Lantressa's expression softened as she heard of the sick child. Regardless she followed the priest as he went into the kitchen.
Selawyn was saddened by the priest telling her that one of Grau's relatives was sick, and a child no less. She bowed her head in respect to the priest as he went in and she followed close behind. When Tayce came down the stairs Selawyn nodded in greeting as Tayce seemed to have her mind on others things. When she offered Selawyn to wait in the meantime Selawyn nodded and went to looking out after the children while waiting. When she heard the noise and Rello got up to answer the door she was looking over to make sure nobody tried to cause any trouble for the home seeing a less than modestly dressed tiefling standing outside surprised her, but seeing that Lantressa didn't seem to be causing any trouble she just turned away and kept waiting.
As Grau entered the building with three people she had never seen before she felt the urge to stand up and introduce herself to them, but then everybody began to come in all at once. When Grau mentioned her she got in a quick friendly "Grau!" before even more people started talking and a new person entered the home. She looked over this Doctor Bartori, but she assumed he was here to help the sick child so at least it was easy to explain in her mind of why he was here. As everyone began to stand there awkwardly she prayed for someone to break the ice and luckily the priest did by leaving for the kitchen. Seeing Lantressa following the priest into the kitchen she didn't feel any need to follow since it did seem like Lantressa had some unresolved issue with him. Seeing the Doctor Bartori and Trayce head upstairs she stood and finally introduced herself. "Hello, my name's Selawyn for those of you who don't know me. I'm an old friend of Grau's, and I'm here on more of a social visit to see how he's been doing."
Korriban walks with the rest of the guys, telling Adoros and Teodor everything he knows abut Trail's End. When they arrive at the Soldado home, he lets Grau open the door. He enters... only to see a bunch of people. As everyone speaks at once, the rogue instinctively places a hand on the hilt of his rapier. "Okay, okay. Let's all calm down."
The man before you appears to be in his late teens or early twenties. His features are obviously Varisian. From his olive skin to his black hair. His hair is long and slicked back into a ponytail that reaches his mid-back. His green eyes look at each of you, as if appraising you. On his left cheek are two scars down run diagonally down from his cheek, down his neck, and disappear under his shirt.
His outfit is... a tad odd. He wears a gold shirt and black wool pants. On his feet, he wears a pair of rough looking boots that appear to be made from a large reptile, probably alligator. Over his shirt, he wears a suit of high quality studded leather armor that seems to shimmer with faint magic. And over that, he wears a dirty light brown trench coat. When his shirt moves, you can kind of see the symbol of Calistria tattooed on his chest. There does seem more to the tattoo, but it's hard to see. He has a gold and black bandana wrapped around his head.
When Korriban looks at you, he's surprised at first. However, he takes note of her dress, smirks, and nods in respect. He gives an exaggerated bow. "Hello, Lantressa. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Korriban turns to you and looks you up and down. "Well, aren't you... spiky. And Hellknighty." He smirks. "And it's a pleasure to meet you. Why are you just standing in the corner? C'mon over here. Let's talk."
That's when there's a knock on the door. Looking to Grau, Korriban's brow raises. "More friends, Grau? Just how many people did you invite?" When Pietro is let and introduces himself, Korriban crosses his arms and raises his brow. [b{"A doctor? So let me get this straight: Tayce called a doctor and an Abadar priest to come and Grau asks us to help? Just how many people does it take to heal someone?"[/b]
Korriban looks around at everyone. "Well, we are the rising heroes of Korvosa! I am Korriban Balros! Heir to the Rosa in Fiore and personal student of Vencarlo Orsini! This is Adoros, master of combat and my sidekick! And this is Teodor, the priest to Groteus!" He then tones it down bit and smiles. "We're here to help Brienna."
When Pietro heads upstairs [/ooc](and Teodor following to give his own aid, I assume)[/ooc], Korriban decides to stay behind, figuring that there was little for him to do to help. When Selawyn introduces herself, Korriban smirks, walks over to her, bows, and kisses her knuckles. "Again, it is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Selawyn. As I've said before, I am Korriban Balros. I'm shocked that Grau hasn't mentioned you before. And after all we went through with him. Fighting gangs, helping him get to the Castle, killing otyguhs."
Teodor accompanies the Dr. upstairs. "Hmp. You're oddly familiar, man-of-science. Between my Lord and your tasty beverages, I do believe we can help this girl, yes? Best that Abadarian greedmonger stay downstairs with his devilwhore. Oh, dear ...Korriban is probably slobbering already ..."
Korriban turns to you and looks you up and down. "Well, aren't you... spiky. And Hellknighty." He smirks. "And it's a pleasure to meet you. Why are you just standing in the corner? C'mon over here. Let's talk."
Selawyn seems happy at Korriban's comment. "Thanks for the compliment, but I think I'll stay in the corner. Makes for less areas that you have to keep watch over, and it harder for people to surround you." She grins to show that she doesn't really mean it. At least not entirely means it.
When Korriban comes over to introduce himself formally Selawyn smiles at his manners and offers a formal curtsy that seems out of place with the heavy armor she is wearing. "A pleasure to meet you as well Master Korriban. I'm sure Grau just was more focused on his move over here. I'm also more of a freelance worker with the Guard rather than an actual regular. They usually call me up when they have a job that has need of my particular skills."
After he's poured hot water onto the herbs he was arranging to make a tea, he sniffs it and nods his approval briefly before reaching into a pocket of his vestments, withdrawing a handful of coins. "I think this should make us more or less square, yes?" There's a single fat golden sail and a handful of silver shields.
