The bronze pendants are worth 30 gp each, possibly more/less if melted down so as not to tip off the Thrune as to their sale.
Vantine isn't anxious to touch any dead bodies. But... there's more than one way to skin a scary, threatening cat.
She chooses the least gross dead body and takes the medallion and armband from it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As they begin walking, Vantine slides her arm through the masked man's so they are linked arm-in-arm. It's almost as if Vantine thinks he might bolt away and run off if not gently restrained.
When they arrive at the bookstore, Vantine pipes up. "Oh yes, I know this place."
Jessibel gathers up the fallen loyalists' light maces at Aisling's suggestion. As she loots one of the CCG thugs, she (like Vantine) can't resist palming a Thrune amulet and CCG armband as souvenirs.
"I've heard a few things--nothing bad--about Crissali and her shop. That works for me!"
A moment later, the teen is struggling not to drop all the gathered weapons. "Someone want to help me out and take these things off my hands?"
The Raven inclines his head towards the bard. ”They say you’ll never receive help if you never bother to ask.” A sentiment he did not believe. Calls for help in the dead of night were more likely to bring down scavengers and parasites, not help. ”It could be useful to have some of those armbands. You never know.” As the sorcerer works his magic, the Raven can feel the inside of his hood unsticking itself from the side of his face where drying blood and matted hair had begun to adhere it to his skin. ”Thank you, magician. Truth be told, I don’t go out much during the day.” Much of the rumors surrounding the Raven debated wether he was a man in a mask or a tengu. In the dark, it was easy to be both. Or neither. ”Hopefully good taste and manners will prevent too much staring. I am familiar with miss Crissali’s shop. We ravens are famed collectors. Eclectic knowledge, shiny coins. Same thing, really.” There is little the Raven appreciates more than a good bookstore. There was something comforting and empowering about so much knowledge condensed into one place.
========
As they make for the bookstore, the Raven shifts his hold on Vantine, resting his hand on her shoulder with the edge of his cloak pinched between thumb and forefinger, hoping to share some of its warmth with her. His thick gambeson kept him quite warm, even if it did nothing to protect his head. ”Not the most fitting outfit for midwinter, m’lady.” he says, blind, apparently, to the young bards struggles with her many maces.
At the birdman's mention of staring Vantine smiles a little devious smile.
"Don't worry, if there are any questions I have you covered.
Nyxra follows after the group in silence. She helps Jessibel haul the CCG's gear away.
"...I know of Crissali. Not one for politics, but at least she's not going to sell us out to Thrune."
"Just mind that the discussions we have pertain to books or magic--otherwise, she gets testy."
"Ah, apologies, Lady Jessibel." Rexus gallantly takes several maces from Jessibel and casts about for a moment before smiling, walking over to a nearby crate. He opens it up, looks inside, nd then tosses them in. "Someone's going to be surprised when they open their crate and find that their fabrics are being weighed down by weapons... but better they have them than these maniacs."
Rexus chuckles at Nyxra's words. "Well, I think I can get away with a little indiscretion. She's an old... associate of my mother's. Enough that she'll tolerate us for the duration of our stay, at least." With a flourish, he leads the group towards the
Soon thereafter, they arrive at the shop, where, true to Rexus’ claims, Nandy Crissali (a plainfaced human woman in her forties) barely even raises a brow at them. "Don’t make a mess of the books, and don’t start any fights.” is all she says before returning to her work - organizing books.
Rexus leads the group to a small arrangement of chairs, notices that they are two too few, and graciously moves two more chairs into the arrangement. Taking a seat, he gestures for the others to do the same. Once they have done so, he begins to speak in a low tone.
”Now, I want to thank you all again for your timely rescue, but the truth of matters is that our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you ladies - and Lord Vashnarstill and Parabaron Vargo - from the protest. Or rather, I tried to. In the chaos that erupted, I lost track of you all.” He holds his hands up plaintively. ”I did not follow you for any nefarious reason, mind you. You simply showed yourselves - at that time, and once more when you rescued me - to be people of uncommon skill, and I am a man of uncommon needs.”
He looks at the Raven. ”And you, sir, demonstrated your valor and skills in my rescue, as well as a few other times, I think.” Rexus gaze seems somehow penetrating, as though he suspects that the vigilante has been active earlier than this most recent outing.
