”If we do we’ll probably be dead. So know that we have a lot riding on this as well.”
"As long as you don't do anything unwise, I'm sure you will be fine." As he says this the mayor looks at Junior concern plain on his face. "Lord Kent has no reason to suspect you are anything more than what you purport."
”A handsome ne’erdowell who isn’t as good at gambling as he thinks he is? I believe that this will be an easy role to play.” Kasit said. ”Shall we be off then? I am eager to see how this plays out.”
"Look, I know this is hard for you. Heck, I would have a hard time trusting us. But that is exactly what makes the lot of us qualified for this job if you think about it. Yeah, we could just take what you gave us and make a run for it, and never come back. But this is a nice town. A little bit of money is not worth making enemies and crossing such a place off the locations one can go to - you can trust us to try and do what you asked of us. As Kasit so aptly put. If you come to regret hiring us, you can be almost certain that we are in a position to regret it more. That, I can promise you."
The girls pack up their entry fees, the advance, the lockpicking tools, and the scroll that is already done.
When Kasit suggests leaving, Sonira shakes her head:"Such a hot-head, the Mayor said he'll need a bit longer to finish the other scrolls. If there's anything more we may need, now's the time to acquire it. We can leave in the early afternoon. We should probably also arrive at different times and from different directions. If a group likes ours comes from Rhiannon, they may keep their eyes on us just because."
"That is what I am counting on." the Mayor says as the party steps out.
A few hours later you come back after running a few errands and tidying your affairs. Sorina, Sonira and Kasit meet at the Mayor's shop, but Junior is no where to be seen. "Here are the two scrolls. Where'd the half orc go? Well no matter, you'd best get started, there's still plenty of daylight, but you'll want to be on your way if you want to make it to the contest in time. I'll have the guard see if they can find your missing companion, I'm not sure he was right in the head. Good luck."
”Great...yeah. Can’t forget him.” Kasit smiled weakly. ”You know. Before we start. Got a heads up you could give on what kind of gambling we’ll be doing? And any other guests you know will be there? It’ll make the score easier.”
"Lord Kent's cast a pretty wide net from what I've heard. Most of the contestants will probably be adventurers like yourselves. I'm told he's fond of cards, though dice are a possibility as well."
"Either is fine. We'll learn what we need there if you have no further advice or directions for us."
She takes the 2 scrolls, then pockets them.
"As for Junior, he sat near the well and argued with that coin of his. It seems it got jealous of these coins and wanted him to get rid of them.", she produces one of the pouches the Mayor handed them earlier and tosses it on his Desk. "It was somewhat amusing to watch - I can't be sure but I think the coin suggested it may also want to be with other people for a while, to his great dismay. It may be a while until they settle their marital conflict, but I think he will not take part in this..."
"I see. Thank you for returning this. Is there anything else you need before you start?"
”No. I’m ready to do this.” Kasit said, feeling excited at the prospect of the adventure to come.
The mayor nods you farewell and you leave.You see a few people on your way out of town then the nearby area but soon you are in wilderness.
The road to Blackstone is clear, if rough, and generally follows the path of the Anduan River. While the river disappears frequently it is never long before it appears again serving as a guide to those traveling the road. Small paths branch off frequently, most running towards the river, others to places unknown.
Your first day of travel passes through relatively flat grassland broken by the odd hill. There are few trees or bushes. You occasionally see antelope gazing in the distance. Hares are a common sight and twice you startle as cubbies of quail brake cover suddenly. When the night comes it is cold as there is little wood for a fire and the wind blows cutting though your cloaks. There is frost on the ground when you wake.
You kill a hare. It makes for good eating cubed and roasted.
The next day you come to the foothills of the great Dreadmounts. As you begin climbing the river is hidden more and more as the valley that bounds it grows deeper. Soon the grasses of the plains give way to scruby trees and bushes that cover the rocky hillsides. As evening approaches you smell the smoke of cookfires and as you creat a rise you see the village of Blackstone below nestled between the Anduan and another small river. The keep stands on a cliff near the confluence of the two rivers. The road winds down and crosses the smaller stream before turning to the left and passing into the hamlet.
You notice there is a narrow path that winds it's way up the backside of the cliff from the river below to the base of the keep
About half an hour later, as you begin your way down towards Blackstone, you hear hoofbeats. As you turn to look behind you you see three riders, two astride chestnut browns and one upon a beautiful black stallion, cantering down the road. The riders pay you no heed as they pass you on the road uncomfortably close. The riders of the browns are dressed in rough tunics and hide vests. Heavy maces hang from their saddles. The third man is more richly dressed, in a black and red tunic and breastplate. At is side is a broad sheathed blade and a lance is slid through his mount's girth.
