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The gun-mage frowns in thought as his stogie glows red;
"Huh... Business is business I reckon... Lessen' its just Surabar chasin' skirts he can't afford..."
Maxim blows a smoke ring and nods to his bror;
"Agreed. We put things to bed here in the city, then next time we have a spell that don't involve civic duty, church business or affairs o' the heart we'll head back to the deep..."
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Kikinnin barks a stunted laugh. "'skirts he can't afford'... that's ripe." The black-beard pokes a finger through the smoke ring, without disturbing it, before tapping his finger along the side of his nose.
"Suppose I'll wear my wedding clothes to this dinner, and enjoy a hearty meal for a day's labor.' Kikinnin spends a little time helping in the rubble, before returning to the Church.
Later in the evening, he travels to visit Gemma in the Cathedral of Wee Jas. He pays his respects, in both word and coin, lingering a little to talk pleasantries with Ike, should the second-in-command be available. For a Church worshipping Pharasma, he inquires about the lives lost during the Flooding, as well as any new reports from the Umber Hulk's destruction.
When he's able to sit with his sister, Kikinnin spends his time talking about Far, and his Axe becoming a kind of focus through which he might be able to touch on the heart of his family, beyond. He catches his Gemma up on the recent events, taking out his nail file, and manicuring the girl's as he's done before. He hesitates to take his gloves off, at first, but chides himself when he realizes his sister won't be able to pat his own hands. Without the gloves on, it's easier to handle the thin metal, and he makes quick work of the grooming.
He whispers a promise to keep coming back and checking on her, and promises her a patience, that he'll welcome her back in her own time. For her mind to need healing through hiding, he doesn't want to spook her into longer times away.
Gemma is paler and thiner than normal, but she breaths steady. At some point during Kikinnin's explanations he thinks Gemma moves a finger like she was really listening to him, she seems to breath with difficulty, and when Kikinnin approaches his head to hers she can leasing her mumbling "...mind the... doppleganger..." she then chokes for a second and returns to her vegetative state.
Building inquiries at the Major's Office:
After checking the properties on sell you note the new taxes announced during the Demonskar ball have been applied and find out the following:
[list]
The next day you do walk into Obsidian Avenue Northeast, which reveals an ivi-covered, cross-shaped building with a circular tower that stretches as tall as the city walls. An engraved sign on the ironbound door says "C.o.S.--Members Only". Soft laughter and music can be heard from within.
A knock in the door is met by an immense bald man in light blue robes "You are the umber hulk people. I'm Renjin, welcome to the Cup of Sunrise"
He stands there waiting behind the doors with polite manners. The bald man looks at you and waits.
"Ta! Thanks for welcoming us", says Juraan, who walks in casually.
That would've been the day before this fancy meeting via Celeste.
JJ smiles, wearing his best outfit and gingerly crosses the threshold.
He is dressed well, but not quite so done up as he did for the ball. Still, the young man has bathed, shaved, brushed his hair and put on some nice clothing.
"We are those people. And here to see Celeste."
Kikinnin audibly gasps as he hears his sister speak for the first time in a while. Each of the three words is etched deeply in his mind, as a man's tongue absorbs the first drips of water as he emerges from the desert.
He considers shaking his sister for more words, and possibly an opened eye, but it takes every last bit of his will to keep himself from doing so.
...
"You are the umber hulk people. I'm Renjin. Welcome to the Cup of Sunrise."
Kikinnin looks up at the immense man, looking him up and down for an extended hand waiting to be shaked. When none is found, the black-beard pats him on the forearm, stepping forward and past the blue-robed doorman. He searches his pocket, pulling a silver coin and trying to press it into Renjin's hand.
"Here you go. I hear that fancy places like this, you have to tip every runner. You enjoy yourself a dram or two." He waves the others to enter, having already covered the first runner.
"So, if we're expected, and you know us, and you know the one who invited us, can you point us in the right direction?"
Maxim arrives in good time, having first paid a visit to a Ghelve where the locksmith used the Prestidigitation cantrip to ensure the gun-mage's clothing was spotless.
He eyes his fellow dwur with a wry look;
Silver won't cut it here bror...
The blonde-beard nods at the doorman, then follows his fellow Cauldron Watchers inside.
