Guntram offers a dwarven remedy to Vurna.
Vurna holds off her nausea and by the time Yuleg spies her, any concerns that he may have had about her ability to travel have been alleviated. The pair of dwarfs advance toward the Merry Mayfly without further interference from the guards.
However, as it comes Themolin's turn to head through the checkpoint, the bureaucrat grows clearly nervous. He turns to Sneak Runt in front of him and begins whispering nervously.
"Th-those are m-members of the Em-Emerald G-Guard aren't they?" Themolin stutters, his voice growing louder along with his uncertainty. "Aren't they trained to sn-sniff out d-deception? Won't they rec-recognize m-me for sure? Wh-What if B-Barralbus had spoken t-to them? What if an alarm w-was s-sounded when he didn't show up f-for work? Or when I didn't show up for work? Do y-you think they'd t-take it easy on m-me if I j-just con-confessed now?"
Unless quelled, the nervous bureaucrat's actions and unanswered questions are almost certain to attract unwanted attention.
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Through clenched teeth Zaza attempts to soothe the skittish bureaucrat.
"Themolin. Barrelbutt was too concerned about his own advancement to tell anyone. He would want to take all the credit for himself. Everything's going to be just fine. Now calm down and act like a normal person and we'll be out of here soon."
Themolin seems satisfied with the assurances of the Pathfinders, but at the goblin's mention of being "too close to the guards", the bureaucrat looks up at the nearest Emerald Guard and blurts out, "That's him! Ellvard!
The one whose affidavit I gave you!"
At these words, Ellvard perks up. "Well, well, well. What have we here?" he says, looking over the bureaucrat and the goblin. Turning to the junior guard, Ellvard suggests, "Guardsman Harreck, the sea breeze is picking up. Would you fetch me my cloak?"
The junior guard nods and heads off some distance towards the guard shack.
"Now, I suppose if I were to become suspicious that a government official, such as a member of the Ministry of Tithes, was trying to get aboard a ship scheduled shortly to leave Edasseril's waters for some reason, that I should have that person detained. At least, until I could personally visit the Ministry of Tithes and obtain the evidence that I would not to confirm whether or not that suspect was indeed a government official. After all, I wouldn't want to bring an accusation about someone before the Runelord without first having adequate proof. You, no doubt, know how...exacting... she can be." Ellvard ponders aloud.
"But then, if someone brought someone helpful from the Ministry that could putting suspicions to rest..." he continues. "Especially a document bearing the name of someone with some clout, say the name of one of the Emerald Guard? Well, such an instance, I would readily overlook any 'abnormalities' and quickly put any suspicions to rest without the need for detention."
"Wouldn't you agree?" asks Ellvard, holding out his hand expectantly.
Ellvard snatches the document from Katrina's hand as soon as the halfling produces it.
Confirming it to be the affidavit he thought, Ellvard promptly tears the document to pieces, which rapidly scatter into the wind and waves.
"That'll do." he confirms. "It's as if nothings has happened. Now, move along."
Ellvard waves the bureaucrat and goblin through just as the junior guard returns with Ellvard's cloak. The superior officer flaps the garment in the breeze, allowing it to drape over his shoulders as he fastens the clasp around his neck.
The resulting movement of air causes the hair on Evgeni, who is next in line, to flap in the resulting breeze. It is then that the observant halfling realizes that the movement has reached the woman behind him. It is clear to him and the other Pathfinders, that a portion of the disguise hastily prepared by Zaza for the woman has become dislodged. Unless
Ellvard gets jumpy. First, at the mention of mermaids, causing him to mutter, "I thought I'd heard singing."
Then, with talk of staring birds, he looks over his shoulder at a seagull with sudden suspicion.
The diversion allows the goblin to spring to action, quickly applying some mud on Astrid's face to alter its coloring, while the halfling's stumble pulls on the edge of her cloak, pulling the attached hood down over the woman's distinguished tresses. Noting a long strand of hair had wrestled free, the dwarf promptly slices it off with his clan dagger.
Looking down, so to avoid making eye contact with any creatures in the water or birds on the docks, Ellvard gives Captain Kallade only a quick glance. Satisfied with her papers. He waves her on through.
At Zaza's urging, Yuleg, Vurna and Themolin make their way aboard the Merry Mayfly. A relieved Astrid Kallade quickly follows them.
Of the refugees, only Flitch remains to make way through the checkpoint.
"Your papers, please." Ellvard demands of Flitch Napovic after shooing away a bird that was too close for his comfort.
The confident thief, reaches for the forged travel papers on his person and prepares to present them to member of the Emerald Guard.
Glancing down at the papers, Flitch comments aloud, "That seal doesn't look right. When they were prepared, I had specifically made sure that--"
" bellows Ellvard as snatches the papers from the hands of the Varisian man.
The Emerald Guard spends several long minutes looking over every detail of the travel papers that Flitch had presented. The lengthy review prompts the junior guard to look over Ellvard's shoulder and scrutinize the papers as well.
"They--they look correct, Ellvard. They're official." the junior guard declares.
"You think that I don't know that?!" Ellvard replies with a huff, shoving the papers back into Flitch's hands before waving the last refugee through.
After a quick look at Guntram's papers and judging them to be nearly identical and as authentic as the excellent forgeries held by Flitch, Ellvard allows the dwarf past the checkpoint, providing all safe passage onto the deck of the Merry Mayfly.
