Tesia stares quietly at the strange banter passing between the two, her head swiveling back and forth as if in some strange sports match. Finally, having enough of everything she interjects.
"Alright, alright. Enough you two already. Just what exactly is going on here and have we found out anything useful? If not, I suggest we make our way back before things get worse."
She sits down wearily on a nearby chair and sighs as she motions to Damon for something to drink.
Damon hands a drink to Tesia as he eyes the drow woman. It occurs to Vinccenso that he is unable to question the drow as she is currently unconscious. She looks as if she had been on the verge of death.
Tesia takes a few sips of her drink while looking at the drow woman. After a few minutes she addresses the others. "So, would anyone like to tell me exactly why we have a half dead drow bound and sitting in a chair, or am I supposed to guess?" Her smile is weary and somewhat acidic looking.
I have no response to that which doesn't make me out as a prat....
Vinccenso rather forcefully presses his lips together as he nods, perhaps in agreement with Tesia's words.
Tesia finishes her drink and slowly gets up from her chair as if suddenly very tired. She walks over to Fiona and the Drow. Placing a hand on Fiona's shoulder she smiles gently,"Its okay Fi, you don't have to do it all by yourself. Save your wand for when we really need it."
She then holds out her hands and places them on the drow while they start to emit a soft glow.
The drow comes around slowly. She glances at Fiona and Faulkes momentarily before casting a hatred-filled glare at Ithelien. "What do you want?"
Évelyne bitterly notices the attention that the drow and Faulkes are getting. "Typical. Everyone else gets pretty girls fussing over them when they get stabbed, and the only one who comes to heal me is a creepy elf."
Tesia looks between the drow and Ithelien. "Now now...lets not have any of that. We simply would like for you to answer a few questions. Anything you could tell us about trying to steal the Stone of Verona for one, would be very helpful." She looks at the drow and smiles.
The drow snorts derisively. "And who told you I would know anything about that? Sure, it's worth a lot of money to certain people but I'm not an idiot."
While she waits for a response from the young woman she looks towards Ithelien. "I think you've done enough here for right now, why don't you go busy yourself elsewhere? Don't worry, I have this for now. Go get a drink or something.." She waves a hand at him in dismissal before turning her attention back to the young woman sitting in the chair.
"So, are you saying there's another drow going around Strotfeld paying off thieves to try and steal the stone? Very interesting....in that case, what were you doing in that tunnel?"
"I doubt there's another drow. Someone just fed you a line to get you off their back, I'm betting," the woman says, licking the blood off her lips. "As for what I'm doing, I'm scraping by. People just assume I'm evil, like you did, so I use the tunnels for convenience. Then these three bust into my home and, after I warned them, they start attacking me."
She nods at Fiona, Faulkes and Ithelien. "To make matters worse, one of these intruders is the..."
She looks at the stern Tesia, but decides to use the word she had in mind anyway. "Your singing and prancing elf buddy there is the bastard who killed my family."
Tesia looks up at Fiona for confirmation of what the Drow is telling her. "Is what she's saying the truth. Did the three of you attack her without provocation?" She looks back at the Drow,"I assure you, that had I been here, that wouldn't have happened." She shakes her head before continuing. "I am sorry to hear about your family, but I have to remain impartial since I don't know the entire story yet."
Ithelien laughs quietly. "Well, would you like me to leave and let you handle this, or stay and answer your question?" He grins at her, eyes twinkling a bit. "No, we didn't attack her unprovoked. Of course, if you put your faith in us, she'll point it out that you knew us first, she's a drow, and so on. So you won't be just in her eyes, of course." He pauses, then considers. "I rather doubt she'd put her trust in you in any case." He looks at the drow woman, tilting his head. "Chun a bheith cóir, rinne siad mar an gcéanna le mianach, agus an chéad. Ach ní bhíonn suim acu a bheith cóir duit, tá tú ... mian leat ach bhfeice do do theaghlach. Ní féidir liom an milleán ort. Mar sin, rinne mé."
He shrugs quietly, looking at her with an odd mixture of pity and rage. She was similar to him, after all... Of course, so were all of his dark cousins. That was, after all, sort of the point. So similar, but so evil.
Tesia closes her eyes for a minute. "So, let me get this straight...this has all been some kind of personal vendetta and has had nothing to do with getting the stone back? Look," She addresses both of them equally "right now we have more important things to worry about than some grudge match concerning things that happened in the past. I am sorry for both of you, but we can't allow our personal business and problems to get in the way of what we have come here to do, which frankly seems to have been a distraction and waste of time from where I'm standing." She looks back at the drow, her features softening as she trys to convey her sympathy for her.
