cough} she asks a good question. {cough} what exactly were you five doing out all night anyway? {cough}
Rexus looks at you with curiosity. His complexion is only slightly better than when you left him yesterday.
"We got into a fight and I lost a couple of teeth...but I got them back!" Lubella told Laria and Rexus. Seeing their confused expressions, she continued, "We asked around in the Devil's Nursery and found out the locations of the previous murders. They were all in a small area, so we decided on a stake out, with Talvek volunteering to act as bait! About 11 pm, I heard the sound of wings and high-pitched laughter; a gang of malicious fey known as 'tooth fairies' took the bait and attacked Talvek! They're evil creatures who have a compulsion to collect teeth, and they delight in the suffering of their victims.
"One of them bit me; my muscles seized up and I couldn't move, and one of the %^$*&@s started pulling out my teeth with a nasty pair of pliers! Luckily the paralysis didn't last long, and they fled, not bargaining on people able to fight back. We chased them to the entrance to their lair and slew them all. The murderers are no more!
"The local community there is very grateful, and have pledged to aid us in the future. And I got my teeth back! Once I put them back in place, a bit of magical healing reattached them." She gave them a toothy smile as proof.
"I'm sorry we didn't let you know ahead of time, Rexus, but we only decided on our plan later, once we'd found out more information."
She fished around in her pockets and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I copied down some phrases, which were written in tiny script on the body of a tiefling child, which was on display in their hideout. I think it's in Aklo, but I have no idea what it says. I don't suppose either of you can read it?"
Talvek's heart swells with the solidarity developing between his kin and his new friends. He smiles broadly as they leave, kissing his mother on the cheek and assuring her that all will be well.
On the way back, he interjects in Lubella and Aldren's discussion. "I'm not sure if the dottari would have any interest in reports received from the Devil's Nursery, but we can maybe look into organizing a neighbourhood watch there, people watching out for each other and coming to each other's aid. Nothing as aggressive as a militia, but still a way to make it more difficult for any would-be predators."
As they return to the coffeehouse, he is happy to let Lubella recount their adventures, but the events of the last day has him thinking. "Perhaps we can devise a means of communication at a distance, for situations like this, or when one of us is unwell or in need of help." He smiles at Rexus with the last, patting the man on the back as he coughs. "You said you had some raven statuettes? I wonder what they do."
==Earlier==
Aldren nods in agreement with Talvek's suggestion. "I think that's wise, certainly at this point."
==At the Coffee House==
In the face of the questioning, Aldren casts an arched brow at Rexus, a little perturbed. He himself disappears, now questions us? As he winds up for a tart response, Lubella dives in with a much more earnest and informative explanation and Aldren decides to simply bite his tongue, the moment passing. Instead, he goes with a joke, "Aside from some bad dentistry, the worst part was that I spent yet another night alone! At this rate, I'll be in the Boneyard with those dour Pharasmans and dull aeons for millennia before Calistria claims my soul, and that's if She doesn't send me straight off to the Abyss! Ugh!"
He tosses himself down into a chair resulting in a weapon getting jammed into the small of his back in the process. He winces in pain, adjusts his gear, then sighs and waves a hand towards Lubella, "Yes, yes, and something about something in Aklo."
I need to get to tending to that shrine or She'll have me flayed.
Lubella listened to Aldren's lamentations about his social life. "Perhaps wrapping yourself in a urine-soaked blanket isn't helping," she responded with a wry smile.
For about a half-second, it looks like Aldren is severely offended -- he'd blocked out that offensive little detail -- then he lets out a bark of laughter as the memory comes back. "HA! Fair point." He chuckles a little more to himself, his mood a bit improved.
He glances about for some rum, remembers where he is, then says, "Speaking of which, we forgot to stop by that public house. Crookshanks? Clamp... Clenchjaws!" He snaps his fingers as the name comes to him, though he's oblivious to the fact that nobody had spoken anything about rum to follow his reference. "What is the plan for today, anyway? And what's this about statuettes?"
Julessa cracks a yawn as she settles into a seat, accepting a cup of coffee gratefully which she holds in both hands and simply savors as she listens to the others.
"I'm not as young as I once was; I'll be needing to catch up up on some sleep first. Then perhaps we can stop by Clenchjaws."
"I need get to work finding a buyer for the textiles," Lubella replied. The idea of going to Clenchjaws was very tempting, but there were so many things she needed to do! "With our late start this morning, I might have to take a rain check for Clenchjaws; the 6 pm curfew is such a pain! How about tomorrow afternoon?
"We have six magical raven figurines. The enchantment on them seems pretty strong, but I haven't been able to determine anything more yet."
