Realizing that the man would not wish to know that his wife died well at the hands of the demented elven acrobat....actually....
"Well maybe it might be best if he thought the lady of the manor went down fighting and didn't get turned into undead..."
The Varisian swordsman then asked, whispering of course, Callie if they should tell the nobleman on how the elven acrobat raved that the lady of the house had died trying to defend the other guests as well as her husband. And that the demented elf failed to turn her into an undead.
"I might not like the Chel nobles but even he doesn't deserve to be given such terrible news. I'm not sure I have a silver tongue like you so it might be best if you told him," he whispered to Callie.
The feature you notice first with Cristina is her eyes. Hazel, rather than Teodor's mud brown; large with a slight almond shape. Behind those eyes resides a fierce intelligence, which is no coincidence as she wears the uniform of an intelligence officer for the Sable Company. Her Sandy hair is long but braided in traditional Ustalavian style. Her figure is fit and capable. Her only jewelry are thin rings worn on each finger, difficult to notice at first. She wears no makeup but is striking nonetheless, perhaps to her annoyance. Those large eyes take in everything quickly with succinct appraisal. Her smile is disarming.
Approaching Cristina the tiefling smiled in delight as she said, "It seems your brother is tongue tied Cristina. He's left his manners somewhere and forgotten to introduce you." She offered her hand to Cristina and said, "I'm Lantressa Darksong and I must say you are one of the most striking women I've seen since I came to this city." Stepping back, she continued, "I work as a courtesan and should you ever find yourself in need of my services I would be delighted to provide them."
Korriban smiles and offers a hand as well. "I have to agree with Lantressa. You are quite a breath-taking woman. What is a Sable Company officer doing here? I am very curious."
Cristina accepts Korriban's hand, but when Lantressa introduces herself, the woman snorts. "His manners aren't all that Teodor's forgotten. I doubt you even remember the last time we spoke, brother. At the time, he was lying in a fetid flophouse in Dockside, cussing me out as an agent of the upper classes and out of his mind on that filthy shiver." Her lip curls slightly. "I'd heard rumors that you were clean, Teo, but just as many rumors that you were out of your mind and preaching the end of days, not to mention your usual botched attempts at class warfare. And in all the time since, did you ever think to reach out to your family?" She snorts and turns away, clearly still angry. Ausio Carowyn hovers, awkward. Finally, Cristina swallows and turns back. "I'm not here in an official capacity," she says dryly. "The uniform is just dress. I met Ausio several weeks ago and he invited me here...hoping to show off his work, I think. We share an interest in painting. When everything went sideways upstairs, I happened to be nearby. He grabbed me and hustled us both down here--we figured the elf wouldn't bother forcing her way in."
"You're quite certain she's unable to harm us?" Ausio asks anxiously, peering at the elf. "What if she comes to? Would it not be better to kill her?"
Cristina lays a hand on his shoulder. "Can't do that, I'm afraid. I'd be in huge trouble with the Company, and I imagine Kroft wouldn't be too pleased with this lot." She turns to Callie. "I remember seeing a young Varisian with an ocarina--he was up on the gallery with the other musicians. If he wasn't there, I have no idea. The damned elf managed to lock all the doors and shutters before she revealed herself, so as far I know no one made it out of the building." She points to the elf on Riceak's shoulder. "She's probably the only one who can help you now."
"Er, and did anyone else survive this assault?" Ausio asks. "My wife? Did you see Olauren?"
Teodor's face remains ashen. "I ...I ...yes, I kicked shiver. We brought Lamm and his filthy business to justice. A close to a long, dark chapter of my life. Everything ends. Trying to give back to this city that sustained me. I preach the word of the Lord. I ...I ...I never forgot you. Never forgot how I shamed you and sweet Anca. Surely a Sable Guardswoman need not be bothered by filth such as myself. Or Anca's school children ...I'd only frighten them. I stayed away to do you a favor. I ...I hurt you enough when I was using."
Callie nods to Riceak. She knows its unlikely the old lady would had been able to try to fight, but knows someone has to break the news.
At the word "shiver" Callie's face goes a bit blank, and her eyes flicker over to Teodor, then back toward nothing in particular.
She listens to the others, and nods in agreement with Cristina as to why it would be a bad idea to kill the elf at the moment. "Most importantly, the elf is the key to the necromancer behind this and other wrongdoing in the city. If we kill her, we lose that and may not be able to stop him from doing this again."
Callie smiles gently to Ausio. She still holds out the food in one hand if either one of them wishes to take it. She reaches out to him with her free hand, touching him on the shoulder if he lets her.
In spite of any compliments about her silver tongue, it is impossible to know what the right thing is to say. She looks him in the eyes with sincere condolence. "You're the first survivors we've found. I am sorry. We did come upon your wife. She rests at peace now. She shows no signs of suffering. We are here to be sure no one else suffers either, and that justice will be done."
Korriban listens to Cristina chew out Teodor. When "shiver" is brought up, Korriban looks at Teodor. He knew that his friend was an addict. But, he didn't judge since he had kicked the habit. When Cristina says that she's here to admire Ausio's paintings, the rogue nods. "Makes sense. You two were looking these over during the party. And then all this s**t happened."
When Ausio asks about killing the elf and Callie makes her argument, Korriban nods. "Yep. She's pretty much a criminal in this. And she's going to lead us to Rolth. And we're going to take him down."
When Cristina informs them about Ruan, Korriban grumbles and looks at the elf. "Well, s**t. Just great. This going to be fun."
When Teodor makes his case, Korriban stays silent. He puts a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to provide some comfort. He waits to see where their conversation goes before chiming in.
When Ausio asks about his wife, Korriban is about to explain before Callie beats him to the punch. He removes his mask and says, "I... I am truly sorry about her wife. She didn't deserve such a fate. In the name of Calistria, I hereby swear to aid in getting vengeance against the killer and her master, Rolth. I swear it."
"His manners aren't all that Teodor's forgotten...I'd heard rumors that you were clean, Teo, but just as many rumors that you were out of your mind and preaching the end of days, not to mention your usual botched attempts at class warfare. And in all the time since, did you ever think to reach out to your family?"
