"Fair." Helgar said. Why send one's own when you could pay to send others? "We agreed to the task. Nobody is dead, and we'll all get paid. It worked out." She hoped that this was going to stay true. She was worried for Arn and Aris...
"Yeah," she nods in agreement with Helgar's comment. "The only problem is that yeah, we have it," she clarifies now believing the captain is innocent. "In truth, the boy had it in his possession unknowingly when we grabbed him off that ship."
Nempura slings the scarf over her shoulders, assuming her hair is about to explode in frizz anyways. She then explains. "We haven't touched it. It does have a magical presence about it. Perhaps a magical spell if you touch it? I haven't studied it yet. I think it's fair to let you know, we didn't come on board with it and endanger your crew and you intentionally. We rowed for our life with our bag of treasure, your logs, and the kid. That's it. I would have thought twice about bringing this aboard. Maybe left it in the ocean...We, in fact, just learned it is here ourselves."
She looks to the bag containing it and will take and hold the bag by the far edges so the two can look down inside of it and see what it is.
"Arn here was able to cast a spell to detect whether it was evil or not. He said neither the boy, nor the relic are. It's just a priest's ephod or something. Probably worth something to someone. I'd be more concerned about an intruder though and watch for signs spoken about in that logbook as well as anyone missing from your roster at role call."
Zalona doesn't agree with the revelation, especially without some rudimentary knowledge of what the boy knew, but she can't reach out and take it back, so she just continues working with the boy.
With the revealing of what exactly the holy relic is, Captain Knut raises his eyebrows; “I’m no holy man, but I do know that an ephod belongs only to one.”
“We are already heading back to port but we are fighting the storm with everything we’ve got. You have given us everything we need, you all can rest here until we arrive.”
Captain Knut and Eevi leave the party in the captain quarters, but you do hear the click of the lock keeping you all within this room.
You begin working with the child and his language. From what you are piecing together of what he said you are thinking that the common words he is saying are So = The, Ca = To, Un = Be
The journey feels like it takes days, but you know it’s only been hours. The whole time no one comes into the captain’s quarters. You eventually feel the ship lurch to a halt. You hear the sound of boots hurrying about on the main deck and what you assume are called from the dock to the people on the ship.
Time passes when you hear the sound of sturdy boots approaching the door followed by a click of the lock. Opening the door is a taller than average human man wearing a rain wet cloak covering what you might think is scalemail. “You’re comin wit me! She’s waitin for ya.” He says as he stands partly blocking the door. Even as you are moving he raises his voice; “Come on, let’s go!”
You make your way out of the captain’s quarters into the still raining day. It appears as if the rain has lightened up on this side of the bay. There are sailors moving about moving and replacing supplies on the Valerr. As you are “guided” across the ship, to the plank, and onto the dock you do not see the captain or his first mate.
You are led to the closest warehouse on the dock and into the large cargo doors. Within are shelves lined to the roof with crates, boxes, and barrels. All marked with different codes and languages. Those who are skilled would recognize some of them.
You make your way to the rear of the warehouse to a solid green wooden door. The door is very out of place compared to the normal look of the warehouse. The man opens the door, points, and says; “In!”
As you all come into the room it could appear as if you have been transformed to a completely different location. The hardwood floors here are smooth, stained, and waxed. The ornate decorative rugs that cover the floor are covered with vibrant colorful designs. The furnishings in this office seem to be that of a high noble or king.
You see the captain and his first mate standing before a large wooden desk. Hand carved flowers, vines, and leafs decorate the sides of this desk. Sitting behind the desk is a woman who once she realizes you are in the room she motions for the captain and his first mate to cease the conversation.
She takes the group of you in and begins speaking; “I am Vilutar Pakkanen, welcome to my business! Captain Untamo has brought to my attention of what he heard and saw upon the Sea Sprite. He has also informed me that he hired you for the retrieval of these charts and logs.” she motions to the items you retrieved that are on her desk. “If you would, tell me what you saw. From the moment the first boot hit the deck until the last boot lifted from the deck… exactly.”
Vilutar sits back and puts a finger to her mouth as she listens.
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"What kind of accommodations are these?" she asks in plight with the captain. "No bed, no food, no pot to go to the restroom? I suppose I'll have to dig into my own supplies! You may as well keep locking us in the brig."
The sass comes out stronger here before the captain leaves. She wants to make sure he plainly knows she is not comfortable about sitting in the cabin and being locked in. On top of that, she wants his permission to use his belongings.
If given permission to use his bed to rest and the like, she will keep it in mind, but for now, once the door is closed, she rifles through the captain's personal belongings and desk. Even using one of the more crafty of their team to unlock it and relock it should they need to. She wants to make sure she isn't being double-crossed here. His own log should reveal his true intentions.
As much as she can, she makes sure she leaves everything exactly the way she found it (she isn't a thief after all), and if food doesn't come for them, she will enjoy some of her fruit she had packed, sharing it with her companions too.
-----------------------------------------
As the ship lurches to a halt, Nempura can sense the difference. By this time, whether permission is given or not, she's lounging on the captain's bed and will be there until she sees movement beyond the door. At the sound of the click, she is already standing and ready to go.
"Alright, alright. No need to sound so harsh. Say it with a smile," she jests to their "captor" and will follow him.
The rain still falls, and the rushed feeling of Mal de debarquement still washes over her in odd pseudo waves of motion. With the arrival of them at the warehouse and being ordered in, she also comments, "Sit. Fetch. Woof...," and walks in.
"These are fancy digs...I could get used to this. This is a warehouse?" Upon seeing Vilutar speak with them, her eyes become focused on her.
"For how we've been treated...I suppose I could rattle off some details...Our job is complete. I'll be taking my pay. Once the money is in my hand, I may feel like expressing in the finest bardic tale exactly what occurred on the Sea Sprite." Her eyes narrow in almost threat. She doesn't like being pushed around and made to feel subservient. She wants to be treated like royalty.
Zalona is disappointed that the language lesson doesn't seem to be working. She was trying for the building blocks of language... a few nouns, and instead she was getting, strangely, articles, conjunctions, like it was a meaningless word puzzle rather than a language. Since it was clear that she wasn't going to be able to get even a simple sentence from the boy in time for it to do any good for their immediate goals, it was no longer the top priority, and she stopped pushing him. Although she still wanted to learn how to communicate with the boy, it could wait until they got through this mission.
____
When they are asked to go through their journey with every detail, she thinks that they were changing their wages yet again... and when Nempura demands the money up front, she agrees with her and remains silent.
The lady Pakkanen sits unwavering as she listens to Nempura’s remarks. She looks between the six of you as there is silence, giving every opportunity for anyone to speak up and tell the story of what happened on the ship.
Pushing back from her desk, lady Pakkanen walks over to a safe at the rear of this office. Blocking the view, she unlocks the vault with a code followed by a key. Opening it reveals a wealth of treasure. Bars of gold, jewels, paperwork, and even some interestingly crafted weapons. She pulls out a pouch of coins “50 more crowns each, is it?” Turning back towards the table, she takes 50 crowns out for the each of you and puts them in small belt pouches.
Placing back the remaining gold in the safe, she locks it up again. “Now, about what happened…” She places her hands on the back of her high backed chair.