"Can you swear to me on the souls of your family that you had nothing to do with the trio of women that tried to steal the stone? The little gnome woman said that it was a drow that had approached them and that they were supposed to meet you here in Blackshire. That is why you were suspected. I do not make assumptions of peoples moral standings without knowing them, so I did not assume you were evil. I just want an honest answer. If you can swear it to me, I shall believe you."
She looks up at Ithelien,"And you, stop grinning like the cat that ate the canary. You can answer my questions just fine from over there. I feel you have little to be proud of right now."
Despite her intense hatred for Ithelien, she speaks to him softly and calmly.
"Ní féidir leat a cheilt do ghníomhartha taobh thiar focail mhaisiúil," the drow says, tears welling in her eyes. "Bhí mo thuismitheoirí cuid de na attackers, is é sin fíor, ach bhí siad roinnt de na deireanach le teacht mar atá leagtha tú do arm ar dúinn go léir. Fuair bás siad nach spilling ar bith fola agus, mar gheall tú, bhí dhaoradh mé agus deoraíocht. Bhí mo mháthair uasal agus, gan í a chosaint dom, bhí a chumhacht a tógadh ó dom ag iomaitheoirí eile. Bhí mé chun cónaí in aice leis an dromchla, strainséir le mo mhuintir. Ní mharú tú bhfeice do mo thuismitheoirí, tá sé bhfeice mé féin agus an saol cursed mé go raibh a maireachtáil."
"Yes, I may have been unprovoked, I will not lie to this paladin," the drow confesses. "But all I did was attack with a poison that would have knocked him unconscious, that's all. I don't want your pity, but I want the truth to be known."
Ithelien represses a surge of annoyance at the half-elf's presumption, then decides better of it, laughing in Tesia's face. "Oh? And I feel you have very little right to judge me, dear. It seems we are at an impasse." A feral grin spreads on his face, as if to mock her order. "You cannot make demands of me, child. Politely request, and I might consider doing what you ask. Do not presume to order me." He sighs, tossing his head and taking a quick breath. "Now, see, the strain is making me graceless. I apologize for the unsightly display, but my point stands. Let's all play nice, shall we?"
"Oh really? The fact that I'm a paladin of Erastil gives me the right. Can't you see how upset she is, or do you have no compassion at all? I already said that I was sorry for what happened to both of you. It wasn't fair to either one of you. But I will not have it compromise our objective." She puts a hand to her forehead, fighting off the weariness she feels and tries to remain upright as a wave of dizziness hits her. She grabs onto the chair for support. She turns back to the drow, her own eyes shining with grief at the memories brought to the surface by this encounter.
"I thank you for your honesty. Ithelien, I'm only asking that you give her some room to breath and a little space. Now, could you please...just swear on your mother's soul and your honor that you had nothing to do with the disappearance of the stone....I'm sorry, I have to sit down." She takes a seat in a chair that she pulls beside the drow.
"Easpa tú ghrásta, in ainneoin do éileamh a mbeadh sé," the drow says, her tears drying upon her face. "Tá tú i bhfolach taobh thiar den sórt sin a masc, tá Bent tú na daoine ar do bhealach smaointeoireachta? Tá laoch santach go léir a bhfuil tú."
Faulkes chimes in. "Well, we didn't know it wasn't supposed to kill me. So, we just acted accordingly. I apologize though, if it helps. Seems we're being given the runaround."
Verrill, long silent, approaches the drow. "Umbrea, is that you?"
"Who else would it be, Verrill?" the drow responds, sarcastically.
"Please, Tesia, let her go. If Ithelien has a problem with her, then they can sort it out another time, but Umbrea has been good to me," Verrill pleads with the paladin. "When I was lost and hungry, she fed me with the meager food she had."
"I swear upon my sword that I don't know a thing about this robbery. Oh, was it that blue-haired gnome who told you I had something to do with it? She tried to wrangle me into her scheme this afternoon," the drow adds sincerely.
"Of course, you need not plead with me Verrill. I had planned on letting her go anyways. I believe what she says and think she has had nothing to do with what happened back in Strotfeld. Would you mind undoing her bonds for me...I'm just...really tired." She look to Damon,"Would you happen to have a wash room I could use?"
At the drows statement she turns abruptly. Tesia's quick movement throws her already dizzy self off balance and she barely stops herself from falling over.
Damon hands Tesia a key, pointing a hallway at the back of the casino. "The washroom's in the back."