”In any case, as I said before, I am Rexus Victocora, and until last week’s Night of Ashes, I was a noble here in Kintargo. As I’m sure some of you know.” He nods at Aisling and Jessibel. His eyes grow dark and his expression falls as he visibly composes himself to continue. ”My parents’ estate burned to the ground that night - I was spared solely because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as well - ones many suspect were set by Barzillai Thrune or his minions to squash any spirit of rebellion that Kintargo might have - or develop."
”Now more than ever, though, we need a strong spirit of rebellion, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could have rallied the city to the cause, like Lord-Mayor Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and,” he swallows, tears shining in his eyes, "are most likely dead. I cannot do this on my own… but with the aid of talented citizens like you all, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you face down the devil and save this city?”
By the end of his speech, his smile is returned, fragile but hopeful, and deeply determined. He settles back in his chair to let the group discuss it.
Nyxra immediately steps forward.
"You don't need to ask me twice. The Night of Ashes was... painful for me as well."
Jessibel's not the least bit surprised when the noble Nyxra immediately volunteers to help Rexus. She expects that Lady Talbot will pledge her impressive abilities to the cause as well. If the Raven's half as heroic as he appears, he's likely to join, too. Vantine might join as well, though Jessibel thinks such an action would be more of a lark than anything: The gal's just not into commitments.
Jessi's preparing to nominate her much more politically-savvy and -motivated friend Carlissa for the job when she finds Rexus staring at her.
Me??!! But I'm no rebel! And my mother would never allow it! Besides, I've been a screw-up all my life....
Squirming in her seat, Jessibel gives the offer some serious thought. Mother thinks I'm hopeless but Grandmother's always thought fairly highly of me...believed in my potential. And the Archbaroness utterly abhors House Thrune. Surely she'd want me to leap at this opportunity, right??!! Maybe?
Jessibel holds her tongue for now, waiting to hear what the others (Vantine in particular) have to say.
By the time they're all seated in the bookstore, the adrenaline rush that had started in the park has ceased and Vantine is experiencing the dump that follows. Vantine feels tired and her hands are trembling.
She wants nothing more than to sleep, but now there's a little free mental space opening up to actually think about what has happened. As she thinks, Vantine becomes angry. She had nearly been killed, others were killed, for being in a park and saying things the Lord Mayor didn't like hearing.
She had been unaware that people had disappeared or had been killed along with the arsons on the Night of Ashes. She is offended by the craziness of it all, and she is frightened when she considers there is no reason for thinking such thing might end.
"Please excuse me. I need a few minutes."
Vantine stands and goes back farther into the bookstore until she finds a remote corner among the shelves where nobody is likely to disturb her. She sits on the floor, back against the wall and knees up near her face, almost a fetal position.
Vantine digs into the bag hanging from her belt and brings out her mirror. She slides the velvet bag off the mirror, and holds it it in both hands directly in front of her face, resting it on her thighs.
As she concentrates on her own image looking back at her, the connection is made and she is pulled in, her own mind now linked into and past the reflective metal surface. Vantine has questions, beginning with "could this be it? Is this the second fork in the road you have told me would come?"
It's at least fifteen minutes, maybe more, before Vantine returns. She takes her seat at the table again, seeming less shaken than before.
"I'm in. I'll help. But I'm a painter. I have no idea what I could do that would be useful."
The Raven enters the bookshop and stops to gaze around at the shelves of tombs lining the walls, inhaling deeply to take in the old book smell. He wished he could remove his mask to better enjoy the shop, perhaps flip through a book or two. No one would recognize him, the mask was only one layer of his disguise; makeup, false beard and eyebrows, even the expressions he made and the way his facial muscles twitched when he spoke gave him a likeness resembling no known living Vashnarstill, but it was better that no one spent their time memorizing his false face or trying to place where they had seen him before. Is it my false face, though? Or is Alexius the mask? He unceremoniously drops into one of the offered chairs and immediately tips the chair back onto two legs, hooking one foot underneath a table to stop from toppling over while the noble tells his tale. He fidgets uncomfortably when the barons piercing gaze passes over him. He drops the chair back onto all four legs to hide his discomfort. His disguise techniques would defeat magical spells that might instantly connect the Raven and Alexius, but if this man could see through masks and makeup...
