Doumane walked the busy streets of Magnimar, for once not really looking at the gray stone buildings, the bustling crowds or the performing street performers. The halfling's thoughts were inward, and his dodging of larger and more clumsy people a matter of habit and muscle memory.
Clearly the street war was on, not even the Dragomir's were trying to hide that. Obviously they were painting it as a minor scuffle with an outside gang, just another pissing contest over a few blocks of turf. Nothing unusual, nothing that hinted that Razvan and his goons were really in danger. Of course not. If the streets smelled blood in the water.....
Doumane begins to ponder how to make that happen as he heads back to the Band of Abadar. A few times he pulls out the notice the Coinmaster gave him and stares at it, giving Jarvyce a nice long look at the document.
Doumane soon finds himself at the foot of the stairs to the Grand Bank of Abadar with barely a recollection of how he got there. Being deeply lost in thought has made him less aware of his surroundings.
The halfling climbs the steps for a second time that day and makes his way to the vaults. He makes sure that he's a bit earlier than the meeting time just so that he doesn't keep someone as important as Grigore waiting.
He makes it through the many layers of security and is shown to one of the side rooms. And then he waits...and waits...and waits.
Finally Doumane hears another muffled voice through the door. He begins to wonder if this is who he has been waiting for when the door is opened by Thadeuso. "Oh, I'm sorry Mister Doumane, I thought this room was empty." He turns to the older human beside him, "I'm sorry Mister Kritiscu, I will find you another room. My apologies. Please wait here while I check on a different availability."
Thadeuso leaves the gentleman and Doumane gets a good look at him. He is roughly fifty years in age but his grey eyes are bright and attentive. He is bald but has a long beard and moustache that is neatly trimmed, dark brown in color with many streaks of grey in it. He is very well dressed and appears to be alone. He studies the halfling intently as if sizing him up. The use of his name by Thadeuso is not lost on Grigore but he waits for the one who called this informal meeting to speak.
Doumane hides a smile as Thadeuso manages to arrange a meeting. Discreet, neutral and efficient. From what he could gather of Abadar, the man was exemplary. Doumane hoped the god of vaults smiled on him.
Doumane examines Grigore carefully, trying to size up the man. Part of him was nervous at meeting an Usher but considering he had arranged this entire thing...
"Councillor Kritiscu, thank you for coming. I am not sure how much time we have, so I will get to the point."
He sighs and goes on, "My name is Doumane and I am currently in the middle of a gang war between the Dragomir operation and the Black Cyphers. For reasons of my own I am deeply opposed to the Dragomirs, both in the realm of politics and on the street. My talents however, lie more in the latter then the former."
The halfling looks up at the neat, aging man. "I hoped we could become allies. Fara Cutton identified you as someone implacably opposed to the Dragomir's as well. It seemed like common ground."
Doumane shrugs then and says, "If you need final evidence, it was I that killed Wallis, after he tried to have me and Fara murdered in a public park. I am sure your are aware of that bit of business?"
"The Dragomir's are weak, at least on the street. I hope the death of Wallis may also undermine their political clout? I doubt fellow UShers are likely to ally with someone whose fixer wind up dead in office basements. We have a great opportunity here, if we work together."
Doumane watches the man closely for a reaction. Is he dismissive? Confused? Scared? Was he a likely ally? Did he understand the chance they had?
Grigore Kiritescu watches Doumane warily as he begins his case. Years of serving the city of Magnimar in politics has made him a good judge of character. However, you still were never completely sure who you could trust.
The halfling's stated dislike of the Dragomirs earns him Grigore's time and attention as the councillor listens for how this potential alliance may benefit him. Doumane gets the sense that Kiritescu is very interested in what he is saying but that there is something holding him back from aligning with him. And if Doumane had to guess, it would be that his merchandise was being held hostage by Razvan for the sake of his brother, Flavius.
Grigore actually looks surprised at Doumane admitting to killing Lensar Wallis but continues to stay silent until the halfling says his piece.
