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During his asking around Gavin discovers a few things.
First of all, even though the story is not always so clean cut, you confirm Karras story. Islaran's death had the Lotus Dragon signature and it was clearly an attempt to send a message to someone.
They definitely succeeded since you hear the story several times in different taverns.
About the Lotus Dragon.
There seems to be a war among various thief guilds going on, the Lotus Dragons have been the clear victors of that war.
They have heavy ties with animal smugglers and they seems to have quite the collection of dangerous exotic creatures hidden somewhere in their lair.
Also, there are concerning voices that claim they probably have teh support of at least one noble family.
You assume they don't mean the Vanderboren through Vanthus since Vanthus is disinherited and with no influence over his household.
Chances are, Vanthus membership was probably a botched attempt to bring another noble house into the fold.
You hear there is a Taxidermist Guildhall in the sunrise district, between dead dog alley and water street.
You return back towards home thinking about those things when you meet Moira, coming back from the market with a huge Jug of honey.
She seems almost startled by your presence. She smiles at you greeting you.
"Hi Gavin. How are you. doing some errands?" she asks but she seem somewhat off. Is she possibly still shaken from the night the Inn burned down? Or is it something else?
Gavin has his head down, thinking as he walks about The Lotus Dragons. So, we have a gang war, The Lotus Dragons coming out on top, possibly another noble family involved, the murder of Islaren as a message, and signs still pointing to-
Unaware, the young man literally bumps into Moira, and reaches out to steady her. As his hand rests on Moira's arm, Gavin blushes. She always made him flustered when he was first around her, even if after awhile they got comfortable with each other again. Oh, I uh, I'm sorry. Moira! How - how're things? Are you working anywhere? I haven't seen you since, well, the fire at The Copper Cup. I, huh, yes - how are you?"
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Moira tries to recompose herself while holding her jug of honey like she would with an infant. she lets a sigh out, possibly after being scared that the container would fall off her hands and crash on the paved road.
once She is sure that nothing got lost she smiles at you.
"I'm fine. I am helping my mother. You know, she produce mead, old family recipe, and while I'm not employed she could use a hand. At the moment I know I will work for the festival. Every tavern needs a extra hand during the Locustfall festival and I have quite a few double shifts scheduled for that week. then I don't know honestly. I guess I might be hired there for the rest of the season, or maybe I will just stay and help my mother bottle more mead to sell"
She lowers her eyes for a moment and ask you nervously.
"And you? Your parents? how are you? Are they still in danger? I mean ... they asked me not to talk to you about that but .. after the fire...
I guess they told you didn't they?"
Obviously, you have no idea what she is talking about.
The color drains out of Gavin's face, and he stands, ashen, looking at Moira for a long few seconds. "Moira, my parents, uh, in danger?"
Grabbing the young woman's hands, Gavin gives Moira as serious, as urgent a look as he can muster. "Please, you must tell me everything that you know..."
Damn it, mom and dad!
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Moira is a little shocked by your reaction but even more than the revelation that whatever secret she is holding, it wasn't revealed to you yet and it now falls on her to reveal it.
She looks at you with hesitation.
"well... your father always treated me well, and he asked me to not reveal anything to anyone. I... I do think you nee to know.. but please... don't let him know that you learned it from me." she says pleading.
After she collect her courage, she invites you to follow her to the near alley, less populated and more confidential and she starts to tell you her story.
"About a year ago I saw some men Dealing with your father behind the tavern. They seemed like rough kind of guys but I assumed they were port workers or something delivering some goods. I saw your father pay them and they just went their way. but a couple of months ago I saw your father having an argument with those same guys about not wanting to pay them anymore. I really don't think it was about deliveries, and it looked like they were threatening your father. When he noticed that I have seen the scene he made me promise to not speak to anyone about that, and now that the tavern have been burned... I do feel it's exactly like it seemed... that your father was under some sort of protection racket and he just refused to pay at some point.
I..."
She lower her head, somehow feeling that she just betrayed the trust of Gavin father by revealing that secret.
"I thought you had to know about this..." she says sobbing a little.
Bedu starts in Shadowshore and gradually moves through that District before heading towards the Sunrise and spending time moving around the area, carefully getting to know the lay of the land and the size of the problem - that is the Lotus Dragon gang. The care is more important than ever now that Islaran's murder shows how powerful this enemy is.
