Lubella starts up another song to try and diffuse the situation, which is reaching a critical point between the sailor and teamster factions.
Arcos has more of a gut feeling than intuition that trouble is about to start.
Lubella's tune seems to have captured their attention for the moment.
Hey, yeah that is good tune. Much better. Calls out one of the sailors.
Put her on the stage instead of that idiot juggler! cries a teamster in agreement.
Just when it seems the two groups are backing down, a giggle can be heard and a chair comes flying out of the shadows in the southeast corner and lands near the center group of teamsters.
HEY! We are trying to listen! Stop with the throwing. a teamster yells.
We didn't throw nothin' retorts the sailors. You knocked it over yourself you drunken sot!
Once again both groups are standing and look ready to rumble.
For a few minutes, things seemed to calm down, and it seemed the crisis had passed, until the chair flew out of the shadows. OK, time to mix it up a bit; maybe they'll forget the incident if I can distract them again. She started singing a walking song; she marched out from the stage, in between the two factions, winding her way back and forth.
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.
By the end of the song, she had made her way back to the bar, where she gave the snoozing Clenchjaw a nudge.
As pandemonium brews about him, Aldren casts his gaze upwards towards the sound of the hissing. He whispers to Arcos that he believes something is up there. "Perhaps another fey? Or one of those invisible devils? Imps? Maybe the mob is being incited?"
"And something is damned odd about that chair. Didn't make a sound. Could it be an illusion?"
Lubella once again calms the crowd and tempers seem to be cooling... Hey, good tune! That's a good one.
Lubella ducked behind the bar and gave the proprietor a shake. "Clenchjaw, wake up!" She ducked back out again before the other staff could raise too much of an objection, and made her way over to Aldren and Arcos.
"Any idea why they're getting so riled up? Anyways, I'd best get back out and keep the crowd entertained." She took another drink from her tankard and headed back though the crowd, towards the stage.
Aldren quickly relays his suspicion that something invisible is manipulating the crowd, that he’s heard something hissing and giggling while the chair made no sound. As Lubella departs for the stage, he offers a word of advice, ”If all else fails, do a strip tease. Works all the time.” He then stands up and makes his way over towards where the ‘chair’ landed.
"I have no doubt you're speaking from personal experience!", Lubella called out over her shoulder.
Aldren saunters over to the 'chair' in the middle of the room while Lubella finishes her song and tries to awaken the slumbering giant behind the bar.
Lubella hears the strange hiss and giggle from above as a shimmering appears under the feet of Aldren and one of the teamsters.
The floor becomes incredibly slick as it is coated with some strange oily substance from nowhere.
The teamster goes down hard on the floor, glaring directly at Aldren.
Whao! What the blazes did you spill on me, boy?!! Why I will break you good! I bet he's in with the lot o' sailors! GET HIM BOYS!
The others nearest to their fallen comrade turn to Aldren with malice in their eyes.
===Round 1===
20-Lubella(sing?),Aldren(save?),Arcos(),Talvek()
15-Teamsters(prone),(),(),(),()
10-Sailors/Merchants (),(),(),(),()
5-Bar Staff - Rose(), Oswalt(), Clenchjaw(zzzz)
Aargh! I stop singing for one minute, and look what happens! Lubella desperately tried to calm things down with another song. She improvised some dance moves to come between the opposing groups.
I'm gonna sit right here and wait until my baby comes home
Except that, given the circumstances, she most certainly was not sitting!
Aldren flops down on his posterior along with the teamster, uttering a curse in infernal and all pretense of being drunk having evaporated. "You daft fool! Why would I cast a spell on both of us!? We're being tricked!"
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Hah! Look at the greased pigs! the sailors jeer at the fallen Aldren and teamster
Between the halfling's song and distraction of the grease slick, hostility has again been postponed.
greased pigs? Why I will ring your scrawny necks!
Lubella continued her song, trying to keep the crowd's attention on listening to her, and not fighting each other.
