Amaya listens with focussed attention to Yuki talk about her travels. "Well I have my family here," she answers with a small shrug. "The need my help with the shop and with the orders that come in. We're glassblowers, and there always seems to be something that people want made. And when buisness is good and we have some extra money so that I might be able to leave, that's when they need me the most." She gives a deep sigh and stares off into nothing dreamily. "Still... Maybe one day..."
Zanian stops and stares at Prevara, and then begins laughing at her laughing at Nesswen. He, however, manages to remain in his seat. Brushing a tear from his eye, he leans over to help her off of the floor, asking, "What on earth was so funny?"
She shakes her head vigorously. "Oh.. nothing.. *hic* I.. just *hic*" Prevara takes Zanians help, unable to continue due to now having hiccups. A slightly frustrated look shadows her features and the woman takes in a large breath, holding it as she sits back down. With cheeks puffed she winks at Nesswen.
Seeing the wink, he looks from Prevara to Nesswen, and then to Savidus, having seen Nesswen ogling him. His red eyes widen as a sudden realization hits him. He quickly busies himself with his eggs.
Savidus is, whether purposly or accidently, completely oblivious to it all. As far as he knows, Prevara's just a little odd. Which, of course, is true regardless.
"Oh~ my~" Nesswen eyes the man. "I'm sorry, Savidus. I didn't recognize you." Nesswen finishes her breakfast and takes her plate to her sink. Then she comes back and leans over Savidus pressing up against him. In a soft and alluring voice she whispers in his ear. "What else does a lady have to do to get you out of your armor?"
Savidus' clears his throat and stands, gently extricating himself from Nesswen's advance. "Armor is only to be worn for combat, ma'am," he answers matter-of-factly. He looks to everyone else at the table, silently but obviously asking if there is anyone else whose plate he can take to the sink, even as he continues talking to Nesswen. "If one wears it constantly it is likely to get damaged or worn out before its time. Not to mention that it is by no means light or comfortable."
Amaya laughs right along with Yuki as she hands Savidus her plate with a soft "Thank-you."
"Perhaps. But just as the idea of it fills me with wonder and desire, I think it scares me just as much." She grins and motions to all five of the newcommers. "Obviously, courage doesn't seem to be much of a problem for any of you. There aren't many who would join a group fighting against a devil-worshiping government with naught but peasents without knowing anything about them."
"I'm sure they all have their reasons the same as us," Vitti cuts in. "Either that or their crazy," he adds with a wide grin.
Zanian quickly shovels his food into his mouth, laughing as he does so. Wiping more tears of laughter away, he comments to Vitti. "Perhaps a little of both," eyeing his companions. His face grows serious in an instant. "But my grandfather has the utmost confidence in this rebellion. You have his full support."
Prevara exhales and waits, head cocked, to see if the hiccups have gone. When she is satisfied, "Some would say foolish. The odds are against us... Imagine fighting legions of men like Savidus... or worse. At least we are smarter... And better looking." With time to finally eat she nibbles on some toast.
Nesswen steps back in surprise as Savidus stands up suddenly. Her face showing her disappointment in him. Her voice gone from soft and soothing to hard and bitter. "Well, just remember that not all armor worn is physical." And she turns to go fetch her traveling items and gear.
Seeing Nesswen's reaction to Savidus' extracation, the seriousness in his face melts away slowly, only to have him laugh all the harder. He pats Savidus on the back, but returns his attention to his fellow rebels. "I know what we do her is the right thing to do. When is killing devil-kissers the wrong thing to do? You good people have stood up for what is right, albeit in the shadows. Which is fine," he adds quickly, not wanting it to see like he thinks them cowards. "You would have been caught and killed in no time if you had started an open rebellion with only a few people." Feeling he ay have said too much, he nrvously distracts himself with a small scratch he recieved in the sewers.
All eyes turn to watch Nesswen leaving in a huff, but they quickly go back to the conversation at hand.
"You touch on something that is very much a topic of discussion here," Amaya tells Zanian. "What exactly it is that we are. Janiven and, more importantly, Arael, our leader, maintain that we are not a rebellion in the traditional sense. They have no intention of any kind of military coup or armed uprising. Instead, their purpose is to focus on the people of the city, helping them whenever we have the chance but avoiding direct conflict with the government whenever possible." She pauses and shrugs a bit, "Not everyone agrees that this is the best course but, as you say, we have little choice at this time."