Bedu backs off from a chat in one tavern, he gets the feeling his words may get back to the wrong people and so turns the conversation to a tale about a ghostly ship sailing the seas with no crew and a curse of death to all it meets, this is the White Shark.
He returns to his home and again spends the evening sat in the corner swapping tall tales and greeting his friends. For a time, the darkness that was Parrot Island can be forgotten.
Erick get's his latest set of ragamuffins some decent new clothes (about 20 GP worth of used but good shape clothes, should cover 5-6 kids).
Then he spends a day trying to line them up apprenticeships with various people, trading on his reputation and vouching for them.
Anyone he's able to place in an apprenticeship has to be with someone that seems trustworthy not to abuse them, and who can let them sleep in a corner somewhere, so they have a home (of sorts).
He'll recruit a replacement for anyone he finds an apprenticeship for.
He also looks into who currently owns his family estate again (I believe last time he found it was owned by a noble family, but not who specifically owned it). And also puts out some feelers as to whether the home would be for sale, and if so, how much.
Anger rushes into Gavin and he notices he's grinding his teeth as Moira talks. Why would you not tell me this? How does it help anyone to keep secrets from each other? Sighing, Gavin breathes deep and lets the anger go - his anger towards Moira, anyways. The people doing this to my family will back tenfold what they have taken.
"Moira, I wish you would have told me this sooner - but thank you for telling me none-the-less." Reaching into his backpack, Gavin takes the left-over bread from its paper bag and puts some coin into it. "I'm sorry to hear you've not found a stable job. I'm doing some work for someone of means - please take this money and use it increase your mother's mead production, or whatever else you need it for. I know you'll pay it back, and perhaps one day I'll have the good fortune to frequent Moira's Meadery." Gavin smiles, but his eyes remain sad. "Or something similar, but with a much better name."
Taking his leave of Moira, Gavin heads back towards his parents' apartment, and again not knocking, barges into the apartment, where he gives his parents a long, angry look. Eventually, the words come out harsh and clipped. "Who. Is. Extorting. You?"
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@Bedu:
You have some trouble making people from Shadowshore talk about the Lotus Dragon. You get the feeling they are more feared than respected among the street thugs.
For what you hear they are high class criminals, not common rabble.
You too come to know that they have ties with animal smugglers and possibly at least one noble family of Sasserine.
For what you see they are not likely to be based on Shadowshore.
@Erick:
Unfortunately your reputation doesn't do much to help the little urchin get a job outside Vanderboren Manor (where the kids you proposed to Lavinia are already employed and are treated fairly working as messengers for Lavinia, tending for the gardens and giving a hand to Kora with the chores. You see they are well fed and have new clothes so you know they are treated better than they could expect)
You manage to make the biggest kid accepted as an apprentice in the Dredger's Guild, hardly a fancy line of work but it's an honest, even if it's pretty hard work.
Your family estate is the property of one Gerialar Divalean now. he is not a noble and your manor is now known as the House of Violets. Is a kind of monastery, a place of retirement that is not usually open to the public.
You may try to ask the permission to visit though.
@Gavin
Moira thanks you for the gesture, but really can't bring herself to accept your money, especially now that she feels she kinda betrayed your father on your behalf.
But she assures you that she is fine and that losing the job at the tavern, while unfortunate, was not that big of a deal and that she will manage well. She doesn't need more money than she already have at the moment.
When you return home and you ask your father about extortion your father opens his eyes wide dropping whatever he was doing and turning to you with a shocked face.
"What are you..." he exclaim for a moment before checking towards the other room where your mother is. Then he continues with a quieter voice.
"Where does that come from? What are you trying to do? Scare your mother? It's .. dangerous stuff.. I don't want her to know, I didn't want you to know. I didn't want either of you to end up involved..."
He sits down lowering his head
"How did you find out?"
Gavin scowls, but lowers his voice. "Well, I'd say we're all involved, dad, regardless of your intentions. It doesn't matter how I found out, but what does matter is what we do about it. I've got the ear of a noblewoman and a guardsman. Perhaps I can help? Who is extorting you?"