Well I know I never did anyone wrong
I hold my head up high, I never lose my smile
I'm half dyin' but it's down inside
I'm gonna sit right here and wait until my baby comes home
She was settling into the groove of the tune.
Tell me, tell me, tell me what have I done wrong
Well I'm outta my mind why, why can't we get along
This can't be life, this can't be death
Without you hon, I don't want no one else
I'm gonna sit right here and wait until my baby comes home
Well I've been sittin' right here such a long, long time
Watching these walls I'm gonna lose my mind
Won't you please come back and try me one more time
Before I go insane, yeah yeah
Tell me, tell me, tell me what have I done wrong
Well I'm outta my mind why, why can't we get along
This can't be life, this can't be death
Without you hon, I don't want no one else
I'm gonna sit right here and wait until my baby comes home
"You see!? My hand went right through the chair! It's an illusion. We're being tricked. We're all being tricked into fighting each other! Something is hiding in this room and tricking us!" And if anyone knows about tricks, it's me.
Talvek had been enjoying the drinks a little too much; unused to alcohol in quantities larger than a furtive sip or two, he's been competing with old Clenchjaw at snoozing, his head on the table. The crescendo of shouting and singing finally rouses him, and he gives the room a confused look.
"Hey now, hey now, that.. that was a nice chair. Very quiet fella, this chair. Never made a sound. Unlike some people in this place, making noise instead of 'njoyin' their drinks and sittin' on them nice, quiet chairs. Tha's what I think, anyways."
Arcos nods at Talvek, ”Come on then lads! Let’s all get back to enjoying our night. There’s no reason for us to get worked up.”
With the song of Lubella and the pleading of Talvek aided by Arcos, the sailors and teamsters back down...not sure why they ever started their quarrel.
Yea, I have heared whispered insults for days, with no body sayin' nothin' blurts out the fallen teamster as he regains his feet.
Another of the merchants adds And I have seen glimpses of “a weird butterfly” in the dark corners of this tavern but thought it was odd lighting
Eventually, Clenchjaws awakens So what's happening? I must have dozed off...again.
Rose and Oswalt both let out a sigh of relief and point to you while looking at their boss.
Those four finally talked some sense into this crowd! And we don't even have to clean up broken tables and mugs tonight.
Clenchjaws nods and blinks a bit.
They did? Who are you? Really? Well a round on the house....I guess.
Everyone seems to be in much better spirits.
Lubella finished her song and walked back to the bar. "Lubella Heathertoes, at you service," she said to Clenchjaw, bowing. "It felt like something was manipulating the crowd earlier, trying to start a fight! I wonder if there's some sort of fey creature at work. The fey seem to like their pranks!
"And Clenchjaw, I tried to wake you earlier, and you were out cold! It could have been some sort of enchantment." She looked around, trying to figure out where a creature might hide while making mischief.
Lubella spots something small fluttering up in the shadows of the rafters of the pub. It appears to have butterfly wings, but looks more like a small dragon than a large insect.
Once it notices it has been spotted...it hisses and yelps in a high pitched voice.
Drattsssssss!
Lubella called up to the creature and waved, "Hey, butterfly dragon creature! What's your name? I'm Lubella! Why don't you come down and say hello?"
Talvek follows Lubella's gaze to where the creature is hiding, squinting to make it out. In his inebriated state, he doesn't question its presence and waves up as well. "Hallo! Come down and have a drink!"
Aldren's relief at having avoided a thrashing is quickly replaced by a near-blinding rage when the source of the trouble -- and the spell that coated his clothes in foul grease -- is spotted. Slowly, he stands up, slaps a couple of the teamsters on the back to keep his face turned away from the fey, then slowly walks over to rejoin his colleagues.
The little dragon seems reluctant to fly down at Lubella request but then descends with the added invitation from Talvek.
In a tiny hissing voice it speaks.
