"That is great to hear. Don't worry about Oren. I'm sure he'll come around. Many thanks, the soup was Karri's idea. I'll bring out the next course if you are ready." Demitri gets up and starts bringing out the roast pheasants.
"That is great to hear. Don't worry about Oren. I'm sure he'll come around. Many thanks, the soup was Karri's idea. I'll bring out the next course if you are ready."
Emilia nods at Karri. "You have good taste, young lady."
The guests perk up at the mention of the next course (especially Reyne & Timlin, who manage the impressive feat of resisting the urge to continue tormenting each other) and all stare at Demitri as he gets up to dish out the second course. Several of the guests lick their lips as he brings the roast pheasants out to the table.
"...well, this is quite a pleasant surprise, sir." Ausio Carowyn says as his portion is set before him. "This looks quite lovely." The other guests take their portions, but wait until Ausio has sampled the pheasant first before tucking in.
"Thank you. It was my first attempt. I don't usually cook anything this refined. Karri has much better taste then I do." Demitri says before starting on his own portion.
Karri blushes at the repeated compliments, "Well, I suppose I just thought the best we can do for our honored guests." She kind of shrinks down under the mockery of Legion. Oh, hush! All of you! But, Legion is not in a listening mood.
The dinner party goes on into the night, with much gossip and rumours exchanged between the guests at the table...
Some of the more interesting pieces follow:
"Have you heard? Queen's been recruiting women lately--don't know what she wants them for, but word is that she's looking for a... what is it, companion? Of course she would--would explain why she only wants them if they're pretty..."
"I'm certain that ship in the harbour was up to no good--if the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company call out to you, you'd damn well better answer them if you know what's good for ya. Could've been worse--at least the Guard sunk the damned thing. That would never have happened under Eodred's rule..."
--------------------
Fireday, 3rd of Pharast, 4711 AR
The following day, the city is abuzz with activity as Market Day rolls around. Merchants are bringing their wares to Goldmarket for sale and trade today--some of them are even being so daring as to offer discounts on certain items.
Today starts like a normal day in the Shingles for you--thank the Gods for that. It was a bit of an ordeal moving the Fairwoods' from their creaky, old home, and it was exhausting, to say the least. You fell asleep almost as soon as you got home.
Althea rouses you from your sleep with a series of knocks on the door. "Lyla! Up and at 'em, darling--there's a man from the Guard here who's asking for ya!"
Demitri ignores the rumors and gossip for the most part. It wasn't good to dwell on such things. Though the bit about the ship in the harbour was something he may look into.
Demitri will just spend the day with Nadia(and whoever else wanted to come along) in the market. "Good for them." He thinks to himself as he buys his little girl some candied apples on special.
Through the dinner Karri tries her best to be a gracious host, but after several hours of conversation and the chattering of her Legion, she begs off a bit early, "Please forgive me, it's that I get these raging headaches. It was our pleasure to host this dinner. And, so good to see the children have safe homes. Thank you, Judge Zenderholme." With that Karri retreats upstairs to the dark and solitude of her room. She is set to sleep with Kasdaye humming a sweet lullaby in her ear...
* * *
The next morning dawns and it occurs to her that there was once before someone recruiting for some special training. The memories this brings up keep her bed ridden and feeling helpless the rest of the day. No, I can't face anyone today. Then let me face them, sweetling... Karri tries to hide in her pillow knowing nothing that she is can be hidden from the demons in her...
Ortik smiles to himself as he hears about the good fortune in the poorer districts. Wonder where that came from?, he thinks as he purchases some staples for the Zellara estate, as he's come to think of it. There were several more hungry mouths to feed with Lyla's family now moved in with them, but that never really bothered the street dwarf. Nadia seemed to enjoy having people her height around - even if they were fully grown - and they didn't mind helping out with the chores.
--------------------
Oathday, 2nd of Pharast, 4711 AR
After spending the afternoon packing and loading the moving cart Lyla hired, the Fairwoods depart from 'Thief Camp' at sunset, heading back to the city. Lyla pays no mind to the people gossiping about their move; instead, she approaches Ortik and asks for a few tips of how to ride the cart and control the donkeys, worried that these beasts could be as stubborn as the other one. After a rough start, she gets the hang of it. She thanks Nalun and Ortik for their help and gives them a ride until the city, where she bids them farewell for the night.