"You may be correct in that power is shifting during these last few days but it does not negate everything that has happened before now. Even if I am opposed to the Dragomirs as you say, there are still physical obstacles to me being openly opposed to them. Your Miss Cutton seems to be better informed than I had given her credit for. In fact, no one really knew who she was until Wallis' death. My property is still in the hands of the Dragomirs and they are using it as leverage. Even if I wanted to help you, I am not in the position to do so without ruining myself in the process." He begins to turn to leave, "I wish you well, Mister Doumane."
Doumane watches the man turn to leave, and takes a deep breath. This was not a time to panic. Kiritescu came all the way down here, himself. Whatever his actions, he was clearly ready to listen.
"What id I could get your property back?" Doumane says straight forwardly. "As I said, my talents lie in that direction. Robbing the Dragomir's would bring me great personal pleasure, as well as further weakening them in the ongoing gang war. A win win you might say."
Grigore stops mid-step and turns back towards Doumane. "If you can do what you say, then that would change things. If I am in a position where the Dragomirs no longer have leverage over me, then there is an opportunity to become allies."
The Councillor contemplates the halfling's offer further, "There is more merchandise than you will be able to carry but if you can find where they are holding it and prove to the authorities that it is in the hands of the Dragomirs, that should be sufficient for me to reacquire my property. But there is one thing they have of mine that you can carry with you and deliver back to me. It's a music box that belonged to my mother. I had it in my office when my warehouse was robbed so they took it too. I would like it back sooner than later, it helps me relax."
"There's another council meeting in a week's time where my vote is needed by Flavius to pass his motion. My property needs to be recovered before then."
Doumane smiles to himself when Grigore stops mid-stride to come back. Clearly his abrupt departure had been more of a negotiating tactic then anything else.
"Do you have any idea where the goods are?" Doumane says, preparing to leave himself. "I understand if you don't, and I have contacts inside, but if you have a hint, I'd appreciate it." It was possible an Usher might have his own network of contacts, although it was doubtful they were good enough to penetrate Dragomir security.
A pause and then Doumane adds, "How shall I get the music box to you after I retrieve it? I am...closely watched and might not simply be able to drop by the office."
Grigore gives him an appraising look, "Are you sure you've done this before? I only ask because if I knew where the goods are, I wouldn't be in need of your help."
The Councillor looks thoughtful for a moment, "Send word to me via the route you just contacted me. We can make arrangements for the transfer down here."
He looks at Doumane somewhat dismissively, "Is our business concluded? Or do you have something else?"
Doumane accepts the borderline rudeness from the taller man with equanimity. He was used to it, and this had been Doumane's business for a long time.
He gives the Usher a smile, "Finding is not always having. Many a man has died of thirst despite knowing exactly where the cup was but unable to grasp it." The halfling nods, "One week, very well. I am sure you have a busy day, do not let me keep you, Master Councillor."
Grigore doesn't return Doumane's smile but he raises an eyebrow instead, "A Finder and a Philosopher. Not a common combination but it sounds like an interesting one. I look forward to your success. And I trust that you will keep our little arrangement confidential."
He then surprises Doumane by holding out his hand to shake the halfling's. "I appreciate you reaching out. Good luck."
Doumane takes the hand, surprised and impressed. "And the same to you, Councillor. These are dangerous times."
Doumane weaves himself throughout the streets of Magnimar out of the Capital District and into Dockway. He's pretty sure that he correctly remembers the third address on his initial list and makes his way there.
This time it is a fairly large warehouse. However, it soon becomes obvious that it has been converted into a business of some sort. There are a lot of people milling about as well as coming and going out of the building so it's easy for the halfling to blend in and get a descent look at the outside of the building. Unlike the unassuming, and even dilapidated looking warehouse where Jarvyce has chosen to take up residence, this warehouse has been nicely painted and restored. There is no signage so it must be word of mouth that is responsible for the many visitors. There are two guards on the main door, keeping an eye on the people entering and checking over, possibly searching, the people leaving - it's hard for Doumane to tell.