”You are wrong about one thing, lord Rexus. I am not a citizen!” He jokes when the young lord finishes his plea. It would be better not to seem too interested. ”I do not wear this mask by choice but by... let us just say that my immigration paperwork has a few issues and certain legal bodies may or may not be looking for a certain face...” Could I have saved his parents if I hadn’t fallen off that f&*!ing roof? ”Do you happen to have many, many more friends, mister Rexus? A raven and a handful of birds can only do so much.”
His gaze idly follows Vantine as she leaves to do... whatever it is she is doing in the corner. Huh. Did she do that last night? When she volunteers for what is almost certainly a suicide mission, he leans forward and stares at her through his smoky goggles. What does she have to gain? Very interesting...
Aisling sits for a time, silent, thinking deeply. She lets the others speak, and listens to them (although she notices Jessibel's unusual silence. Maybe the girl is learning how to think). When everyone has had their say, she still says nothing for several moments as she prays for guidance.
Finally, still without speaking, she draws her heavy longsword and places it on the table. The blade gleams, even in the dim light of the store. "I have used this today. There is no going back for me. Or you, Jessibel. You stabbed someone, in plain sight of witnesses. Vantine, I could probably defend as she did nothing obvious. But you, and me, and Alexius..." She shakes her heard, before looking straight at Rexus, staring him down. "But if we're going to do this, it's going to be done properly. We won't get a second chance. Barzillai Thrune may be mad, but he's no fool. Today was a well-placed trap, and we fell straight into it. He drew the crowd together, riled them up and then showed them what happens. It was clever tactics. In another life, he might have made a good follower of the Inheritor."
She gives a small frown. "But he made two mistakes. In his haste to be obnoxious, he made clear his dislike of our city. Remember him talking of how superiour Egorian is? He has placed himself as an outsider. We can use that. But not if we rebel. Nobody wants rebellion. It makes people think of looting, rioting, barricades, disruption to business and people's lives. What we are going to do is resist." Aisling is a lawyer. Words matter to her. "We are resisting a foreign occupation, somebody from Egorian who has made it clear that he hates this city and wants to make us miserable. People will get behind that."
"I'm in. I'll help. But I'm a painter. I have no idea what I could do that would be useful."
Aisling gives the shaken young woman a reassuring smile, the first real smile she's given all day. "Any idea is only as good as the way it is expressed. We need people to see us as heroes of Kintargo, resisting the foreign occupation of Barzillai Thrune. If you can paint that idea, give it life, get everyone to see it, you could be the most useful and valuable of us all."
Rexus nods gravely at Nyxra. "Thank you, miss. Your help is greatly appreciated." He looks to Vantine as she leaves, his brow furrowed in slight concern, but he does not call out to her or prevent her from leaving.
The Raven's words make him frown slightly. "I have one definite friend, sir. She will help us set up a resistance to the Thrune devils. Beyond that, I saw how these ladies spoke at the protest earlier - I have the utmost confidence that we will be able to rally more support as time goes on."
Upon Vantine's return, he nods slightly, smiling warmly at her. "I realize that you're taking a great risk in doing this for Kintargo, miss. But I believe that everyone's talents will be needed. Kintargo has always been a center for the arts, and we must try to reach as many people as we can."
He looks to Aisling, his expression grave as she draws her blade. (Nandy Crissali makes a scandalized noise from another part of the bookstore, but does not intrude.) "I take your meaning, Sword Knight Talbot, but I think that your terms are identical. A rebellion is a resistance, and no matter what we do, House Thrune's supporters will paint us as a rebellion. That said, I completely agree - we must ensure that the people know we are acting for them, and not trying to take advantage of or create chaos for our own sakes. Furthermore, we must genuinely act for the people. I have a few ideas as to how to do that, and I'm sure my friend will have more."
He turns to Jessibel. "Lady Jessibel? While I know that Sword Knight Talbot is correct in her statements about your activities during the riot and afterwards, should you back out now, the Archbaroness would be able to protect you from such a minor thing. I would mourn your loss, but I do not want anyone to join this movement halfheartedly."
As they discuss matters, the group begins to feel a definite chill seeping in through the windows, walls, and doors. Slowly, at first, but then with greater frequency, they hear raindrops beginning to splash down on the building's roof and walls.
Nyxra sits back down in her chair. "I just spoke the words I needed to. I'm happy that just about everyone there agreed with me..."
A pained look flits across her eyes. "...even if it ended so poorly."