As Lyla and her family arrive Zellara's, the halfling girl hops from the cart and heads to the door to check if everything is clear. She is about to knock when she hears the sound of people chatting. Moving over to the window, Lyla stands on the tip of her toes and raises her chin to take a look inside. The scene before her is unexpected: the hanging judge having dinner with Karri, Nadia and Demitri, as well as some other guests she manages to recognize. Damn.
She walks back to the group in a huff. "Sooo... my friends Demitri and Karri are having people over for some fancy dinner, so you won't be able to crash here. I was planning on finding a place for you later, like, a place. But, well, change of plans. I mean, I'm still getting you a decent place, but I'm gonna have to do that tonight. Luckily, I know a guy."
She takes her family back to the Shingles, navigating the narrow streets with difficulty given the size of the cart, until they reach a hidden courtyard. She walks towards a green door and knocks quite a few times before an aging, bearded half-orc answers. The two talk for a while as Lyla explains the kind of lodging she's looking for while pointing to the group waiting close by. Finally, the half-orc walks into the house and comes back with a set of keys, which he promptly exchanges for a bag of coins. Once more, Lyla rejoins the group, throwing the keys up and down, a smile on her lips. "Alright, I got you a place. This way."
Lyla leads the group to a large wooden house. As they enter the place, it becomes noticeable that no one has lived here in quite some time. "Large houses in the Shingles aren't very much in demand, considering the rents...", she explains. Despite the suboptimal condition, it is still a lot better—and much more spacious—then the small cottage back in Thief Camp, and the family quickly chooses bedrooms. Their few belongings make for a quick move, as bringing it all into the house does not take long; still, it is well after midnight when they finish settling in. Wait, you didn't pick a room", Marra says to Lyla, while unfolding some bed sheets. Lyla scratches her head awkwardly. "Hmm, yeah, it's just that I already have a place"—and also, I don't know you guys—"So, for now, I'll stay there, okay? You can find me at Althea's shop, it's not far from here." After a simple meal, Lyla bids the Fairwoods goodbye and heads back to her place. When she finally gets to her bedroom, Lyla drops to her bed exhausted and passes out.
--------------------
Fireday, 3rd of Pharast, 4711 AR
Lyla hides under her pillow trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep, but Althea’s persistence pays off once the herbalist mentions the guard outside. She sits up and rubs her eyes. “ Wonder who that could be…”, she mumbles. She then suddenly remembers that Ortik had promised to get her family some food in the morning, but she never got around to telling him they would no longer be at Zellara’s. He’ll get worried if he asks about them and Karri and Demitri say they have no idea what he's talking about… gotta send him a message. But first things first. Having slept in the clothes from the day before, she wastes no time changing, and soon is at the door to speak to the guard. “Yes?”
As you step out of your room and walk downstairs, you see who it is Althea called you out of bed for. Sergeant Grau Soldado is sitting at the table, ramrod straight with his hands neatly folded. His knuckles are white.
"Poor man's too wound-up to tell me what the hell's going on. Said it's a matter of life and--" Althea starts before she gets interrupted.
"--death, yes." Grau stands up in a blur of motion. His expression changes from one of extreme worry to relief. "Thank Abadar--Lyla, I need your help. Griggs referred me to you--said you're good with curing sicknesses?" His words come spilling out in an anxiety-ridden flurry.
-------------------------
Once you and Nadia have purchased the candied apples (2 SP per apple), the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Nadia playfully tugs on your sleeve as you walk through the markets, munching on her candied apple.
Looking around, the two of you notice something different about the crowds today... some of the people here are sporting rashes on their necks and coughing into their hands. Nadia steps closer to you.
"Daddy... do you see that too?" She points out one man with such a rash as he scratches incessantly at it. From the looks of things, if he scratches any more forcefully, it'll bleed.
