Billi returns disappointed from his visit to the local tavern to meet up with everyone.
"Fighting and fixing people up are where my skill lie. I keep coming up blank trying to get information from people."
Talindra renters the temple and looks for an advertising board which does have several listings, but her unfamiliarity with Korvosa doesn't help her understand what much of it means.
Nara approaches her again in the temple, "Is there some way I may be of service?"
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Talindra furrows her brow at the unfamiliar listings, but a bit of relief graces her features as Nara comes over. She gives her a slight smile. "Yes, indeed. We're trying to make some contacts with artists in the city. Specifically, those talented in portraiture. Would you know where the best place to seek such people would be?"
Billi speaks to Nara.
"Any luck on the dagger? We need some help finding the girl. I have checked the lowborn hangouts, know of any high society places to look for someone who knows her?"
Billi thinks for a moment.
"I may go to the house I met the nice fortune teller. If she appears she might help us. It might help to bring her cards."
It has not been long enough for Nara to have done anything with the key-shaped dagger. She smiles sweetly at Talindra. "The Sanctuary is the most likely place for talented artists to gather. Tell me more about what you seek" She was not present when Lyddia told you of her favor, so is unfamiliar with the request.
Billi is very circumspect after what Sable said.
"I need to know where to find artists. We need some that have knowledge of paintings."
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Talindra nods to Nara. "The Mistress Lyddia has asked us to find a certain portrait artist who she believes is in danger. I was hoping to find some leads here." She gestures to the advertising board. "I'm a long way from home, and these listings may as well be on another plane for all the sense they make to me." She frowns at Nara, but gives her a hopeful glance. "Do you think you could help me make sense of them?"
"I'm not even sure that they will let us get close to the Castle. Especially at night, more so if there are more riots when the sun goes down. We need shelter I think, and my place is by Eel's End. I don't know if there is anyplace closer we can stay for the night." says Sable.
"I imagine any inns NEAR the castle would be quite costly indeed." Lenrelle says
Nara nods knowingly. "Yes, I may have heard something about that, but I don't know who the person in question is. There may be a few artists I might suggest who may know. Reginald Beauchamp is a renowned portrait artist and a great supporter of the Sanctuary. His studio is in East Shore, but I don't know if he paints outside of his lodgings these days. Bit of a shut-in I believe. Arko Midfoot is a half-Shoanti who does portraits, but often he shows some not flattering sides of subjects. His place is in Old Korvosa I believe. And there is Waycombe, but her style is a bit out of favor these days, if you know what I mean. She seems to spend lots of time with Grey Sisters in Southern Korvosa."
She thinks a bit more then says,"There is perhaps one more lead, but I am not sure he can help you. Maybe if you have nothing else."
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Talindra nods to Nara. "Thank thee kindly for the information! I will take note of the names you have provided me. Hopefully they'll be able to at least tell us something more definitive."
Then, after the addition: "Just so I don't have to disturb you again, can you provide this last lead? That way we can exhaust all of them at once."
Nara smiles sweetly and nods. "Of course, but he is not an artist and as such may not be much help. Grau Soldado is a sergeant with the Korvosan Guard. His sister was close friends when we were growing up together. He is a good man and soldier, well like and respected in his beat in the city. He has contacts inside the Castle, and may know, or be able to find out more, about who the person you are looking for is. Sergeant Soldado is a good man, but he has some troubles of his own, which you may see when you meet him. He can usually be found in or around the Three Rings Tavern here in Five Points district. It's only a few blocks from here, actually. Hope it helps...." She shrugs as if to say there's nothing more she knows that could help, and leaves you to look at the board a little longer if you wish.
Billi listens to the exchange.
"Nara, can you tell us about your associating with this temple? I would like to know more about you. You seem to be well connected."
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Listening carefully to Nara, Talindra's brow furrows as she describes not an artist but a guard, but as she listens, her face softens and lights up. Then, with the quickened pace of clear excitement, "It sounds like he may be just the person we need to speak to. Thank you!" Talindra bids Nara farewell, and leaves the temple to relay Nara's suggestions to the group.
[b]"I just spoke with Nara and she was--" a frustrated sigh--[b]"far more helpful than the Mistress Lyddia. She gave us several leads for people who may know the artist we're looking for. There's one in particular, a city guard, who has some contacts in the castle. He spends his off hours at the Three Rings Tavern which Nara said isn't far from here." The excitement in her voice is present still, and she starts scanning the streets for signs indicating where to go.