Since the building used to be a warehouse, the only windows are small and high off the ground. As Doumane looks up, he sees two more guards patrolling the roof.
The warehouse is surrounded on three sides by other similar looking buildings, although they don't look as well kept. The fourth side of the warehouse is water as it is right on the bay, easily accessible to open water.
As Doumane looks up, he notices that the roof of the building across the street will provide a vantage point for observing both the front door and the side door of the warehouse.
He takes his time getting into place, trying to make sure that no one notices him.
Doumane settles in to his little corner of the roof and watches - and waits. He quietly bides his time for what seems like an eternity. He begins to think that he has missed the pickup until he sees someone approaching the side door who is keeping a keen eye on their surroundings. The rogue would know Mihail's stature anywhere but this person was not him. They were smaller in size and as they get closer, Doumane can see that it's a woman.
Then to his surprise, Doumane does catch Mihail's form out of the corner of his eye on the roof across the street. His friend joins the other two guards, specifically keeping an eye on the street below and the woman's approach.
Seeing it was not Mihail but someone else carrying the valued list, Doumane saw a chance. He did not want to steal it from his friend, and possibly expose him to Razvan's rage at failure. But another member of the Dragomir's machine? As well as perhaps slake Jarvyce's greed? The halfling made a snap decision.
He dug in a pocket, found the small hard snapleaf and promptly rolled off the hot tile roof. Mid-air he snapped it, a brief crackle of arcane energy warming his fingers. Instantly Doumane flickers from sight as well as feeling lighter, drifting down toward the cobbled street instead of hurtling downward.
In a moment he alights lightly and rushes over toward the woman, trusting in his new spell to hide his presence.
He gets as close as possible, trying to reach her before she opened the door and possibly went inside.
Doumane easily makes it to the ground and right up behind the woman without being noticed. Now that Doumane is right behind the woman, he can see that she is quote imposing, not unnaturally tall but definitely quite muscular. As he gets closer, he can see a falchion strapped around her waist. Her eyes continue to dart around her surroundings looking for potential threats but the invisible halfling remains undetected.
She stays her course, making for the side door of the warehouse and she forms a fist to knock on the door.
Doumane eyes the formidable woman carefully, spotting her weapon at once. Clearly Razvan has decided to stop messing around with escorts for a boy and had assigned the role to someone who could stand up for themselves. The fact that even she was given a contingent of guards (Mihail and others on the roof) spoke to how important the Dragomir operation considered this daily task. With a street war on (and a mysterious) halfling to catch, such a task force was more valuable then ever.
Which just made Doumane that much more curious.
After taking a quick breath the halfling begins to attempt to pick the woman's pockets, looking for the list or anything else of value.
Doumane’s light touch is unobtrusive and imperceptible to the woman. Her eyes are alert but obviously she is focused on what is seen rather than unseen. The rogue easily checks her pockets and comes away with a small change purse, a vial, and a set of dice but no paper of any kind. As he picks her pockets he discovers that she is carrying a satchel slung across her body that is tied shut and hanging against her hip, her hand lightly resting on it.
Doumane curses mentally as the woman guards her satchel like a mother hen guards her freshly laid eggs. A simple slip of the fingers and pocketing the list is clearly out of the question. Still, her protectiveness had one advantage. Clearly, the satchel contained the list, what else could she be carrying that would make her so nervous?
Only thing for it, the most blunt and clumsy method of the thief. Cut and run. Dear Gods whichever care about thieves, Doumane thinks, give me some luck.
Carefully, he pulls out one of his knives and slices the leather thong holding the satchel, reaching to grab and run with the other hand!
Doumane keeps his knives as honed as his reflexes and today it serves him well. With a quick slice of his blade, the leather strap is severed and the bag begins to fall.
Invisible halflings may have escaped the woman's notice, but the bag slipping downwards does not.
