Zalen was woken by Ayen the following morning - much earlier than he would have enjoyed, given the last few days' fatigue. "Mister Candorian, please wake up!" she called out, and timidly tried to shake his shoulder - not quite strongly enough to force him to wakefulness, but distracting enough
Realizing (or at least Hoping!) that Ayen wouldn't have woken him up early without good reason, Zalen tries to hide the grumpiness in his voice as he sits up and puts his feet on the floor "Yes Ayen, what is it?"
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes and giving his customary single one hand run through and shake of his unruly locks, Zalen waits patiently for her reply
"The gem is tarnished, but unshattered" she whispered, almost inaudible. "Wrapped in Cerulean veils, the tiger's maw swallowed her. Break his fangs. Only then will it ever regain its luster." A shaking gripped the elder priest, and she seemed to slip from her meditating posture. "The Tiger's eyes are upon us all."
When the ceremony is finished, Alandra thanks Mother Maple profusely, then repeats the words to Ayedah.
"Do you know what it means?" she asks. "I think 'the gem is tarnished but unshattered' means she is alive. But what about the rest?"
Ayedah repeated everything Alandra said, burning it into her memory. She was genuinely relieved when Alandra offered her interpretation that Sozite was still alive, and seemed to deflate in her seat as the nervous stiffness that had been with her all day left her. The rest still worried her though.
"Thank the spirits!" she said, wiping her eyes. "But I don't understand. Tiger? Sa-ru-lee-un? Gods and spirits, if she's in danger..." She was quickly becoming as worried as she was when she came, but at least she knew that Sozite was alive, if Alandra's goddess was true.
Ayedah noticed Alandra appeared to be somewhat shaken.
Zalen:
Ayen looked somewhat sheepishly "There's a men lying in our doorstep. I think he's asleep, but might have taken a blow to the head, too. He smells really badly, and looks like a bum, but he has a guard badge on his clothes. The boys wanted to empty a bedpan on him, but if he's with the guard, that's a bad idea, right?"
Alandra / Ayedah:
Mother Maple had excused herself after the draining spell, to take care of both herself and the divining chamber. This left the younger priest and her Shoanti friend to piece together the clues they had received.
Alandra, Intelligence DC 12:
Knowledge: Local DC 10:
Wisdom DC 18:
Intelligence: 1d20+2=20
Knowledge (local) (untrained): 1d20+2=18
Wisdom: 1d20+3=17
After pondering the riddle for a few minutes, Alandra said to Ayedah:
"'Wrapped in Cerulean veils, the tiger's maw swallowed her. ' I bet Cerulean means the Cerulean society. Do you know about them? I think they are kind of a thieves guild. And I have heard Mother Maple talk about someone called the Tiger before, some kind of boss or something."
"I wonder if Zalen or Krek know anything about them."
Knowledge (local) (untrained): 1d20+2=18
Wisdom: 1d20+3=17After pondering the riddle for a few minutes, Alandra said to Ayedah:
"'Wrapped in Cerulean veils, the tiger's maw swallowed her. ' I bet Cerulean means the Cerulean society. Do you know about them? I think they are kind of a thieves guild. And I have heard Mother Maple talk about someone called the Tiger before, some kind of boss or something."
"I wonder if Zalen or Krek know anything about them."
"Thieve's guild?" Ayedah remembered what Sozite was likely trained to do when she and her brother were taken by Lamm. The thought of her still living that life was easier to deal with in some ways than her possibly being sold into prostitution, but imagining her leading such a dangerous life and possibly being a danger to others was even worse in others. And then there was the thought of Sozite running afoul of the law...
Ayedah shook her head, trying not to let her imagination run away with her. "Yes, I will ask them." As she stood, she felt tired. Her heart had been racing for much of the day. "Thank you, Alandra. I really am in your debt. And Mother Maple."
Immediately awake at teh news, Zalen stands and ruffles Ayen's hair playfully "No No dear one, you've done very well Ayen, you're the best lieutenant I've had yet!" he says as he winks at her. "Now scoot while I finish getting dressed"
Dressing quickly, Zalen heads down to the door to check on the man. His hidden sleeve dagger is ready to spring out at a moments notice as he carefully approaches the man. Turning around quickly to glare at the kids to back off a bit and give him some space, he takes a good look at the man. (please feel free to roll whatever skill or knowledge checks may be necessary). If he still seems to be out Zalen will first speak "Hey, buddy, you OK?" If that gets no response he'll nudge him with his foot. If still nothing he'll bend down and check his pulse.
Zalen:
The man stirred when Zalen moved to touch him, and rose with a deep moan. "I'm sorry... Just... give me a moment." He held himself to the doorpost, and needed it, despite probably having lain there for several hours. Probably he had been drunk to the point of poisoning himself. "I'll be out of your way in no time at all."
Ayen looked at him from behind the doorframe, with tightly pressed lips and a strongly disapproving glare.
Alandra:
Mother Maple made herself scarce around Alandra for a few days. She wanted to avoid any semblance of favorism, and it was the only way to silence these whispers with any kind of chance at success.
Almost a week passed before she approached Alandra in a quiet moment. "So, you've fulfilled your duties satisfactory, but how have your studies progressed. Take for example the prophecy your friend received. What do you make of it?"
Ayedah:
The guardsmen were quite busy, but as time dragged on, a certain amount of high-pressure routine established itself among them, and while a certain amount of fairness and willingness to overlook minor transgressions was left on the way, the city was slowly winding down.
By the end of the week, Ayedah decided to play Maris a visit. The address her captain gave Ayedah led two streets past Ayedahs new home. It was a small studio, really only fit for one occupant. However, the door was answered by a young woman with Maris' eyes, but much shorter, and lighter hair. "Oh, greetings Shoanti. Forgive me for being so blunt, but I wasn't expecting a visitor, and neither has Maris told me about anyone. So what can I do for you?"