"I haven't known your brother for long but that all seems to be about right. He's been trying to help those he can, particularly the early patients from this plague that's spreading. That's how I met him and Korriban actually. I was following a client who was called to help with a sick child. The man forgot to pay me for services rendered after stuffing me in a closet so he wouldn't be caught. I had to chase him down for my money and then met these two." She gestured to Teodor and Korriban. "I'd be interested in comparing before and after notes on Teo, I'd love to know how he's changed." She laughed wickedly, "It might lead to some good blackmail material if I need something from him."
As talk turned to the man's wife Tressa felt moved by what they had to tell him. While the others spoke she went for her more common refuge. She stepped up to him and made to put her arms around Ausio in a brief hug as she said, "I'm sorry our news couldn't be good news. My sympathies." She stepped back then and waited to see what would happen next.
Riceak looked at the others and said, "Um...what they said. They pretty much said everything that was I going to say...so...yeah, what they said."
Callie belatedly picks up on something Teodor said ()... "Wait, Lamm? Did you say you're the ones who brought Lamm to justice? If that's you, I owe you a world of favors..." She looks at the other two in the room. "But we can discuss that later."
Ausio claps a hand to his mouth, stifling a moan. "Oh, Shelyn...Olauren...of course, I thought, but I still hoped...Olauren..." He staggers over to the divan and sits heavily upon it, then buries his face in his hands and bursts into tears.
Cristina watches him sympathetically, but gives him space. She regards the rest of you coolly, particularly Teodor. She accepts the food Callie offers with a nod of thanks, tearing into it roughly. "All Ausio had down here was some dried fruit," she murmurs. "He's going to need help getting back on his feet--I can do some of that, but I also have to report back to Commander Endrin soon. He's calling all of us vets together; apparently something big's afoot, or he thinks it might be. If you need to get out of here and get back to Kroft, go." She glances st Lantressa and her lip stiffens. "I'm glad to hear my older brother's become helpful again, but I'm not much in the mood to rehash old times. As for you--" she turns to Teodor with a fierce glare, "Don't give me that claptrap about how you just love me and Anca and all the little kiddies so much. If you cared, you would be there."
She pauses, studying Teodor's face. "Abadar's scale, you haven't even been watching, have you? You don't know what's happened to her."
"I've been watching a long time, sister. But I haven't checked on her recently ...you were always the one getting into trouble. What's happened?!?"
"Huh. I really shouldn't tell you--you don't deserve it." Cristina scowls, but then bites her lip and relents. "She's got blood veil, Teo. You know she was never as strong as you or I were. Well, now the plague's reached her, probably through one of those damn kids, and she's got it bad. It will be ok, though, Pharasma willing; some of the Queen's Physicians came and took her to quarantine just a few days ago. So she's getting treatment. Something you might want to consider as well," she mutters darkly.
"The physicians are, at best, compromised. We found one in the burned ship that started it all. With a symbol of Urogotha. I can cure her, though. Where is she?? I must go immediately! The Lord does not want to see her premature End."
Lantressa's blood went cold at the revelation of Teo's other sister and where she had been taken. She paled and looked at Teodor, and then his sister, and said, "He's right, we have to get her out of there right now. We found evidence that the physicians are behind the plague. Anyone they take is in severe danger, we can't leave her there."
Korriban's face gains a sad frown as Ausio weeps. He decides to give the man some space.
When Callie brings up Lamm, Korriban nods. "Yep. We took out Lamm. B*****d had it coming."
When Cristina informs them of what happened to Anca, the duelist's face pales. "They're right. We found evidence that the doctors are actually cultists to the Pallid Princess. If Anca is in their care, then she's in danger. Cristina, please tell us where she is."
Callie speaks up, "Woah, woah.... before we create undue panic... if I recall your report to Kroft, you found evidence of ONE person dressed as a Queen's Physician but also with a holy symbol of Urgathoa. That may mean one or some are corrupt, but even then the evidence is minimal. It could as easily mean that the Urgathoans--like little miss Jester here--are trying to frame the Queen's Physicians to draw scrutiny away from the real villains. Even if you're right, if you go in now accusing all of them of corruption or treating your visit like a rescue mission, you could well create more trouble for yourselves and this Anca than solve it."
She takes a breath. "By all means, go to her, make sure she's safe, but careful whom you accuse of what---and don't undermine Kroft's investigations either." Callie shakes her head. "I'm not a big 'law and order' person, so don't mistake me. My concern isn't about doing anything according to procedure for the sake of it; but I don't want to see folks getting hurt because you've gone off half-cocked--and that includes yourselves. If you as employees of the guard make unproven accusations and thus lose your standing with Kroft, you risk your own ability to affect change in Korvosa."
Teodor spins on Callie, relieved to have a vent for his emotions. "Listen, Cobalt. I don't know you. Nobody said anything about accusations. I will save my sister and Lord end anyone who gets in my way. You people take the elf to your cop hero. I'm going. Feel free to join, but you won't stop me." Calmer, he turns to his sister. "Truth told, good Sables like you are the thin line protecting the people from Hellknight fascism. I ...I will never hope to make up for what I put you through. But Anca will live and make this city better as only she can. But Cristina, my strength, be careful. I know you think I'm a fool. But this whole situation stinks of outside interference. And we cannot trust this Queen."
Callie simply gives Teodor a bewildered look. "Yes! Go to your sister! Just be careful how you do it or what you say--or they'll make her harder to get to, whether because they're evil or they think you're crazy or both. You could kill her by running in blindly, and I doubt that's what you want to do. You've given me little reason to care for your wellbeing, Teodor, but I have no desire for an innocent woman to die."
"Or even you to get hurt, for that matter. In spite of what I just said."
"If I may jump in here before everyone strangles each other: there is indeed something...unnerving about the Queen's Physicians. My grandmother who reads the harrow cards did a reading on them when my sister asked Granny if we should trust them: she got the Hidden Truth, the Big Sky, the Cyclone, the the Mute Hag, the Sickness, and the Avalanche. However, according to Granny's reading, both the Hidden Truth and the Big Sky were misaligned, meaning the Queen's Physicians must have a dangerous secret, and that new shackles shall replace the old although she thought that might be some connection with the Queen, since everytime she does a reading on well anything involving the queen, the Big Sky card is always misaligned....wait...where was I...oh yes! According to her the Queen's Physicians are connected with a terrible disaster, represented by the Avalanche card. When she noticed that the Hidden Truth was misaligned, Granny realized that she had drawn it as well as the Mute Hag and the Sickness cards at the same time. This meant, according to Granny, that the Queen's Physicians and their dark secret was connected to the plague and that it involved some sort of foul blood pact and terrible secrets and knowledge that should never have seen the light of day. The Cyclone card according to her was aligned perfectly with all of the cards, meaning and this actually sacred my Granny to curse, and she has the mouth of a saint (except when one of her readings shows her something really really bad), somehow everything that's happened including what's on going now, is part of an evil web of sinister plots. From what you've mentioned, it seems my Granny's reading was correct," Riceak said jumping into the conversation.
