JJ notes Ryan checking out the new lady.
"Her name is Celeste." he offers.
"Do you know her?" he eagerly adds.
I ought to feel nervous.. but I don't not around her.
"Think I should go over and talk with her?"
Lets hope it ends better than the last one. Not that she was necessarily a murderer...
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Marigold blushes a little at Maxim's good-natured jest. "N-no...it's n-not l-like that," she whispers. "H-he's m-my friend, you know? I g-guess in a lot of ways we grew up t-together, like s-siblings..." She glances over at JJ as he finishes speaking with Orin and heads back towards the table. "I j-just worry about him...he's n-not like R-Ruben and I d-don't want some f-floozy t-to break his heart." She quickly looks down as JJ rejoins them, but not before shooting Maxim and the others a warning look to not mention what she'd just shared.
When the talk turns to poison, she quickly looks back up again. "I've g-got some th-things that would h-help. That potion we f-found in uh...c-can't remember if it was J-Jzadirune or M-Malachite, b-but it'll s-slow the effects of p-poison. And I've g-got one vial of antitoxin that I b-bought earlier." If anyone looks surprised at her latter comment, she offers an indignant look in return. "H-hey! I d-didn't know w-what we'd r-run into and s-so I th-thought b-better safe than s-sorry!"
"As f-far as anyone p-passing away that lived c-close to B-bluecrater, um..." the halfling scrunches her face up in thought.
"N-no clue...I'd n-need m-maybe a n-name or s-something m-more t-to go on," she says with a shake of her head.
Meanwhile, Celeste, only transmits peace. Although she seemed to take instant attention to JJ at first sigth.
Taking his plate and a mug of somewhat fresh milk, JJ moves over towards where Celeste is sitting.
"Mind if I join you?" he asks, waiting for her ascent before taking a seat.
"Are you travelling to Cauldron?" he tries, a slightly forced opening gambit.
Juraan casually watches JJ to see if any clues to the plot result.
While he's observing JJ, he'll casually remark to Marigold:
« JJ mai stancu di parla a li dami, ùn si? »
Celeste keeps looking straight at JJ's eyes as he approaches and nods in acceptance for him to sit "In fact I am."
"Do you mind if I ask your name? Mine is Celeste" says the woman "Are you a worker here in the inn?"
You do catch Sara Marsh looking at JJ and Celeste with a sad look while she serves the tables.
People in the inn start to gather up once again to have lunch. Sara and her mother bring dishes with stew and potatoes.
JJ takes a seat.
"I'm JJ." he pauses for a moment "JJ Surabar."
He smiles at the question about working in the inn.
"No, I'm just here with friends for a couple of days. I come from Cauldron myself. If you would like a guide around the city then I'd be happy to show you some of the sights."
He pauses for a moment, and takes a sip from his mug.
"Do you mind if I ask what takes you to Cauldron?"
As the others filter down into the dining area, Ryan waits and takes a seat next to the well dressed man.
"Well met stranger, I'm a cleric from the Church of St Cuthbert in Cauldron, traveling with friends of mine. What brings you to the Lucky Monkey?"
If the man is amiable enough, Ryan will ask about his trip so far and where he's heading, nothing two travelers wouldn't normally be discussing over a meal.
Juraan will whisper at the others who are with him:
"Looks like Sara does not approve of Celeste."
"That might just mean she's on the game."
Celeste smiles in reply and looks around for JJ's friends "That will be interesting. It has been a long time since I have last been in Cauldron and a good guide would serve me"
There is a special stress and intonation on the word good.
"There are some business that call me in Cauldron. Boring things about nobles and such, nothing that will probably interest a young lad" she laughs on saying this "Are you and your friends some kind of adventurers? I could not avoid seeing you are armed and Orin commented some business yesterday night with magic involved"
------------------
As Ryan approaches the rich man recoils at his sit. He observes Ryan attentively and says without greetings "I cannot see any of Abadar's symbols in your clothing." without answering the cleric's question.
"Oh? " says JJ
"When were you last there? Did you come for the festivals?"
When she asks about his friends, he gestures over to the other table.