]"So, you've fulfilled your duties satisfactory, but how have your studies progressed. Take for example the prophecy your friend received. What do you make of it?"
"I think they are progressing well Mother Maple. In the prophecy, I think 'The gem is tarnished, but unshattered' means Sozite is still alive, but maybe not well. And 'Wrapped in Cerulean veils, the tiger's maw swallowed her' might mean she is mixed up with the Cerulean Society and in trouble with the Tiger. I don't know who the Tiger is, but I think you might have mentioned him before. 'Break his fangs. Only then will it ever regain its luster' I think might mean that for Sozite to get better we have to defeat the Tiger. 'The Tiger's eyes are upon us all.' I'm not sure about this, but I think it means that the Tiger is a powerful person in Korvosa who watches all of us."
By the end of the week, Ayedah decided to play Maris a visit. The address her captain gave Ayedah led two streets past Ayedahs new home. It was a small studio, really only fit for one occupant. However, the door was answered by a young woman with Maris' eyes, but much shorter, and lighter hair. "Oh, greetings Shoanti. Forgive me for being so blunt, but I wasn't expecting a visitor, and neither has Maris told me about anyone. So what can I do for you?"
Ayedah paused awkwardly before she found the words. Checking on the wellbeing of another tribesman was easy on the plateau; everyone lived under the same wide open sky. In Korvosa, where she had to navigate through mazes of streets and buildings to find someone, it felt more like she was intruding.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to intrude. I just wanted to make sure that Maris was alright." She assumed the woman was Maris' sister, from the look of her eyes. She lowered her voice, in case Maris was nearby. "I was there when she and...her partner were attacked. If my being here will upset her, I can go. I just wanted to see if there was anything I could do."
His body half hidden by the door-frame, with his non-fighting hand Zalen gently pushes Ayen back away from the door, his other casually learning across the doorway to block it, positioned at a height that a quick flick of his wrist would snap out his hidden sleeve knife across the man's throat. Taking a good wiff to try and perceive (1d20+6 =9) any hint of alcohol and taking a good look (1d20+6 =11) to check on the man's injuries, Zalen keeps his face and voice neutral as he says "No worries friend. Fare thee well? And what brought you to my doorstep, may I ask?"
He also attempts to see if he recognizes (1d20+6 =7) (K local) the man or anything about his apparel.
Zalen:
There was no need to smell too closely - if the man hadn't spilled more than he swallowed, he was easily drunk enough to kill a man of fragile health. He did not look like a chronic drunkard, though - no crisscross pattern of burst vessels around his cheeks, no mushy swollen nose.
He looked down on his luck, but the guard insignia around his neck were likely genuine. He didn't know the man's name, though. "I... must have slipped late at night, and... hit my head" It would have been believable, if he had any kind of injury at all.
"Not that it matters much, Korvosa's best are dying on my watch, and all I can do is pay the undertaker visits."
Alandra:
Mother Maple considered the interpretation with a raised digit for several moments. "Quite good. You have taken most of the obvious leads into account. You could, of course, not know too much about the Tiger."
She quickly glanced left and right, made sure they were in private. "The tiger had played into several visions I've had. A viscous figure, brutal, merciless, as ready to slay as to toy with you. He is one of the evils of Korvosa, but I've not been able to name him, let alone find a way to combat him. What he wishes of, forgive me, but a street urchin is quite... puzzling".
Ayedah:
The young woman shrugged. "If you can handle the bear, do come in". She continued on her way out of the small apartment, leaving Ayedah to wonder what kind of bear might live in so small a dwelling.
She barely took a step inside when it was answered by a loud roar, very clearly from a child's throat. "I'm a BEAR!" the little boy shouted out, while "savaging" Ayedah's leg. It really didn't hurt, even though the boy jumped against her with all his weight and strength.
The resemblance to Maris or her sister was clear. He had somewhat darker skin, but otherwise, either of them might have looked like this at some point in their lives.
Further into the studio, there was a comfortable chair, with bedsheets nearby.
Ayedah looked around. Two rooms, one sleeping room (single bed), and a combination of living room and kitchen / pantry behind a beaded curtain. She was standing in the living room, while motion started in the kitchen "Piru, who..."
Maris stepped through the curtain, and regarded Ayedah with some surprise.
Ayedah's expression was one of bafflement at the warning of a bear, turning to one of gentle amusement when the bear himself appeared. It was a relief to see a seemingly carefree child at play in Korvosa again, not to mention one that didn't seem afraid of a Shoanti coming into his home.
When Maris came out, seemingly surprised to see Ayedah, the Shoanti girl felt like an intruder again. She waved awkwardly. "Um, sorry. Your...sister?...let me in. I just came to...see if things were alright." She felt helpless in many ways. She knew there probably wasn't much she could do for Maris' grief, but she couldn't just move on and not try to help.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Krek:
Krek felt fantastic. He'd just had an exciting night in many ways, and, while the recent events left him with little actual battling done by himself, he'd been in the thick of a few combats. As he ascended from the basement to look for some bread, he thought briefly of how meager his life had been before a few days ago. Lifting crates for tradesmen, delivering object for people from place to place.... it got boring - quickly. The lack of responsibility was great, to be sure, but he wasn't much more with any duty even with the "orders" from the field marshal. Naturally, the spice bread had been eaten by Trep and the girls, leaving none for him. He was famished! With a sigh, he glanced around for a morsel of something. Trep, the early riser he was if there was something or someone do to, had likely finished off anything - or shared it with the girl he could hear with him below.Finding nothing, he sat at the table and drummed his fingers. He could head off to the Pantheon and see how the kids were doing. While having no desire to be a father himself, Krek had a fondness for children - himself having no enjoyable childhood likely being a key reason. Also, Krek could pay the field marshal a visit - he assumed that's where the rest of his co-workers went after the evening.
