Nayr probably has to be filled in on everything that has happened too.
And then there's whatever might be happening with Zalen's kids, Krek's gang, Gern's family and Alandra and Nayr's temples. :)
I guess we really might want to make sure the kids are safe, in case we really are at risk of one of Devargo's associates coming after us. Maybe Gern's family might be able to tell us what kind of danger we might be in?
Ayedah would probably wind up spending a lot of time trying to learn what she can about the place that she thinks Sozite is at, but she would be careful and go through her friends instead of going around town and asking questions. She really doesn't want to mess up and endanger Sozite's life.
If it's going to be two whole weeks between missions too, Ayedah might get distracted enough from her problems to ask Alandra an odd question too...
We still have to break the news about Devargo to the Field Marshall, don't we?
Due to the frequent consultations between the group and Field Marshal Kroft, there was little trouble in making an appointment with her. She agreed to meet the party over lunch - which turned out to mean a trip to the barrack's kitchen, where she grabbed a small basket of bread, and hard cheese. "A new face, I see" She proclaimed as she appraised Nayr. "I am Field Marshall Cressida Kroft. I command the regular units of the city guard, as well as special investigators such as your friends."
"This is Nayr, Field Marshall. He is an old and trusted friend. We were very fortunate to run into him when we did while we were taking care of a little...problem...down in Eel's end."
Zalen purposefully gives enough bait to allow the Field Marshall to inquire further if she wishes, but little enough that she can easily avoid the matter if she would prefer.
Re Ayedah's Post
Yes, there are certainly a lot of loose ends! So much so that I think, to be fair to Terra, that for the 'less important things', like the placement of the drugged girls, be handled quickly, IMHO of course.
For the other threads, well, I guess really that's completely up to how much work Terra is up to? I'd be happy to pursue or read about any of them. BUt Terra's doing so much for us already I don't want to presume. So maybe you could fist let us know where you stand on things Terra?
As for me personally, Of course Zalen's 'kids' would be his main concern. Making sure they're safe, as Ayedah mentions, keeping them trained and busy and happy; and also sorting out that whole mess with Ayen...
Hmmm, maybe Gern's family could suggest some trusted guards Zalen could hire to watch the place whenever he has to be off on a mission?
Oh! And hey! I Just remembered! We still have Zelara's Deck to use whenever we want!
Plus are we still using those whatchamacall'em points Terra?
Oh and also, how much does our weekly cut from Halvera amount to each week? (Zalen IS a rogue you know, he's not likely to forget something like That ;-)
Ayedah smiled as she patted Nayr's back, trying to push him forward before Kroft. "Yes! Nayr was with us when saved the children from Lamm!" She was obviously happy to have another good-hearted comrade with them again.
She didn't add to Zalen's remark about Eel's End. She was just grimly satisfied that at least one more drug peddler had been put down and lives had been saved.
Kroft looked Nayr up and down, her brief inspection seemingly ending well enough. "Quite pleased." Her eyes rested a moment on his holy symbol, and a brief smile spread over her face. "Shelyn... well, this is unexpected. Well, I suppose her touch is all the more needed the bleaker times seem to become."
She eyed Zalen and Ayedah critically. "I suppose there might have been a disturbance at Eel's end. I honestly think that this probably should be investigated in due time, once an inspector is available from the currently more pressing matters." It was pretty much a declaration of burrying the case under paperwork.
Zalen nods at the mutual understanding that seems to have been reached regarding the Eel's End Encounter. Only the tiniest of smiles curls the corner of his mouth.
1. After finishing their deeds down at the docks, Krek makes his way home. Though the hour was untimely for most in the city, it was about right for Krek - and Trep. More lightlife than daylife, Trep would not have been surprised to see Krek return. He was, however, surprised to see Krek withdraw (1) of the vials of the drug and hand it to him. It had been a while since the half-orc had done something for his friend, but he remembered this substance as being well-liked by him. He makes small talk with Trep before going to bed, avoiding pointed questions about his job - though letting himself brag about the large arachnids he sliced.
2. He made his way to the Pantheon. After buying some sweet bread at a bakery, he stopped in to see his rescuer and his rescuee whom he'd left in the place's care. He split the bread with them and was curious to how the boy was doing.
3. It was about time the large man had some new clothes. The rags he'd been using for the past many days had about seen the end of their time. He stopped in a tailor's shop to be fitted for some new garments - a set on the ornate end and one on the more functional side.
During the down time Alandra will perform her usual duties at the temple, with occasion visits to Ayedah and Zalen at Zelarra's house.
Ayedah grinned thankfully to Kroft, but said nothing more. She wondered if the Field Marshal was breaking or bending some of her city's laws to help cover for them, and found herself grateful that Kroft seemed the sort to know when such things had to be put aside to do what needed doing.