"There were a couple of thieves that tried to break into my room. I chased them down, and Juraan used some magic to knock them out. "
Seeing he was on a roll, he admits
"We are not really adventurers. But we did explore some old gnomish ruins, and free the Machalite hold from some goblins. "
He quickly adds
"We were not really adventuring though. Some of my little brothers and sisters had gone missing, and we were trying to find them. Well, we did find them. "
At the mention of the nobles his ears picks up. "I know a bit about some of the noble families. I'm a direct descendant of Surabar himself. Although I'm the last member of my direct family..."
Maxim sits watching the various conversations unfold and enjoying Juraan's whispered commentary.
He chuckles at the working girl assumption;
"If she is... she'll be darn expensive. Reckon Lil' Sara has a touch o' the green eyed monster; she's a soft spot for Surabar and his fawning o'er the blonde ain't unnoticed!"
:
The gun-mage spears another piece of blood sausage waving it briefly toward where Ryan sits;
"Surabar, at least, is charming his mark. Taskerhill seems to have put his off breakfast by the look of it! Har!"
"Hè primurosu di sorta di novi...ma iò nun pò rispunsevuli cumplitamenti Ruben, no sacciu ca tutti à circa chi età...er..." she responds back to Juraan, fidgeting a little bit as she realizes that she herself is technically included in her statement.
"Ahem! Anyway...a w-working g-girl, really?" she continues quickly, shaking her head in amazement. "A-after you m-made fun of my s-suggestion about the m-married couple...sh-she doesn't l-look like the type at all!"
"It's actually s-sort of new...b-but I c-can't completely b-blame R-Ruben, we're all at about that age...er..."
Not put off a bit by the question Ryan deftly reaches and retrieves his key that hangs at his neck continually. "This is with me always, and my shield bears his symbol proudly. It feels natural within my shirt as while traveling it would not do well to have it clatter on my breastplate. You know the church there well?"
"Sara clearly disapproves of Celeste talking with JJ."
"We should ask her why."
With that, Juraan casually waves to Sarah to order a pint (or something).
"Many years ago..." answers Celeste melancholic "Oh, yes, the Flood Festival, that should be in around a month or so, isn't it? It is always a good time for social dealings"
The blond woman listens attentive JJ's story about the rescue at the Malachite and the motivations of the group "Oh, and you risked your life for some friends? That's very kind-hearted... "
When she overhears the surname Surabar you can see how her face goes pale.
"Did Nabthatoron not kill all the last bits of the Surabar family decades ago?" asks Celeste to JJ.
As the merchant sees the sacred symbol at Ryan's hand he seems to breath calmer "Sorry for being so rude, but the roads are dangerous and you should never trust who you find there" he makes a pause before continuing "My name is Adou Milani, and I am travelling back to Cauldron. I have a business and need some minerals. The mines in Cauldron are large and productive"
The waitress approaches Juraan and asks "Yes? Another beer perhaps?"
Kikinnin watches as everyone sinks their teeth into various conversations. He eyes JJ engaging with Celeste, Juraan welcoming Sara over, Ryan talking up the well-dressed man. The black-beard leans closer to blond-beard, and muses a little. "Should I be doing something here? Everyone's feeding the birds, seems like the ground's covered." He picks over his meat cut, jabbing a fork into a bloody bit, then chewing on it for a little too long.
"I can't see anyone else who feels funny. Just the one with the scar." He takes a draught, then gets the rest of the gamy baboon down. "Guess we wait, eh?"
Odd. almost like she doesn't like Surabar's
"Who is Nabthatoron ?" asks JJ concerned.
"My parents were killed by demons when I was still a babe. I would have been too, but my uncle was visiting and he killed the demons."
<- who is Nabthatoron ?
"I'm sure that most people would risk their lives for their friends. Wouldn't you have done the same? And it is not like I went there by myself. There were half a dozen of us."
He leans closer.
"It's much easier to be brave in numbers you know."
Why did I say that? She sure is easy to talk to
Looking around the room he asks "Are you really travelling alone? It's just that... well, the road is a little dangerous. Most people travel in groups..just in case."