Fishing through his pouch, he found the remnants of the money spent yesterday. It was plenty for his purposes - he was used to having much less. Above both of those two aforethought events would have to come a trip to a bakery to get something to eat. He nodded to himself - yes. Food first, then a visit to the officer, then the children. That was the fullest a schedule had been for him in a long time - he didn't usually plan things in advance.
Krek headed downstairs to put on some clothes. Noting the silence ensuing other than his feet, Trep was asleep again. That man had to be among the most useless of men when people needed him. Squeezing himself into his drab, worn garbs, the coarse half-Orc walked up the stairs, grabbed his rusty sword, and departed.
The city streets were clogged with all the traffic that now was forced into daylight instead of discreetly being taken care off by night. Animals to the slaughter, wares to stock stores, even hay for the Sable companies' griffons made its way through the busy streets.
Krek could hear shouts even over the general noise. Angry accusations and threats. Maybe another riot was starting up. On the other hand, the Pantheon was right up the other direction.
Ayedah:
Maris tilted her head and kept quiet for a moment. "He's dead, Live goes on. I still don't know how to..." She looked at the child, who roared in her direction. "I guess we better get some air. No need to make the bear's den more messy than it is"
Once they were outside, Maris breathed deeply. "I think I never thanked you. Without you, I probably wouldn't be alive anymore." With a look over her shoulder, she added. "I just find it hard to believe he's really gone. I was just working him out of his shell a bit, and he turned out such a fine young man, and..." She shrugged "One stone, that's all it takes."
They slowly walked down the street, with Maris slowly unburdening herself upon Ayedah. About her unclear feelings regarding Feiko. It had been an awkward way about them, with much implied and denied, yet hovering around unsaid. She didn't even know herself, and now never would.
Trying to discern the veracity of the man's words (please roll a SM check for Zalen (+5), IC seems to be down today) Zalen merely nods neutrally at his uninvited visitor's explanation.
Noticing that the man has no head injury at all and becoming curious despite himself, Zalen remarks without inflection "Well, based on the size of that lump on your head I guess it's lucky you woke at all... What is the last thing you remember? And what position do you have with the guards? I'm afraid your undertaker reference escapes me friend."
(while trying not to give anything, Zalen is still trying to use his skills to get info out of the man without seeming to be too interested. Please also make a Diplomacy check +6. He is also very carefully watching the man for any quick or unusual movements, or anyone else on the street that seems to be paying too much attention to this incident-Perception+6)
The man rubbed his temples, and shook his head... a greenish tinge spread around his face. He very nearly would have been sick, but managed to hold it in for a moment.
"I'm sergeant Grau Soldano, Guard of Korvosa, stationed at Longarce, with the fifth auxiliary." He sighed. "I don't remember much. I guess... I guess I must have slipped, and hit my head on your entryway. Sorry for the inconvenience."
He was certainly extremely embarrassed. Hung over to the point of eliciting deep sympathy, but trying hard to retain or regain a little bit of dignity.
The name Grau Soldano clicked with Zalen, all of a sudden. Three students had been in the fateful last class of Master Orisani. Sabina Merrin, the beautiful bodyguard of Queen Illeosa herself. Cressida Kroft, Field Marshal of the Korovosan Guard, and... this wrecked small guardsmen?
Maris tilted her head and kept quiet for a moment. "He's dead, Live goes on. I still don't know how to..." She looked at the child, who roared in her direction. "I guess we better get some air. No need to make the bear's den more messy than it is"
Once they were outside, Maris breathed deeply. "I think I never thanked you. Without you, I probably wouldn't be alive anymore." With a look over her shoulder, she added. "I just find it hard to believe he's really gone. I was just working him out of his shell a bit, and he turned out such a fine young man, and..." She shrugged "One stone, that's all it takes."
They slowly walked down the street, with Maris slowly unburdening herself upon Ayedah. About her unclear feelings regarding Feiko. It had been an awkward way about them, with much implied and denied, yet hovering around unsaid. She didn't even know herself, and now never would.
Ayedah remained silent and listened intently to Maris. She still felt helpless to actually do anything to ease her pain, but if sharing it would help her, she would do so. Something did strike her as the guardswoman spoke, however.
"I...I cannot pretend to know how you must feel now, but I lost someone dear to me as well...just a few days before..." She couldn't find a gentle way to refer to the day Feiko died. She looked ahead as they walked, but her eyes weren't focusing on anything before them. "I had just found him, my brother, after not seeing him for years. We hardly had any time before he was taken from me again." She cupped her elbows in her hands, as if trying to warm herself. "It hurts...and sometimes I hate myself for not doing more. For not coming here sooner. But there was no way I could have known. And...I know my brother would not want me to live that way. He would want me to be strong, for his sake, for our family's sake."
She turned to Maris, speaking with absolute certainty. "Whateer you two had, you had a great effect on him if you brought him out of himself. You made him stronger, and he would want you to be as well." She quieted to give Maris time to think, reminding herself to try and stay gentle. Death came easy on the Storval Plateau, and its people had to learn that fact at an early age. As cruel as Korvosa could be, it seemed that there was less of an appreciation of just how fragile life could be at times.
"That's a harsh view of life. Harsh, but not wrong." Marris paused, looking down the streets. Not too far down these lanes, the "incident" had occurred. "My sister is trying to tell me the same thing, though. Well, that and ever so gently reminding me that her home is too small for her and the little one as is, and I should go back to the barracks."
