The halfling arches an eyebrow. "Really. Well, I'm afraid today is the most sacred of days for Lady Zenderholm; she will not--"
A shadow falls across the halfling, cast by an older woman clad in dark robes with red trim. What appears to be a coat of arms is on the breast pocket of her robes: a red shield with a sword on the top right side, three crowns arranged in a triangle on the bottom left, and separated in the middle by a blue stripe running from the top left to the bottom right. The woman's hair is black with several streaks of grey running through it, and her face bears many wrinkles born of work and stress. Her eyes are a hardened grey, looking down at her halfling servant.
"...she's right behind me, isn't she?" The halfling says, not even turning around.
"Indeed." Her voice is clear, tired, and one of authority; almost like Kroft's, but older.
She looks up at Demitri & Jakob, fixing her eyes on them. "Well? Are you two going to come in or just stand there like a pair of fools? If you're going to stand there, at least shut the door; you're letting the heat out." She steps away from the door.
The walk to Old Korvosa is mostly quiet for Ortik. There aren't many people out and about on the streets today; then again, it's still rather early in the morning.
Crossing the bridge into Old Korvosa, the tidy buildings of Midland & North Point give way to the ramshackle tenements & shanties of Bridgefront. Beneath the bridge, in the narrows of St. Alika, several scavengers poke around in the detritus of the city above for food or salvage. Several beggars line both sides of the bridge, looking for a handout or two.
The way to the ghetto of the Forgottenfolk isn't hard to find: its just a street down, on St. Alika Street. Most of the people here are just beginning to wake up, but Ortik can see signs of people packing up indoors.
The Old Man is out and about today, whistling a tune. He holds his head high.
"Yes, of course Ma'am." Demitri makes his way inside.
Ortik smiles and shakes hands with a few of the beggars he recognizes. "Harker! Good to see you again. I'm glad I ran into you, half a moment!" He unshoulders his pack and withdraws a small bundle of food - a loaf of bread as well as some dried fruit and meat. "My benefit is yours. Pass this kindness along to someone else as well, and the world will be a slightly better place." He passes out several more parcels of food - parcels of hope, really, in these times - before he moves on.
A smile breaks out on his face as he spies the Old Man, and he hastens his step to catch up with him. "A crisp Calistril morning, isn't it?", he says as he begins matching step with his mentor. "Really gets the blood pumping." He looks to the ramshackle buildings around them, and the actions inside cause him a moment's concern. "Have more of the Folk shared my recent good fortune?", he asks with a moment's trepidation.
Harker takes Ortik's offering of food with gratitude. He goes around, handing some of his food to some of the less successful beggars.
Hartleby chuckles. "Certainly, Ortik. Though, Pharast's mornings ought to be more accommodating than this."
He looks around at the people packing their things. His expression changes from one of good humor to a more serious look. "Well, depending on how one views fortune, you could say that. I plan to move my people from this place to... somewhere with cleaner air. And less thuggery."
He looks down at Ortik and chuckles again. "Oh, there's no need to be so worried. I'm simply making a new home for us across the river."
Zenobia leads Demitri & Jakob into her house, her halfling servant not far behind.
"Percival, would you kindly put some tea on for our guests?" She asks, leading the two men into a sitting room. The room contains a fireplace along the east wall, with three couches and a coffee table arranged in front of it. A bearskin rug lies before the hearth. Looking into the back of the room, one can see several bookshelves.
"Of course, milady. Right away." Percival bows and leaves the room.
Zenobia takes a seat on a couch. "Now, I trust you have good reason to be calling on me on my day off?" She asks, looking the two men in the eye.
"Well I think you have heard about what happened to that cur, Gaedren Lamm? Well now due to that, there is a small assembly of children without homes. For the time being, they are being cared for, but they need real homes with their own families."
The surprise on Ortik's face is genuine. "Really? Where? I can't imagine many Korvosans would be happy to see us take up residence next to them." He raises an eyebrow. "Unless someone important is backing the move. Anyone I know?"
"Certainly." Hartleby spreads his arms. "Me."
"We've been planning this for some time; we've scraped together enough supplies to move across the Jeggare River--" He nods in the direction of Korvosa's harbor. "--and build ourselves some new homes. If nothing else, they'll provide us with safety, free of charge."
The Old Man gets a faraway look in his eye. "And... there's another reason for us to move on."
Zenobia steeples her fingers together.
"And you wish for me to lend you my expertise."
Percival comes back a couple of minutes later, bearing three teacups and a teapot, all decorated with the same shield as the one on Zenobia's robe.
