Taking our cue, Fortune and SL continue on their journey. Fortune will be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms.
Yeah, we understand. I coughed so much I tore some rib muscles. Get well soon.
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Set in the center of the city as a terrifying testament to the power of whatever mighty overlord ruled this land thousands of years ago, Castle Korvosa’s long shadow looms over the city. A magnificent achievement of architecture, the castle walls and spires rise high into the sky above. The entire structure looms even higher for its ancient foundation—a Thassilonian ruin in the shape of an immense flat-topped pyramid. Although one corner of this impressive foundation has fallen into ruin, the additions built onto the sides by eager and talented Korvosan masons have created one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Varisia.
Castle Korvosa can be approached from all four directions—ramps or stairways allow access up the sides of the pyramid to the courtyard surrounding the central structure. Normally, petitioners to the monarchy would approach from the Great Ramp, wait in the Public Courtyard to speak to the Korvosan Guards on duty, and hope for a chance to be heard. In these frantic times, the Castle itself has been locked tight and bristles with pikes and crossbows.
Simply approaching the ramp or castle brings forth a small squad of 5 Korvosan Guard, demanding to know your business.
SL let's the young one do the talking while trying to look as non-threatening as his 6'5" frame with several weapons evident will allow.
Handing his staff to SL, a much less threatening Fortune steps forward as the guards approach. Keeping his hands empty and visible at all times he smiles and says "Good sir, we have news of a broach the Queen has been searching for. Who would I see to deliver this news?"
While talking to the guards, Fortune will use some luck,
1d20+8=23, 1d20+8=24
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Several of the guards whisper to themselves for a moment and then one of them heads up the stairs towards the castle itself at a trot. One of the others turns back towards you. "Let us ensure that you will be seen, however I know that Mi'lady Illeosa has been eager to be reunited with her brooch, so it is likely that you will be allowed audience. It is required that you check your weapons here. No outsiders are to be allowed onto the palace grounds with weapons of any kind. They will be returned upon your departure."
"Of course" and Fortune begins the short work of divesting himself of his weapons (all 3 of them). "Shadowleaf, do you want to come along or just wait out here?"
Shadowleaf ties up the dogs and give them some tough leather to chew on, and then begins the long drawn out dearming process. Stops, takes a mental count of the pile of weapons in front of him, and finally, takes out his backup knife. Looks at the dogs and says "stay." When the guards give him that long look (for being a walking arsenal), he thinks, yeah, realize you are the prey and I am the hunter.
Fortune's eye grow wide and he starts to smirk as SL pulls out weapon after weapon. He thinks, where does he keep all those toys. As SL finishes the process and looks to be ready to go, Fortune will turn to the guards with a flourish and a grin say "I do believe we are ready, finally."
SL grunts "Kids."
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The guards watch carefully until you are fully disarmed, and then one of them approaches with a heavy tarp, bundling all the gear up in it and moving it to the guard shack.
After that sort of display, the guard gives you a quick pat down(I am assuming that you actually did remove all your weapons. If not, you can make a slight of hand check.) Once your are cleared, two of the guards break off from the rest and escort you up the stairs to the top of the pyramid where a wide set of steps curl up to the castles third floor.
At the base of these steps you are greeted by a lovely young woman wearing magnificent full plate cut rather fancifully to accentuate her form. She smiles warmly at the two of you as you approach. "“Greetings. I am Sabina, Illeosa's handmaiden. They tell me you’ve something that belongs to the queen. Is this correct?"
Fortune will wonder how many "handmaidens" run around in Full Plate armor with weapons. Anyway, Fortune does appreciate how it fits her form, but otherwise keeps it professional. The armor/weapon makes her just a little unapproachable. "My Lady, I have heard that the Queen has been looking for this" and he will carefully pull out and unwrap the brooch, setting it carefully on a table if one is handy. With a slight bow, he steps back to let her examine it.
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Sabina looks to the brooch and nods her head, motioning to the guards with one hand to dismiss them. “You may return to yourposts. These heroes pose no threat to the queen.”