She cleared her throat, and began to slowly amble down the lane, to the place of the incident. "I heard they hung two of Bren's men. One for Feiko, one for.. something else. It doesn't make it any better."
She looked over her shoulder "By the way, you really are a strange one. A Shoanti like you having a brother in the city is one thing, but you really... well, just thanks for helping me." There was a smile on her lips, so despite being a bit critical, it probably was a good-natured remark.
"That's a harsh view of life. Harsh, but not wrong." Marris paused, looking down the streets. Not too far down these lanes, the "incident" had occurred. "My sister is trying to tell me the same thing, though. Well, that and ever so gently reminding me that her home is too small for her and the little one as is, and I should go back to the barracks."
She cleared her throat, and began to slowly amble down the lane, to the place of the incident. "I heard they hung two of Bren's men. One for Feiko, one for.. something else. It doesn't make it any better."
She looked over her shoulder "By the way, you really are a strange one. A Shoanti like you having a brother in the city is one thing, but you really... well, just thanks for helping me." There was a smile on her lips, so despite being a bit critical, it probably was a good-natured remark.
Ayedah was a bit surprised to hear that Maris' sister was pressing for her to move back to the barracks, but then again so many of these homes in Korvosa seemed so small and confining. "So, you are going back to the guard?", Ayedah asked gently. She hoped she was strong enough to do so, but she hoped even more that she would be ready for her return if she did.
The news about Bren's men did not surprise her, though she did wonder why the other man was executed. She hoped things wouldn't escalate further, and thought about visiting Bren to press that matter. She didn't hold many illusions about being welcome upon her return.
She smiled without irony at Maris' last remark. "I really am, aren't I?" It was somehow fitting, she supposed. She was a bit of an odd one among her own people, so there was no reason to expect things to be any different among another culture not her own. She looked thoughtful again, trying to weigh her own words. "I know it sounds harsh, but...we believe our dead watch over us. They have gone from the world but they still guide us and give us their strength. I know most people here believe only the gods do so, but I know my loved ones are watching over me. I believe yours are doing the same for you." A sudden look of embarrassment passed over her face accompanied by a faint, nervous laugh. "Gods and spirits, I really don't have a head for such discussion. I really should leave it to the priests, I suppose."
She was glad she seemed to have helped the guardswoman, if only a bit. "If you or the others ever need help with anything, please let me know, alright? I...sort of...work with the guard now. It is a long story."
As the man mention's his name Zalen bows his head for a moment in thought and mumbles under his breath "....Soldano...?" Suddenly his head flicks up, his expression instantly changing from neutral and wary to solicitous and concerned. "Hit your head did you say? My friend, please forgive me! Here you stand injured and I have been nothing but a rude and poor host. Please forgive me!" Taking the man's arm and ignoring or tut-tutting away any protestations, Zalen gently guides the man to the most comfortable chair he can find in the place. As he does, he also starts kindly ordering the children to run and bring fresh cloths soaked in warm and cool water, some drinking water and some food. He orders Ayen to look after the man's 'head injury', silencing her with a look before she can protest it's non-existence.
Once the man is made as comfortable as his current condition can allow him, Zalen begins to subtly probe him, trying not to seem to be doing so (Bluff +8 or Diplomacy+6? Or Both? You can roll) "Yes, yes, it's just terrible the state of the city these days? Is it truly so hard on the guards though? I had not known so many were dying, such a shame! I wonder if Commander Kroft is up to the task? It must be terrible pressure on her. Ah! But silly me asking you, it's not like you would know her personally or anything..."
Zalen:
The man settled down, while Ayen (somewhat grumpily) tended to his "injury", wrapping roughly seven feet of rough linen bandages around his perfectly healhy head. The guardsmen seemed quite relieved his story was bought - had he seen Ayens facial expression, he probably would not have been.
The other children follow him coddling the man with some amusement - and hushed whispers of "cooking" him.
The hangover seemed to have not impaired his sense of caution too much, Zalen still found him able enough to notice he was milked for information. The going was tough, but he relented after a bit of verbal sparring. "Yes, she never knew when to quit. She'd probably kill herself rather than admit defeat on something she cares about. I know her back from fencing school, a few years back."
Ayedah:
"I am going back. As soon as possible." She quickly replied, but the rough spot didn't last long. "I just want to go on. My sister is really a good person, but she's right. The place is too small for two people and a bear."
As the topic turned more philosophical, she raised her hands. "You don't have the head for it, I don't have the heart for it. I... I respect priests and people who "get" the divine, but even if it's damning me to eternal torture, i could never again follow any god. I'd rather have my aunts advice just a few more times than any god who handles your soul like a tarnished silver piece - worth rubbing clean, or more trouble than its worth" She blushed, and after an awkward pause added "And I probably just added another damnation or two, right?"
She sensed the conversation had drifted way too much for comfort, and the return Ayedah to more "save" topic was appreciated. "You'll probably do fine. I'm sure."
Still acting with caution, Zalen decides one last 'test' is in order. "Fencing school you say? Hmmmm, that seems to ring a bell. Yes wasn't there a Master Orderent or something that taught his last class with her in it? And there were several other students in that class, weren't there?"
(To Save some time)
If the man answers the questions correctly, Zalen will finally relax his guard and accept Grau as a potential friend and ally. First getting Ayen to send the rest of the children out of earshot, without giving away too much information, Z will let the man know that he and some others have recently been recruited by the Queen and Commander Kroft for some 'special missions'. Zalen also express's his genuine admiration for Master Orisani and asks many questions about how it was to study under him. FInally, he will ask Grau what really happened to him last night and if there is anything he can do to help him. As well he'll ask teh guardsman if he has any information about what's going on in the city that might be of use our group's mission to help the Queen.
