That makes the half orc grin, a full on stupid cheek to cheek beamer. Resting her forehead on her friend's back "Thanks, I kind of needed to hear that." she pauses for a second then whispers "Your brother needs help... the city, its says his dark is eating him, whatever that means, but.. but whatever it is I know its true..."
Kali sighs at the mention of him needing help. She nods silently while she tells her what's she is already seeing for herself. "I know. I don't know what's happened to him. He was always saving me from trouble. I don't know what to do when he needs help? I'm not great at being responsible and making the right decisions. The marines are helping to teach me that I guess, but I spent too long doing what Lamm wanted just so I could get a sweet taste of whatever he had for me that night."
Thta reminds her about the incident in the warehouse the prior day "I uhm, I apologize for my actions the other day if they offended you." She closes her eyes and shakes her head back and forth before turning around to face Magda "Lamm got me hooked on stuff. When it's not around I'm fine and convince myself I don't need it. But when it's right there in front of me for the taking. I... It calls to me. I have to have it. I don't know how to explain it."
She takes the soap and moves behind Magda to scrub her back. "My sister, Vanora, that was Krovax's wife. She's gone now, he took her from us. Anyway, when I get a taste of it, I see her. Everytime. She's right there and she and I are playing, dancing, laughing, running, singing and we're always happy. I know it sounds weird, but, I don't know. I'm not some stupid junkie who uses it just to use to get high. I use it to see her again."
"I miss her."
"I... might have seen you... we were always stuffed in nooks and cracks, forced to hide when, um, 'friends' came. But there wasn't enough hidey holes far enough away for all of us. So us older ones got the short straw."
"But none of that matters now does it. Lamm's dead. All the stuff we did to stay breathing and not one of those splinted ones drooling and babbling, is just what we did..." she listening to other words now and then, helping her say what she wants to say "I would've escaped that way, if I could've, dreams can be pleasant, as long as its not filled with those white things with the big teeth and ears, ugh..."
After a hearing about Vanora, "I wish I could have met her" she says wistfully "The words you've said, and the break it caused in the meat sack... she must have been something."
Clean now with a silent Kali, she's not sure if the other woman needs a hug or just some time alone. Magda picks the latter, due to needing to go through the clothes in hope something isn't so stained or holey to be thrown out on sight. She doesn't have much to begin with so she picks holey over stained, piled on with layers as always, and grabs her essentials (which does not include the bear trap).
She makes is down stairs armored and weaponed as normal, since Krovax arrived that way she figured it was okay.
"Are we alls ready?"
After Mags leaves, Kali does indeed spend some time alone and tries to rinse out some of the grime from her garments. She only has one uniform and it's a little "used" from the last days events. She makes a note to return and see about getting a replacement. Deciding she's all set, she returns downstairs to join the others and gives Magda a silent nod that she's ready.
In the evening, Vera considers whether that strange dagger might be cursed. Since it apparently was owned by the Key Lock Killer, and he was a crazy serial killer. In any event, she decides she doesn't want Krovax holding it, so she tries to keep it for herself.
* * *
Krovax walks in and heads to the table the others are gathered at. He doesn’t sit, but says ”I have managed to make arrangements for us to return the brooch to the Queen. You should all make yourselves as presentable as you desire for such an audience. We should be heading to the castle soon. Given the situation within the city, I’m certain a bit of leeway will be given to any lapse in decorum we express.”
"So you DO have friends who know the queen!" says Vera. "Why didn't you say so?" Vera dresses herself up as if she were going to do public harrow readings. Which is to say she tries to make herself look as mature as possible. It wouldn't be very impressive looking like a 14-year-old girl after all.
.
It takes about an hour to get from Citadel , navigating around the last few pockets of riots, as you see the guard finally arresting the last few of the most dangerous humanoids, and the hellknights dispatching the more dangerous beasts.
Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city as a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher because of its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian monument in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
A number castle guards, bristling with swords and crossbows, guard each of the main entrance stairs. These three sets of wide of stairs that trail upward along the side of the castle, each passing under the gatehouse archway and arriving at a square landing before turning right to reach the main entrance gate. A narrow set of stairs also leads up along the southeast side of the pyramid.
You approach one of the wide stairs, typically used to request an audience with the crown. The castle guards place their hands on their weapons as you approach, and regard you suspiciously.
"i've never been this close to it... not once" the half orc says worriedly, looking more nervous than when hunting Lamm or fighting thugs or less a touch more than with Krovax (pre pee).
As the guards look their way, Magda stays quiet and to the back. There is no way her talking is going to make them do anything other than throw things at them and scream Get Away.
Krovax makes his way up to the guards, keeping his hands in a non-threatening location at his sides as he approaches. Once he is fairly close, he says ”We’ve come to return something to the Queen. I believe the Guard has informed you of our impending arrival in advance?”
"You and me both," whispers Vera back to Magpie. She looks around in wonder at Castle Korvosa, the monument that dominated the skyline. For a moment, she was glad that Krovax spoke first, until she realized that this was the very man who might decide that a guard was a scumbag who needed to be slowly disemboweled. "I really hope he knows what he's doing."
The guard warily looks at Krovax and whispers something to one of her compatriots, who jogs inside. The other guards keep their hands on their weapons, and continuously watch you. As before at the citadel, the messenger returns and nods. ”You may come with me. You are expected. You obviously must leave any weapons here.” The female guard takes everything that is a weapon or could be used as such, such as a shield, and pats each character down, briefly looking for hidden weapons. She also takes any spell component pouches and alchemical items that are obvious.
Satisfied, she asks the messenger to escort the party.
The messenger salutes and leads everyone up the grand stairs to the landing, where they are greeted by a stern-looking woman in magnificent full-plate armor.
She nods curtly at the party as they approach, then says, ”Greetings. They tell me you’ve something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?”
Marcus stays with Krovax at the front, clearly bristling with weapons himself but his arms folded with no intention of going for them.
Marcus disarms himself, again dropping the impressive collection of steel.
When the stern-looking armored woman questions them, Marcus grunts and nods, but leaves the others to do the talking while he gazes about the landing.
Kali walks along the front as well, hoping the presence of her recognizable attire would help lend some credibility to the otherwise ragtag looking bunch of misfits that they actually were. After they are agreed to be let in, she asks one of the guards to stable Falcor after their search, giving him a reassuring pat on the neck. "I'll be back soon."
As they walk, she asks "How exactly did they know we were coming?"
When the messenger arrives, Kali knows better than to do the talking. So instead she stands up straight and tries to look as marine-like as possible, waiting for the talky-types to do their thing.
When the armored woman arrives, Vera immediately recognizes her from the vision. The close confidant of the queen. Seeing the familiar face inspires Vera to approach and curtsy, as best as she's able.
"Greetings m'lady. Yes, we found something in the hands of a criminal, and when we saw how valuable it was, we knew it could belong to nobody else. It's an honor that the queen sent someone she trusts so much to meet us." Vera had no idea who this was, but flattery seemed appropriate. She starts to turn momentarily toward the group for approval before correcting herself--the right thing to do was to keep her gaze locked on to the woman she was speaking with.
When Vera mentions this, the woman peers at her suspiciously, until Krovax produces the brooch with the broken clasp. The woman smiles, and steps aside, holding out a hand to welcome the party to Castle Korvosa. As the guards make to follow, she steps in: “You may return to your posts. These heroes pose no threat to the queen.”
She leads the party past the double doors of the castle, and into a cloakroom. This entrance hall is furnished with several side tables on which stand marble busts of previous seneschals, kings, and queens of Korvosa.
The woman says, ”Please leave any coats or bags here, and make yourself comfortable for a moment.” She waits while the party deposits their bags or overcloaks.