She was ready to take her leave with the others before she halted, looked at her friends for a moment, and then turned back to Kroft. "Field Marshal. Have you ever heard of the Cerulean Veils?" She sounded as if she were taking a risk in asking, but Kroft had just earned her complete trust.
Zalen, Ayedah, Nayr:
"Cerulean Veils? Well, I know of the Cerulean Society." Kroft replied, seizing Ayedah up. "There is a headquarter somewhere called the Veiled Palace. Probably in Old Korvosa, but... Ayedah, why do you wish to know such things. This is very dangerous knowledge."
Krek:
Trep looked at him dazed as he produced the veils. "Hey... you hit it big this time, right? You're a real saint, you know that?" He grinned from ear to ear, and sat down leisurely on the bed. "Krek, whatever you want, you can have it."
It seemed his present had set the man into a mix of highly excited glee and relief.
"I know it is dangerous," Ayedah replied solemnly. "That is why I have only asked you and a few others about it."
She looked at Zalen, who was far wiser about the city and its shadier dealings than she could ever be, her eyes holding the questiong of whether or not she should tell Kroft of her plight.
"Someone dear to me is being held there." She stopped and took a breath. She had better explain a bit better. "I...I think. I came to this city to find two friends. They were like brother and sister to me. My brother is dead...but Sozite, my sister....our friend Alandra took me to her temple to see if the priests there could tell us anything. The priestess who recieved the vision to aid me said that she was trapped in 'Cerulean Veils'. I did not know about the Cerulean Society until the last job you had for us...I was just hoping you might know something more." Her head hanged with a mixture of disappointment that she couldn't learn more and grief that every little bit she did learn seemed to paint an increasingly grim picture.
"I promised our brother that I would find her and bring her home. I have been told that these people are dangerous...and I do not want to risk Sozite's life...but it is hard to wait..." She placed her hand over her shoulder as if to warm herself. If she had been fully aware enough to realize the pleading tone in her voice, she would have felt ashamed for worrying her friends so.
"It is just something I heard about during one of the jobs you had for us earlier. It was a vague warning and nothing more." She did not Bluff: 13
Zalen, understanding the seriousness and import of this matter to his dear friend, looks back into her eyes deeply, and, giving barely a moment's hesitation, nods his head once in agreement with her chosen path.
Possible threads for Z (open to look)
Ok so thinking about it more Terra, these are some of the things Zalen will be interested in taking care/looking into on his down time.
-spending more time with the kids, getting to know them all better and letting them do the same for him.
-making sure they have everything they need to be well-taken care of and comfortable
-making sure they also have something to keep them busy (idle hands and all that...;-). As well as looking into the possibility of hiring some guardians for them when he must be away, he will also looking what possible education would be available to them. He will not just choose randomly however, he will speak to the children to see what they are interested in and seek out possible apprenticeships for them or, especially for the younger ones, a traditional school setting.
-A high priority is settling whatever issues Ayen has.
-Something else of quite high priority to him personally will be to investigate further his magical heritage and abilities. To that end he will use his knowledge of the city and his contacts to try and seek out some sort of tutor or mentor he can ask questions of or possibly train with. He will be very, Very discreet about it, being somewhat...not embarrassed but, shy?...about his abilities until he knows and understands them better. He'll want to know what's happening to him, how it could have happened and what will happen. He'll also try and look deeper into his own past and seek advice on his dreams.
-Connected to this: I had been thinking to RP this out but I decided to just make it quicker by doing it this way. (Assuming Zalen does eventually find someone to ask questions of...) once he learns that Armor interferes in the casting of magic, Zalen will abandon his leather armor and seek to buy a wand of Mage Armor if he can (he may have to end up buying a used one with only some of its charges left)
Hope this is not all too much for you Terra. Please feel free to use/RP as much or as little of it as you wish. I only list it all here to indicate some of Z's intentions and actions. I'm happy to follow your lead on whatever aspects of it all most interest you (if any).
The field marshal tried hard to muster a sympathetic voice, and despite her own fatigue, she succeeded. "I feel for you, but the Cerulean Society has powerful friends. Friends who wouldn't just kill you if you crossed them. I would love to root them out, but for now, I can not. You'd have to be on your own, and could not expect... the guard being lenient. There is a lot of money involved in the various vices, and many people stand to gain from them."
She looked at Zalen, as if she expected him to break this uncomfortable fact of life to her in some way.
Gern returned to his Uncle and Aunts place, wearily stripping his gear off and cleaning it as best he could. His clothing was filthy, crusted now in dried blood and spider guts, certainly beyond what he could wear in public. Tomorrow he would borrow one of his uncles set and then set out to buy some new clothes for himself.
For now, he just needed sleep, to help wring out the last of the venom running through his body.
Gern's aunt remained unmoved as her nephew returned bruised and beaten deep at night, merely remarked that she would "like a little talk come morning".