"That's why we can't agree on a name," Morosino chimes in, the first time he's spoken all morning. "Some people want something more intimidating, like 'The Knights of Westcrown' or 'The Scions of Aroden'. But those who agree with Arael on our purpose want something more subdued like 'Guardians of Cheliax' or Children of Westcrown'."
Amaya grins and shakes her head a bit. "It's just a name, but names can be powerful things, especially for the people of the city."
Savidus turns to watch Nesswen go with a deep sigh. He really hadn't meant to offend her. Perhaps he should talk to her later...
He takes the dishes he's aquired over to the sink and proceeds to wash them, as well as Nesswen's and any others that had accumulated there. Finished with his brakfast as well, Larko joins him, drying and placing them back in their proper places.
Savidus listens to the talk but offers nothing in the way of his opinion. He really couldn't care less what the group calls themselves. He's still not sure exactly why he's here, except that there really didn't seem to be anywhere else to go that might give him any chance of helping the situation in the city at all.
Zanian shakes his head. "You don't take a name for yourself. The people will give you a name. Whether it be through wild rumors or posters across Westcrown, they will name you what they feel touches them the deepest. If they do not, try to stay away from religious names. While religion has a heavy influence on people's hearts, many lost their faith when Aroden died and the devils took over. It should be something all citizens can identify with." Again, he looks a bit sheepish, once more feeling as though he spoke too much, but less so this time, as though he was slowly gaining confidence.
Prevara giggles to herself a little, feet fidgeting. "Speaking of Arael..." Fingers pluck at the chain around her waist, ".. Should we not do something about him? He really should be here if we are going to vote on a name." With that being said she eats some more toast and starts to look around.
As if on cue the door to the kitchen is thrown open and a harried looking dark haired man glances about. "Good, I've found you. Janiven is calling a meeting. She wants everyone in the sanctuary, NOW." He doesn't wait for a response, he just heads off again, presumably to find any others.
The rebels glance at each other for only a moment then all stand to leave. Obviously the urgency of this request isn't typical and demands attention.
Placing the half-washed dish back in the sink, Savidus turns immediately to leave. He pauses only to dry his hands off on a towel and to allow any women to exit in front of him. Ever the gentleman.
Zanian stands and runs to get Nesswen, and then runs to the sanctuary, muttering under his breath.
You hear Zanian whisper harshly, "Shut up, I'll not listen to you!"
Nesswen is dressed and ready as Zanian enters. She quickly stands and is right on his heels as they enter into the sanctuary.
Savidus looks at Zanian with a confused expression as the tiefling exits. Now where in the world did that come from? Chalking it up to yet another crazy companion (Which makes three now, at least Yuki seems sane) he heads out to the sanctuary.
Oh yay! Action. Prevera pops up and follows everyone else into the Sanctuary.
As the sanctuary fills up with the rag tag rebels, as well as the newcomers, all eyes turn to Janiven who stands at the head of the sanctuary on a raised platform. Loud murmuring can be heard from all about, speculations on what this could all be about, but Janiven silences the crowd with an upraised hand.
“Everyone! I have just received grave new that you all have a right to know. The debate of ownership over Arael’s arrest has been settled in the Hellknight’s favor. Even now the Order of the Rack is preparing to transport him to Citadel Ravid outside the city.” A lot of fearful murmuring starts up at this, obviously bad, news.
“However!” she grabs the attention of the crowd back gradually. “However… This is also a boon to us. Affording us an opportunity to plan a rescue. And plan one we will. You will each be notified of any part that you have to play in the attempt. In the meantime I advise that you all remain as inconspicuous as possible. Thank you.”
Vaulting down the steps she motions to her new recruits. “If you could please come with me, we have little time to plan, and I’m afraid we will need your help if we are to have any chance of success.”
Savidus gives a curt nod and immediately moves to follow. This is the kind of thing he came here for after all. And he, perhaps more than anyone, knows what awaits Ariel in Citadel Ravid.
Prevara gets in line to follow Janiven, almost bouncing up and down with anticipation.
Zanian falls into line behind the rest.
Janiven leads the group out of the murmuring crowd and into a side room, closing the door behind her. She is joined by Larko, the silent Garundi man from breakfast, and a new face who Janiven introduces as Gorvio, a slight Chelish man with vibrant Amber eyes which immediately draw attention.