After a moment, she leads the party through another room to the south. This room contains memorabilia of the Arabasti family, such as the Arabasti battle standard and a set of jousting lances on a rack. Past the memorabilia is a western archway, which leads to the throne room. The woman pauses, ”for reference, my name is Sabina. How would you all prefer to be announced to Her Majesty, Queen Ileosa?” She watches the party , waiting for a response.
Marcus drops his extra gear as well, although he had never been a cloak or coat man, barring freezing weather.
"Marcus Havel, the Dog." He says, not offering an explanation for the unique title. It does confirm some of the insults the guard captain had thrown at him the other day though.
Vera doesn't try speaking any more, seeing as how Sabina regarded her suspiciously. But her gaze does not leave Sabina. Instead, Vera is quite deliberately studying Sabina's aura, trying to determine her true nature.
Vera is rather distracted so Sabina's question catches her off-guard for a moment. Hm . . . do I go with Vera, fortune-teller extraordinaire? That doesn't sound very regal, does it? I can do better than that . . . It's when Vera finally looks beyond herself that her answer becomes obvious.
"I'm Vera Esmeranda, daughter of the late Zellara Esmeranda."
Krovax bows his head just slightly to Sabina. He follows dutifully behind her until they reach the coat room, where he divests himself of excess items. At her question, he says ”My name is Krovax Draverian. I have no title.”
Kali stands up straight, holding her arms down at her side. She says as firmly as she can "Private Kaliyah Tatarescu, Sable Company"
"Magda Vasiliu..." Magda hesitates, then adds "orphan?"
Shi says, ”Shi Ni, of Tian Xia” bowing slightly.
Sabina nods, her gaze lingering on Magda and Marcus briefly, and steps forward, into the ostensible throne room. In a loud, clear voice, she says, ”my queen, may I present for you, the company which found your treasured brooch. Private Kaliyah Tatarescu, Sable Company, Vera Esmeranda, daughter of the late Zellara Esmeranda, Shi Ni, of Tian Xia, Marcus Havel, Krovax Draverian, and Magda Vasiliu...” She steps aside to allow the party to enter the room.
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. The throne room itself—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others—is pristine but strangely empty. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base.
Sabina takes the brooch from Krovax, approaches the Queen, and hands the brooch to her with a flourish. She then takes up a position at the throne’s left side.
The queen addresses the party, in a slightly Chelaxian accented voice that is rich and compelling. This is a voice that shatters empires and makes Emperors fall in love. This is the voice of a Queen.
”This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope.“ She pauses briefly.
”I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You have already done my heart a great service in returning this precious heirloom to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet perhaps you can serve your city more.“ She smiles, beatifically at the party, and it is as if the sun emerges from the cloud for the first time after a storm.
”The Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it could certainly use the aid of heroes such as you. If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way. Now, I need to retire to my chambers—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.” She appears grateful beyond words, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.
Why'd you ask if you were just gonna ignore it. Marcus snorts as he enters the room. However, he takes note of Kaliyah being in the Marines. He does nothing for now, but his mind sets it aside to ruminate on later.
Marcus was a stubborn c+&% even in the best of times, but even he knows when to at least maintain an acceptable level of respect, to keep his head at the very least. He enters, doing the minimum level of bowing to avoid disrespect, then sets his gaze on her to listen.
Damn, that is a voice to command. Not with a gentle hand either. However, her optimistic and uplifting words made him skeptical. In his experience rulers were not so innocent and benevolent.
But he can't really get a read on her. If she was playing a game, it went far over the head of some rough riding mercenary like Marcus.
But as the opportunity for work arises, he's back in his element. "My la...your grace." He ventures. It becomes apparent that this kind of high-nosed politicking is far from his strong suit, but his intents are good. "I'll be blunt." His face suggests he is rarely anything else. "Work for the crown is a good opportunity, but we'll need to know details before striking a deal."