"Now shall we bring this up to that poor child? Or if you'd prefer to avoid the sickroom, I'm certain some of the other...guests...here would be happy for a cup of tea as well."
Brienna gasps as she swallows the hot liquid Pietro concocted. Within a few minutes, her color has returned and she's breathing easier. She's still clearly frail--and she's still sick--but she looks much healthier. Her rash remains, though.
"The doctor is already quite familiar with our family, sir," Tayce says to Teodor somewhat coldly. "Which I cannot say for you." Turning back to Pietro, she smiles. "I'm afraid I can't say what caused her to fall ill, doctor," she says anxiously. "She came home the day before yesterday not feeling well, and the rash developed overnight. Neither I nor any of the local women I talked to have any idea what this could be."
Grau sighs in relief as Teodor and Pietro head upstairs. He chuckles slightly at Korriban giving him a hard time about not having been introduced to Selawyn before. "My apologies, Korriban. The simple truth is that I've always rather admired you, and it's not as though we drink together frequently."
Grau, Korriban, Adoros, and Selawyn remain downstairs with Charlo and Rello.
Lantressa returned from the kitchen a few minutes after father Dhatri with a tray bearing several small cups and a tea pot and started to go around the room asking each person if they wanted some. For those that did her tail deftly came up to steady the cup as she poured the tea with one hand. She then picked the cup up with her tail and handed it to the individual it was for. When she was finished she took a cup for herself and sat down on the floor, her cloak and clothing arranged to be less revealing.
Selawyn seems happy at Korriban's comment. "Thanks for the compliment, but I think I'll stay in the corner. Makes for less areas that you have to keep watch over, and it harder for people to surround you." She grins to show that she doesn't really mean it. At least not entirely means it.
Korriban chuckles at her grin. "I can see that. It does seem like the most sound strategy."
When Korriban comes over to introduce himself formally Selawyn smiles at his manners and offers a formal curtsy that seems out of place with the heavy armor she is wearing. "A pleasure to meet you as well Master Korriban. I'm sure Grau just was more focused on his move over here. I'm also more of a freelance worker with the Guard rather than an actual regular. They usually call me up when they have a job that has need of my particular skills."
Korriban smiles as Selawyn curtsies. He chuckles a bit. "A master? No, my lady. I'm just a poor man who's family owns a brothel in Old Korvosa, who has been fortunate enough to be working with the Guard. And, I'm curious as to the skills you possess that the Guard requires?"
When Grau makes his comment, Korriban chuckles. "Well, if you stopped by the Rosa more often, that would change, now wouldn't it?"
When Lantressa offers him tea, Korriban accepts. He does stare in interest as she uses her tail to handle the cup. He stares at her in interest and curiosity.
Dr. Pietro shrugs his shoulders and looks out in the distance trying to remember if he had ever come across these symptoms before.
"Well, Tayce. Just treat her gently for a couple of days and let's see how she evolves. Contact me should she worsen. And like any common disease that spreads, try and limit her contact with others, especially the boys."
The doctor gathers his utensils and gets ready to leave the home. Never too talkative, especially among strangers, he nods politely to the others, "A pleasure to meet you all but I have other matters to attend."
Selawyn seems about to answer Korriban's question when Lantressa enters bearing tea. When she comes around to offer tea Selawyn accepts. "Just half a cup, I'll handle the rest." After receiving her half cup of tea Selawyn pulls out a small hip flask that she opens letting the smell of whiskey fill the air for a few moments before filling up the rest of her cup. She closes the flask and stows it away before she takes a large sip of her tea, enjoying the smokey taste of the whiskey more than the actual tea. She turns back to Korriban to answer his question ending most of her sentences with a sip of tea. "I'm not half bad with my guisarme so I've been called in to provide extra muscle from time to time, but I also have connections with some of the hellknights who remember my father. Also, dropping the fact that you're related to a hellknight can loosen some people's tongue immensely. I also have a great sense of direction, so I rarely get lost."
The doctor gathers his utensils and gets ready to leave the home. Never too talkative, especially among strangers, he nods politely to the others, "A pleasure to meet you all but I have other matters to attend."
Korriban turns to the leaving doctor. "Wait, wait, wait. Hold on a minute. Stay for bit. We all got dragged here somehow at the same time. It wouldn't do to just leave after a few minutes. C'mon. Chat for bit."
Korriban smirks. "An... interesting set of skills, to say the least. My skills is that I can steal, talk, and duel... among a few other things. Though, those other things are up for debate depending on you ask." When Selawyn pulls out her flask and pours it into the cup, the rogue, "I can say this: despite not being a big fan of the Hellknights, I think I'm starting to like you. You're not... uptight and cruel, at least with first impressions."
Ishani blushes slightly as he and Lantressa return to the living room with the tea. "I'm, ah...ok for now. But thank you. I appreciate the offer. But I think I may...swear off excitement for a little bit."
As everyone takes their tea, Pietro and the others upstairs finishing their tending of Brienna. "Of course, doctor," Tayce says, looking overwhelmed (in a good way). "The boys have been sleeping downstairs with me--we'll keep that up until she improves." Once everyone's done with the tasks they wish to perform, the whole group leaves Brienna to sleep.