"From the moment the first boot hit the deck, it was clearly Aris. Her dwarven sturdiness allowed her to plant firmly on the rain-coated deck. There, she saw a grim sight. A deck in shambles. A body, slumped, tied, and long-dead against the ship's wheel. As the rest of us climbed aboard..." she continues in such theatrical rendition as this. No detail from her eyes is overlooked, as money was paid, but her companions may chime in at any moment on their own thoughts and findings.
By the end of the story, what could have been a two-minute summary had been drawn out dramatically for almost half the length of time that they were on the boat. Despite this, it was not boring in the least. Her fellow crew, minus their other bard, may find it shocking how adventurous Nempura could make them sound!
Each hair-raising emotion would be felt by the noblewoman as well as the great sense of bravery coming from each of them. Once Nempura had come above deck, she would have to rely on her companions who remained below to tell their tale, but in the end, she would tell the tale of her heroism up on the mast's crossbeam and her roaring intimidations to the undead. It will all be told, and the bard will not just be pleased she had received her money, but because she got to practice the first telling of her new bardic tale.
"Does that satisfy your curiosity, ma'am?" she asks in a sweetened tone, much less hostile now that she was not being pushed around, had been given respect, and a lot of money to boot.
Helgar listened in rapt silence as Nempura spun her tale. She almost couldn’t believe that she had a part in it. When the tale was done she sat there awkwardly, not feeling eloquent enough to add anything besides her presence.
You can hear lightning crackling across the sky and the light pitter patter of rain on the roof of the warehouse.
As you finish with the tale of what happen upon the ship, lady Pakkanen turns from her high backed chair and picks up a clear decanter that is half filled with a brown liquor in one hand, and in the other four short glasses. She doesn’t speak as she places the four on her desk. She produces five more from a cupboard below. She fills all nine of them with a finger width of this liquor and pushes them in front of each of you, minus the child.
“Until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore, you will not know the terror of being forever lost at sea.” lady Pakkanen then lifts her class and downs the drink. Captain Knut and Eevi do the same. If you drink it, your mouth is enveloped with a smokey tobacco flavor with hints of anise spice and coffee. You have never quite tasted anything like this before. “They were a good crew, brought back some of my favorite gifts.”
Sitting down in her high backed chair she begins in; “Interesting tale, one that I am sure you will share to put a few coins in your pocket from time to time. And I know, for some, that… lifestyle is good enough. But for me, I prefer the finer things that this world offers. As I am sure you could tell from some of the items you now possess from my ship.”
With a wry smile that curls a corner of her lips she continues; “There are a few bits of this tale that draws me in. First is the man tied to the ships wheel. It appears that he knew what was going to happen to him, with the disease wreaking havoc aboard the ship, and he still found it critical to return my ship to me.” pausing as she is thinking. “Then there is the matter of this Brykolakas. Attempting to break into the room with the sole survivor from the Sea Sprite. I am no healer, but the boy appears to still be perfectly healthy.” Pointing to the journal; “And he was clenching the holy relic that my crew found. There is something about that boy, or that item, that my crew felt the risk of bringing whatever plagued the Sea Sprite inland was worth it.”
She looks past the group of you to the man who escorted the party and nods to him. Looking behind you, you see the man open the door and make a gesture with his hand. Two more men and a woman, who all equal the first stature, enter into the lady’s office. “Before going on, I need to know if you would like to travel from tavern to watering hole to inn collecting a few crowns here and there. Or if you would like to be under my employ, never having to worry about where your next hot meal would come from. If you will be sleeping in the rain. Or even if you have to wear such rags ever again… the choice is yours.”
You notice that Captain Knut and Eevi have been very silent during this conversation. But, you now notice that the Captain is oddly tapping his left bicep with a finger as he stands with his arms crossed. But then you notice that Eevi is watching the tapping and, almost in a response, cracks a knuckle or two and even shifts her bracelet in what could appear to be a nervous reaction.
"Have we come under a gang leader here?" she curiously wonders herself. There is no doubt that Lady Pakkanen is wealthy, but just the crew she keeps makes Nempura slightly skeptical. Nempura will drink about 75% of the drink handed to her and then will give the boy actually the last sip. After what he'd seen, a little bit could calm him more. For living with sailors for a time, she doubts it's the first time he's had hard liquor. When the boy has finished, or if he refuses, she'll take the last of it and set the glass back where it came from.
"You are not alone in your passions. I too seek the finer things in life. How I obtain them might be more important to me than to some others, but I'm certainly interested. I won't blindly follow you though. If you want my aid, you'll respect my talents as they are presented to you and reward me in kind. If I want out...no hard feelings. We will go our separate ways. I'm not signing my life over to anyone. Ever." Nempura seems deadly serious about this. "If that's agreeable, then I'll definitely hear what you have in mind."
She looks then to her companions. No doubt some were hateful of the ship's experience and would want out. She wouldn't mind having a drink with them, but she also wouldn't be surprised if they left.
Zalona doesn't drink.
After Nempura speaks she adds
For my part, I'm looking for work and a long-term job offer seems pleasing. However, I'm not interested in anything shady, and too much of this seems that way. No one has been straight with us this whole time. We were told one thing and then have been required to give another.
Gold is nice, no lie... but I'm not interested in signing up to work with people I don't trust and who don't value my life... or the life of a child. No offense, but so far, that's the impression I've gotten from this "opportunity."
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Helgar clearly saw what was going on. The concern on her face was clear, along with her desire to hide it. Secretly kicking Zalona wasn't very secret either.
"Let's hear her out first." The cleric said in what was an all-too-fake calm voice. "At the very least, we have two infected comrades, and the pay so far won't cover their treatment. I wouldn't abandon them and she has the resources to care for them." That...and this did not appear to be a friendly request. If Arn and Aris were up and standing then they might have had a chance to fight their way out of this. But Helgar knew that she was no warrior. She had little doubt that her silver warhammer would end up as anything more than another bauble for the woman to sell should this turn violent.
You see that Captain Knut notices your odd behavior and adjusts how he is standing and is no longer tapping his bicep.
As Nempura hands the child the glass he sniffs and places the glass on the table. Looking at Nempura he says; “cin ol sa? ol co tlopshoon ca oun oo?”
Lady Pakkanen’s eyes widen; “Well that’s a beautiful tongue…” she taps her lips in thought.
As the three women express their thoughts and concern lady Pakkanen sits back in her chair with almost a look of shock oh her face; “I think there must be some kind of misunderstanding.” she says as she places a hand on her chest; “I am no slave driver that I would have you blindly follow my orders. You would be handsomely compensated for the services you would perform. As far as me respecting your talents, I would not be offering to hire you if I did not respect or see the value of what you bring to the table.”
“But, if you are not interested in continuing on and learning the mysteries behind why my team risked an outbreak of whatever happened on that ship inland…. Then you are free to go. You will not be harmed, you can take your share of whatever it was you found on the ship beyond the charts, the journal and… the relic and the boy. I have some people who would like to examine both.”
As Helgar brings up her potentially infected comrades lady Pakkanen sits back in her chair, almost in disgust. “How about this. You have been through a lot. Why don’t you give me a few days to use my network to find out what I can about the boy and the relic, and you all go and rest. Take your ill friends to the The Fane of the Waves Eternal and see if they can aid your friends. Let them know that I sent you and they will receive the proper care.”
“ And discuss if you would like to be part of this adventure and have the possibility of more crowns than you could imagine. My men will see the six of you out.” turning her attention to Captain Knut and Eevi; “Stay for a few more moments, we have other matters to discuss.”