Newcomers to this pub I can tell. However you seem different than the usual patrons. I like your style. Tell me a bit about yourselves and I will share some of my tale. This ought to be fun.
Lubella watched as the tiny dragon descended to talk to them. She pondered how much she should reveal to such a creature (and to the other ears in the tavern).
"My name is Lubella Heathertoes. As you may have noticed, I fancy myself a bit of an entertainer." She generally regarded her performing ability as not terribly important, but presenting herself as a holy warrior of Sarenrae didn't seem wise at this moment. Rather than presenting a cover story, she decided to be truthful, without giving away too much (and honesty was an important part of Sarenrae's teachings). "My friends and I are trying to improve social conditions in the city. We heard there had been increased violence in this establishment, and thought we'd see for ourselves." She studied the creature's reaction.
Pleassuresss to meet you, Lubella. I am named Vendalfek. The little dragon bows while hovering closer.
I am not looking for a fight, so stay your weapons and spells so we can talk. But we best do this outside if you are to reach your homes before the streets are shut down. Do you live nearby?
Lubella bowed and said, "Pleased to meet you Vendalfek! We're on this side of the river; it's not too far."
She turned to Clenchjaw, "The curfew draws near, I'm afraid. I wish we could stay and chat, but we'd best be going. I'm hoping that your tavern will be a bit more peaceful from now on."
She said to the little dragon, introducing her friends in turn, "Vendalfek, this is Aldren, Arcos and Talvek. I agree, let's walk and talk, or fly and talk in your case." Talking to the troublemaker seemed like a much better idea than fighting.
Flying along with you, flitting back and forth as you return.
My existence was something of an open secret at the Thrashing Badger, but when that place was destroyed, I escaped and sought shelter by hiding at Clenchjaw’s.
High pitched Vendalfek seems a bit sad by the destruction of its home.
I was merely looking for entertainment, and you four seem so much more interesting than anyone else I have seen in the tavern. As a faerie dragon, I have lived in secret in Kintargo for years, and think of this place as my home. Everything was going great. Until the fires. Something has changed, but to be honest I really do not understand human politics. And no politics were allowed at Clenchjaws, so that worked out fine, if but a bit boring. Hence my attempts to liven the place up a bit. Just for fun, of course.
You hear squads of dottari heading out from the Bleakbridge in their usual patrols and you easily duck down alleys and make your way to your destination with the dragon flitting behind you, almost like a lost puppy.
Lubella listened to the miniature dragon talk about the loss of its home. She didn't sense any malice in its motivation, just a lack of understanding of the effect of its actions on others.
"I'm afraid that your fun caused poor Mr Clenchjaw quite a few problems, Vendalfek. He has to pay for the damage from the fights, and some of his customers don't want to come to his tavern anymore. I don't think you meant to hurt anyone, but sometimes people suffer in ways that we don't intend." She said this kindly, in the manner of a mentor counselling someone inexperienced in the ways of the world.
She decided that she'd done enough lecturing, and changed the subject. "The fires that burned down the Trashing Badger were deliberately set by people acting on behalf of Barzillai Thrune, the new Lord Mayor. He's trying to crush anyone who might oppose him, and he doesn't care who gets hurt in the process!" She didn't think that the faerie dragon was about to inform on them to the dottari, or the Asmodeans.
As they neared the Long Roads Coffee House, Lubella said, "We might be able to offer you a place to stay, but we need to ask Laria, the owner, first. You'll have to promise not to cause fights. But don't worry, there's lots of other kinds of fun that we could have!"
Aldren keeps his wrathful thoughts to himself as Lubella begins talking to the faerie dragon. He had next to no knowledge of Vendalfek’s kin and no insights to offer. What was clear to him, however, was he had a very different opinion of the beast than Lubella. Eventually, though, he can bite his tongue no longer.