She then glances back towards you, beckoning. "Please, follow me and bring the brooch. I believe that Illeosa wishes to thank you personally. The queen, as you can imagine, has had a very rough time of late. This brooch has a great significance to her and its loss brought her much sadness. Perhaps its return will be a moment of light for her in this time of trouble."
She glances towards you two again, looking you over appraisingly as she stops before a large door that must lead to the throneroom. "And how shall I introduce you to the queen?"
Fortune will respond politely, "I am Fortune, humble cleric of Desna", then turn to Shadowleaf and look at him, waiting.
SL says in High Elven "I am Shadowleaf, late of the Mierani Forest." If she doesn't appear to understand elven, he will continue in common "Shadowleaf, just Shadowleaf." I suppose I should leave off "Man Hunter" he thinks.
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Sabina will bow her head slightly to Fortune as he introduces himself, though she gives a small shake of her head to indicate she doesn't understand the flowing elven tongue. When he repeats it in the common tongue she once again nods and then turns to open the door. "Very well." As she pushes the heavy door aside she calls out in a louder voice "Mi'lady, I present to you the Desnan Fortune and the Elven Shadowleaf." With the door open she steps aside just within to allow you to approach.
Queen Ileosa sits upon the Crimson Throne. She is a vision of celestial beauty despite the black mourning dress and veil she wears in honor of her husband’s death. A small silver coffer sits in her lap. The throne room itself is pristine but strangely empty—an open area with a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows of past kings and queens looking down from the eastern wall, and crimson tapestries hanging along the others. An immense fireplace offers additional light and heat to the hall, and a silk carpet provides a gently arching path to the throne’s base. Sabina moves to take the brooch from the you, hands it over to her queen with a flourish, then takes up a position at the throne’s left side as Ileosa addresses the two of you.
“This brooch was stolen from me some time ago—I had not expected to see it again, truth be told. And yet, here on my darkest day, you come before me with kindness. The return of this brooch is much more than an honorable deed. It is inspiration. It is hope."
“I love Korvosa, as my husband did before me. His death has shocked the city as it has me, but I will not see his legacy destroyed in death, and I shall not see my city torn apart. All Korvosa stands at the precipice of a disaster wrought by her citizens—these riots cannot continue. You
have already done my heart a great service in returning this bauble to me on this dark day, and you shall be rewarded. Yet, perhaps you can serve your city more."
“If you so choose, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards when you leave here—they can see to your safe journey to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know you are on the way—the Korvosan Guard is stretched thin, and it can certainly use the aid of heroes such as yourself. Now, I need to retire to my personal quarters—my grief has drained me. Again, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, and I hope your days of serving the crown are only just beginning.”
With her own words spoken, the queen hands the small coffer to Sabina before standing with a whirl of her dress and turns to make her way for one of the other exits of the room, clearly not used to being interrupted or having others speak back to her.
Image of Illeosa in her mourning garb.
Fortune's nature does not lend itself to respecting authority because of their position, so he can't help but speak up. Keeping his voice respectful, "It is our honor to bring hope to you and your city, and we will be glad to provide the same to the Guard."
Shadowleaf, whispers to Fortune "We will?" But after a look of disappointment from his son, in a much bolder voice he says "Yes, we will."
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Illeosa pauses in her step when you speak, seeming somewhat taken aback that you speak after having been dismissed, but after the seconds hesitation she nods her head. "Very good. I am sure that Cressida will appreciate your aide." With that said she turns and steps through the doorway into the back room.
Sabina will offer you the coffer and escort you down the the base of the stairs outside once again, where she directs the guards to return your equipment. She remains silent during the walk, though she seems more open to speak than the queen was.
As your gear is given to you, Sabina will look to you. "Some of the city has quieted, but there are still some trouble spots. If you wish an escort to Citadel Volshyenek I am at liberty to assign you one. Otherwise, I would bid you goodday."
When you take the time to look at it, the coffer is a small silver chest which likely has some value of its own(you would estimate about 50 gold). Inside are 12 gold bars stamped with the royal seal of Korvosa, marked at 100 gold each.
