As it is the first Oathday of the month, a crowd has gathered at Pharasma's Pulpit. Crowds from outside of Cassomir have flocked to the city to see the condemned beheaded, hanged, drawn and quartered.
It is a baking hot day and you each stand facing a curious structure that stands tall in the central square
of Old Cassomir. Like so many of the crowd you are disgusted, shocked and plain curious about the events about to unfold.
The structure is built from wood, rope and mortar with a central platform thirty feet above the ground. It is a gallows, plain and simple. Once a month, those condemned to death for their crimes are marched from Swift Prison to meet their fate.
As you wait, unsure where to look, you become aware of a note tucked in one of your pockets that certainly wasn't there a minute ago. You glance around - seeing nobody that looks suspicious - and then take the note out of your pocket and read it.
I have information that could lead to the whereabouts of Benhov. All I ask in return is a small favor. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have information that could lead you in your quest to seek out new alchemical substances. All I ask in return is a small favor. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have information about one of your previous incarnations. All I ask in return is a small favor. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have information that proves that some fairy-tales are more than something for children. All I ask in return is a small favor. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have information about how you can help Abadar advance civilization in the world. All I ask in return is a small favor. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have an opportunity where the cause is just and the coin is plentiful. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
I have a commission for you. Please follow the black rat at your feet if you wish to continue.
Jacques
As you look down, you see a black rat at your feet, its whiskers twitching and it appears to be looking right at you.
Carbrook surreptitiously glanced around, scanning the nearby faces for any sign of who might have left the note. He found the air of death which has his everpresent companion tended to ensure others kept their distance, yet someone had obviously been unconcerned by it. He allowed himself a grim smile at the thought that he was apparently being offered a commission based on his powers of observation, and yet they had so patently failed him not moments earlier...
His erstwhile employer appeared to have a sense of humour if nothing else, asking him to follow the rat that appeared to be eyeing him.
Turning his gaze back to the gallows, he was just in time to catch sight of the first victim disappearing through the trapdoor, the rope tightening, and hear the groan of the crowd as the condemned man momentarily thrashed impotently, anxious to cling on to the mortal realm for a precious few seconds more. As the twitching stopped and the body began to swing gently in the faint breeze, Carbrook removed his hat and muttered a swift prayer to Alesta. The victim had now made the journey through her black portal to Pharasma's realm, and it was a trip from which few returned.
Suppressing a minor tinge of irritation that he would be unable to send the other criminals on their way with a similar 'blessing', he returned his gaze to the rat. It seemed to sense his intent and scurried off through the crowd. Replacing his hat carefully, Carbrook adjusted his gloves before following, his gaunt features a mask of determination.
Thinking about the death penalty made Ellaria feel sick. Having the death of human beings being offered to the public as a spectacle was weird and unlike anything she has ever seen. The huge crowd, the ceremonial execution and the hot day were too much for her to take in at once and she felt dizzy. Trying to make her way out of the crowd to a quieter, shady place took much time, during which she felt someone touch her empty pocket. Nothing was missing, but she found a note that was written to her in there.
Ellaria's eyes widened as she read the note. Clearly the one who contacted her knew much more about her than she would feel comfortable with. Although Ellaria's first thought was against following someone who chose such a filthy creature to guide her to him, she figured there weren't many possibilities for creatures who could move around the throng of people unnoticed. Moved mainly by curiosity, she decided to follow the black rat, trying to focus on it instead of the unbearable heat, the shouts around her and the horrible sounds coming from the gallows. Secretly, she hoped to herself that this would be one of those great adventures, in which unsuspecting heroes were chosen by some mysterious figure to save the town, kingdom, or maybe even the world (not that she felt like she was able to do that, but it was a nice thought nonetheless).
As the first prisoner's rope goes taut, Dr. Hazard cries out. "Blast!" The crowd around look to him with varying quantities of dismay and curiosity. Thelonius scowls at the most forward of them and then, with a wave of the hand, he dismisses them. Pointedly ignoring the continuing looks, Hazard grumbles to a point of space slightly to the left of an old matron next to him, "Monbieu's thesis on the visible release of ether at the moment of death... Hogswallop!"
Turning to stalk away, Hazard thrusts his hands into his pockets in frustration. "Hermaphroditic dragons!" He curses as he retracts his left hand and nurses a paper cut. Pulling out the note he scans it and then peers down, to see the rat. Hazard gives a quizzical look at the empty space, now near a young man. Motioning the rat to lead on, Dr. Hazard steps off in pursuit with an avid gleam to his eyes.
Brayker bows his head and offers a silent prayer to those who are passing on. "You're now free. Good journey," he says aloud.
"Eh, what was..."
He notices the note in his pocket.