As they return downstairs, Ishani quietly excuses himself and goes upstairs to bring Brienna her cup; although Tayce gives him a hard look as he goes, she makes no move to stop him. Grau chuckles as he overhears Korriban and Selawyn's conversation. "Sel's far from uptight, Korriban. I never thought of it before, but you two would probably get along pretty well...not all Hellknights are the way you seem to think they are. These last few months have been rough on everybody."
As Pietro goes to leave, Tayce puts a hand on his shoulder. "Please, Doctor Bartori--you've done so much for us, before and especially now. Can't I convince you to stay for dinner?" She glances around at the assembled crowd. "All of you--I'd be honored if you'd join us."
While sitting in the spot she chose on the floor Lantressa looked at the boys Rello and Charlo and said, "Would the two of you like to see some magic?"
She finished off her tea and placed it back on the tray, said a few words and gestured, then caused the tea pot to lift from the tray and poor into the cup before it set back upon the tray once more. She then gestured and said a few more words, a little tinny tornado appeared and began to travel along the ceiling. It sucked up cobwebs and dust bunnies, buzzed down the wall, over the boys heads tossing their hair about and towards the door. She looked over and said, "Would someone open the door a moment please?" The twister zoomed out the door and disappeared, taking all of the dust with it. She smiled at the two and said, "Well, what do you think? Was that neat or what?"
When Tayce asked everyone to stay for dinner Lantressa was dumbfounded, no one asked a tiefling to stay for dinner, hell, she was shocked she wasn't kicked out at once. For once in her life Lantressa was caught off guard and speechless. Fortunately that didn't take her long to overcome as she said, "If it's not too much trouble for you I'd be delighted to." As Tayce headed to the kitchen Lantress rose to follow and help, not asking permission or offering, she just went in and started to help with the preparation of the meal.
Zellara--or the image of her, that is--nods, folds her hands, and sits at the nearest table. The Harrow cards you've been carrying since Gadriel gave them to you begin to shuffle themselves rapidly, silver gilt on the borders and bright colors on the backs glinting as they change places. "First, we must conduct a choosing," Zellara says firmly. "A card to indicate your current state of mind and situation..." The cards fan themselves out. "Choose one, please."
When you pull your hand away, you find a card in your hand with an image of a cyclopean tavernkeeper. "The Publican," Zellara says with interest. "A card of friendship, camaraderie, and insight. It suggests, perhaps, the close bonds you've forged with people outside your immediate blood family--whether other residents of the Rosa, or your friends of the past few weeks. Now let us conduct the proper Harrowing." The card jumps out of your hand, the deck snaps together, and shuffles itself once more before laying out a grid of nine cards.
You get the feeling that Zellara is starting to enjoy, in some sense, her ghostly powers.
"First, the past," the fortune-teller's shade intones. The cards in the left-most column flip themselves over one by one: a halfling holding a squalling baby, a monstrous creature hidden by a mask, and a fantastic creature. Zellara raises her eyebrows. "A potent beginning," she says, "If not entirely happy. First, The Midwife--weakest card in this particular spread--represents new arrivals, a conduit to creation. In this case, it may not be inappropriate to think that this may refer to your own birth. What's interesting, though, is that the Midwife cannot create herself...so the card is unlikely to refer to your parents. Perhaps it refers to someone who brought your parents together or was present at your birth...which, given the card's position, was likely a happy one." She smiles at you, then moves on. "The Courtesan, though, suggests trouble: it is the card of political intrigue, and social nicety. Innocuous enough by itself, though it could also suggest a powerful woman who must be kept pleased or entertained for your cause to prevail. But it's the final card that suggests your parents' fate--or at least, what separated you," she says grimly. "The Winged Serpent. Often a joyful card, now misaligned in the position of evil. It represents an opportunity gone awry: something either not seized on when it should have been, or seized too soon." She looks up at you. "These cards suggest that your parents made a grave political miscalculation of some kind--though what, I cannot say. There may have been a powerful woman involved, but I cannot interpret further from this. Regardless, their error of judgment was a tragic one."
She lets you gather your thoughts for a moment, then gently slides the cards of the past to the side. "Now for the present." Once again, the cards reveal themselves: a mob, a puppet show , and a card you recognize from your first Harrowing: the Rabbit Prince. Zellara blinks. "Not such a strong reading as the first," she comments, chewing her lip as she looks the cards over. "The Theater suggests prophecy, a vision into the future...perhaps this very reading. The prophecy promised is true, always, in The Theater...but it is not always recognized as such until it is too late. And it is unclear, given the card's position, whether the prophecy to come true is good or bad." She frowns. "The other cards...are harder to interpret. In fact, they may only make sense read together. The Uprising represents being caught in something much greater than you are, being swept up by a stronger force and compelled to action...but compelled to action for good, somehow. In this action, though, the Rabbit Prince's appearance in the evil position warns you to beware the vagaries of battle. Any combatant can fall." She looks up at you seriously. "Be careful, Korriban--and remember that though you may fight on the side of good, evil can yet triumph."
"Now for the future...and the prophecy that was, perhaps, suggested." The final three cards reveal themselves: a huge, hairy man, an angel with a trumpet, and a [url=http://pathfinder.zhmp.net/uploads/Magic/HarrowDeck_TheRakshasa_small.jpg]well-dressed monster. Zellara nods slowly. "Another hard to read column...the future is murky." She looks up at you sadly. "I will tell you now that I do not know whether you will find your parents. But the Mountain Man here suggests that, whether you do or not, there is a great struggle in your future in relation to this...and its position makes me suspect that you will. Even if you do not, I am confident that you will survive. Indeed, you must. But you must also beware The Rakshasa," she adds, pointing to the bottom card. "The Rakshasa is a great evil card, the card of mind control and slavery. It suggests that you are beholden to an idea, a theory, a way of thinking that is doing you great harm...and it urges you to overcome this. If you do not, your struggle will be for naught." She pauses. "There is one other card in your future that may have a connection to your parents...the Trumpet suggests a powerful person or creature, one that will make its presence known in not too long. But whether this figure will help or hinder you, I do not know..."