Renjin seems uncomfortable when Kikinnin pads his shoulder but politely smiles at him. He does also accept the coin which magically seems to disappear as it reaches his hand.
The man does remain in the doorstep barring the pass to the group. He nods to JJ "Indeed Celeste waits for you all"
You do sense the man is expecting something for you and it seems it was not the coin Kikinnin gave, but his politeness seem to hold him from directly requesting it for some reason.
You do know entrance to the Cusp is only under strict invitation.
Cusp dressing etiquette: Noble's outfit or masterwork (or better) light armor and at least 100 gp of visible jewelry. Melee weapons and light armor are perfectly acceptable accessories in the Cusp of Sunrise, but shields or medium or heavy armor are considered a dress code violation. Ranged weapons are likewise frowned upon
JJ stops next to the man at the door and leans closer.
"Sorry, my first time here, so I'm not quite up on etiquette. Do you need our ... invitation, or is tipping expected?" he asks quietly.
The Drowning Morkoth Inn seems a popular place nowadays, full of merchants and travelling adventurers. The rooms are decorated with humorous paintings of Cauldron's legendary lake monster, a large morkoth.
After asking for Tyro, you are pointed towards a dwarf in a corner. He does greet you and smiles when you do request about the telescope "Sure, just follow me, I have some in my room where we can discuss about the price"The dwarf stands up and leads the way through the stairs "So... you are lover of the stars..."
"Curious about the stars. A lovely lady devoted to Desna I know is obviously fond of stars."
"A bit officious, this one. A bit too big to argue with, though."
Renjin takes the invitation from JJ's hands when he offers it, then moves out of the way and behind of the counter.
The man subtly opens a shelve full of collars, then looks at Juraan's fine jewels and says "A great choice of jewelry. I am sure the man will be successful today in his affairs in the Cusp"
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Kikinnin looks over Juraan and his jewels, while waiting to be shown to the audience with Celeste. I hope Celeste isn't as shallow as Renjin. The need for appearances is tiresome. Why can't intentions be plain? Why can't folk wear their own faces? oooo. Ooooooooo. What if someone's wearing someone else's face here? Ooooooo.
Kikinnin grows introspective, and simply watches folk for the time-being, not interested in engaging in conversations with anyone but who summoned them.
Maxim eyes the huge doorman mulling the situation;
:
The gun-mage frowns and whispers to his companions;
"They expect us garbed like nobles, with finery on show an' while weapons an' light armours are acceptable - anything heavier or for ranged purposes ain't..."
The dwur looks to his own countenance; Mithril chain, a hybrid garb of explorer and artisan with shortsword and pistol at his hip.
"Huh. Reckon I ain't cutting their exacting standards..."
He shoots a jaundiced look toward the doorman;
"Either the Cusp waivers its exactin' standards or I'll be steppin' down the road to surroundin's more ribald I reckon..."
Ryan waits as JJ produces the invitation and their entrance was granted. Ryan, aware of the Cusp dress-code, would have advised the others prior to arrival. Casting Magic Vestment on his own outfit, due to the less than friendly nature of Cauldron these days.
"They expect us garbed like nobles, with finery on show an' while weapons an' light armours are acceptable - anything heavier or for ranged purposes ain't..."
Kikinnin brushes the dirt of his shoulder, but otherwise looks content enough in his finery to shuffle off to the meeting with Celeste, not terribly worried about any eyes, approving or not.
"Let's get this over with, then. There's a dinner promised to us, and I expect it will be a sight better fare than the Tipped Tankard does."
The black-beard pats his axe, glad to have polished it before attending this uppity house of nobles.
With Maxim's advice, JJ will ensure that he has his jewelery as well as the finery from the dance upon him. Strapped to either side will be his paired shortswords. Armor however he'll leave behind.
As they are shown to Celeste table, Ryan gives JJ a chance to speak first before he begins.
"Thank you Mistress Celeste for the invitation, it has been a varied path that we have walked since we last met at the not so aptly named Lucky Monkey, I hope you have been well."
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Although many things catch Marigold's eye as she peruses Skie's wares, she keeps coming back to a simple but elegant headband decorated with a celestial bodies motif.