The man on the black horse is Markus Mevinter.
Lord Kent’s keep stands poised atop a bluff, towering high above the small community that lies below. The road passes through the few dozen buildings and winds up to the keep’s front entrance: a set of large double-doors. The doors are closed, and two guards, each wearing laquered leather armor and carrying round wooden shields, raise their spears before the doors as you approach. “Who goes there?” One of the guards asks in a gruff voice.
During the first day Kasit walked along, feeling fairly pleased with life. He had coin in his pocket, the weather was good, and if everything went wrong..well, it would just be one more town he couldn’t return to. And with plenty of travel rations, he didn’t even notice any game to hunt.
By the second day though, he was bored. Bored enough that he noticed a nearby quail. Figuring he needed practice, he lifted a stone with his mind and threw it at the bird. The quail was small, but it was delicious.
Completely failing to notice the intricacies of the terrain, Kasit walked with his companion(s) to the Keep, not wanting to either be late or to sleep outside.
Of the three riders he kept quiet until they left. But when they did he whispered ”The rich sure looked fancy. Hope to someday be that rich, eh?”
When they finally reached the keep....
”Here for the competition! Some good gambling to be done, eh? You expecting trouble? Were guests, right? So no need for the sour faces.”
The first day, the sisters made sure they remembered all the details from the list, so that they could be certain about retrieving the correct objects. They sang as they marched, oblivious to the nature around them, feeling content to be on the road again - if only for a short trip.
On the second day, Sorina took note of a Quail near the trail. Indicating to Sonira to hold still, she started to retrieve her Starknife from her Belt, avoiding hasty movements so not to scare the creature off. But just as she was getting ready to throw, a stone from their companions felled the creature, and he claimed it as his. It certainly seemed delicious, but at least they had rations with them.
As they reached the final stretch towards the Castle, Sorina took note of tracks on the ground:"Others came using this road, in the past few days. When was the last time it rained properly? A week or so? Those tracks were made after, can't say when, though. Or how many. But I guess most participants already checked in..."
As the riders came across the bend, there was just enough time for Sonira to jump aside. Sorina was hidden behind a nearby bush, making water - and neither got a good luck at the riders - but it seemed troublesome if some participants brought their thugs with them, so they hoped it was Lord Kent himself riding with armed Guards.
When the guards stop them and challenge them, Sorina produces a pouch with coins, enough for the entrance fee, and shakes it:"Why, honored guests of your Lord. I see that you're just doing your job, and you do so very impressively - but there's no reason to try and impress us, so if you'd kindly lower that pokey stick and get one of the serfs to pick us up and show us to our rooms, that'd be much appreciated."
Following an indifferent grunt the guard says, "Wait here." He turns and knocks on the doors. A small grate opens and after a short conversation passes with a guard on the other side, you hear calls for someone named Kara. A few moments later they open the doors and wave you inside.
The walls of the keep block the light of the setting sun casting the figure before you in shadow. After a moment your eyes adjust to the dimming light. A woman of slight stature and long black hair moves to greet you. A large set of keys jangling from her belt, she walks with her shoulders squared, her manner that of one who knows her position commands respect. “Welcome to Castle Blackstone, I am Kara Juniper, Lord Kent’s Master Servant, and the contest moderator. May I have your entry fee?" Hand extended, she waits.
”And even if we lose every hand dealt, I will still consider myself coming out ahead after being greeted with such beauty.” Kasit said, handing over the entry fee. ”I am Kasit. A true pleasure to meet you.” He finished, thinking himself very suave.
The corners of Kara's mouth turn up subtlety in a brief smile. "If your luck can keep pace with your tongue then I'm sure you'll do quite well." She then takes the bags from the three of you and gives the bags a very brief inspection. "Follow me and I will show you to your rooms.” She turns and walks through the courtyard, beckoning you to follow.
You enter an open courtyard. Looming beside the keep’s main gates and dominating the courtyard is a large clock tower. It towers high above the castle’s walls and is capped by a pointed tiled roof. Also towering above the castle’s walls are the north and southwest wings. Elaborate stained glass windows decorate the upper level of the southwest wing, while arrow slits serve as the windows of the north wing. The ground of the courtyard is laid with colored bricks, set to portray spiraling, knotted designs. The courtyard also contains a stone well near the gate, and many doors. Two armored sentries bearing spears guard the gate.