Addressing Sara:
"Another beer would be lovely."
"And one more for my friend Marigold, here."
Then in a hushed tone:
"You were saddened about our friend JJ over there speaking to Celeste."
"Why would that be? We grew up together in an orphanage."
"We look out for one other."
"Well met Master Milani, I am Ryan Taskerhill, depending on what minerals you seek it may well be my family you will be dealing with. As you said the roads can be a dangerous place to travel, perhaps when we return to Cauldron you'd wish to join with our group? If you don't mind my asking what minerals are you searching for within Cauldron, if my family doesn't deal in them perhaps I can point you in the right direction; or if not me Master Snapchance over there has many connections as well that may benefit you and your business." Ryan indicates Maxim with a wave of his hand yet continues to watch the man as he talks about what kind of business he has.
"Oh, um...th-thanks," Marigold replies as Juraan orders up a beer for her as well as himself. Although she's fairly certain she knows the answer to the question he poses to Sara, she opts to simply sip at her drink and let the girl explain for herself.
As good a way to kill time as any I guess, she muses to herself. And it can't hurt. Maybe Ryan or JJ will learn something useful.
JJ have no idea whom that name belongs to. Then Celeste speaks again "You will not trust, but most people will not risk their lifes ultimately when it comes to the safety of others, even close ones. They will find excuses, strong reasons not to do it..." she says "But sometimes a lone figure can move easily than under numbers"
"Nabthatoron..." she looks at you very serious "He is the glabrezu demon that leaded the hosts that controlled the region of Cauldron by the time the first humans founded Sasserine and Spellmanson Surabar came to the area and founded Redgorge"
"Spellmanson defeated him in combat and ever since he has looked for the doom of all his kin" she looks deep at JJ's eyes and adds "If I wanted not to call the attention of Nabthatoron and his minions, I would not be telling strangers in the road I am a Surabar"
The man seems even more calmer "Oh, are you perhaps one Taskerhill? I would need iron, coal and some phosphor."
"I would really appreciate if you could escort me to the city. I was trying not to call the attention of bandits and the like, and they are not usual around Cauldron, but you never know..." he finishes.
The girl goes all red "W-wait. No-no, I am not sad. I am not. He can go talk whomever he wants to. Why should I bother with it?!" she leaves a beer in the table and goes back very angry.
"I will find this Nabthatoron!" says JJ, with all the earnest confidence of his youthful years.
"I have been reading all I can about demons..."
He thinks a bit about Glabrezu.
"One day I hope to be a wizard!" he adds, before patting his swords. "But for the moment, these are my best ally. "
His face however grows serious. "How do you know these things? Are you a scholar of ancient lore? I always wondered why demons would bother with my parents, it sounds like you have answered one mystery for me at least."
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Maxim chuckles as his companions continue their conversations with mixed fortunes, continuing his commentary with Kikinnin;
"Good to know brodir. Your kenning of character is quite the boon... you'd do well as a merchant if you ever decide to fleece customers instead of congregations! Har!"
The gun-mage flashes his fellow dwur a grin, the nods across to Ryan as he gestures;
"Ho-ho. Movement at Taskerhill's table! Tipping the nod to me means he's found a source of coin I reckon..."
His thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Sara, her words with Juraan, and petulant departure.
Maxim taps his own flagon, with a wink toward the others sitting with him;
"Master Juraan. Remind me to never engage you to broker my own affairs of the heart!"
"If Surabar had not already been besotted with the comely blonde, the pretty waitress would have made him a fitting beau... Leastways until you fanned her jealous fires into an inferno!"
Kikinnin begins to brood a little, happy enough for those getting to know a broader circle of folk, less happy that they still haven't seen the connection promised by Vhalentru. He does his best to position himself in the main room with sightlines on all sets of stairs leading to the second floor.
He continues to cover 60' out, allowing his Look to sniff over any newcomers that might prove to be the puzzle pieces that lock together with Scar and his second. He does his Looking over a fresh cup of cider, to lend to the old-man leering appearance.
