"For those of you who ain't called me pretty...yet...I'm Nikeisha. I'm a Warlock of the Fey, so I have a few different tricks. A little magic, a little stealth...I can even bop people with a stick, like Ashrie here can. Mostly, however, I dissolve them with bolts of raw force." She grinned. "It's a thing we can do. Other than I know about magic, can talk to folks and have quick fingers."
After a moment, she added, "And I recall it was me and Ashrie who just really wanted a bath, and Hack who really needed one...but I reckon we might wanna get a move on. There's a lot of people here, and if we sit and have a bath and dinner we might lose out on this contract. Plus, the longer we sit here the more dead people we'll find when we arrive, which is not what we want." After a moment, she added, "If nothing else, bribing Hack into the tub may take some time."
Hack has a hurt expression on his face, sniffs his underarms, then laughs heartily.
Bawhahahaha! I get it, lass, you jest. I'll take that bath if you'll join me.
"Y'know," Nikeisha said quietly, "Somehow I knew you'd say that...and that's why we need to go get a ship. Today. Now. This minute."
Slightly upset at losing out on a free room and bath, Ashrie replies; "Well.... I guess that's probably not a bad idea Nikeisha, seems like a lot of people will be heading there and we don't want to get there after everyone else."
Turning to Bella, "You can just get me a room when we get there!"
"Hehehe..." Baen chuckles, scratching his chin. "Well I did the proper thing and cleaned up before meeting the senator, so I'm ready to sail." he says, supporting Nikeisha's insistence on leaving.
As the group continues to walk and talk, following their feet to the south, the stench of murky water and sailors alerts them that they'd best be on their guard. They are entering into the area surrounding Rydwyrna's River of the Republic docks.
Luna will be silent for the most part and on a constant alert for trouble. This is a completely unfamiliar situation to her and so she is very much on the alert. In a low voice to the whole group, "I suggest we be quiet and on the look out here. My intuition tells me this may be a dangerous area."
Nodding at Hack, Nikeisha replied, "Nah, this is where the ruffians come in. You or me walking around here, yeah, a mugger or pickpocket might think us easy prey even in the day, and the occasional bugger with worse on his mind too. But with this many of us, and one of them with arms the size of a mast? We're pretty safe. It would take a gang or maybe a drunk ship crew to give us any grief." Pausing, she added, "Well, mostly safe at least. Just make sure you keep your gold somewhere safe."
"Remind me some time when we're away from port and I'll show you how I deal with cutpurses." offers Jun to the group.
As far as his body language goes, he begins walking like he knows exactly where he is going and lo betide anyone who stands in his way.
Tavir moves with the group as they pass out of the Black Pegasus. When expected to give an account of his contributions to combat he smiled and downplayed his abilities somewhat. Generally, it was better to be underestimated in his opinion and besides it seemed as though everyone in the group was already accepted as a given. He’d prefer not to mention much about his magic unless it seemed particularly poignant, “Well the rapier I wear isn’t purely for show and I’ve a fair hand with a throwing dagger as well. I do try my best to be accommodating and approach people on their own terms, so I am fair at getting along with almost anyone regardless of station. I like getting to know people and usually ask plenty of questions. I’m a fair hand at getting information out of people. Though it would appear our eloquent elven emissary here shares that trait, given all she was able to get out of the Senator.”
This was said with obvious respect. He might not have had the best first impression of Bellaluna, and she was a trifle more direct than he tended to be, but he couldn’t deny that she had managed to get some useful information from the Senator about the situation they were headed into. Some of the groups setting out had not waited to overhear what they’d been told and that gave Tavir’s group an edge that could hopefully be capitalized on. When they reach the decision to head out immediately Tavir finds himself regretting the fact that his commoner’s clothing is in the bag he carries while he’s still decked out in his noble costume. In the getup he looked exactly like the kind of person that someone like himself would be willing to rob at night on the docks. He just had to hope that their group was sufficiently large enough to deter anyone from crossing them. Happily, Hikeisha voices almost that exact opinion as they move closer to the docks.