-------------------------
As you go about purchasing supplies for Zellara's home, you catch a glimpse of one of the fortunate families on walkabout at the market. They're bearing one of those coffers you've heard about. The lady of the family stoops down and places several silver pieces in a beggar's bowl, causing the ragged man's eyes to widen in surprise. You hear snatches of his many thanks over the din of the crowds.
You rise from your sleep in your room at the Three Rings Tavern. There appears to be a commotion going on downstairs--and it doesn't sound like a tavern brawl or anything like that. It's too early in the day for that, isn't it...?
"Yea. Stay close to me and don't touch anyone, sweetie." Demitri grasps Nadia's hand and walks towards the citadel to meet with Korft.
What the.. Nalun says groggily the drink from the night before was a bit too much Oh gods...I need... but his monologue is cut short as he hears the commotion. Grabbing his dagger from its place near his bedside he opens the door and heads down into the common room.
The world is dark. The sky hangs low, close and smoky. There is a city at the bottom of the hill; a rocky stair is cut into a cliff face leading down to the harbor. That's when she sees the first body. Distended and bloated in the reddish glare she can smell it's rotten flesh even from this distance. She feels cold inside, and alone. There is no whisper, no chatter. She approaches the body and sees there is another and another around a bend in the stairs. Where am I? There is a peal of thunder as the clouds roil around her. Suddenly she realizes she is not alone. There is a man with her. Tall, fair and beautiful. He nods to her and tips his hat in salute.
"It is good to see you with my own eyes, Fleshling."
Kasdaye! "It does not please me to see you free. Bold of a thing that would be my servant."
Stepping towards her with a dancer's grace, the demon says in a smooth voice, "Never a servant. A mentor, a teacher and always ready to show you new-"
Karri's anger flashes, "Servant. You are mine. Until the day I fall you are mine to control."
Doffing his hat, he nods again a lock of blonde hair falling into his eye, He looks like a beautiful boy, so eager to help me... No, eager to trap me!Karri turns her back on him and walks away. After several paces she can her his soft boots crunch on the flagstones behind her as he falls in. She is walking down the stairs and stepping over bodies. The smell of the rot if ever-present but not as overpowering as it could have been-an odd feeling, as if it were normal.
Does this place make you feel at home, Fleshling?
Somehow Karri knows Kasdaye is toying with her, but she owes him a reply. No. This is more like your home, Demon.
Softly he says, "Our home, Karri. Ours.
Turning so fast she almost stumbles on the stairs, she faces him. His hair is darker, more familiar. A lover, maybe? But what was his name? No, it was always Kasdaye, fair and innocent.
"Why are you with me in the flesh?"
Now, suddenly at the bottom of the stairs they step out onto a dock over the river Jeggare. Bobbing in the water there is a horse, no, a hippogriff in livery. "But I am not in the flesh; I am in your heart."
"Then where is this place of death and rot?"
Kasdaye's beatific smile changes and becomes hungry, "My dear fleshling, this is your heart...
* * *
A scream tears the peace of Zellara's home this late morning. Karri is awake, fear and power coursing through her veins. There are no tears, but Kasdaye's cajoling voice, Come back home, Fleshling...
Ortik smiles to himself as he notes the generosity of Korvosa on display. That's how this is supposed to work, he thinks to himself. Rising tides lift all ships. Speaking of...
In a generous mood himself, Ortik buys bread and cheese for the destitute, and begins passing it out to the unfortunates.
Lyla is taken aback by Soldado's sudden burst of vitality upon spotting her. "Sure, I suppose I have a few tricks up my sleeve... but Althea here beats me any day of the week", she clarifies, pointig to the old lady. "What's going on? Who's sick?" She pauses and looks up. "Wait... does this have anything to do with the quarantined ship you guys sunk yesterday? 'Cause I knew that was a bad idea..."
As you wander downstairs, you see the commotion is coming from the front door--the Three Rings' Shoanti bouncer has a would-be customer standing outside the door, with the female black-haired, half-elven bartender eying the man with a great deal of suspicion. The other patrons of the tavern are eying the door with a mixture of nervousness, curiosity and contempt.