Rexus nods at the account with a smile.
Very impressive and noble actions.{cough} I wish my health were better and I could join you.{cough} Next time though let Laria or me know so we can watch for you. Now that you are officers, you have responsibilities. {cough}
Laria gives a worried look.
Not to mention, you may soon gain the unwanted interest of the Thrune. More than a few would-be-rebels are cooling their heals in his dungeons.
They both glance at each other and concede their point was made.
It is not our goal to lecture you but provide guidance from my years working as a Bellflower. But as Rexus said, the mission had a good purpose and outcome, so all ended well this time. But you missed lunch...and you look awful....and smell worse. she aims the last comment at Alden with a grin and a wink.
Rexus heads back upstairs to the ledgers and Laria to her coffee.
Lubella listened to Laria's words of warning and nodded. "I understand what you're saying, Laria. I've already drawn too much attention to myself at the protest! I considered coming back to let you know we were probably going to stay out all night, but I'm nervous about crossing the bridge more than I have to.
"I'm going to see if I can find a buyer for Nan's textiles. Do you have any suggestions about cloth merchants to approach? Don't worry, I'll be careful!"
Laria's last bit of news was the worst: she had missed lunch! I'll have to grab a sandwich and eat on the go. The sacrifices I have to make for the rebellion!
Aldren's expression goes from excitement to frustration. "Ugh. I don't suppose you have a place I can wash myself down, do you, Laria dear? I can summon the water. I can't meet people smelling like this and I don't know if a naked Calistrian jumping into a pool of water is exactly the best first impression, either." He pauses, then says, "Or maybe...what do they look like?"
"We saw a sign for the Devil's Threads in Redroof yesterday; I presume that's some sort of clothier. Anyone familiar with it?"
Lubella made sure to ask Rexus about cloth merchants as well, since he was a lover of fine clothing.
"Mmm, yes, I frequent the place. I can go with you, put in a good word with the owner."
Talvek is trying to stifle his yawns; it's not that he's not used to being awake until the crack of dawn, but usually he gets to sleep in.
Tired as he is, Arcos nods and says, "I'll come with. I do enjoy seeing the city despite the circumstances."
Aldren thinks the prospect of hauling some textiles across town in order to meet a merchant and haggle over their purchase price sounds about as appealing as swaddling himself in a urine soaked blanket. "You all have good luck with that, and be prepared to pay some bribes. I'm sure the dottari will want something to wet their beaks. I think I should meet the new folks, then see about buying some supplies to tend to the Lady's shrine."
He waits to see if Laria has any suggestions about where he can wash up and, if proffered, will do so before heading downstairs to meet with the prospective recruits.
Yes, Aldren, you can use the wash basins upstairs. Just be quiet as Rexus is trying to study those texts.
She taps her lips as she turns to Lubella.
Yes, I think Devil's Threads owner may be interested. Or if not, he would know some that would. Textiles are not really my area, so I would say that is as good of a lead as any.Nan was the expert, but you saw how he ended up, poor soul.
Checking downstairs, you are able to find the two crates
of fine embroidered Varisian clothing still sit in the
warehouse in the Wasp Nest. As well as the silver figurines, which have remained unchanged as well.
Lubella selected a couple of samples to show to the proprietor of the Devil's Threads, and stowed them in her backpack. If he was interested, then she would figure out how to transport the clothing.
She examined the silver raven statuettes, to see if she could learn anything new, but they remained as mysterious as ever.
Lubella returned to the Coffeehouse, and prepared to depart for the Redroof district.
Aldren does his best to rinse off the worst of the stench and make himself vaguely presentable. What a foul state. No proper bed, nobody to warm the bed I don't have, not a drop of rum, and I stink like a gutter. I'm spoiling myself tonight. Grabbing some sweets and heading to a cathouse, curfew be damned.
After a few minutes, he grabs whatever clothing and gear he'd removed as too soiled to wear and heads down to the Wasp's Nest to get the new recruits oriented. That said, can't trust anyone. Aldren resolved to keep a close eye on folks to see if there were any potential turncoats or Thrune informants. Hmm. And maybe I'll ask if anyone knows anything of masonry to seal up that hole in the wall and drain the shrine.
Lubella is able to open the crates of the fine Varisian Clothing and find representative pieces for her sales pitch. Bundling up her wares, she departs for the southern Kintargo, traversing the afternoon Bleakbridge tolls and markets knowing she will have to move quickly if she does not want to miss the curfew another night.
Please, girl, promise me you will be returning tonight or I will come looking for you myself. chides Laria with a stern look and a half serious smile.