"I am going back. As soon as possible." She quickly replied, but the rough spot didn't last long. "I just want to go on. My sister is really a good person, but she's right. The place is too small for two people and a bear."
Ayedah could not help but grin for a moment. Was I ever as rambunctious as that, Father?
As the topic turned more philosophical, she raised her hands. "You don't have the head for it, I don't have the heart for it. I... I respect priests and people who "get" the divine, but even if it's damning me to eternal torture, i could never again follow any god. I'd rather have my aunts advice just a few more times than any god who handles your soul like a tarnished silver piece - worth rubbing clean, or more trouble than its worth" She blushed, and after an awkward pause added "And I probably just added another damnation or two, right?"
"I don't know." Ayedah dismissed that worry. "Any god worth praying to would not be bothered by someone speaking such things when upset, I would think." Admittedly, she was not all that familiar with the gods. She and her tribesmen believed in them, but they were more distant, unlike the spirits of the fire and wind and their ancestors, who were part of their daily lives. She was trying to learn more about them, and she was quickly discovering which ones she did and did not like. She left that subject alone, though. It seemed to be a point of discomfort for Maris.
She sensed the conversation had drifted way too much for comfort, and the return Ayedah to more "save" topic was appreciated. "You'll probably do fine. I'm sure."
"I hope." Ayedah looked uncertain for a moment. "I do not really understand how the city works. I do not understand some of its laws at all. But if I can help stop this madness on the streets, I have to do what I can." She was suddenly grateful that her affiliation with the guard was set up the way it was. She did not have to follow any orders she didn't agree with. She couldn't imagine living that way.
Krek:
Krek made his way to the citadel, and his... heritage, let alone his looks immediately send several guardsmen scrambling his way. While they didn't have their blades out yet, they probably would take any pretense he offered.
"Hold it there, halfblood! What business do you have here?" A guardswoman demanded to know. Tall. Fire-Scarred. Nasty. She had no eyebrows, but her deeply-socketed eyes and stubbly patches of black hair (where her skalp had not been burned) made her an intimidating figure, if never a beautiful one.
Zalen:
Zalen found the man telling the truth. He really was Grau Soldano, the third student of Master Orisani. He was not too keen to revisit those days, though - although he was less willing to admit he had been drunk enough to just sleep on someone's doorstep.
Him being less than entirely willing was not putting a stop to it entirely. Zalen was too good with words. Grau was a mere sergeant, after being orginally comissioned a captain, along with Kroft. While her career had been meteoric, Grau had been demoted over a count of insubordination. He never had gotten that rank back, and had yesterday buried the third of his subordinates, giving mere cold comfort to yet another newly-orphaned boy.
Prying some information about the school proved no easier. Zalen managed, though. The picture that became clear was interesting to say the least. While Grau admitted to nothing directly. But piece by piece, he revealed that the last class ended very badly. The woman who was to become Queen Illeosa had just come to town, and been noticed by King Eodred. Grau had pined and tried to woo the breathtaking Sabina Merrin for months - gently rebuffed at every turn. When she was announced she was becoming the new queens bodyguard and handmaiden, he had blurted out a scandalous suggestion - and been taken to a duel of honor by Sabina.
The whole affair had been hard on the entire school, and estranged both of them from their teacher.
Ayedah:
The two of them completed their round, and came closer to her sisters small dwelling again. "Thank you, I... I will be fine. It was not me who was hit by that brick"
"Things are getting better every day. I think Queen Illeosa is getting a handle on things. A few more days a week or two maybe, and the worst should be over." She said, more confident maybe than the situation really called for.
"Thank you for covering for me, Ayedah. I owe you one more, I guess."
Ever the diplomat, Zalen managed not to show the surprise he felt at Grau's story as it finally all came out. He also hid his wry amusement that this small plain man had thought he might win the divine Sabina, 'After all, who am I to judge? We men rarely if ever truly know what attracts a woman anyway...'.
Deciding he likes this simple, honest, straightforward man who obviously was not afraid to speak his opinion or do what he felt to be right, Zalen decides it is time for a 'recovery' drink (but only one). Calling Ayen over he asks her to bring two tankards of ale (or passes her some coin, telling her to get the two older boys to go run and get some if there's none in the house).
Meanwhile he continues to talk in a friendly and familiar way with Grau, commiserating over women, superiors and following orders (and when Not to follow them). He also makes sure to give his condolences for Grau's most recently fallen subordinate. If he can, Zalen will try to pry some more details of how the man was killed and also the situation that ended up in Grau's demotion. Zalen also will very sincerely ask what it was like to study under the great master Ordani, admitting to Grau that he was a student of the rapier as well and had always been a great admirer of the Blademaster. (I'm assuming that in this time line Zalen hasn't met Orsani yet?) In fact he'll even call Perol over and get the lad to go fetch his rapier, proudly showing Grau his most prized possession, his father's finely made weapon. Zalen also suggests that perhaps some day they could spar, if Grau would be so kind as to pass on some of the master's teachings.
After some time, Zalen will finally take Grau into his confidence and tell him of the clandestine nature of the Queen's and Kroft's requests for aid from he and his friends (he still makes sure the children are not able to hear any of this part). Suggesting that Grau's great experience and love of this city would be of much value to him, Zalen asks the guard his opinion of what's wrong with the city and what best could be done to fix or change things for the better.
In general the rogue continues, in a genuine and earnest way, to pump the man of any remotely valuable information or advice.