“I’d be happy to talk to the dock workers about getting us passage on a ship. What should our approach be though? If you’re willing to work, then finding passage should be cheap and easy. But with a bit of subterfuge we might be able to secure passage without the need to work on the way there and only a small sum out of pocket,” Tavir mused aloud to the group in general, “A group of guards and attendants escorting ‘Lady Liaqirelle’ on an urgent diplomatic matter, if played right might be impressive enough to garner passage for less than they’d normally charge us for a late night ship ride.”
At the mention of 'Lady Liaqirelle', Luna gets a big smile on her face and acts all proud and happy. "Why thank you ... Tavir was it? I can certainly be 'Lady Liaqirelle' seeing that I actually am Lady Liaqirelle, and I even have documentation of that as well. The only issue is I don't really have the appropriate clothing and I know such a mis-matched, mixed-up group of ... adventurers? would be accepted as proper 'escort' for Lady Liaqirelle. Now if someone had the proper apparel that I could borrow" as she visually examines Tavir's outfit measuring it up for size comparison to herself, and she also turns and looks at Nikeisha's skirt and clothing in the same manner, "I am sure we can find some tavern or other place where we could switch clothes possibly? And maybe pull off such a ruse? ... Though I would not be opposed to working for my passage as some sort of guard either. It would be a novel idea to actually get a job for once. And maybe we could even get payed besides getting passage if it was worded properly. I only have a few coins left myself."
"I may be able to secure us passage; it entirely depends on if one of my business' ships are in port. A quick trip to the port would likely tell us, and then we can decide what to do from there."
Moon Laureoth sits heavy and still full just above the southern horizon, even as the sun heralds the break of day. Early risers are already about their business, and the city of Rydwyrna starts to bustle even though most have not yet broken their fast. The smells of baking bread and frying bacon waft down just about every street from various inns, taverns, and boarding houses. The Order compounds are already busy with the sounds of training, marching, practice combat, and the casting of spells. Castle Redwood won't open to the public for a good hour, but perhaps now is the best time to try and barter for a reduced price for passage north on a merchant's galley. The docks are the busiest part of town right now, with no doubt, men are moving heavy crates and barrels from dockside warehouses up and down the piers and gangplanks to ships of various sizes and shapes. The harbormaster is busy at his open air office, talking to ship's quartermasters, checking ledgers, collecting the Republic's tariffs and taxes, and sending his inspectors on board every vessel that is yet to be registered. Thick of chest and even thicker of beard, a beard of curly, Shadowland black hair, his close-cropped pate is covered by a midnight-blue, woolen fedora. His well-tailored, durable, cotton garments show him to be a man fit for function and to show his elevated station. His ice-blue eyes weigh coins and men equally, and even from a distance, the command and power of his voice is evident. It's clear the harbormaster is not a man to be trifled with. Yet, he is probably the best man to speak to in order to find out which vessels are headed up the river today.
Jun strides directly towards the Harbormaster, a smile on his face.
"Master Artyll, it is good to see you again. I see you are keeping the port as efficient as ever!" He then bows to the man.
"Valanthe! You half-elven son of a Tindaran. Captain Belver didn't tell me you were stowed away on the Pair O' Dice!? D'you come off board just to give this ol' bear a hug?" Exard puts down the ledger he was scrutinizing and stands up from his desk, perhaps expecting that very thing. "You'd better rush if you're going to make it back to Tradebay, they'll pulling up gangplank right now."
Tradebay? Oh, must be where he's from. Baen thinks to himself. Letting Jun handle the negotiations for passage since he had the contacts.
Nikeisha watched, interested to learn more about her new traveling companions. Apparently, Jun was well known on the docks and probably on the boats, too.
"I actually have taken a commission from the Senator to do some investigation, with my new comrades here. Where did you say the Pair O' Dice was moored? Perhaps I can catch them before they set sail."
Luna observes the interactions between Jun and the harbormaster and thinks, "Well, this certainly seems convenient and like something that perhaps he could have mentioned sooner. I may have to ask him about that later."