***
Alden spends more time down in the Wasps Nest, sizing up the dimensions for a suitable shrine to his patroness. He also checks out the credentials of the first team of Ravens-peddlers:
Flaetcher Kaneson (male half elf)
Morgar Manthai (male human)
Zenger the Quick (male human)
Bolidino (male human)
Umma LeGuin (female half elf)
Lankora Idall (female gnome)
"We'll be swift, Mistress Laria." promises Talvek as he follows Lubella out the door of the coffeehouse. Not just for reasons of curfew, but he had a sleep debt to pay, and he intended to do so tonight.
Getting to the Devil's Threads is easy enough, and on the way Talvek tries to make small talk with Lubella and particularly Arcos, dying to know more about the Blue Warlock.
As they reach the tailor's shop, he opens the door with a flourish for the other two to precede them, then saunters inside, tipping two fingers at the proprietor. "How's things, Hetty? I brought you some friends of mine, hope you can do business together. They have some lovely cloth to show you, quite unique patterning, I bet none of the other tailors in Kintargo have anything like it." He grins at Hetamon, the tiefling owner of The Devil's Threads.
"Yes, Laria, I promise I'll be back before curfew!, Lubella assured her.
She walked more slowly than normal, burdened by her heavy pack, the pack straps cutting into her shoulders. As soon as I can afford a better one, I'm buying it! She crossed the Bleakbridge uneventfully, and made her way through the Redroof district, until she arrived at the Devil's Threads. She glanced through the window, and waited until there were no customers in the shop.
She followed Talvek inside the shop, a bit taken aback by his unsubtle approach; she had hoped to be a bit more circumspect, in case the owner proved to be unfriendly. It seems he knows the man well, so I'll follow his lead.
"I know that the wearing of embroidered cloth in public is prohibited, but perhaps you have clients who would like something nice for purely private use. We don't want to be breaking the law, after all." She wanted to give Hetty at least the pretense of abiding by the law as well.
Arcos smiles at Talvek's inquiries and divulges a bit of information. The Blue Warlock was made as an alternate persona, one unafraid to act and, most importantly, cast spells. Once arriving at at the tailor's Arcos helps out Talvek with the haggling, "Indeed, look at this fabric. The thread count on this is simply without compare. You absolutely will not regret buying this."
At the Wasp's Nest, Aldren bids a good afternoon to the team of peddlers. "May the Lady's blessings be with you today. How are things going?" Since this team already has an assignment, he doesn't spend too much time worrying about them but does check-in to see if they're having any problems, have questions or otherwise need anything.
Provided nothing unusual comes up during the meeting, he grabs his backpack while leaving his camping and travel gear here (e.g., bedroll, etc.), then heads to a general store to buy some bristle brushes and, if they have any, lye soap.
Lubella, accompanied by Talvek and Arcos locate the Devil's Threads in the Red Roof District not too far from where you found Rexus yesterday.
Conveniently located on Redroof Market, where much of the city’s textile trade
occurs, the quaint tailor’s shop known as the Devil’s
Threads is owned and operated by the tiefling, Hetamon Haace.
While Hetamon’s infernal
heritage would have given him trouble elsewhere in
Cheliax, but here in Kintargo, his skill at tailoring has
allowed him to prosper despite his ancestry.
Greetings, my friends. I am indeed Hetaman and the owner of this shop. I apologize my store is unusually sparse at the moment but I expect new goods to arrive any day. A minor shipping disruption. Are you three staying in town?
When presented with the few choice items he is noticeably impressed.
Indeed, I would be interested. This is high quality. Where did you find this again? I usually only find this in major Varisian cities...were you there? How much more do you have. I can make you a very fair offer, I assure you. Better than anyone else in town.
At the mention of not breaking the law, his face changes.
Yes, about that. These are not stolen I assume. The laws seem to change at a whim but I am not a fence, and run an honest shop. I wish more in the city could say the same.
***
The six peddlers report out to Aldren their various projects and status.
First, the pair of half elves Flaetcher Kaneson and Umma LeGuin
So far we have been plying local businesses on north Kintargo. Asking for donations to support Kintargo restoration projects...being intentionally vague but finding those who would like to see the city return to its former ways.
Next, the human Morgar Manthai, I have made a few trips out but mainly working down here, setting up books and trying to organize things a bit for when funds or more teams start to report. I notice your interest in the lady and have left that area alone. I can ask for carpenters or masons if you'd like. Some may be willing to donate time or materials.
Zenger the Quick reports with Bolidino We took south city, and hit some of the shop owners and patrons of the temples for donations or sponsoring city beautification or civic projects. We heard about your deeds in the Nursery an that has been helpful. Some serious leads down there.