The dark-skinned elf shivers slightly and pulls her cloak around herself. "This isn't the first time my family's been involved in Kintargo's political affairs--but this is the first time I've ever taken a direct role in things."
"If you need more allies, I think Ms. Talbot or what's-his-name, the pompous twit at the protest, would be better suited to rallying people together. I'm more comfortable with leading people in the field."
"I acted in self-defense!" Jessibel objects to the words of Aisling and Rexus. "I did nothing--said nothing--wrong at the protest! Again, I was just defending myself from attack by Barzillai Thrune's thugs!"
And Barzillai Thrune is the lord-mayor, like it or not. What he says goes. There will be no justice for those who oppose his will. Hmm...and perhaps even less for those sheep who just go along without a fight....
Her perfectly-plucked eyebrows and shapely lips screw into a frown.
"He called our city and our ways 'quaint,'" she growls. "And I didn't appreciate being called a 'little chickadee,'" she adds in a huff. Her smile returns as she gazes toward the Raven. "I didn't see you at the protest, but I'm sure that last bit didn't sit well with you either."
When the flighty Vantine agrees to join the Rexus Rebellion, there's fear and panic in Jessibel's eyes. I can't just let her beat me at something else! Can't let her make me look like a coward...like some scared little girl!
Screwing up her courage, the teen states, "Count me in! At least for now. At some point I'll need to run this past mother--No! Past the Archbaroness!--to make sure she approves, as my family's good name and interests are at stake. But Lady Eldonna hates Barzillai Thrune--hates all Thrunes. She might pull me out of the rebellion, but she wouldn't turn you all in or anything like that."
Rexus considers Nyxra's words with a small smile. "Perhaps you underestimate yourself, Nyxra. But I suspect that your talents will be useful, even if your words do not sway others as easily as Sword Knight Talbot's."
After a moment, he looks at Jessibel, arching a brow. "Whatever the case, I suspect that anyone looking for you will find it hard to prosecute you, at least for your actions at the riot and in saving me. As for your desire to discuss this with Lady Eldonna, well... so long as you do not tell her anything specific, I suspect it would be alright." He shrugs slightly. "But as you all seem somewhat interested, allow me to continue."
He takes a deep breath. "My family has a legacy that I was unaware of until recently - namely, my mother, Lady Porcia Victocora, was a long-time member of a secret society known as the Sacred Order of Archivists. They are - or were, at least - a group of Iroran scholars who worked to preserve and restore historical records in defiance of House Thrune's changes."
"I only learned this a day after the Night of Ashes." He swallows again, before focusing. "I was approached by a woman named Laria Longroad - a friend of my mother's, or so she claimed. I didn't believe her at first, but, well..."
He reaches into a pouch on his belt and retrieves a scrip of paper, placing it on the table, as well as a small coffer. "My inheritance," he says dryly, gesturing at the coffer, "but it was really this that convinced me otherwise."
Once everyone has read the letter, the nobleman continues. "Will you help me save Kintargo? I'm not suited to lead a rebellion - or a resistance," he nods at Aisling, "I'm physically fragile, and I'm not exactly a leader at the best of times. My skills are more academic and, well, my passion is second to none."
He settles back in his chair. "My mother spoke to Laria just a week ago - immediately after the true Lord-Mayor disappeared. At the time, she thought my mother was overexaggerating the danger, but..." Rexus shrugs, eyes glazing over slightly. "That changed. Laria found me, and she brought me to a safe place."
"I know Laria!" Jessibel squeaks in excitement. "Well, actually, I know her pastries more than I know her: My family used to get an assortment of her baked goods every Sunday morning as a treat. I sometimes got to pick up the order, so I know Laria by sight at least."
The Silver Ravens also sounds familiar to Jessibel, though she can't quite pinpoint where she's heard the name before. From her friend Carli? More likely a story told to her by her grandmother....
Vantine reacts with lightning speed when Jessibel begins her outburst about Laria. She snatches hold of Jessi's hand and shushes her. She follows up with a fierce whisper.
"Stop! There can be none of that anymore. As of now, assume your are being watched and that what you say will be overheard unless you are certain otherwise."
Reading Rexus's letter makes Vantine tear up. She wipes her eyes and cheeks to compose herself. "I'm so sorry Rexus. I've heard of the Order, they have a long history here." Vantine pauses before she delivers some potentially bad news. I've heard of the Livery too. It's supposed to be haunted..."