”What it intended is irrelevant. When you swing a sword to disarm a man but wind up killing him, nobody says, ‘At least he didn’t intend to kill the fellow.’ And casting that grease spell on myself and that other fellow? I could’ve been beaten to a pulp for that little joke. And if you think that kind of pain is a lark, we can arrange a time to test that theory.”
Lubella had sensed that Aldren was rather upset about the prank at Clenchjaw's, so his vocal complaint came as no surprise. She explained to Vendalfek, "My friend Aldren is understandably upset; If we hadn't been able to diffuse the situation, he could have been badly hurt."
The little fairy dragon Vendalfek's wings droop.
I am so sorry! I had no idea my entertainment was causing problems. I thought everyone was having so much fun. I know I was.
He pauses...
I will make it up to you! Tell me what I can do to help. I feel horrible if I hurt anyone with my actions. I can do many things. I excel....well, mainly at trickery and spreading confusion; but I am sure they can be used constructively. You four seem to know how to deal with people. I can help...really I can.
After consideration, you can tell (SM DC1) the dragonette is crushed with remorse and will gladly serve your cause in reparation for crimes committed.
***
You consider how to break the news to Laria as you cross the final blocks, arriving at Longroads. Laria is waiting for you, with a worried but soon relieved look on her small face.
Pushing your luck again after curfew? You four sure like to push the envelope of your graces, don't you.
She notices the flitting creature outside as the dragonette has problems staying out of sight.
What is THAT thing following you? Is it a spy? You really should take more care of picking up stray pets.
Lubella smiled at the faerie dragon. "I believe in second chances, Vendalfek. We all make mistakes; the important thing is to learn and do the best we can next time." Redemption was a central theme of the Church of Sarenrae; evil-doers were encouraged to renownce their former ways and turn towards the light. Vendalfek's motivations didn't seemed to have been evil in any case, just misguided. I certainly pulled my share of pranks when I was younger!
She greeted Laria, "Hello, Laria! May I introduce Vendalfek; he's a faerie dragon! Vendalfek, this is Laria Longroad, the propriator of the Long Roads Coffeehouse. Vendalfek use to live in the Trashing Badger, until it was burnt down. He's been hanging out at Clenchjaw's ever since. His pranks were the source of the trouble there lately, but I truly believe that he didn't mean any harm.
"He needs a new home, and I am prepared to take responsibility for his good conduct. He wants to make things up to us by helping, and I think he could be of assistance to our cause. His talents, properly directed, could be most useful."
Aldren's clenched jaw slowly relaxes and the red flush in his cheeks fades. Despite his efforts, he can't help quite help a slight grin tugging at his lip. "Yes, well... Trickery and confusion happens to be a past-time of my own. Fine. I accept your apology, Vandalfek. Thank you. Maybe we can talk more in the future. I'm curious how you wound up in Kintargo."
== At Longroads ==
Aldren rolls his eyes slightly at Laria's marmish-warning about the curfew but instead focuses on the issue of the tiny dragon. "I wouldn't call Vendalfek a 'pet', Laria. He's quite intelligent and can speak better than most of the Thrunes." He nods in agreement with Lubella's explanation, but adds, "I don't know about good conduct, but I think he can certainly help."
Once back at Longroads Arcos chuckles, "Ha, go out for drinks, come back with a dragon. Wish it were always like this."
Laria nods to you and smiles at the small dragon.
Vendalfek you say? Well, any friend of these is a friend of mine. You are welcome in Longroads...so long as you keep your tricks outside. she says with a wink.
Rexus comes down to hear the commotion
Well, I never thought I would live to see a real dragon, and here one is. Although there have been rumors of dragons in Kintargo before. Those were stories lost in history, myth or lore.
He smiles and then turns to your group.
My studies of the transcripts have been fruitful this week. I am finally making some progress. I feel I am very close to unlocking some of the information. A couple more days will tell.
He turns to head back upstairs with zeal obvious in his stride. His cough even sounds better.
