After the botched and very publicly humiliation of the botched Execution, a leaden silence descended on Korvosa, with the city licking its wounds. A quickly thrown-up veneer of normalcy formed, with none willing to scratch too deeply at it, for fear of the unhealed wounds just underneath.
Elian:
Soldano was hesitant at first, but finally caved to Elian's words and revealed where the de-facto leader of the group, one Zalen Candorian, lived. He had taken residence in an old abandoned soothsayers's home close to the fishery.
Narsel Fachey:
Grunhild
On his first rest day after the botched execution, Elian puts his best uniform on and taking Leane, his sister with him, walks to the abandoned soothsayer's house where he was told that Zalen Candorian leaves.
Once there, he knocks to the door and speaks to whoever opens: Good morning, I'm Sergeant Vorkan of the Korvosan Guard. Is that the house of a certain Zalen Candorian ? If so, can I meet him, I want to thank him for rescuing my sister.
Grunhild sighed as he was counting the too few coppers in his hat. It's not that the Korvosan in this small inn of the old quarter didn't enjoyed his glorious recounting of field marshal Korvosa's victories over the Shoanti, but they sure weren't paying him well for it. This was not even enough to pay his room and board. The recent death of the king and the subsequent trouble that plagued the city had not only robbed him of his employer but also made the population stingy with their coin. The dwarf knowledge seeker had come to Korvosa to study in the city's many schools, bookshops and museum but it was getting hard to find money to pay the various fees and bribes needed to access the rarest books and artifacts. He was fascinated by what he had learned so far, so he wasn't about to leave just yet. Besides, the mages of the Acadamae were still closing their doors to him.
Grunhild pocketed the coppers and started thinking about who he could call on for a favor or some employment. Greydom Amek had been killed in one of the riots and Darvar Goldbeard had run back to Janderhoff but there was still the Hammerfolds. In her last letter, Grunhild's mother had mentioned that a few of them lived in Korvosa and she insisted he payed them a visit. They were distant cousins of hers (and so of him too) through her own mother's family. All he'd heard was that they were a quiet, closed and weird bunch, but he was getting a bit desperate for funds. He gathered his things and started to mingle with the Korvosans, telling a few stories while asking questions about the local dwarves in hope of finding someone who knew about them and their whereabouts.
”I guarantee you that this talisman will make your business untouchable. If you hang this on your door, the mobs will not even dare to go near your store again, good sir” Narsel says bowing low before a finely dressed man looking for some protection against the riots that followed the kings death.
As he bowed he couldn't help but smile. Business was going fine ever since the kings dead. People were more desperat than ever to buy protective potions and talismans, wich meant more coins in Narsels purse. He couldn't believe what desperat people where willing to believe.
But that was not the only reason he was smilling. About a month ago he had heard a rumor that his father was still alive. Narsel had spend the last weeks listening to rumors and connecting clues and now it had paid off. Yesterday a man in an inn had told him of a shoanti woman named Alandra, who might be able to help him along his road. Tonight he was going to seek her out.
A couple of hours later when the markets where getting empty of people he closed his little stand and retreated to a simple cottage he had in the shingles of Old Korvosa.
He moved swiftly through the streets, so comtemplated in his own thoughts that he didn't even notice the great church rise before him. He reached up and knocked on the huge front door, feeling a little uncomfortable. He was allways uncomfortable in the presence of strongly religious people, and even more so when those people where dealing with the dead.
Elian & Zalen:
The girl giggled heartily, and when Elian asked his question, she eagerly replied. "Yes, Zalen has been really good to us, and he should be around here somewhere, too. Ayen told me not to talk with strangers, but you're no stranger, so its alright if you come in. We even have tea here now, and proper cups and plates too, and look at the dress Zalen got for me."
Narsel & Alandra:
Grunhild & Gern:
Alandra spent the days after the botched execution immersed in her duties at the Temple, trying her best to forget the events of the previous couple of weeks. She was in a constant state of fear and worry, wondering if (or when?) the Queen was going to find out who sprung Trina and embarrassed Her in front of Her people.
Alandra knew all too well how easy it was to find such things out, and she also knew that the Temple would be most likely unwilling, and quite possibly unable, to protect her when the Queen did. Thus she spent most of her free time, and almost all of her gold, in procuring various potions and scrolls that would help her to escape and flee the city when the inevitable time came.