Setting a brisk pace, Kara strides across yard. Gesturing to her right she explains, "Those two doors lead to the grand hall. That is where meals will be served and where the competition will take place."
Kara leads you to a large oaken door which groans as she pushes it open. Beyond is a dim hallway lined with ornate tapestries depicting strange creatures and ancient battles.
Kara removes a torch from its sconce and beckons you to follow her into the depths of the keep. The hallway turns eastward and continues past several doors before coming to a spiraling stone stairway. “You are expected to compete twice a day, once at noon and again at eight in the grand hall, which I showed you.” Looking back as she leads you up the stairs she continues, “The clocktower in the courtyard chimes on each hour, and can be heard throughout the entire keep, so you should have no trouble keeping track of time. If you are not at the tournament at the scheduled time, I shall fetch you. But please don’t make me…”
The stairwell opens to another tapestry-lined hallway, and Kara leads you past several more doors before stopping near the end of the hall. She hands a key to Kasit and to Sorina.
To Kasit she says, "the last room on the right will be your chamber." To Sorina and Sonira she apologizes, "I am sorry, the castle is bursting at the seams with the contestants, you and your sister will have to share a room. Second to last on the right."
Glancing at Kasit furtively she continues, "You are free to wander the grounds, although there are some areas that are off limits. Such areas are locked, and if you have any questions as to where you are allowed, feel free to ask the guards. There is food in the kitchens if you are hungry. Tomorrow I will explain the rules of the competition when we meet at midday.
I don’t need to tell you that you are expected to be on your best behavior during your stay at the castle. Lord Kent is not generally a patient man, and it is rare and quite generous of him to open his home to strangers. ” Kara curtsies and turns to take her leave.
"As long as we don't have to share meals-", Sonira smiles as Sorina accepts the key. "If you explain the rules tomorrow, I understand the tournament will not yet start, so we are free today and tomorrow until midday, at least? So we can settle in, fetch a meal and get acquainted with this place? What say you, Kasit, some light Dinner at the full hour?"
Kasit went through the tour, paying attention to his surroundings and the guards. Unfortunately, the present company was distracting enough that his mind wandered far too often and far too off topic.
He watched Kara go appreciatively before turning to the sisters. ”Did you see the way she looked at me? I’m glad this is a gambling completion, as I’m already feeling lucky.” He said with a chuckle. ”But all joking aside, I’d love to have some real food. And besides for the pleasant company, it would be good to have a genuinely friendly face around while we explore.” He continued.
Agreed to head to dinner soon, you each take some time to settle into your rooms.
A large four-poster bed draped with red silk curtains dominates this chamber. Besides the bed, the room boasts a fireplace, an armoire, and a small oaken table. Beside the fireplace in the west wall is a window that looks out byond the keep. A cool draft from the window adds to the chill of the stone room.
There is enough wood stacked beside the fireplace for the you to keep a comfortable fire going for much of the tournament.The armoire is empty save for an old blue traveler’s cloak.
A single bed sits beneath a large shuttered arrow slit against the west wall. A small fireplace is set into the wall near the foot of the bed and there is a good size pile of wood set nearby. Besides the bed there is also a small spindly table and a large chest which is empty. There is no lock on the chest, but it is of sturdy construction with large bronze hinges and clasp. The room smells stuffy, as if it has not been used in a very long time.
After a few minutes you hear the clock chime 6 o'clock. You meet in the hallway before heading down to the kitchens.
A dusty film coats this long-forgotten chamber, and thick cobwebs cling to the ceiling and walls. A black statue of a rearing dragon stands in one corner, and a decrepit desk and chair stands opposite it. Several vials of strange liquids and powders rest atop the desk.
As you decend the staircase you hear a hushed but heated conversation. You pause to listen. The first voice you here is a woman's.
"...but my lord, I do not like the look of several of these contestants, why are we even holding this contest?"
A male voice says, "That is none of your concern, just as I have told you."
"But sir, the..."
You hear a slap then the male voice again.
"Do not forget your place Kara. You will do your duty."
Then you hear heavy footfalls as someone begins to decend the staircase behind you.
Kasit jumped into the bed appropriated to him with pure contentment. He had spent so long sleeping on the road or in the cheapest of taverns that this felt like true luxury. After he spent a few moments relaxing, he got up and searched the room.
