Mephistopheles bats his eye lashes at her as she speaks.
Morana seems a good name as any. I, myself, try not to get too hung up on names.
The young lady turns her blue eyes to Lady Elliaria.
Morana seems to know particular business that myself was not that aware of. Weird. There are others for example. We were expected is another.
The Wizard seems a bit anxious about this particular person....
Mephistopheles bats his eye lashes at her as she speaks.
Morana seems a good name as any. I, myself, try not to get too hung up on names.The young lady turns her blue eyes to Lady Elliaria.
Morana seems to know particular business that myself was not that aware of. Weird. There are others for example. We were expected is another.The Wizard seems a bit anxious about this particular person....
"If Sir Balin is waiting, we should gather. Some of the strays may have encountered him by a different route," she says as she finishes her drink. "Or something has befallen them. Working together would be the best way to locate them."
"A shame it is seen that way. Couldn't it be that Mitra's light is simply illuminating the future for them?" Tih said flatly.
Tih nodded, and accepted the offered stew. Sometimes traps were baited with food but poisoning during a job interview seemed bad form.
After her stew, Tih rose. Perhaps the evening crowd will be more talkative, she thought.
She looked to the barman, "Anything I should know about my room?"
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria
Miss Soto nods, "Despite Sir Balin's demands, we must proceed with caution.
The Seventh, another cell operating within Farholde, claims that the locals are not aware of the presence of the Cardinal's people, yet. Despite their proclamations, I wish to be cautious. There are too few of us and too many of them to make a mistake at this juncture.
Simply rushing to the rendezvous point is sloppy.
Mephistopheles, retain this guise and if you have not obtained lodgings already, stay here. I shall have the Baron extend an invite to you and Lady Elliaria to receive you both tomorrow evening. The Party shall be attended by the uninitiated as well to ensure that the gathering appears to be just a party.
Perhaps by then the rest of those sent here will either find their way to us, or we will find them.
In the meantime, enjoy your last few days in Farholde for your mission sends you away from this place soon enough. More I am not at liberty to say.
I shall take my leave now, unless you've questions for me?"
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck
Jeremy nods and smiles tightly, "Well, I'll be here, no place else to go".
You arrive at the Headmaster's Office and he ushers you in, please close the door behind you, ah, Mr. The Fly".[/b]
Once you do he continues, "It seems that indeed, the Baron is waiting for a few people to arrive. He is facilitating a meeting on behalf of someone else, a Sir Balin. I was going to simply send you over once night fell but there's been a change of plans.
Have you any clothing that could be considered formal wear? If not, the Baron has granted me leave to give you a stipend to find such formal wear, simply inform whatever tailor you visit that you will utilize the Orphanage's line of credit. There is to be a Party, a gathering at the Baron's home tomorrow evening. You will need a name to receive a formal invitation, whatever you like is fine.
Leave your belongings here, someone will fetch them for you when the time is right. For tonight and until tomorrow evening you shall be my guest, the room you currently occupy is yours until you take you leave".
He reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a key, "It unlocks the front door so you can come and go as you please".
Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih
Clyde
The waitress returns to you, "That hit the spot. Keep on stewing or cooking, the next batch of customers will pay good copper for these bowls no doubt!"
Garvin slaps his knee, as she exits the kitchen, "I'm not sure if'n I should be mad at ye' or happy to get some time off from workin' the stoves youngster! Clyde was it? What's a cook like you doing at the end of the world?"
---
Tih
His faces scrunches up at your comment while he waves the waitress off back to the kitchens with a thumbs up and smile over the empty bowl.
"It's a shame alright, even more of a shame that Mitra's light doesn't seem to shine all that much down here. Lot of highfalutin talk, but no action".
Once you finish your stew, he responds, "The owner installed the finest locks in Drownington for a reason, use em if you leave your stuff behind when you go for a walk".
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria
I shall take my leave now, unless you've questions for me?"[/b]
"Oh, I think that the questions I have would be best saved for when we have proper security set up. As would the answers I have to give."