For all her displayed demureness and humility, that request was not much different from one delivered with raised voice and anger in the eyes.
Ayedah turned her head downward and closed her eyes, trying desperately to hide her frustration. "I-I understand." she said softly, though it was apparent she really didn't. Not fully, at least. She believed Kroft when she said there was danger. She just couldn't understand how such people could have so much protection. Vice-taxes...and now this...it all seemed so foreign to her.
There was a slight tremble in her frame as she tried to hold it all in. "Then I will have to wait..." she admitted, the words tasting foul on her lips.
She glanced back up at Kroft and her friends with an apologetic look in her eyes before she wiped them briefly in a poor attempt to hide the beginning of tears before managing to hold them back. Think of the others. You are not the only one who is suffering in this city. And Sozite will be safe for the moment...she has to be...
When he arose next morning, Gerns head thumped as if he had spent the evening drinking strong dwarven ale rather than fighting spiders and murderers. He washed in the basin prepared for him the night before, allowing the now cold water to revive him somewhat, then dressed himself in some of his uncles clean clothes. Sighing deeply, he made his way downstairs to face the acerbic tongue of his Aunt, fearing that encounter more than anything the murderous thugs of Eel'send had thrown his way the night before. Hopefully his uncle would be there as well. The fighter was sure that the man would understand his loyalty to his new friends more than his Aunt would.
Moving into the room where his Aunt waited, he spoke quietly in dwarven "You wanted to see me Aunt?". He left the question as innocent sounding as possible.
Zalen & Company:
Kroft looked at Ayedah, and lowered her eyes. She visibly searched inside herself for a little bit of strength to give, and amazingly found something despite her own sorry state. She moved over to the huge barbarian, and put a hand on her shoulder. Not so much a violation of her space as a measure of reassurance. "Ayedah, you are not from Korvosa, so you've never heard the fable of the ant and the sparrow... well, in short: Even if each steps looks insignificant, tiny steps add up to huge achievements. Please trust me, I want the Society shut down as much as anyone. Unlike her majesty, I do not believe that having the scum of the city organized makes them easier to handle."
She let go of Ayedah before the moment could becoee uncomfortable. "Give me evidence that there is something going on not covered by their charter and the taxes they pay, and I will personally kick in that door. I mean, they even tried to have me marry into House Arkonna just to get a better handle on me by having someone to threaten."
Gern:
His aunt, always dressed modestly and practically, nodded grimly as Gern approached her. She motioned to one of the simple chairs standing by the breakfast table. "Gern, could you please tell me about your relationship to Halvarra, the madame of the house of clouds? The two ladies you hid here were on her employ, and your associates have had dealings with her as well." She was obviously trying to look past his state - always the private person when business was not immediately affected. "Your uncle is also very interested in this, but has as of yet decided not to make it an issue. He worries you might be intending to involve yourself in the Shivers trade, and that is something we just do not touch."
Gern looked relieved at the course the coversation had taken.
"Nae fear Aunt, there is ter be no shiver comin from that part o' the city again. I dinnae wish ter go inter details for ye, but I'm tellin' ye that Devargo aint in any position ter be causin' harm to nae more folk. Twas he who was runnin' the stuff as far as we could tell."
He looked her in the eye and tried for a disarming smile. "I aint one fer takin' nor handlin' drugs, and I can tell ye the big shoanti girl is far more strict on it than even meself. Ifn' either o' us git a whiff that there's more drugs runnin' through that place, then I'm thinkin' we'll be payin Halvarra a visit, ifn' ye take me meanin'. She's in charge down there now."
He didn't mention the money he was recieveing as of yet. He as waiting to get a better sense of how his family would respond to the concept before letting that piece of information fall on their ears. After all, this was now vice rather than just some small scale smuggling. The idea only just occured to him that perhaps he had now taken a hand in a business that his Aunt would very strongly disapprove of.
Zalen & Company:
Kroft looked at Ayedah, and lowered her eyes. She visibly searched inside herself for a little bit of strength to give, and amazingly found something despite her own sorry state. She moved over to the huge barbarian, and put a hand on her shoulder. Not so much a violation of her space as a measure of reassurance. "Ayedah, you are not from Korvosa, so you've never heard the fable of the ant and the sparrow... well, in short: Even if each steps looks insignificant, tiny steps add up to huge achievements. Please trust me, I want the Society shut down as much as anyone. Unlike her majesty, I do not believe that having the scum of the city organized makes them easier to handle."
She let go of Ayedah before the moment could becoee uncomfortable. "Give me evidence that there is something going on not covered by their charter and the taxes they pay, and I will personally kick in that door. I mean, they even tried to have me marry into House Arkonna just to get a better handle on me by having someone to threaten."