Ayedah's expression grew somber again at the sideway's mention of Feiko. Gods and spirits, she's going to have to live with that for the rest of her life. She could not help but grow a little angry at herself for not preventing Feiko's death, even though she knew there was little she could have done. She was grateful to hear someone say that the queen seemed to be doing a better job. Maybe she can pull this city back after all, she thought, despite her misgivings about some of the queen's decisions.
"Thank you for covering for me, Ayedah. I owe you one more, I guess."
Ayedah smiled. "Please, do not worry about it. People should look out for each other, right? The tribe falls apart if you do not." It was true enough, though Ayedah suspected most would laugh if she said it just felt like the right thing to do. She felt guilty if she thought she wasn't doing everything she could to help someone in need, which was why the memory of the dragon at Eel's End and Feiko's death still ate at her.
GM:
Krek:
Krek made his way to the citadel, and his... heritage, let alone his looks immediately send several guardsmen scrambling his way. While they didn't have their blades out yet, they probably would take any pretense he offered.
"Hold it there, halfblood! What business do you have here?" A guardswoman demanded to know. Tall. Fire-Scarred. Nasty. She had no eyebrows, but her deeply-socketed eyes and stubbly patches of black hair (where her skalp had not been burned) made her an intimidating figure, if never a beautiful one.
Amused at the ruckus caused without even trying, Krek kept his best poker face to conceal his behumorment at the situation. Drawing his sword siwftly, he inverted its position, holding the hilt out to the guards.
"You didn't lose my blade before, so if you'll stop yelling, you can take it." He glanced toward the rather unique woman. "Or you can take my word. Your marshal sent me on a job yesterday. I'd like to speak with her."
When Krek (hopefully) gets to her:
"I suppose the rest of the bunch already came to see you, so hopefully you've heard what went down in Eel's End. I got sidetracked that night."
If, at this point, she seems stern/upset: "I had my own business too, you know - this job was thrust upon me on the fly. If you'd like me to work on another task though, I could do that now."
OR
If, at this point, she seems frustrated/tired: "Here." Krek holds out the pouch of coins to here - slightly less than after the debacle at Eel's End. "It's a risky thing to have a sack like this where I'm from - lots of thieves and all. 'sides, I've little to spend it on anyway." He glanced around the room. "Did the others stop by?"
In either case, Krek will briefly describe how things went unless she says she knows already.
Ayedah:
Maris squeezed the Shoanti warriors shoulder, and nodded "Yes, but usually even here, our tribes are related by blood rather than just walking into a situation. Thank you"
She turned to leave, return to her sisters humble home. While certainly not fully recovered, she seemed much better than when she last parted ways with Ayedah. It probably was like a wound. It would hurt for a while, and needed time to heal, but in time it would be a scar only scarcely noticed, and maybe even bragged about in a decade.
Krek:
It took Krek a long while in convincing the guardsmen he needed to see the Field Marshal. When he was finally admitted into her office, he was sure to have made several new enemies, and the sun had already begun to set again.
Field Marshal Kroft looked even more tired than he remembered her from the night before. She waved away his coins, even. "A deal is a deal, Krek. Enjoy the money while you can."
She cut his explanation short "Your friends already gave me a full report on the situation. Well done... I told them I'd like to keep you on watch payrolls for a while. Under the table, to deal with problems watch uniforms couldn't touch. There are some."
Zalen:
Grau warmed up to Zalen, and the drink smoothed over any remaining apprehension. There wasn't much he held back anymore. As he wiped the foam from his mouth, in fact, he began talking.
Ayen, on the other hand, was less entirely compliant. She made a face when Zalen told her to leave them alone, and the rogue was almost certain he heard the telltale scraping of a mug placed against the door to better allow an evesdropper to capture low sounds and muffled words.
It turned out Grau was reduced to partols and overseeing patrolmen. The man he had so recently burried was just the latest in a string of lynchings, seemingly at random in rioting mobs. He was growing embittered over it, and rightly asked what the guard was coming to. How had the people of his city begun to see their protectors as oppressors.
That train of thought took a life of its own. Grau had just taken the last sip of his ale, when the thought struck him. "As if the Hellknights were not bad enough. They at least keep order, even if it is order by fear of being ground into dust. That new elite unit the late Eodred ordered for his Illeosa is worse. A good third of our woman watchmen have been lured into that unit, and not been seen since. Whenever i asked higher ups about them, they'd be deployed "once trained and outfitted". I can get a recruit to stand in line and walk patrol in a week. What's taking them over a month already?"
Grau was in horrible condition. Fatigued, hung over, and all in all in much worse shape than he had been at the academy. As soon as he held a rapier in his hands, though, some of his old training came to the fore. He quickly twirled the weapon in a florish, and fell into a natural duelling posture. "Still got some of that drill in me, it seems" he mumbled. The offer of sparring fights, he weighted for a long moment. "I am no teacher. I was the worst student of Master Orisani, and... I really can't do this" he finally rejected. Zalen was sure modesty played the decisive role, and as with so many woman, modesty could often be overcome by some bit of perseverance.
When the topic turned to darker issues, the clandistine services rendered to Kroft, Grau merely shrugged. "I knew there is a time when the watch can't act too openly, and I knew Cressidra would be involved, but... It leaves a horrible feeling with me. We are supposed to be the good guys. Protect the city, and do so openly and fairly. If the watch starts skulking around, operating under false flags, what makes us so different than, say, the Cerulean Society?"