She steeples her fingers. "Do you have any questions for me, Korriban?"
The Mountain Man
The Sickness
The Tangled Briar
The Brass Dwarf
The Teamster
The Waxworks
The Keep (partial match)
The Theater
The Carnival
The Mute Hag (opposite match!)
The Tyrant
The Brass Dwarf (role card!)
The Owl
The Joke (partial match)
The Mountain Man (role card and partial match!)
"Where was the lass before this afflicted her, hm?"
Downstairs, later. "Why, yes, Korriban. Not all Hellknights murder the weak. Some merely ensure they stay weak!"
As Pietro goes to leave, Tayce puts a hand on his shoulder. "Please, Doctor Bartori--you've done so much for us, before and especially now. Can't I convince you to stay for dinner?" She glances around at the assembled crowd. "All of you--I'd be honored if you'd join us."
Pietro was taken back, not by the offer from Tayce, but from having to share dinner with all these people he didn't know.
He stammered, "Er..., sure. I suppose I could stay. It's very bad manners to refuse a meal. Thank you, Mrs. Grau."
He then turned to the others gathered around and, knowing he would have to partake in small talk, decided to get to know them better. A few of them, weapons bristling everywhere, looked ready to take on the Black Jack himself.
"So did any of you hear anything about the so called 'pirate ship' of a couple of days ago?"
At the invitation: "Ah, yes, etiquette is also why I accept the offer of a meal," Teodor shrugs.
Later: "Is a ship a pirate ship if it has no pirates? The good doctor is perhaps a philosopher, educated and stimulated. The ship fired upon showed no signs of pirates, sailors, delightful experiments in buggery, or even foul language. The boat was empty."
Korriban chuckles at Grau. "Yes. I can imagine. Though, the Hellknights haven't shown in a good light so far. What with them attacking Teodor in the streets." When dinner is offered, Korriban accepts and offers to help prepare as well.
Selawyn smiles at Korriban's comment on Hellknights. "The Hellknights have been having a rough time since so many people just want to throw around blame for why the city's been so chaotic and the Hellknights are the easiest targets after the queen. They don't actually get involved unless asked by the crown, so many people think they're distant and cruel in their methods, but I think that they are just the steel that the crown has to show when the Sable Company or the Guard just isn't enough." Selawyn then mutters a bit over her tea as she takes her next sip. "And the fact that their easy villains probably hasn't been missed by the queen." She looks up before continuing. "I will be the first to admit that some can take it too far, but their heart is in the right place... usually."
When Teodor comes downstairs and offers his view on the Hellknights Selawyn's face reddens in anger. "The Hellknights do not try to keep anyone weak, nor do they murder people! They just enforce the laws. If you have any problem with the laws then take that up with the noble families and the crown not with those who enforce those laws!" Selawyn's voice shows her anger in every word spoken as she struggles to keep her voice down for the children nearby.
When Tayce offers dinner Selawyn turns to her with a glare for a few moments before shaking off her anger since Tayce had nothing to do with it. She blushes in shame for turning towards someone outside of her discussion with anger as she hides her face behind her teacup and speaks most of her words into it. "Ah, yes I'd love to stay for dinner if it's not that much trouble."
"The Lord sees all and ends all. These diabolic men in tin have blood on their pretty shells. Hee hee ...hellshells. You've the look of one who lives in finer places than we poor peasants. The sins of the Knights I have seen all too much. I have felt all too much. But they will end, as our suffering will end and this murderous supposed monarch will end."
Later: "Is a ship a pirate ship if it has no pirates? The good doctor is perhaps a philosopher, educated and stimulated. The ship fired upon showed no signs of pirates, sailors, delightful experiments in buggery, or even foul language. The boat was empty."
Pietro nodded, "It seems you know something I don't know. Word on the street was that it was a pirate ship but you know what rumors are like..."
Always curious about everything, he asked, "So where is your information from and how reliable is it?"
"You may visit these streets but they are my home. The powerful ignore us unless they wish to harm without reprisal. But I see much and hear much. The Lord knows much and leads me to understanding. Also I talked to a guard who was there. That helps."
Tayce, who looked slightly alarmed at the vehemence of Selawyn's and Teodor's discussion on Hellknights, seems relieved that things have settled down to a safer topic of conversation. "That was so strange! You know, it woke all of us up in our beds over here. That ship must've gone down not far from here..." Bustling into the kitchen, she adds, "I'd love a hand, Korriban, if you're willing."
Dinner's on the table in a few moments, and everyone clusters around the Soldado family's small dining table. The mood is generally cheerful, and even Ishani, when he comes clumping down the stairs, seems more cheerful. "Your daughter is sleeping now," he tells Tayce cautiously. She looks away and doesn't acknowledge his presence. "I...hope that my tea helped. Although whatever you folks did must have been quite good for her," he adds with a smile. "She looks much stronger than when I first sat with her." He hesitates. "Well, I'll...be on my way." He nods his farewell. "If any of you ever need anything...please come by the Vault of Abadar. Some of my more, ahem, charitable work sometimes requires the aid of those outside the church to do good, and I'd certainly enjoy being able to help you if I can, within the limits of my order." He clears his throat one more time, looking around awkwardly. "Well...good night." With that, he departs.