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@Gavin
Your father sighs, then looks at you for a second but seems unable to sustain your gaze for more than a moment. Lowering his eyes he starts talking.
"Rogar approached me at first. He helped us a couple of years ago with some thugs that were drunk and a little violent. He said those thugs were part of a gang and that he knew someone who could have made sure that they didn't give us any trouble. He introduced me to his boss, a man named Kersh Reftun. And for a while they kinda acted like unofficial bouncers.
We didn't even had anyone that needed the boot, the problems seemed to stay out on their own.
They asked for a price and I was happy to pay it because business was good.
but as the troublemaker were less and less present they started to ask more and more... in the Inn there was always either Rogar or one of his friends with the lotus dragon tattoo.
And while they never really threatened to take action against me they were pretty good at letting me know that I was supposed to keep paying.
When I said to them after raising again their fee that I was unable to keep up they said that, without their protection, with the state of things between the church of Nethys and Cayden, I would have been in danger."
Your father sighs again and takes a little pause.
"after the tavern burned I never heard from them again. And everyone think it was the church of Nethys doing this.
I don't think it would be easy to convince anyone that it didn't happen that way, besides I have no proof, and most of all I don't want to give them an excuse to come and hurt me, you, or your mother.
I can rebuild, I can have a new tavern one day, but If something happens to her or you I would not be able to fix that."
Gavin nods and interrupts, trying to hold his temper. "Ah, yes, I remember the bouncers. Seems a little suspicious that the problems stayed away without anyone that needed to be bounced, doesn't it?"
After his father finishes speaking, Gavin stays silent a long time, trying to figure out how to say what he must say next. "Father, you should have talked to mother and I about this. And you must still tell mother. As for Rogar and Reftun, once you have a new tavern - and you will have a new tavern - they'll show up. Cockroaches always find their way to food. But you have a weapon - one I've come to realize these last few days is a powerful one - you are a priest of Cayden Cailean, a god who hates tyrants and oppressors, and who loves drunks, losers, and those of us who work in the industry of drink and hospitality."
Gavin doesn't say what is on his mind next, deciding to leave his father out of his plans. And I am Cayden's weapon.
"I have some strong friends, and an employer of much means and influence. I also have the ear of someone in the city watch. I will see what can be done. You, father - tell mother your secret, and pray to The Lucky Drunk for guidance."
Before his father can ask too many questions, Gavin gathers his things and leaves, making his way to Lady Vanderboren's manor for the evening.
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"I've got the names of two Lotus Dragons for you. Rogar and Reftun. They are part of a larger web of corruption and deceit at work in our city, and I intend to see their names in the dead book, along with every other Lotus Dragon I can get my hands on."
Erick will see if he can get an invite.
As to reputation and finding kids apprentice jobs, he'll also ask his employer if he may drop her name as well.
Gavin slaps his forehead. "Oh, except Rogar is in the dead book already. He's that chap with no face, that we found down in the caves. Well then, another dead Lotus Dragon makes our work a little easier. I think we need to hit the taxidermist's hall, and see what tables we can turn over there. Someone there is bound to know where Vanthus is, even if that bastard isn't at the hall itself."
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Erick approaches the House of Violets, hoping to gain access to it.
When you present yourself at the door a Chelaxian girl comes to answer your call.
She appears to be young but in a way her dignified demeanor makes her look older than she really is.
She wears a silk dress that reminds you a little of the styles you might see in Vudra and Tian Xia. she is barefooted.
Behind her you catch a glimpse of what was once your home. It has been heavily remodeled, but nonetheless you recognize the place you spent your early childhood in.
Several sets of Violet silks hanging from the ceiling hide the rest of the manor from your sight.
"You have come to the House of Violets" announces solemnly the girl "Are you expected?"
"No, I am afraid I am not expected. But then, life itself is unexpected. So, I expect that would mean that while I specifically am not expected, unexpected visitors are expected." He remembers the riddles used within Vudra and Tian Xia, and falls back into that method of logic with practiced ease. "I do not seek to disrupt your house, I simply wished to see if I could call upon your hospitality. I once knew the people who lived in this house before it became the House of Violets. I have been travelling for many years, and hoped to find some information out about those who once lived here." The advantage of telling the truth is, one is telling the truth. One need not tell all the truth, however. Harmless as a rose, dangerous as a dragon, as the Tian Xia say.