"No..." Magda blurts out in response to Marcus, she hesitates a moment, then barrels forward "The city... it's hurting. I know it's bats but I hear it. Whispering and whimpering. Rotting down and up. We have to help, we're twisted and twined all in it already." but she realizes it's insane to expect the others to listen to the city, when it's her that it pokes and prods, so she looks over at Marcus. "Me, I'm only talking for me, that is." then nods to him to continue.
Kali cringes and closes her eyes slowly. Maybe if I pretend that I'm not here she will just walk away and ignore us. Please don't remember my name, please don't remember my name.
”Your Grace,” Krovax says as he steps forward, takes a knee before rising and continuing, his voice deep and echoing though the hall, ”First please allow me to express my sincere condolences at your loss. I too recently suffered a loss and I can attest that you are handling it far nobler and stronger than I. Do not let us keep you in your time of grief. Those of us that are willing and able will do what we can to help the city, though in some cases I do not know if the Guard will be open to accepting us to their ranks. But please do not let our minor problems worry you in your time of suffering. May the Gods see you through this loss.”
With pain shall come strength.
Vera did not at all like how the Queen spoke of a "disaster wrought by her citizens." The way she was blaming the entire populace wasn't right. They weren't rioting for just no reason. And the fact that Queen Ileosa was so alone . . . where were her advisors? Maybe they were busy, but having a throne room be so empty didn't sit well with Vera.
Of course, she says none of this. She just watches, struggling to gauge the beautiful Queen's sincerity.
The Queen smiles at Marcus, kindly, and replies, ”I would expect nothing less, though unfortunately, the specifics of such matters are beyond my purview. Perhaps the Field Marshall will assuage your wholly legitimate concerns.” to
Her hand clutches the brooch, unsteadily, and she looks down, nodding sadly at Magda, ”you have a keen mind, young lady, one that will serve you well in the days and weeks ahead. There is something rotten, infesting the city we love.” She looks up, and
Vera gets the impression that whatever Queen Ileosa said about the populace being responsible, her intentions are pure, and she is speculating out of more of being at a loss of an understanding of the chaos. She seems utterly guileless.
She nods at Krovax, ”we cannot control when things like this happen, but we can be measured by whether such things make us better, whether they can make us better. It is something of a crucible, loss, perhaps it will forge us both into something new, Mister Draverian. Perhaps the best version of ourselves.” She nods again, and
With this, the queen directs Sabina to hand over the reward for returning the brooch. The bodyguard swiftly does so, showing the small silver chest to the party. Inside the red-velvet-lined interior rest 12 gold ingots imprinted with the royal seal of Korvosa—each bar is worth 100 gold. Sabina hands the reward to Magda, and Queen Ileosa raises a kerchief to her eyes and dabs them, ”I must retire. I thank you again, the crown is in your debt.”. With a whirl of the hem of her mourning dress, Queen Ileosa is gone from sight, disappearing into a nearby parlor.
Sabina nods at the party and escorts them back to the antechamber and cloak room, where they gather their things. She is silent, and watches each person, stoically, as they re-avail themselves of cloaks and bags. She escorts them back to the landing at the top of the pyramid, and shakes each person’s hand. Her grip seems like it is devastatingly strong, but she exhibits a feather touch, gripping the hand and forearm of each person with what is appropriate for their inclination and profession. A practiced gesture, that demonstrates a measure of respect for the recipient. ”I must leave you here; I bid you all the best of luck. The crown, and I, are thankful to all of you. A contingent of guards to escort to you to the citadel, should you want it. The streets are not quite safe.”
And with that, she turns and returns to the interior of the castle, an impossibility heavy bolt closing on the other side of the door with a heavy, *thunk*.
Magda sucks in her breath with the queen talks to her, stunned, and continues pretty much in a goofy daze as they are leaving. "She's amazing" she gushes quietly, ignoring her whispers for the first time in a long spell.