The priest's departure leaves the room in a slightly subdued mood for a few moments, but things quickly get back to normal. After a few moments, Tayce turns toward Teodor. "You asked where Breeze was before she fell ill, sir--I never told you. She works as a maid in North Point; she'd just come home from work when I saw that she wasn't feeling well." She smiles. "She's such a sweet girl...she'd bought Charlo and Rello toys on her way home from work." She frowns. "Do you think she could have picked up...whatever this is there? She works at a very fine house..."
"This is delicious, I must say. Haven't eaten this well in too long. Only my mind still hungers. I would ...check in on the house in North Point ...turn every stone, yes? Perhaps the good doctor would join me?"
"This is delicious, I must say. Haven't eaten this well in too long. Only my mind still hungers. I would ...check in on the house in North Point ...turn every stone, yes? Perhaps the good doctor would join me?"
Pietro nods, "I am known as a doctor in the area and my visit should not raise any suspicions. I mean I could just tell them the truth. That their maid had fallen ill and I wanted to make sure that it was not contagious."
He looked at Teodor, "So what will you be doing with me?" He chuckled, "Moral support?"
He quickly changed his tone lest these people take him too lightly, "Actually, you could be a Doctor in training."
Lantressa sat at the table and ate, the food delicious and far better than she was used to. Keeping to herself Lantressa mostly listened to the conversations that went on around her. When father Ishani came down Lantressa noticed the tension that developed, though she didn't understand why, and gave the priest a slight smile as she continued to eat. As she finished eating the tiefling said, "I haven't eaten this well in some time Mrs. Grau, thank you. Is there something I can do to help you in thanks for the meal?"
"In some ways, all priests are doctors in training. Some cut, some mend. Both can be necessary ...ah, but tis not my time for philosophy, but medicinal science! Precision and logic and investigation and so many delightful dru--er, medicines ..."
Korriban steps in between Selawyn and Teodor. "Okay. Okay. Let's all calm down. Selawyn, while I agree with you on some points, Teo has a point. Some of the Guard, the Hellknights, and the nobility really don't care about us lower folk." He stares at his cup of tea. "I've been living on the streets for 2 years, in employ of a b*****d for 4 years, and living in Old Korvosa for 10 years. I have seen a lot of things. Hellknights beating people, Guards taking bribes, nobles extorting and... even worse things... things that are hard to mention."
When Pietro asks about how they got their information, Korriban smirks. "I do quite a bit of talking to people. Also, I have my sources. My family has their sources and informants. It also helps that I was with Teodor when we spoke to that guard."
When Tayce accepts his offer, Korriban smiles and heads to the kitchen, using his minimal cooking skills to do what he can.
When they all sit to eat, Korriban tucks into his food. "Thank you for inviting us, Tayce. This is really good. And please, if you need anything else, feel free to ask us."
When Pietro and Teodor make plans to investigate the house, Korriban smirks. "Well, I'm coming along. You could use the backup and I can handle any diplomacy or bluffs." He looks at Teodor. "Face it, buddy. You aren't getting rid of me that easily. We have so much more philosophy to debate upon."
Korriban leans back in his chair, crosses one leg over the other and turns to Lantressa. "Well, we know where Spiky and the Doc come from. That just leaves you. So, what's your story? Where are you from? Why did you come here? Something involving Ishani, I'm guessing?"
Lantressa was rather surprised that she was spoken too, though of all of them Korriban seemed the most likely. After a moments consideration she decided that replying wouldn't likely hurt anything so she replied, "Well, as to where I'm from I'd have to say my mother of course." Her eyes contained a humorous glint as she made her joke then continued, "To tell you the truth I came from Kenabres, I was born there sixty six years ago, raised by my parents until they both died, and then serving in pleasure houses for the crusaders when I reached adulthood. Around two years ago I was forced to flee as some new faction was going around and burning anyone who they felt was a corrupting influence at the stake. Some of my favorite patrons helped smuggle me out of the city ahead of the torches and I found myself here. I only knew one type of work so I continue to do it, I've spent the last year or so working in a brothel run by Madam Halvara, she runs the place for the King of Spiders." She said more reticently, "As for why I ended up here, yes it did have to do with Ishani, and no I am not at liberty to explain," she looked at Korriban knowlingly and said, "but I'm sure you can figure out why."
Tayce sighs slightly. "I suppose it would be best for you to go see the family she works for...I just hope that they don't dismiss her. They're in Five Corners, on Palin Street just off Jeggare Circle. The Olyenkits." When Lantressa offers her thanks for the meal, Tayce just smiles and shrugs. "Brienna is doing noticeably better, so it's the least I can do. And, ah," she laughs slightly, "It's Mrs. Soldado. That's our family name. Grau here is my brother-in-law." Rising, she starts to clear the dishes away. "I should go check on her, actually...just to make sure she's sleeping well." As soon as the post-dinner chaos is under nominal control on the table, she disappears upstairs.
Grau chuckles. "Guess I should get these two to bed, huh?" he says, eyeing a sleepy, drooping Charlo and Rello. They start to protest, but he shushes them. "Relax for a few minutes," he tells you. "I'm sure Tayce wants to offer whatever's in the pantry for dessert. I'm just in the next room if you need anything." With that, he disappears, children in tow. The six of you are left to your own devices.