She will say her farewells with the formalities expected of her station.
After Mephistopheles has asked any questions she has and has made her farewells, Elliaria will turn to her. "Well, a party with the high society of Farholde. How interesting. I shall have to practice a look of almost hiding how provincial they all seem."
Malleck listens and nods as the names are confirmed. And in regards to formal wear "Hmmm, i have but my combat armor, so i will be taking your offer in regards to getting some dress for the party"
after a few moments of contemplation, he too gets a more serious tone "You can jst put 'Mal' on the invitation. I am willing to leave my belongings here, but it would be to you and the ones under your roof's best interest to not go snooping in my belongings."
Ho ho! Well my good man, I decided to seek my fortune here because I believe that new experiences can mean better food. Spending too much time
in one place can get one in a rut so I came here to see if I can expand my recipe book. Clyde pats a thick book that he took into the kitchen with him. This will mean that I will eventually move on from here, but not for a while of course.
The suspicious blue eyes of the young lady seem to merely laugh at the instructions given by Miss Soto.
Morana, this may be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Mephistopheles bids their apparent contact farewell before turning to Lady Elliaria.
More secure setting? I could pronounce Asmodeus' immediate arrival here, while citing His litany of punishments for these sheep and not a single one would hear it.
He looks down at his empty cup. The Wizard then shrugs.
Although it does make ordering a bit difficult.
Absently running her finger around the rim of his depressingly empty cup, Mephistopheles gets a bit serious.
Cards on the table as it were. Apparently we are of similar mind, having business with the same person(s). Since we both are acquainted with your Niece Tia and there are others, I suppose it means our future endeavors are entwined.
The Tiefling frowns.
I wouldn't mind getting more information about that actually. If only we had a secret handshake.
To an onlooker, she keeps up the visual display of somebody having light conversation, but her tone is that of a slightly disappointed schoolmarm, "Some people can read lips. There's even magic to do so, and it is a relatively simple spell available to most traditions of magic. Likewise is the possibility of clairaudience being used. Placing the sensing point beneath the table would make it less likely to be spotted. And it was my Auntie Tia I mentioned. You know, the one with the talent for needlework."
Elliaria says this as if she were referring to the common craft. Those in the know would understand that Tiadora's idea of needlework is hundreds of needles in the most sensitive nerve clusters of the body. Maximizing pain while minimizing blood loss. Very useful for extended interrogations. Or applying correction to those who have failed her, but still may have value.
"I won't mention this to anybody, but do remember that sometimes a small mistake is all it takes to raise suspicion." Overall, she does seem to be focused more on inspiring better efforts for the future. "The handshake idea is a good one. We should set that up."
Mephistopheles' blue eyes shine in appreciation.
Touche then. So, any chance you actually know how to locate our Contact(s)?
The Wizard glances at the entrance.
Not likely he'll just stumble in here....
Tih's eyes sparkled at the mention of dissatisfaction. She said, "Oh? What do they speak of that has you irked, goodman? Is there something that Drownington needs? I may be in a position to help in the near future."
"The thing about locks is trusting the one with the key, I find." she said, and smiled at the barman.
Malleck
The Headmaster responds with a nod, "I wouldn't dream of disturbing your things Mal and the boys know that any plying any trade of less than savory kind happens only outside of these walls".
Outside of getting your clothes tailored, the rest of the day and night, and the next day pass uneventfully.
Jeremy does well wielding the falcata, it seems the Headmaster has had someone with some skill training those boys who are interested in swordplay within the last few weeks.
A formal invitation in beautiful calligraphy arrives late the next afternoon with the name Mal. As evening on the next day arrives, you dress in the formal wear that was provided for you and head on foot to the soiree.
-------
Mephistopheles/"Lucy" & Elliaria
To further enforce the illusion that Lucy is indeed a Lady of some repute, Lady Elliaria allows her to take tea with Lady Marsten the next day. Besides some mundane discussion of trade, the meeting is pleasant and pastry filled.