"Thank you, lass." Grunhild says to the human woman before making a formal dwarven greeting gesture to the sitting dwarf. "Well met ... Gern is it ? I'm Grunhild, sometimes called 'Silvertongued'. From what I hear, you and I are kin, well, distant kin at least. My mother's mother, who now forges with Torag, bless her soul, was a Hammerfold, Greda Hammerfold. She died being a Deepholm of course ... but I digress. Can I take a seat so we might share a few words and some ale ?"
Gern looks up at the dwarf from his seat and listens as he makes his introductions. The fighter quickly runs through his mental tally of his familes history and indeed finds the information to be true. At least it would appear that Grunhild was who he claimed to be, and not an agent of the queen.
The dwarf had been extremely cautious over the last few days since the events at the headsmans dock. He was fairly confident that Queen Illeosa wouldn't take too kindly to their freeing of the girl.
Putting that aside, he focuses now on this distant relation of his, new to to the city.
"Well Lad, Family is Family, nae matter how distant ye say it is. Come, sit and share some ale with me. One o' the benefits o' this here place is the dwarven stout they manage to aquire. Strong stuff, good fer the shine o' me beard"
He smiles broadly at the man, and offers him a dwarven greeting and a firm hand shake.
"Tell me lad, what brings ye to our city?"
"Pirisa! How many times do I have to tell you not to answer the door on your own! And you still have to finish packing!" following the irritated and acerbic words around a corner is the young woman who voiced them. Stopping short as she sees the large and armed man at the door, the lass eyes him warily. Her eyes then light on Leane and, obviously recognizing the young girl, she relaxes a tiny fraction.
She nods in greeting to the younger girl but there is no friendliness in her gaze. If anything, she looks defensive and perhaps even more hostile. The cold eyed lass makes angry 'come hither' motions to the little girl who answered the door but the child clings even tighter to the hand of Leane and doesn't move an inch. Her glare promising future retribution, the young woman turns her head slightly over her shoulder without taking her eyes off the newcomers at the door and calls out loudly "Mr Candorian! You'd better come down! There's..."
She is interrupted though for as he was already on the way down, it is at that moment that the Mr. Candorian being hailed turns the corner himself. He also stops short, a brief look of panic being replaced by careful calculation as he takes in the scene at the front door, his eyes seeming to miss nothing. Suddenly a large smile is on his face
as he puts his hand on the shoulder of young woman before him as he says lightly "And how many times do I have to tell You Ayen to call me Zalen."
Then quickly stepping forward, the youngish man holds out his arms for the little girl who comes running full tilt into them. Swinging her around he places her on the floor behind him as she giggles
there joy in his eyes is genuine as he briefly plays with the young girl. But despite his playful movements. you get the strong impression that his actions were more intended get the little one away from the door than anything else. He has also managed to subtly place himself to block direct sight of Ayen and his sword arm and rapier are closest to the door. He is smooth, this one.
he squats down slightly to her, saying "Now listen to your big sister Piri, run along and finish packing, ok? We are leaving very soon."
You notice that he too never takes his eyes of the strangers the entire time.
As the child dashes off, the man named Zalen stands and, looking at the man behind standing behind the girl, he nevertheless directs his words at the young lady behind him as he says "Now what do we have here Ayen? It seems these people are known to Piri?"
Those his words are said in a friendly tone, to the man he is looking at, there is the clear threat of danger and death in the curly haired young man's eyes.
There is only silence for a few moments but finally a sulky voice answers "I do not know the man Mr. Can...Zalen. But Leane was one of the girls at the Warehouse with us. But I guess you don't remember her?" At this last bit Ayen's tone actually becomes somewhat happier and even hopeful.
Slowing changing his gaze to look down at Leane, Zalen squints for a several seconds then, a light of recognition slowing dawning in his eyes he says "Yeeeesssss. Yes, I believe I do recall. Please accept my apologies young mistress, that was a rather...hectic day shall we say and it has been a while since then. But perhaps it was just because you look so lovely now that I didn't recognize you!" as he grins and winks in an innocent and affectionate manner at the former slave of that monster Gaedren Lamm.
The man standing at the door is suddenly surprised, and very confused, that the man he came to find doesn't fall down dead from the host of venomous daggers which must surely be sprouting from his back due to the looks Ayen is abruptly shooting at him.
Completely oblivious to the drama going on behind him, Zalen looks back to the man, his gaze noticeably friendlier but still quite guarded as he says "Well, how can I help you friend? I only ask you make it quick though, for, as you can perhaps see for yourself, we are all about to depart."
Sense motive 1
Sense motive 2
Used to people's reaction to his uniform, Elian does not react to Zalen attitude.