The man who saw you into this room moves forward; “Time to go.”
.
Seeing that the woman is not going to be more forthcoming, Zalona still doesn't trust her, and determines to leave. She is willing to wait around a few days to get her share of the loot and make sure the boy is okay though. Since she doesn't have a deadline hanging over her head any longer, she works with the boy more trying to get some basic language going. He already recognized the names of a few deities, so she attempts to add a little more, like his name or her name, or the concept of a book. She wants to get an idea of where he comes from so maybe she can take him back to his own people after they leave here.
When Zalona realizes that she is taking the boy *permanently* she despairs, hoping that he will be okay, but not knowing any way to get out of here with him. She waits for a chance to get him out, but doesn't like her chances.
"Well. That was intense." Helgar said, once they were free. "I understand where you are coming from, Zalona. But I think that the best way for me to cure Arn and Aris is to work with her. If nothing else, coin would be needed whether I work for her or not. And if I don't, then how else can I learn what is wrong with them? The Forge Father knows that the path we walk isn't always straight. But I trust that the path will take me in the right direction."
Yeah, okay, I get that. What about the boy though? You are just going to let her keep him for study?
Helgar shrugged. ”And? I’ve nay the coin, the strength or the resources to free and care for him. Working for her, I can at least check in on him. Acting now, just based on assumptions, cuts off all options. Patience and a watchful eye is the best course of action that I can see.”
Okay, Helgar. I'll leave it to you, then. I see the wisdom of your words, but I need to leave. I can't work for people that I can't trust, and this situation isn't leading me in the direction that I am determined to go. Too much temptation to revert to my old self. Perhaps I will move on to elven lands.
She bows.
However, I thank you for your companionship on this job and wish you the best in the future.
After they divide the loot, she packs up her things and bows to everyone.
May the gods light your path.
She leaves.
Nempura half rolls her eyes when the child speaks his gibberish. She isn't sure if he understands them and just is speaking, or if he's just talking to talk. In any case, Nempura turns around with eyebrows raised to the child.
"Nope...I still don't understand you. That hasn't changed. If you are worried...be brave. You'll do alright, kid." "I need to get you a chalkboard. Surely you can draw what you are saying?"
It kind of bothers her that the Lady claims the boy. That's where she puts her foot down.
"Technically the boy is your employee, so you have the right, but he's not some item to be shoved around. I'd hope you take care of him and treat him as your own. He is a good lad and has been through quite an ordeal. If he were not your employee, I'd take him with me."
She turns to the child, smiles, and casts a spell. As her magic weaves into the child's mind, Nempura tries to extract from it discernment of where his next of kin are currently so she can inform them of his survival.
"Don't resist it," she warns in a kind voice. Whether the spell works or not will be of interest to both her and the Lady, as well as valuable information.
"Before I go, if you would not mind returning the coins?" After all, the Lady only claimed a hold on the boy, the ledger and maps, and the relic, not anything else. Nempura can find a collector to pay handsomely for a collection from around the world.
Once they are gone, she takes in a deep breath at the conversation her companions are discussing.
"You can't assume she's a villain. Let's assume for now that she's a neutral party trying to get information. I think you have the right of it, Helgar. Let's be patient."
Nempura will help sort out the gear. They will notice she's a little greedy for some things of beauty, but she does give her fair share.
As Nempura expresses concern for the child
Nempura produces a copper piece and says a few arcane words as she begins casting a spell.
You cast the spell and you start to scan the mind of this child, but everything is blurry by a blinding light. Strobe like flashes send needle like pin pricks throughout your skull, causing migraine like pains. You are unsure which is worse, a constant migraine or this pain that only appears with the light but is 100 fold worse.
Flash-flash-flash-flash
The flashing stops revealing the child before you, wearing the ephod on his chest. The world around him is in a haze and unrecognizable, but it is him. The strobe and pain return.
Flash-flash-flash-flash
Your vision comes back. This time showing a tranquil late at the bottom of a valley. Quickly spinning you see three entryways built into the slopes of the valley.
The first one has a capstone that seals the entrance. Weeds have grown thick covering this mossy capstone.
The second also has a capstone covering the entrance. This one depicts a heavily worn image. You can barely make out the image. It appears to be two warriors laying side by side on a stone bier.
The third one has a capstone, yet it is broken in large chunks laying before the threshold. Looking into the entrance all you see is darkness.
The quick spinning happens again and you are in complete darkness. You see in the distance a person. They are kneeling, in prayer. You move closer in a quick spinning motion. You are surprised as it is the child in prayer. He doesn’t look up and he keeps his head bowed devoutly in prayer. You do notices he is using a cord with tassels on each end at a belt. Fidgeting with the knots at the end as he prays in his unusual language.
You try to speak but the strobe and pain returns
Flash-flash-flash-flash
Your vision slightly comes back, yet there is something odd about it. It looks as if you are looking through gems, seeing the world is a kaleidoscope perspective. The odd thing you notice is that through each of the perspectives the world is twisted in different ways.
The quick spinning happens again and you are in complete darkness. You are startled as the child steps forward out of the darkness. His face looks the same, yet different. He is wearing a pair of goggles which have translucent silver sheen concave lenses with them.
The strobe and pain returns
Flash-flash-flash-flash
Your vision comes back, but even worse before. There is a cloud of fog covering everything you see. You can make out trees… maybe?
The quick spinning happens and through the fog of your eyes you see a person… maybe?
There is a flash of light around what you might assume is their neck…
The strobe and pain returns
Flash-flash-flash-flash
Your vision is gone completely. Darkness. Not that darkness from pain, as you can feel the warmth from the sun, but as if you are blind.
You feel someone, or something, take your hand and they speak. It is confusing because you hear what might sound like two people speaking completely in unison, but it is coming from one mouth. It is the child.
“Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so.”
“Come, we have the final piece. He is coming. We must find him.”
The strobe and pain returns.
Flash-flash-flash-flash
FLASH
With this final illuminous flash your eyes open and reveal yourself in the warehouse standing before your companions, lady Pakkenan, Captain Knut, Eevi, and the child.
You throw up due to the migraine and strain of whatever it was you just went through.
The moment Nempura finishes casting her spell she doubles over, clenches her head, and throws up.
Lady Pakkenan stands up; “It appears that the childs mind doesn’t want you in it.” she says as she laughs. “I have made rubbings of the coins you provided, you may have them back.” She places the coins on the desk closest to Nempura; “Maybe you should also see the healers at The Fane of the Waves Eternal to see if you might be coming down with whatever was on that ship. Shame to see such a gifted girl end up like what you described…”
Motioning for her guards to lead you out; “The child will be taken care of, I will let you know what it is I discover.”
As you are lead outside the rain seems to be lightening up to a light sprinkle. Nothing compared to what you experienced on the ship.
Nempura finishes casting her spell, doubles over, and throws up at the child's feet. With the pain and the ripping migraine she feels, she can't even express how she feels. Lady Pakkenan's voice is heard, and she registers it, but Nempura's mind recalls the words in general how they sounded from the boy more important than her instructions.
"Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so. Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so. Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so...," she repeats in her mind as she looks up to give the stinkeye to the boy and recovers enough to speak.
"Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so? Hmm?" she repeats with a sneer as she ignores all else. "Why was that on your mind?" Translating, she explains, "His mind said, 'Come, we have the final piece...he is coming...we must find him'" She points to the ephod and then to boy's chest. "And why was that on you?" She accuses him, "You are a servant of Braal? His priest?"