Ayedah looked up into Kroft's eyes and nodded, a bit like a child having been reassured that everything was going to be alright. She even smiled, though it was coupled with a worried look in her eyes, when the Field Marshal mentioned the attempted marriage. Gods and spirits, they have even more influence than I thought!
The strength was back in her voice though as she placed her own hand on Kroft's shoulder. Even in the state she is in, she can find it in her to help an outsider like me... "Thank you. I will do as you say and try to be patient and careful then. You are a wise and good soul. Korvosa is better for it." she said with complete sincerity.
She turned to Zalen and Nayr, quietly asking, "Where would I find out what is on their charter?" She was a bit embarassed. She wondered if this was something most people were expected to know.
Gern:
"Gern, Boy... you know that's not going to last. Even though Halvarra's a crafty one, milking the King of Spiders to the days she knifed his throat, she'll get greedy. She'll deal Shivers and worse." His aunt crossed her arms before her massive chest, scowling disapprovingly. "An she knows you and your friends. She'll be better prepared than that greedy fool Delvargo."
She actually put a good shot of alcohol before Gern. "That'll bring back your wits, boy. Down it." She waited for him to do so, gave him time to experience the pleasurable burn as it worked itself down his throat. "Gern, we don't peddle flesh, or Shiver, or any of that. That's for orcspawn filth. Keep clear of that kind."
After a long pause, she sighed, unable to follow through with the harsh course she probably had settled on beforehand in the sight of her kinsmen. "We'll try to keep you and your friends safe from Delvargo's bite. But that'll cost us, and we expect you to pay that back."
Zalen & Ayedah:
The naive question very nearly would have brought a smile on Kroft's face. "You can better discuss this better with an advocate, Ayedah. It is complicated like the infernal contract it is." With that, the discussion disolved into a short banter before Field Marshal Kroft's many duties once more required her complete attention.
Ayedah:
Ayedah had settled back into her appartment for several days, her inquiries into the Cerulean society less than entirely successful. Everyone know off them, but very few were willing to really speak much beyond hersay, conjecture and guarded hints. Those lowlife who probably were members were shut as a door as soon as the topic turned serious. All that she could gather easily was that Old Korvosa was the societies main stomping ground, and in all likelyhood also the site of its headquarters.
One dark night, a knock disturbed her rest. "Ayedah? It's me. Can I come in?" She knew the voice. It was Maris. She sounded quite timid.
Zalen:
When Zalen came home, he found his little entourage of kids all lined up in his living room. Ayen especially grinned from ear to ear, wearing the dress he had previously gifted her with. "Mister Candorian, we've made our first Golden Sail!" She opened her palm, and true enough, a chelaxian-mint gold coin blinked inside.
Pirisia pressed herself tightly to Perol's legs. She whispered something, and Perol seemed as if suddenyl whipped. He seemingly had something to say, but a killing gaze from Ayen put him into place. "I've calculated it all, and we'll be profitable in three weeks, then we start making you money rather than leeching on you."
Ayedah had been trying to wrestle with what she had learned, to try and turn it into a problem she could face directly, but she had also learned that it would likely never be that simple. She had taken to writing a journal, jotting down notes in poor, nearly illegible Common in the hopes that it would make more sense. That did not seem to help much either. But it still felt good to being doing something.
When she heard the knock at her door, she looked up in surprise. She hurried to the door, recognising the voice. The apartment was cleaner than it had been when she first arrived, but Danel's paintings were still all over the place. She had organized them carefully into stacks, leaning against the walls and the apartment's sparse furniture. Making certain that they were safely put away became an almost religous ritual to her. They had become sacred to her.
"Maris? Yes, come inside!", she smiled as she opened the door. She hoped things were well with her...
Gern looked steadily at his Aunt for a long moment before replying (in dwarven)
"You are family, and family comes before all other considerations. My friends and I are part owners in what's being run down there at the docks Aunt. Even now I am expecting a stipend to come from that business. My thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of my friends were to try and control the vice that occured down there. Even now, there is a chance that we can influence what occurs. It is a foot in the door that we can use as a wedge to keep things civil. Gambling and the leasures of flesh are not something I partake in Aunt, rest assured on that. But in this city it happens, like as not there are some who feel they can perform no other duty. Torag help us but there's even a religion organised around both of those things. If you ask it Aunt, I will step out of my deal with Halvarra, but you should consider teh possibilities of what we can do for the place now the option is there. We can make it a place that is safe for those in that trade. A place where no drugs are pedalled but still people can escape from reality for a while. The choice is yours Aunt, and I shall abide by your rule".
He bows low, as deep as is possible without falling over, to show his level of respect for the woman who has taken over as his mother in this city. Family was everything and he WOULD abide by her decision.
Krek:
Trep looked at him dazed as he produced the veils. "Hey... you hit it big this time, right? You're a real saint, you know that?" He grinned from ear to ear, and sat down leisurely on the bed. "Krek, whatever you want, you can have it."