Tavir moved with the group down to the dockmaster’s office in the morning and was prepared to help negotiations but from the man’s greeting it was clear that he knew Jun well. And as soon as he mentioned “make it back to Tradebay” Tavir’s eyes widened ever so slightly. If this man regularly conducted business out of Tradebay City, then there was always a chance that a wanted ad might have passed over his desk at some point. Quietly, so as not to draw attention to himself Tavir mentioned to those in the back, “It seems our friend Jun has things well in hand. While he secures passage, I believe I will head to the castle for our initial payment an any additional information. Anyone else coming?”
If anyone expressed an interest in leaving the docks and heading to the castle Tavir would wait for them but, if after a moment, no one mentioned their intention to come along he would quietly let himself out of the office. He had been more comfortable around the docks last night, but they had all realized quickly that leaving without any money or additional information wouldn’t be very wise. So, they had put it off until today. The problem with conducting business in the morning was that there were numerous sailors from every port imaginable and that meant a higher chance of getting seen by someone who knew about the price on Tavir’s head. Granted, the facial hair he’d grown, and the noble’s disguise helped to make him difficult to recognize but then he had worn a disguise when he initially robbed the merchant prince. If that fact that managed to follow him then things could get complicated quickly. It really was going to be good to get away from the city for a few days. His nerves frayed as it was.
Hack stands with arms crossed watching the exchange between Jun and the Harbormaster. When Tavir starts to leave, Hack pipes up.
Hey friend, hold up there. We should stick together. We may be needin' to leave in a hurry if Jun wraps this up.
Harbormaster Exard Artyll looks at Jun as if he'd just birthed a chicken from his armpit, then says, "The Senator? Which one? There's twenty-one of 'em. You obviously didn't come in on the Pair O' Dice then, if you did you'd know she was on pier four berth five. If you want to talk to Captain Belver, you'd best grow wings, he's got a cargo-hold full of wool, cheese, and mead from the Highlands, and was pulling up gangplank to shove off for Tradebay last I heard, and that was ten minutes ago." He looks to the east toward pier four, then nods and chuckles. "Yup, there she goes now... You missed that boat. Where is it you're looking to go?" He says and then picks up his ships' manifest from his desk.
"Ahh, well, such is life." says Jun as he watches his company's ship slide out of port.
"Akassa was the Senator's name, and she knew well how to use all her assets to secure help, although she basically sent a bunch of adventurers and hopefuls running into the streets."
Jun thinks for a moment then says "Do you know any trustworthy traders that are headed to or through the area of Midvale that would like to hire armed guards and is preferably leaving today or tomorrow morning at the latest? We would like to be away sooner rather than later."
"Missed the boat? Darn." Nikeisha glanced at the others. Looked like getting the payment would probably not be a problem now, but just in case there was one leaving shortly she said, "But we're heading to Blueblosson Haven as soon as possible. And it's Senator Akassa we're doing the job for." It might make a difference and it might not, but he'd asked and it was public information.
Exard nods at Nikeisha's corroborative comments, then looks back at Jun. "Akassa, is it? Yeah, that one's got assets all right." It's clear by the way mister Artyll expresses his syllabification of the word assets, that he's not talking about her wealth. "You need a ship going north eh, and as soon as possible? Well, I've got good and bad news for you. The Faithful Falcon, one of the Order of Faith's ships, is headed all the way upriver to Weissewold, something about helping out after orc raids, and she is leaving sometime around midmorning, a few hours from now. That's yer good news." The muscled harbormaster sets down his ships' manifest with the other ledgers on his desk, and then places one of his massive paws on Jun's right shoulder. "Here's the bad news. That ship is going to be crawling with Order Guard, clergy and paladins of all the good faiths. They aren't going to need to hire on any extra guards. There's only two ways you're getting passage on that boat. You're either going to pay, per person, per mile, like every other waif, or, you're going to have to see just how much influence your new senator friend, Akassa, has up her sleeves, or down her skirt, as the case may be, eh?!" Exard slaps his massive mitt down on Jun's shoulder following his crass and offensively sexual comment, as if the gesture somehow excuses his rampant sexism. Of course, as progressive as the Republic of Byrthelm is, they still haven't made a whole lot of progress toward gender equality or removing a patriarchal undertone to everything. That there are four female senators, and one of them the current Seneschal, seems to speak of a desire for progress among the populace, but there are those that would say the only way the women got their positions was through using their feminine assets in nefarious ways.