She will not be ejected from this room until she deals with this revelation. Nempura seems to be struggling to speak as one would with a severe migraine.
As Nempura says the phrase Pet, ee im so scunn sealfleth. Si ol tleap. Ee iai ptou so. the childs eyes light up and a smile crosses his face. He rushes up and grabs Nempura’s hand and pushes the bag he is holding with the ephod within towards her.
“ Co im iap oot! co im iap oot! sloum! sloum! ee iai ptou so! ee eck tel!” He is confused as Nempura begins speaking in the common tongue. When you say the name Braal his recognizes it and nods once again. “Ee iai ptou braal. Si iai un floththlo
Which Nempura would recognize the first phrase saying We must find Braal The second phrase sounds familiar to something the child has said in the past. But you are unable to piece it together.
Lady Pakkanen's gaze falls upon Nempura; "What did you see girl?" she says with a snap; "You couldn't have seen much in such a short instant, explain what you saw and it will aid us."
Helgar blinked in surprise and took an involuntary step back. It felt like they were walking into a game of the gods, which was by nature a dangerous game for any mortal to be caught in.
"You are vastly incorrect. I saw much. It felt like many minutes and scenes transpired beyond what you likely saw. I saw the child wearing the ephod like a boy priest, then I saw a lake settled in a valley. I felt like I was being shown three entrances to something...a dungeon maybe. Then...I can't explain what I saw. It was...odd...otherworldly. Maybe planar travel? It was akin to seeing through many gems into bright light. I can't be sure. Then I was in complete darkness and saw nothing. Then this little creep jumped out of nowhere and scared the s#&~ out of me. Then....I was in a fog...maybe in a forest? I can't be sure. Then I was in darkness again, but this time it wasn't like it was dark, it was like I was blinded. I could feel the sun. I could tell the little boy took my hand and said that crap to me...Only, I understood his jargon this time."
Nempura wraps her arms around herself as she stands up taller but is still hampered by just having thrown up. She knows she has left out some details, but they don't need to know that. If it comes to the point where these people truly are allies, then she will possibly divulge the rest.
"Then I came to." Pointing out, she gestures to the kid, "The phrase he's repeating there is that we must find Braal..."
It is clear from Nempura's face that she is disturbed from the experience as much as those normally would be when hearing such nonsense.
"And if you think I'm lying, you can..." she would state that they could kiss her ass, but in the presence of her future employer, she holds her tongue and course-corrects "forget there being an amicable relationship between us. I'm perfectly serious in what I saw. That...ugh...hurt. That is not what that spell is supposed to do."
Lady Pakkanen places a finger on her lips and her thumb on her chin in thought. “It seems that the layers cloaked around this child not only a peeling away, but get more interesting as we go deeper. As far as our relationship, I don’t care.” she says as if brushing off a butterfly; “If you take do the job, you receive your coin. That is the only part of the relationship that matters.”
She gives the group of you a smile; “But, think on it. Helgar expressed concern for your comrades, my offer still stands for aid at The Fane of the Waves Eternal. At my expense of course. Go on, tend to them and rest up. Visit the inns you enjoy singing at for some coin and ale. Then return to me rested. With a team. If needed, I can provide additional… support.”
Sitting back down, Lady Pakkanen slides the journal in front of her and begins reading. Looking up and dismissively says; “That is all.” and returns to the journal and talking to Captain Knut and Eevi.
Nempura swings wide around the child, leaving him there in confusion at her speaking his language. She is deeply suspicious of him now and wonders if it was now his evil worship that brought the undead shapechanger onboard.
"Thank you," she replies to her new boss and gives a final word of warning, "Be careful..."
She leaves with that ominous tone hanging overhead and allows herself to get shuffled out of the warehouse by thug #1, but if he touches her, she will slap his hand and walk faster.
"Alright all, let's check in. I for one don't want to turn into one of those fleshbags...oye...that poor lady. After so much struggle...That one is going to give me nightmares, ya?"
Nempura's plans over the next bit of her intended travel. The group would find out that she intends to check-in at the Fane of the Waves Eternal, then head to the bank to deposit her money. Next, she would tell the group she plans to sell stuff in the marketplace before it gets too late. Her ultimate plan is to drink the night away at the same in they met at.
'There they are.' Seeing the tall dusky bard leaving Nempura's 'warehouse' through the crowd, Ivar made his way up the streets towards the five adventurers. Seeing three of them are not looking well, he Nod first to healthier looking Nempura and Helgar. While his right hand is holding a bardiche casually over his shoulder, he touches his black enameled breastplate, with his left hand. "I am Ivar Theodinson, called 'Goldilocks' by some."
The tall blond northerner, lowers his left hand casually resting it on the pommel of the wide bladed sword on his hip. Shifting his rucksack, causing his spangenhelm tied to it to rotate and bang against the large round wooden shield. He gestures back towards the docks. "Der 'officer on deck' told me you ver meeting vit frú Nempura, along vit der coward Skipstjóri Untamo." He scowls slightly causeing the scar on the left side of his face to pucker, "I vas vit der crew of der Valerr." He spits in disdain, "It vas my virst time sailing vit dem. If I had know dey ver cowards I vould not have joined dem."
He stands up a little taller, an impressive sight at over two meters tall. Gesturing he lays his hand on the breastplate, where the trunk of the engraved linorm-like sea-wolf crosses the front of the engraved armor. "I am not a coward, I am a named man by Tavar de lame der captain of der Linnorms Claw'." Pausing like the name should mean something. "Und I do not sail vit cowards." He points towards the scar on his face. "I earned my name and dis mark anchoring der line."
Shaking his head, "Vat Untamo did vas wrong, I have left his service." Holding his blond bearded chin high, "I vould like to vork vit you. You have proven your metal, vich is more dan I can say for most of der folks I have seen in dis city Languard."
As oblivious as ever, Nempura doesn't even notice that Ivar was spying them out. She does notice when he gets within greeting distance though, which says a lot about how wary she is at the current moment. She looks up and down at his figure, the size of his bardiche. She observes his blackened armor and then blinks as he introduces himself. At first, she considered maybe he was a guard, but that quickly changes when she hears his fashion of speech and at what she struggles to understand.
"I think he's saying he was on the ship...Yep. Okay...I'm slowly understanding him. Boy-o-boy, I thought he was speaking like that freaky kid!"
His words make her chuckle and shift a bit with a little nibble of her lower lip at calling them cowards. He wasn't the most charming of gentlemen, but his proclivities to call people out appealed to her.
"I'm glad we're not alone in seeing things that way. Sadly, it's not the first time I've been treated in such a s##!ty manner on a job in this city. Back home, I was a hero. Celebrated..." "And feared""Here I'm dragged around like a dog on a leash or having my goods stolen. It'll be nice to have someone who thinks the same with us..." She then waves her hand to join them assuming the others don't have any objections. "We are on our way to the Fane of the Waves Eternal. Some of us may be down for a while. Poor Arn here got ripped apart in ways simple healing may not quickly recover. I'm healthy though, as is Helgar." She then offers her hand. He will find within her thin fingers a great strength as well as callouses at various spots from pulling her bowstring, yet on the backside of her palm, it is soft and gentle.