"Sir, the decision is out of my hands--Miss Darklight--" The bouncer nods at the bartender. "--has made it very clear that you're not allowed in here."
"Oh, COME ON!" The man's voice yells back from beyond the door. It's followed by a bout of coughing. "I've always been welcome here before--"*HACK COUGH HACK*
"--and today you're not. You're clearly sick--get yourself to a temple and get yourself fixed."
"F#*+ you! I've been healthy as a horse since I was born! I haven't caught a cold in years!"
"Good day, sir." The bouncer pointedly cuts off the conversation by slamming the door shut.
Miss Darklight looks over at the patrons with an apologetic look.
------------------
"What's going on? Who's sick?"
Grau pauses for breath. "It's my niece. She's very sick, and the useless f#@$wit of a priest at the house is asking for more than my sister can pay to cure her." The sergeant clenches his fists so tightly his knuckles turn white again.
"Wait... does this have anything to do with the quarantined ship you guys sunk yesterday? 'Cause I knew that was a bad idea..."
Grau winces. "I hope it isn't. But if it is, there's going to be a hell for Private Clay to pay..." He takes a breath and tries to calm himself, without much success. "They're--they live in Midland, down by the docks. Please, can you help us?"
------------------As you go around handing out food to the destitute of Korvosa, you notice a few of them greedily fingering several pieces of silver. A couple of them have a very red rash on their necks, among other parts of their bodies.
------------------
As you sit bolt upright, you hear the sound of a claw rapping at your window. Peeking outside, you see Majenko, looking quite distressed.
The walk to the Citadel is a bit of a slow one as you and Nadia weave through the crowds thronging Midland and head down Eodred's Walk. As you move, you begin to notice that several people have the same rash--all of them of working-class, if not outright poor.
As you step over the threshold of Citadel Volshyenek, the first thing you hear is a heated argument coming from Kroft's office...
Demitri will wait for the argument to finish before knocking on the door.
Stupid flying cat. Karri gets out of the bed, disentangling herself from the sweat soaked sheets. Crossing the room she opens the window enough to let the pseudo-dragon in. Mustering as much politeness as she can, which isn't much after her meeting with Kasdaye, she says, "Do you need something?" After Majenko slips in Karri drops the window back in place and latches it.
Waiting at the door, you can hear the argument beyond...
"Let me make something clear, Your Grace--the Korvosan Guard answers to ME first. They're my responsibility, and as such I will punish any lapse in discipline myself." Kroft starts, her voice tinged with irritation.
"Really, Field Marshal?" Another voice speaks--this one the regal, almost bored voice of Queen Ileosa herself. "In that case, you should have the entire patrol who refused to fire punished. Private Clay was the only member of that patrol who understood my command and knew it was in everyone's best interest to follow it."
"B+$%$#*!. "
"Mind your language, Kroft."
"I am. Every member of the Guard understands how the chain of command works--you create the laws, the Peerage & arbiters look them over to see if they meet their standards, and I choose which ones to enforce."
"I'm quite aware of how my city works, Field Marshal."
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed, from this conversation. If Clay hadn't fired that catapult, we could have determined whether that ship was a threat or not. If King Eodred were still alive--"
"--'he wouldn't approve'. You're not the first person to tell me that. Do you remember why my husband named you Field Marshal?"
That question causes Kroft to pause. "...of course I do. I was the best candidate for the job--"
"He said you were a capable administrator and military leader, yes. Are you telling me that my husband's trust in you was misplaced, Kroft?" Even through the door, you can hear the smirk in Queen Ileosa's voice.
Kroft doesn't answer.
"Let me make something clear, Field Marshal--you may lead the Korvosan Guard, but if you do not have the nerve to enforce my edicts to the letter, I am more than capable of removing you from the position and finding someone who will. Have I made myself clear?"
"...yes."
"Good. Now, Private Clay--come with me. I believe I can use someone with your initiative."
"As you wish, Your Grace."
The doors to Kroft's office open, and Nadia hides behind you. Queen Ileosa emerges, clad in fine emerald robes and with an elaborate crown on her head. Sabina Merrin follows her, with Private Simon Clay bringing up the rear. She and Sabina ignore you as they leave, but Clay gives you a cocky, satisfied smirk.