"Well met sir", replies the short man with a smile. "As I have just said I am Sergeant Elian Vorkan from the Guard. My sister Leane told me you were the head of the group that rescued her. And I got your whereabouts from Sergeant Grau Soladano. We wanted to come and thank you for all you've done for us. I tried to find her myself but did not succed so we owe you more than we can ever repay."
Elian looks towards the two girls still living with Zalen. "I see some of the captives are still living with you. If Leane and I can be of any help, we would feel honoured to be asked, won't we Leane ? We may not be very wealthy, but my position could be useful if you have some misunderstandings with the authorities. Or as you seem to be moving, we could help you with that.".
Leane chimes in "Yes, Eli, we can help. And I miss Pirisa and the others."
Elian eyes turn serious and he concludes "I owe you and your group a life debt, Mr Candorian. There is nothing I would not do to repay that. be sure of it."
When Alandra sees the little halfling approach her, her first instinct it to panic and prepare to flee.
But why would they send him and not a Hellknight or one of the Roses?.
With this realization she relaxes a little, but is still extremely wary.
It's still a good disguise for an asssasin.
"You sure can't always find good dwarven ale like this in these Varesian wilds." Grunhild says while putting his mug down. "I ain't in Korvosa for the beer, however. You see, I'm a bit of an historian, story teller and scholar of various cultures. I came here to view the Grand Mastaba with my own eyes. I've soon discovered that this place as much more to offer ... It surprising that a city of this size has so many scholarly institutions. So far, I've mostly spent my time at the Jeggare's library and museum. You wouldn't believe all the books they have there, cousin ! Sadly, living in the Heights isn't cheap and there are some ... fees to consult the rare bookz section. So, here I am, broke and hoping your family could use my services." Grunhild pauses to think for a moment. "I can entertain people with legend and stories of the glorious exploit of past heroes and I'm also pretty good with numbers and words. I've actually helped a few dwarven merchants smooth out their dealings with the wild Shoanti. I can also handle myself in a fight if it comes to it ... but I have to say I prefer to avoid those."
Gern smiles a broad smile at his bardic friend, the dwarven spirit warming his body and relaxing his mind.
"O' course we'll be able ter take care o' ye lad!" he states loudly, leaning across and slapping his distant cousin heartily on the back. "Ye be kin. Me Uncle and Aunt 'aint ever ones ter turn away kin when they most be in need o' carin'"
When the two finish their ales, Gern pays for them both, realising his cousin may not have enough coin to cover the fair. Then he rises and leads him from the tavern, heading towards the place he now calls home.
"I cannae promise ye the kinda work ye be used to Lad. When I first came fresh from the mountains, me Uncle had me shiftin' crates and barrels. Now I run protection fer some o' the more precious cargo we handle. Mayhap he'll have somethin' ye can turn ter hand to... "
He continues on in this fashion, talking quite happily to his new found relation. His garrulous nature is quite unusual for those who would know him in this place. However this young dwarf is the closest he's had to a dwarf his own age since his brother was murdered many months ago. Of course the fact he's speaking in dwarven and is not likely understodd by most of those around him may have also opened his confidence a little.
Not to mention the four ales he'd had before Grunhild turned up.
Grunhild insists on paying his own beer. "I'm broke, but not totally 'coinless' yet." As he happily follows his cousin, he starts telling him about the legend of Kurli Mops, the dwarf commoner who supposedly invented beer a few decades after the end of the Quest for Sky by using grain traded with humans.
"Excuse me miss, are you Alandra?" Narsel says in his most charming way. "My name is Narsel Fachey, and I come to you with a problem of mine I was hoping you could help me with. There is a long story behind, perhaps you know a place where we could talk in private?"
If Alandra agrees and take them somewhere else he will tell his story
"It's about my father. He was a fair and honest man running a succesfull jewelry, never poking his nose where it didn't belong. Because of his succes he was one day approached by a man who demanded money from my father. In exchange he would make sure nothing happened to the shop. Of course my father declined, but that made the man furious. A couple of days later i woke up to the sound of fighting coming from my fathers room. Before I could even exit my own room, my door was kicked open and four thuggish types stood in my door opening. Fortunately I was able to escape them, but they did leave the house with my father. I was recently contacted by someone who claimed my father was still a live but kept imprisoned by some "Tiger". I was told you have been searching for the same man. Maybe you know something that could help me in my search?"
Sense motive (Only if she agrees to speak with him in private)
Although there is still a smile on his face, the young man's eyes are deep and serious as he searches the face and eyes of the Guard before him, seeming to take in the full measure of the man. Elian is more than a little surprised to see faint sparkles of electricity dance across Zalen's eyes but the intensely gazing young man doesn't seem to notice them at all.