"I hate to bring up the obvious, but if he's a city guard, he's likely somewhere else today. If he wasn't working earlier, he's surely working now as it's getting dark, and the riots are likely to start up. We can check the tavern if you'd like, Talindra, but don't be disappointed if he's out on the streets somewhere."
After Sable points out the situation in the city, she adds "Most of the people she mentioned are male, while your Mistress said our target was female. We should perhaps also put the girl artist she mentioned on the top of our search list.
"Sounds sensible" Lenrelle says "I had hoped to go to the Sarenrae temple but that can wait. I don't think they'd have knowledge of artists."
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The elf sighs, the excitement fades from her features as she listens to Sable. A sigh, not of anger, but rather of acceptance. "You're right." She resumes her position leaning against the wall. "I think checking the tavern might be helpful, just so we can get a sense of what people are saying about the situation in general. May not help us find the girl, but should prove helpful. And--"she frowns down at her stomach"--I'm hungry! Almost lost my lunch with that fight earlier, and I could use a drink."
Turning to everyone else, with a gentle smile, "What does everyone think? I've made my case but I want your input, too!"
"It doesn't hurt to check the tavern." Sable says.
"A Tavern isn't a bad idea for another reason" Lenrelle considers "It occurs to me that many professions have their favorite watering holes. Maybe there is a tavern or feasthall that favors artists and other creative types and is popular with them?"
Nara just smiles at Billi and shrugs. "I keep a keen ear out, and meet lots of new and interesting people. It's amazing what you can learn if you just pay attention..."
The Three Rings Tavern is actually not far at all from the Sanctuary of Shelyn. The structure is modest, and the interior is low-key and quiet. In fact it appears the place serves as much coffee and tea as mead or wine. There is an extensive collection of Varisian sweetbreads and cream-filled pastries. The menu seems full of hearty fare for modest prices. All in all, it's a good sort of tavern, goodness knows you've seen many worse places.
For as much unrest as the city has seen, the tavern is fairly full of diners and those having quiet conversation. A barmaid shows you group to a round table, explaining the dinner menu, and asking for drink choices, if any.
Looking about the place, there are a number of patrons who look they might be from clerical jobs in the government center, or middle-class families getting an evening meal. You don't see anyone in a guard's uniform at the fairly crowded tables.
Sable orders a stew and water. Something simple and not likely to addle her mind should there be fighting ahead that night.
But, she also says to the barmaid "Has Grau been in today? I know a friend of his, and I was asked if I check up on him given everything."
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Talindra nods at Sable's order. "Make that two stews, make mine extra spicy please! And some tea, if you've got some that won't keep me up all night." Turning to the group, "You'd probably not know it by looking at me, but I'm quite a fan of spicy foods. Takes some getting used to, but there are so many delightful flavors you can't get any other way." Then, in a voice only for the folks at the table, "I've not managed to find anything in Korvosa that really has the kick I'm used to from back home... let's see how we do here."
"Beer, the hoppier the better!"
Billi gets limits himself to two mugs.
The barmaid seems friendly enough and takes your order, noting extra spice for Talindra's stew. When Sable asks about Grau her smile fades, but she says, "Yeah, you could say that. Been her most all day." and she tilts her head sadly towards a figure passed out at the bar, slumped over the railing with his head in his arms. Hears a dirty cloak, in obvious need of mending and his boots are not polished at all, but dulled with caked on mud and dust. If he is wearing a guard uniform it is covered by the cloak and his slouched position.
"If you're from the Guard, don't give him a hard time. He's going through some things right now, you know? He's a good man, and we are all quite sad for him. He's not always like this..." But you can tell from her expression that is, in fact, like this perhaps more than he should be.
Lenrelle ordered the stew as well , no need for the extra spice, with a slightly fermented juice. She makes a note of the crowds and takes a liking to the place.
"This is nice," She observes. At Talinda's comment on spices "You're a bold belly you are"
The waitress fills them in on Grau, and Lenrelle is sympathetic "These are tense times for good people. Some already had burdens before."
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Looking over at the slumped figure at the bar, Talindra's face darkens in much the same way as the barmaid's. After she leaves, in a voice for just those at the table, "Poor fellow looks like he's got the weight of all Golarion on his shoulders. Everyone's tempers are short right now." She looks up at Sable, her face solemn with maybe a very slight hint of a smile. "How about a song for the people? It'd do well to ease people's nerves, maybe Grau will wake up and we can try to help him out. Way I see it, it's the right thing to do, and if he's doing better then he'll be better able to keep folks safe. I know you've got a nightingale's voice, and I'm not so bad myself."