His careful investigating paid off, as he found a false top to the chest within the room. With a smile he pulled out the hidden silver stilleto and then pocketed it. It would sell well enough, and it wouldn’t be missed. Two facts that would ensure that he was fed come the morrow.
As the trio descended the stairs they stopped as the violent exchange went on. Listening, he leaned against the wall...only to find that one of the tapistries was fluttering oddly. On closer inspection he realized that the wall behind it was hidden! After pressing several of the "stones" one gave a little and the wall swung inward. Ajar, he could see that the stone here has been morterd to a wooden door, concealing it.
”Care for a bit of exploring? Kara seems to have the brute of a lord occupied, for the moment.”
"Dibs on the window side of the bed", Sorina called out as they entered their room.
She then spends some time taking a closer look at the room, then using the travellers cloak as additional barrier to stop the draft from the window, while Sonira starts to re-arrange the firewood to create a hollow space at the backside of the bottom of the stack.
Soon, the bell rings, and the girls make their way outside to meet with Kasit.
As they hear the exchange, the girls look at each other. Physical punishment for disobedience was usual enough for woman and children everywhere. Alas, the content of the discourse was interesting.
It seemed to imply that there possibly was a purpose to this tournament beyond what was officially stated.
As they seemed to silently exchange thoughts, Kasit leaned against a hidden door, opening it.
Just as he made his suggestion, heavy steps started coming closer.
"Certainly...but maybe after Dinner - Kara heared us arrange for the full hour, and I would certainly like to see what a Lordlings kitchen can present to honored guests such as yours truly - we could come back after checking the food, I doubt there's many fun things to do in the evening here..."
”...and free food is not to be turned down. You are of course, correct.” Kasit replied, as they continued onwards.
You decend the stairs just in time to see a man dressed in fine clothing leaving for the courtyard. Kara stands in front of a door you have not passed through. There a tears in her eyes and her cheek is red, but she seems determined. When she notices you, she raised a hand in greeting, and speaks in a cheary voice. "Ah, I see you are headed to dinner now. I hope you found your rooms acceptable?" A dwarf, the source of the footsteps you had heard, finishes decending just then. "Master Jorgas!" Kara continues. "Have you met our lastest contestants?"
"Nay, but I'll be happy to take your gold along with the others. Name's Jorgas" the dwarf says in common extending a hand.
"The Room is nice enough - I do hope the Dinner is, as well. Where can we find you? We are covered in dust, mud, and sweat from the journey, and would welcome a chance to wash both ourselves and our clothing in time before the tournament - if you'd kindly show us where we may do so after Dinner?", Sorina responds to Kara.
Her twin sister turns to Jorgas:"We have not met, yet. Great to make your aquaintance.", she extends her hand and shakes his: "I am Sonira, that's my sister Sorina. We're twins."
She smiles at stating the obvious, then continues: "I do hope you'll be a good loser and not hold a grudge when we leave with our winnings?"
"That is good to hear. Dinner will be rather informal tonight, the keep is not used to so many. It is difficult to serve a large number of guests along with the usual staff, so the cook as prepared a stew and bread. Feel free to take some back to your rooms. People will be coming and going for the next hour or two I expect. As for me, my room is through that door, then the first one on the left, knock and if I am there I will answer, otherwise I may be elsewhere in the castle attending to my... duties." Kara gestures to the door behind as she speaks, the last word bitten off bitterly. After a short pause she brushes a loose strand of hair back and continues in a light businesslike tone, "Later this evening I can send Mia up with some warm water and cloths for you once everyone has finished eating."
Jorgas shakes Sonira's hand in a firm grip. "Well we'll see about that, but if I have to lose my gold, at least losing it to girls as pretty as you might soften the blow."
Notable is that Jorgas wears a chain shirt and buckler, a heavy mace at his side.