At the same time the woman realizes her satchel is falling, Doumane materializes beside and slightly behind her. Before she can fully process what is happening, the bag is being pulled out of her grasp.
She manages to get a few fingers on the strap but Doumane is very determined to liberate her of her bag. The cut strap flows through her fingers like sand and soon the satchel is out of her hands and into those of a halfling. Her face is a mixture of surprise, disbelief, anger, and fear. Where did he come from? How am I going to explain being bested by a halfling? What is Razvan going to do to me?
Doumane winks into existence, materializing out of thin air. He snatches the bag, like so many cutpurses do every day on the lower streets of the city (although few rob women with falchions). Doumane knew, from long experience that was the easy part. Any fool can cut a strap and yank a purse. It was the getaway that was the problem.
The halfling doesn't waste time with a witty or pithy responses as he watches the woman's shock turn to anger. It was time to go. Now
Without hesitation the halfling bolts away from her and the rooftops guards as best he can, heading for whatever alleyway is closest at full speed, not stopping. He didn't care if they threw knives, shot arrows or cast spells, he was making a break for it like a fox outrunning the hounds (not that Doumane, confirmed city dwellers had ever really seen a fox hunt).
Doumane runs like his life depends on it because it does. Should he be caught it would not go well for him.
However, unbeknownst to him, the woman's life depends on chasing down the halfling and getting the bag back.
So woman and halfling run, knowing that their lives depend on being in possession of the satchel when the chase is done.
Just before Doumane blindly runs into the first alleyway he sees, he hears a lot of shouting behind him. He thinks he may have heard the twang of a bowstring but it's hard to know for sure because of the blood pounding in his ears.
Searing pain lances through his side and instantly he knows he's been hit but he continues to run. The heavy tromping of footsteps behind him gets louder and he knows he needs to lose her because he is very aware that his knives would not stand up well against a falchion.
Doumane winces as an arrow lances into his side. The halfling cuts off a savage curse aimed at whoever trained Razvan's archer. They were clearly doing too good of a job! No time for that now, he had to run, he had to get out of here. In a straight run, let alone a straight fight, this women would probably turn him to paste. Doumane needed complications, a way to level the playing field, to use his weakness as a strength.
He thinks as he pounds up the pavement.
Doumane scans his surroundings looking for anyway to escape his pursuer who is literally breathing down his neck. He comes to a crossroads and recognizes that if he goes right, he could get lost in the Bazaar of Sails. However, there is also a cart and horse partially blocking the street to his left that he's pretty sure he could squeeze past but the bulkier woman could not. And then he also spots a storm drain that he could dive into - but did he really want to chance the Magnimar sewers?
Instantly Doumane turns right. The cart and horse were good cover but singular and of unknown temperament. Besides, he wouldn't put it past this woman chasing him to simply kill the horse and vault the wagon. No, he needed a mass, a giant maze to get lost in. What better then the Bazaar? There would be crowds there, vendors, beggars, street performers and best of all guards. Other people with weapons. If the woman tried anything here there would be a riot. Which suited Doumane just fine.
The halfling runs flat out until he starts seeing people then tries to bob and weave into the tangle of legs and shop stalls, trying to use his small size as an advantage. If he feels he has lost his pursuer for a moment, he finds a handy pile of goods or tarp to hide under. If not, he keeps running.
The woman is undeterred and focused as she moves with surprising agility through the crowds. Doumane gets a feeling that she is well versed in tracking quarry through the streets of the city.
She lunges at the halfling to try to grab a piece of his clothing.
Doumane easily twists away and dives through the crowd, eluding her grasp. Her attempt to grab the halfling costs her time and her target attempts to use the thronging masses to hide in.
But she is hyperaware of the satchel that the halfling carries and she easily spots him trying to blend in with a group of adventurers haggling over equipment. She begins to move in his direction.
She gets a couple steps in Doumane's direction before a merchant's cart cuts her off and blocks her path. Doumane hears loud and prolific cursing coming from behind him while he continues to run away.