A few uncomfortable moments of silence pass, with everyone seeming to wait on Zalen's words. Finally, he appears to come to some sort of internal decision and, with a complete and genuine smile that lights up his eyes (in a non-electrical way) he steps forward, grasps Elian's forearm with one hand and claps the man on the back with the other.
"Yes, I accept your offer of aid Elian. Gods know I could use a hand or ten keeping this rabble of trouble makers in line." As he says this last, he directs a grin over his shoulder at the small group of children who have gathered to watch the drama at the door unfold. Turning back to Elian but raising his voice he says
"None of whom I'm sure have finished packing as of yet!" and at the sound of several pairs of feet running back up the stairs Zalen grins even wider.
"Please, come in, come in" says the host to his two guests, backing away from the door into the room "And please excuse the mess. Here, let me clear a seat at the table for you. Can I get you a drink?"
Zalen closes the door, and then carefully locks it, Elian doesn't fail to notice, before clearing the table as he had said he would do, ushering his guests into the only two now clear chairs.
Coming back from the kitchen a moment later with two drinks for them, Zalen perches on the edge of the table as he says "Leane, maybe you could go help Piri pack? I don't know if we'll ever get out of here otherwise. That girl would bring the whole house with her if she could." Zalen laughs fondly.
Once she leaves, Zalen looks to Elian and says "Zellara's house was never meant to room this many, so I am having renovations done. Hence the mess and our moving out. I'll be putting myself and the children up at the Three Rings. You know of it? We've dined there several times now and the proprietor, Gela, seems to have fallen in love with Perol and Pirisa, the two youngest of our bunch. When I mentioned I was looking for somewhere for the kids and I to stay temporarily, she simply wouldn't hear of us going anywhere else."
Although Zalen seems relaxed in his speech and manner, more and more, Elain gets the feeling that there is more going on, more to the story than meets the eye. Although he can't imagine why, Elian is getting the distinct impression that underneath his confident and calm manner, the young man is actually quite concerned about something. Possibly even worried, or even scared.
"Excuse me miss, are you Alandra?" Narsel says in his most charming way. "My name is Narsel Fachey, and I come to you with a problem of mine I was hoping you could help me with. There is a long story behind, perhaps you know a place where we could talk in private?"
Alandra looks at the young man warily for a second, then decides he is no threat.
"Follow me." she says, then takes him to a quiet corner of the temple, where they are out of earshot, but not completely out of sight of others in the temple.
She hears his story, then says "The Tiger? I don't know much, you probably know as much as I do. I know he is supposed to be a powerful man and and has something to do with something called the Curulean Veil. A friend of a friend is being kept by him too."
"Hey, how did you know about me and who told you I'm looking for the tiger?" she adds sternly.
"Hey, how did you know about me and who told you I'm looking for the tiger?" she adds sternly.
"Some dwarf at a tavern told me. I didn't get his name, but he mentioned that there was two shoanti women looking for this 'tiger', and one of them was a priestess of Pharasma. There isn't many of those around here, so tracking you was no big feat. But this other shoanti, do you think she will know more?"
Although Zalen seems relaxed in his speech and manner, more and more, Elain gets the feeling that there is more going on, more to the story than meets the eye. Although he can't imagine why, Elian is getting the distinct impression that underneath his confident and calm manner, the young man is actually quite concerned about something. Possibly even worried, or even scared.
Sensing the trouble in Zalen, Erian sits as he is offered. "Thanks, I'll have some wine if you have any."
He then relaxes, seeping it and making small talk until he seems to reach a decision and sits straight into his chair. "I have noticed you seem to be worried about something. I won't ask you what it is. But if you are moving to protect the kids from some retaliation, I could maybe try to track any remaining associates of Laam. I had managed to find him but came just after you last time. I should be able to do better next time."
Elian takes another sip and adds "If I'm wrong but you think I can help you with your problem, just ask.
His smile freezing sickly on his face briefly as he is taken aback by Elian apprently seeing through him so clearly, taking a last searching look at the genuine seeming guard, Zalen deflates and, looking like his is eager to finally be able to share his burdens with someone says
quietly at first, almost as if to himself
"Gods, I hope not all guards are as perceptive as you." Instantly realiing his slight slip, Zalen coughs then tries to laugh it off as if he had meant some sort of jest.