Regardless, there is a boat headed up river, and that today. Yet it won't leave for a few hours, so there remains enough time to sign contracts, collect coins, and see if Akassa's chief of staff has any sway with the Order of Faith, enough to get the whole group free passage on the Faithful Falcon.
Upon hearing such rude, crass, offensive, sexual comments, Luna says, "You obviously have a lack of manners even lower than most humans! I shall not stand idly by and be so insulted!" realizing however that apparently this contact is needed, she will choose not to challenge him for her honor, "I shall step outside while the rest of you finish your business with this Nikeisha, are you coming with me?"
Wincing at the man's comments, Nikeisha resisted the urge to make sure her own relatively modest assets were hidden behind the armour she'd chosen. Normally she prefered light, loose uncovering clothes, but her longer skirt and leather armour was certainly appreciated today.
"Yeah, I'll come keep you company." She was going to have to point out the Elf girl that Nikeisha, as a human, was probably supposed to be equally offended by both sets of comments, but Bellaluna kept seeming to forget they applied to her. And she wanted to make sure Bellaluna didn't glare anyone to death. She glanced at the others/ "If that boat's the only option we'll go grab some gold and see if we can't arrange some passage. If not fill us in when you're done."
She headed outside, resisting the urge cover her bum. She suspected the dock master might burn a hole in her skirt. Or Hack. Or someone else. It was a very nice bum, but...
Jun did not like the harbormaster all that much, but he was an important enough contact that he knew it was in his best interests to keep him on his good side, so once the two females left he said "Women. What are you going to do?" with a shrug like it was out of his hands.
Hack says to Jun,
Inform him that we go to collect our gold, and we'll return to pay for passage.
Hack follows the women.
"Very well, I shall go and speak to the captain of the Faithful Falcon and see if I can arrange us passage."
Turning back to the Harbormaster, Jun will add "It looks like we must part ways. I will take up no more of your time, and get out of the way of the line of people wishing to speak with you. Have a good day, and I hope to see you again soon."
Jun will then go to try and find the captain of the Falcon.
Ashrie will follow Bella and Nikeisha out as they exit the small building, not because he felt any sort of offense had been brought against the women, but more because it was so peculiar to see one of Bella's stature act so..... flustered? Strange? Odd? Indignant? Ashrie wasn't sure what the word for it would be, but it sure was interesting at the very least.
Upon exiting the building Ashrie will turn to Bella and say, "Pretty different from what your used to, I bet! Best keep in mind that we're not standing under the Coronation Tree here, people are different here. And they don't know who you are, so they're gonna say things they wouldn't normally say if they did. A person can't change the way they are, if it's just what they've become...."
Ashrie adds the last bit, whilst seeming to drift off to another place, and then snap back to the present as he finishes the sentence. With a rueful, boyish smile he exclaims, "You think we can go to the castle now? Before we have to leave? Always wanted to go to a castle..."
Artyll shrugs his shoulders as the women exit, carefree about their opinions of him. When Jun takes his leave he nods and smiles. "Safe travels." Is how he closes the conversation, then he turns to a dwarf woman that has been patiently awaiting his attention. As Jun walks away he hears the dwarf, whom he recognizes from having been in The Black Pegasus the previous night, asking about passage to Blueblossom Haven. If the Faithful Falcon is the only ship going north, there may be a lot of people seeking paid passage. Jun's knowledge of ships tells him that it would be better to be the first in line bartering for passage, as a captain may very well just up his prices as more people seek a hammock on their boat.
As Jun heads outside, he takes out quill and ink and a notebook and makes a note in it remember to get Artyll a bottle of that Sake he likes.