You are in for the night as the dottari are heard making rounds outside. Planning for the next day's activities after a warm cup of coffee and a delicious meal served by your hostess.
*** Week 1, day 6 ***
"I'm glad to hear that things are going well!", Lubella said to Rexus.
***
"Ah, my favorite time of the day: dinner time!", she said, tucking into a plateful of Laria's delicious cooking. Vendalfek had been invited too — Lubella wasn't entirely sure what faerie dragons ate, so she hoped he would like what was on offer.
She related their investigation into the tooth fairy murders to the little dragon; she also tried to explain the basics of the political situation, but she wasn't sure how much he really grasped of it. Towards the end of the meal, she asked, "Vendalfek, you spent a couple of weeks at Clenchjaws; you must have heard some interesting stories!" She hoped that he might have overheard some intriguing gossip.
"Laria, you're too good to us. Sometime you'll have to let me return the favor." The half-elf winks in a decidedly less than chaste fashion but the appreciation for the meal is sincere. He savors the food while skipping the coffee and instead drinks water before, after eating, disappearing for a few minutes and returning with his bottle of absinthe.
While Lubella questions Vendalfek, Aldren offers everyone some of the spirit while pouring a bit for himself then, to Talvek, says, "It really was nice of your family to let us stay with them, Talvek. You seem... close. Are you really all related by blood? What was it like growing up in the Nursery?" The half-elf's tone shifts slightly on the word 'close', as if it's a strange concept to him and he struggled to find the right word.
The tiefling looks blear-eyed and subdued as he is still struggling with the aftereffects of overindulgence. "Hm? No, my only blood relative is my mother, Pella. The others... well, there is my other mother, and my aunts, and my sisters - they kinda drifted to us, I suppose. When you're poor and strange, you have to stick together. Our neighbours are mostly decent people. They want a roof over their head, food on the table and their kids to be safe, if they have any. Sure, there's some troublemakers, but they're rare, and the community mostly takes care of them. If whispers are going around that you're beating your wife, or your kids, you can be sure that the hard-as-nails mums and grannies in the Nursery will come calling, and they won't be gentle." Talvek smirks, his gaze going distant.
"Huh," Aldren muses at the last. "Not much privacy in that. Though, I guess not wholly different from temple." He laughs a little at a random memory, then takes a sip of his drink before asking, "But why would the rest of the neighborhood care what others are doing? In the Greens, if a man beats his kids, nobody cares. It's his manor, his family, his will to do as he pleases, long as you keep up appearances and don't bother anyone else. And, meaning no offense, but it seems like folks in the Nursery need to be looking out for themselves first, not others."
"You'd be surprised," Lubella replied to Aldren. "Poor people look out for each other quite a lot, in my experience. It's how the community as a whole survives." She'd done her share of community work for the Church; her family had also known their share of poverty, after her father had died.
As your explanation of the history of the group unfolds, Vendalfek gets more excited. wow so you are some kind of rebels against the city authorities! What was his name again? The boss guy? I so want to get in on this club...If you will have me. What do I need to do?
The night tails on with exchanges of stories. The dragon seems enthusiastic with each person and the thought of joining something where he can use his skills for betterment of the city.
Lubella replied to Vendalfek, "The 'boss guy' is Barzillai Thrune, the new Lord Mayor. He's a cousin of Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune."
A few minutes later, she asked, "Vendalfek, have you heard of the opera singer Shensen? I need to find out what happened to her. We might find out something in the ruins of her shop, the Silver Star, which was burned down on the Night of Ashes (the same night as Thrashing Badger). I'd like to search the basement, if we can get down there safely, without the dottari bothering us."
Talvek nods at Lubella as she reinforces his point, then turns to Aldren. "Privacy is for the rich. Privacy that allowed my father to kill his previous wives and their children, and would have killed my mother and I as well if he could without badly hurting those appearances that you speak of."