Korriban looks at Callie. "I am of the firm believe that the doctors are not what they seem. We had spoken to the lead doctor, Davaulus.. Something about him didn't seem right. He seemed to be lying when I spoke to him. The idea of magical healing seemed to be a mere afterthought when he didn't believe his men could cure the bloodveil through mundane methods. Something just seems... off about him. Like he's trying to hide something." He looks at both Callie and Teodor. "However, we need to approach this delicately and carefully. We don't know where Anca is and, even if we cure her, they'll let her go with us. Might say something about her still being contagious or wanting to examine her still. We need to think things through. That means no letting tempers flare between our group. We need to stick together. Now more than ever."
When Riceak brings up the Harrowing that his grandma did, Korriban looks at him for a bit and nods. "I believe you. Given what I've seen regarding Harrowings, I'm willing to trust Harrowings when it gives really big predictions."
Callie sighs. "I clearly need to resign from life as a storyteller because I obviously am not expressing myself well."
She looks at the group. "It's not that I don't believe something may be sinister about the Queen's Physicians. In fact I absolutely do. Just the fact that these two fully organized groups--the Physicians and the Maidens--have suddenly popped up fully formed and conveniently in time for the plague is deeply suspicious. That fear of the plague itself keeps people from asking too many questions is only too convenient--especially all after the king's death." She sets her jaw grimly.
"But in front of a military officer of Korvosa," she nods to Cristina, "You are stating as fact that the entire organizations of Queen's Physicians--whom she appears to trust--is corrupt, with the following evidence: a bad feeling something isn't right and a corpse that could have been dressed up as a physician and had a holy symbol planted on him after the fact. Oh! And now a card reading." She pulls a deck of playing cards from.... somewhere. "Oooooh, did the magic cards tell you something?"
She shuffles the card in and out, riffling them in and out in various patterns, then draws them back into the deck. She shuffles off the top six cards in order of the people around her, tossing the card that is at the top when she comes to them at their feet:
Korriban: Jack of Spades
Lantressa: Queen of Diamonds
Cristina: Queen of Spades
Ausio: King of Diamonds
Riceak: Jack of Clubs
Teodor: Joker
Herself: Ace of Spades
"It is very easy to make cards fall in a conveniently interesting or vaguely appropriate order, and then tell a good story about them after the fact. Good gods, people, you're the easiest conies I've ever come across."
She sweeps up the cards, and the deck disappears into her cloak.
"No offense to your granny, Riceak. I expect she was a brilliant woman, in fact. She was probably trying to express her suspicions creatively in order to be more convincing."
"BUT... what I am getting at... is you are playing against the government. If you start to tell the military," she nods to Cristina again, "Or the guard, they can't do anything until something can be plausibly proven by more than bad feelings and a convenient crime scene. More to the point, depending on who overhears you, they could just arrest you for treason for accusing the Queen's Servants of something you can't prove, and that definitely gets no sisters rescued."
She looks at Cristina. "You're not going to arrest us, are you?"
"However, we need to approach this delicately and carefully. We don't know where Anca is and, even if we cure her, they'll let her go with us. Might say something about her still being contagious or wanting to examine her still. We need to think things through. That means no letting tempers flare between our group. We need to stick together. Now more than ever."
"Which is all I was f@+%ing well trying to say." Callie might have not yet let the "tempers flaring" bit sink in yet. "Be careful. I don't want to start a fight. I want to keep everyone safe."
She looks at the floor. "I'll shut up now."
Callie sighs. "I clearly need to resign from life as a storyteller because I obviously am not expressing myself well."
Korriban gently smiles. "Hey, now. None of that. I'm sure your a great storyteller."
She looks at the group. "It's not that I don't believe something may be sinister about the Queen's Physicians. In fact I absolutely do. Just the fact that these two fully organized groups--the Physicians and the Maidens--have suddenly popped up fully formed and conveniently in time for the plague is deeply suspicious. That fear of the plague itself keeps people from asking too many questions is only too convenient--especially all after the king's death." She sets her jaw grimly.
Korriban nods. "Right. That's what we're getting at. This entire city seems to be going insane. The bridges to Old Korvosa are getting blown up. Blood veil is on the rise. And a bunch of new organizations are being formed within a matter of weeks."
"But in front of a military officer of Korvosa," she nods to Cristina, "You are stating as fact that the entire organizations of Queen's Physicians--whom she appears to trust--is corrupt, with the following evidence: a bad feeling something isn't right and a corpse that could have been dressed up as a physician and had a holy symbol planted on him after the fact. Oh! And now a card reading." She pulls a deck of playing cards from.... somewhere. "Oooooh, did the magic cards tell you something?"
Korriban sighs. "I can read people pretty well. I've been honing it. Besides, listening to my hunches has always done me well before. Why should I ignore it." When she begins insulting the cards, Korriban frowns a bit, feeling like it's an insult to Zellara.
She shuffles the card in and out, riffling them in and out in various patterns, then draws them back into the deck. She shuffles off the top six cards in order of the people around her, tossing the card that is at the top when she comes to them at their feet:
Korriban: Jack of Spades
Lantressa: Queen of Diamonds
Cristina: Queen of Spades
Ausio: King of Diamonds
Riceak: Jack of Clubs
Teodor: Joker
Herself: Ace of Spades"It is very easy to make cards fall in a conveniently interesting or vaguely appropriate order, and then tell a good story about them after the fact. Good gods, people, you're the easiest conies I've ever come across."
She sweeps up the cards, and the deck disappears into her cloak.
Korriban watches as Callie does her card tricks. When she collects them, Korriban smirks. "Nice trick. It does seem easy to do that. However, I'd like to introduce you to someone when we get back home. She made me believe in this stuff. The one who got me and Teodor together with our friends for vengeance in the first place."