Korriban smirks and chuckles at Lantressa's joke.
Korriban listens to Lantressa's story. His smile widens, his brain racking for information and easily knows about Madam Halvara. When she's finished, Korriban nods. "Madam Halvara. Well, I know of her. Works at the House of Clouds at Eel's End. So... wait. You're familiar with Barvarsi? Has he... mentioned us before? Specifically me?"
After she tells him her story, Korriban decides to share his. "Well, I'm Korriban Balros. I'm a pure-blooded Korvosan. I was placed to an orphanage at birth, out on the streets since the place burned down at age 3, adopted by Gaedren Lamm at age 5, beaten and abused until the age of 9 where he nearly killed me, and been adopted by my mother since then."
Korriban nods at Tayce. "Very well. We'll start there. Thank you." When Grau talks to them as he's about to put the boys to bed, Korriban chuckles. "Well, I wouldn't say no to dessert." When they both leave, Korriban grunts a little. He closes his eyes as the emotion from the deck courses through his body. "Adoros... Teodor... it's the deck... Zellara." He digs through one of his coat pockets and pulls out the Harrowing Deck. Staring at the deck, Korriban asks, "What's up, Zellara? You want me to do the Harrowing or do you want to do it? How would I do it anyways? You just show up behind me and guide my hands with your ghost hands?"
Lantressa gave a low laugh and said, "Yes, I'm very familiar with Barvarsi, he gets any of us he wishes for free and has chosen me on more than one occasion," her voice had a certain measure of pride as she said that. "Granted we don't talk a lot, if we had then I would've been doing something wrong, but I think that it was Lialda who interrupted us one evening for some reason. I remember I was told the fun was over and to return to my place of employment with a slap on my..." she looked at the two boys and then said, "backside," obviously not the word she meant to say at first. "I didn't see him again that night. I think I've heard mentions from other clients at one time or another, pillow talk and such. I think Lidda may have played for Halvara once or twice, not sure though, I wasn't supposed to be listening to the music after all."
Absorbed as he has been in his study, the Dr. blushed at the mention of the pleasure palaces. Sure he has had to treat the socialite that came back with more than a grin in his face from these places, but he'd never frequented one himself.
He quietly listened trying to absorb as much as possible from the conversation.
Noticing the doctor's interest in the conversation Lantressa looked at him and said, "It seems we've attracted the good doctor's interest Korriban. If you'd like to learn more Pietro I'd be happy to arrange a private demonstration with you."
Noticing the doctor's interest in the conversation Lantressa looked at him and said, "It seems we've attracted the good doctor's interest Korriban. If you'd like to learn more Pietro I'd be happy to arrange a private demonstration with you."
Pietro stammered, "Er... yes. No!" he composed himself, "I mean yes I am interested from a medical perspective only. I... I'll be sure to contact you if curiosity peaks."
Korriban nods at Lantressa. "That's right. I have heard my mother talk about meeting Barvarsi a while back. I believe that he was stepping into our territory. And she wanted to set him street. She may not... entertain as much; but she can still convince people to her way of thinking. Mostly through talking and blackmail. Lidda has also stopped by Eel's End to meet some contacts and earn some extra coin."
He shakes his head. "I should have been more specific. Has he mentioned Teodor, Adoros, and myself in the past few weeks? I've heard that he's really mad at me for... some reason."
When Lantressa begins teasing the Doc, Korriban merely smiles and decides to tease him more. "Sorry, Doc. I won't be able to help you. I'm not a courtesan nor do I take that role within the Rosa. Besides, my interests lie towards the... fairer sex.Though, feel free to come to the Rosa in Fiore."
Lantressa thought a moment and then said, "Nope, I can't say that I've heard anything about you or what may have angered him. Granted we don't exactly talk when I'm there, that's not what he wants me for. I have sung for his guests a few times though."
Korriban places a deck of cards on the table and appears to speak to it, much (I assume) to Lantressa, Selawyn, and Pietro's surprise. There's a moment of silence, then the cards stir slightly, as though riffled by an unseen hand. For a moment, the room becomes very quiet.
"Forgive me," a soft voice says from the doorway, and turning, you all see a slight, brown-haired Varisian woman standing there. Teodor and Adoros recognize her as Zellara. To the others, she says, "Lantressa, Selawyn, Doctor Bartori--a pleasure to meet you. My name is Zellara. I am a friend, and...counselor for these three sometimes. It's nice to finally see your faces after hearing your voices for the last couple of hours." Striding forward, she reaches her hand out and the deck of cards flies across the table into her palm. "I asked Korriban to take out my cards because I have been...blessed...with a certain intuition. I can feel fate stirring in Korvosa, and have some sensee of moments of import when they happen. I am sure that now--this house, this event, this gathering at the table--is a moment of such import." She shuffles the cards of the Harrow deck, their silver edges glinting in the candlelight. "With your permission, I am would like to perform a Harrowing to try to determine what this moment portends--for the six of you, and for Korvosa. I will try to be quick--I would rather not have to answer too many of the good Soldado family's questions." She smiles wanly.
"First, we must conduct a Choosing," Zellara says. She fans the deck preternaturally smoothly, spreading the cards out toward you. "Each of you must choose a card to represent yourselves and your role in the future."