Kasit put his fist to his chest and with a slight nod of his head said ᚺᚨᛁᛚ᛫ᚨᚾᛞ᛫ᚹᛖᛚᛚ᛫ᛗᛖᛏ᛬ᛗᚢᚷ᛫ᚺᛟᚾᛟᚱ᛫ᛏᛟ᛫ᛃᛟᚢ᛫ᚨᚾᛞ᛫ᛃᛟᚢᚱ᛫ᚲᛚᚨᚾ᛬ᛁ᛫ᚦᚨᛜᚲ᛫ᛃᛟᚢ᛫ᚠᛟᚱ᛫ᛃᛟᚢᚱ᛫ᚺᛟᛋᛈᛁᛏ ᚨᛚᛁᛏᛃ᛬ᛗᛃ᛫ᚾᚨᛗᛖ᛫ᛁᛋ᛫ᚲᚨᛋᛁᛏ᛬ᚠᚱᛟᛗ᛫ᚨ᛫ᚲᛚᚨᚾ᛫ᛟᚠ᛫ᛚᛁᛏᛏᛚᛖ᛫ᛁᛗᛈᛟᚱᛏᚨᛜᚲᛖ᛬ᛁ᛫ᚺᛟᛈᛖ᛫ᛏᛟ᛫ᚷᚨᛜᛖ᛫ᚦᚨᛏ᛫ ᚹᛁᚦ᛫ᛗᛃ᛫ᚹᛁᚾᚾᛜᛋ᛬
He had spent enough time around his mentor in the art of locksmithing to not be alarmed at the sight of such “cultural symbols” as armor and heavy blunt objects.
Jorgas's attention immediately focuses on Kasit when he hears the Dwarven tongue. Releasing Sonira's hand and raising it to his own chest.
"Hail Kasit. May the Forgefather's favor rest upon you and your clan. I am Jorgas Bredwir of clan Ironhaft. Where did you learn the earthchildren's tongue? Few of us dwell among you."
Sorina thanks Kara:"Thanks you, we'll try and use some time after dinner to get aquainted with the place, so hopefully we'll be able to find things without depending on you then. And it would be wonderful if you could send Mia up, whoever that is."
As Kasit and Jorgan start their talk in the Dwarven Tongue, she looks at Sonira and Kara, then shrugs:"I don't mean to interrupt your conversation - greetings, Jorgen - and we'll go ahead to Lunch, see you there, Kasit."
With that, the girls move on towards the kitchen and get themselves a large portion of stew and some bread each.
”I will see you then.” Kasit said, pleasantly, before turning back to the dwarf.
He opened his pack and took out his trade tools.
Jorgas takes the picks inspecting them before eyeing Kasit warily.
The dwarf returns the picks as he trails off.
Kasit glared at the dwarf just as his old master did. The way Korgan’s eyes burrowed into him was always so unnerving. It was as if there was palpable outrage. He tried to emulate it, and luckily the Dwarven tongue was perfectly suited to it.
Jorgas raises his hands attempting for forstall Kasit's anger.
Kasit stopped, feeling genuinely bad for deceiving Jorgas. Especially by pretending to be the man he knew Korgan wanted him to be. With his hear in it, he said
Jorgas claps Kasit and the shoulder and turns to head to the kitchens.
A short time later the girls pass Kasit and Jorgan, still conversing, as they return to their room to eat their meal in peace. Bout an hour and a half later the young halfling who'd left with the tray knocks on the door. "Hello, Mistress Kara said you'd be needing some water for washing. I bought some wash clothes as well." The maid raises a large pitcher of steaming water for the sisters to take and pulls several soft white clothes from a pocket on her apron as well. "If'n you need anything else just let Mistress Kara or me know. I'm Mia by the way."
As they pass the half-Orc, both Sorina and Sonira try to avoid eye contact. Fewest of their breed were products of love, and him leering at them like that suggested interactions would be unpleasant, at best.
Instead, they take their bowls, thanking the older halfling for the food and commenting on how tasty it was after trying it.
Taking a little time to look around, and waiting for Kasits eventual return, after a while, the girls decide to get up, ask for a refill, and head to their room to enjoy the remainder of their meal.
When the young Halfling shows up with the large pitcher of water and the wash clothes, Sorina stands up from the bed and slips out of her Outfit, regally addressing the maid while standing there naked: "Good, Mia. You may begin to wash me. It's been taking long enough."
As the Halfling stands there, dumbfounded, Sonira waits for how Mia will react.
Giving the young serving girl a few seconds to come to terms with whatever approach she settles on - whether that is approaching Sorina to wash her, arguing about her duties, or just blushing and standing there - she then starts to laugh, with Sorina quickly joining in. Standing up as well, she retrieves a Silver from her pocket, and throws it to Mia:"Apologies for the prank, I dared my sister to do that. Thanks for the hot water and the wash clothes" .
After she leaves, Sonira starts to scrub down Sorina. After being on the road, it did feel good to be able to wash. But Sonira would be spotless anyway by the time she came back tomorrow morning, so it made sense to take care of Sorina first.