On the way out Fortune will think about flirting with the "handmaiden", bodyguard is more likely. But something about the sword and armor (and that she could probably kill him without breaking a sweat) stop him. Fortunes eyes almost pop out of his head at that much gold. "Sure, an escort would be great." Carefully wrapping up the coffer to look as innocuous as possible, they will head toward Citadel Volshyenek.
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Sabina nods at your acceptance of the request and turns to beckon two of the palace guard over. "These two are to be stations at Citadel Volshyenek under command of Cressida. See them wherever they may need to go and then escort them to the Citadel."
She'll then give you a curt nod and begin to make her way up the stair, tossing a "Welcome to the Korvosan Guard." over her shoulder.
Shadowleaf will give Fortune a look of, how did I get myself into this mess, but follows along anyway. As Sabina leaves their view, he whispers to Fortune, "They grow their handmaidens stout around here."
Fortune smiles at that comment, "I suspect there is more to her than meets the eye" then louder,"Ok first we need to stop by the Bank of Abdar, then on to the Citadel". The plan is to stop by the bank and secure the gold, then go to the Citadel and introduce ourselves, and see if there are any immediate things that need our attention.
Eventually we will take some time to divide up the loot, do some shopping and find a place to settle down. We will be giving a portion of our loot to the Shrine of Desna and the Church of Abdar (to help take care of the kids). Speaking of the kids, Fortune intends to keep an eye on them. He has a book with their names and a shorthand for their location.
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The Heights
South Shore
Old Korvosa
North Point
Midland
East Shore
Castle Korvosa
Acadamae
A din and bustle of angry voices are heard rising up as you start to approach closer to the bank of Abadar, causing the guards to look at one another somewhat nervously.
When you step out into the large plaza you can see a gathering of several hundred people crowded around the steps that lead up into the church, with a number of the more militaristic looking priests at the base warding them back.
Even as you watch, there are a few shouts from people that they want their money or that the government is going to fall now that the whore queen is in charge. Even as the priests try and call back that normal bank business will resume as soon as the riots settle down and they can assure there will not be any trouble you see the rioters words affect some other passer-by's who hurry over and join the crowd, calling for their money.
The entire scene has something of a surreal quality to it, as most of your travels around the city have been quiet, but for the occasional packs of protesters, but it really does make you wonder how much of it is due to the extra heavy prescence of the guards, marines and hellknights trying to keep the population indoors.
Shadowleaf looks at the guards, "do you want to get involved", expecting a no answer. Then he looks at Fortune hopefully, "lets just go get some money belts and collars for the dogs" , but the look on Fortune's face clearly indicates he is going to get involved.
Fortune asks "control or dispersal?" Shadowleaf quickly answers, "dispersal", as the probably safer of the 2 alternatives.
They step out of sight and Fortune uses Prestidigitation to make Shadowleaf look pale, spotted and sick("Cough") and they give the guards some ideas on what to do, "You are escorting a plague victim to the temple. He is highly contagious and delirious with fever. Cover your mouths with some cloth." Then they will head into the middle of the crowd yelling, "Plague, make way, don't let him touch you or even breath on you."
The plan:
"Didn't they have another sick person over on (where the street preacher was) street."
stumble through the crowd, focusing their attention on us, making them fear the plague more than they want their money.
Maybe touching 1 person, who Fortune will examine and declare as "lucky he didn't infect you"
"Go home to your families and make sure they are ok."
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The guards look at each other, rather unsure of this plan, but with there just being two of them, they certainly aren't ready to handle a crowd this big themselves. One of them nods with a "Yes, Sir." and they both pull up the edge of the cloaks and cover their mouths and noses with them.
Walking forward, you get pretty close to the crowd before some of the distracted commoners see you and one of them calls out about a disease, and within seconds the cry is spreading through the crowd and people and fleeing wildly, pulling at each other to try and get away more quickly as two of the priests struggle to push forward through the crowd towards you.