Seeing that none of his companions are around, Jun will go and find the captain of the Falcon and arrange passage.
--Castle Redwood--
Approaching the castle requires passing through an inspection queue at the main gate. It's a standard procedure, but for the uninitiated, watching the Order Guard rifling through people's bags, having them turn out their pockets, and collecting all of their weapons in roughspun cotton sacks for them to retrieve after their business in Castle Redwood is done is a bit unsettling. Yet, if the group wants to collect the five gold coins, which they'll more than likely need for passage on the Faithful Falcon, or try and get Senator Akassa's chief of staff to use his influence to get them free passage, through the queue they must go. For those that really don't like being separated from their weapons, and don't trust the guard keeping the ledgers to keep things straight, the only alternative would be to have a member of the party hold all others' belongings somewhere outside the castle wall.
--Pier Eight, Berth Two--
Jun and Baen cross the massive stone bridge that spans the River of the Republic to District Twelve. Having ascertained the location of the Faithful Falcon and her captain's name, Bromir, before leaving Exard's office, they approach the bustle of activity surrounding the Falcon with eyes peeled for an elf with long blonde hair, emerald green eyes, and a sigil that marks him as a Cleric of Amren on his armor. Quickly enough Bromir comes into view. He's standing at the gunwale of the massive longship, watching as Order soldiers move to and fro on the gangplank, bringing supplies onto the ship for the passage north.
"Well, Jun, got any idea how we should talk to this guy?" Baen asks before they're in earshot. "He looks like the hardline faithful sort."
Nikeisha looked at the staff she carried. Would it be qualified as a weapon? Probably. It was obvious that she used it as a spell focus. What was less obvious was the spell component pouch at her waist...and the fact that only a pair of her spells required such a component at all.
"I can hand over my staff, no trouble. Anyone else still wanna come with?"
Tavir suppressed his urge to grimace when he saw the rather thorough search that everyone underwent before entering the castle. But it did make a certain amount of sense. You could hardly be expected to pass into the heart of Castle Redwood with an armory on your back. Tavir quickly adjusted a few things about himself so that his weapons would be in less suspicious places. An actual noble was unlikely to keep a dagger strapped to their forearm under their noble attire, or a small knife hidden in their boots. The rapier he wore on his hip was obvious, but it was also something that could be expected of some nobility, so it wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. The knife and dagger he stored away in his bag, just having them on hand would be more normal than drawing them out of hiding in front of the guards. People tended to not trust individuals who hid weapons about their person, and with good reason.
“I am definitely headed in. Perhaps we can convince the Senator’s chief of staff to aid us in some way but if not, I would still like to be there and hear what he has to say. We’re doing this on the Senator’s behalf so any more we can learn about her and the situation as a whole is to our benefit,” Tavir said replying to Nikeisha’s question.
"Yes, you are quite correct that people will not change their mannerisms. Which is part of what so disgusted me in there because that just goes to prove what kind of a disgusting pig that thing in there is! There is such a thing as common decency to be had, whatever race you belong to, and that in there, most certainly, DID NOT HAVE IT!" Luna then takes a moment to breathe deeply and calm herself down. Then smiling at the boyish attitude of Ashrie's attitude about seeing a castle, "Yes, let us go see this castle and see what these humans consider a proper stronghold for their royalty."
Observing the thorough searches the guards were making, Luna is reminded of these things happening back in her own royal courtyard entrance. They seem to be doing a decent job of searching for weapons. At least there is no way they will take my primary weapons away! Such a good thing to make your own body a weapon ...
Coming out of her moment of reverie suddenly as if she had been lost in thought, "Oh! I have no major issues handing over my bow and arrows! I certainly want to see how things are handled at another royal's stronghold! I definitely plan to go in! And mayhaps I may be able to be of some influence in the 'negotiations'? A suggestion to the steward that a favor done to a member of the Elven Royal family shall be remembered kindly might not go amiss."
"Every little helps," Nikeisha said, hoping that Bellaluna would totally fail to mention 'human' in the same tone she would use 'scum' while in there. She seemed to have a solid idea of what diplomacy meant, though.