Verrill takes Umbrea's bound hand. "If I had known it was you, I would have helped. I haven't seen you since that time in Jin Zhao. Did you finish your studies with Master Lao?"
"Yes, Verrill, though I still can't do much against three people," the drow replies with a smile. "How about you? How have you been faring?"
"I've been well, I suppose. I met a lovely lady today," the kitsune says, glancing at Èvelyne.
"Be good to him, madam," Umbrea says to Èvelyne. "You'll never find a finer friend in the world."
Ithelien laughs again. "Yes, yes. I'm sure." He arches a brow at the drow. "You certainly seem quick to judge, don't you?" He rolls his eyes quietly, wondering whether he should bother continuing here. With a resigned sigh, he shakes his head. Well, whatever happened, happened. He really wouldn't care too much if the stone went missing, honestly. It seemed slightly crass to rely on the magic of anything but one's own words when speaking to one's beloved. After all, there was no point to it if it wasn't genuine...
After a few moments, he laughs to himself, amused, wondering whether or not Tesia was right. It didn't really matter to him, of course, as he was no worshipper of the old, boring god that she followed. He respected her, of course, but that fades quickly when she starts trying to judge him and expect him to stick to her judgement. Calistria help her, she did not seem to understand his people's nature... He shakes his head, and looks to Umbria again.
"The strain is making you graceless?.." Vinccenso chortles at Ithelien's attempt at repairing his own standing. "Own your actions and their repercussions, fellow. Or at least get out of the way of those who will." Turning once more to the Drow. "The Paladin says you aren't a threat...
I'll take her at her word." So saying, he proceeds to unbind her. "Umbrea is it? I don't suppose you know anything about Lady Bella & her girls do you?"
"Tá cuid de dúinn a thuiscint mo cara..."
Tesia takes the key from Damon and heads to the wash room somewhat shakily.
I am so beyond done arguing with him when he clearly doesn't understand what it is I'm trying to do, or the job I have to perform.
Ithelien arches a brow at Vinccenso. "I apologize, good sir, but you plainly have little idea about what you are talking. Shut up, or your inbred idiocy may get you into some sort of danger." He sighs, shaking his head. "See? I disapprove of those who do not know the whole story sticking their noses in uninvited." He laughs aloud, then. "I see. You really... You just... Well, whatever you like." He settles back to watch with an amused gaze.
Barking a laugh, Vinccenso rebuts, fiercely. "Le anáil amháin cúisigh tú dom ar aineolas agus leis an chéad cheann eile léiríonn tú do chuid féin! Féachaint ar bith cathanna de wits nuair a bhíonn mise teip go soiléir duit!" Breathing deeply, Vinccenso calms somewhat. "Feicfidh mé a glacadh a tharraingt anois mar ba mhaith linn go léir a dhéanamh go maith chun imeacht seo ar siúl."
"I'd accept a draw now as we all would do well to depart this place."
Tesia enters the wash room and closes the door, trying to block out the bickering that is going on in the other room. She closes her eyes, trying to block out the memories that are coming to the surface. She holds onto the basin willing herself not to cry.
I will not feel these things, I will not.
The untied drow rubs her wrists. "Lady Bella? Hm, I've heard of her. Not good things, mind you. If you're on her bad side, I would suggest leaving quickly. Her disputes with people are few and far between because those who oppose her have a tendency to disappear."
She claims her weapon and walks out of the casino. Verrill watches her go.
Faulkes gently sets Fiona on her feet.
"We're not going to find the stone here. I'll head to the guard station and talk to that gnome again," Faulkes says. "Want to come with, Fi?"
***
As Tesia tries to get herself together, a brick flies in through the lone window in the washroom. The sound of shattering glass can be heard throughout the casino. A small note is tied to the brick.
It reads: Soon. and it is signed with an enigmatic B. at the end.
Tesia wipes at her eyes and picks up the brick. Being careful not to catch herself on broken bits of glass. She looks at it for a second and throws it back out same window. She screams through the window,
Tesia grabs the basin and holds on for support as she shakes with fury. She is reminded too well of her friend from long ago and what happened to her at some other bandits hands. She is unable to control the grief that consumes her as she starts to cry for what she lost. For the first time since that incident she truly allows herself to feel what she wouldn't for so long. She looks up to her reflection in the mirror above the basin and vows that she will do whatever she can to get rid of the menace that has been plaguing this area for so long. She takes some water from the basin and tries to wash her face before any of her companions come in and see her in this way.