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the girl looks at you emotionless and just say
"I will inform the master about your request. Please, wait here"
before gently closing the door.
after a few minutes the door opens and she emerges again.
"The master is accepting you as his guest. Please, remove your boots before entering. Also please refrain from shouting or making noises, this is a place for calm and contemplation."
Assuming that you comply to her requests, the girl escorts you through the House of Violets.
The layout of the house is definitely familiar, the floors have been renovated, they are now all made of dark wood.
You can barely notice a few people, in one of the rooms you traverse, deeply immersed in their meditative states.
There are no doors in the whole building. Only layers of purple silks dividing one room from the other.
Many rooms are filled with statues and memorabilia that clearly weren't art of your family estate, and denotes whoever took the estate is definitely a traveler.
At the end the girl leads you to a room in the back of the building where a man sits in a full lotus position.
The man is in peak physical condition, he would pass for someone younger than you if it wasn't for a streak of graying hair and a somewhat mature severity in his look. You judge he is more likely in his late fifties.
The girl falls o her knees, bows to the man and softly announces.
"Master, your guest is here..."
The man seemingly ignores the girl and just invites you with his palm to a large cushion in front of him.
Only once you sit down, he briefly returns his attention to the girl by simply saying to her "you can go" an invitation the girl respond by getting up, bowing once again and silently walking out of the room.
Once you two are alone, the man speaks to you.
"My name is Gerialar Divalean, the master of the House of Violets. and you... you seem to be the young lord Bonestihl"
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@Ismaire
It's spring in Sasserine and the days are pleasantly warm but yet not insufferable as the climate in the Amedio region can be.
The city is torn between the merry preparations for the Locustfall festival, a celebration of the fall of the demonlord Deskari, and the recent news about one of the Sasserine Nobles.
Keltar Islaran, noble representative of the Azure district and Harbormaster of the city is dead, and despite the city watch efforts to keep people quiet about it murmurs from the streets talk about murder, and a gruesome one at that.
It's in these strange days that you are approached by a Wizened-looking Halfling woman.
She introduce herself as Kora Whistlegap maid of the Vanderboren family.
With her she carries a letter that she hand to you smiling.
As you read the letter, the halfling remains there waiting for your answer and making herself available for any question.
Ismaire takes and reads the letter closely. When she finishes, she looks to the halfling. "I just have a couple questions. What kind of attire should I wear to this event? And would I be allowed to bring my pet with me? He doesn't do very well being on his own in the city."
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The old halfling lose her color for a moment.
"the pet.. I.. I presume so... also the inner garden is beside the Dining room. Now that I think of it .. what does it eats?"
You can swear you hear her whispering to herself "not halflings I hope"
But after her first moment of panic she seems to calm down and a smile returns on her face.
"I don't think a particular attire would be required. I presume mistress Lavinia desires to offer you a job. It would not be a particularly formal occasion."
"Any sort of meat will do. And you may tell Lavinia Vanderboren that I accept, and will meet her tomorrow evening."
Erick removes his boots, as requested, and follows her through the house.
Upon entering the room, he removes his armored coat, hangs it on a coat rack (assuming there is one), removes his sword belt and pistol belt, and then hangs them both on the coat rack as well. Finally, his hat tops it all off.
Then he bows to the man, and takes a similar position across from him, in lotus (should still be possible even with a breastplate on).
"You discern that which others do not notice. I am, indeed, Erick Bonestihl." He replies, nodding his head once.
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@Erick
The man does not smile, as a matter of fact his face is an imperturbable mask of severity and inscrutable countenance, but you can tell he is somewhat pleased to see you.
"I used to know your parents, and I saw you in this very manor, probably at a too early age to be remembered. I heard of you when you returned to Sasserine, and I am glad to see that despite being orphaned at such a young age you managed to find guidance and develop a proper discipline. Ever since, I imagined that one day or another you might be tempted to return here and see what happened to your family former estate."
The man pauses for a minute and looks into your eyes with a sharp inquisitive gaze.
"Or perhaps there is something more behind your visit?"