"Um...I think you s-said earlier that this helps you have more p-presence, right?" she asks. "C-could always use the h-help...and the p-pattern on it is so p-pretty, too. I'll t-take it!"
For once, Marigold finds herself rather distracted and feeling a bit in awe of her new surroundings. First an invitation to the ball and now a personal invitation to the Cusp of Sunrise? If only her parents could see her now!
______
JJ happily leads his friends into the fine dining establishment.
With a nod to the doorman, he enters the room, looking around for the table of Celeste.
It doesn't take him long, or even his eyes. Somehow he just knows where she is, and in her presence a shy smile creeps onto his face.
Working his way past the other tables he heads in her direction, and with a bow offers "Good day Celeste! It is my pleasure to present to you... Cauldron's Watchers."
With good prior advise of Ryan Renjin has just to acknowledge the groups appropriate etiquette and let's you inside the Cusp "Celeste will join you shortly. Until then, make yourselves at home. As invited guests, you have access to all areas except for the east wing. You'll find the Grand Library through the door behind me. Good evening"
The center of the Cusp of Sunrise is a room some 100 feet across-a circular tower whose inside surface is covered with bookshelves and iron ladders on sliding rails. A score of nobles are present, but only a few are reading. Most are clustered in conversation as they sip wine from slender flutes. Others play a dice game at a series of circular tables. A few eat, using fine cutlery while ensconced in plush leather chairs. A harpsichord stands on a small stage to one side, but no one is playing it at present. Blue-robed servants scurry from noble to noble, appearing and disappearing through swinging doors to the north, south, east, and west.
You do recognize some of the rich people in the room, Beswink and Liorial Lathenmire, Vhalantru, Ankhin Taskerhill and Adrick Garthûn quickly calls your eye. And while they seem busy in private conversations you can observe they acknowledge some of you. Celeste is nowhere to be seen though.
"Thank you Renjin, we'll be on our best behavior. Lady Montajay, Gentlemen, shall we?" Ryan enters and after noticing those in attendance, he moves to the bar ordering wine, of a deep red coloring. Turning he nods his own acknowledgement to Uncle Ankhin and then Valantru, before nodding to the Lathenmires and Maxim's uncle. Unless he receives and indication from one of them, he will take his glass of red and peruse the library shelves looking for anything that might shed light on the history of Cauldron or the Ebon Triad.
<sigh>
JJ looks at the place in awe. He nods to Ryan. "I wonder if they have any lore about our demon friend that Maxium was disguised as.."
He slowly walks the shelves. This place is awsome. I wonder if it has useful things, or is more about politics and family histories
He slowly walks the walls, trying to get a feel for the types of books and how they might be ordered. Of particular interest is the early history of Cauldron, and the Surabar family.
Not really thinking, Marigold waves as a few familiar faces glance their way, then claps her hand over her mouth and turns red as she remembers that such a casual greeting is probably frowned on in a place like this. She glances nervously at Renjin, hoping he might not have noticed.
"Um...y-yes...I th-think I'll j-just find a nice b-book or something while we wait..." she squeaks. Now feeling quite out of place, the halfling approaches one of the shelves and quickly scans some of the titles, hoping a particularly juicy one might leap out and distract her.
Kikinnin finds himself attracted to the dice throwers, figuring it for a way to pass the time, if only looking over shoulders of the wagers to learn a new game.
As he saunters across the room, he nods where appropriate to those who expect some acknowledgement. He also takes a closer look at the food plates, expecting just as good a spread for the dinner Celeste will lay out for them shortly.
The black-beard smacks his lips, beginning to test his level of thirst. He expects he'll want to wait until the dinner itself to take advantage of the hostess's generosity.
Maxim enters, taking in the sulubrious surroundings as he walks with his companions.
When he notices his Uncle, the gun-mage tips him the nod before collaring one of the bustling servants;
"Evening. My bror here and I are findin' waitin' for our host thirsty work. Could you do us the honour of a fine dram or two to slack dry throats?"
Ryan takes a book of history, but seems to hold just common knowledge and he is not focused enough to find something concrete.
JJ's casual glance at the books does not yield useful information.
Same happens on Marigold's quick search at the books.