It seemed his present had set the man into a mix of highly excited glee and relief.
Krek was rather amused at his friend's obsession with the drug, though he knew Trep's happy mood would only last as long as the vials. "Don't worry - I'll get you for a favor later" he said, letting the man know while the pleasure he got was fickle, Krek would not forget.
He had a quick meal before heading to sleep.
Gern:
The woman nodded. "Exactly, Gern. The clan comes first. This is why we decided to trust you with this. You will know how to handle it better than we do, and you will not disappoint your kin. We have faith in you." She smiled sweetly as if she was merely reaffirming him - but she did unload a heavy burden on the young dwarf at the same time.
She chuckled "And besides, what you say rings true - better having a finger in the badger hole than suffering its burrowing unknowing."
Krek:
The pantheon suffered its motley group of worshippers with the same "dignity" it usually had. Everyone who had no pressing business was pushed aside by those who had, and soon the half-orcs ample application of elbow got him just where he wanted. The aging dwarf was busy sharpening a dagger, holding it firmly but putting each stroke against the whetstone as if he was handling a lover. "Hergh... Krek."
Ayedah:
Maris opened the door, visibly drained and tired. She looked around for a brief moment, then settled unbidden on one of the chairs. "I am sorry to disturb you like this, Ayedah. But... I am faced with a decision, but do not know which way I should turn. And my sister's no help. She... well." She looked towards her barbarian friend, fidgeted uneasily. "I have returned to duty, but... my old position is no longer available. I would have to start over in another watchhouse, with a new partner and a new route. I am not sure I want this. There is another option, though... one that looks very good, but I have a strange feeling about it."
Krek relays the success of the group's endeavor's to the man. "Gorum will be glad I'm not just sitting around anymore." He nods toward the dagger. "You must be up to something yourself. What's it for?"
After they discuss their happenings a bit, Krek pulls some meat pies (he purchased on the way over) out of a sack to share. "Where's the little orphan? He's been taking to the place well, I'm guessing."
Ayedah put on a kettle to try and quickly brew the tea Danel had taught her to make, then pulled another chair up and sat with her friend, resting her chin on her hands and listening attentively, trying to put Maris at ease. "I am sorry to hear that you have been moved away from your old comrades." she said, with true sympathy.
"This...other option? Is it something besides being a guard? What feels strange about it?" If her friend was troubled, Ayedah hoped the guardswoman would be willing to tell her why.
Ayedah:
Maris took a small sip from Ayedah's brew as soon as she served it, and cast down her eyes thoughfully. "Well, not entirely. Her majesty is putting together a new unit. Very elite, only the best may even attempt to join, I'm told."
There was some growing unease about her as she started talking about it, as if she was not supposed to do so. "The pay is almost three times what I earn now, and there's something to be said for that. But... I'm ill at ease about these. I've only talked to one recruiter, never to an actual member. They are new, but... everyone who joined dropped of the face of Golarion. Supposedly to be trained and outfitted, but how long can it take? And I sure don't want to end up in a Hellknight order or something like that. I like being a guardswoman because it helps people, not because I like stomping my boot in anyones face."
Krek:
The old dwarf grinned, and drew the blade across his thum, leaving a thin trail of blood. "Good blades need to draw blood every once in a while, Krek. It's good you found your way of doing so." He slipped the blade back behind his belt, and grinned up towards the much-larger half-orc. "I've found mine long ago. Tonight, I'll give the old hammer a nice bath, and that'll be that. Big fellow. Some fancy Vudran fistworks on him. I figured if he gets a hold of me, that little thing may just be what I need."
"The lad... well, he alwasys finds something or other to do. Tough, good scars on him. Don't know yet if he's got the makings of a follower, but he'll pull through either way."
Zalen stopped in his doorway, mock shock on his face but his happiness certainly real as he says "Well I'll be! Look at all my adorable ducklings all in a row!" laughing good naturedly he says, after hearing of the children's financial accomplishment "My oh My! Will wonders never cease! You lot of ragamuffins have done incredibly well! I'm proud of you!" His wide and happy grin making it clear the word is meant as an endearment. He mock frowns for a moment though as he says with pretend seriousness "I've you told you before though Ayen, no more of than 'Mister Candorian nonsense! It's Zalen to the lot of you. We're all Family after all!" putting his emphasis on the word family.
Bending down, pretending he hadn't seen Ayen dark look at Perol, zalen at first tries to gauge what his really going on in the minds of the kids (SM) finally saying with a smile "You continue to impress me Ayen, I've certainly picked the right girl to lead this bunch, but I also like to hear from All of my little brothers and sisters. Moving slowly he moves to pick up Pirisia, sitting her on his knee and tickling her gently in that way he's found she likes "Now what's this little one? We don't need any secrets here. Or maybe I should whisper one to you?" Leaning in, Zalen suddenly leans back in shock saying "Oh! What's that! You have something in your ear! I'd better take a closer look!" Bending forward to peer intently into her ear he says "Ah! There it is! I see it! Just a moment now..." And, with a look of concentration on his face he makes a show of pulling a little purple paper dragon he had previously made out of the little girl's ear and places it gently in her hand.