"I see. I am pleased that someone my parent's knew, and whom they liked, took possession of the home. Obviously, there is some thought to one day repurchasing the home, should it come up for sale. There is also the desire to clear my father's name. I'm afraid I was not very observant when younger, and so the details were beyond my younger mind. However, my father did swear to me on his life blood that he was not a traitor to the city. I believe that, and I would like to prove it, if possible. However, I'll need to pull at those threads carefully, obviously." He tilts his head to one side. "For now though, I'm afraid I'm rather embroiled in something more pressing, given it's a matter of someone else's life and death."
"I see. I was wanting to see the old place, relive some memories. One of these days I might make you an offer on the place."
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@Erick:
The men appears sincere to you. But as you mention clearing your father's name and him swearing his innocence to you something seems to change in his imperturbable expression.
"I feel a lot depends on what it mean to be a traitor of the city I presume. I think your father was truly an innocent man, but even assuming that he did what he is accused of... would bringing ruin to the admiralty be the act of a traitor, or the act of a hero?
Honestly I am saddened by his innocence. Your father was a good man who died for a false accusation, but I wish I could tell he was a hero and died as a martyr of the cause"
Nobody likes the Admiralty in Sasserine, but this kind of speech, linked to what your father is accused of seems to indicate if not affiliation at least strong sympathy for the cause of Cheliax.
Now that you have the chance to notice, for all the diversity present in Sasserine, the master, her apprentice, and even all the people you have seen immersed in meditation in the rooms you crossed strikes you as nothing but pure blood Chelaxians.
Without knowing, you may very well be in the nest of the Chelaxians supremacists.
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Vanderboren's Mansion is located in the eastern section of the Merchant district; the seven foot high stone walls that surrounds the estate are impossible to miss, as is the towering, gothic, three-story house that dominates the grounds within. Leering Gargoyles and capering nynphs festoon the eaves of the manor's roof, and several trees give the manor grounds a nice buffer from the bustle of the city.
The front gates have been left open for you and after a few seconds after approaching the mansion the big wooden doors opens and the Halfling Maid smiles at you.
"Oh .. you arrived.. welcome welcome!" she says joyfully gesturing you to follow her. As she leads you through the corridors.
you can see Vanderboren Mansion is bursting with activity. A lot of decorations for the incoming Locustfall festival have been prepared but also you see a lot of young boys working here, possibly reformed street children.
At the end of the corridors Kora leads you to a dining room and upon entering, Kora announces. "Young mistress, lady Ismaire Vancil has arrived."
The private dining hall is comfortable and cozy, softly lit by wall-mounted lanterns.
A window overlooks the manor's central courtyard and the carpet is thick and soft.
A large portrait hangs on the wall, a fine work depicting a handsome young man with a short beard. Standing before the portrait is an attractive chelaxian woman wearing a long, flowing blue dress.
With her there is a man with impressive mustaches and round red cheeks and nose. he is dressed like a citywatch official.
The noblewoman smiles at you as you enter and says.
"Welcome to my home. I am Lavinia Vanderboren. I'm pleased to meet you. Please make yourself comfortable. A steak of beef is waiting for your companion in the inner garden" she says pointing at a door left open on the side where you can see the inner garden of the mansion. "Meanwhile our dinner will be served soon"
Ismaire excuses herself for a moment to make sure Cormag is comfortable outside. "Stay out here and don't break anything." The raptor calms down and starts walking around the grounds.
Ismaire returns to the room. "Thank you again for inviting me. It is a pleasure to be in such a lovely home."
Stood up on his chair and reaching for another steak is the portly figure of Bedu Bakandar. He grins as he finishes the motion expertly filling his plate.
"It pleases me greatly to see another guest at this poor table. I need help to ease its burden now that I intend to be Bedu the Slim! Lady Ismail join me. Please."
A short firecracker of a woman is balancing her chair on two legs, holding her arms out for balance. When Ismaire enters the room she doesn't look up or acknowledge her presence. Instead she says softly in evenly measured words. "My.Dear.Bedu.Please.Don't.Shake.The-"
She loses the balance game as the chair falls backwards towards the floor. The fiery redhead hops up into the air as the chair bangs to the floor, landing on her feet. She looks over at her employer and frowns as she finishes her sentence. "Table."