The rogue gets to the opposite edge of the bazaar from where he lost the woman before he begins to slow his pace. It is then that Dru materializes out of a side street. Keeping an eye out behind Doumane for his pursuer she says, "No time to slow down now. Jarvyce wants to make sure you deliver. Let's go."
Doumane barely has time to celebrate and enjoy his amazing escape when Dru materializes out of the crowd. Being reminded Jarvyce was watching every move was like having a gallon of ice water dumped over him.
Instantly he puts his guard up and says to Dru, irritated, "No congratulations?" he does however fall into step beside the woman letting her lead.
"Make sure I deliver? Where else am I going? Keeping this list for myself?"
She raises an eyebrow, "You want congratulations for getting chased? Seems to me that I should congratulate the cart. It's the real reason you got away."
Dru looks down at Doumane, rolling her eyes, "Simmer down. Jarvyce sent me as help, just in case you couldn't get away from Razvan's guard. It looked touch and go there for a bit. I know of her. She'll be tracking us so that's why there's no time to slow down - don't go getting your leathers all twisted."
She keeps them moving and constantly glances behind them as they take a round-about route towards the docks. She approaches a small rowboat and then looks at Doumane expectantly, "Get in and lie down on the bottom."
Doumane looks at the boat, to Dru and then, with a grimace, climbs into the boat. Was it a trick? A trap? It didn't matter, he had to follow along. He does keep the list close however, under his jacket. It was the only pathetic bit of leverage he had.
Dru follows Doumane into the boat and grabs the oars. She takes some powerful strokes and quickly they are cutting across the bay and around the Wyrmwatch befor heading down towards Ordellia.
Once they are past the Wyrmwatch, she says, "You can sit up now. Unless you need a nap after your chase through the streets."
They make land near The Rose and Rake and then carefully make their way to the Black Cyphers' headquarters. Even though he knows where Jarvyce's office is, Dru leads the rogue to the door and knocks.
Hearing a muffled, "Bring him." she opens the door and waits for Doumane to step inside before shutting the door behind him, just as before.
Jarvyce sits at his desk, eyes bright and elbows resting on it with fingers tented. "Doumane! Jarvyce thinks it's nice to see you again." The halfling gets the feeling that the slight emphasis on the word see references the fact that Jarvyce knows his scrying was blocked for a good chunk of the day.
He motions to the chair with one hand while holding out his other. "Sit, sit. And Jarvyce believes you have something for him?"
As always Doumane is nervous around the mad gang leader. One never knew if he was going to pat you on the head for a job well done or rave about betrayal. Having this man watching him all day was growing increasingly dangerous. You could not keep a mad dog, not without risking a bite at any moment. But this dog had bigger teeth then Doumane could handle.
The halfling takes the offered seat and tries to hide his stress. "Yes, although Dru implied you already saw it. Did you enjoy the show?" Doumane asks, pulling out the packet he stole from the Dragomir woman. "Do you clap at the good parts, like people watching a play?" The needle is a risk but Doumane can't help it.
"I would like to note I got this ahead of schedule for you." Doumane adds, offering the papers to Jarvyce.
Jarvyce grins, all teeth and no warmth. "Jarvyce may have clapped when the cart blocked her path and you managed to get away with the bag. Jarvyce did cringe when you were hit by that arrow and gasped when she almost grabbed you in the market. To be sure, it was a better show than many people pay their hard earned money to see."
He hand waves dismissively, "Jarvyce merely sent Dru when he saw you get hurt. A lame duck against a fox isn't worth risking his investment." He claps his hands together before pointing at Doumane, "But that lame duck proved he shouldn't be counted out. For that Jarvyce will commend you."
Jarvyce takes the satchel from Doumane and speaks some words over top of the bag before nodding and eagerly begins untying the straps. He pulls out a couple large bags of coins but shoves them to the side of his desk. He reaches back in and pulls out a couple of thin books. His eyes glint with excitement as he pulls out what's left but then frowns before opening the bag wider to look inside. He even goes so far as to turn the bag upside down and shakes it slightly to no avail.