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Katrina gets onboard the Merry Mayfly and finds a bed of soft cargo to lie on. She then opens the front of her armour showing off her green swimsuit top underneath.
I'm glad that's over, she comments quietly to no one in particular. Farewell Edasseril, Hello Absalom. May I never have to come back here again. And I look forward to being in Reeta's clutches again.
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However, as it comes Themolin's turn to head through the checkpoint, the bureaucrat grows clearly nervous. He turns to Sneak Runt in front of him and begins whispering nervously.
"[smaller]Do y-you think they'd t-take it easy on m-me if I j-just con-confessed now?"
Once they are safely underway Zaza approaches Themolin and uses her finger to thump him on the head while sarcastically imitating his words at the pier.
"Ugh. 'Do you think they'd take it easy on me if I just confessed now?'
She rolls her eyes.
"That was the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're lucky I didn't stab you myself."
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Katrina gets onboard the Merry Mayfly and finds a bed of soft cargo to lie on. She then opens the front of her armour showing off her green swimsuit top underneath.
While the halfling rests, Astrid walks by and admires the view. "It's a shame that you weren't really seeking a position with the Emerald Guard." The former recruiter smiles. "You happen to look quite good in green."
Sneak breathes a sigh of relief once on board the ship, happy to have that mission behind her.
"Thank you for your help in the city." Vurna says to the goblin. "I hear that we'll be meeting some others from Xin-Edasseril when the Mayfly makes Magnimar. I suspect my father will be keeping a close eye on me." She releases a sigh and adds, "You may have to show me some of those stealth techniques. Flitch, too, I suspect."
"Now, where do you think he went off too??"
"That was the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're lucky I didn't stab you myself."
Themolin winces at the thump before closing his eyes and steeling himself for something worse. When no further contact is imminent, he opens one eye and asks a passing crewman. "Y-you don't th-think that she'll r-really st-stab m-me, d-do you?" He remains nervously looking over his shoulder the remainder of the voyage.
Well now, all things considered, that didn't go too badly. Guntram finds a relatively comfortable place to sit. I'm sure we're all glad to be out of there.
Having already acted on a similar notion, Yuleg is sitting next to Guntram. "I'm glad to be leaving too, though I suppose I will miss the old Rockfish, from time to time. Lots of memories there and some weren't so bad." he ponders for a moment. "With the inn gone and my daughter seeming determined to go it on her own, I'm not sure what I'll be doing with myself once we make it to safety. Say, there aren't any age limits on being a Pathfinder, is there?"
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With all of the Pathfinders and their charges now past the guards and aboard ship, you are able to slip out of Edasseril without further detection. Aboard the Merry Mayfly, you sail, unmolested to a far friendlier port, Magnimar. Once there, you are once again reunited Valais Durant at the Pathfinder Lodge managed by Sheila Heidmarch. The two are eager to discuss the outcome of your mission.
The passengers that you helped board Rolanna's Prayer are waiting for you at Heidmarch Manor as well, and most are eager to express their warmest gratitude for the help that you provided. Though, for her part, Professor Chaverly is keeping her distance from Seddothrum.
The mood in the lodge is a pleasant one. The Chaverly children hang and swing from the sturdy arms of the stone giant, prompting an eye roll from the professor. Their father looks on with joy. However, she makes no effort to stop them.
Upon seeing the Pathfinders, Seddothrum rushes towards them, arms wide, offering to contain them all within a massive, stony embrace.
"As you can see, the refugees that you have freed are most grateful to you, Pathfinders." Valais says with a smile. A glint of light sparkles from her cheek, though whether it is the result of the golden markings on her face or a spontaneous tear you cannot quite discern. "Most have already pledged their services and good will for the benefit of the Society in the years to come."
"Well done." adds Guaril. "You Pathfinders have done good work getting out the clients, even if you did take a giant gamble. I'm sure you'll want to tell me all about your escapades in Xin-Edasseril."
The Sczarni flashes his famous grin, then demands, "But, first things first. Let's start with you all showing me my share of the payment that you collected."
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Kat pats the spot next to her and motions Astrid to sit Thanks ... although to be honest ... I'd make a lousy guard, as I've never been one for following rules. As for emerald, my fairy outfit is sorta emerald green with translucent wings to go with it. You should see my show at the circus sometime. I'm an acrobat as well as an escape artist as well as sometimes doing aerial and aquatic dances as part of the side shows. Swimming and freediving are also something I love to do.
She paused for a bit and looks up at Astrid. Soooooo ... what's your story? And why were you so keen to get out? And are you susceptable to the temptation of the chocolate?
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Kat just sighs at Guaril. Next time, leave the slave liberation to the Bellflowers. At least they don't charge like wounded bulls. But still, I'm just pleased we got them out ... and I'm wondering if there are more that also need rescue. Frankly ... that place was so dull ... no street entertainment and I don't think I heard anyone laughing in the streets. I mean .. it was like everyone was always watching over their shoulder, or waiting for the other shoe to drop or something. Not a good place to be in.
But ... now I got that off my chest .... She smiles at Guaril to show there's no hard feelings and proceeds to regal him, and the others, with the tales of their adventures in Xin-Edasseril - some of which are illustrated with interpretive dance.
She also winks at Guaril And I do believe, donations to the Bellflowers are tax deductible