Your invitations, written in beautiful calligraphy, both arrive in the late afternoon of that same day. You dress and are attended to by one of Lady Elliaria's bodyguards, Henry. . As this is a small town, on foot you shall have to go, carriages are only for the long trip away from this Godsforsaken place, not so much for travel within it.
-------
Mal & Mephistopheles/"Lucy" & Elliaria
The three of you converge arriving at the gates of the Calliver Green section of Farholde. There is a line to get in due to the Party and the guards are carefully scrutinizing names it seems.
-------
Clyde
Garvin nods sagely, "I came here looking to get away from it all. On thing you will get here, is away from it all. That's for sure". He looks wistful.
As the afternoon and evening wear on, you cook, and cook, and cook. The place certainly fills up as the afternoon and night wear on! The place is raucous and a few times you need to come out from the back to break up fistfights.
After one such fight, close to midnight, a young lad heads into the kitchen behind you. He smiles and nods, "So you're a cook and a brawler? That's some fine work out there. Fine work. Tell me, do you want to keep cooking or do you want to do what you really came here to do?"
-------
Tih
After you speak he blushes and hushes, "All is well, I am just speaking out of my cups is all".
Clearly, he isn't sure he can trust you just yet and feels he said a bit too much!
You come down to the common room after dark and find the place just brimming with patrons now. Music plays, a few fiddlers, Gents and Ladies dance to the music and people are just generally rowdy. As you sit down to observe you see Clyde's stew is quite the hit with the locals who rave about it. Though a few say anything is better than the pot of dirty laundry the kitchen serves with Garvin behind the stove.
Unfortunately, the soothsayer that the barman described is not in attendance this night. The night wears on and you wonder if you should indeed head out into the streets to look for her, or maybe ask about your contact by name.
Then you spot something unusual. Heading into the kitchen is a middle aged gent, when the "man" believes no one is looking , right as he hits the doorway, his appearance changes to that of a young human lad! Illusion magic for sure, you are sure the only person back there is Clyde, who just went back there moments ago after breaking up one of a handful of brawls he was forced to handle this evening. He is earning his pay no doubt, the question is, is that figure one who is at odds with his stew or his role as bouncer? Perhaps more importantly, do you care?
Elliaria is dressed in the latest style of the capitol. While not as fancy as one would wear for an evening event, it is still a silk gown in pale yellow with white and gold embroidery. To accommodate the trip across the city, it is slightly shorter than she would wear if travelling by foot. Tall boots of white leather finish the outfit.
As usual, she has the Holy symbol of Mitra showing, as well as the quill and sheaf of the barrister's art. She wears her sword in case anything corrupt should happen.
As they approach the entrance, she takes a moment and her dress lengthens and the dirt and mud of the streets slides off.
"Well, let us see what the hospitality of Farholde can provide."
Unfortunately, the young lady "Lucy" was not quite the type of personage that one would invite to such an event that offers invitations, written in beautiful calligraphy. She did, of course, accompany the Lady Elliaria to her tea luncheon with the Lady Marsten. The young lady afforded herself with proper ettique, decorum, manners.
At the conclusion of the tea luncheon, the young lady "Lucy" expresses her joy, gratitude and conviction that her company with the two Lady's will forever be a high lite of her life. She bids them have a grand time at the gala, hoping to one day get her own prestigious invitation.
Arriving at the gates of the Calliver Green section of Farholde, the formally dressed hight ranking Priest of Mitra frowns at the apparently long line of entry to the prestigious gala. He looks down at his invitation, written in beautiful calligraphy.
Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn.
Blue eyes glare once again at the long line. The Bishop of Mitra hails a guardsman.
Pardon me, but I do believe that Bishops of the Realm require a bit of standing, appropriate professional courtesy (even in this backwater).
The Bishop turns his blue eyes to his entourage.
Please pardon this faux paus, my dear Lady Elliaria and Sir Malleck. It shall be shortly righted.
The Bishop looks pointedly at the guardsman....
Lady Elliaria curtseys deeply to the bishop, "It is a pleasure to mee you, Your Excellency."