After they are both done washing, they move over and knock on Kasits door, hoping he would be done with his meal and his new Dwarven friend in the meantime.
Poor Mia is immediately convinced by Sorina's trick. Stammering she tries to explain, "I, I, I'm sorry miss. I've never. I, well you see I usually just work in the kitchens an cleanin, but well I suppose I can." She hesitantly steps forward before being rescued by Sonira.
"Apologies for the prank, I dared my sister to do that. Thanks for the hot water and the wash clothes and for being a good sport"
Nervously she laughs. "Oh never you mind miss. If you need anything just let me know. Very kind of you" she says while raising the silver piece. Curtsying she leaves the girls and heads back down stairs.
Kasit wanted to groan. What was he doing here? Well, gambling, probably. He had the sudden urge to run away. He knew what Ionacu was capable of.
Jorgas shakes his head, sighing. Then he speaks quietly, his reluctance obvious.
"Aye, I'll keep an eye out for you. What you say through matches what I'd suspected, I'm glad you got away from him.
But if Lord Kent knows who he is, well, this is his keep and I'll not be causing trouble. Blackstone keep is important, the clan trades with the humans here, and in return they stay out of our mountains. They'd be furious if anyone upset that balance. I'll not end up clanless for you. No offense, but no stranger no matter how well met is worth risking that fate.
Kasit took a deep breath, before saying
Jorgas raises a fist.
You go into the kitchen where an older halfling woman fills wooden bowls with a thick brown stew and hands each if you a load of bread. As you leave the Ionacu watches you furtively, but makes no move to intercept you. The pair of you continue chatting as you return to your rooms. At top of the stairs Jorgas takes a key out of his pockets and opens the first door on the left.
He closes the door behind him and you hear the click of the lock. Shortly after returning to your room Sorina and Sonira come to find you.
Together the tree of you return to the wall that Kasit opened earlier. Careful to make sure know one notices you open it again and enter the room behind.
A dusty film coats this long-forgotten chamber, and thick cobwebs cling to the ceiling and walls. A black statue of a rearing dragon stands in one corner, and a decrepit desk and chair stands opposite it. Several vials of strange liquids and powders rest atop the desk.
The vials of liquids and powders on the table are potions and poisons caked with dust. Among them are two potions of cure light wounds, a potion of hide from undead, a vial of bloodroot poison (powdered), and a vial of striped toadstool poison (powdered). All of these are carefully labeled in common.
Through the Red peephole:
You can see a bed and table. Aside from a black tulip on the table the room appears undisturbed.
Through the Green peephole:
Much like Sorina and Sonira's room, this chamber boasts a fourposter bed, armoire, table, fireplace. Atop the table lie a deck of beat-up cards and several sets of dice. A large traveling pack lies on the bed, its contents carelessly spilt nearby. You can make out some of the contents, rope, a traveling outfit and a small sack that is probably a purse.
Through the Purple peepholes:
A stentch reminiscent of wet dog wafts up through this peepholes. You see a three-foot tall ebon statue carved into the likeness of a hyena-headed monster standing atop a dark altar, which is inscribed with strange, runic lettering and etched with scenes of battle. Besides the statue, the chamber is filled with many dirty cots, two of which are occupied by gnolls!
Through the Blue peephole:
This chamber reeks of death and decay and is decorated in a horrid fashion. Impaled to the walls with large, metal spikes are dozens of humanoid skulls. They are each painted with strange, runic markings, no doubt curses from the evil being that murdered them. A dirty cot rests in one corner of the room, beside which is a large chest. A huge gnoll dressed in black chain, lies in the cot, an large wooden shield and a black flail resting on the floor nearby.
As they enter, Sorina kneels down, checking the floor for footprints. The chamber seemed long-forgotten, but if somebody had been here, there would likely be traces of their presence.
Then she heads in further, taking a look at the strange vials and powders on the desk - the statue was imposing, but less likely to be pocketable...not trusting the labels, Sorina takes a close look, and smells the contents cautiously, before confirming the labels are indeed correct.
"Healing potions and poisons...interesting hobbies...", she whispers.
Sonira checks the remainder of the room - and listening near the entrance to indicate to the others if someone was passing, so that they could be absolutely silent for a moment.
"Aye, but I doubt anybody would find them missing. No reason to let those things go to waste - don't you think, Kasit?", she whispers back.