"Naturally. And I would think you would want to help."
Jakob sits and listens, and at last he speaks.
"I am from Old Korvosa's docks, and I know your reputation well, as a strict judge and a kind soul," he says. "These children were taken by the worst kind of thief and forced to commit crimes. My sister was one of them, and every day that she was gone, I scoured the city to find her. Some of these children have families that still miss them, others need someone to look after them. We are commoners, people of no importance, but you have power and influence. We came to ask you to use that power to find their families. We have saved them from a terrible end, but we can't give them their lives back. You can."
"I could not say it better myself. My daughter was taken and so I know what it's like to not know where my child is. I feel for the parents missing these children. And for the ones who don't have families, they need one just as much if not more."
Lyla wakes up and notices The absence of Demitri, Jakob and Ortik. Without them present, she decides to postpone her plan of going back to Lamm's; instead, the girl excuses herself from Karri and Marrisel and goes out "...for a walk."
She steps out determined to seek Griggs and ask about Althea's case, but then remembers that today is his day off and she has no clue of where to find him. She decides to visit Althea's place. The store is closed, and an official "keep out" warning hangs from the blocked door. That's probably Griggs' work, she thinks. Lyla walks to the back and enters through her bedroom window, and then goes to the front of the store. Althea's tonics and remedies are all ruined, broken vials all over the floor. The girl sighs heavily and goes to the counter, where she opens a hidden drawer and pulls out a large book and a box of raw materials. She opens the book and randomly chooses a page. Smelling salts? Ok, then. The girl grabs her alchemy kit from her backpack and spends the next hours working. When she is done, she opens Althea's secret coffer and drops a few coins. Her voice breaks the room's silence, though there is no one around to hear her. "Here, Althea, for the materials. Gotta keep the business running, right?" The attempt at humor backlashes, and she feels her eyes filling with water. Lyla breathes deeply and holds back the tears, leaving as quickly as she can. She manages get back to Zellara's just before lunch time.
Craft smelling salts (DC 25).
Edit: her daily progress should have been divided by 7, so it is actuay only 103. Since she won't be working all day, I suppose she only produced 50 today, is that alright?
"A change of scenery will do nicely," Ortik says in measured tones. "The harbor is about the only place we could go without causing too much distress. I'll have to get used to the scent of fish guts in the summer, though." The dwarf grimaces at the thought. Finally, he asks the question that the old man prompted.
"What's the other reason?"
Hartleby looks over at Ortik before walking again.
"See... while I was warming Cressida's jail, I had visions. Or perhaps they were not visions, but a persistently returning dream." He shrugs. "I really should change the locks on my mind."
The Old Man crosses the bridge over St. Alika's Narrows, walking through the streets of North Point. "I saw a flock of crows descending on the corpse of a hippogriff, picking its flesh clean. Normally, I wouldn't pay that sort of thing much thought--after all, that is the crows' sacred duty, as ordained by Nature herself."
He pauses in his walk. "It was the hippogriff's corpse that caught my eye. Covered in weeping sores and pustules, lying in a pool of its own blood--and the crows looked up at me. They looked at me with... malevolence in their eyes." He looks over at Ortik again. This time his eyes have taken on a haunted look. "I do believe that was the first time I ever saw a crow smile. I have no wish to see it again."
As Demitri & Jakob speak, Percival pours three hot cups of tea and quietly takes his leave. Zenobia takes a cup and sips from it as she listens.
When they finish, she takes a long sip of tea from her cup.
"Gentlemen, I am disappointed. Disappointed that you did not bring this to my attention sooner." She sets her teacup down and fixes the two men with her determined eyes. "Where are these orphans staying now?"
As Lyla leaves Althea's home to return to Zellara's place, she sees a familiar face in the streets below the Shingles. A dark-haired, dark-eyed, weedy Varisian clad in simple brown studded leather; he's out of his uniform, but he's apparently still on the job.
It's Corporal Griggs, walking along with focus and purpose.
"Apologies. It was just a few days ago. We were unsure on what to do at first. They are staying at a.. safe house on Lancet."
Zenobia takes another long sip of her tea, draining her cup.
"Very well, then. Give me a few minutes to get ready."
She sets her teacup down and leaves the room. Some time passes before she returns clad in a black overcoat with a white fur collar & black leather boots. Unlike most other nobles, Zenobia appears to be a woman who values functionality over looks with regards to clothing.
"Shall we be off?"
"Yes, of course." Demitri will get up and lead the judge to Zellara's.