At the *thunk* she comes to, and realizes she is carrying a flipping fortune. "I Can't be carrying something like this." she pushes the silver chest full of GOLD to Marcus, figuring he'd cut off his own ball before giving that up to anything.
Krovax bows to the Queen’s generosity, and again when Sabina shows them out. As the guard contingent approaches, he turns and locks eyes with Marcus before nodding and then says to the others ”Let’s go.”
Marcus looks down; it is the first time the others have seen him break gazes out of something other than utility. "Of course..." He mumbles in apology, staying silent until the queen excuses herself.
As they exit Marcus dons his equipment and weapons, taking a brief moment to inspect the blades of his weapons; when he had been locked up with the local guard they thought his chakrams were fascinating and nearly ruined the edges on some of them.
Marcus exchanges an iron grip with Sabina, as his station and stature clearly dictates, raising one eyebrow slightly at her strength. Strong and waits for her moment. A good ally, a dangerous enemy.
Marcus takes the hefty chest, eyeing it for a moment to ensure it's latched securely, then tossing it up on his left shoulder. "Won't be able to get my greatsword or shield like this." He informs the rest of the group, although the other half a dozen weapons on his person seem plenty deadly enough in one hand. He nods to Krovax, letting him lead.
Vera seems rather dumbfounded by the entire experience she just had. "I wouldn't have known before I met her, but somehow Queen Ileosa feels like the most perfect queen that has ever existed. Beautiful, regal, pure and virtuous." The disconnect between her suspicions and her experience is jarring.
She follows along with the escort. Though she does wonder what exactly was happening here. "So . . . did the Queen just anoint us as some sort of strange mercenary company?"
Kali is content when the Queen does not call on her or acknowledge her in anyway. She is quite amazed at the size of their reward and remarks "We wouldn't have gotten here to return this if Vera hadn't had her vision, she should probably get the majority of this reward." She clasps the woman on the shoulder and smiles "Well done Vera, well done."
Turning back to the group at large, she says "Falcor and I will accompany you to Citadel Volshyenek, I have already received orders that I am to meet with Field Marshal Cressida Kroft their anyway."
The party, still slightly at a loss for words due to their encounter with the Queen of the City-State they call home, heads down the great ramp, and back to the gate. There they are reunited with their weapons and other miscellaneous things, with the promised escort waiting silently nearby. Kaliyah gets Falcor from a nearby stable, where he was happily eating some bloody oats, and they set out, flanked by a contingent of some of the strongest warriors the city has to offer.
Further evidence of the quelling of the riots becomes apparent, as the party travels. There are no rioting mobs, there are no more explosions, and Hellknights appear to be patrolling here and there, with grateful citizens approaching the indomitable knights to shake their hands and finally go about their business. More shops appear to be opening, and the hustle and bustle is returning to Korvosa, if slightly muted.
The trip to the Citadel is faster than the party remembers, if only because there are fewer random monsters and angry people to avoid. In about a half-hour the party is at the familiar gate, with the two guards everyone’s come to know; standing outside, yawning, and leaning on their halberds. They look tired. When they see the castle guards approach, they snap to attention and let the party pass, nodding at the castellans, and apparently, not bothering to be escorts. The new sergeant at the desk notably does not ask for everyone’s weapons, though Falcor remains in the yard, his saddle tied to a post. He points down the hall, and up a double set of grand stairs, to an office with a polished bronze plaque, reading “Field Marshall Cressida Kroft”
In the room are two women on opposite sides of a broad, beautiful desk. One the party recognizes, Leiutenant Sonya Miran, and the other is a an attractive dark-haired woman in red armor, Field Marshall Cressida Kroft. They both rise when you enter, and Sonya moves to the other side of the table, on Cressida’s left, hands folded behind her back. She gives the barest hint of a smile to the party as they catch her eye. Cressida is harried, and tired looking, and says, ”please, sit, we have some things to discuss.” When the party takes seats in the six overstuffed chairs assembled in front of her. She continues, looking down at one of the many pieces of paper on her desk. ”just to confirm, we have Vera Esmeranda, Marcus Havel, Magda Vasiliu, Shi Ni, Kaliyah Tatarescu, and... Krovax Draverian, yes?” She folds her hands and looks at everyone’s face, lingering on Krovax’s longer than others, before continuing.