A table, with a few scattered pieces of parchment, and a few chairs are the rooms only furnishings, but Janiven does not sit. Leaning on the table she looks about at everyone, coming directly to the point. "It is imperative that we rescue Areal. Without him I fear that the group we have managed to pull together will fall apart, but worse than that I fear what information the Hellknights might pull from him through torture or magic. All of our lives, and all of their lives depend on this rescue. We will only have one shot. We cannot attempt anything within the city, and we cannot hope to rescue him from the citadel itself."
Following the group Nesswen takes in a nervous breath. Hellknights, why does it have to be Hellknights. Perhaps they'll be too busy trying to kill me rather than take me back. When they are in the room for planning, Nesswen asks. "Hold up, before we start answer me this. Who is this Arael and is he really worth the trouble?"
Janiven looks over at Nesswen with a firm expression. "He is the one who organized us... brought us together. And he knows the identity of every person who has supported us or given us aid thus far. As I said, If we do not rescue him, I fear that not only will this enterprise collapse before it ever truly starts, but every person involved will end up in a Hellknight prison."
Zanian claps and rubs his hands together. Looking at everyone in turn, he says, "Alright, what do we need to do? I have no intention of going to prison. I was told to keep my Grandfather appraised of the situation, but I doubt he will like a letter that reads, 'Dear Grandfather, doing well in Cheliax, I made lots of new friends and oh by the way, I'm in jail! Here is a drawing of my first shank!'" He shakes his head. "Then they'll think I'm a Korvosan spy, and gods know what will happen. What do you need?"
Janiven smiles. "Mainly... All of you. Though we estimate the guard to be light, it will still be too much for us to handle right now.
However, we do have several things going in our favor. First, as I said, the road is not well traveled so there will be no one there to witness us attacking the Hellknights or any civilians to worry about protecting. More importantly, by staging this rescue outside the walls of the city, we technically are not breaking any of the city’s laws. Many people in Westcrown, including many of the nobility do not get along well with the Order of the Rack, considering them little more than mercenaries. Now that Arael is in Hellknight custody, the city is no longer interested in his supposed crimes and I believe they will be unlikely to turn him back over even if they find him. They’ve already done the Hellknights a favor in turning him over once.
One thing will make the rescue harder. I do not wish to kill any of the Hellknights. The more of them who live, the less brutal we appear, and the more humiliation and shame we inflict on the Order of the Rack. Remember that our intention is not open armed rebellion against the city, but to work to improve the quality of life of the people.”
Janiven shuffles the papers on the desk then begins to roughly sketch the road from the city to the citadel. “Now, our sources say that Arael is being guarded by the same Hellknight Armigers that captured him. As it turns out the operation was mostly a training opportunity. This arrogance, allowing these half-trained Hellknights to escort him back, can serve us in other ways as well.”
Zanian nods. "Can we set up a road block, or something to disrupt and distract them while someone grabs Arael? That would make this almost too easy."
"Sheep! Lots of sheep! I once saw a herd of sheep stop a caravan for a week straight. They are stubborn little guys and noisy," Prevara blurts out as though she just joined the conversation. "Oh.. and what is a shank?"
"It's a makeshift dagger, usually carved out of whatever is at hand. I like the sheep idea. Anyone good with animals, and/or a shepherd?" He looks around at everyone again.
Janiven manages a smile dispite the seriousness of the conversation. The idea of stopping the Hellknights with a heard of sheep is quite amusing. "Unfortunetly we don't exactly have time to find and gather a heard of sheep. They will be moving him within an hour. However there is anotehr way I had thought of to accomplish much the same thing."
She traces a finger over the road that she's drawn as she speaks. "We believe that the escort for the prisoner carraige will be 10 armigers, led by a low ranking Hellknight. Some will be mounted, while the rest will be on the carraige. There is plenty of terrain along this road to use for cover. My idea is to divide into two groups. One group will hide in front of the carraige along the road. The lack of banditry on this road means that any force they see, they will assume is there for a rescue. The first force will jump out and threaten, drawing their mounted troops forward. This will leave the second and main force," she looks about at all of you pointedly, "to deal with only those left on the carraige. The mounted troops will be drawn into a field of caltrops we will have spread. Being drawn so far ahead, they will not have time to get back before we have dispatched those on the carraige and made our rescue."
She looks about for initial reactions or questions.
"Alright, so who ever stands up to us at the carriage is good to be slain? Or would you rather have us maim them enough that they flee in fear of their lives?" Nesswen studies the map before them while speaking.