Karri spends the morning chasing the children, glad that something at least can drown out the Legion. Giggling, crying, screaming, thunderous children. She even thinks twice about taking the pillows away from them when they start chasing each other around the house with them. She is sitting at the kitchen table grinning like a fool when company arrives.
Upon spotting Griggs, Lyla runs up to him. She grabs him by his clothes and, catching her breath, asks "Found anything yet?"
The corporal looks down at Lyla as she tugs at him. He has dark circles under his eyes... he must not have been getting much sleep.
There's a smile on his face. "I was just looking for ya, cutter. I've got something; sounds promising. I was heading out to check it out."
Judge Zenderholm is quiet as Demitri & Jakob lead her back through the streets of Korvosa, from the Heights to Midland's Lancet Street. A cold breeze picks up, sending a few stray bits of parchment tumbling through the streets. Citizens hurry along, anxious to get to a pub or two for a mug of ale.
As the three reach Zellara's home, Zenobia sniffs the air. "So, this is where the children are staying?"
Through the front window, Karri can see Demitri & Jakob arriving with a stern-looking lady clad in a thick but elegant overcoat with white fur trim. The streaks of grey in her black hair, along with the wrinkles on her face, make her look like someone's grandmother.
Griggs' words light up Lyla's face. "Really? What you got? I'll come with you!" She starts walking, but upon realizing she doesn't know where to, turns on her heels to face Griggs. "Don't just hang in there, lead the way!"
"Yes. It has enough room for them." Demitri says before opening the door to see an already tired Karri sitting down and the sounds of children running amok. "That is Karri. Karri meet Judge Zenderholm."
Griggs holds his hands out towards the energetic hobbit. "Easy there, cutter. I only said it's a lead; for all I know, it could be a dead end."
He walks in front of Lyla through the streets of Midland. He appears to be heading towards Old Korvosa.
"So tell me; you ever been deep into Old Korvosa before?" Griggs asks.
Zenobia's stern look changes almost immediately; her harsh glare softens into an almost motherly smile.
"Charmed. How long have you been taking care of these children?"
Ortik's eyebrows raise as Hartleby mentions visions. The Old Man had had cryptic visions before, and though he had admitted he didn't know where they came from, they were rarely wrong. "I see," he says, properly solemn at the Old Man's admission. "I wonder if crossing the river is far enough to avoid this malicious murder. A hippogriff's corpse is quite large, after all." He strokes his beard at the thought. "Still, it's far better than doing nothing. Who needs some help getting packed?"
"Like I mentioned, only a few days, before the rioting." Demitri will let the judge walk in first.
"Not too deep, so I'll let you run the tour. What's the lead?"
Althea always warned you to never go there alone, that the streets were teeming with shifty folk and thugs who suffered new folk poorly... usually by beating them half to death and then dumping them in the St. Alika Narrows after relieving them of their valuables.
Griggs keeps walking, looking straight ahead with one hand on his longsword. "Well, you're in for a treat, I'd say." He says dryly. "Latest chant that's been going around is that shiver's starting to hit Old Korvosa again. This time, it's much better than Lamm's s**t, not like the garbage corner dealers would try to bob you with. Almost as if a proper alchemist was making it."
He pauses, looking back at Lyla. "Well, not that I'd know, mind you. But it's coming from a den of vice called Eel's End."
Hartleby's look returns to its normal, genial state. "Oh, I think we'll manage, Ortik. But it is always kind of you to offer." He starts walking back to Old Korvosa.
"Indeed, I hope, in this case, distance may be used as a shield. Had we more resources, I'd take us further away from here, but... well, it should suffice for now." He looks back at Ortik as he walks. "You need not worry about us overmuch, Ortik. The Forgottenfolk are a hardy people; we've been through much before me, and will endure much more after I'm gone."
Karri stands and waits during Demitri's introduction. When he finishes she offers Judge Zenderholme a passble curtsy, "Your Honor."
Zenobia looks around the house at the playing children. Most of them have stopped and are now staring at her.
"Hello, young ones. No need to be frightened, I'm here in my capacity as a priestess, not a judge."
She folds her arms behind her back and starts pacing. "It has come to my attention that you all are in need of good homes and families. Now, these fine citizens--" She indicates the party members still in the house. "--have done an admirable job keeping you warm, fed and safe. But let me ask you this: do you not crave more expansive accommodations than this?"
The kids appear to be confused by Zenobia's language, and look to Demitri, Jakob & Karri.
"Do you want a bigger home to stay at?" Demitri translates to the children.