Then, turning earnest eyes towards Elian Zalen continues "Yes, my friend, you have the right of it. While it is true that I am having the house enlarged to comfortably accomodate us all, at the moment I do fear of my abilty to keep all of my young wards safe here all by myself. I have no fear from Lamm's ex-partners, but, ah, certain events have caused me to feel that there may be some chance, however small, of the children being at risk while with me. As I love them all as if they were my own flesh and blood, even the smallest risk is not one I am willing to take when their safety is concerned. So I am taking them to the Three Rings. Gela will be sure to keep a close eye on them and I may even hire a suitably discreet bodyguard who can pose as the Inn's peacekeeper or some such. This also leave me free to pursue some of my other interests without having to worry overmuch about the children's safety."
Thinking for a moment Zalen asks "Perhaps you know of someone who may be suitable for such a positon as 'secret protector' of my new found little brothers and sisters? I assure you, I can pay well for someone worthy."
While it is clear that Zalen is not yet ready to trust Elain with everything he is concerned with at present(and may never be), the city guardsman can tell the the young man in front of him is being truthful and is glad to have another to share his burden with, even if only for a short time.
"Some dwarf at a tavern told me. I didn't get his name, but he mentioned that there was two shoanti women looking for this 'tiger', and one of them was a priestess of Pharasma. There isn't many of those around here, so tracking you was no big feat. But this other shoanti, do you think she will know more?"
"Some dwarf at a tavern? What tavern and what stupid dwarf?"
Alandra wonders what else this dwarf may have overheard.
"No, everything Ayedah knows about the Tiger I know too. Most of it comes from an oracle."
Alandra closes her eyes for a second, her brow furrowed.
"It goes 'The gem is tarnished, but unshattered. Wrapped in Cerulean veils, the tiger's maw swallowed her. Break his fangs. Only then will it ever regain its luster.The Tiger's eyes are upon us all.' Then someone told us the Tiger has Ayedah's friend, that's who the oracle was for. And that he is the leader of the Cerulean Society or something, I don't remember exactly."
"I don't know who he is or where to find him, or if I want to. Now lets go talk to this dwarf. I'm gonna cut his stubby ears off for eavesdropping on private conversations."
"What did you say your name was?"
Thinking for a moment Zalen asks "Perhaps you know of someone who may be suitable for such a positon as 'secret protector' of my new found little brothers and sisters? I assure you, I can pay well for someone worthy."
While it is clear that Zalen is not yet ready to trust Elain with everything he is concerned with at present(and may never be), the city guardsman can tell the the young man in front of him is being truthful and is glad to have another to share his burden with, even if only for a short time.
At the request, Elian mind starts spinning. His eyes loose focus for a short while while he reviews the guardsmen he knows that could fit the job.
After a long silence, he smiles and replies to Zalen. "I think I can get exactly who you want. There is this guy in the first brigade. He is named Owen. You may have seen him patrolling on the bridge near here. He is amongst the strongest and tallest of the guys but he is getting old. I think were not for his build and strength, he would have been given the boot years ago. I know he lost one eye last week after the king's death and he will be out of work soon. He's got no familly left here as far as I know so he will be on his own.
If you want, we could go and see him, he should still be at the barracks. He looked for me when I joined so I should do it for him now. No one will get to the kids with him nearby, that I can swear."
"That sounds perfect Elian. Would mind helping me drag this bunch and our small mountain of belongings to the Three Rings? once we're settled in and Gela has her eye on the kids, maybe you can go find this Owen yourself though and bring him back with you to the Inn? At this point, unless it's absolutely necessary, I'd rather not leave the children with a guardian."
The grand day had finally arrived, the re-opening of the Candorian Emporium. Treasures from the width of Golarion, now at home in Korvosa at affordable prices. Flimsy garments supposedly from distant Vudra send young girls giggling and blushing as they imagined themselves in such scandalous clothes. A magister of the Academae examined the statuette of an imp with more than passing curiosity, trying to place its origin, and if it predated the current dynasty.
Zalen's family was well-occupied cashiering, shooing overly-curious patrons from the storerooms, and occasionally putting items "accidentially" dropped into someone's bag back to their shelves. Their time as pickpockets and street thugs had taught them well enough what to look out for.
One visitor in particular, however, was not too interested in the wares. It was Grau, the Sergeant Zalen had found on his doorsteps during the worst of the "recent unrest", as the near civil war was now referred to. He looked worriedly, tried to find the master of the house.
He could hardly believe it had happened, that it was really real. It had taken a lot of money, work and, most of all, dedication by many devoted souls, but it Really Was Here. The Candorean Emporium had actually all come together and, for the first time today, opened it's doors to the general public.