"No offense to your granny, Riceak. I expect she was a brilliant woman, in fact. She was probably trying to express her suspicions creatively in order to be more convincing."
Korriban stays quiet at this. He does chime in at the end. "Or there might be something to Harrowings. You never know."
"BUT... what I am getting at... is you are playing against the government. If you start to tell the military," she nods to Cristina again, "Or the guard, they can't do anything until something can be plausibly proven by more than bad feelings and a convenient crime scene. More to the point, depending on who overhears you, they could just arrest you for treason for accusing the Queen's Servants of something you can't prove, and that definitely gets no sisters rescued."
Korriban grumbles. "As much as I hate to admit it... you're right. We have to be careful who we inform. I mean, I can't do prison. I'm too good looking for a cell. I just hope Kroft manages to find something."
She looks at Cristina. "You're not going to arrest us, are you?"
Korriban pales a bit. He turns to Cristina with a nervous smile on his face. "Yeah... uh... please don't arrest us. Please? I'll be your best friend."
"Which is all I was f%~+ing well trying to say." Callie might have not yet let the "tempers flaring" bit sink in yet. "Be careful. I don't want to start a fight. I want to keep everyone safe."
Korriban cringes a bit. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to step on your toes with repeating what you said. I get it. We have the same goals here."
She looks at the floor. "I'll shut up now."
Korriban frowns at Callie's statement. He walks to her. When he's in front of her, he kneels down and looks up at her. "Hey. None of that now. Don't you 'shut up'. Your argument is valid. You have a say in this as much as anyone here. So don't ever think that, Blue."
"I agree with Korriban. From my work as a guard for various Varisian caravans, it is always a good idea to state your opinion as it is important to contribute to the group."
When Korriban mentioned meeting someone who would change Callie's views on Harrow readings, Riceak became intrigued.
"Hm...I am actually interested in meeting this person. When I was younger, I always wondered if they were true, but I realized as I got older that Harrow readings are real. Especially since my Granny is blind as a bat. But, I've seen her walk without bumping into well everything that others with perfect eyesight run straight into. She is a wise woman, so when Granny does a reading I pay close attention to and listen very closely to what she says. Has saved my life many times. So when she says dark times are coming, I fear she's right."
Cristina watches this exchange with some concern before weighing in, putting a restraining hand on Teodor's shoulder. "Teo, if what you say is true, then it is worrying--but Callie is right, there's not enough there to declare the entire group corrupt. You don't need to worry about me, though," she smiles wryly at Korriban and Callie. "I'm not going to arrest anyone. The Sable Company's purview is the defense of the Crown, the city, and the harbor. We leave the police work to the Guard."
"And if you want my advice...you should do the same, Teo. At the least, take this elf to Kroft and see if she's learned anything, or if anything can be gleaned from the elf, before you start a crusade against the Physicians. Even if one or two of them are bad, it could hardly be the whole group, and you dot want to get in trouble just for overzealousness. Anca wouldn't want that, and much though I'm angry with you, I wouldn't either."
She hesitates slightly before adding, "Anca's been taken to the Physicians' headquarters--it's an old warehouse they're calling the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden up in North Point."
Teodor at first flinched at his sister's touch but her softened tone soothes him. "Perhaps it was I who communicated poorly. I don't plan on attacking or accusing the physicians. Not yet, at least. But I do," he produces the wand of Cure Disease, "have the means to cure her. I've been involved in the blood veil problem and should be able to get in to see my sister. Especially," he adds, "if I were accompanied by you, Cristina."
Callie nods at Korriban and Riceak, and just gives them a smile and a wink as a response.
After the marine speaks, Callie asks, "May I ask, Cristina. What's your take on the Grey Maidens? Do they overlap in the service of the crown?"
Once Teodor speaks, Callie adds, "So, here's a conundrum: time is of the essence both on finding Ruan, which we still haven't done, and getting the elf back to Kroft. But it is also in seeing Anca cured--and released from the Physicians. So, do we stick together or part ways? I feel for poor Deyanira's sake I at least need to keep looking for Ruan. The question is, do we all do that together, or split ways now? Or investigate this together, then split up so some of us report back to Kroft and the rest head to the Hospice. Those of us who stop at the Guard could meet the rest at the Hospice later in just in case it doesn't turn out to be a routine visit. Or vice versa for that matter."
"Hm...I am actually interested in meeting this person. When I was younger, I always wondered if they were true, but I realized as I got older that Harrow readings are real. Especially since my Granny is blind as a bat. But, I've seen her walk without bumping into well everything that others with perfect eyesight run straight into. She is a wise woman, so when Granny does a reading I pay close attention to and listen very closely to what she says. Has saved my life many times. So when she says dark times are coming, I fear she's right."
Korriban turns to Riceak and smirks. "I'll make sure to introduce both of you to her. I'm sure she'd be happy to meet you." When he mentions that his grandmother is blind, Korriban is surprised. "Blind, huh? And she can do readings and walk around fine? Wow... I'm impressed."
Cristina watches this exchange with some concern before weighing in, putting a restraining hand on Teodor's shoulder. "Teo, if what you say is true, then it is worrying--but Callie is right, there's not enough there to declare the entire group corrupt. You don't need to worry about me, though," she smiles wryly at Korriban and Callie. "I'm not going to arrest anyone. The Sable Company's purview is the defense of the Crown, the city, and the harbor. We leave the police work to the Guard."
Korriban nods and chuckles nervously, glad that they won't be arrested. "Thanks for that, Cristina."
"And if you want my advice...you should do the same, Teo. At the least, take this elf to Kroft and see if she's learned anything, or if anything can be gleaned from the elf, before you start a crusade against the Physicians. Even if one or two of them are bad, it could hardly be the whole group, and you don't want to get in trouble just for overzealousness. Anca wouldn't want that, and much though I'm angry with you, I wouldn't either."
Korriban listens to Cristina talk to Teodor. He sighs. "You know... she does have a point. We do have to deal with the elf first. And talk to Kroft. And we don't want to land in prison."
She hesitates slightly before adding, "Anca's been taken to the Physicians' headquarters--it's an old warehouse they're calling the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden up in North Point."