Kikinnin has a look at the dice gaming. There is a 'gemsnatcher' game currently going on. From what he can see the game is played with 1d4, 1d6, 1d8, 1d10, 1d12 and 1d20. The players basically roll the 1d4, and each time they get a 1 they 'snatch the gem' and have a dice upgrade. The first one to get the 1d20 wins the game and everybody rolls a last time. Everyone not rolling a 1 have to pay to the 1d20 player an amount of gold coins equal to the number the player rolls on that last 1d20 roll.
A waiter approaches Maxim and nods in acknowledgement "Sure Sir, we have a fine Cauldron wine from Taskerhill vineyards, or perhaps you would go high today and get the best of the Cusp, our vintage fey-mead" he then looks at the other members of the group "Well... we also have our house wine if you would prefer"
After observing you for a while, Vhalantru approaches the group, and addresses directly Juraan who seems to be standing the less occupied at the time "Good to see you prosper in Cauldron" he offers a wide smile then compliments his greeting "I have to thank you in the name of the city for your very great efforts on fighting the floods and the umber hulk."
After having perused some of the books for a time without hitting on anything of interest, Marigold wanders back over to the rest of the group.
"Um...m-may I try the f-fey-mead?" she asks the visiting waiter.
I'm sure the price is outrageous but I may as well take advantage of the invitation to be here while I can.
Kikinnin watches the dice game, less interested in it for its lack of skill, stack of luck, but he figures that it might behoove him to play, just to say that he's engaged the rabble of the Cusp on their level.
"Mind if I join in? I don't have a personal set of dice to throw. Does the Cusp offer up House Sets?" He takes in the measure of each dice roller, happy to roll one of their second sets of dice, otherwise he takes pains to retrieve a set, and get to work, competing to roll those 1s.
Juraan bows politely to Vhalantru, and starts a bit of small talk:
"Pleasure. Cauldron is home for all of us."
"Now we need to find Maavu."
"First his warehouse is smashed up and then he vanishes."
"Any guesses as to who could resort to skulduggery like that?"
"My own guess is someone hiding in the background."
"But no name leaps to mind. Yet."
Juraan is just trying to see if Vhalantru might be able to provide any useful information.
He does not suspect Vhalantru of anything.
I couldn't log on yesterday when I was at home.
It works out, though.
This gives Juraan a chance to 'schmooze' with Vhalantru.
Tyro smiles wide "A man that follows the stars should sometimes take paths that bring him far away from what he knows and take dangers far too risky for a single person. Is that what you are really looking for?" the dwarf stares at Juraan's eyes "The man should forget about his needs in order to hold the path safe for others. To pursue the evilness in this world to reach the light of the stars"
rolls
rolls
rolls
rolls
Kikinnin plays his dice good. It seems one of the players is going to win but suddenly gets stuck with the 1d12. Kikinnin advances slowly, but the second player, Zanathor, gets a final regular advance, finishing with 30 rolls. Luckily he gets a bad final 1d20 roll, and the other players only have to pay 5 gp as trophy.
Vhalantru indulges himself into conversation with Juraan "Ah, that old fellow, Maavu. Yes... yes... we have heard he was seen fleeing the city at dawn on a black horse with clouds where its hooves should be" the Lord sips a bit of wine "As to his motivations... who knows? He is just a merchant, isn't he?"
"A fine choice my Lady" says the waiter who later appears with a plate with a fine bottle of fairy mead. He opens the bottle in front of Marigold and offers her to smell the product before pouring it into a cup. The waiter retreats leaving the plate, the bottle, the cup and a receipt that reads 100 gp. The mead tastes smooth and fruity, one of the most exotic tastes Marigold has ever felt.
Kikinnin grumps, as his dice are beaten by Zanathor's. He pushes his 5 gold coins across the table, slowly. He watches as the winner picks up his coin, then rattles his dice cup.
"Alright, let's go again."
Returning the book he'd been perusing Ryan tipped the glass towards his uncle. "A good vintage uncle, granted not near as good as the vintage you had at the last feast-day, but the mixing of the lines has produced a subtle shift from the tart to the sweet that still retains a satisfyingly refreshing bite." Leaving his uncle to his ?business dealings? Ryan wanders over to watch Kikinnin for a bit
Having perused the books light, JJ returns to the rest of the group, his eyes continually looking for Celeste.