His voice is steely when he speaks, "There is a difference between doing something quickly and doing something correctly, wouldn't you agree? There are only two lists. There should be three. Did you not wait until after she made the last pick-up?"
Doumane curses his bad luck and poor planning. He had not thought thinks through properly and had made a snap decision to steal the list. The halfling had not considered that he should have waited until the end of the route. Now that oversight might get him killed.
"Two thirds of a fish is better then no fish." Doumane says calmly, "I saw my chance and went for it, not knowing when it might come again. Are the other lists useless alone? If not, then we have made progress at least. The other can be taken at a later time."
Doumane leans forward, "How goes the gang war? The streets are rife with talk but Razvan is trying to keep it under wraps. Have you considered how to escalate things? I have some ideas, and maybe one of them can gain this other list."
The air begins to crackle with energy as Jarvyce stares down the halfling, his gaze is a mixture of steel and ice. All of the hair on Doumane's body seems to vibrate and stand on end. For not the first time, he wonders what he's gotten himself into and is fairly certain he's in over his head when dealing with this madman.
But he pushes forward with his words, somewhat hurriedly, hoping to find something...anything to mollify the tiefling. When he mentions having ideas, the energy that has filled the room dissipates and a large grin returns to Jarvyce's face. "Jarvyce knew that Doumane would make it up to him. Jarvyce likes having an employee who gives and not just takes. Tell Jarvyce, how would you escalate things and make up for your mistake?"
Doumane takes a deep breath, once again cursing his luck that this tielfing seemed to be mad. A rational man, no matter how dangerous could be dealt with, reasoned with, convinced. But this mad dog would bite the hands that fed him. And it was this person who was watching him every waking moment? Gods help him, and Mihail.
Doumane recalled an old story-teller int he market once, telling fables for coins. One had always stuck with Doumane and the old man had told it well.
“A horse having a wolf as a powerful and dangerous enemy lived in constant fear of his life. Being driven to desperation, it occurred to him to seek a strong ally. Whereupon he approached a man, and offered an alliance, pointing out that the wolf was likewise an enemy of the man. The man accepted the partnership at once and offered to kill the wolf immediately, if his new partner would only co-operate by placing his greater speed at the man’s disposal. The horse was willing, and allowed the man to place bridle and saddle upon him. The man mounted, hunted down the wolf, and killed him.
“The horse, joyful and relieved, thanked the man, and said: ‘Now that our enemy is dead, remove your bridle and saddle and restore my freedom.’
“Whereupon the man laughed loudly and replied, ‘The hell you say' and applied the spurs with a will.”
Had Doumane merely traded the wolf of Razvan for the rider of Jarvyce?
All this flashes through Doumane thoughts before he replies, "I think we need to show everyone you are serious, not just another two-bit thug muscling in on his turd. Something that cannot be ignored and will make the Dragomir's look weak."
"I'm thinking we rob one of his warehouses. A smash and grab, nothing too fancy, a bold stroke that everyone street corner will be talking about." Doumane shrugs, 'I don't have a place in mind yet but do you have a list yet of his hiding places? Even one of his obvious ones will work, maybe work even better. But we want it to be big and valuable. Someplace he uses frequently for cargo. He runs a big operation, he must have some troves around the city?"
Jarvyce drums his fingers on his desk, thinking a little too long than Doumane is comfortable with. The halfling can't help but begin to squirm as he waits for Jarvyce to express his opinion.
"You have already proved to Jarvyce that you are good at cutting and grabbing. Jarvyce looks forward to seeing if Doumane can also smash and grab." The tiefling leans forward and Doumane finds himself subconsciously leaning back, pushing himself further into the chair. "As a matter of fact, Jarvyce has a place in mind. Actually two someplaces. There is the place where you failed to procure the third list today. It is a key part of Razvan's business; however, the information has been vague as to what - if anything - is stored there. Or there is a warehouse near the Aquaretum, right on the water, which has shown greater than usual activity lately. Jarvyce is so generous that he will let Doumane decide which location to smash and grab...and he will also give you Dru and Zeki for help." He pauses at this point as if expecting Doumane to express his undying gratitude for the boons given.