"Such is our lot," Ortik says with a resigned sigh. "If you do ever need me, old friend, you know I am always available. Though my fortunes have changed, I can't forget where I came from. The Forgottenfolk are as Korvosan as anyone in the East Shore." He embraces the Old Man briefly before leaving. "I'll be back in a few days. Being Kroft's deputy is busy work." He offers Hartleby a wink before heading away from Old Korvosa.
Lyla listens to Griggs with great interest. When he tries to justify his thorough understanding of shiver quality control, she admonishes him with a stern gaze. "You'd better not be into that crap. You have no idea what kind of garbage goes into shiver–even the 'good' stuff", she adds using air quotes. "You think they could be using Althea to cook for them? The time frame doesn't fit–unless they are just 'recruiting' for now. When we were looking into Lamm, I got the impression that they had ran out of cooks or something."
Its owner is Devargo Barvasi, a name you've heard before from Verik. For the most part, he's been cooperative with the Korvosan Guard in that he refuses sanctuary to anyone the Guard is hunting for. He also makes a good effort to run a fair (if harsh) work environment, always paying his vice taxes and effectively policing his own affairs.
You also remember the name Devargo from Lamm's fishery... something nags at you, as if you should already know this, but can't quite place it.
He quickens his pace through the streets, weaving in and out of the crowds of Korvosa like a dancer. "See, there's the problem. Lamm did run out of cooks, mainly because, from what I've learned, they all jumped ship and signed on with Devargo when he ditched him. Apparently, he's a better boss than Lamm could ever be."
He briefly turns to Lyla and arches an eyebrow. "One helluva low bar, isn't it?"
The pair soon reach the bridge over the St. Alika Narrows leading into Old Korvosa. Through the crowd milling about on the bridge, Lyla can see a familiar face.
It's Ortik, heading out of Old Korvosa.
Hartleby returns Ortik's hug. "When you see Cressida again, say hello to her for me, would you?"
As Ortik crosses the bridge over the St. Alika Narrows leading back to the rest of the city, a familiar face catches his eye.
Griggs is walking along the bridge, clad in simple studded leather and with Lyla tagging along with him.
The children gain a look of understanding and collectively answer "Yes."
Zenobia nods. "As it happens, young ones, my home may not be much to look at, but it is expansive, tidy and warm. It's also quite empty. I would be more than happy to take you in until I can find you proper homes. I am a priestess of Abadar; rest assured that you will find proper families under my care. Should I go back on this, then let the Master of the First Vault himself strip me of my rank and cast me down."
The children are still uncertain about this, and look to Demitri, Jakob & Karri again.
"They call her the hanging judge, so you'd better mind your manners," Jakob says, ominously, and then grins when he sees eyes grow wide. "She'll take good care of you. We went to her because she can help, and it's too dangerous for you to stay here with us busy with the Field Marshall's work."
"Yes and while she seems stern, it is because she is. But there are few kinder than she. She will take good care of you."
The children visibly relax with Demitri's & Jakob's votes of confidence. They flock to Zenobia, chattering incessantly.
Zenobia looks up at the assembled group. "I'll need some time to make the arrangements, but rest assured they'll be well cared for. In the meantime, might I trouble you to keep them safe for one more night?"
"Of course. Take whatever time you need to get prepared."
Devargo. Lyla lets the name bounce in her head, trying to remember where she heard it. Not from Verik... no, somewhere before that. The moment she spots Ortik, it comes back to her. The dwarf's words echo in her head. "We've got another name to look into. Devargo. He was Lamm's chemist, I think. We find him, we find out more about what Lamm's operation was all about."
Leaving Griggs behind, she immediately sprints towards Ortik and gives him a slight punch on the leg. "Hey, smudgebeard! Thanks for the insight! Come, we're just about to pay a little visit to Devargo Barvasi—yeah, you heard that right." She turns around and starts walking back to Griggs, but suddenly halts midway. The girl turns to Ortik lifting the index finger and tells him "Listen, there's one more thing. I'm actually checking on my friend that went missing. You're the only one who knows about that—I mean, no one back at Zellara's does—and I wish to keep it that way, got it? Now let's go."
Zenobia nods again. "Thank you."
She looks to the children around her. "Now, if you would excuse me, I should go get things ready for you." She turns and leaves Zellara's home.
The children resume playing with more energy than before, spurred onward by hope of having a proper home.
Demitri will spend time with the children while the others are out, preparing a late breakfast of fruit and bread for everyone.
Ortik feigns a limp for a few steps after Lyla strikes his leg. "Anything you tell me will be held as tight as a Hellknight's fist, Goggles. Your secret is safe with me." He and the Halfling catch up with Griggs. "Devargo, hm? What do we want with the likes of him?"