"How did... Hmph."
He reads the note and glances down at the rat. With a roll of his eyes and a sigh, Brayker motions the rodent onward.
"Lead on, oh noble guide."
Emrys watches the crowd closely, so many eyes turned to the gallows, the faces showing a multitude of expressions as the condemned were displayed before being escorted to their ultimate demise at the end of a short rope. He never could decide what the eagerness of the populace to turn out for such events meant for the future of human civilization. He certainly didn't want to dwell on the possibilities.
Desiring to change his train of thought to anything other than his current musings, the inquisitor slips his hands into one of his jacket pockets. Only when his fingers fail to locate their objective does he pause to silently berate himself. He would have to find a new deck of cards, his previous one having been lost somewhere on the road between Ridonport and Cassomir.
It takes a moment for Emrys to realize the pocket isn't as empty as it should be. Curiously he retrieves the note. After reading its contents, he glances down at his feet to confirm the presence of his unlikely guide.
Draping his flail across his shoulders, the inquisitor crouches low to address the rodent. "I'll admit, I have my doubts that following your lead will take me anywhere other than the nearest sewer entrance. If you can understand what I'm saying, though, there may be more to this than someone's joke. Lead on."
Emrys stands as the rat takes off down the street, weaving through the legs of those assembled to witness the executions. "Don't get to far ahead; I won't be able to save your neck if some cat decides to make a meal of you!." Out of the corner of his eye the blond Abadarian notices an old woman, her mouse-like features glaring at him from behind a pair of spectacles. He offers her a quick nod before hurrying past in pursuit of his guide.
Valendrion stands quietly, his piercing green eyes taking in the gallows before him. 'Even in death, inspiration may strike.' The elf slips one slender hand into his vest pocket for melodramatic effect, even as his mind begins to conjure a dozen ways that the tableau before him might be spun into a riveting tale of justice...or lost love...or horror.
'What's this now?' With a jerk back to reality, Val realizes that a slip of paper which previously was not present...now is. Giving the notice a quick scan without a second thought as to how it might have arrived in his pocket in the first place, the bard immediately looks for the black rat. Spotting the aforementioned animal quickly, Val looks directly into the rat's eyes with a smile, and gives a lazy flourish of his hand. "The coin is plentiful you say? Well then...after you, my new friend. Let's go and meet Jacques."
Aseve blinks, and begins following the rat. At least she can get away from those awful gallows. She limps heavily on her cane, looking down at the rodent. "Go on, then," she says to it quietly. "I haven't all day."
It scurries off, and she moves quickly to follow it. The quick sound of her cane against the ground is a startling sound in the otherwise more or less quiet proceedings.
From time to time, you lose sight of the rat but as you glance around, you see it sitting on its haunches. Once it makes eye contact with you, it moves off again.
You may not be entirely familiar with the city, but you know you're heading east. First you head through Old Cassomir. Its well-kept buildings and relatively quiet and clean streets seem a million miles from the bustle and grime you've come from.
You continue through two enourmous gates and if you wondered if you'd seen the nicest part of Cassomir, you now know you were wrong. This area, known as Threegates, is small but has perfectly aligned streets, romantic brick row houses, tree-lined avenues and small but beautiful parks.
As you follow the rat, you are now aware more of your surroundings - as the rodent is so easy to follow in this quiet neighbourhood - and you notice six other people all walking and staring at the ground. And they're heading in the same general direction as you.
All seven people suddenly converge at the front gate to a charming detached property, three-stories high and with roses growing around the front door. As you take in the other six people, you suddenly become aware that the rats have disappeared.
The young halfling girl looks up, seeming bemused. She adjusts her headscarf and taps the ground with her cane. "Hello, I suppose. Any idea why we're all chasing rodents?"
Ellaria eyes the others, then bites her lip and says: "We're all summoned by someone I guess. It's just like the stories begin. Next thing you know we'll all be saving the world from evil gods and dragons", then looks at the halfling lady and adds: "I was joking, you know. I'm not sure I'm the right person to do that just yet. Maybe one of the others here could though", while considering the other five figures around her.
Looking down at the halfling and Ellaria, Thelonious replies, "I am pursuing scientific knowledge... and you can't have it." Looking about, Hazard notices that the rat is gone, "Blast! You've made me lose my rat!"
Dropping to the ground, Thelonious, pulls out some crumbs and begins making 'rat noises' as he imagines them. Scuttling around he comes upon a pair of rather nice shoes. Quickly standing and dusting himself off, he extends his crumb-covered hand to Valerion, "How do you do Val? I hope you made it off the Sea Devil's Maiden without further trouble from that cur of a captain and his crew... some people just don't respect science like they should."