The constantly smiling young man had seemed to everyone like he was 20 people in a 100 different places at the same time today. He could not even figure it out himself really exactly how he was doing it but he always seemed to be just where he was needed at exactly the right moment. It was a talent his father had always had and Zalen had marveled at it as a child, and now, when it was most needed, it seemed he had inherited this gift of his dear departed parent. Zalen smiled contentedly as he imagined his father looking down upon him from the heavens, and for the first time in his life, Zalen really felt that he might have made of himself something for his father to be proud of. Then, as his grin grew slightly more vicious, Zalen was almost equally happy thinking of Gaedron Lamm roasting over a spit in hell, roaring with impotent fury over how they had managed to transform his stinking old warehouse into this beautiful and amazing and unique new business. Thinking of his father though made Zalen pause for the first time of the day, and the timing was right too for the store was having a temporary lull in the flood of traffic it had been having all morning and afternoon.
Taking the moment to gratefully rest and take a breath, although in truth he does not feel tired at all, Zalen surveys all that he has caused to come to be. Not for the briefest second though does Zalen think or feel that he has done this all by himself. It was only by the work of many that the Emporium had come to be at all. First and foremost in his heart and mind were his adopted little brothers and sisters. Zalen's heart swelled mightily in his chest with pride and love as he watched the young ones at work. And work they did! So hard! Even tiny Piri seemed to work non-stop. And they all seemed so happy and took such pride and ownership in their work. If he never did anything good in his life ever again, Zalen knew that he would treasure what he had done by helping these children in this way.
But there were others too. Already Owen seemed as much a part of the family as any of them. The children had quickly seen through the ruse of 'secret protector' he and Owen had tried to establish, but they hadn't seemed to mind at all. In fact they had taken to 'Uncle Owen' just as quickly as he took to them and, as he had no where else to go, the children had insisted Owen move in with them, forcing Zalen to build on another room to Zellara's old home. Zalen was perfectly at ease with the big man around too for, if anything, the large and seriously dangerous when he wanted or needed to be retired guard was even more protective of the little ones than was he, Zalen, himself.
As well there was Elian and Leane, who had also become a part of the ever growing family it seemed. Elian had retired from the guards as well and, while they still lived in their own home of course, the two of them had worked as hard at getting the business up and running as had anyone. Zalen couldn't be happier he had finally decided to take the solid and dependable man into his confidence (although the exact details of Trinia's rescue would likely always remain a secret known only to those directly involved).
Then, last but by no means least, were Zalen's old friends, Gern, Alandra and Krek and the two newcomers, Nashael and Grunhild that Alandra and Gern had brought into the group. Although his friends had taken varying levels of involvement with the Emporium, having their own matters and lives to take care of as well, and although the two newest were as yet not very well known by Zalen, all had regardless participated and offered their unique and valuable services at one time or another and all were welcome in, and had a stake in, the growing business.
It is at this very moment of happy reflection that Zalen first notices a face he had not seen for some time, that of the Sergeant of the guard who had shown up on his doorstep one evening, the fencing master, Grau. Zalen also can't help but notice that the man looks significantly worried. Many of his happy feelings instantly evaporating as concern and adrenaline take their place, Zalen quickly gives the sign to Owen to keep sharp and motions for Elian to follow close by. He then heads to cut Grau off in a more secluded section of the warehouse and, without preamble, says seriously but not un-kindly "Good greetings to you Grau and welcome to our fine store. Tell me my friend, what troubles you this day and how can I help?"
Gern stood near the entrance to Zalen's new Emporium busisness. He had the stoic no nonsense look of a dwarf who wouldn't tolerate trouble from people and was willing to hold someone quite firmly if they tried to leave without payment. He was dressed in his armour, and had his weapon by his side, but had no intentions of really using them here. This was Zalens show, and the gruff dwarf was here to support his friend on this first day of business.
He eyed the two new friends Zalen had made. Both large men, both of them looked as if they could handle a blade. Good, the more to protect these kids and the young rogue teh better. He felt edgy standing exposed here, after their work freeing the girl.
His mood lightened somewhat when he saw Grunhild moving about and helping. The dwarf had proved a boon to Gern in the last few days, being of similar age and disposition. His tales were of great interest to Gern, and he had spent the last few evenings talking till late with the bard, both of them partaking in dwarven ale. Even his uncle had sat in on one session, and the three of thm had managed to get nicely drunk before going to bed that evening. His Aunt had cooked uo a big greasy breakfast the next morning and watched with great contentment as she made the three of them eat two helpings each. Gern had lasted 2 hours before he'd had to run to the latrines and empty his ehaving stomach. His uncle had followed a few mooments later when he heard the sounds. They'd all appologised to his Aunt not long after and got back to working inventory and getting deliveries sorted.