Korriban scratches his chin. "Hmm... The Hospice of the Blessed Maiden? North Point? Wasn't Loggari up in North Point?" He racks his brain for more information based on rumors and lore.
Teodor at first flinched at his sister's touch but her softened tone soothes him. "Perhaps it was I who communicated poorly. I don't plan on attacking or accusing the physicians. Not yet, at least. But I do," he produces the wand of Cure Disease, "have the means to cure her. I've been involved in the blood veil problem and should be able to get in to see my sister. Especially," he adds, "if I were accompanied by you, Cristina."
Korriban stays silent as brother and sister begin to start towards reconciliation.
Callie nods at Korriban and Riceak, and just gives them a smile and a wink as a response.
Korribans smirks and nods back.
After the marine speaks, Callie asks, "May I ask, Cristina. What's your take on the Grey Maidens? Do they overlap in the service of the crown?"
Korriban looks at Cristina, interested in her answer.
Once Teodor speaks, Callie adds, "So, here's a conundrum: time is of the essence both on finding Ruan, which we still haven't done, and getting the elf back to Kroft. But it is also in seeing Anca cured--and released from the Physicians. So, do we stick together or part ways? I feel for poor Deyanira's sake I at least need to keep looking for Ruan. The question is, do we all do that together, or split ways now? Or investigate this together, then split up so some of us report back to Kroft and the rest head to the Hospice. Those of us who stop at the Guard could meet the rest at the Hospice later in just in case it doesn't turn out to be a routine visit. Or vice versa for that matter."
Korriban scratches the back of his head. "Well, that's a problem. While we could split up to try and take care of this, if we get into trouble, then we'll be in smaller groups. While I'd suggest that we stick together throughout, if it makes things easier, then we can split up into two groups."
Cristina's lips thin. "I'm not...overly familiar with the Gray Maidens. Which I consider fortunate. They certainly serve the Crown, a little too closely in my opinion. Sabina Merrin, Queen Ileosa's personal bodyguard, is their commander. That means they're not answerable to anyone beyond her and Ileosa...and Merrin's Ileosa's pet, through and through. More than that, some say."
"For what it's worth, I'll come with you, Teodor," she adds. "And I urge you all to stick together to at least hear out the elf's testimony. You'll need to present a unified front to the Physicians if even a fraction of your suspicions are true. And they may not take kindly to you just waltzing in and healing one of their charges while ignoring the others."
Across the room, Ausio seems to be recovering--slowly--from his grief.
Korriban listens to Cristina's information about the Gray Maidens. He says, "Well that's not a good sign. A new force in the city that only answers to the Queen? Going to lead to some trouble." When she mentions the rumors about the relationship between Queen Ileosa and Sabina, his eyebrows raise in interest. "More than that, they say? You mean... Sabina might be... greatly serving the Queen, as it were?" He gets the biggest grin on his face. "Oh man. Now I have to know more about this."
When Cristina shares her thoughts on their plan, Korriban thinks about it. "You know, she's right. Going to be more believable if we all had the same story when we report this to Kroft."
Korriban tells the rest of the team about what he knows about the Hospice of the Blessed Maiden.
Callie's reaction is a serious frown. "If that's true, the Queen was cheating on the King while he was on his deathbed. Maybe it wasn't a love-filled marriage, but that's just cold, and makes all her claims of loyalty to her husband ring hollow. And if Merrin's been the Queen's bodyguard for awhile, these Maidens have likely been in the making well before his majesty died. None of that bodes well."
When Korriban describes the Hospice, Callie grimaces. "Oh goody, a connection to the Arkonas. That's always good news."
"Okay, well, we need to find Ruan and get back to Kroft, then get to this hospice. Cristina, can you take care of Lord Ausio while we search the house. When we're done, we'll also need to take him to Kroft, as he was a witness to the whole thing." Callie nods to the slowly recovering Ausio. "You can help get justice for what happened here. It may be cold comfort, but you are not helpless."
Callie goes out to look where else she might for Ruan or at least signs of him.
Cristina raises her hands in a defensive gesture. "Don't ask me anything about Merrin and the Queen! I don't know, and frankly I don't much care. Just the rumors that I've heard--and, like I say, I mislike the commander of this new group being someone so personally close to the Queen."
When Callie makes her suggestion, Cristina nods. "I'll take care of him. That much, at least, I can do." Ausio interrupts as she turns toward him. "I'm--I'll be all right. Thank you. And I'll do everything I can to make sure Olauren's killer is hanged for her crimes!" He glares at the elf with bloodshot eyes. Cristina raises an eyebrow.
"For now, I think it's best we just sit still and quiet here for a few minutes, and then maybe get out of here and get you into a hostelry. Come on, drink up." She passes him a waterskin and sits next to him on the couch as you all vacate the room.
Upstairs, it rapidly becomes clear that you've seen everything there is to see in the house; with no other nooks or crannies to investigate, you all head out to the outbuilding you spotted on the grounds. It appears to be a set of servants' quarters, but when you investigate it's clear that there's little to see here. The rooms are spotless and show no signs of a struggle; aside from a few personal knicknacks, there's little of interest in the spartan rooms. There's no sign of Ruan, or any bodies at all. All of the servants must have been in the house when the attack happened.
Which leaves you all, after a very thorough search of the house, rather short on leads as to where to find your vanished virtuoso...
Lantressa listened to the discussion and found herself agreeing with what was said. She said little for now though as she wasn't entirely sure who some of these people were. As they left the basement and searched the house she felt there was nothing else they could do here for now, certainly no sign of this person they were looking for. She looked to the group and asked, "So, where to next?"
Callie's reaction is a serious frown. "If that's true, the Queen was cheating on the King while he was on his deathbed. Maybe it wasn't a love-filled marriage, but that's just cold, and makes all her claims of loyalty to her husband ring hollow. And if Merrin's been the Queen's bodyguard for awhile, these Maidens have likely been in the making well before his majesty died. None of that bodes well."
Korriban nods. "Yeah. If the Queen was sleeping with Sabina while the King was sick... that's messed up. That's not right. And if the Maidens were being formed in that time, then Ileosa is more devious than we thought. Either way, it's not good."
When Korriban describes the Hospice, Callie grimaces. "Oh goody, a connection to the Arkonas. That's always good news."