Shadowleaf has spent little time in cities and Fortune's time in the big city was limited to his childhood when his concerns were focused elsewhere, so it is likely quite a surprise just how much panic shows on the face of the people as they disperse. Such illness is something very different in a city like Magnimar then even in smaller towns where a disease could be contained. Crowded in the slums with any true medical care well outside of their financial reach the poor who have gathered in the square know that a plague would move through their ranks like a wildfire before it could be controlled, and they flee all the quicker with that knowledge.
Within a few seconds the square stands empty but for the few priests still holding the stairs against a now non-existant crowd and the two who stand before you, looking at the elf with a somewhat confused expression on their faces.
Fortune looks a little embarrassed at how much panic they caused, but keeps enough presence of mind to undo the previous Prestidigitation effects. "Well I'm glad no one got hurt" looking around at the now empty square, "for the record we did run into a guy with Cackle Fever today." Turning to the clerics, "So... can we make a deposit and donation to the orphanage today."
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The priests are somewhat taken aback as the more sickly image fades from the elf's skin. The clerics glance towards palace guards, seeing their livery and then nod their heads some as they look back towards you, though they still seem somewhat confused. "Of... Of course, Sir. This way, please."
One of the priests will take you up into the church of Abadar, calling to one of the clerics who regularly serve as a banker to come and assist you with making your deposit, giving you a bit of parchment as proof of deposit. The priest will very gratefully accept any donations made towards the orphanage.
Fortune smiles, "I'm no Sir, you can call me Fortune. We will donate 2 of these bars to the orphanage and store the rest, for now. Thank you so much for your assistance...." looking for a name. Fortune is interested by how doors open when you know the right people, but he realizes how wrong the system is. Everyone should be equal, or at least have the same opportunity. But that doesn't mean he can't use the system, for now.
Being this rich gives Fortune much to think about, and he's not really sure if money is all that. This will bear further thought.
After securing the gold they head toward the Citadel, chatting with the guards and trying to make friends.
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The man blinks at the generous gift. "I thank you so much, sir. This will do much for the unfortunate children." He pauses, catching himself when you insinuate he should offer his name. "Oh, how rude of me, I am Robahl. Please, any of your banking needs, you can come and see me. I will make sure you are well taken care of within the cathedral. Are there any other services that you would require of me? I would be happy to assist."
As they donate the gold to the orphanage, Shadowleaf will say "Yes, please be sure to tell Ishani that we will be back to visit our young wards."
Fortune will smile and smoothly say "Yes, the young wards we left in your fine care. Otherwise, I think we have taken enough of your time. You might want to look into a man we encountered earlier today. I have some skill in healing and am sure he had a variation on Cackle Fever. The Korvosan Guard will have the information."
Then we will head toward the Citadel, chatting with the guards and trying to make friends. Keeping an eye out for open stores and such. If we can find a place, we will stop and have lunch (paying for the 2 guards).
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Robahl gives a small nod of his head and smiles some. "Ahh, yes, you have met brother Ishani? He is a good man. Charitable."
Fortune
The cleric nods his head at your request. "We will send word to the guard to see what we can discover about this man, though if it was illness he has likely been delivered to the temple of Saranrae. Their services are more commonly used for such things."
Leaving the cathedral, the mob that had gathered outside still seems to have quieted for the moment and you are able to find a small shop that is selling basic goods, where you can pick up some breads meats and cheeses for lunch.
The city seems to refuse to stay quiet for your lunch though, as the eerie quiet of the empty streets is once again met with the echo of cries from over some buildings. You hear a shout seeming to come closer of "Die, Dandy!" and within a few seconds you can hear the heavy thud of feet on the cobblestones.
Its only a moment later that you see what looks like a noble turn the corner a few blocks away, followed closely by a pack of 6 commoners wielding improvised weapons, such a shovels, chair legs and iron pipes. The man seems to getting further ahead of the rest but then about a block away he tries to turn a corner into an alley and stumbles back as if his path was blocked somehow.
One of the laborers, a fat bald man with greasy muttonchops framing his rotund face, jeers and addresses the young man in a booming voice, “Bet’cha never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M’brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like?”