Something was up. Zalen's expression had changed as another warrior type had entered the room. Gern stood straighter, getting his game face on and moved to fill the doorway, cutting off any more potential threats from outside. He threw a look to Grunhild, warning him of potential trouble.
Grunhild was glad to have found Gern and his family in these trouble times. They had proven to be much friendlier then the rumors lead him to believe. Grunhild also meet Zalen and he was more then happy to help him with his new business. For a small pay, he was evaluating the various items, checking for false seller claims and helping set prices. He also helped selling merchandise to clients by telling them grand tales from the item's country of origin. He wasn't lying to the clients but usually did some exaggerations.
Today, Grunhild was busy studying a small Gorilla clay statue under a magnifying glass. The seller pretended it came from the Mwangi Expanse but the dwarven scholar wasn't so sure. He was so absorbed by his work that he didn't really noticed Gern's warning signs about sergeant Grau.
This meeting with Zalen and his kid was a revealing experience for Elian. The lack of help he received from his fellow guardsmen during his search for Leane had already altered the faith he had in the Guard. What Zalen was trying to do with the rescued kids was such a good idea that he decided to resign to participate.
Strangely, when he explained his plan to the major XX, the head of the Guard, she did not try to prevent him from leaving despite the high number of losses in the Guard during the last troubles. She even seemed to know who this Zalen Candorian was.
After all the refection work and the transfer of the kids to their new quarters, it was the big opening day. Glad that Owen had taken so well to his new job, Elian was there with him looking around for any trouble that could arise. This new shop could well be seen as a rival to be taken down by some less than honest merchants and ruining the opening day would be disastrous for Zalen and the kids. Up to now thing were going well and no thug had yet made his way inside. Well, that was not exactly true. Two pickpocket had been spotted but the kids were quicker and everything was back on the shelves before Elian could get to them.
When Grau came in and Zalen moved to greet him, Elian deftly crossed the room to be at Zalen shoulder as he addressed the worried sergeant.
Perception for threats coming behind Grau
Sense motive for Grau reaction to Zalen questions
Grau looked somewhat apprehensive, as more people started joining the clandestine meeting, but Zalen's cordial greeting put him somewhat at ease. Despite his worried face, he looked much better than at their last meeting. Not only had he shaved well, his clothes looked clean and generally well-kept.
"I am sorry to have to impose on you again, Mister Candorian" he finally opened the discussion proper. "But I am at the end of my wits, and the matter seems urgent, beyond urgent."
He looked to the sides, and with a swift, decisive motion of the hand, broke the mental dam. "I do not know if you ever met, or even heard of my brother. He passed on a year ago, leaving behind a widow and two children. I have helped her as best I could, but as you well know, I could not do much for them until you set me straight. Now, just as I get back to my feet, there is a crisis I can not deal with just yet. My niece has taken ill, seriously ill. For three days she has had high fevers, severe caughs, frequently tinged with blood. She needs more aid than an Old Korvosan herbalist can provide, and what little I could put down was wasted when the healer told her to stay in bed and sweat it out. She needs a magical cure or else I fear she won't last the week."
His distress plainly visible, the man bit his lips, ashamed of the outburst. "I don't ask you for more charity, but I have little to put down as security on a loan."
Visibily releived as he hears the nature of Grau's problem, yet his face still showing genuine concern for the seargent's troubles Zalen replies "My friend, 'Mr Candorian' was my father, I insist you call me Zalen. But do not worry, for as you have sought for help, so have you found it. I have little knowledge in matters of healing, but perhaps our friend Alandra might be of greater assistance." And at this, Korian quietly introduces Elian and Grau, wondering if they already know each other, and then asks the former guardsman if he would be able to summon the young priestess.
"I may be able to help you though in outher ways. Do you know which specific magical cure your neice needs? As for the cost Grau, do not concern yourself. The health of your neice the primary concern, the money is not important. If you feel the need to pay us back though, I shall gladly accept your services for whatever length of time you feel is reasonable. As you can see, we can use all the help we can get with the business here, but, I believe I have an even better idea how your significant talents could be put to better use. Yet we can speak more on that later. Tell me though, do you know how your neice contracted this illness?"
If any of Zalen's other friends come to see what is going on, the proprietor of the Candorian Emporium introduces them to Grau as well.
"Some dwarf at a tavern? What tavern and what stupid dwarf?"
”I met him at the Bailer's retreat down at the west docks. And as i said unfortunately i didn't get his name. ”
"I don't know who he is or where to find him, or if I want to. Now lets go talk to this dwarf. I'm gonna cut his stubby ears off for eavesdropping on private conversations."