Majenko starts flying around the room. <ScarredOne, areyou well?> The pseudodragon flies close to you and starts inspecting your neck.
<Manyhumans instreets withrash andcough, yesyes. Youare verysweaty.> Majenko looks up into your eyes. <Everythingwell?>
Demitri raises an eyebrow at the cocky Private before heading into Kroft's office with Nadia. "Don't pay any attention to her. Nobility doesn't know what it's like to work hard. I trust your judgement. So in any case, any ideas on whats going on outside? It looks like everyone is sick."
"Don't pay any attention to her. Nobility doesn't know what it's like to work hard. I trust your judgement. So in any case, any ideas on whats going on outside? It looks like everyone is sick."
Kroft's face is impassive, but her hands are clenching and relaxing rapidly. She sighs and sits down at her desk while gesturing for the two of you to have a seat at the long oak table. "...I don't know. All I know is that a ship flying a quarantine light arrived in the harbour, and instead of giving Sable Company time to investigate it, Clay got trigger-happy and sank it, against my orders. Now the Queen went over my head and practically shook his hand for it." She gives you a frustrated glare.
Nadia bites her lip and looks down. Kroft blinks, then sighs. "The sickness... it's even spread to one of my guardsmen--or rather, his family. Sergeant Soldado's niece Brienna came down with it last night."
Demitri sits down, placing Nadia on his lap. "I see. Well that is unfortunate. Soldado is a good man, sad to hear that." He says looking down at his own little one. "I'd wager that ship had something to do with it. Unfortunately it's on the bottom of the harbor. Do you have anyone on the case right now?"
Kroft nods. "Aeryne Penn of the Sable Company has been leading a squad around the surrounding countryside." She folds her hands on her desk. "She's on the lookout for survivors or anything else of note that could tell us where that ship came from... or why it was flying a quarantine light."
Nadia looks up between Kroft and you, looking a bit lost.
Demitri looks at his daughter for a moment. "I'm trying to get information so I can help the sick people, okay? "
"Is there anything I can do to help? From what I've seen, this sickness is mean one. How contagious is it?"
Karri reaches out and strokes Majenko's neck. "I am fine. Nighmares is all." She sits at the dressing table and looks back into the dragon's eyes. "Sick you say? How long has this been going on?" Is this what Kasdaye was showing me?
"No idea yet." Kroft looks down at her desk. "And that's what worries me the most. Demitri, what have you physically seen of this sickness? I don't have much information to go on..."
Majenko flutters over to the dressing table, looking rather relieved. <Goodgood. Startedyesterday, Ithink...>
The pseudodragon starts pacing on the table with a pensive look. <Startedafter Majenkosaw oddship inharbour. Gotsunk beforeMajenko couldlook closer... hadfunny light.>
"It looks like a normal rash on the neck and some coughing. But I haven't seen any nobles with it. Just the poorer citizens. Maybe it's in the water supply?"
Hmm. What was that about? Nalun inquires of the Innkeep.
Someone was sick? he says, thinking of the plague ship that was sunk
I did show you the harbor...
Karri pauses and then shakes her head in a physical effort to clear the whispers. "Yes, you are right to worry." She offers her arm and shoulder for Majenko to perch on. She goes downstairs and checks the bars on the doors, front and back. Once she knows they are secure she goes back into the kitchen and waits. A pot of water boils ready to make coffee for what Karri fears is going to be a long night...
"Alright, Soldado. I'll go see your niece, and don't worry about money. This one's on me. Just sit down, drink this, and give me some time to get my things ready and we'll be on our way, ok?" She picks up a calming tonic from the shelves and hands it to the flustered visitor. Lyla gives a worried look to Althea and excuses herslef. In her bedroom, the girl spends some time prepairing a few formulas and making sure her alchemy kit is good to go. Back to the front desk, she deposits one-hundred gold pieces in Althea's money stash and grabs two antiplague vials, a few herbs, and some tools, which she packs neatly in her backpack. "Let's go. I just need to pick up a few things on the way."