"My name is Nempura Babblebrook, Goldilocks. Bard extraordinaire, killer of assassins, constantly the last place in every archery contest I've been in," she jokes, "I will have to update you on what we experienced over there and since so you know just how truly awful it was and to what strangeness you are signing up for!" she expresses with a playful chuckle, hoping he is interested in hearing it. If so, on the way there, she will repeat the tale, this time expanding the number of the undead Lacedons to about 30.
The six if you find yourselves standing just outside Lady Pakkanen’s warehouse on the southern shore of the port bay. You are standing on Cheap Street in the Low City just north of The Scythe which is a tavern known for its live music. Even from this distance you can hear music and laughter spilling from the doors. Laughter of people ignorant of the horror that took place across the Hard Bay.
With Zalona heading East on Cheap Street after her farewell, Rhaedlaf also bows and bids everyone best of luck with their future mission.
Heading towards dinner time, the streets of Low City are full. Heading home, heading to a tavern or inn, or even coming in through the Traitor’s Gate for the evening for security from what’s outside. Both Zalona and Raedlaf quickly disappear in the crowd of people.
Down the road you see a troop of four watch members patrolling the streets. If anyone is standing about on the street they get a nudge to move on and stop any congestion that is starting to build up around those standing about. As the four of them get close you notice their equipment is threadbare and their morale appears low.
The rain lightens up from a sprinkle to not raining at all.
Giving a slight smirk as the dusky bard comments that she appreciates his point of view. As she continues talking about the difference between this city and the one she came from he raises an eyebrow. 'Dragged around like a dog or stolen from? Maybe I over estimated them. One should never put up with being dragged around like a dog or stolen from.'
Forgetting any second thoughts as she waved for him to join them he steps forward shifting the polearm to his left hand, reaching out and excepting her hand in his, grasping it firmly. 'A firm grip, good, and archers callouses, curious.' Nodding to the others he steps behind the group and begins to follow as she explained that they were going to 'the Fane of the Waves Eternal.' He had knows a couple of them had been wounded. Hopefully the elf that had been with them had not died.
'Babblebrook, sounds very, rural. Bard extraordinaire, Ahhh I remember seeing her preform, what bar was that?...killer of assassins? That's interesting.' Chuckling as she claimed to place last he nods when she volunteers to fill him in on the events of the ship. "Det vould be greatly appreciated." Raising an eyebrow as the bearded wizard-looking fellow bids his comrades farewell. Ivar says nothing, believing it best to let the others handle it.
While they said their goodbyes, he looked down the road seeing the four 'Watch Members' nudging any loiterers and conversers on their way. When they get near enough he notices the pour quality of their equipment. Speaking softly, giving a slight nod with is head, but making sure not to make any sudden moves. "Vara, ve have company."
It doesn't take Nempura long to retell the tale. She can skip the whole portion of being on the ship as Ivar was upon it himself. Many of the events he could see from a distance, but whatever questioning he has in her ability to survive will be addressed as she explains their survivability. It would be clear they should have died over there. If not for her and the others' quick wits, they would have joined that army of the dead.
Being filled in on the tale, she now sets her eyes to the road ahead, and at seeing the approaching guards, she takes initiative.
"Gentlemen, have your drinking on me tonight," she calls some minor attention to them as they draw close. Her voice is sympathetic and sweet, showing how quickly she has already gotten over the trauma of her experiences with reading the child's mind. That, or she's just trying now to distract herself from it. "It's been a long rainy day. The Orc's Head Tavern in Low City can ease your burdens, and if I put in a good word with the bartender, he might even give you a reduced price. And if you request it of me, I may be able to sing you a song. You should come and bring your friends!"
She hands each of them a silver, assuming they don't ignore her and shove her out of the way. She doesn't try to get in their way to stop them, but merely tries to travel with them for a moment. A silver should buy them a few drinks each, especially at a reduced price and Nempura doesn't even mind being a bit flirty with them to get them to come. One could describe the act as just being generous, but she also is trying to get more business for the Orc's Head. That, and the more business it has while she is there, the more money she makes on stage as well.
Seeing the group of you standing about, one of the members of the Watch moves forward as if he is about to nudge you along. When Nempura offers the four of them each a silver the hardness of their faces turns to surprise. Then when they are invited to take a load off and have a meal and enjoy the pleasantries of a song they are taken back. You get the sense that no one really extends this kindness to members of The Water regularly.
A smile goes across the one closest to the party, “Orc’s Head you say? Looks like we will see you tonight!” The four of them keep moving down the road. The last one turns and says; “Oh… keep moving along. Too packed to be standing around.” he turns and continues their patrol.
You begin walking down the congested Cheap Street as you make your way towards The Fane of the Waves Eternal/. You know that this is the main through road that cuts throught this southern portion of Languard. This portion of the city is made up of four distinct districts.
The Fishshambles sprawls along the waterfront to the north of Cheap Street. Here a tangled, reeking labyrinth of narrow, tenebrous alleys – punctuated by a few wider roads – runs down to the Svart and the network of rickety warfs and jetties jutting from its southern bank.
Low City is the name given to the bulk of Languard sprawling to the south of the Svart is home to most of the city’s populace.
The Wrecks are where the ramshackle and slimy, sagging wharfs redolent with decay cluster thickly along the Svart’s muddy, slick bank gather the ferociously independent and inbred Takolen. A singular air of ruin and decay hangs heavily over the rotting wharves and the festering, stinking boats moored alongside or grounded in the shallow water think with silt, seaweed and jetsam. Lashed together, the boats form a confused mishash of homes, warehouses, whorehouses, taverns and other less pleasant businesses.
The Shambles is a place of narrow, twisting alleyways, tottering tenement buildings and cloying desperation. Here dwell Languard’s poor in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Most of the Shambles’ buildings are of shoddy wooden construction. Typically 3 or 4 stories high, they cluster together; upper levels jut out over the alleys below giving the whole district the aspect of a gigantic sunken maze.
As you are making your way West, there are some locations that standout that are on Cheap Street.
Set under a large building’s wooden spports, several stalls here offer strange fruit, narcotics and cheap drinks to shoppers. Each day, hawkers rush to set up their small stands or position their hand carts to sell their eclectic wares and services.
raucous cries and the stink of blood come from within this large basement drinking den.
The Palace is well-known for providing healing, narcotics, or other diversions harvested from the sea.
From this dubious vantagepoint criers read proclamations, merchants advertise wares, and drunkards rail at the world.
A rough tavern famed for its cheap beer, cheaper women and arm wrestling contest.
Coin and valuables flow through this aged, unassuming shop, whch sells everything from ancient art to newly-forged weaponry.
Here Serat’s worshippers commune with the ocean’s eternal glory.
You make your way halfway down Cheap Street and find yourself at the cross roads of Cheap Street and Cross Street. On the corner is young boy standing on a short pillar of stone reading small pieces of paper that are handed to him. “Lights have been moving among Greystone’s cursed ruins in the dead of the night.” “More bodies have been fished upf rom the Svart recently, some are horribly mutilated.” “Keep your belongings close and your family closer! Thievery is on the rise. Whispers of the Shadow Masks seeking something hidden within Languard while others suggest a new thieves’ guild is rising to challenge the Shadow Mask.”
You continue walking along taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Finally making your way to the Fane of the Waves Eternal, you see that it is defended behind a secure wall. Walking through an open gate you see a beautiful depiction of Serat’s holy symbol, a cresting wave. The holy symbol takes up most of the floor of the courtyard and is made up of a mosaic of enamel, glass, and jewels glittering from the captured daylight.