Ellaria looks at Dr. Hazard and can't avoid thinking to herself "Why would this strange person want to find that filthy rat after it has obviously fulfilled its purpose?" Although she tries to keep it from showing, her face shows minor signs of irritation at Hazard.
Looking down at the halfling and Ellaria, Thelonious replies, "I am pursuing scientific knowledge... and you can't have it." Looking about, Hazard notices that the rat is gone, "Blast! You've made me lose my rat!"
Dropping to the ground, Thelonious, pulls out some crumbs and begins making 'rat noises' as he imagines them. Scuttling around he comes upon a pair of rather nice shoes. Quickly standing and dusting himself off, he extends his crumb-covered hand to Valerion, "How do you do Val? I hope you made it off the Sea Devil's Maiden without further trouble from that cur of a captain and his crew... some people just don't respect science like they should."
The halfling smiles hesitantly. "I think we've reached our destination. Why were you following the rat as well?"
She blinks. "I'm sorry, I'm forgetting my manners. I'm Aseve Seeker. And you are?..."
Brayker sizes up the group and looks up and down the gates.
"Hopefully this don't take too long."
He crosses his arms and taps his foot impatiently.
"So whaddya'll doin here?"
Brayker sizes up the group and looks up and down the gates.
"Hopefully this don't take too long."
He crosses his arms and taps his foot impatiently.
"So whaddya'll doin here?"
Aseve sighs. "You have yet to answer that question myself, but I suppose I'll go first. I'm seeking a young elf child by the name of Benhov. The note said that they could provide me with the information for a 'small favor'. Of course, it's not the first time somebody's sent me a note like that, but it does have the strangest delivery method yet." She smiles. "Your turn."
Hazard extends his other crumb-encrusted hand to Aseve, "That's just fine, little girl, manners don't concern me overmuch. I am Doctor Hazard... that means expert, or authority in a certain field of study. Maybe someday, you can..." Thelonious' bleached white face turns bright red, as he finally gets a good look at Aseve. Retracting his hand to wipe at the lenses on his cap, "My apologies madam, these, um, blasted things, so dirty you can't, um, see through..."
Mumbling, "...really done it this time Finigan."
Emrys offers a bow to Aseve, his white and gold scarf just barely touvhing the ground. "My name is Emrys Korvyn, Mistress Seeker, general traveler, wanderer, and expert gambler." Glancing at Hazard and displaying a mischievous grin, he adds, "No honorifics, please."
"I've only recently arrived in Cassomir, and followed my diminutive guide out of curiosity more than anything else; this meeting is certainly more interesting than anywhere I believed I would have arrived by following a rat in the past. In the future I may have to pay more attention to the paths walked by rodents."
Hazard extends his other crumb-encrusted hand to Aseve, "That's just fine, little girl, manners don't concern me overmuch. I am Doctor Hazard... that means expert, or authority in a certain field of study. Maybe someday, you can..." Thelonious' bleached white face turns bright red, as he finally gets a good look at Aseve. Retracting his hand to wipe at the lenses on his cap, "My apologies madam, these, um, blasted things, so dirty you can't, um, see through..."
Mumbling, "...really done it this time Finigan."
Aseve smiles. "Oh, that's fine, Doctor. A lot of people make that mistake."
She turns to Emrys. "Glad to meet you, Emrys." She looks around. "So none of us know what this is about?"
Carbrook's eyes narrowed at the sight of the others.
'An interesting gathering' he thought. Scanning the assembly, his gaze alighted momentarily on a couple of faces he found familiar, although he couldn't immediately place. One that he did recall, however, was the young man with the scarf.
He strode over to him and with a small bow said 'Good day, master Korvyn. It appears our paths cross once more. I trust the matter in Oppara was concluded to your satisfaction?'
Up close, he takes the chance to mentally note some details about the others.
At the halfling's question, he turns to face her and replies 'regrettably not I, my lady'. As he looms over her, his gaunt features, sunken eyes and sallow complexion give him the air of a ghoul sizing up its next victim...
Carbrook's eyes narrowed at the sight of the others.
'An interesting gathering' he thought. Scanning the assembly, his gaze alighted momentarily on a couple of faces he found familiar, although he couldn't immediately place. One that he did recall, however, was the young man with the scarf.
He strode over to him and with a small bow said 'Good day, master Korvyn. It appears our paths cross once more. I trust the matter in Oppara was concluded to your satisfaction?'
Up close, he takes the chance to mentally note some details about the others.
At the halfling's question, he turns to face her and replies 'regrettably not I, my lady'. As he looms over her, his gaunt features, sunken eyes and sallow complexion give him the air of a ghoul sizing up its next victim...