Korriban shakes his head. "I know, right? Jeez. The Arkonas. Hey, Teo. Isn't this the... what... the third or fourth time we've run into something that has some connection to the Arkonas?"
"Okay, well, we need to find Ruan and get back to Kroft, then get to this hospice. Cristina, can you take care of Lord Ausio while we search the house. When we're done, we'll also need to take him to Kroft, as he was a witness to the whole thing." Callie nods to the slowly recovering Ausio. "You can help get justice for what happened here. It may be cold comfort, but you are not helpless."
Korriban nods at Callie's words. "That's right, Ausio. You'll get your vengeance flavored justice against the elf. As soon as we can talk to her."
Callie goes out to look where else she might for Ruan or at least signs of him.
Korriban looks at Callie as she leaves and joins her.
Cristina raises her hands in a defensive gesture. "Don't ask me anything about Merrin and the Queen! I don't know, and frankly I don't much care. Just the rumors that I've heard--and, like I say, I mislike the commander of this new group being someone so personally close to the Queen."
Korriban nods. "Okay. You don't know much. So I won't ask." He then gets a huge grin. "But that doesn't mean I won't ask around town for more. This is pure gold right here!"
When Callie makes her suggestion, Cristina nods. "I'll take care of him. That much, at least, I can do." Ausio interrupts as she turns toward him. "I'm--I'll be all right. Thank you. And I'll do everything I can to make sure Olauren's killer is hanged for her crimes!" He glares at the elf with bloodshot eyes. Cristina raises an eyebrow.
"For now, I think it's best we just sit still and quiet here for a few minutes, and then maybe get out of here and get you into a hostelry. Come on, drink up." She passes him a waterskin and sits next to him on the couch as you all vacate the room.
Korriban nods in thanks to Cristina and Ausio. "Good luck. To the both of you."
Upstairs, it rapidly becomes clear that you've seen everything there is to see in the house; with no other nooks or crannies to investigate, you all head out to the outbuilding you spotted on the grounds. It appears to be a set of servants' quarters, but when you investigate it's clear that there's little to see here. The rooms are spotless and show no signs of a struggle; aside from a few personal knicknacks, there's little of interest in the spartan rooms. There's no sign of Ruan, or any bodies at all. All of the servants must have been in the house when the attack happened.
Which leaves you all, after a very thorough search of the house, rather short on leads as to where to find your vanished virtuoso...
Korriban aids in the search for Ruan as best as he can. When their search turns up with no results and Lantressa asks about their next move. [b]"Not sure. We can always wake the elf up and ask her where Ruan is."/b]
Korriban nods. "Okay. You don't know much. So I won't ask." He then gets a huge grin. "But that doesn't mean I won't ask around town for more. This is pure gold right here!"
Callie raises an eyebrow. "Is it? I could fill a fortnight with stories of nobles having affairs with various servants, bodyguards, and so forth. Doesn't seem so unusual to me. I'm more concerned about the abuses of power involved."
Once they complete the search, Callie is visibly frustrated. "Gods dammit! I hope this means he escaped, but if that's the case, he should have gotten back to Deyanira by now. Did you folks mention something about this Rolth doing experiments?" She frowns with worry.
When their search turns up with no results and Lantressa asks about their next move. "Not sure. We can always wake the elf up and ask her where Ruan is."
"Since time is of the essence, let's get her back to Kroft and sit in on the questioning, rather than try to take time for two interrogations. If Teodor wants to skip the questioning and get on his way to his sister, we can always follow afterward."
Having failed to find Ruan Mirukova, you decide to head back to Citadel Volshyenek to check in with Cressida Kroft. Cristina sends you on ahead as she sets to clearing a path out of the house that won't be too traumatic for Ausio Carowyn. People are still avoiding the main thoroughfares of the city, which is lucky, since you're carrying an unconscious, chained woman down them...but a few flashes of the pseudodragon marks in your group quickly clear the way when anyone accosts you. Not far from the Citadel, you pick up an escort of harried-looking Guards who accompany you into the keep--just to make sure, you suspect, that that really is where you're going.
You find Kroft in her office, bent over a book, frowning. She looks up as you push through the door. "Ah! Thank Abadar you're here. I have news, and--" She comes up short as she sees the unconscious elf slung over Riceak's shoulder. "...I take it not everything was well at Carowyn Manor."
"This elf, under the command or influence of our old friend Rolth murdered and then made undead most of the manor. Ausio is unharmed and being escorted by, er, a Sable Guard member. Ruan was not found. Everything else is dead. We need to interrogate this elf, and fast. I have ...a pressing engagement."
Callie nods. "The Sable Guardswoman was taking Ausio to a hostelry so he could calm down before speaking to the guard. He did not take news of his wife's death well. We found necromantic wands on the elf's person. We saw the corpses of musicians but Ruan was not among them. Unless your news happens to be of him?" Callie eyes Kroft hopefully.
Callie raises an eyebrow. "Is it? I could fill a fortnight with stories of nobles having affairs with various servants, bodyguards, and so forth. Doesn't seem so unusual to me. I'm more concerned about the abuses of power involved."
Korriban smirks at Callie. "Can you tell me more? I mean, this rumor of the Queen and Sabina are sleeping each other could have some uses. Like, imagine if this was spread throughout the city. It could make some story." He then gets an idea. "You know what... I never thought I'd say this... But, why not? I'm going to use this in a book. I might just write a book using this as some inspiration. Maybe more. Why not? I mean, my experiences and whatever rumors, lore, and history I can find could be used. Mysteries, political thrillers, serials, short stories, romance novels, and, hell, let's go beyond that. Oh, this is going to be fun."
Once they complete the search, Callie is visibly frustrated. "Gods dammit! I hope this means he escaped, but if that's the case, he should have gotten back to Deyanira by now. Did you folks mention something about this Rolth doing experiments?" She frowns with worry.
Korriban nods. "Yeah. Guy was stitching body parts together for a monster. What he may want with Ruan... I have no idea."
"Since time is of the essence, let's get her back to Kroft and sit in on the questioning, rather than try to take time for two interrogations. If Teodor wants to skip the questioning and get on his way to his sister, we can always follow afterward."
Korriban nods. "Got it. Let's go."