Doumane does his best to school his face, to hide his feelings. For the first time in days, a glimmer of a plan and hope rise in the halfling's mind. The two storehouses.....The first hiding hole, the vague one, it very may contain Mihail's son. It fit, it fit very well. The other, the one near the Aquaretum probably held the Usher's goods, it also fit well. Doumane didn't know enough, not yet but now...could he wed Jarvyce's goals to his own? The tiefling was devilishly cunning (perhaps literally so), but he was also very greedy and overconfident.
Doumane nods happily, which was honest enough. "I will probably need them, although I prefer to work alone. Do you know much else of either location? The number of guards, the amount of traffic? I will scout them myself, perhaps tonight if the moon is good. I will talk to my friend and see if he has learned anything of note that could help." Then Doumane says, to play the part, waves to the bags of coins he stole from the Razvan woman. "Do I get a direct share? I may need to grease some palms on the streets tonight."
He did not really care but being too helpful might but the gang leader on his guard. Better to act normal, which usually meant 'greedy and aggressive' with these types.
Jarvyce digs out a paper on his desk from under a stack. "The one today has quite a bit of traffic regardless of time of day. But it is heavier late evening, early morning. Not surprising for a gambling house." His finger travels a bit further down the page, "The warehouse near the Aquaretum has the most activity during the night. Obviously up to no good and trying to do things under the cover of night. Both locations have patrols, two guards at a time."
The tiefling looks up, "Surely that is more than enough information for you to plan your smash and grab, yes?"
Jarvyce looks from Doumane to the coin and back to Doumane before giving him a knowing smile. He waves at the bags dismissively, "Take them both. One day you will learn that information is much more valuable than metals they pull out of the ground."
Gambling house, Doumane thought in confusion. The first hiding place was a gambling house? His plan flickered and died. It was not likely Mihail's son was kept at such an insecure location. Still, the warehouse at the docks still likely held Kritiscu's things. It was a start.
Doumane pockets the offered coins and gestures to the other assembled items. "Do you want them? I wouldn't want to presume anything."
The halfling then nods, "Like I said, I will spy out one or both tonight. After, I'll return and perhaps start a plan with Dru and Zeki. "
He slowly stands up to leave, giving Jarvyce time for the last word, that bit of social power.
Jarvyce lets out a hearty laugh at Doumane's offering of the other assembled items. "Jarvyce appreciates the gesture but no, you keep them. Jarvyce finds more valuable things in his belly button while bathing."
He nods at Doumane's proposed actions. "Tell Dru on your way out to expect you tomorrow. She'll pass it along to Zeki. And Doumane, try not to spend too much time at the Bank of Abadar. Jarvyce has a vivid imagination and a suspicious nature."
Doumane gathers up the small pile of items, happy the gang leader is laughing and not sharpening a skinning knife. You never could tell. Doumane bows and adds of his own, "The Gods enjoy demand much of us Jarvyce, and not just prayers. Do not over-dream."
Jarvyce's laugh dies off and he fixes Doumane with a look as if trying to look into him, "Jarvyce wasn't aware that you were so devout. Personally, Jarvyce doesn't bother the gods and the gods don't concern themselves with him."
Doumane talks to Dru briefly as he's shown the way out. Although briefly is being generous considering she merely nods and says nothing further.
The halfling makes his way back onto the street and begins carefully traveling back into Magnimar proper. Since the Aquaretum is kind of on his way home, he decides to detour that way to check out the warehouse.
As soon as Doumane gets across the bridges connecting Ordellia to the rest of Magnimar, he ducks into an alley and dons his hat of disguise. Ironically, it’s the same alley that he followed Skaxes into what seems like a lifetime ago…was it really only a couple of days?