”Wow, wow slow down. It was several days ago, and we don't even know his name. And what do you mean you don't if you want to find this tiger? He has a friend of yours imprisoned and my father! And as far as i've heard he is not well liked, so my guess is that they are not the only one in his claws.”
"What did you say your name was?"
”Narsel Fachey, seller of magic potions and protective talismans” He says with a grin.
"I mean, I do want to get the Tiger, but I think he is too dangerous for us. You sell potions? My fiend has a shop that I help run sometimes, maybe we can buy some from you and sell them there. Do you want to meet him?"
If Narsel agrees, Alandra takes him to the Emporium.
"Sure. It could prove to be profitable for all of us" he says with an eager gleam in his eyes.
Visibily relieved as he hears the nature of Grau's problem, yet his face still showing genuine concern for the seargent's troubles Zalen replies "My friend, 'Mr Candorian' was my father, I insist you call me Zalen. But do not worry, for as you have sought for help, so have you found it. I have little knowledge in matters of healing, but perhaps our friend Alandra might be of greater assistance." And at this, Zalen quietly introduces Elian and Grau, wondering if they already know each other, and then asks the former guardsman if he would be able to summon the young priestess.
She is supposed to come today, as you know. I will see if she is already here or try to get a message to her as soon as possible.
Elian then moves back to the main room where he looks around for Alandra.
When she comes in, he moves quickly to her.
My lady, the sergeant Grau has just arrived with a request to Zalen. He says her niece is gravely ill and requested some help from us. Can you come and see Grau, he is in the back-room. If you need assistance, I have basic healing skills, but beyond flesh wounds, my knowledge is very limited.
From his position in the doorway, Gern sees Zalen greet the man and take him into teh back room. The fighter visibly relaxes and goes back to guarding the doorway.
"Sergeant Grau? Never heard of him. Never mind, lets find Zalen."
After talking to Zalen and Grau Alandra agrees to see Grau's niece. She also introduces Narsel to Zalen. "He can make potions!" she tells him.
The sergeant breathed a sigh of relief, and nodded thankfully towards Zalen. "Thank you, Zalen. I know I could trust you to come to my aid in this. She's been in a precarious state for about two days now. I do not know how exactly she got it - probably playing with a friend of hers close to the river, in Old Korvosa." The man didn't seem to mind the implied further obligation - his mind was clearly focussed on helping his little niece rather than what it would cost him in the longer run.
With a gesture, he added. "I don't really know what sickness this is - the closest thing the herbalist could say was bloodcaugh, but that fails to explain the blotches. They said the only sure cure they knew off was a divine favor." He went on to describe the sympthoms of the girls strange affliction. A high feaver with occasional spikes that cause delirium, a persistent bloody caugh, shortness of breath bordering on suffocation. Red blotches spreading from the nose, lips and other exposed tissues to the nearby skin, causing blisters that ooze blood and pus.
Heal DC 15:
Heal check
"It does not fit with anything I've ever heard of or seen. And skin disease and cough should not go together", says Elian looking puzzled. "What do you think Alandra ? I think we should go and see her but let's keep the numbers of visitors down. Someone else could catch it as well."
Having made the proper introductions all around, and greeted Narsell Zalen takes a metaphorical step back to allow those who know much more about healing than he to take over. Still though, concerned about his friend, even more so after Elain's proclamation, Zalen does ask the sergeant
"It does seem strange indeed. Do you know of anyone else who has contracted this disease Grau? And what of the rest of your family? How are they feeling?
"We should see her. And you're right, perhaps just me and Grau should go."
1d20+7
"We should see her. And you're right, perhaps just me and Grau should go."
Obviously torn between abandoning his new business venture on it's opening day, not to mention his adopted brothers and sisters working there and his desire to help his sword-master friend, the young man with the curly brown locks stands in indecision for a moment, not sure what was the best course of action to take.
1d20+7
1d20+7
"We should see her. And you're right, perhaps just me and Grau should go."
"If you don't mind, I will come along to help you with the healing and to try to get as much information as we can on where she could have been infected".
As sergeant Grau tale begins to gather more and more attention, Grunhild finally turns away from the small clay sculpture and listens to Grau's description of his niece's sickness. While he is no healer, Grunhild remembers reading about some famous sickness outbreaks in the past. He thinks back and tries to remember if there was anything similar to what the man is describing.
The prospect of going to a destination with two men she's never met before doesn't seem to bother Alandra.
"Suit yourself. Lead the way Sergeant."