Lyla walks with Soldado through the Shingles all the way to the Midlands, stopping in a street fair to buy some more ointments and supplies for her self-made healer's kit. Once she has everything she needs, the girl lets Soldado lead the way. Arriving at his sister house, she feels the pressure of being their last resort, and hopes she won't disappoint them. Lyla dons a surgeon's mask over her nose and mouth and, feigning confidence, asks to see the girl. "Let's ger her on her feet. What's her name?", she asks Soldado before stepping into the girl's room.
Upon meeting Brienna, Lyla starts a throrough inspection of the girl's health, studying her symptoms and general condition.
Ortik frowns as he notes a common theme - too many of the people are sporting a visible rash for it to be anything but an affliction. Well, hell, that's not good, he thinks to himself. Where's the healer girl when you need her? Hmmmm, I might not know much for cure-alls, but I can help in my own way.
He looks around to find another streetperson with a more visible rash, possibly on their necks or face, and approaches them, this time with a gold piece in hand. "Looks like you're in need of some help, brother," he says, tossing the coin once he's close. "There's five more if you can tell me your story. How long have you had that? And what were you doing before? Sleep anywhere strange? Eat anything stranger?"
Kroft shakes her head. "If it were in the water supply, I'd expect the nobles to start falling sick as well--unless they've discovered a water source that I'm not aware of. Everyone gets their water from the same place..."
"Ah, well then I have no idea."
The bartender sighs. "Folks on the street are starting to come down with something. Rashes and coughing. It'd be terrible for business if I let one of them in and they infected my staff or my patrons."
"Odd thing is, I think it started last night..."
Indeed it would... Nalun trails off and dashes upstairs to gather his things.
I might be awhile. Here is the rest of the month's tab. Keep the room locked.
Nalun hustles to report in to Field Marshal Kroft, he has a feeling that this plague will mean coin in his pocket.
The beggar eyes you warily as you approach, with one blotchy hand fingering his stringy white beard. When you produce the gold piece, his eyes light up and he greedily snatches it away.
"There's five more if you can tell me your story. How long have you had that? And what were you doing before? Sleep anywhere strange? Eat anything stranger?"
"Me?" The beggar tugs at his filthy rags as he sets the gold piece in his collection bowl. "Oh, rash I've had only night before. Slept in same place I always had, ate same bread..."
The beggar blinks and looks into his collection bowl. There are five silver pieces inside next to the gold piece you gave him. "Had good day. Nice lady gave Ruck silver shines."
Majenko perches on your shoulder, being careful not to let his claws dig too deeply into your skin as you go about the house.
<IsNadia well? Sawher withDemitri, cameback tosee you. Sheseems well...> The pseudodragon wriggles its nose with worry.
Ortik chews on his lower lip for a moment, tossing in two gold coins to Ruck's bowl. "About the lady...anything you can tell me about her?" Probably nothing, but it certainly won't amount to anything if I don't ask.
"Hopefully Demitri and Nadia are well." But, she has her doubts - she can feel a certain smirk just behind her own mouth.
The trip to the Soldado home is hard enough to make from the Shingles--there's no way Althea could make the trip down to the street with her old legs today. Crowds are everywhere as Grau leads you to his home--you weave in and out of countless people, many healthy, but others with rashes and coughs.
The Soldado home is unremarkable--a simple, two-story home in much the same style as Zellara's abode. The two of you step inside, and Grau puts a hand on your shoulder.
"Her name is Brienna. She's not well enough to get out of bed. Please--anything you can do to help her would be greatly appreciated." He takes a breath and leads the way inside.
The common room of the house is empty, save for a young boy and girl quietly playing in the corner. The sound of someone moving around can be heard from a kitchen through a door in the west wall--the stairs up are on the east wall.