Clyde casually sizzles some potatoes in a pan as he is addressed. What I really want? That is a little vague wouldn't you say? He thinly slices some onions to toss in. But I am always looking for new opportunities, perhaps you can enlighten me. The knife twirls in his fingers and then he slices up some meat.
Clyde had an inkling about what said person was talking about and seemed to shift his posture some. His head tilted and his eyes became shadowed, the orbs becoming illuminated only the flicking flame of the stove while his form seemed to loom larger in the kitchen.
At least things were moving along. The well dressed man made his way to where the meeting was going to take place. His time in service made him uncaring of the road he walked on. Dust, mud, rain, he was on his way to his objective.
Those who were waiting did make him take a second glance. Not the type of people one would expect of the task at hand. But then again, he seems to be the one standing out.
He gives each individual a small nod of his head on greeting
Envy burned like bile in Tih's chest as she watched them dance, drink and carouse - being part of the struggling class had never been fun for her. But her face showed nothing but what she wanted it to, and that was the same as ever: warm grins for the the grinning and cold scowls for the scowling.
A night without fun but not without purpose Tih thought as she spotted the shapeshifter among the crowd. She waited a beat and then followed him toward the kitchen. She would eavesdrop at the door if she could hear over the din. If she couldn't, which under appreciated chef would begrudge a complimentary visitor?
Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria
The guard frowns and looks to his companion, the crowd, albeit, it's a small crowd grows a bit restless at the attempt to jump the line.
The one holding a parchment responds, "You could be the King yer Excellency, but if'n his names not on the list. I'm not supposed to let him in. However, ya do have the right invitation". He turns to his companion, "Kieran, head to the Manse and check where there was an oversight with the Bishops name.
You were part of a group with this tall fellow Mal and the Lady Elliaria?"
---
Clyde & [hidden] Tih
The young lad's eyes twinkle, you see them change color from a plain brown to gold, a most unusual color for a human.
"You and I both know that it's not a cooking job in backwater Farholde that brought you here, but a voice. A voice inside whispering to you of opportunity to be something more than you are or perhaps to be able to finally be who and what you are without fear of reprisal.
I know because I too answered that call, Clyde".
Clyde humms and taps hus fingers along the counter before breaking into a wide grin. Ho ho! Well isn't this interesting? A kindred spirit in culinary delight? Perhaps we can discuss this further.
Clyde & [hidden] Tih
He grins, "I would be delighted to.
I shall send you some fresh clothing and an invitation for a party tomorrow evening at Baron Vandermir's estate in the Calliver Green section of Farholde.
Have you any further questions or can I assume you will be there and then we can speak at length in private?"
Elliaria is waiting to see how the Bishop handles himself. If need be, she will intervene, but people should be given the chance to correct their own mistakes first.
The Blue eyes of the Bishop frown at the impertinent guardsman. Purposely feigning tidying up his illustrious priestly attire, picking off pretend particles of link from his officious Mitran mantle, studiously straightens out his platinum medallion of office, the Bishop nods in acceptance of the guardsman's decision.
As expected from such professionals. May Mitra bless your diligence and faith, my son.
Turning to his company, the Bishop only shrugs.
I suppose that the offer of my granting this wonderful town Mitra's official blessing will be deterred. How unfortunate that the last town we granted this favor has since flourish beyond measure. Oh well...
No questions and I will be certain to attend and look forwards to seeing you again. All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well."
Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria
"Kieren will return swiftly your Excellency.
In the meantime, you and your friends can step aside as I check others in".
The guard named Kieren heads swiftly towards one of the Manses...
More guests nod to you three curiously, some even beam in delight at seeing the Bishop, asking for blessings from him!
The guard though, it very adamant and continues to move the line along.
---
Clyde & [hidden] Tih
"Excellent, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow", He turns to take his leave.
---
From the third floor bedroom the Baron selected for you, you can see the procession of guests enter the Calliver Green neighborhood. All appears to be going smoothly until one set of guests, one who appears to be a holy man of Mitra to boot, are prevented from entering. One of the guards rushes back to the house like his ass is on fire...