Her frown vanishes as she swivels to the newcomer and tips her tricorn. "Ah, there she is. I heard there might be another joining us this evening."
Without taking her eyes off the newcomer, she picks up the chair and whispers to Lavinia, "Apologies.
Ismaire turns to the two party members. "It is quite nice to meet you both. I am Ismaire Vancil. And you both are?"
A young man sits, staring at his plate of untouched food, lost in thought, poking at his potatoes with his fork, and frowning. The man is in his mid or late twenties, and despite the frown has a rather pleasant face - one that Ismaire can tell has lived comfortably. Looking up, the man notices Ismaire and the frown fades, a look of surprise replacing it.
Standing, the man puts down his fork and absentmindedly wipes his hands on his breeches, although they aren't dirty. Ismaire notices that although the man is tall and has an athlete's physique, he's become a little thick around the middle, love handles and a beer gut straining at his plain white shirt. Stammering a little, the man gives Ismaire a quick bow and says, "Oh! Ah, hello there! I'm Gavin. The acrobat is Tessa Fairwind. The little fellow is Bedu the Barber, a man who's charm and coolness under stress belies his stature. Our fourth is Erick Bonestihl, who is around here somewhere...
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The guardsman at the table laughs heartily at Tessa losing her balance, after recomposing himself he addresses Ismaire.
"Pleased to meet you. Sergeant Oswald Karras of the marked district City watch. I have heard from the Colleagues from sunrise district that you recently obtained a permit for wild animals and .. that sure is one magnificent beast, quite a feat must have been to tame such a savage wonder. That's what I thought when Lavinia was asking me about someone with ..." The guard interrupts his non-stopping stream of words and reddens even more than usual. "Oh I'm sorry Lavinia, looks like I can't help but talk too much. This is your speech to make.." he says and he soon resume stuffing his talkative mouth with a plate of Grilled Vegetables.
Lavinia chuckles a little seeing the embarrassment of the big man.
Then she takes the lead.
"I recently introduced five new people to my entourage, Bedu, Gavin, Tessa, Erick and Kutsya. they have proved to be incredible troubleshooters and helped me deal with some difficult situations I had to face, mainly linked to the death of my parents and the choice of my brother to resort to a life of crime.
It is apparent that my brother joined a criminal guild named the Lotus Dragon. As much as many in the city watch would like to stop them, they are put both by internal regulations of the watch and possibly by someone moving some political strings, in a condition where they are not able to intervene. Now, apparently the Lotus Dragon has heavy ties with the animal smugglers and it is said that they keep several dangerous creatures in their guildhall wherever this is.
Also, Kutsya informed me that she might be willing to re-evaluate her line of work. She was kinda indecisive from the start and I don't blame her for having second thoughts. she is currently helping me translating some texts from Sylvan, and will probably not be involved with the attempts to capture my brother. Given that we are a man down and that there is a high probability this company will have to deal with wild creatures, both in this endeavor and in a future project I am preparing myself for, I figured out to ask my friend Oswald if there was the possibility to contact someone with a license for handling exotic animals hoping you would be willing to enter my employ and join this company. I'm sure that you will have lots of questions before even considering this offer, and for this reason I hoped to have some of your possible future colleagues, so you could meet them and ask both me and them any question you would deem necessary to take a decision."
Erick looks at the man, and chooses the words he would have chosen if the man had been lying. Best to be circumspect with those who might have cause to think they are worth more alive than others. "Well, it's entirely possible that was his meaning, that he was not guilty of treason only. I honestly don't know, that is something I intend to find out. Anyway, I have taken enough of your time, good sir. I simply found myself needing to see the old house again. It seems you are taking good care of it." He politely takes his leave, unless stopped.
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Erick comes in just as Gavin says '..around somewhere...'. "Well, we are all around somewhere, Gavin. That's sort of like saying there is someone plotting to steal something within the city." Erick comments dryly. "Good evening, whoever you are. I'm Erick Bonestihl." The man bows.
Erick takes his long coat off, and his weapons, and hangs the coat on the coat hook. The weapons are hung from his chair. The armor stays on his chest. He looks at the marks on the table. "Ah, I see Tessa has been destroying the furniture again." He says with a rolled eye.