A homely human female acolyte walks out in a a beautiful set of green and grey robes. she softly welcomes you; “May the rapids of the city calm as you are welcomed into the peaceful waters of the Fane. How may I serve you?”
Seeing both the symbol and dress reminds Nempura and Helgar of the comb and dress found upon the Sea Sprite in the room with the swarming rats.
"Of course, sirs!" she smiles brightly and continues on. With a shrug to her companions, she explains "They looked like they've been having it quite rough..."
As they pass the Shambles and Crier's Corner, she recalls having worked there for a brief stint and is only glad to have no longer the need. Never has she experienced such pain. Such thoughts make her guard her money pouch all the more attentively as they head into the Low City. The Crier is interesting as it brings to mind some things worth investigating should their occupation fall through with the Lady.
"Thank you. My friends and I are here at the behest of Lady Pakkanen." Nempura will explain to the eventual cleric that they will see that they are there due to Lacedon attacks and need to see if they are susceptible to disease, particularly Arn and Aris. Once Nempura is cleared, she does want to ask a question:
"Do you, by chance, know of anyone from your order who boarded a vessel called the Sea Sprite a while back?"
With the explanation of the attacks received, and that you were sent by Lady Pakkanen, the woman begins to snap too. “Please come with me, and we will see to your friends.” she begins to move into the temple structure. Once you are clear enough through the gates you see that this temple is also a lighthouse. Seeing that some, or all of you are looking up at the light house, this acolyte smiles; “We are a beacon of hope for those not yet called home by the Mistress of Storms.”
Entering the temple proper you see that there are that this temple has about a dozen people within. A few people talking here and there, a person sitting besides a waterfall reading a book, a couple going from one corridor across the hall and back into another corridor.
The acolyte leading your way pauses the party’s progression as a older man stumbles pass the group muttering curses and profanities against Serat and the sea she rules over, he is clarly drunk. Turning to the party the acolyte apologizes; “Some have lost everything to the sea and hold a grudge against Serat. Unfortunately for that gentleman, no matter the pain caused the tides and waves continue to crash and wash away the memories of those who were once there.”
Along the way Nempura ask of a member of Serat’s way that boarded the Sea Sprite. The acolyte nods; “Elsa? She was one of the sisters here. I did not know her, but she was one of the clerics that was frequently hired to give a ship Serat’s blessing on their voyage. I know her husband and daughter both miss her deeply.”
Once across the hall you find yourselves before a vast staircase that seems to be carved out of the natural rock of the cliff that makes up part of the walls defenses; “Below are our healing pools. I can escort your two friends down below and see them tended too. Or, if you would like, you may come with me and explore the pools yourselves. The natural pools below form from the tide. Serat’s blessing of her healing water.” Not giving too much of a pause as she continues; “Either way, I know that Anafa Wildtorn will want to speak to you regarding the Lacedons that you encountered.” Taking the hand of Aris and Arn, she begins to guide the two down the stairs.
Casually watching the guardsmen, Ivar notes how easily Nempura deals with them. 'Impressive, a quick smile, a few well placed coins, a well phrased invitation. She certainly has a way with people.' Watching as the Guards respond to the token of kindness, Ivar raises an eyebrow as they proceed, barely managing to remember to remind the group to keep moving. Smiling to himself. 'Yes, she clearly knows how to handle people, that group would still be scowling at someone like me.' He chuckles at Nempura's comment about the guardsmen's appearances. he comments softly. "Det is true, but der guard also deals out 'quite rough' at time as vell."
As they approach the boy 'town crier' Ivar does not slow down, but he does turn his head as they pass to hear as much as he can. 'Lights in the ruins... mutilated bodies? I wonder of what sort... shadow masks searching for something hidden? When are they not searching for something that belongs to someone else.' The last part he heard as they continued caused him to pause. 'A new thieves guild. I wonder what that war would look like on the streets of Languard.'
Quickening his pace he joins the others well before they reach the gates of the water gods temple. Looking about, Ivar rolls his eyes. 'It's easy to see where they spend their 'offerings' at...May the rapids of the city calm?' Almost laughing aloud as the woman in the fancy dress greets them he covers his mouth and fakes a cough to hide the sound.
Relieved that Nempura was conversing for the entire group, Ivar continued to let his eyes wander the courtyard, pausing when he noticed how quickly their guide responded to the mention of Lady Pakkanen's name. Following along into the interior, Ivar once again looks around at the opulence and the people within. Seeing the drunk old man cursing and stumbling past, Ivar looks from the drunk to their guide. Hearing her comment, he looks back towards the man. 'I probably have more in common with him than her.'
As they find themselves before the vast staircase, Ivar unconsciously shifts his bardiche. Watching as the two dwarves begin moving that direction, his eyes switch from Helgar to Nempura. 'Anana Wildtorn?' Looking at the dusky bard, his eyes switching from her to the departing guide and then back again, as if to ask, follow or stay here?
With the guard, Nempura nods with a smirk. "So he does have a sense of humor." "Yeah, that's for certain. I've never met a guard that doesn't brighten at a bit of coin for drinks though."
Nempura has been beaten, scraped, and terrorized in her mind. For such a hedonistic personality, she is due some comfort beyond financial comfort. She needs some physical comfort.
"Well...I will want to have a location of this 'Elsa's' family, as I wish to speak to them concerning her voyage if that is possible. Alternatively, you can have them come to me. I'll be staying at the Orc's Head, assuming there is still a vacant room there. If not, I'll leave word where to reach me with the bartender." She undoes her pack and holds both it and her bow in her hands as she follows along, giving an accepting nod to Ivar to follow. To the woman, she replies,"I don't mind experiencing your healing pools myself. Your, Anafa can come to speak to us there."
She looks to the rough-and-ready, bardiche-bearing Ivar and pulls back to speak to him in a quiet tone; letting the woman lead them down.
"You've probably been at sea for a time. You might as well make the best of this yourself and relieve yourself of some stress in a nice, relaxing pool while it's paid for."
She isn't so much stating that he stinks, as she has not smelled his general air. Granted, given his occupation, she assumes he probably smells like salt spray, fish, and strong body odor, as is customary with sailors. Her offer more accurately comes from the place in which she knows herself. After a long period of travel, all she wants is a bath and a massage from a pair of strong hands. She just assumes everyone thinks the same.
Further down the stairs, and away from the elderly gentleman, she asks, "What happened to the old man's family? Lost at sea, but how? What vessel?"
Merion stands at the entrance to Lady Pakkanen’s office. Though he’s armed as a guardsman, or perhaps a dandy, with a well-made rapier at his side, he does not look the part, instead displaying the gaunt physique and studious mien of a clerk or scholar. His clothing is deliberately nondescript and of middling quality, and he is somewhat reminiscent of any number of types of people. His most notable features are a gleam of cunning in his eyes, and a retiring presence.
In the opposite hand to the rapier, he holds a small sheaf of papers, which are the focus of his attention. Here are the files you asked for, Lady, he says, pushing the door ajar and making a simple and graceful bow by way of a salute. I recall you said the remaining crew members could be found at the Orc’s Head, but were now on their way to the Fane of the Waves Eternal? At the lady’s nod, he sets the sheaf at the edge of her desk. I’d imagine it would be best to let them do their business at the Fane, and meet them at the tavern afterward. I’ve taken the liberty of spending some time at that tavern, and I believe I could recognize at least the minstrel lady you described. Shall I leave at once, so to arrive in time to await them? And have you a message for me to bring them?