Her manner is friendly and cheerful, ”Ah, yes—you are the ones sent by Queen Ileosa. And Private Tatarescu, welcome. I understand you are on loan from the Sable Company. Greetings! My name is Cressida, and heroes of your caliber are exactly what Korvosa needs now. You’ve been on the streets. You know better than me how bad things are out there. It’s breaking my heart to see Korvosa tear itself apart like this. Every little bit of aid we can get from upstanding citizens like you helps. If you’re willing, I’d very much like to retain your services as agents of the Guard. You will, of course, be well compensated for these services.” She takes a pause. ”Would you like to hear more about what this entails?”
"Magpie, is what more people call me, Mam?" the question is not knowing the title to call anyone really. "I got one thing, before hearing what help is needing, why do people keep calling us heroes? We're just people, that's all." it makes her uncomfortable, being called one of them from the stories, just weird. "And you lot keep paying us more than any one needs for every little thing, so doubly bonkers." being suddenly rich beyond anything she ever thought of also has her weirded out a bit. "Just tell us what the city needs, that's all, please"
Krovax snaps to practiced attention. It wasn’t the first time he had met the Field Marshall, and he stared straight ahead as he knew she was studying him.
At her question, he simply replies without looking ”Yes, Field Marshall.”
When Magpie mentions how they were being paid "more than any one needs," she feels a sharp elbow in her side from Vera. "We're all very glad the city understands the risks we are taking," she interjects, with a smile.
Marcus shoulders the box without complaint, silently making his way through the streets. He sneers at the guards, lazing about and barely awake at their posts. No wonder the guards are so incompetent. No discipline.
Marcus comes inside the room, setting the box down against the wall. He looks at the cushy chair, exhaling dismissively. "I'll stand." He stands behind the offered chair, folding his arms. When his name is mentioned he nods. He does not appear overly thrilled with his cheery demeanor, and gives a nearly amused exhale when they're referred to as heroes. Once she's done and asks if they want to know more details he lets the question hang in the air and nods after Krovax responds.
When addressed, Kaliyah rises from her seat and stands at attention. She salutes the Field Marshall, waiting to be released from her ramrod posture. "Yes, Field Marshall. The honor to help the city is mine." she acknowledges before taking her seat again.
"Ouch! okay I'm shutting it." she mutters to the other girl.
Cressida, notably, remains standing, while saying the following.
”Korvosa’s got enough troubles as it is without my own guards losing their way. Many have deserted their posts, more concerned about friends and family than the city. I can understand this, yet not all of the deserters have family—some of them are simply using the riots as an excuse for personal gain. One such man is Verik Vancaskerkin. Worse than a lone deserter, he’s convinced a small group of fellow guards that Queen Ileosa is going to ruin the city. Whether she does or doesn’t isn’t the point—right now, we’ve got a city-wide crisis on our hands, and I need all of my guards working with me to see us through.”
She adds, carefully choosing her words, ”A deserter is worse than a lost resource—it’s an infection. I can’t afford to pull any of my other patrols off duty to deal with Vancaskerkin, and I’d rather not expose any of them to him anyway, since I don’t want Vancaskerkin to infect more guards with his talk of secession, nor do I want some overly patriotic guard killing Vancaskerkin outright. I need impartial, skilled talent. Talent like you all.“ She nods in their direction.
She approaches a map on the wall nearby, with a number of colored pins in it. ”Vancaskerkin and his followers have holed up in an abandoned butcher’s shop up in Northgate—a place once called ‘All the World’s Meat.’ I need you there.” She points out the location on the map. .