Morana and Soren are in the room with you.
Morana whispers to her spirit husband while Soren appears bored.
Several minutes later, the Wizard and Headmaster of the Orphanage you first met when returning to Farholde enters the room. "Greetings, it seems that a few of the guests we believe are here to meet with all of you are being attended to by a Bishop of all people. Name is Reginald Dublin.
The Lady and the Knight don't appear to be all that perturbed by his presence. He has a legitimate looking invite, but his name is not on the Baron's list. The Baron asked me to ask you how to handle the situation".
Morana shrugs, "Could be the one I met yesterday named "Lucy" he or she was an admitted illusionist..."
Elliaria will wait, making small talk with the Bishop while they wait.
Sir Balin raised one confused eyebrow at the idea of a Mitran bishop being at this little meet and greet.
"How the hell is testing for magical disguises not part of the normal routine around here?" he grumbled rhetorically.
"Can any of you see through illusions?" he asked the spellcasters in the room.
In his mind he reached out to his familiar. Raaven, I want information on our new crew. Do your Communing thing.
Clyde watches the fellow go and seems to shift once again so he now merely the jovial wandering chef. Turning back to the stove, Clyde returns to his duties, perhaps working a bit swifter so he can get done and perhaps do some scouting of where the party will be taking place.
The Bishop frown deepens, as his blue eyes watch the retreating backside of the guard hustling towards the main building. He turns to Lady Elliaria and Sir Malleck.
Probably should have taken into account that this is Farholde not the Capital.
Mephistopheles only shrugs.
So, this probably will be a talking point at the party later.
The Bishop then begins to absently Bless those gathered about, as he decides if he really wants to attend this particular party .....
Tih's ears perked at the mention of the Baron. The shapeshifter was connected to Tih's own task somehow. Perhaps related to the one who had fetched her in the first place.
Once she saw the conversation was coming to a close, Tih blended into the tavern crowd. And once the shapeshifter was gone, she planned to talk to Clyde about the party at the Baron's.
The Wizard frowns, "I have a scroll that I can use to see through illusions. Do you wish me to take a look Sir Balin? As far as magical security goes...." he trails off as if you are preaching to the choir the look on his face one of total agreement with your assessment.
Morana chimes in, "Invites were given to everyone save one who we have yet to locate. Perhaps this one just has a flair for the dramatic".
Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria
After several minutes, Kieren has yet to return.
The guard checking passes runs out of people to check in as the line has thinned out, he calls over to where the three of you stand, "If there was an oversight Bishop, I am sorry, but I was told to very strictly enforce this rule of allowing only those on the list in tonight. What with what's been going on in the Realm lately I am surprised there's not a huge force persent here in Farholde from the south".
Clyde & Tih - Still on the Previous Night
Once Tih is satisfied that the shapeshifter has exited the Tavern, she heads to the back where Clyde is still cooking. Despite this very long shift on his feet he seems tireless.
Clyde, as you turn around to prepare a bowl, you see the young woman you encountered earlier this evening standing in the kitchen, she appears as if she was about to address you when you turned around.
No one else is present, at least not at the moment though servers do come and go, the later it gets, the less food is being ordered.
Elliaria will nod sympathetically to the guard. "As they say, 'पिशाचाः सर्वत्र निगूहन्ति। नित्यं सतर्कता अस्माकं एकमात्रं रक्षा अस्ति।'" She slips to the fluid celestial tongue naturally.
A moment later she will translate. "Devils hide everywhere. Constant vigilance is our only defense."
Her intent is to see who amongst them knows the Celestial tongue by who follows along.
Clyde eyes the girl up and down. Why hello there! Are you a maid here? If not, it is best to stay out of the kitchen since there are many hot stoves and sharp tools.
Clyde's knife flashes and a potato falls into several pieces. Clearly he is very skilled with knives.
Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn simply nods at the guard absently straightening his various official religious decorations.
Absolutely understandable, my son. Mitra has patience even for those determined not to be in his light.
Mephistopheles' blue eyes absolutely sparkle....