Whirling in response to the sound of shattered glass, Vinccenso speeds up as he hears Tesia's screams. All but slamming into the washroom door, he quickly takes stock of the situation. "The general consensus is that there is little entertainment to be had in Blackshire & we should make our way back to Strotfeld before we perish of boredom...
Want to come with?"
Tesia sniffles once and tries to wipe her face off. She gives Vin a small smile and nods while holding out her hand to him. "Lets get out of this cursed place. I'll deal with that horrible woman later."
As they walk out of the washroom Tesia places a gold piece on the counter. "Sorry about the window Damon, apparently someone doesn't like me very much and took it out on your wash room window. This should cover the repairs." She looks at Vin,"Okay, if everyone is ready we can get outta here now. I'm not sure I'm up for anything else tonight though. That meeting with Korbak might have to wait till after I've had some rest. I'm...just really tired."
Matching Tesia's coin, Vinccenso adds. "Truth be told...
Well,
to be honest, I suspect she doesn't like anyone not under her thumb very much. Word to the wise, eh?"
At Tesia's prompting, he nods acquiescence. "Very likely, for all of us." Turning to whomever remains. "I'd consider this our cue to be off. I only hope we can find carriages back to Strotfeld still..."
|
After watching the cart accident that was the dialogue at the casino, Fiona nods quickly to Faulkes. A bit of vicarious fear and embarrassment clouds her face. Vinccenso, Ithelien and Tesia were... kind of mean people. Why hadn't she said something?
Looking to Ithelien, she speaks quickly: "Come with us. I dinnae know if they'll be strong compatriots at the moment, an' we may need yer help. Heaven knows I shoot straighter when yer aroun'."
She gives him a waning smile, waving quickly. Turning to Verril and Evelyne, she sighs out "We'll meet ye in a few down where the carriage dropped us off, aye?"
Évelyne had been following the exchange from the sidelines, mostly because she could only understand half of what they were talking about. But so far, there didn't seem to be much of a break from the conventions: Elves were haughty, Paladins righterous, and tied-up drows... Tied up.
When the tied-up drow is no longer tied up and leaving the casino, she gives Verrill a playful jab in the ribs. "Les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas? Mieux vaut savoir que richesse!"
"You're quite the charmer, aren't you? Ain't lots of men who get a recommendation from a drow!"
Having said that, she grabs his arm and starts walking towards the meeting spot Fiona had mentioned.
Damon sighs and take the two gold, thanking the wizard and paladin for their generosity. "I doubt it's only you she's after. I have made my desire to clean up Blackshire quite clear to many others, perhaps it was meant for me. I suppose I should seal up that door as well, lest I be set upon by brigands."
He walks over to a stocky dwarf with a monocle and whispers in his ear. The dwarf jumps out of his seat and walks over to the group. "Damon says ye need a ride back and I kin give it to ye. Ye all look like ye've had bad blood and hurt feelings tonight, so do I need to call my brother for a second carriage?"
Verrill looks at Èvelyne with a twinkle in his vulpine eye. "Elle m'a aidé quand ma famille m'a mis dehors, donc je l'ai aidée à trouver un moyen de se perfectionner. Ne ressemblait pas à ça marchait trop bien, après tout."
Ithelien glances at the druid, arching a brow. "I'd appreciate the chance to continue talking with the lady, but, well, I'm sure I can find her again if need be." He smiles faintly at her, then turns to walk with Fiona. "Alright. Let us go, then." He starts walking, then stops and turns around, a comically annoyed expression on his face. "And give me back my rope, dammit! I need that!"
Nodding in acknowledgment of the Dwarf's words, Vinccenso agrees. "T'would be best I suspect, none of us are aught but 'prickly' at the moment." Looking around at the others still present, he adds. " will wait for your brother's coach." Noticing the length of rope still hanging from his grip, he tosses it to Ithelien with a smirk & silence.
Tesia looks around with what can only be described as a look of someone who is very weary and just sick of it all at the moment. She looks at Damon,"I'm sorry for all the trouble. If I'm able I'll come back at some later time after I've been able to rest for a bit. I'd be interested in hearing more about your interest in getting rid of that vial woman and making this a town that people don't have to be afraid of or in. I was considering just walking back, thinking that the air would do my spirits good, but" She looks hesitantly at Vin before continuing "if it's okay with you Vin I think I wouldn't mind sharing that second carriage with you."
"Given we still have yet to hear from Quintz & I am loathe to risk abandoning him to our hostess' tender mercies, I would be overjoyed to while away the waiting with you." Vinccenso replies, weariness smudging his own features in spite of his ever-present insouciance.