"A scholar? Well, yes, you can say that I have an interest in the topic" she smiles as JJ pads his swords "Wizardry takes time and effort, but I am sure one with innate power can master the energies inside himself with some guidance"
As time passes the Sun starts to set in the horizon. Orin walks around the crowded room lighting the candles. Shensen comes out of her shrine and asks for some food.
The fine dressed trio from Sasserine come downstairs from their rooms and greeting Marigold walk out of the building.
"Well..." says JJ.
"Learning wizardry is my long term ambition. The family name is a powerful one, and should be restored!"
Well.. she probably wants me to ask about her. Didn't Ruben say something about that.
"If you don't mind my asking, who are you visiting in Cauldron?"
he continues, fishing for conversation with the woman he just feels so comfortable around.
Juraan shrugs at Sarah's reaction.
"So much for that idea."
"How's your beer, Marigold?"
"S-Sara, w-wait..." Marigold begins, but too late - the young girl had already flounced away. She sighs at Juraan. "G-good j-job...n-now we'll b-be lucky if she'll t-talk to any of us."
She glances down at the half-empty mug of beer in her hand. "B-but s-since you asked, this is actually p-pretty good! M-might have to h-have one a little m-more often, once we get b-back to C-Cauldron."
As time passes and nothing untoward or unusual seems to occur, Marigold wracks her brain trying to remember if there were any other clues or information given to them from their meeting with Vhalantru.
It was...a group contracted for the assassination, right? she muses, absently waving and offering a passing 'Hello' as the trio from Sasserine greet her on their way out of the Lucky Monkey. Something Brotherhood.....Crimson? No...was it Blood? No...but that's close...
Then it clicks. Scarlet. The Scarlet Brotherhood!
"Hsst!" she hisses to get the attention of Juraan and the two dwarves. "V-Vhalantru t-told us the S-Scarlet B-Brotherhood were the ones contracted to m-meet this informant, wh-whoever they are. D-do any of you kn-know anything about them?"
"I'm sure we can supply the items you need or point you in the right direction should a different quality be needed. We'll let you know before we head back, our business here should be concluded before too long."
Ryan will move over to the others advising them of what he found out about the merchant and Ryans's offer for him to travel with them to Cauldron.
"Perhaps you know what he would be working on, he has need of coal, iron and phosphor." Ryan ask Maxim and Kikinnin...
When the Scarlet Brotherhood is brought up, Ryan tries to remember if the church has had any dealings with them over the years.
or anything his father might have told him growing up about them
You have never heard about the Scarlet Brotherhood.
You remember nothing about the Scarlet Brotherhood. Weird enough, the name seems familiar to you, like if you have heard of it before.
Celeste ponders the question for a while then lowering her voice she adds "Darkness is descending over the caldera. I can't tell what exactly is happening, but I can feel it. I need go there and discover the truth"
Just after dinner the man with the scar and his companion step out of the inn and walk away.
JJ's eyes open wide. He drops his voice to match hers "Most people try to avoid darkness..." he notes. Then, bunching up his courage he adds "I feel very... comfortable around you. Are you some type of holy warrior in disguise?"
"It's n-no use...I c-can't th-think of anything useful," Marigold sighs with frustration. As more people begin to filter out as the day wears on she finally looks at Maxim, a small bit of desperation in her eyes. Catching would-be assassins certainly wasn't what she'd expected to be spending her time doing as an adult, but if she had to do it then she was bound and determined to do the best job that she knew how! "I g-give up, I c-can't th-think of anything else to t-try without h-having to sp-spy on anyone! P-pick a r-room or p-place and m-make me small; I'll t-try to f-find out what I c-can!"
Maxim mulls the list of ingredients that Ryan drew from the merchant;
From the ingredient list, you would tell the merchant's business have something to do with forging steel.
The woman replies with a smile, then looks around "There are plenty of ears and eyes around" she pauses taking JJ's hand "I can feel your celestial blood running through your veins. Keep yourself safe JJ. Perhaps we can talk more freely the next time we met" she stands up "I am tired, and I have to continue my travel tomorrow early morning. It was good to met you JJ"
She makes a greeting and walks upstairs. Her figure and alluring manners catching the attention of most of the inn.