There is sharpness and hurt in his voice, an old anger that is still burning. He gentles his tone as he continues; Aldren is not at fault for what happened. "But think about it. The poor don't have much to look forward to. Our work is for survival, does not bring us joy or satisfaction. We do not have fineries and have few comforts. Our life is a constant fight and we are threatened at every step by forces we cannot contend with. So community is very important to us, and the safety and comfort it provides. Thus, we cannot allow anything to poison this community, and in looking after it, we look after ourselves."
Vendalfek's interjection brings him back to the matters at hand. "Oh yes, you are small and very subtle, I bet you could make your way through gaps in the rubble and investigate what is below!"
Aldren listens to this and it doesn’t take a mind-reader to sense Talvek’s anger. Again, I see why you fancy them, my Lady. Still... It’s one of the rare moments when the half-elf is mostly quiet. It could be that he is giving thought to the others’ arguments or chooses not to voice disagreement. Regardless, he nods in acceptance of Talvek’s and Lubella’s feelings on the matter. ”I appreciate you sharing that with me. It sounds like our fathers aren’t so different. I’m glad you had your mother and others to help you.” He lifts his glass in a toast, and tosses it back before pouring himself some more.
As Aldren and Talvek related their dark histories concerning their fathers, Lubella revisited a very different memory from her golden childhood. By now it was really a memory of a memory.
She was four. She rode on her father's shoulders, the sights and sounds of a fairground all around her. There were colorful tents, delicious aromas of special treats, and people dressed in animal costumes entertaining the children. She felt happy and safe.
Unbidden, a different memory intruded, spoiling her fond recollection. She was fourteen. Her beloved father lay in bed, terribly ill. He was very pale, and his skin had turned blue; he alternated between gasping for breath and coughing up blood. She felt frightened and helpless. The number of cases had overwhelmed the church healers. He had been full of life the day before, and he died the day after.
I would be very interested in investigating the...the...what was it again? Oh and should we investigate the Badger bar too? Vendalfek seems like he could ask questions and listen to plots and stories all night, fortunately, Laria stops by.
I am shutting down for the night, you can take this discussion downstairs, or better yet, save it for breakfast.
She turns to Aldren.
And some of those supporting folks downstairs were asking questions about some shrine work or supplies. I think they may be low on funds and directions, so you may have to take care of some administrative tasks with them tomorrow. Good night friends...and Vendalfek. She waves with a tired smile as she locks the doors and puts out the lights for the night.
The team of six are already in their respective beds when you come down.
*** Week 1, day 6 ***
The night passes uneventfully as dawn comes very early after your late night of retelling stories and answering questions for the little dragon.
So what are we going to do today Silver Birds? calls out the dragonette as soon as you stir to the smell off fresh brewed coffee wafting down the stairs.
The morning
Lubella woke at her usual time and said her morning prayers. "I serve Sarenrae, the Dawnflower, so I pray every day at sunrise," she explained, when Vendalfek asked her what she was doing. His earlier question reminded her to examine the Silver Raven figurines again, to see if she could learn any more about their purpose. The black statuettes did not give up their secrets, however.
She headed upstairs for coffee and breakfast. When the half-elf appeared, she asked, "So, Aldren, how much is your administration work going to take of your time today? Do you fancy exploring the remains of the Silver Star?"
Talvek had noticed the figuringes before, but hadn't summoned up the courage to ask to take a look at them. Seeing Lubella's slightly frustrated expression however...
"Do you mind if I take a look at them? I remember this obscure literary text referencing them, maybe it helps."
Aldren nods to Laria in appreciation of the warning before going to bed. The next morning he is dressed only his breeches, a yellow silk shirt, and some black leather sandals, happy to be free of the breastplate and suffocating noble’s regalia. To Lubella, he replies, ”Let me check in with the recruits. I’m curious what they’re on about. Hopefully it won’t take too long as I would indeed like to join you. Save some hot buns for me!”
With that, he goes to meet with the rebels.