"Why, look at that! You had a little dragon in your ear! Imagine that! Did I ever tell you about the little dragon that I met? He's name's Majenko, you'll get to meet him one day, he's very nice. Hmmm, maybe that little dragon you're got there was the one whispering secrets in your ear. You'd better whisper in my ear what he told you that you told to Perol." And Zalen leans his ear to her mouth so she can.
Gern's heart swelled with pride and love at his Aunts admission of trust in his abilities. Since he had arrived in thsi city they had taken him in and offered him work and shelter. He would not jeoparise them for anything, though he suspected they adn their business were capable of taking care of mast matters themselves.
<in Dwarve> "I'll not be a disapointent to you Aunt. If I find signs of this business going the way you fear, I shall take steps to prevent it. I spilled blood to clean up Eel's end, I'll not see it turned into the cesspit it was by the guilded lily that's taken over as its master."
He stood then, and offered his Aunt his hand in the dwarven gesture of sealing a deal.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make some purchases to replace the clothes from last nights work. And today, I'll buy that Mrgholm crafted axe. His blades are the best in this city, and I've a feeling I'll be needing its like soon". The fighter again bows low and leaves to make his purchases.
Ayedah's eyes clouded with concern and worry as Maris explained matters. She frowned deeply and with sympathy at the mention of the Hellknights as well. She did not know how the Hellknights recruited people. She honestly never gave it much thought before now, but the idea of someone she knew falling in with their ranks made her uneasy. But surely this group the queen was putting together wasn't anything like that... She does allow the Hellknights within her city though...she might mean well but she had made some bad decisions...
"Well..." she rocked her chair slightly, trying to think of the right words. "I do not know about people just disappearing. Do they not return to see their family or friends? Is that how your people train for your armies?" she asked. There was no judgment in the question; she was genuinely ignorant of the answer.
She looked Maris in the eye and smiled softly. "I know that I would be sad to see one of my friends simply go away. Your sister might frustrate you now but I think she would be sad too. But...I guess..." she struggled for a way to express what she was thinking. "Where do you think you are needed most? And where do you need to be most right now?"
She looked downward and grinned sheepishly, a bit embarassed by her attempt, and rubbed the back of her head. "I am sorry. I am not really good with words like my friends. Or at thinking things through. Back home they told me I thought too much with my feelings and not enough with my head. I think it has worked for me so far though. I hope."
She looked up, hoping Maris had caught her meaning. If she felt uneasy about joining this other unit, Ayedah felt that she shouldn't join.
Zalen:
Pirisia had a cute giggly fit, which got her a disapproving glance from her big sister, but the boys joined the amusement, so even ever-stern Ayen was forced to ratchet it down... with some distaste. Ayen tried hard to maintain her position of authority.
The little girl turned towards Zalen, and whispered in a subdued voice that even Zalen's strained ears had trouble picking up the words. "Ayen's really scary... she moved to people, and tried to make them buy the dumplings. Of course they didn't want to... but Ayen took a man, just looked at him real strange, and then he gave her the gold and didn't even take the dumpling."
Gern:
Ayedah:
Maris looked thoughfully, and seemed quite engaged by Ayedah's thinking. "Well... there is basic drill. Sometimes you're put into camp for a few weeks, but that is... well. This is longer. Maybe they are putting in a whole lot of special training, but I've never heard of so much time put into a simple soldier. And I'd not want to be gone for so long."
She sighed, cast down her eyes. "I don't know. I... Feiko is gone, my sister is fed up with me, and my old comrades are working hard themselves. If I ever was free to do something like this, it is now. But I'd miss everyone. You, too. But at the same time, my papa always said that those who don't grasp for the stars end up with just dirt in their hands."
"If you were in my position, would you go?" She asked, though her tone made clear she was already picking up on Ayedah's stance well enough.
Doing very well to hide his inner shock and consternation Zalen pulls away from the little girl with a big smile and laugh saying "Monsters under the bed is it?" Making sure when he says that he spares a wink for her that there is no way Ayen could see "Well, that little dragon I just found in your ear Pirisia eats monsters for breakfast!" "And besides little one" and now Zalen gives her another look, this one more open but directed soley at her, even if his words may be meant for others as well "I promise you that I shall never let any harm befall you. And woe betide to anyone who ever does cause harm to my littlest little sister." And he gives her a big warm hug.