Janiven looks at Nesswen with raised eyebrows for a moment before shaking her head. "The goal here is to look as non-brutal as possible. We are not here to kill Hellknights, we are here to help the people. In order to do this effectively we need to be looked on by the people in as favorable a light as possible. This is better served by avoiding looking like bandits, thugs, or murderers."
She takes a deep breath, "Do what you must in order to secure the carriage and Arael. It may be that you can rescue him without even dispatching all of the guards if the rest of you can cover for one making the attempt. However you do it, you will have horses close by to effect your escape. The first group will retreat as soon as the mounted Armigers are taken down."
Janiven shrugs, "That is the plan as far as I had thought it through. There are several places that would make good ambush points. Here and here," she points at the map, "have good cover along both sides of the road. Here... there is a bridge over a narrow stream that they must cross. The bridge is narrow and may provide a good choke point, though I would discourage anything that damages the bridge since it is used for trade."
She shrugs and looks to each of you, "I will defer to your choice as to where to stage the ambush, since you will be in the greater danger."
Zanian thinks to himself, his eyes a bit distant. "DO you have any supplies we might use, tanglefoot bags, thunderstones, caltrops, anything of that sort?"
Janiven shakes her head sadly. "We are not yet well equipped. I can get you horses if you do not have them already. On loan," she clarifies. "But that is about it."
Zanian sighs. "Very well, we will have to rely on a distraction. I have something that may just suit our needs, unless someone has a better idea?"
"I have a couple questions. One, How deep is the river the bridge crosses over? And two, how far from the bridge to the river? If the distance isn't far, then we can substitute throwing the guards over the bridge and into the drink. Removing them from the fight, and securing Arael. Top it off, they would only be able to come at us from one direction, and very few of them at best across. The only problem would be to maintain the advantage in throwing them off, and not getting ourselves thrown off. Once done, heck. We could procure the very cart they're transporting Arael in to get away a distance before changing to our mounts and returning to the city. Unless its unimaginable to do this, due to the river isn't deep enough, or the bridge is too high."
Shifting her weight around as she leans over the map to look at the bridge some more.
"On the lighter side, if this could possibly work. We could hide under the bridge and as the mounted soldiers are drawn away from the carriage, we could begin to attacking and pulling them off the bridge from the sides of the bridge. Meanwhile, objects are placed on the ground behind the mounted soldiers, slowing them down to get back to the bridge. And by then, we'll have made off with the prize."
She looks up and at the rest of group in the room waiting to hear what they have to say on the matter.
Zanian looks at her. "What should we do about the carriage? What is keeping them from returning to the city?"
"At this time of year the water would quickly reach a depth of about four feet and while it isn't very cold it will be running at a good clip. The bridge itself is probably about two feet from the water at it's highest point."
She looks to Zanian then. "In all likelihood they will indeed turn about. As soon as they see trouble, likely when the mounted guards are brought down, I expect they will try to turn the carriage back around and head for the city. However, a carriage like that doesn't exactly turn on a coin, and you may actually be able to use that in your favor."
Zanian looks to Janiven and nods. "Who will the first group consist of?" His red eyes flit about the room, glancing at all in the room, especially the original members of this resistance movement. "This is going to be fairly dangerous. I believe we should group so that the two grops are a little better balanced, for example, Savidus and Prevara stand with the first group, while Nesswen, Yuki, and myself in the second. How does that sound?"
Prevara eyes Zanian, then Savidus, and then Zanian again. Her brows furrow as though she were unsure as to how that makes anything balanced. "Which group is doing what again? Oh.. and .. and.. are there any trees along the route? We could always jump down on the carriage from atop.. then even if they turn we have a man on the inside. Well.. topside I guess in this case. Is topside a word? Is it even applicable? Upside.. downside.. how many sides are there really..." The woman drifts off in her own thoughts again, mumbling about side-sides or something.
"So, it would be very possible for us to shove and pull them into the river and watch them get carried away by the current. That sounds great. So now all we would have to do is somehow be waiting for them prior to getting to the bridge. Anyone else up for a swim?" Turning to Prevara, "I see what you're saying about dropping in on them from above, but if we do that. they'll stop the carriage, surround it and fight us to our death. In an open area like the bridge, they'll suspect us coming out from underneath the bridge and shoving them into the water. Which will carry them downstream, and force them walk back. In addition, you can go around telling everyone how washed up they are. The gossip will chatter with how they were hung up and left out to dry. I think you get the idea."