He speaks with an easy familiarity, but at a slightly accelerated clip, as if he had more information to provide than time to say it all. Once finished, he awaits the lady’s response, his hand fidgeting slightly with the small leather pouch on his hip opposite from the rapier.
Well not completely alone, there were others in the nearby pools, but most people here were relatively quiet, a big change from the rowdy bunch of sailors and their ways he has gotten to know on his last voyage at sea, aboard the Gilded Gill, a merchant vessel with lucrative trading ports.
Some people were meditating, others whispering, some careful ones even reading.
Close by, on a little bench close to the pool, his weapon, armour, garments and writing supplies lay. Most people soaking in the waters would be naked, Ewan himself included, nevertheless he found it very fortuitous that he was the only one inside this pool.
He closed his eyes and tried not to think about the things he had seen and done aboard the Gilded Gill. He had over-analyzed it already and kept his internal dialogue committed to paper in one of his logs. Most of it were day-to-day and mundane things, tasks for him as a purser or as the so-callled 'living ship's log' duties to attend to. Others were a little more confronting. Sickness, combat, death. It was a part of the journey, but that didn't make it much easier.
Ah well, at least there's the relatively quiet surroundings now. Just listen to the sound of the waves as they wash against the coast.
His mind slowly drifts away to blissful oblivion.
As the group of begins to follow the acolyte down the stairs; “Please mind your step. The stone stairs become extremely slick from the spray the further down we go.” she says without turning.
Continuing the conversation of Elsa; “Armas is a good husband and father. I know it has been a painful year without Elsa, but Serat has blessed us with with many wet nurses. Saini is the reflection of her mother at two.” Continuing down the stairs, they begin to slowly spiral down. Those with a single rank in Survival would know that you are traveling down around the inside of the external walls of the temple.
“Many potential sutors have shown up and to help raise Saini… but as I said, Armas is a good husband. Taking time to mourn what we all knew was the loss of Elsa.” Making your way down, you pass two openings that lead into several floors of the Fane of the Waves Eternal. Finally arriving to the third subfloor, a cool mist fills the air. You hear the sound of water crashing in on the stone deeper on in this level. “Armas and Saini still live here in Elsa’s quarters. Once you are finished in the pools we will take you to them.”
Talking through the small hall that leads into a large room, you see a room spotted with single person pools. Only a handful are full. Each of the pools are connected by a narrow channel connecting it to a larger pool in the middle of this room. In that larger pool you see a priest levitating above the water. His eyes are closed, and it seems as if he is saying something to himself. This half naked man seems to be glowing, or it could be the sheen from a layer of water covering his body. Water slowly drips from this man into the pool below him.
As you pass a few of the pools that are occupied, you realize that the people within are naked. The acolyte stops next to a grouping of empty pools. “Please feel free to disrobe and slip into these pools,” she says waving a hand to four empty pools; “I will need to take Aris and Arn to be examined if they are possibly diseased. Someone will be along to tend to your clothing.” She gives a slight bow before leading Arn and Aris away.
Ten feet from this grouping of pools you see a bench and peg hooks along the wall. At other benches you see people’s belongings sitting on the bench an on the pegs. One of which holds a finely crafted rapier, leather armor, and writing supplies.
You know that the waters coming in from the bay should be cold, but as you slide in the waters are warm almost hot. As you slide in the pool naturally cradles your body so your head is resting just above the water at your neck.
After a few moments of soaking, you feel the aches of the previous adventure melt away. The knots in your muscles loosen and you become fully relaxed.
“Come in Merion.” Lady Pakkanen waves him into her study.
As Merion comes into the room he is passed by a small group of people leaving. Two of which are clearly sailors: one man and one woman, it is hard to tell which of the two are in charge. With them is a child and a person you know as “The Professor.” The four are being flanked by two large guards.
Tapping her lips in though; “Yes, she is easily recognizable. Especially with the type of clientele that frequent the Orc’s Head.” Picking up the sheaf of paperwork, she briefly looks through it before sitting it back down. “They are heading to the Fane to make sure their companions are not ill. There is no need for you to join them there. If they are in fact ill I would not want one of mine to contract what it is they have.”
“Go to the Orc’s Head Tavern and see what you might be able to learn about them. Spend some coin; eating, drinking, gambling. Gather whatever information you can about them.” Lady Pakkanen places a small coin pouch on the table for Merion to take.
Holding up a satchel; “They found that child and this ephod on my ship filled with Lacedons, but the child was untouched. Thankfully they believe that the child is under my employ, information that Nempura suggested on her own…” setting the satchel back down; “I did give the offer that anything found on the ship, beyond my logs and charts, was free game as loot for those who go aboard… I believe that this is something that I need to have my hands in.”
“From the skills that Captain Knut said their party had, it seems that they have a perfect hole for you to fill. Befriend them, join them, and report back to me what information you find.”
[b]“They are to report back here in a few days with an answer on my offer. I hope to find out more on the child and this ephod before they return.
Soaking within the pool caused everything to melt away. You have no worries at this time in your life. You are suddenly awakened from your blissful peace by a group of oddly mismatched adventures come into the chamber. All are being guided by an acolyte. The acolyte guides them to a grouping of pools next to yours.
She then leads a dwarven female and a dwarven male away through another hallway.
Standing around the group of pools is another dwarven female, a human male, and a human female.
Nempura keeps the conversation in mind. It is not surprising that people had suspected that the ship was wrecked. After all, their group was hired knowing as much. It makes sense to her now that they would have informed the family. What they wouldn't know is whether for certain she was dead. There is a deep gut irritation within her as she wrestles with the conviction of keeping the expensive outfit and scarf (potentially) and letting them go. Now she really needs that water.
"Alright, that's fine. We'll meet with them after."
As instructed, she is careful on the steps down further. Indeed they are slippery and she takes care not to fall and hurt herself. The last thing she would want is to break her back way down here.
They make their way into the room and she sees the pools. "Ah, so that's how they are healing pools...as if that man is channeling a god's healing energy and distributing it into the water. This should be nice..."
It is a bit strange, and certainly above the price range of what she would normally pay for, but she doesn't hesitate now that it's free. She will unfasten her jewelry and hair bindings near the bench, then will begin to work stripping off her leather and hide shirt, adventurer's sash, and finally the courtesan's outfit she wears. It is clear to all those there that as Nempura strips, her outfit was designed to cover her tattoos. Each article of clothing, boot, and glove she removes brings out a brilliant white series of tattoos upon her dark skin. Why they were hidden is unknown, but they are beautiful and as eyecatching as she is.
Once finished, she will place her gear upon the pegs and on the bench for her. She then will dip into the warm waters and settle in to relax. Her eyes briefly scan the room trying to figure out who is the one possessing the fancy rapier based on the statistical probability of those capable of swinging such a blade.
Raising an eyebrow at Nempura's observation, Ivar pauses, shrugging, "I vas on der Valerr only vit der trip det transported you to der Sea Sprite." He shrugs, "Before det I vas here in der city, avaiting der finish of de breastplate I ordered." He touches the armor with his free hand, "I am from Skaalhaft, vere one needed to vash daily, not for der stress, but to vash off der stench of der monsters dey hunt for der alchemical organs."