"How about the fellow with the scar and his companion?"
"Not the least bit sociable, those two."
"Can't really discount them, can we?"
JJ looks puzzled at Celeste, and at her sudden exit from the room.
Somewhat surprised he heads back to the others table.
"She is going to Cauldron too. I said we might travel with her but...." he shakes his head.
"Isn't she nice?"
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Kikinnin downs his fourth spiced mead, taking in the room in narrower and narrower patches. He watches as Scar and Sidekick leave the Lucky Monkey, having interacted with no one, as far as he could tell. We're supposed to 'see' a meeting of two sides in this, aren't we? He looks over to Maxim discussing materials with Ryan, while Marigold starts to meet his level of frustration in seeking out anything of substance in this goose chase.
When JJ comes back to the table, Kikinnin snorts. "Looks like you can juggle a search for assassins with fine asses, eh? Any luck on sussing out the treachery, or have you already set your sights on seeing the filly back to Cauldron?"
Maxim nods at Ryan;
"He's looking to forge steel I reckon. Might be an opportunity to work with the Forges of The Malachite..."
His chain of thought broken by Kikinnin's cutting remark at young Surabar's attempted dalliance with the comely blonde.
The gun-mage suppresses a harsh laugh, then claps black-beard's broad shoulder;
"Easy brodir. Lad got his dander up... or tried to at least... Better we act natural like love sick puppies, members o' the faith and such, rather than whispering in corners eh?"
Reading the frustration building he nods toward the door with a wry lilt to his words;
"How about we set off after Scar-face and his cohort? There are bugbears abroad and they looked vulnerable like..."
As Maxim comments his idea, you recall in your observations that none of the groups was carrying luggage or closing up the account in the counter before leaving the inn. They appeared to leave on a walk.
The last ones finish their dinner while the night closes outside.
Despite his rough attempts to put things together, Kikinnin hears Maxim call for activity, then slowly understands the subterfuge required to sniff after quarry without being obvious. "Bugbears. Right." The black-beard gathers his items, smiling broadly at blond-brother. "Wouldn't want their deaths on our consciences. Dangerous business wandering about like that."
Kikinnin is ready to leave for a 'walk', when the others are.
"None of the other guests left with their luggage. Nor paid their tabs."
"But they've all gone for a walk. A bit odd with talk of bugbears about."
"We could either follow them, or try to search their unattended goods while they're out."
"I was just checking out her story.." says JJ, perhaps a hint of whine in his voice.
"And I was not checking out or ass." though perhaps there may be just the smallest hint of red about his cheeks as he says this.
As talk moves more onto the real business he adds"I can go follow one of the groups if you like. Which one do you think if the best bet?"
"Th-that's r-right..." Marigold nods slowly, ignoring the talk of JJ and the pretty blonde woman. "Th-there's s-supposed to b-be a m-meeting b-between the a-assassins and their c-contacts!" She looks at JJ and the others. "W-we'll l-likely f-find out m-more if we f-follow them b-because they'll b-both have to m-meet up s-somewhere. B-but p-peeking around in their r-rooms isn't a b-bad idea either. C-can we d-do b-both, and f-fast?"
JJ nods to Marigold.
"I'll go outside, you check out the rooms."
After a day of relaxing, the young man is full of energy and heads to the door in a bit of a hurry.
"I think Scarface and his friend are likely."
"Mostly because they didn't mingle at all."
"Should one of us stay behind to check rooms?"
All in a hurry JJ gets out of the inn before it is too late to act!
Outside the night is dark an cold. Away of the inn's windows the only light is that one of the stars. The horses seems calm in the stable.
You cannot see anyone far from the courtyard, but a set of recent foot steps seem to venture into the jungle instead of the road you would have expected for a calm walk.
As JJ rushes past, Maxim grabs his gear and hustles after him with a look to his comrades and a growled curse;
"Grrrr. Impetuous boy!"
Once outside in the cold and dark, JJ slows down. Secretly relieved at Maxim's arrival, JJ points to the tracks.
"Into the jungle.." he whispers.
Quietly he starts after them.
GM Aerondor
Jarreck Lightfoot