When the watchman begins talking, Erick snorts. "I had wondered who left the overgrown housecat outside. I hope it doesn't eat halflings..."
Erick takes the news that Kutsya has declined to continue traveling with them with equanimity. Not the first person in my life to come in and vanish, won't be the last... He thinks to himself.
Ismaire takes in what Lavinia said and thinks for a moment. "That seems interesting, but quite dangerous. You are lucky I like dangerous." Ismaire takes an empty seat.
"I like steak. Does your companion have a name and does he share my love of steak because they are selling fast. Here take two just to be safe. Never know where the rest may go?" chortles the happy halfling.
"Pleasure Ismaire, welcome to our rag-tag band of helpful hands!"
Turning to her employer she shakes her slowly, "Shame about the white haired one but glad she is still in your employ and helping out."
Tessa blatanty ignores Erick's furniture comment.
Turning to Bedu Tessa laughs and says, "Bedu, our professional conniseur of food, is correct about the food. We are extremely fortunate to have a chance to be at this table."
Tessa returns her chair to the table and resumes eating.
Ismaire looks out the window to see Cormag running around with the steak in his mouth. "My companions is Cormag, and he has stronger love of steak than you do." Ismaire chcukles as she turns to face Tessa. "Thank you, I'm sure we will become good friends." Ismaire fills her plate with a few small things to eat, and takes her time eating only taking a bite every few moments.
Gavin sits again, forcing himself to be a little more attentive, and less morose, in the company of the new visitor. Well, then. Well met, Ismaire. I was just mulling over what we do next, and as you will be joining us, and everyone is here..." The young man trails off, a little nervousness showing on his face.
"Ahem. I'd like to go to the Taxidermist's Shop, and see if there is any smoke to that fire. Once in, I don't care how we do it - by trick or fist - but I'd like to reconnoiter the place thoroughly, and see if the rumors are true that the Dragons are connected to the place."
"What's up Gavin? You look like a beggar with a hole in his tin cup. Tell Bedu what is wrong so that he can help a little."
Gavin sits silently for a minute, looking at the table. Eventually he puts his hands, palm down on the table, and leans into them, lowering his head to Bedu's level, more or less. The words come out clipped and short, "Kersh. Refton. He's a Dragon. And, he burned down my parents' tavern. I'd like to take payment out of his hide."
Pulling his hands back from the table, Gavin leans back and closes his eyes, exhaling. Speaking the words - that he wants to cause Refton harm - he feels better already.
"I'm sorry for your loss. I can see that these criminals need to be found and stopped. I will help you all stop these people from what they are doing." Ismaire looks towards Gavin and gives him a reassuring smile. She sits back in her chair, her appetite all but gone.
Erick nods. "We'll get them, and if the watch won't do it, we'll replace the watch while we're at it." He nods toward the watchman. "Wont' do any good to get rid of the crooks, if we leave the corrupt watchmen in place." Obviously he isn't intending the guest as one of the corrupt ones. "We'll need to know who can be trusted in the watch, if anyone else can be." Then he begins digging into the dinner, stoking up for the work to come.
Tessa takes a break from eating to look to Gavin and shakes her head. "Oh don't you worry my friend, we'll be sure to be exacting plenty of hide. Trust you me!"
Looking over to Ismaire, "Ok so you are new to the group. There are some fundamentals you should probably know before we get too far along."
Tessa clears her throat, "First. When the s@@$ is about to hit the fan and we're in deep trouble, we have a code phrase we use to signal to our group that trouble is up. It's. Smelly Fishballs. Crucial that you know this my dear."
"You should also be aware that most of what comes out of Tessa's mouth amounts to Smelly Fishballs." Erick says dryly.
Bedu stops eating. Then he carries on again listening to the rest and nodding at the important code word.
Ismaire sees Tessa's grin and plays along.
Ismaire watches as the group discusses the codeword and giggles at Erick's remark. "I will make sure to remember that." Ismaire pauses for a moment and smirks. "Try teaching that to Cormag."
Gavin
Bedu turns back to the happy Ismaire and finds a small custard tart for her, "tell us the tale of your past and how you came to be a handler of exotic creatures."