His eyes almost pop out of their head when he sees the price of the mug of fairy wine.
"ಆ ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ಅನಾಥಾಶ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಬಹುದು" he utters in amazement.
"You could feel the orphanage for a year on that!"
Quickly recovering himself he smiles at Marigold. "Do fairy's really brew that themselves? "
"Um...y-yeah," Marigold responds sheepishly as she savors the taste of the mead on her tongue. "B-but...it's p-probably the, the...m-most heavenly t-taste I've ever t-tasted," she responds after swallowing a sip. "It w-wouldn't surprise m-me if it were b-brewed by fairies!"
______
Tyro smiles wide "A man that follows the stars should sometimes take paths
that bring him far away from what he knows and take dangers far too risky for a
single person. Is that what you are really looking for?" the dwarf stares at
Juraan's eyes "The man should forget about his needs in order to hold the
path safe for others. To pursue the evilness in this world to reach the light of
the stars"
"That's a familiar tale to me now. Me and my friends have been taking on a lot of dangers lately."
"All in the name of defending our home here in Cauldron."
"That's how I met the lovely Shensen, truth to be known."
"It seems to have fallen on me and my friends to fight several of the evils queuing up against Cauldron."
"Curious news about Maavu, that."
"I daresay he has access to magic."
"Do you know if he fled before or after yesterday's attack?"
Seeing Marigold imbibe the fine mead sways Maxim toward trying some himself.
He collars the waiter as requests the same;
"Faerie mead looks a tasty drop. I'll take one also."
The dwur looks around; games of chance don't interest him, nor hobnobbing with Vhalantru or the other nobles...
Could be doin' plenty with this time that's being a-wasted...
Tyro nods satisfied "You should promise this I will reveal now you will keep as a great secret"
"I know Shensen has most confidence in you, and both Fellian and Fario have reported about the deeds of your group" the dwarf continues and it suddenly seems clear he is something more than the merchant you thought off "I cannot give you much details at this stage, but we are investigating some evil plot looming over Cauldron for decades... centuries perhaps..."
"You are now a candidate to join our reduced group, the Striders of Desna" the dwarf places a hand over your front "My real name is Meerthan and I have created now a telepathic bond between you and me. Please report any relevant information you find during your trips with your group"
rolls
rolls
The dice roll once again and Zanathor once again completes the series the first one "My lucky day it seems" the man smiles pointing the 11 gp everybody has to pay to him "I hope you do not take it hard Maese Kikinnin" he places the savings into a bag "Have I ever explained you how I was the only alive man in Cauldron that once saw the Crater Lake Monster?" he makes his trousers up and shows his wooden foot with wide smile "Life has much to return still to me"
"The dawn before the attack as I was told" answers Vhalantru.
At the same time Maxim is served with more fairy-mead.
Eventually, Celeste appears from the eastern passageway "I am pleased to see you have attended my invitation. Please, friends, follow me." The blond woman walks into a conference room in the East Wing.
As you go in, you find out she is not alone. Awaiting her there is Davked Splintershield, the dwarf you know from the Malachite Fortress is so old and emaciated that he would almost pass for a skeleton. Even his snow-white beard looks ragged and thin, as if it were about to fall out. He wears fine robes, and beneath their voluminous folds you can see a hint of chainmail, an adamantine one perhaps?
"You're the heroes of the city right now, and it's heroes I need, " he wheezes. "I'll pay you well if you rescue my son from the Darklands"
Maxim quaffs his mead, savouring its flavour;
Huh. Who'd have thought the fey would make a decent drop...
When Celeste appears he looks to the others, then follows their host. When they are met with the ancient dwur, the gun-mage's brow furrows and he shoots a look to Kikinnin.
At Davked's offer Maxim stands stoic and takes a draught of his mead.
Why did the auld one come to her... here... for this, when he has two sons of The Malachite as advocates... Somethin' ain't right...
The blonde dwur eyes the ancient one with a hard stare as he weighs thoughts, words and opportunity alike;
:
"And I thank you and Shensen for your trust in me."
"How does this telepathic bond work? I've never done this sort of thing before."
"Between the destruction of Maavu's wearhouse earlier today and a meeting we have at the
Cusp of Sunrise tomorrow, I'm sure there will be plenty to let you know about."