Zalen's face darkens as Grau tells him about the Hellknights and the missing women. "Friend, this matter concerns me greatly. Women are our treasure and must be cherished. If something foul has been happening to the female guards then something Must be done! Pray, tell me more about this 'New Elite Unit' '"
When Grau performs his little routine with the rapier, Zalen does not need to fake his being impressed. Sensing the run-down guard may just need a little encouragement, Zalen happily gives him some "Friend Grau, if you were Master Orisani's worst student then I would fear greatly to face the best! Even if you were not top of the class, even the poorest of students of a master like Orsani still far outclasses the average swordsman. I can see that weapon becomes an extension of you my friend. You have obviously lost far less than you think"
At first Zalen reacts to Grau's less than complimentary comparison with genuine good humour as he laughs "But we Are the good guys my friend! We both work at the behest of the Queen for the betterment of our fair city. We just go about it in different ways." Then the rogue's face darkens for a moment as he considers something. Lowering his voice, he approaches closer to Grau, speaking in conspiratorial tones "In fact, it has just occurred to me that my friends and I may be the perfect ones to help you with one of your problems. You say that all of your requests as to the current state and whereabouts of the missing female guards have been rebuffed. If the guard cannot question or investigate the Knights openly then perhaps we can. I can approach Kroft with this suggestion or if you think best, we can first take a look into things on our own. What say you?"
Once Grau responds to all, Zalen finally realizes the man's state of exhaustion and says "My dear Grau, I insist you allow me to continue to be your host for a while longer. As you said yourself, the guards have been having it rough of late and you are in no condition to make your way home. You shall sleep in my own bed and you shall not leave here until you are rested and recovered. I shall not take no for an answer" Once Grau agrees, Zalen asks Ayen to take Grau to his room and see to his being comfortable. He also tells her to come straight back after as he would like a word with her.
Once Ayen returns, Zalen makes sure the rest of the children are absent and then sits his young ward down and gives her a stern look as he says "In some places, eavesdropping on one's elders has a very serious punishment." Zalen waits a few moments, trying to remain grave and let the message sink in. Finally though he can't help himself and grins saying "Fortunately for you my little spy, this is not quite one of those places. I am not happy with your disobeying my orders, but what's done is done. SO, tell me what you heard and what you think of it"
Ayedah watched Maris go before continuing on her way, smiling faintly. Well, at least I could help a little, I suppose...
Krek nods. "Your own guards nearly bit my head off after I tried to come in here though. Just because there are some problems uniforms can't touch doesn't meant they should make problems out of people not in uniform."
Krek peered at the marshal. "You look tired. Are the problems you were talking about close?"
Zalen:
Grau continued to offer little resistance to a man so skilled in artful coercion and eventually succumbed to his hospitality, even though he protested more than his due share due to civility.
The topic about the missing guardswomen was not very fruitful however. Grau only admitted that any information he gained probably would have to come from the gray areas of the city guard Zalen embodied. The woman, all of them talented, able-bodied and young, were called to a special unit. It did not even yet have a name familiar to Grau. They were promised significant pay increases, and a fast-track to promotion. Very few had rejected the offer.
Those who accepted had left their regular postings, for advanced training. There were rumors about where they went, since it was not one of the normal guard facilities. As they left their posts, their trail died down. For two months now, this unit had been recruiting. Sable company marines trained for longer than that, certainly. Students at the Academae were forbidden from leaving for years. There was little official cause for alarm. However, Grau disliked the whole situation both out of principle, and due to a "hunch".
"Cressida probably knows. If she doesn't... well, She's the field marshal. She is one of Korvosas military leaders. If she does not know, only Eodred, Pharasma preserve him, and maybe Queen Illeosa know." he finally admitted.
With Grau taken Care off, Ayen looked at Zalen in a strange mixture of her usual fawning puppy-love, and indignation. "Mister Candorian, the man is a drunk. I know guardsmen like him. Even if they don't start out like it, they always turn crooked. We should throw him out of your house before he steals anything, or wets the bed."
She grinned somewhat lopsided, as her misdeed was mentioned. "I... I hear you're... not... Iomedae yourself?" She really wasn't good at talking back. "I heard everything. He isn't... he's telling the truth, I think, but he's trying to make excuses for himself."
Krek:
Kroft looked him up and down, her lip quivering as if in rage, but the rest of her face remarkably calm. "Krek, it was? I am very busy trying to not let all you achieved crash back down around my shoulders right now. Keep the money and spend it however you like, but right now, I have little time for additional questions."
Ayedah:
Bren was not too hard to find - he was still working on the same building the construction workers had been at a week ago, at the incident. Only today, he was the sole worker present, listlessly hammering around on a beam that could not be in its correct position. It wasn't even clear if he was fixing it there, or removing it. He just... hammered around.
Zalen took in all of Grau’s information solemnly, only nodding or shaking his head a few times. When the man was finished, Zalen simply asked him “Would you mind if I approached Kroft with your concerns? If you’d prefer to remain out of it I can just quote you as an ‘anonymous source’”
Zalen, while not pleased that his young ward had having heard so much, was nevertheless not one to cry over spilt milk. To her comments and opinions about Grau’s character and state of he replies seriously “So are you telling me that you think those who may have started down a bad path do not deserve any kindness, charity or second chances?” He simply stares at her after this comment and does not say anything more about it.
To her other comments he replies “Explain yourself further Ayen, what do you mean when you say you think ‘he’s telling the truth but is trying to make excuses?’ ”
Ayedah approached Bren respectfully. She felt awkward, as completely lost for words as she had been earlier with Maris, but she knew she had to say something to the man. She couldn't simply leave him like this. Coughing to announce her presence, she said as gently as she could, "I just heard what happened to your men. I am sorry."
Krek, more amused than concerned at her upset after he offered her the money, tried not to make the woman explode.
I understand, but as of now, as I understand it, Krek is still getting his story together of how he knew to meet up with you.
Krek:
The field marshal's features softened after a moment, and suddenly she just looked incredibly tired. Worn out beyond the body. He had heard it happened when certain blessings were used for too long a time.