"No. I'm hungry. I'm not cheerful, and even if I was, with my city on fire, it's not the time for happy songs. You, or Lenrelle, should go talk to him. I don't feel sympathy, at all, for yet another person not doing their job." Sable's voice is barely a whisper, to ensure that it does not carry past their table.
Lenrelle gives Sable a pat on her hand, meant in friendship "My own normally chipper nature has taken a beating of late. It IS very frustrating. I'll go talk to him."
A look to Talindra "Want to join me in the attempt?"
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Talindra's gaze falls to her lap for a moment as she hears Lenrelle speak. Terrible idea, should've kept it to myself...
But her sharp ears perk as she's addressed, as her hearing doesn't even allow her the respite of wallowing in self-loathing. "Yes, I think I will." Then, in an attempt to make amends with Sable, "I'm sorry. You're right, of course." She slowly brings herself to her feet, makes her way to the bar. She takes a seat to Grau's right, not attempting to wake him yet. She waits for Lenrelle, so she's not doing this alone. Then she gives him a gentle nudge. Even if he doesn't wake up, she tries to empathize: "Sleeping like that'll only make your neck ache like a dragon chewed on it all night. Getting up is awful, but trust me, I've been in that position and you don't want to spend the night that way." Her voice takes on a somber tone as she recalls some very recent, very rough nights spent in her cups after learning of Elora's death.
Lenrelle is with Talindra as the man wakes "Pardon us, but you look a bit down. I'm Lenrelle, this is Talindra."
Billi nods ”As a former addict, next day can be bad!”
The food is actually quite good, and the group eats heartily. As Lenrelle and Talindra approach the guardsman, you can see that his body is lean with what was once likely steely muscle and a well-honed physique. Now though he is a mess. It's clear from the rumpled and soiled condition of his uniform he has worn it for what appears to be several days. Unlike most of the Guards, Grau is not clean shaven but has stubbly growth covering his tanned face. He smells quite ripe, likely unwashed as well as unshaven for more than a few days.
He stirs mildly with the first prodding, but eventually awakens, staring at Talindra with muddled head and blurry vision.
"Neffi! Ish tha' really you, old friend? I haven't sheen you shince the old days in Shandpoint. Well met, Neffi! Well met indeed! Barkeep, a roun' for my ole frien' here, an' for me too."
The barkeep eyes the two ladies dubiously, not really moving to fill the empty and overturned mug near Grau's elbow until they make some signal of assent.
Billi looks at the guard and tears of shame slowly mist his eyes. He avoids eye contact and steps outside to compose himself. Looking in the mirror can be harsh!
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A bit taken aback by Grau mistaking her for someone else, Talindra decides to play into it as much as she can. She pats him on the back and smiles. "Er, um, yes!"--with as much vocal fry as she can muster--"You sure you want another? We're on duty tomorrow, gotta supervise down the docks, you know how long those days are. Buncha, um, kids causin' trouble, ne'er mind the adults. How's about we get you home and cleaned up? Sergeant isn't gonna be happy if we show up sloshed!"
She shakes her head at the barmaid, mouths "water" very clearly, pointing at someone else's glass while she does so.
At this, Lenrelle quiets down and let's her Shelynite friend handle it. Her goddess is about honesty and she's reluctant to lie, and yet at the same time, her goddess encourages healing and redemption and this may give valuable clues on how the man might find both.
Grau smiles drunkenly and claps Talindra on the back. "Dontcha know Neffi. I am t' sharg'nt now. I give you a pash mate. Let's have a drink, hey, like the old daysh. B'fore thihs city shank inta a ceshpool an' they murder'd ole King Eodr'd. Damn shame tha ish."
The bar keep nods at Lenrelle and draws a flagon of water, and a cup of chicory coffee appear on the bar in front of the three of you.
The barmaid sees Billi hanging his head and misunderstands. "He's really a good man. One of the best of the Korvosan Guard, its just a shame how its been affecting him. His poor heart is broken, and he just gets worse and worse. Maybe you and your friends can get him cleaned up and back to the Citadel Volshyenek before he gets noticed? We don't want our favorite guardsman getting into trouble."
Sable stays at the group's table as she takes the chance to eat. She has a suspicion that they'll be out somewhere that night, and she wants to make sure that she's ready for it.
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Nodding at Grau, Talindra slides the water over to him. "Oh, yes, of course, yerright. Been a long day out in th'sun, addled me wits, it has. Look, the city may've sank but you and me? You and me? We're gonna bring it back up again. But only after we drink!" She keeps up the vocal fry, then takes a sip of the chicory coffee to ease her throat. The bite is a bit different to the coffee she's used to back home, but it does the job. Hopefully this won't keep me up all night... In between breaths, she focuses on her meal and listens to Grau.