"Thank you for that information. It should be helpful."
"Hmmm. Sounds like Maavu knew about this attack and fled. Interesting."
Juraan bows politely to Davked Splintershield, and addresses him:
"If I may be so bold, sir, could you indulge us with some useful details?"
"Do you know how you son come to be ensnared in the Darklands?"
"Is he being held hostage for a ransom of some sort, perhaps?"
"I for one have never been in the Darklands."
"It is best to start a search with as much information as possible."
"Forewarned is forearmed, of course."
Marigold looks from Celeste to Davked and back again, clearly puzzled. "O-okay...b-but how d-do you t-two know each other, um, if I m-may ask? And wh-why c-come to us?"
JJ takes a seat, coincidently right next to Celeste. He tries to concentrate on the dwarf, but the presence of the woman is like a perfume to his mind.
"Your Son?" he finally gets out. "Who is he? And why do you think he is in the Darklands? Is there a ransom note?"
Pleased with his questions, the young lad can't help but glance once more at the heavenly Celeste, a happy smile on his face.
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Ryan listens to the back and forth that is going on, somewhat surprised that they would be likely heading towards the Darklands, Jenya was going to just love that. The last time he'd mentioned the Darklands she made it apparent she thought they were not ready.
Lots of questions were already asked, he needed to hear the replies before he continued the questions.
"I hope you do not take it hard, Maese Kikinnin."
Kikinnin smiles with his mouth, waving his hand, the one recently having pushed a stack of gold coin towards the victor. "Oh, I think I've learned my lesson well enough. Abadar's telling me I have better things to do than roll the dice and hope for luck. I've got to earn my coin through hard work, looks like." He nods as the man begins to tell tales, only to see the others taking their leave of the main room, for the East Wing. "Pardon me, gentle men. Thanks for humoring me outta my coin."
...
"You're the heroes of the city right now, and it's heroes I need. I'll pay you well if you rescue my son from the Darklands."
Kikinnin watches Celeste's fine backside turn and welcome them in, allowing himself a little lascivious look. He only enjoys it long enough to spot the elder dwarf waiting beyond the doors. His blood runs a little cold, and his mouth dries up for a moment.
"Ældste Splinterskærm. Hvordan kommer vores stier til at krydse?"
"Elder Splintershield. How have our paths come to cross?"
The black-beard catches himself slipping rudely into Dwarven, when he stands among others, as well as Dakved, engaging in the Common tongue.
"I'm sorry. See a dwarf, speak to dwarf. Honorable Dakved, you ask us to... to ourselves head into the Darklands, and retrieve Zenith's dead body? For he is surely dead." Kikinnin's hand subconsciously travels to his axe, where it comes to rest like a gloved falcon, and digs into the metal head.
Kikinnin stares Dakved down, not sure what to expect from the old dwarf.
Although there is something troubling in Davked's appearance his words seem sincere and determined. Also, you are pretty sure he is not affected by any enchantment or control effect.
Meerthan smiles "You only think about talking about me and repeat the words mentally. I have cast a permanency spell on you as well, so this should work until dispelled" he seems to remember something more "The message will travel any distance but not through plane. If you ever travel to a different plane you will not be able to communicate"
Davked leaves JJ's question as answered by Kikinnin after whom intervention he delivers a punch over the table with severely looking at the dwarf ""
There is a tense silence while Davked stares at Kikinnin's eyes. The silence is broken by Celeste "We are all too tense here... so let me introduce the topic differently. Davked was looking for answers about his son when he came to my attention. Once we found evidence Zenith Splintershield is still alive he was resolved to search for a group of adventurers to find out why is he unable to return home" Celeste looks to JJ and smiles wide "It automatically came to my mind your group, and when I suggested the idea of hiring you to Davked he was immediately convinced. So you are here"
Davked holds his look at Kikinnin "I have invested huge money to have clerics and wizards alike cast powerful divinations. My son is alive"
Celeste intervenes trying to settle the topic before the stubborn dwarf causes a problem of it "Zenith was a righteous dwarven defender and the lord of the Malachite Fortress that guarded the underground approaches to Cauldron." she comfortably takes sit next to JJ "About a decade ago he recruited a small army for a crusade to rid the Darklands of evil, marched into the darkness, and never returned."