You find Kroft in her office, bent over a book, frowning. She looks up as you push through the door. "Ah! Thank Abadar you're here. I have news, and--" She comes up short as she sees the unconscious elf slung over Riceak's shoulder. "...I take it not everything was well at Carowyn Manor."
Korriban sighs. "No. Things didn't go well at Carowyn." He then stays quietly as Teodor and Callie explain what happened. "They're right. Things have gone to hell over there. With the necromancer involved, then it may get even worse. With people dying from the plague, if Rolth begins to resurrect them as zombies, then we are going to have some kind of epidemic."
He then asks, "So, what was in those boxes we gave you?"
Korriban smirks at Callie. "Can you tell me more? I mean, this rumor of the Queen and Sabina are sleeping each other could have some uses. Like, imagine if this was spread throughout the city. It could make some story." He then gets an idea. "You know what... I never thought I'd say this... But, why not? I'm going to use this in a book. I might just write a book using this as some inspiration. Maybe more. Why not? I mean, my experiences and whatever rumors, lore, and history I can find could be used. Mysteries, political thrillers, serials, short stories, romance novels, and, hell, let's go beyond that. Oh, this is going to be fun."
"Well, first of all, Cristina already told us the rumor was going around, so you'd just be spreading stale information. Second of all, 'bored noble bangs bodyguard' is about as interesting news to the general world as 'baker makes bread.' Thirdly, if you DO not only want to spread salacious, specific rumors about Sabina Merrin and the Queen, but also publish it and put your name on it, I am not helping you when the Grey Maidens come to flay you alive."
"Well, first of all, Cristina already told us the rumor was going around, so you'd just be spreading stale information. Second of all, 'bored noble bangs bodyguard' is about as interesting news to the general world as 'baker makes bread.' Thirdly, if you DO not only want to spread salacious, specific rumors about Sabina Merrin and the Queen, but also publish it and put your name on it, I am not helping you when the Grey Maidens come to flay you alive."
Korriban smirks and shakes his head. "Okay. Forget spreading that rumor. However, the whole book writing is not going to mention Ileosa and Sabina by name. That would be stupid. I mean base a story off of the rumors, lore, and my experiences. Do some embellishments. And if the Maidens found out that these hypothetical books were connected to real things, I'd probably use some sort of other alias." His smirk falters a bit. "Although, I may want to write safer subjects to start with. Never written stories before." He then smiles at Callie. "Although, I don't want to steal your thunder as a storyteller, Callie." He scratches his chin. "Maybe I should just scrap the idea."
Kroft frowns. "That Rolth bastard again? Damn. That's the last thing we need...especially now. I have no news of Ruan, I'm afraid. It's those boxes you brought me. One, as you suspected, was a coffer similar to the one you found near the start of this plague, filled with silver and a dead, pox-covered rat. I'm assuming that everything inside is infected with the disease, and I've locked it away. But the other..." She shifts slightly, and you can see the heavy box from the wreck of the Direption lying open on the chair beside her. Holding up a finger, she goes to the door and pokes her head out. "Ana, would you please go fetch a healing potion from the stores? Any will do, I think. Thank you." You can hear the guard stationed outside murmur an assent and begin to head off as Kroft shuts the door firmly behind her. Taking a deep breath, she picks up the book from her desk.
"It's a waterproof strongbox, a type that many ships carry for important papers. In this case, this: the ship's manifest and cargo records. And the Direption, it seems, is no ordinary ship. It changed hands recently. Its most recent cargo is listed as 'medical samples.' And its owner...is Renier Davaulus."
In the brief silence after her news, Kroft grimaces. "I do not know what Davaulus has told the Queen--whether he's lied to her about this plague's origin, or if he's told her and is working sincerely to combat it--but this combined with the sign of Urgathoa on that dead physician you found is enough for me to fear that something is deeply, deeply wrong."
Just after she finishes speaking, there's a knock at the door. Warily, Kroft opens it. "Ah, thank you Ana. Why don't you take a break?" Firmly closing the door again, the Field Marshall holds up the bright blue potion. "Shall we?"
Teodor harrumphs. "Toldjaso. But don't listen to the doom-sayer! He's paranoid! No. I see."
Korriban smirks and shakes his head. "Okay. Forget spreading that rumor. However, the whole book writing is not going to mention Ileosa and Sabina by name. That would be stupid. I mean base a story off of the rumors, lore, and my experiences. Do some embellishments. And if the Maidens found out that these hypothetical books were connected to real things, I'd probably use some sort of other alias." His smirk falters a bit. "Although, I may want to write safer subjects to start with. Never written stories before." He then smiles at Callie. "Although, I don't want to steal your thunder as a storyteller, Callie." He scratches his chin. "Maybe I should just scrap the idea."
At the last, Callie shakes her head vigorously. "Don't ever fight off an urge to tell a good story! I am a verbal performer, a book wouldn't even be competition even if I were worried about such a thing--and I tend to welcome that more than anything." Callie smiles. "Maybe there is a good story to tell in this, even if I don't see it. I admit I am jaded about certain things. But, no offense, Korriban, you don't strike me as the subtle sort when it comes to the words you choose. Taking on a scandal involving the Queen might not be the wisest first choice for a subject, even if you change the names... but then, life is short. Do as you will and enjoy it."
"Where was the ship supposed to be headed with these 'samples'?" Callie asks Kroft.
Firmly closing the door again, the Field Marshall holds up the bright blue potion. "Shall we?"
Callie nods, eager to see what information they can get out of the elf.
Riceak listened to Kroft.
"So in other words, there's the possibility that the Queen's Physicians are not who they say they are? Hm...just a hunch here, but have there been any reports of people missing? I ask because there's the likelihood that they're experimenting on people trying to find some way to make the plague incurable, even by magic."
Tressa listened to what both her companions and Kroft had to say. Regardless of whether the queen was in on it or not this was very, very bad. The fact that Kroft sent her guards away during the conversation peaked the tiefling's interest, the woman either wanted to keep all of this very quiet, or she didn't want to risk her subordinates getting involved. Since this involved "trusted" members of the queen's court at best, and the queen herself at worst, Tressa couldn't blame the woman for her caution. She had a few ideas beginning to bounce around in her head but they weren't fully formed yet. She decided that it would be best to wait until they solidified before bringing them up with anyone. In the meantime interrogating the elf seemed to be the next thing they needed to do. Riceak distracted her though, his concern about missing people caught her attention and she said, "There are always people who go missing and no one worries about them, most likely it's those individuals who are being targeted. That's assuming that they aren't just using the existing victims as their test subjects, a far more likely possibility. The disease is already deadly enough that they can easily pass any deaths off as a case they couldn't save, and I'd bet they burn the bodies to hide any evidence, it's really the only way to deal with so many dead people anyway."