He makes his way along the shore of Beacon’s Point, once again feeling comfortable and at ease walking the streets of Magnimar. The streets may not be as busy as they are during the day, but there are still plenty of citizens about. Some look to be on their way home from a long day at work, others look like they are on their way to a late supper or possibly a play or live music. Doumane’s new face easily blends into the rest of those milling about and he walks with purpose but without being too rushed.
Finally he passes the Aquaretum and finds his destination to scope out two doors down. The warehouse looks the same as any other in the district - it being a large wooden rectangle with high windows. But what is odd about this building is that some of the original doors have been boarded up tightly. Obviously whoever owns the property is more concerned about controlling the traffic in and out of the building rather than about the safety of anyone inside. Doumane can see only one usable door which is the main door on the street. The side of the warehouse facing the water actually overhangs it somewhat, the floor being supported by substantial-looking stilts. It looks like this has been done so that boats can dock directly underneath and goods be passed up or down through a large trap door. There is a boat currently docked below but the trap door is shut tightly. As Doumane passes, he can see many lights glowing from inside even though it is evening.
Not sure who's attention he may draw should he stop on the street or even slow, Doumane keeps moving. Soon he's in familiar territory knowing he's close to home but he doesn't let down his guard. Looking around to make sure no one is watching, he pulls the hat of disguise off his head. It wouldn't do for him to enter his house with an unknown face should Mihail already be waiting.
Even though there isn't any light on in his place, Doumane thinks he sees movement at the window as he approaches. His dagger is immediately in his hand as he quietly creeps towards the door. Just as he's reaching to open the door, it opens.
Mihail ushers him inside and Doumane lets out the breath he was holding. The dark circles under Mihail's eyes seem more pronounced in the gloom and his face sunken. Obviously the stress and worry of the last while were beginning to take their toll.
"Sorry if I startled you. I've been pacing for the last twenty minutes or so, so when I saw you coming I couldn't wait. Are you okay? I saw the arrow hit you and then Tannis was chasing you..."
Doumane pats Mihail on the shoulder, trying to calm him down. The halfling has felt he has had a trying few days, spying here, fighting there, all under the eye of Jarvyce. But imagine how much worse it was for Mihail? Forced to work side by side with the scum that had kidnapped his son? How could he stand it?
Doumane leads Mihail to a chair, and pours him some wine.
"Easy, friend. I am well." Once he is settled in he says, "Her name was Tannis? The lady with the flachion?"
Doumane takes a seat as well and says, "All right, tell me everything then I will. How was your day with the Bad Guys? What did you learn? Where did you go?"
Mihail takes the wine from Doumane and downs it in one swallow, "Thanks."
He continues to fidget, playing with his fingers, as Doumane asks his questions. The halfling can see the man trying to calm his nerves with a few deep breaths. "Yeah, Tannis was given the job of doing the pick-ups. She can obviously take care of herself so she didn't have any additional guards. There's talk that she's Razvan's mistress. That rumor will gain traction tomorrow if she's still around. Razvan was not happy with the turn of events today."
Mihail sighs heavily, "Which brings me to part of my new assignment. I'm supposed to track down the halfling who's working for the Black Cyphers. Since I'm one of the few people who saw the halfling up close, Razvan figures I'm the best one to find him...you....and deal a blow to the Black Cyphers at the same time."
"But it seems like Razvan is going on the defensive rather than the offensive with this turf war. He figures that the Black Cyphers are after him so he'll sit back and wait for them to make a mistake. Then he'll attack when they're weakened. That means all hands are on deck at one of two locations. In addition to finding the halfling, I have guard duty at a warehouse near the Aquaretum tomorrow afternoon and the gambling house tomorrow night. I guess that gives me tomorrow morning to start trying to find you."
He runs a frustrated hand through his hair, "I can't just turn you in. I could never live with myself trading a life for a life like that. But I also have to look like I'm making progress in tracking you down in order to keep buying us time."
He lowers his face into his hands, "I'm just so tired."