Davked interrupts the blond woman "I pleaded with him not to abandon the Malachite Fortress, and we nearly came to blows over the disagreement." the dwarf seems to become emotive at this point "I admit I was a harsh, unyielding father to my three sons. But I have well paid a terrible price..." the dwarf looks down at the table before continuing "When my wife Marta died last year, she cursed me with her dying breath for driving her sons away. I will waste away to nothing unless I make peace with each of my three sons. I have done so with two of them, but I can't possibly travel the Darklands due to my frail condition."
Celeste smiles "That's why he wants YOU to bring Zenith back"
Maxim's impassive stare does not waver as the ancient dwur zealously gives case for searching and returning Zenith to his rightful place as Lord of The Malachite.
The gun-mage mulls Davked's words, focussing on one element in particular;
"Auld one. You say you have invested huge amounts of coin to discern he survives... So I will talk as plainly as you have..."
Maxim strokes his beard and continues with a simple, targeted question as befits his own station;
... How much will you reward to bring the great Zenith home?"
Davked turns to Maxim "I will not judge you, every dwarf and man has to keep his people well provided" he visibly makes a count of how many you are then continues "I will pay you 4.000 gp each, or 6.000 in equivalent arms and armor from the finest craftsmen in the Splintershield clan."
Celeste intervenes too "I'll sponsor you too and pay for your membership fee here at the Cusp of Sunrise. That's worth 1,000 gp right there"
"And the fact that she'll vouch for you is something money can't buy." completes Davked.
Maxim nods at the terms, clearly they make sense from a business point of view.
"Mighty fine terms. I still have some questions tho' Davked... Why come via her? We are already know to you, an' Kikinnin and myself have blood ties to the Hold..."
He fishes for a cigar and lights it up while mulling his words;
"It is this approach... Clandestine meetings an' such that make me ware the offer. If these words were uttered in the Hold, where you're stone roots lie, that would make sense. Here in the Cusp... all opulent and fancy... not so much. Yet here you stand talkin' o' regret an' loss..."
The gun-mage lets a stream of stogie smoke drift as he awaits the reply and the comments of his companions.
"Even Torag's most powerful clerics of my faith have been unable to reverse what Marta wrought, perhaps the gods found her words fitting, but neither they have been able to provide me with details about Zenith's destiny" Davked turns to Celeste to add "Thus I had to came to Cauldron in my search, and so I found Celeste who graciously agreed to help me found the appropriate magic. She also suggested about your group when I told her I wanted an adventurers group and she decided the meeting location too, which I both agreed"
"I pleaded with him not to abandon the Malachite Fortress, and we nearly came to blows over the disagreement. I admit I was a harsh, unyielding father to my three sons. But I have well paid a terrible price..."
Kikinnin holds his tongue, just long enough to hear the old dwarf's words of explanation. He finds little comfort in them.
"But you haven't paid the ultimate price now, have you." Kikinnin uses his words on Dakved as a miner uses a pick axe on a mountain vein. "My did, Dakved. I shouldn't have to remind you. You know this. And now you tell me Zenith is alive..." The black-beard looks over the frail old dwarf, sees the curse well at-work on his frame, so decides to pause his thoughts, so as to avoid blurting unkind, hurtful things.
"You're Malachite, and you're in need of help. I'm not one to argue with an wiser elder. I would have agreed with you. Zenith shouldn't a abandoned his post. So much misery for that decision... Let's try and put an end to yours. That's a start."
JJ sits down, enjoying having Celeste at his side and just breathing in the perfume of her essence.
Even the sight of two dwarves ready to go hammer and tongs at each other can't really bother him.
But how must this look to Celeste? Bickering... hmm
"Kikinnin, Dakved..." says the lad, trying to sound grown up.
"You are both in agreement. We must go and try to find Zenith. But.. .to succeed in the underdark.."
He gives Dakved a hard look "Most of us cannot see in the dark, and if we carry lanterns openly, we are likely attracting lots of attention to ourselves. Do you have anyway to help us see and get by in the Darklands?"
He turns and directs a smile to Celeste.
"What else do you know about where Zenith went?" he asks the elder dwarf. "The Darklands are huge..."