Then he turns to the rest of them too "And the same goes for all of you lot. You are all as dear to me now as you would be if you really were of my own flesh and blood. I have always wanted a big family and now I have one. And I will always do everything in my power to keep you safe. We must all look out for, and protect, each other now, ok? That's what Families do."
Standing he claps his hands loudly as he says "Now! It just so happens that your big brother Zalen has had a very good day as well! So what say we go out and have ourselves a feast and spend some of our hard earned gold! Sound good? Now go put on your best and wash up proper and meet me back here when you're done! Ayen, I see you're already dressed up. That dress does look very well on you. But why don't you go help the smaller ones. Now go all of you! Scat!"
As the children all run off and leave him to himself for a moment, the very concerned young man lets his feelings show on his face for a briefly as he thinks to himself ' What in the bloody nine hells is going on! Now Ayen can affect people with her mind?! What am I going to do about that girl? Maybe Ayedah or one of the others might have some idea because I sure as hell don't...or maybe I should consult Zelara and the cards...?'
When the children are ready Zalen will first take them around to try and locate his friends, inviting as many of them as he can find and as wish to join along for the feast.
Ayedah smiled sadly at Maris' mention of her father's words. She remembered her own father, always stressing that she should be willing and daring enough to follow her own heart...
"If it was me..." She looked downwards for a bit, trying to imagine herself in Maris' shoes. "If I had my family here, I do not think I could leave their side. Maybe...maybe that would be selfish, but if I had them here I could never let them go." She exhaled, and before things could get too morose she leaned forward to place her and on Maris' shoulder.
"But whatever you choose...as long as you stay true to yourself I believe you will make the right choice." She smiled, hoping to raise her friend's spirits. "And if you ever have any trouble, which ever way you go, you know where to find me. You do not have to go through any of this alone!"
Zalen + (Potentially everone):
After a moment of consideration, Zalen decided on visiting the Three Rings, one of the best-known and loved taverns in all of Korvosa. The children were wholely too excited by the displayed trophies of the owners, the real weapons laid out on the walls and several of the patrons, who just looked all too much like Zalen's friends.
Ayedah:
Marris sighed, and nodded. "And for me that means weathering the storm rather than... just... well. It would almost be easier to get away for a while. But I'm just not comfortable with it."
She smiled sweetly as Ayedah renewed her pledge of support, and nodded "I know. You're one of the good ones, and none can gainsay that. No matter where you grew up, you're one of Korvosa's best." After some less dark and troubled chatting, she excused herself, not without extending a return invitation.
Ayedah / Gern:
Gern visited Ayedah's small studio a day after Maris' visit. He found the small flat in good shape, even though it was crammed with several others in a low-rank rental complex. Probably the best of the underclass, all things considered.
Ayedah had just taken breakfast as he knocked on her door.
Feast at the Three Rings:
-Summoning inn the tavern owner Zalen, wearing his fine new red silk coat, greets him politely and requests a large table indicating his gaggle of little ones and explaining that he may be expecting some more friends along any moment as well. He also asks the proprietor to make sure none of the young ones are served anything other than very watered down wine or ale should they request it. None whatsoever for Pirisia of course.
When their table is ready Zalen becomes quite the orchestrator, making sure all are seated according to some internal design he has. He makes sure Pirisa and Perol are sitting on either side of him. If Gern and/or Krek are there he makes sure each of the older boys has at least one of the warriors beside him, hoping his young wards will be able to pick up a thing or two from them. If both Ayedah and Alandra are there Zalen seats Ayen in between them but if only one of them are there they will still be seated beside the young girl. It is his hope that his female friends may be able to draw Ayen out some and get deeper into what in the hells is actually going on with her...
Once all are seated Zalen gestures magnanimously and informs everyone (his friends and family that is, not the whole establishment ;-) that they may order anything they wish and that he will be picking up the tab. (He does cringe inwardly a bit though as soon as the words are out of his mouth, mentally doing some quick calculations hoping that he can indeed afford it all.) He then busies himself with menu deciding what he may like to order and making sure to help Pirisia, Perol and any of the rest of the kids who may need help with their orders ' I wonder' Zalen muses idly, 'Can any of them actually read even? If not, we shall have to remedy that forthwith!' and a part of his mind begins adding up the cost of a tutor...having a big family is expensive!
Having visited Zalen and the children earlier in the week, Alandra heard about the Feast and was delighted to attend. She takes her seat next to Ayen and starts to look at the menu.
[Ayedah's house] As the big Shoanti opens the door, Gern looks up at her and grins. "Top o' the mornin' to ye lass." He holds up a bottle of ale he brought along for the discusion before continuing.
"Ye care fer a drop of me Uncles homebrew? "Tis a great way ter open the eyes ona new day." No matter her answer, he presses on with the business he came to discuss.