The group of would-be adventurers wait patiently in the queue, and bristle only slightly at the Order Guard's rough treatment. Once their relative safety has been ascertained they move through the courtyard of Castle Redwood. A large marble fountain, the center of which is a statue of Guilheum the Great, one of the founders of the Republic, arm extended with longsword in hand, and a shield with a sickle etched into it, bubbles with crystal clear water. Many well dressed men and women sit around the fountain, or on benches in the well manicured garden that makes up the courtyard. Some of them are engaged in vehement conversation, others sit idly. Many people, including some in your own group, look about with a sense of awe and wonder. Following the line of petitioners and would-be advocates into the castle's main entrance, the sound of hard soles on ancient stone fills your ears. Here, inside the massive receiving chamber of Castle Redwood, there are people milling about everywhere, various tables set up with signs of paint on fabric. Near the middle of the southern side of the chamber you see a tall banner with the flag of Midvale behind it, oxhead over a blue flower, all on a field of green. The table in front has a sign that reads: Midvale Volunteers. Behind the table a man in expensive robes, with two armed guards flanking him, stands presiding. At the table, two female clerks in functional yet classy shirt and pants, hand out promissory notes in exchange for signatures on parchment. This is the working of the Republic, paper in exchange for paper, signatures as credence and credit. This is the burgeoning economy, coins replaced by paper and promises. Yet, every vendor in the cities and provinces of the Republic will take such notes, just as surely as minted gold. So, this is where you must go, and what you must do, in order to officially declare your allegiance to Senator Akassa, and seek her chief of staff's influence towards making your travels easier or cheaper, or both.
Hack is visibly upset about the search at the gate.
Give your weapons to me. I will wait outside with 'em for your return. I won't be givin' my Axe to anyone.
It was a reasonably safe bet that Hack wouldn't lick her staff or anything while in public and so she cheerfully handed it over.
Personally, she preferred money that went 'clink' as it was harder to argue with, but it worked in the city, so paper was fine. So long as the boat would take it. "The gold should be easy. Who wants to try and get the secretary to help?"
Luna will leave her bow and arrows with Hack.
Luna will stand patiently in line, though she is slightly frustrated as she is not used to having to wait in line, though they did do this at the monastery, so she could do it here as well. Once she gets to the table she will give a half-curtsy towards the man standing behind the table. "May I be allowed to speak with you somewhere slightly more private, on a matter of some urgency about this crisis in Midvale please?"
Tavir looked Hack up and down quickly before handing over his weapons to the man rather than the guards. There was a small chance that he would just run away with them, but something told Tavir that Hack just wasn’t that kind of person. Growing up on the streets meant that you had to be good at reading people. Make the wrong judgement about someone who could screw you over and you’d wind up dead in a gutter. He nods to Hack and says, “I appreciate it, we shouldn’t be long friend.”
As they passed inside Tavir couldn’t stop himself from mentally casing the place. Not that he had any intention of trying to steal anything of course. It was just an old habit more than anything else. As they passed numerous guards—who were very obviously armed while they were not—Tavir didn’t even entertain the idea of letting his hands stray towards anyone’s pockets. When they approached the table bearing the sign for Midvale’s Volunteers Tavir stood just behind Bellaluna. While there were certainly other interested groups it was clear why the Senator had pushed her appeal out to the common people. The other nobles in the chamber seemed mostly uninterested in what was happening at the Midvale table. That was fair enough in Tavir’s opinion, you worried about yourself and your own kind, but it was good to know that just doing this for the Senator might not gain them any attention from other nobles. When Luna implored the gentleman to step aside Tavir decided to try and play the helpful aid role. He should have worn his page’s outfit but the royals outfit might just make him look like a very important servant. Anything he could say to aid Luna in getting the man’s attention seemed ideal. As he played the part his manner and even speaking inflection changed, putting himself into the part of an attaché or assistant to a noble, “Her Highness Liaqirelle is deeply concerned about Midvale and hopes to know the best ways to offer her esteemed services.”