"Rexus, the place you mentioned getting pastries at most recently. I know it, as it's not far from my mother's house. Do you need need to get back there today? Would an escort help?"
Jessibel is surprised by Vantine's actions and aghast at her warning. I can't talk about anything if I join the rebellion? But talking's one of the things I do best!
"I know of the livery as well--my family was in the market for a stable a few years back, but the place is in the middle of nowhere, not far from the tiefling slums," Jessi interjects, a bit more quietly than usual. "I don't recall hearing that it was haunted, just that the place was in pretty rough shape. But it's on this side of the Bleakbridge, about as far from the coffee shop as you can get."
"I'm sorry Jessibel, I was unkind. But I think we have to accept that speaking loudly and openly about some subjects will be harmful. We know about the things that happened during the Night of Ashes, and that was immediately before and during Barzillai Thrune's arrival. He struck very precisely against all possible sources of opposition. The Sacred Order of Archivists only collect and preserve information, and it was met with death sentences."
"We can't deny the new Lord Mayor has very effective means of finding out what is happening here. Informants and spies, whether outsiders or locals, have done their work well so far and that won't change. We can't be careless."
”The Silver Ravens, you say?” The Raven mutters approvingly, holding the letter out at arms length in order to read it through his goggles. ”I don’t know why but that just sounds so appealing and appropriate. Hidden, underground hideouts, archivists of secret knowledge. This day just gets more and more interesting!”
”I know the slums well. It is easy to hide from prying eyes there, people know to mind their own business. That’s as good a place as any to start.” With lower guard presence, it was easier for the Raven to help people in the slums without being chased off by city officials. Stopping a mugging or a break in meant nothing in the long run To Kintargo, but it could mean everything to the would be victim.
The Raven takes to his feet and approaches the proprietor of the bookstore. Since they were already in a bookstore, he might as well see if any of the new information the lord had made available could be expanded on. ”Miss Crissali, do you happen to carry any books with, let us say, esoteric information on Kintargo? Something old and boring, probably?”
Nyxra looks pensive. "The Silver Ravens... I remember Mom and Dad mentioned them a few times growing up. Nothing specific though--there was the Chelish Civil War going on and I was still pretty young at the time."
”Don’t give Barzillai more power than he already has, Miss Roubanis. Even as we’re starting this discussion, he too is only beginning to establish his power base. I do not believe he is as in control of this city as he wants people to believe. That said, establishing caution as a habit is indeed wise, and part of the reason I’m best used in an academic capacity.” Rexus says, somewhat self-deprecatingly.
He looks at the Raven with a nod. ”Yes, I thought it quite portentous myself, when I first heard of you and the old organization. It’s another reason that I wanted to recruit you, sir.”
The nobleman looks startled when Nyxra speaks. ”Hm. I wonder how many elves remember the Chelish Civil War and the Silver Ravens… Something to consider for later, I suppose…”
Meanwhile, Crissali looks at the masked vigilante with an arched brow. ”No politics in here.” She says, apparently oblivious to the portrait of Queen Abrogail II hanging on a nearby wall, as well as to the fact that in other lands, old dusty histories wouldn’t usually be considered a political issue of any import.
”I’ve got the most up-to-date histories in Cheliax, approved by the Order of the Rack. If you want something else, that’d be illegal, and I don’t have any of that in my store.” Her tone is mostly resigned, but firm.
Of course. Knowledge: The real enemy of despots. The Raven knocks once on a desk and smiles, not that anyone would notice the latter. ”Well keep me in mind if you get anything more boring than average in stock. I have many bookshelves to fill back home.” I wonder if these unapproved books still exist somewhere, or if they’ve all been burned.
”This wretched freezing rain will quickly douse the fight left in anyone still out on the streets, even the CCG.” The Raven says, returning to the group empty handed. ”And it is easy to stay hidden in rain this heavy. Should we go examine this livery?” He presents the idea, eager to discover if any information on these archivists or Silver Ravens was left behind in their abandoned safe house.
The owner of the bookstore stares at the Raven blankly, before rolling her eyes. "Of course, just let me send a note to the nearest rookery. I'm sure they'll find you sooner rather than later." She waves him away. "Come back if you want real books or scrolls."