Lastly, the gnome Lankora Idall Not much luck yet. Spent some time working the docks and bars there. Usually expect strong support there. But since the Badger burnt, Clenchjaws has been having management issues. I will keep trying, Sir.
Lubella replied to Hetta's inquiry about the status of the textiles, "They were imported from Varisia by a merchant associate of ours. They're in two crates, about 130 lbs total. Any price agreed upon would be subject to your inspection of the goods. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, it won't be possible to arrange a follow-up shipment any time soon."
"I can assure you that we are duly authorized to arrange their sale."
Aldren curses silently to himself as the team seems to actually require his attention. Is this how the priestesses felt administering the temple's needs? Ugh. But, he screws on a patient face and finds a place to sit and listen to the reports.
First, the pair of half elves Flaetcher Kaneson and Umma LeGuin, "Asking for donations to support Kintargo restoration projects."
The cleric nods in approval. "Good, perfect. You may also mention charitable endeavors, which has the added benefit of being true. We will need to win the hearts as well as the minds of Kintargo. Don't promise anything grand, let's try to keep it quiet for now and unlikely to attract the attention of the Thrunes. And, depend on your skills, you can also pass it off as simple begging, which is least likely to attract the dottari's attention."
Next, the human Morgar Manthai, "...mainly working down here, setting up books and trying to organize things a bit... I notice your interest in the lady and have left that area alone. I can ask for carpenters or masons if you'd like. Some may be willing to donate time or materials.
Either he's taking the initiative or he's lazy. Let's go with the former. "That's wise, Morgar. Are you able to maintain the logs with a cipher, just in case? We should also find a way for you to keep them under lock and key. I trust everyone but, as we grow, we must take security seriously. As for the statue, you are doubly-wise for not disturbing it. The Lady's wrath is as severe as Her favor is sweet, but if you'd ever like to know more, just let me know. As for masons or carpenters, let me know if you find any who might be sympathetic with our cause, but do not ask them for any assistance yet. We must be cautious about who we bring in to our circle."
Lastly, the gnome Lankora Idall...
Aldren's ears perk up at the mention of Clenchjaws having management issues. "Lankora, what do you mean by management issues? Is there something at Clenchjaws that could be an opportunity for us?"
Hetamon agrees to see and bid on the other textiles.
Just bring the whole lot of it tomorrow and I will pay you a fair price. Just be careful getting across the bridge.
***
Aldren's question to the gnome, Lankora, is met with a vague response.
Well, there have been several fights. It was not always peaceful, but of late Clenchjaw, the owner and manager is not as effective at controling the rowdy patrons. Some say he lost his edge, others insist he just doesn't care anymore since the fires.
"OK, will do! You won't be disappointed," Lubella replied to the tiefling proprietor.
"Hmm..." Aldren puzzles on that a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "Thank you, Lankora. Thank you all. We're just starting out yet you're already doing great work."
Unless there is anything else, Aldren will consider that business finished, grab his (empty) backpack and head out to find a general store to buy cleaning supplies. If Clenchjaws is going to be a scuffle, better to go with some people behind me. But unrest and violence make for fertile recruiting grounds. I think there's an opportunity here. I'll have to pray for the right spells.
Julessa, Arcos and Talvek, consider if they have stamina for any special actions or just heading back to get some rest.
After they left the Devil's Threads, Lubella consulted with her colleagues. "We'll have to put some thought into how we're going to transport the cloth, and what to do in case there's an inspection. We'll probably get across without incident, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a contingency in case something goes wrong."
She considered what to do with the rest of the afternoon. It's time I started pursuing my actual mission here in Kintargo. "It's still fairly early, so I think I'm going to go and scout out what's left of the Silver Star. I want to find out what happened to Shensen, and there might be some answers to be found in her former shop. I'm not going to go into the ruins today — I think we'll want everyone along for that. For now, I want to understand the general layout, and see what security presence there might be in the area."
With that, she headed west, skirting the northern edge of the Temple District, towards Jarvis End.
"You're a star, Hetty." Talvek winks at the proprietor, oblivious to the fact that the other tiefling hasn't done much to acknowledge him, or perhaps simply powering through the feeling of being ignored.
As Lubella voices her desire to do some investigating, he answers with some concern in his voice. "Will you be safe? Should I come with you?"
"I'll be OK, but you're welcome to come with me, if you like." Lubella replied to Talvek. "It'll just be a brief look around; we don't want Laria to get worried."
"I shall come with. Better safe than sorry."