Climbing the stairs, you're faced with a pitiable sight. The creaky steps open up into a bedroom loft above the main room of the Soldado home. A young girl with auburn hair lies in one of the beds, her slight frame dwarfed by the bed’s size and the pile of pillows, afghans, and quilts surrounding her. Splotches of an angry red rash cover her face and arms, appearing in irregular shapes and sizes. Suddenly, her restlessness is interrupted by a violent fit of hacking coughs that jerk her entire frame, lifting her well off her pillows. The spasm passes after a moment, dropping her back to the bed, but seemingly having done little to ease her breathing.
Next to the bed is an auburn-haired woman in plain brown clothes, with a wan expression on her face. She turns to face you and Grau as you enter. "Grau? Who's this now?"
"Someone who can help us. Tayce, please step aside--she needs room to work." Grau moves to Tayce's side and gently takes her hand. She steps away with one last look at the little girl almost buried in the bed.
"Well, if you're really here to help, I won't say no. Poor Brienna fell ill so suddenly, and I haven't slept a wink since she did. And… how much are you charging for this?" Tayce asks, her voice sounding tired and despairing.
Brienna weakly looks up at you as you loom over her, prepping a mixture of herbs and oils that should help with her symptoms. "…Mom? She's not the priest…" She whispers before you start your treatment in earnest.
The little girl is in terrible shape--her rashes are uncomfortably warm to the touch, and her forehead is burning with fever. However, with your treatment, she's starting to breathe a little easier…
Ruck greedily eyes the two gold pieces you put in his bowl before he realizes you asked him another question. "Er--lady? OH! Yes yes yes--lady was quite nice and lovely. Had yellow hair, like Ruck before he ended up in the gutter. Clothes of green, like grass. Took some silvers from a little box she had and dropped them in Ruck's bowl."
He shakes his bowl, feeling the coins rattling around.
The trip to the Citadel takes you longer than normal with all the crowds out today. As you make your way down Harbourview Boulevard, you catch glimpses of people with odd rashes on their necks. Some of them are coughing into their sleeves as you move.
You reach the Citadel before too long, and as you approach Kroft's office you hear the sounds of a conversation in progress. It sounds like Demitri's here as well.
Ortik nods, and tosses the remaining coins into Ruck's bowl. "Just as promised, five crowns for your story. Thanks, brother, you've been a help. Go get yourself something to soothe your ills."
Nalun knocks respectfully at the Field Marshall's door
If she allows him entry he saunters in and says I'd imagined you'd be here Guardsman. to Demitri, a note of respect in his voice.
M'aam. There's plague in the city. No doubt it came in off that ship. What's the plan?
Nadia happily waves to Nalun as he walks in. Demitri nods to him. "That's what we're trying to figure out. We have little to go on other than it only seems to effect the poor."
"That's right, kiddo, I'm not the priest. Because priests can't do... this", Lyla says, producing a coin from behind Brienna's ear. "Right?" she chuckles, trying to ease the little girl's discomfort. Still, Lyla quickly realizes that Brienna's condition is serious. "Listen, I want you to drink this. I'm not gonna lie to you, it tastes like... like... frog juice! But hey, afterwards, you can gross your friends out and challenge them to drink frog juice, too! You'll be the coolest kid around. So, take a big gulp, will ya", she demands, pouring the vial of antiplague in Brienna's mouth.
After treating the sergeant's niece, she sits by her side until the girl falls asleep as a result of the medicine, and then walks out of the room to explain the situation to Soldado and Tayce. "She's really sick, but you already know that. I treated the rash so it won't itch so much—the less she scratches, the less sores she has to deal with. The medicine I gave her... well, it's not guaranteed. We'll have to check later to see how she's responding, I hope she starts to recover. Other than that... keep her isolated, do not touch her or her clothes and sheets. On the way here I noticed several people with that same rash, which means that this thing spread overnight. Highly contagious. So, yeah, no touching. And don't let your other kids in there. Avoid contact with each other, especially if you've been outside. I know it sounds harsh, but for now it's the best advice I can give you. Now, I need some water and soap to clean up."
After washing her hands and removing the mask, Lyla asks one more question. "Do you have any idea where she might have gotten that from? Like... specifically." Then, turning to Soldado, she goes on "Does Kroft know what's going on down here? This could be serious. I can't shake off the idea that that quarantined ship has something to do with it. I need to check on that."