Rexus looks up when the Raven returns, before nodding. "I would like to venture forth to the Livery soon." He pauses, looking out one of the windows at the pouring rain. ”But I would understand if you did not want to do so today.” He says dryly, before growing serious.
He looks to Vantine, then, rubbing his bearded chin with a frown. ”Though I do not know if the Livery is haunted, I believe that finding more out about the Silver Ravens would be invaluable. If we can reclaim our history, then we will be better off. Plus,” he graces the group with a dazzling grin, ”all the better to spite the House of Thrune and their so-called ‘histories.’
"Either way, if you will investigate the Livery and help me with the foundation of a, well... movement. One that would give hope to the people of Kintargo. If you will do this, whether today or tomorrow, I will dedicate my all to helping you." He opens the small box that he indicated was his inheritance earlier. Inside there is a small fortune of gold coins , a Victocora signet ring, a pair of bracers, and a mithral key.
"The gold is, well, obvious." Rexus says softly. "My signet ring is unlikely to see use in Thrune-ruled Kintargo, and I want you to sell it to help fund your - no, our - efforts. When I see Kintargo freed, I'll have a new one made. In the meantime..." He looks at the ring for a moment, before smiling again. "Best to be put to use."
The young nobleman indicates the bracers next. "The bracers help to protect their wearer, as though wearing a set of armor... albeit very minimal armor." He chuckles dryly. "Better that than nothing, though, eh?"
Finally, he takes the mithral key from the coffer, sliding it into his clothes. "This is the exception. It's... of great sentimental value to me." Rexus' face falls slightly, and he shakes his head. "But in any case... I hope you all will agree to go to the Livery, whether today or soon."
The signet ring is worth about 75 gp to a jewelry crafter or silversmith. The mithral key itself is worth nearly 150 gp, but is pretty obviously not an option to sell.
Jessibel listens quietly and respectfully as Rexus makes his pitch and offers his inheritance as a sort of group coffer to fund the rebellion.
"Are you sure you don't want to keep your signet ring?" she asks the nobleman somberly. "As a remembrance of your parents...or to prove that at least one Victocora survived to oppose Thrune's illegitimate rule?"
Rexus laughs softly. "No, not at all." He pats his clothing where he placed the key. "As I said, this is the most important part for me. A signet ring's just a ring with the family symbol on it. It's a symbol, but not one that's likely to be useful to anyone for a good long while. At least, not as a symbol."
He abruptly looks serious. "This movement has to be for all the people of Kintargo. If I am so concerned for my status that I cannot let go of a symbol of it, then we'll never get the Silver Ravens off the ground." The nobleman blushes suddenly. "Er... I thought we might take the name of the old heroes for ourselves. It might've been premature..."
He flushes harder, realizing what he might have been implying to the two noblewomen. "I mean, I cannot take advantage of my status to help our goals. You two should not sacrifice that just because I said so..." Abruptly, he covers his face. "Shelyn... Sorry, I'm a little perturbed today. Normally I'm rather more graceful a speaker than this."
"Don't sweat it, Rexus." Nyxra shrugs. "We've all had a trying day."
”The hardest part of a rebellion is coming up with a name for the rebels. My lawyer will have something to say about my name being used by a political group, but I am sure we can come to some sort of licensing agreement.” The Raven says, performing an exaggerated bow. A pre-existing name and a cause to rally around. We just need to remind the people of Kintargo.
"Yes, we've all had a trying day" echoes Vantine. That, along with this heavy rain makes me think it would be better to go to the old livery tomorrow."[/b]
"I don't know if it's haunted, but that's what I've heard. If it is true, shouldn't we be a well prepared as we can be? I'm just about used up for the day, and I don't think I could be of any help if we went sooner."
Although Vantine initially kept her silence about something she hadn't understood, she changes her mind and asks.
"The money and the rest of your inheritance Rexus, why would we take it? What would we need money for?"
Aside from her feeling they should be careful who they talk to about what they will be doing, Vantine is quite lost trying to think what comes next.
"What will we be doing that will cost money?"
"If I had to guess..." Nyxra starts with a bit of an edge to her voice. "...equipping ourselves, buying information, buying silence? Stuff like that."
"Yes, at this stage, I believe you will have multiple things to spend money on - if not for the organization, at least for yourselves. By helping yourselves, you'll better be able to give hope to the people of Kintargo and lead them to victory." Rexus nods at Nyxra. "But it is up to you all. So long as you spend it well, I will have no objections to what you all use the wealth on."