"As I told your friends, I would like to keep you my aces in the hole for the time being. If I made use of you too frequently, you would wear that uniform before too long, Krek. I think we both agree that wouldn't be a good idea, don't we?" She replied, giving him a few inches of understanding and lassitude. "Right now, I must deal with captains buckling under too many lost watchmen, with good people facing the gallows because of crooked guards, and the order of the Nail. We are all tense and you are lucky to have gotten here, instead of being detained."
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Zalen:
Grau shrugged, and told Zalen to keep his name out of the matter. There was not much he expected to gain from the inquiry, but it might actually ease his worries.
Ayen looked taken aback, looked down with a sad frown deep on her face. "Bad people don't turn around, Mister Candorian. If they promise to be better, it's just so you won't hurt them, until they can twist your arms behind your back, and..." she stopped.
She bit her lip, and fingered the clothes Zalen had baught her. "He's one of the would-be heroes, Mister Candorian. Those who dream about being great heroes or villains, of slaying dragons or despoiling towns. He wants to be good or evil, but is too afraid to do anything. He doesn't want to admit it, though. He runs away and drinks. Stinks like the river. He looks for an excuse"
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Ayedah:
Bren tossed away his hammer, and turned to Ayedah. "Haven't you done enough, horse-rutting Shoanti..." he didn't finish the slur, merely breathed. "You want to take me to the gallows too? They're just holding your leash now. Tell me, how much is one of us worth?"
There was something impotent and fatalistic about his attack. Had he said the same to a guardsmen gunning for an arrest, he probably would really be on the way to the gallows right about then.
Although not entirely in agreement with Ayen's first opinion, Zalen is nevertheless honestly taken aback himself by the wisdom his young ward evidences with her second comment. His respect for her plain on his face, Zalen sits down himself, pondering her words for a moment. FInally he raises his head and says "You may indeed be correct about our mister Grau, Ayen. And frankly, I am quite impressed that one so young as yourself shows such insight. But I disagree with you that people cannot change. Why, just recently I myself..." A mix of emotions flashes briefly across Zalen's face-pain, anger, shame... he just shakes his head though, takes a deep breath and continues "...I Have to believe people can change Ayen. I know it doesn't happen often but I truly believe it can. Sometimes all someone needs is someone or something to believe in again...or someone to believe in them." And he looks at his young ward with a kind, brotherly smile. He then speaks a bit more sternly as he says "Regardless, Grau is now our guest for the moment and I expect to to be treated with All courtesy and civility, is that understood?"
....
"And Thank you Ayen. You are doing an excellent job here and I am very happy to have all of you in my life" With that, Zalen stands and stretches, still tired from not having fully caught up on his sleep "As for me, I am back to bed myself. If our guest wakes or you need anything else, do not hesitate to wake me." He ruffles her hair as he says, "Keep a tight ship lieutenant, the wheel is yours" and heads off to bed.
Ayedah:Bren tossed away his hammer, and turned to Ayedah. "Haven't you done enough, horse-rutting Shoanti..." he didn't finish the slur, merely breathed. "You want to take me to the gallows too? They're just holding your leash now. Tell me, how much is one of us worth?"
There was something impotent and fatalistic...
Ayedah had not expected a warm welcome from Bren, but his outburst still shocked her. She gritted her teeth and her eyes flashed with anger at his insults, but only for a moment before she forced herself to remain calm. The words stung, but she still knew they couldn't hurt worse than what Bren had been through.
"I do not serve anyone. I am just trying to help keep this city from eating itself." She measured her words, though she couldn't keep the tension out of her voice. "And I never sold your men out. I was trying to protect you and yours from the gods-damned Hellknights. They knew one of your men killed that guard. I told them only one man was responsible, that the rest of you were innocent. So did the other guard, the one whose friend your man killed."
She took a breath, trying to keep her calm. "I do not know why they went after two of your men. And I am sorry. I wish I could have stopped this mess before it began." She paused for a moment.
"Did those men have families?"
Zalen:
When Zalen woke up for the second time, Grau was gone, and Ayen had prepared a hearty breakfast of cooked bacon and eggs for him.
Sense Motive DC 17:
More troubling was the looks she gave him. She was a bright and very intelligent young woman, but her emotional life was unstable to say the least. She needed to be in control, and he could sense that by doting him, she unconsciously tried to impose just such control on him.
"I've taken care of Mister Soldano. He's on his way home, and I don't think he'll be... making more trouble."
Ayedah:
"No, they sprung fully-grown from mud!" Bren spat into Ayedah's face, but the fight was no longer really in him. "He was my son. Never could leave his mouth shut, and sung that trice-damned song. Hellknight heard him, and hung him for sedition." He seemed hard-pressed to keep his temper at any normal level, not to fall into the dept of despair or fly into a useless rage.
He crossed his loglike arms before his chest, and shook his head. "Just leave, Shoanti. Go back to whatever wilderness you came from. This is not a good time for Korvosa."
Ayedah's temper nearly flared again as she wiped her face, but when Bren told her it was his son, he might as well have hit her in the face. She stood there, arms limp, shocked and ashamed. Everything but Bren's voice felt dull to her now, and every one of his words hit like a hammer. She had thought to offer to support the families, to try and make up for her failure to protect them men as well as she could. But this revelation...
At his order to leave, all she could muster was a weakly voiced, "I am sorry, Bren...I did not...I..." She couldn't continue. She couldn't even bear to look him in the eye. Instead, she slowly turned and left. Gods...you damned fool! How could I be so stupid! Damn my eyes! Damn those godsforsaken Hellknight bastards! It was all she could not to cry or scream in rage.