As they run by Fortune realizes the noble is in trouble, and sensitive to the fact that dead men make terrible contacts (seriously, all they do is lie about in bed all day), he decides to take a hand. As he gets up and starts moving in the direction of the chase he says "Your uniforms are going to be a little loud, just get out of sight. Let's see if I can talk some sense into these men." When he sees the noble stumble he picks up his pace, motioning SL and his 2 dogs over to the other side of the street, but keeping Rufus with him. If he has time Fortune will pray for guidance(the spell) just before he arrives.
Trying to emphasis his Korvosan raised-in-the-slums accent, Fortune steps up and proclaims "Yes, down with nobles. So what has this one done to you personally? Was he the one who pushed the barrel onto your brothers arm? Then just punishment it is, a wrist for a wrist." Pointing at the noble, "You, sit, we are discussing what evils you have done and what punishment they warrant." Fortune will see if this pulls their attention to him and gives him a breather to start talk'n or if Sl gets to start shoot'n.
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The small mob stops in their tracks at your appearance, seeming a bit taken by Fortune's sudden appearance. Facing someone who isn't fleeing from their number is enough to give them pause as suddenly they don't feel quite so intimidating. Then suddenly they are being asked questions which they don't quite have real answers to.
The man in the lead stammers a bit, still holding his shovel in one hand but the other raises up and scratches his head. "Him... Um, no, but I wouldn't doubt if the fop's family owned the place, or at least was friends of them! All his kind stick together! They brought up the usurper and now the city is in madness!" He seems to realize the oddness of his words compared to the fact that they were the ones rioting and grows quiet. Several of the others start to inch back away from the others.
Sl relaxes a bit as hostilities don't seem imminent, but he keeps his eye's looking and weapons handy, prey could be unpredictable at times.
Whew, now what, thinks Fortune. "You people are honest, hardworking folks, do you really want to be caught up in this madness. You," stepping up to the noble and wagging a finger into his face (and incidentally getting between him and the others), "confess, what sins have you committed recently against the good people of this city. You are noble, so you must have done something. I believe you owe My Lady of Dreams penance for what you have done. Ease your conscious sir and donate generously."
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The noble inches around a bit so that his back isn't to the blocked alley(which you can now see has what looks like a ruined wagon in it and has become a spontaneous refuse pile and is now stacked with crates) but instead has a line to run if necessary.
"I... I don't know, I just have been schooling. Was hoping to join the Sable Company when I got better. I'm no merchant or lawmaker! I have no way of hurting the folks!"
The young man is obviously terrified as he starts to fish through his pouch, searching for the coin he has on him. He sticks out his hand towards you with 5 platinum in it. "Its my tuition, Sir Orisini told me to stay home til things settled down, but I wanted to give him my coin. Take it, please, he'll understand."
Fortune will take the coin and motion Sl over, "You are generous sir. Please go with my friend so we can have a talk about your soul." Then turning to the 6 men, "The church has been blessed today, so it is only fitting I do good works with it." Taking out 20 sp each (from Gaedrens stash) and giving it to each of the 6 men, in a serious voice, "Go home and prepare your families for a dreadful darkness. That is where you should be, protecting them, not out here getting caught up in madness. There is a darkness coming, prepare and pray." And he will send them along with the blessings of Desna.
Shadowleaf will nod at Fortune, signaling well done. Then he will take the noble by the arm, not like it's a suggestion (heavily armed elf, 2 dogs), saying quietly "Come this way sir, and remember the wisdom of your elders." After they have left the earshot of the small mob, "Remember how it feels to be hunted and intimidated, these might save your life some day." Shadowleaf will escort him to the restaurant(or whatever) where the guards are out of sight. "Yes, an act of kindness to even the lowest born could save your life some day sir".
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Having been made to stop and look at their actions, the men really looked like they were hoping for a way out anyway and being offered some coin gives them an opportunity to get ahead at the same time. Looking almost ashamed, the group slowly advances, each taking one of the little pouches of coins with their heads bowed a bit. One of them even murmers an apology as they turn and start to shuffle off back down the alley.