”Try to avoid killing any of the deserters if you can, but if you must, they brought it upon themselves when they threw in their lot with Vancaskerkin. I’d really prefer it if you could capture Vancaskerkin alive and return him to me for interrogation, but if he makes that impossible, I’ll accept his body as well. Finally, see if you can find out why Verik deserted—if there’s more to it than simple personal politics, I need to know immediately. Bring me Verik alive, and there’s a five hundred gold in it for you. Dead, he’s worth only half that.” She returns to her desk and sits, pulling out a notebook.
”In addition to the monetary reward, should you do this, you’ll be considered members of the guard, and you’ll be able to draw on our not-inconsiderable resources should you need them. You’ll also have a place to sleep and train, should you wish to use such.” She makes a few notes, and then puts her pen down.
She says, ”If there’s nothing else, I’d like this done sooner than later. You are dismissed. And Mister Draverian, a moment of your time. I won’t keep you long.” She waits for everyone else to leave.
Krovax stares straight ahead as she speaks of their assignment. When she asks to speak with him, he simply says ”Yes, Field Marshall.”
Marcus continues to be completely unsurprised at the incompetent of the guard. It seems in normal form at this point.
However, when he is told of Verik Vancaskerin, he sneers. Cowardice is one thing, but this kind of vindictiveness against his former allegiances truly disgusts Marcus to his core.
When Cressida calls Verik an infection, Marcus nods sharply. He looks completely captured by her words now. His lip twitches a bit when she says they'll be considered members of the guard, but he says nothing.
Once she's done he looks down, running the deal through his mind. "My only reservation is with acquiring a title that I have grown to see the weakness in. However, it seems you are actively working on culling that weakness." Although it would be rich to see the look on those f%*~ers faces once they realize I'm in their ranks. He seems to chew the idea over for a moment, then nods. "Deal. Let's turn this s*~$show around."
Magpie holds her tongue, since those in the alley pits see the guard as just another gang, taking and doing what they will. But this lady seems, nice, and the whispers agree. "Okay. Dismissed means get out, right?" she'll file out with the others, minus one of the giants.
When Marcus adds his color commentary, Cressida watches him but says nothing. Her eyes make it clear that she is finished with the conversation.
After a short while, Krovax joins the party.
Krovax exits the Field Marshall's office, and walks through the group as he says "Come on. Let's get to it."
Once outside of the citadel, he says "Let's divvy up that reward and procure whatever provisions we need. Then we shall hunt this man down as we've been asked."
He then steps over to Marcus and says "You are going to need to show more militaristic respect when dealing with the officers of the Guard. I know you have issues with them, but if you are about to become one of them, you will be expected to comport yourself accordingly. I can assure you it is a good, well paid life, especially if you can show you are worth the investment and can at least pretend to show some decorum. But, more than that, Cressida will not tolerate the huffing and puffing and off color remarks in her presence. She has the authority to make your life a living hell."
After Krovax exits the Field Marshall's office, Kali walks past him silently and steps in, knocking on the door.
Finishing her assessment asks "I just want to thank you for this assignment. My skills were not highly regarded within Sable Company and I know that Captain Atterax has gone out on a limb by putting my name forward. I don't intend to let him down. That's all, I guess." she salutes before heading back out to join the others.
Kali walks back out of the office and rejoins the others.
. Vera can't seem to get a handle on Cressida's aura at the moment, though given her orders, Cressida certainly seems loyal to her duty.
"I'm not sure Cressida gave her job to the right people. Taking people alive is not a strong suit for us."
Magpie listens to Vera, slightly worried about that as well, but exclaims, maybe to distract herself a bit "All the World’s Meat! That place is legendary, or was. The old crusters talk about it all the time, with that kind of drooling happiness memories give them. To think WE get to go. Even abandoned I bet it smells like all the kinds of Ham! All of Them!"
Magda knows that this butcher shop has been closed for nearly a year. The former owner was arrested for tax evasion, and the shop had been boarded up until recently.