Julessa followed Lubella and the men to the bridge but departs ways with a smile and a tired wave. Last night's activities have taken an obvious toll on the woman's body and spirit. She heads back to the comfort of her bakery wondering if it is best to just ride out the coming storm rather than walk headlong into the fires of hell.
***
As the shadows of the afternoon grow long, Lubella leads the others to the ruins of the Silver Star for a quick look.
The ruins of the Silver Star are nothing more than
charred stone. The site is now a sinkhole filled with
scorched rubble—the building collapsed into the
chambers below when it burned down mysteriously, the same
night as the Badger and Rexus' parent's home.
The rubble looks precarious and would take hours to start to delve though in search of any clues which may remain.
Before long the squads of dottari are seen marching to their night posts and enforce the Thrune's curfew.
Keep it moving people. One hour until lockdown. You know the drill. One hour!
***
Back at Longroads Aldren wraps up the status meeting and departs for his shopping. Simple cleaning supplies can be found at local shops Laria recommends.
Be careful alone. For the basics, you will not likely need go far. If you were seeking more significant purchases, the Red roof district would be a better choice. But you missed the others as they left an hour ago.
He is able to find the odds and ends and return well before the others.
Lubella surveyed the hole in the ground that used to be the Silver Star. She whispered to the Arcos and Talvek, her voice carried magically by her spell, "It looks like exploring the site will be a fair undertaking; we'll want to start on that early in the day. Anyway, we've seen what we came to see. It's time we headed back."
Aldren politely thanked Laria for the advice. Fair, though for anything serious with the shrine, I'll want to hire an artisan or learn the skills myself. She would not suffer a patchwork job. After getting the cleaning supplies and returned, he descended back to the Wasp's Nest, gave his clothes a more thorough cleaning, then went to scrubbing years of grime and slime off the statue, reciting portions of the Book of Joy regarding acts of submission and others on the virtue of beauty. With the simple labor, exercise of his body, and the comfortable repetition of the prayers, he finds himself in a place of peace and calm.
When finished, he steps back to survey the condition of the shrine and see what else will need to be done to return it to its proper glory.
Talvek looks doubtfully at the rubble. "What do you hope to find here? If it hasn't burned to cinders, it's buried under all that and would take hours to dig out. And even if we start doing that, I doubt we will be left alone for long. Although we could try and disguise ourselves as a city work crew..." He trails off, brow creasing in thought.
Lubella replied to Talvek, as they started walking back to the bridge, "There is, or was, a shrine to Sarenrae (my goddess) in the basement. I was sent here by the church to find out what happened to Shensen, the opera singer who owns the shop; she led the local Sarenrite community. I might find some clues there.
"I don't know the extent of the underground chambers. We'd have to have a closer look, to tell how easy it is to get into them; I just don't want to get started on that when we're so close to curfew."
Talvek would know a few local fishing boats or smaller barges in the old harbor, less likely to draw attention.
in use even today, launching local fishing fleets and
landing barges from upriver. While nowhere near as
busy, prosperous, or wealthy as the docks in the Yolubilis
Harbor district, or even in Jarvis End’s foreign quarter,
these piers see the arrival of most of the city’s food, raw
materials, and salt.
You consider your options as you hustle back to cross the bridge an leaving enough time to get back to Laria's place. You spot a few students in the streets also hurrying back to their dorms.
Ah, there you are! Laria smiles as she cleans some mugs at the bar.
Decided you did not want to sleep in a dank alley a second night? she chuckles in lighthearted jest, but you can sense a bit of relief.
Aldren's progress on the shrine is noticeable. Even some of the peddlers comment on the improvements.
"I don't want to miss another of your breakfasts, Laria!", Lubella replied.
She briefed Laria and Aldren on what transpired. "We found a buyer for the textiles in the warehouse; we agreed to bring them to the Devil's Threads in Redroof tomorrow. Now we just have to decide how, exactly, we want to get the cloth across the river. We can either carry it across the bridge, through the checkpoint, or we can find another way across the river. Does anyone know if using a small boat is an option?" She was newly arrived to the city, so she assumed that one of the others would have a much better idea than she, of what was possible.
"After our visit to the Devil's Threads. we went to have a look at the remains of the Silver Star. The structure has collapsed into the basement; that's where there was a shrine of Sarenrae. Shensen, the opera singer owned the shop, and was a leader of the local sarenrite community. I'm very keen to find out what happened to her.
"It looks like there's quite a lot to look through, so I would say not to go back there tomorrow. I'd rather have a full day to check the ruins."
When she went below into the Wasp's Nest, she commented, "Wow, someone's been busy!"