If he can, he would enter, as his name and description was sent ahead
Sir Balin looked pained and rubbed his face. "Great. There's at least three of 'em that are probably using damn good disguises. Not even sure they're magic, so the scroll's iffy."
"We got one invited guest missing, and one uninvited guest here. Seems pretty obvious to me. Let's play it straight and simple. We assume the bishop is our guy in disguise, and pretend we're not onto him. Once we get to the big reveal we give his holiness a little test, to see if he's really one of us."
"If he drops the act and lets us know he's our missing guest we might not even need to go through with the whole song and dance."
Raaven, tell the Baron we need a test of loyalty set up for the Bishop. I don't care what it is. Come up with something. We might not need it, but I want it ready just in case.
Tih didn't flinch at the unsubtle warning. Only looked at the dangerous creature. Trust was not something she gave easily, but for her vengeance, perhaps it was a necessary step.
"What do a cook and a Baron have to talk about, I wonder?" she said, ignoring Clyde's comment.
"An acquaintance of the Baron's invited me here as well. I can vouch for myself at the door, but perhaps I could accompany you to Calliver Green tomorrow? Safety in numbers?" Her face remain composed but gooseflesh formed on her arms. Even sharing this much seemed dangerous.
Seeing that the woman stands her ground, Clyde tucks his knife away and strokes his chin. Well I do have a good sense for which wines and liquors to serve with food. I am sure I could recommend a fine brandy to serve as an after dinner beverage.
Hmm....go together? I could be your chaperone or escort. Clyde smiled and his dark eyes gleamed. I can see this happening. Or perhaps we could attempt stealth and slip in as servants?
Raaven pauses to contact the Baron and responds, [i]"The Baron has stated that he shall leave that test to you. He is happy to assist with Ninth but he is not a member of nor a servant to the Ninth".
Malleck, Bishop Reginald Dublin of Matharyn, & Lady Elliaria
The Guardsman smiles, "That is a beautiful language, what was it?"
A few people approach and are rebuffed by the guard, despite their 'passcards' as they are not invited to the Baron's Party, they cannot enter the Green. The protest that they are there to visit friends of other Nobility living in the Green but are still rebuffed.
As Mal is about to separate from the Bishop and the Lady, you all see the Guardsman Kieran rush back to the post, he's a bit out of breath. "Apologies Bishop, your name not being included was an oversight, enter and enjoy the Party".
The three of you are able to enter the District.
Sir Balin's face hardened as he received Raaven's mental message. His disguise slipped, just a little, letting a bit of yellow and red seep into his eyes. The leather straps of his armor creaked like they were under pressure. The room felt noticeably hotter.
Then he took a deep breath and the short, unnerving moment passed. The hardness in Sir Balin's eyes remained.
"Alright Baron. You don't wanna be helpful, we'll do things our way," he said grimly.
"Ladies, we need to arrange a loyalty test for this Bishop. It was gonna be a maybe. Now it's gonna be a definitely."
"How long's it been since we had a proper devotion to our Lord. Find someone and prep 'em to be the guest of honor in a religious service. We're gonna close out this party with a little lesson."
"Ah, that was the language of the angels." She says as she heads in toward the mansion.
As they escape the guard's earshot, she whispers. "This may be more difficult." to Mephistopheles.
Mephistopheles' blue eyes shine in merriment at the expected invitation to proceed. The Bishop grants a blessing to the guards as he steps through the gate....
Smiling benignly to any about, the Bishop of Mitra continues towards the manse.
This isn't even the party. It does appear that our Host has safeguards in place. Testing them tells us valuable information.
The Illusionist hums happily.
This is an interview. Be prepared for a dressed rehearsal. I do hope the horse d'oeuvres are delightful.
In any event, if you wish to accompany me I hope you have an invite since this seems to be a private event. Dress well and we shall attend, perhaps you could demonstrate your skills by convincing others to allow yourself in.
In any event, Clyde will make sure to dress as best he can for the event. He does keep a hidden dagger on his person and will wait for Tih to appear before heading over.