The young noble still looks very afraid, especially when the well armed Elf steps around the corner to meet him. He tries to stay back slightly out of reach, glancing back and forth between the two of you. "You have my coins, sirs. Can I go now?" He nods his head quickly at Shadowleaf as he is escorted. "Yes sir, Yes, I understand."
Once the men have left Fortune will follow Sl and the young noble. He slips in and drops the coins onto the table as he drops into a seat and takes a drink (of whatever they were drinking). "Whew, that was close. Look those guys were not going to stop until you had paid in blood, by threatening you I made them follow my lead. What, did you really think I wanted your money? Desna provides what I need.
Sable company, nice. I'm Fortune and this is Shadowleaf, don't mind him, he think all humans are prey." A thoughtful look crosses his face, "Or almost all humans. These are our friends, guard 1 and guard 2(or whatever names we have). And you would be..."
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The man still trembles a bit, but as you speak he slowly nods his head. "I think I understand. Thank you for your assistance. I am Amin Jalento, and I really do seem to have gotten myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't know what I would have done, had you not come to my aid."
He looks down at the money for a moment, considering. "Vencarlo would be displeased if I lost my tuition, but I think he would be more-so if I failed to honor my debts. Please, accept this coin and do your goddess' will. I believe that my teacher will appreciate the good of that."
Shadowleaf shrugs at Fortunes "prey" comment, "Well most of them."
Fortune merely starts eating again, "Vencarlo Orisini, I believe I have heard of him. Which way is his place? Is it on the way to the Citadel? Is it close by? I would really like to meet him." If it is close enough, or on the way Fortune would like to see the man whose "outspoken disdain for Korvosa’s government has earned him trouble on several occasions".
"I tell you what, you take this money to Vencarlo for me. Tell him I will be by to talk to him about it. I've always wanted to ride above the city. And don't forget, a good deed done to the lowest born will be paid back 7 fold. We would love to go with you, but we have to check in at the Citadel. Do try to stay out of trouble."
Giving a brief prayer for his safe journey, the small group quickly finishes eating and continues toward the Citadel.
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The young man gives a nod of his head and hurries off in the direction of Old Korvosa.
The rest of your trip goes quite uneventfully, though when you arrive at the citadel it isn't quite what you may have been expecting. There are two exhausted looking guards standing at the front entrance, but the courtyard within looks completely empty where normally soldiers would be out drilling and receiving their orders for the day.
When you approach, one of the palace guards breaks off and will speak with the gate guards, walking into the citadel with him while you wait. After a few moments, the two guards return. The palace guard approaches you again. "Aaron and I are to return to the palace now." He motions towards the guard who he entered the citadel with. "He will escort you in to meet Cressida, she has been apprised of your status and is waiting for you."
The tired looking guard will guide you into the citadel itself, a large stone building that is starting to show its age. Even inside, there don't seem to be much in the way of guards around and you get the impression that the fortress truly is operating on a skeleton crew and that things might be rougher on the streets then it outwardly appears.
You are led to a small office where a harried and tired-looking woman rises from her desk to greet you—this is Field Marshal Cressida Kroft, an attractive, dark-haired human woman dressed in red armor.
“Ah yes—you are the ones sent by Queen Ileosa. Greetings— my name is Cressida, and men of your caliber are exactly what Korvosa needs now. You’ve been on the streets. You know better than me how bad things are out there and it is soon to only get worse. It’s breaking my heart to see Korvosa tear herself apart like this. Every little bit of aid we can get from upstanding citizens like you helps. If you’re willing, I’d very much like to retain your services as agents of the Guard. I don’t need to say, of course, that you’ll be well compensated for these services.”
Fortune will give a slight bow, "I should warn you, I not good at following orders I don't want to follow. I am not a trained guard who will jump when ordered. But I do hate to see the violence and madness get so out of hand and if there is anything we can do to help out, we are at your service. I am a healer of Desna and a graduate of the Acadamae, not the most obvious of combinations I know. My companion is skilled in stealth and death. Perhaps there is a task suited for our skills?" He watches her reaction closely.