"I need ter speak to ye about Helvarra and Eel's end. Me Aunt and Uncle have raised an issue I'm thinkin' you an' I need ter make sure never gets to startin' again. Is there a place nearby thet we can go an' talk privately Lass?"
[At the Zalen's Feast] Gern moved into the room and stared in wonder at the children busily and noisily seated around the table. He had no idea before he recieved the message from Z that this is what had happened to the kids from the orphanage. He hadn't even thought about them seriously since the fight with Lamm, and now his heart ached a little at how careless he had been, while Zalen had stood firm by these young ones.
For the first time in a very long while, Gern was happy to sit and just listen and watch while the kids went about the business of ordering and devouring their food. A stupid kind of grin was pasted across his face at the seeming innocent of some of the younger ones, and the way the older ones desperately tried mimicking their elders. Zalen had surprised the dwarf again, and now the fighter was going to make sure he could help teh man with these hildren in whichever fashion he could.
Ayedah gladly accepted Maris' invitation in return, promising to take her up on it. She hoped her friend would heed her words and seek her aid if she ever needed it.
[At the feast]
Ayedah was wide-eyed as she entered the tavern, taking in the sight of it all. With all those weapons on the walls, and so many people who looked like they were capable enough to use them, it reminded her a bit of the lodges back home.
She took a seat near Ayen along with Alandra, smiling at the girl and the other children and leaning her earthbreaker against the table. "Zalen, are you sure?" She was happy to take him up on his offer, but she hoped their appetite did not leave him destitute. The food there smelled so good...
If any of the children had difficulty reading the menu, Ayedah was much the same, her lips moving silently as she tried to make out some of the more unfamiliar words. After a while she conceded defeat and turned to Ayen, whispering and pointing at the menu, "What sounds good?"
[Ayedah's home]
Ayedah's face lit up with a smile when she saw Gern at the door, and welcomed him inside. "I...could try it..." she ventured in response to his offer of ale. She didn't quite trust the drink, it made her mind fuzzy before, but they were not seeking trouble today.
She looked at her friend curiously until he mentioned why he was visiting. Her face grew serious then. "Do not worry. We are alone here." She had an idea of what the issue was. She lowered her voice anyway, "The drugs?"
[Ayedah's house]
Gern made himself comfortable in the girls apartment, pouring himself and Ayedah a solid drop of the ale. As he drank off the first half of the brew and wiped the foam from his beard he looked closely at the woman before him.
She had grown in the last few weeks. Not so much physically, but certainly in knowledge and ability. In fact, the dwarf reason, they probably all had.
"Aye lass, tis about the drugs. Me Aunt feels the girl in charge will eventually try her hand at the trade, or leastwiise take in some others as will push teh stuff. The feelin' of me family is that we aren't ter be getting involved in that side o' things, and I tend ter be agreein' with me family."
He took another sip of the ale, rolling the full flavoured brew around his mouth before swallowing this time. His unlce had done well, the alcohol content not rising so high as to sour the flavours of the barley and other grains used. Perhaps a little less of the sugar next time though.
"I'm thinkin' o' headin' down to Eel's End ter make sure as our wishes are known. I didn't bleed and get bit just sose some other scunner could come in and replace the drug trade. I have nae worries about the girls as works there. Nor am I so concerned about those who wish ter be throwin' their money to teh god of luck and gambling. However drugs is a nasty business and I'll not be affiliated with it. If I'm ter be heard, Eel's end is ter become a reputable place fer flk as needs that kind of recreation. And I mean ter make it safe fer those as worl there too"
He looked up at Ayedah, wondering how she would respond to his next question. "I was wonderin' ifn' ye'd back me play on this when I go ter talk to Zalen and the others."
The boys had trouble (and beyond trouble) dealing with the menu, and a lively discussion emerged among them and Pirisia as they decyphered it piecemeal. Ayen on the other hand looked at the huge Shoanti with the all grown up airs she had pushed close to perfection. "I am not a huge reader myself, but I think they should have steak, with roast potatoes and garlic-butter. Some greens for flavor, and you should be set." She seemed quite sincere, but her eyes drifted back to Zalen almost immediately. "I will have only a small salad."
Ayedah's smile widened as Ayen made her suggestions. That did sound good! "Ah! Then I will have that too! Thank you!" She looked over at Pirisa, giving her a knowing grin and nod. The little ones needed it more than anyone if they were to grow healthy and strong.
She turned back to Ayen though, asking innocently. "Are you sure you do not want any meat?"
Ayedah glanced over at Alandra, shyly working up the courage to ask something that had been on her mind lately. She had been curious to begin with, but the strange looks she drew sometimes made her ache to finally ask.
She leaned over a bit and whispered, "Um...Sister..." She glanced down at Ayen between them and smiled sheepishly, deciding to ask the question to both of them. Surely they would understand. "...I have been meaning to ask...what is it like to have long hair?"