Kroft frowns. "That Rolth bastard again? Damn. That's the last thing we need...especially now. I have no news of Ruan, I'm afraid. It's those boxes you brought me. One, as you suspected, was a coffer similar to the one you found near the start of this plague, filled with silver and a dead, pox-covered rat. I'm assuming that everything inside is infected with the disease, and I've locked it away. But the other..." She shifts slightly, and you can see the heavy box from the wreck of the Direption lying open on the chair beside her. Holding up a finger, she goes to the door and pokes her head out. "Ana, would you please go fetch a healing potion from the stores? Any will do, I think. Thank you." You can hear the guard stationed outside murmur an assent and begin to head off as Kroft shuts the door firmly behind her. Taking a deep breath, she picks up the book from her desk.
Korriban frowns at the news of the missing Ruan still being missing. When it comes to the coffers, Korriban grimaces at the diseased one. "Great. Just great. More sickness." When Kroft asks her guards to leave, Korriban's brow raises. Realizing that she most likely called them away to inform us of what she found, Korriban sweats a little.
"It's a waterproof strongbox, a type that many ships carry for important papers. In this case, this: the ship's manifest and cargo records. And the Direption, it seems, is no ordinary ship. It changed hands recently. Its most recent cargo is listed as 'medical samples.' And its owner...is Renier Davaulus."
Korriban curses. "S**t! Davaulus?! The head of the doctors?! Now we know something's really up."
In the brief silence after her news, Kroft grimaces. "I do not know what Davaulus has told the Queen--whether he's lied to her about this plague's origin, or if he's told her and is working sincerely to combat it--but this combined with the sign of Urgathoa on that dead physician you found is enough for me to fear that something is deeply, deeply wrong."
Korriban nods. "Yeah. Thing's aren't looking good here."
Just after she finishes speaking, there's a knock at the door. Warily, Kroft opens it. "Ah, thank you Ana. Why don't you take a break?" Firmly closing the door again, the Field Marshall holds up the bright blue potion. "Shall we?"
Korriban nods. "Let's do it."
Teodor harrumphs. "Toldjaso. But don't listen to the doom-sayer! He's paranoid! No. I see."
Korriban looks at his holy friend. "Well, I believed you."
Riceak listened to Kroft.
"So in other words, there's the possibility that the Queen's Physicians are not who they say they are? Hm...just a hunch here, but have there been any reports of people missing? I ask because there's the likelihood that they're experimenting on people trying to find some way to make the plague incurable, even by magic."
Korriban pales slightly at this suggestion. He looks to Kroft, anxious about the answer. "If they're working on making this thing incurable... then the streets will be littered in corpses."
Tressa listened to what both her companions and Kroft had to say. Regardless of whether the queen was in on it or not this was very, very bad. The fact that Kroft sent her guards away during the conversation peaked the tiefling's interest, the woman either wanted to keep all of this very quiet, or she didn't want to risk her subordinates getting involved. Since this involved "trusted" members of the queen's court at best, and the queen herself at worst, Tressa couldn't blame the woman for her caution. She had a few ideas beginning to bounce around in her head but they weren't fully formed yet. She decided that it would be best to wait until they solidified before bringing them up with anyone. In the meantime interrogating the elf seemed to be the next thing they needed to do. Riceak distracted her though, his concern about missing people caught her attention and she said, "There are always people who go missing and no one worries about them, most likely it's those individuals who are being targeted. That's assuming that they aren't just using the existing victims as their test subjects, a far more likely possibility. The disease is already deadly enough that they can easily pass any deaths off as a case they couldn't save, and I'd bet they burn the bodies to hide any evidence, it's really the only way to deal with so many dead people anyway."
Korriban thinks on Lantressa's words and nods. "She's right. That is a more likely scenario. Subtle, discreet, and no one would question it."
Kroft frowns. "No reports of missing people, yet, but I think Lantressa is right--if there is anything sinister going on, it's likely to involve those who are infected anyway. I'm afraid that there's no more information in the ledger that's of any use, to me at least--all it does is list the previous owner of the ship as 'B7' and the cargo. The destination is listed as 'Andaisin,' but I've never heard of such a place."
Frowning, she turns to the manacled elf. "Perhaps our unconscious friend here can assist us in shedding some light on the subject, though..."
Tipping the potion into the elf's mouth, the Field Marshall carefully steps back from the prisoner. The elf swallows, and (as some of her injuries vanish) slowly stirs, eyelids opening to reveal black, pupil-less eyes.
"Wha...Rolthy...am I..." Suddenly becoming aware of her situation, she thrashes and pulls at her manacles. "Arrrrgh! You jerks! You rotten bastards! Lemme outta this!"
Kroft pauses on the side, clearly eyeing you to see if you plan to step in.
Kroft frowns. "No reports of missing people, yet, but I think Lantressa is right--if there is anything sinister going on, it's likely to involve those who are infected anyway. I'm afraid that there's no more information in the ledger that's of any use, to me at least--all it does is list the previous owner of the ship as 'B7' and the cargo. The destination is listed as 'Andaisin,' but I've never heard of such a place."
Korriban thinks for a moment, trying to see if he knows any place called Andaisin.
Frowning, she turns to the manacled elf. "Perhaps our unconscious friend here can assist us in shedding some light on the subject, though..."
Korriban nods, waiting to get started.
Tipping the potion into the elf's mouth, the Field Marshall carefully steps back from the prisoner. The elf swallows, and (as some of her injuries vanish) slowly stirs, eyelids opening to reveal black, pupil-less eyes.
"Wha...Rolthy...am I..." Suddenly becoming aware of her situation, she thrashes and pulls at her manacles. "Arrrrgh! You jerks! You rotten bastards! Lemme outta this!"
Korriban crouches down to look the elf in the eyes. "Easy now. You're bound and captured. Nowhere you can go. We have a few questions. Let's start with something simple. What's your name?"