Korriban draws first, revealing a card showing a massive man. "The Mountain Man. Korriban, this card represents your meeting with a physical power that is far greater than your own: something that will rock the foundations of the world upon which you sit. I do not know what it might be exactly, but it is likely to be calamitous: an earthquake, an army, a fire. It will be grueling, but the cards urge you to find your inner strength and survive it."
Teodor leans forward and draws a card, dropping it face-up without looking at it, revealing a wasting corpse. "The Sickness," Zellara says grimly, looking at Teodor. "This tells us, perhaps, something of the type of the calamity: the sickness is the card of plague, famine, and disease. Something of that nature is coming to Korvosa...and you are here to witness it. I don't know how well this would align with your god's precepts, but the card can also represent corruption of the soul...perhaps you will take the opportunity this represents to heal the spiritual wounds of Korvosa." Her voice holds the faintest note of a challenge.
Adoros, who's been through this before, draws a third card. When he turns it over he reveals a thorny patch of ground with a desiccated scarecrow. "The Tangled Briar," Zellara says. "A card of ancient significance...there is something or someone in the past that has bearing on you in this situation, Adoros. Perhaps...someone who was forced to leave Korvosa...whose child or children now return? I do not know. I cannot tell that. But it speaks of fell deeds out of the past that are bearing fruit only now."
Zellara turns to the rest of you next, and each hesitantly takes a card. Selawyn reveals a stout azer, smoking a pipe. "The Brass Dwarf," Zellara says, meeting Selawyn's eyes. "I may not know you, Selawyn, but these cards do. They sense your hardiness and your armor: the Brass Dwarf represents someone who remains invulnerable to the dangers coming, even if and when others fall. You have the ability within you to withstand what will lay others low in the coming days; but the card can also suggest that in the end, one will be sacrificed for the salvation of all."
Lantressa selects a card showing some sort of dwarf riding a bound half-orc. "The Teamster," Zellara says with a chuckle. "The cards know you as well, Lantressa. The Teamster shows your inner drive, the force that has brought you from the far north to Varisia. It is the compulsion you carry to keep going, to continue on the path before you, no matter what. It asks you to look inside yourself and ask: what is that force? And why do I obey? In the end, though, that force will give you strength if you can find it."
Pietro, hesitant, is the last to choose a card. His card reveals a bound and blinded man, about to be lowered into a pit of wax. Zellara hisses. "The Waxworks. An evil card...this card represents helplessness. Paralysis. Impotence. Doctor, whatever you may think of your talents...and they are numerous...the cards warn you: what is coming is beyond you. You must be careful not to let it break you." She looks Pietro squarely in the eye, very seriously, as she says this. There's a brief moment of silence, then she sighs.
"A lengthy choosing...now for the reading proper," she says. The cards you've selected dart out of your hand by magic and shuffle themselves back into the deck, which becomes a blur of motion and rippling color as she shuffles it. "First, we examine the past..." she lays out nine cards in a three-by-three grid, and turns over the left-hand column one at a time, from top to bottom: a fortress, a puppet show, and an eerie-looking carnival. Zellara frowns. "The Theater is the card of prophecy, but its position makes me doubt whether the prophecy it speaks of is true...indeed, The Carnival below it undercuts it, suggesting that the peace we anticipate now is in fact a lie, or a false hope. That troubles me. But," she says with a smile, "The Keep is the strongest card in this part of the spread. The Keep is the quiet force, the protection that we do not look for. It is the companionship of friends, the fraternity of citizens--" she glances up at the ceiling as you hear a creak from Tayce tending to Brienna. "The care of a mother for her children. The Keep suggests that what Korvosa has to fall back on--what she has always fallen back on--is her people."
"That being known, to the present." Zellara turns over the three cards in the central column one by one: a blind hag with an eye in her mouth, a dragon seizing on the world, and, at the bottom...Selawyn's card, the Brass Dwarf. Zellara looks at Selawyn, unblinking. "To see your card here...is not a happy thing. It suggests that my second interpretation of the card may have been correct. You must prepare yourself, Selawyn. There are two roads forward here: either you shall be protected when that which you love will be lost to you, or you shall have to sacrifice to protect what you love. I am sorry to be the bearer of such tidings." She frowns as she looks at the other two. "These others...The Tyrant appears again and again in my spread. A ruler who is a blight on those who are ruled. I have little enough doubt on what that might be in reference to." She leaves the rest unspoken. "But this...the Mute Hag is not normally a happy card, but here she appears so. She represents loyalty, clarity, lucidity in thought and speech. She urges you to band together, to use your combined talents to see Korvosa through this crisis. And she urges you to put aside your own differences and work together for a better city...a better world." She takes a deep breath.
"Now for the future...although I have a gnawing sense of dread for what it holds." Quickly, almost as though she's trying to avoid looking at them too long, she turns over the last three cards: an owl, a laughing giant, and finally Korriban's card: The Mountain Man. She sighs. "Nothing that I see here...is happy. The Mountain Man appears again, and this time in an evil position, highlighting the dangers of the coming catastrophe. The Owl suggests the forces of the natural world descending on Korvosa, picking apart all we have done with the needle in his beak. A bird of prey, feasting upon the dead...The only thing that I see here that is even slightly hopeful is...The Joke. Representing humor and warmth, the need to keep our sense of selves in the face of the disaster. Laughing in the face of death."
A heavy silence descends on the table as Zellara bows her head. Evidently, the reading is over.