Aisling listens quietly as she thinks. She processes what everyone is saying, but has nothing further to add to any of it. It seems obvious that they are all in agreement in joining with Rexus, for good or bad. Exactly what happens next is up to teh Gods.
"I agree with Vantine. If we are goind somewhere there might be trouble we should hold off until tomorrow. But we might need somewhere to stay."
She is NOT keen on going home and facing off with her parents.
"I'd offer you a place to stay with me, but, well... I can't really impose more upon Laria's hospitality than I already have. There are bound to be inns on Temple Hill or Jarvis End." Rexus says thoughtfully.
The young nobleman looks around. "If we don't have anything else to discuss, I think we have imposed upon Nandy's tolerance for long enough. Please, divide the gold and such between you. I have a long walk back to Laria's." He waves off any offers of escort, and leaves the newly-named Silver Ravens-to-be to their own devices. Before he exits the shop, however, he turns back. "Let's meet again where first we met tomorrow at nine!" With that, he exits into the rain.
Aisling nods. "That's fair. I am sure there is a tavern or inn that will be grateful for customers. it's not as though the Lord Mayor is encouraging travellers to stay here." Actually, the more she thinks about it the more she quite likes the idea of sitting (anonymously, minus her holy symbol) in a tavern room and hearing what people think of today's events. If they are to get people on their side, the resistance will need to know what people actually want.
"Which leads into the next question. Do we split up, for safety? Or try and stay together, for safety?"
Once Rexus has departed, Jessibel looks to the others. "My flat's only a couple of blocks from here. I have a bedroll someone can use, if you don't mind sleeping on the floor. There might be enough floor space for everyone, if folks bought their own bedrolls. But I don't have a problem if anyone wants to use some of Rexus's funds to get rooms at an inn for the night."
Nyxra takes her share of the offered money and looks at the others. "I can get home without attracting the wrong sort of attention. I need to let Dad and Tal know I'm okay."
"But if anyone would feel more comfortable being escorted home, I'd be happy to help."
Vantine takes her share of the gold and the bracers, since every little bit helps.
"I also live nearby. Maybe those who don't could divide between Jessibel's place and mine?"
Before the group splits up and moves on for the evening, Vantine finds a moment to address Nyxra.
"I'm almost positive I've met you, or at least seen you somewhere before. But I can't place where or when it might have been."
Aisling gives Jessi a grateful smile. "I'm sure I can sleep one night on a floor. Iomedae's followers have faced worse than that for sure!"
Nyxra looks at Vantine as she approaches. "...it's possible. Does the Gallery of Flowing Colour ring a bell?"
”What would the good people of Kintargo think if they saw the mighty Raven traveling home with some young, unescorted, unmarried women?” The Raven asks aghast.
"Um, not really Nyxra. At least I've not been there. I'll keep thinking, I'm sure it was somewhere."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And with the raven guy's words Vantine can breathe easy again. Almost as soon as she'd suggested splitting the group between her and Jessibel's places she'd felt she should have known better. Aisling immediately jumped on board with Jessibel, Nyxra's going home, and Rexus is going back to the coffee shop.
That left Vantine alone with the guy in the mask.
Helpful as he'd been, sort of, he was wearing a mask. Helpful in one instance doesn't preclude serial killer in another. There were some red flags; the mask obviously, the way he spoke as if people should know about 'The Raven' (she'd certainly never heard of him), his general awkwardness.. Yeah, not good.
Vantine chuckles and plays her suggestion off as obviously silly.
"Of course you right Mr. Raven. If people were to see such a thing, your reputation could be permanently damaged". Because everyone would TOTALLY question your morals based on your company rather than your sanity based on your mask. "Forget I ever mentioned it."
Vantine stands, ready to go. "When and where shall we meet tomorrow?"
”I can, however, escort you safely home.” The Raven offers Vantine with a bow. ”I am not completely devoid of manners.” It was a shame she would not be returning to Alexius’ place. But why do I care? ”And then I have to see a man about a fire. Nasty riot and all, would be a shame if an insured but failing business burned to the ground in all the chaos.” He winks at Vantine, not that she would be able to see it. ”As for where and when to meet; here and a bit before dawn? The sunlight just ruffles my feathers, you know?”