Billi hears the bar keep. He rushes to help the guardsman.
Shiver can't claim this one.
"Buck up my friend. Time to get ready for duty. This struggle is a daily one, but each success builds on the last!!"
Grau sips the water, still quite out of his wits. "Have I told you 'bout her, Neffi! Even af'er all tha', I shtill love ;er, mate. Wha' I wouldn give ta have her back, you know Neffi? It hurts man, really hurts."
He slides the water cup away, and motions for another drink from the barman, but that worthy fellow is studiously ignoring Sergeant Grau, not looking in his direction at all. Grau starts to get a bit heated.
"Hey, you t're, doan make me run you in! I am watch sejent, lissen when I call ya!" He slams a powerful hand on the flat of the bar in growing frustration. About the same time, Billi pipes up, and Grau turns to him, looking him up and down. "Have you met, my mate Neffi here? He's a sholid fella. An' jush who are you, dwarf?"
Sable keeps eating. While doing so, she's doing two things. The first is making sure no one else gets the table so her friends can eat. The second is keeping an eye out, just in case the conversation draws the sorts of attention that could be dangerous.
Lenrelle also keeps an eye out, though she's far more focused on Grau's words and facial expressions.
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Seeing an emergency quickly brewing, Talindra takes a breath. She makes sure the staff are ignoring Grau, then turns back to him. "Hey, hey, this is my mate, Billi. He's gotten me out of some tight spots with some o' the local riffraff. He's a good man, you've got my word, sir. Hey, Billi, how 'bout you tell 'im 'bout the scrape ya got me outta today?" She glances to Billi, giving him a pleading, wide-eyed look.
Billi nods and approaches the sergeant.
"I am Billi, good soldier. A warrior from the hills and friend of Korvosa. It appears Talindra may be exaggerating some, as she has been the one to help me out of scrapes. We need to get you back to report in!! Duty calls my friend."
The staff of the Three Rings is ignoring Grau, at least for now. It's not the first time they have seen him behave badly while in his cups, it seems. The drunken man blinks rapidly as Billi speaks.
"Tal who?" he says looking at the champion clearly for the first time. "Hey, you're not Neffi. Who are you, an' what 'xactly ish goin' on here?" He says this last with obvious suspicion, and his hand drops to the hilt of his sword, which you see is some kind of dueling rapier, not a the usual longsword worn by the Guard.
He hasn't drawn down yet, but he's waiting for some explanation.
Sable's been impressed with how readily Talinda has slipped into the role of Neffi and led Grau along, and then the scene may very well be ruined as she worries that the performance will come crashing down. She finishes the last of her stew, drains her cup, and then slides her chair back, just in case she needs to get to her feet quickly.
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Talindra stares, mouth agape, at Billi. We were doing such a good job... practically had him home and asleep... She raises her hands, palms open and facing Grau. Dropping the vocal fry, "No more games. You're right, I'm not Neffi, I was just trying to get you home to get some rest. We heard you're not doing well so I wanted to help out. I don't want any trouble. Any responsibility for what happened here is mine alone."
Damnitdamnitdamnitdamnitdamnit
Talindra comes clean with the intoxicated Guardsman. "Ok," he says resignedly, removing his hand from his weapon. "You are probably right, it might be time to go home, clean up and try again tomorrow. Enough is enough. My wits are all muddled with wine and heartbreak. Maybe you can help me back to Citadel Volshyenek, and we can talk along the way, perhaps?"
Grau sounds the most clear-headed he's been since you've met him. There is probably time and opportunity to eat first, and then help the sergeant along his way.
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Her shoulders breaking orbit from her ears, Talindra gives out a sigh that lets all the air back into the room. She nods to Grau, then gives a glance to her as-yet untouched stew which might be getting cold by now. "I think we'd both be better off with some food in our bellies before heading home. What're you having? I'm buying, as a sign of good will. Gonna be honest, heartbreak brought me here, so you're not suffering alone. Happy to walk and talk, though." She gets started with her food, finding the spice quite refreshing and comforting. Almost, almost, like back home. It serves as a distraction from the remnants of anxiety still leaving her body, and she uses the heat to ground her.
Grau joins you at the table, and the barmaid indicates the food is on the house as a thank you for helping the guard sergeant out.
"Tell me of your heartbreak, friend, and I will tell you of mine. If you can, that is. You may want another drink for the telling, eh?"
Grau eats heartily, and seems to have sobered up a bit. He seems to be pleasant and has a kind smile but his eyes are still very sad, and the look of unkemptness has not left him.