Selawyn wasn't sure what to say for talking with these new people over the dinner table, but when Korriban began speaking to himself she was concerned. Is every member of their group insane? The thought kept coming up regardless of how she tried to explain it. When she hears the voice of Zellara she quickly turns to the doorway staring. As Zellara begins to explain herself Selawyn quietly taps her foot. "Look I don't know you, and you seem like a nice enough person, but I don't even know what a Harrowing is much less if I even think it can reveal anything about 'moments' or the future. That being said, I'll listen to this Harrowing just don't expect me to buy anything."
As the Harrowing progressed Selawyn wasn't sure what to make of it. Some cards seemed to make perfect sense with the person who drew them and some didn't. Anyone could see or even feel that fact that the city was on edge so predicting a future with little peace made sense. The prophecy of a future sickness didn't seem that convincing, but if the child had gotten sick working as a maid in an upper class home then the disease could be spreading through the nobility which would cause a disaster. Zellara's warning did make Selawyn pause for a few moments, but she just decided to prepare a little bit more for this up and coming job. Preparation never hurt anyone. The Tyrant could only refer to one person which even a blind man could see. Zellara's urging to put aside differences and work together just sounded like another day in the job of being a mercenary. You didn't get far if you were too picky about who you worked with. The prediction of future doom was a bit frightening, but Selawyn dismissed it as simply being a little jittery since they had just been talking about a ghost ship not too long ago.
Pietro smiled at Zellara and thanked her, "I am sorry, but I just don't believe in this card-drawing nonsense."
He saw the disappointment in Zellara's face and quickly added, "No offence intended but I have seen many full-blooded Varisian 'throw the cards' and tell people what they want to hear for a few gold."
He offered his hands, palms up, "I'll take your reading with a grain of salt as I am sure that I can pay someone else who will interpret these very same cards in a totally different manner."
Lantressa was fascinated by the sudden movement of the cards on their own. It was somewhat disconcerting, particularly with the sudden appearance of the Zellara, a woman who knew who Lantressa was by name. Lantressa asked the woman, before she began, the only question on her mind, "Who, or what, are you Zellara?" She listened to the Harrowing with interest observing how it was done and listening to her part intently. When it was finished she said, " Thank you for that, it was quite interesting, I've never seen such a thing before."
Korriban smiles when he sees Zellara. "Hey, Zellara. How's it going?" That's when the Harrowing begins. For his role card, he reaches towards the cards and pulls out the Mountain Man. Korriban smirks. "Well now. Interesting to see this one again." He makes a comment on each card drawn:
The Sickness: "Well, that's cheery. It seems to be stating the obvious to what's going."
The Tangled Briar: "Oh, boy. People from the past coming back? That's... often not a good sign. Usually, that means people want revenge."
The Brass Dwarf: "Well, that's some good sign. Despite how minimal it seems."
The Teamster: "*chuckles* Well, that's fitting. Another positive outlook."
The Waxworks: "*whistle* Well, that's not good. The Doc got the card the basically says he can't heal what's to come? Ouch. Seems like we're about to be a** deep in s**t."
The Past: Korriban sighs. "Well, s**t. That's not good. Looks like things are about to plummet and we need to stick together. Not that I'm opposed to the idea."
The Present: Korriban groans. "Ugh. So, everything's going to go to s**t. And I got a feeling we all can figure who'll play a major role." He taps his finger on the Tyrant card. "My coin's on the B@+$! Queen herself."
The Future: Korriban groans again. "Great. So everything's going to fall apart for sure. Well, at least we can laugh about this later."
When Pietro and Selawyn announce their skepticism, Korriban looks at them, eyebrow raised. "Really? You two don't believe this? A ghost is possessing a magic card deck and showing us the future. We got magic all over the place. And you don't believe this? You're kidding me, right?"
When Lantressa shows her curiosity, Korriban smiles and says, "This is Zellara. She's a spirit who is aiding us."
"Heeheehee! Plague and doom and loss and sacrifice! This might be a good day after all!"
When Pietro and Selawyn announce their skepticism, Korriban looks at them, eyebrow raised. "Really? You two don't believe this? A ghost is possessing a magic card deck and showing us the future. We got magic all over the place. And you don't believe this? You're kidding me, right?"
Pietro is taken back. Have I offended someone?
He stammers a quick apology, "I am sorry. I meant no offense. And only a fool would deny the existence of magic. I use some myself but mine comes from formulae."
He speaks slowly, hoping to be understood, "It is the interpretation of the cards that I have doubts and reservations about."
He turns to Lantressa, "Her card was a dwarf, whip in hand, riding on top of a half-orc and it was interpreted as her inner drive."
He cocks his head, "Knowing what type of work she does maybe the card was showing her another technique to satisfy more demanding customers?"
Lantressa tave a low throaty laugh and said, "I think you'd find I already know that one, and I'm ashamed to admit I find it highly erotic too. It must be from my darker half."
Korriban waves off Pietro. "Don't worry. No offense taken. I understand. It's just that I found it odd to see skepticism during the reading given what we're seeing. Trust me. Her predictions are more accurate than you'd think."
Turning to Lantressa, he continues, "The cards, from what I understand, have different meanings and hidden ones. It may take a while to realize what that meaning actually refers to." He adds to the end. "And, I'm also familiar with that technique. Never used it. But I know it."
As Teodor cackles, Korriban turns to him with a deadpan expression. "Glad you're going to have fun."
"KORRIBAN IS A VIRGIN," Teodor loudly stage-whispers knowingly to Lantressa and Selawyn. "DON'T TELL HIM I TOLD YOU." He then smiles his yellow smile at the rogue as innocently as he can manage .