As he follows the acolyte down the stairs, Ivar notes they are traveling the inside of the external walls, ponders the offered bath. 'A bath would be nice, though I have no desire to find myself in the debt of this temple or their god. Nothing is free, in my experience with the gods gifts are expected to be repaid.' Mostly ignoring the conversation about the dead acolyte and her good husband.
Entering the large room with the pools, Ivar notes the glowing levitating man, then the number of pools and people. Moving through the pools Ivar continues looking about, but not staring. His people had enough public bath houses and sauna's that he was neither ill at ease nor wanting to make anyone ill at ease. As the two dwarves moved off with the acolyte, Ivar paused near the wall and the pegs. 'I'd rather not be in debt to Serat she can be a hard task master, but I do not want to offend my new companions.
Leaning his bardiche against the wall, he unfastened the lacquered breastplate, setting it near the polearm. Unbuckling his wide belt he hangs it near the dainty rapier chuckling to himself 'At least whoever the toy belongs to, they won't take mine by mistake.'
Turning he pauses, noticing the dusky bards tattoo's. 'White, no silver, and shaped like the different phases of the moon, I wonder if she is a follower of the Mother.'
Realizing his eyes had lingered longer than he intended, he turns slightly pulling his doeskin shirt over his head. Revealing the blue wode Seawolf tattoo (which the breastplates image had been crafted after) and the many minor scars he carried on arms, chest and stomach. None of which were as vicious as the one he bore on his left cheek.
Slipping off the heavy leather boots he tossed them over beside the breastplate. Finally slipping off the buckskin breaches he strolled to the nearest pool and slid in.
After submerging himself fully in the water, he shakes his head and runs his hands through his hair. Wiping the water out of his eyes he asks Nempura, "Vhy are ve meeting vit der husband of de acolyte det vas on der Sea Sprite?"
Curious to the sound of conversation near the entrance of the pools, Ewan opens one eye to see what kind of newcomers they are.
Three dwarves, two humans. Don't look like a seafaring group to me. Most dwarves don't relish going out at sea, let alone a whole group of 'em.
Ewan takes a closer look at the three that remain in the pool area, trying to remember if he's seen them before, but doesn't recognise any of them at all.
As he's looking at their faces, he realizes the human woman starts to disrobe and his face becomes beet-red as he tries to inconspicuously look away.
Don't stare. Don't stare. Don't stare.
With a last look as she enters the healing waters of the pool, he catches a glimpse of white markings on her body. He can't make out the depictions, but it does draw his curiosity. As the human man disrobes, Ewan looks more at his build.
That seems more like a sailor to me. If anyone of them would be sailor, he could be. Well, I'm a sailor too, not that anyone could tell.
Ewan moves over more towards the side of his pool closest to the pool where the new group is taking their soak. He sits with his back towards them for two reasons. He tries to avoid staring as the dwarven woman disrobes and he wants to less obviously listen in as to what kind of group these people are. They've certainly piqued his curiosity.
Yes, Lady. Now that he has been given instructions, and ones that jibe with his instincts as well as the real, secret work he has been tasked with, there is nothing more to say. He gives another bow and withdraws from the office, only turning away once the door has closed behind him. Then, putting on his neutral city face, he makes his way out of the building and in the direction of the Orc’s Head inn. He raises his hand and whistles, a sound answered by a small speckled bird in the eaves of the building. Within moments, the bustle of the crowd has swallowed him, and anyone seeking to follow his passage could only do so from afar and up high. (The bird has no trouble, but that is a different matter entirely). Surrounded by the busy lower city, Merion is nevertheless alone with his thoughts. She’s a good lady, at least she’s been good to me. I’m not harming her, either, with this. She’ll get her value from my work, for sure, even if she doesn’t know the rest. Besides, I’m half sure she guesses and doesn’t mind. The coins jingle softly tucked into his shirt, and he resolves to spend them wisely. One enjoys one’s time in a tavern, after all, and it would be odd to seem not to, but neither should one fail to keep one’s wits about oneself.
Any watch members making their way through the lower city would find no reason to note his passage, nor would he deliberately draw attention to himself. He does, however, notice an oddly pale woman moving furtively out a side entrance of the inn. A wizard, here? That hardly seems likely.. Merion marks the woman’s face. Perhaps an impostor like me, more likely than a true Sagacious Master. We’ll see if she returns while I am here. With a thought, Merion sends a burst of curiosity, and the bird leaves off following him and begins to trail the pale wizardess.
The Orc’s Head is busy at all hours, and at this hour getting steadily busier. Merion slips in in the wake of a party of six sailors newly arrived in town, and slips up to the edge of the bar. He has decided to treat himself, and orders one of the better ales whose name he recognizes, and a chop. As he waits for his food, he considers the crowd with the practiced eye of a cutpurse--who is being cautious, who losing themselves in their drink, who has friends to watch their back, who is alone for the evening, who is looking to pay to change that, who is looking to oblige them and provide companionship in exchange for coin.
After his food and drink are served, and finding the new sailors engaged in a spirited discussion with several others at a long table, Merion joins at one end. After listening for a minute or two, he ascertains that they are discussing rumors of a lucrative expedition. Fifty gold a head, and a secret passenger in an iron mask, one says. Another, of the party that had already been in the bar, rejoins, Mixing up in affairs of the great. I’d not carry a cargo like that for a thousand. His fellows rib him mockingly--You’d carry a harlot to the Abyss for ten silver, Max! Max gives the one who said that a bit harder of a smack, replying Were it the dusky lady with the tattoos, it’d be worth it. The other grins. She’s gone, I’ve heard she was one of them fished from the Svart.
Merion finds his in to the conversation. Beautiful lady, eh? Had she performed here long before she took her unfortunate swim? He keeps his poker face, knowing that whatever happened these sailors may be pleasantly surprised soon, but he’s found people willing to give him the tons of dross at the base of any investigation. And I’ll sift it better than most, and bring the nuggets of truth back, to turn into the shining sort of gold. The evening is proving a success.
Neither of the men would notice that she pays attention to their looks at her . She just strides forward and is all about relaxing it seems. Even as she looked around at those in the pools, she did so half-heartedly and completely missed that Ewan was even in one nearby them. She seems to be focused more on her own thoughts, the half-naked floating man, and how much better she is feeling as the moments slip by. After a little bit, there is a happy sigh from her as the last tightened muscle comes to relax.
"Well Ivar, what do you think? Was this worth the dip?"
To be honest with herself, she hadn't even paid attention to notice whether he had come into the pools. She pops her head up now to better see where he is and finds she is turned toward Ewan; even going so far as to have directed her voice to the mysterious man. She turns around as if she had meant to be speaking to him.
'I don't know if she heard my question.' Having just pulled his head out of the water, Ivar hears Nempura's question. Shaking out one ear he pondered. 'Worth the dip? How do I answer that question?' Shifting to the other side of his small pool he lifts his head and shoulders out of the water, making his face, chest and upper portion of his tattoo visible. He shrugs. "De Vater is nice. I do not know if it's vorth it yet. Ve vill see vat Serat vill charge us in der end"
While he was facing her he repeats his question. "Tell me, vhy are ve meeting vit der husband of de acolyte det vas on der Sea Sprite?"
"Hmm," she responds thoughtfully at his worry about being charged in the end. At his question, she didn't notice he had asked it before. "We found her clothes on board. She was likely one of the dead. I just want to maybe return them. Give the family some peace? I don't know...It just doesn't feel right to have a clerical garment and not following the faith." She observes his tattoo now and seems to study it for a moment.