Aseve looks at him steadily. "And what's your name?"
Earnest's ghoulish appearance is suddenly shattered as Emrys firmly claps a hand on the man's shoulder in greeting. "Carbrook! I never imagined I'd be running into you in Cassomir, of all places. Still ensuring the dead can travel to Pharasma's Boneyard in peace?"
The inquisitor draws closer to the man, and in a lower voice as not to be overheard by the others he adds, "My business in Oppara has concluded, though as to whether its end was satisfactory is a complicated affair. We can discuss the matter later, if you wish."
Earnest's ghoulish appearance is suddenly shattered as Emrys firmly claps a hand on the man's shoulder in greeting. "Carbrook! I never imagined I'd be running into you in Cassomir, of all places. Still ensuring the dead can travel to Pharasma's Boneyard in peace?"
The inquisitor draws closer to the man, and in a lower voice as not to be overheard by the others he adds, "My business in Oppara has concluded, though as to whether its end was satisfactory is a complicated affair. We can discuss the matter later, if you wish."
Aseve sees Emrys whisper something to Carbrook but doesn't catch what he says. Her smile falters. "Is there something wrong?" she asks, looking agitated.
Turning to the halfling, the seriousness on Emrys' face is replaced with a grin once more. "Not anymore, I assure you."
Turning to the halfling, the seriousness on Emrys' face is replaced with a grin once more. "Not anymore, I assure you."
The halfling gazes at him for a moment, then nods and smiles again. "Alright. Sorry, I'm nervous. So what sort of person here would use rats as messengers?"
Aseve sighs. "You have yet to answer that question myself, but I suppose I'll go first. I'm seeking a young elf child by the name of Benhov. The note said that they could provide me with the information for a 'small favor'. Of course, it's not the first time somebody's sent me a note like that, but it does have the strangest delivery method yet." She smiles. "Your turn."
"Why ya lookin for this kid? Just so happens I'm searchin for someone myself. Has nothin ta do with the note though. Note says sumthin 'bout an incarnation. Peaked my interest, ya know," says Brayker as he taps on his wooden symbol of a rose growing from a bloody street.
She looks around. "So none of us know what this is about?"
"No idea. Name's Brayker, by the by."
Aseve sighs. "You have yet to answer that question myself, but I suppose I'll go first. I'm seeking a young elf child by the name of Benhov. The note said that they could provide me with the information for a 'small favor'. Of course, it's not the first time somebody's sent me a note like that, but it does have the strangest delivery method yet." She smiles. "Your turn.""Why ya lookin for this kid? Just so happens I'm searchin for someone myself. Has nothin ta do with the note though. Note says sumthin 'bout an incarnation. Peaked my interest, ya know," says Brayker as he taps on his wooden symbol of a rose growing from a bloody street.
She looks around. "So none of us know what this is about?""No idea. Name's Brayker, by the by."
She grins. "Pleased to meet you, Brayker.
"I'm looking for the boy because it's my duty. I'm his nursemaid, you see. He was kidnapped by slavers a little less than a year ago, and now I'm following his trail." She taps her cane.
Embarrased by his faux pas with the halfling, Hazard turns from the group and begins inspecting the property and its surroundings. Plucking a rose from the door, he scrutinizes it with a magnifying glass, while mumbling, ostensibly to himself.
Carbrook acknowledges Emrys' greeting, and nods briefly when he mentions talking privately at a later time. 'I trust all those souls who made the journey today have arrived safely' he says, 'although the city is likely to display the unfortunates on the gibbets rather than return their earthly remains to the soil as would be proper'. His distaste for the treatment of the criminals' corpses seems palpable, if somewhat strange.
Turning once more to the halfling woman, he removes his hat revealing black hair tinged with grey in a sharp widow's peak. Holding the hat in front of his chest, as a priest might hold a prayer book, he inclines his head respectfully and say 'my apologies, Carbrook is my name'.
He replaces his hat, and stands back, his gloved hands clasped in front of him. And waits.
Carbrook acknowledges Emrys' greeting, and nods briefly when he mentions talking privately at a later time. 'I trust all those souls who made the journey today have arrived safely' he says, 'although the city is likely to display the unfortunates on the gibbets rather than return their earthly remains to the soil as would be proper'. His distaste for the treatment of the criminals' corpses seems palpable, if somewhat strange.
Turning once more to the halfling woman, he removes his hat revealing black hair tinged with grey in a sharp widow's peak. Holding the hat in front of his chest, as a priest might hold a prayer book, he inclines his head respectfully and say 'my apologies, Carbrook is my name'.
He replaces his hat, and stands back, his gloved hands clasped in front of him. And waits.
She performs a mixture of bow and curtsy. "I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Carbrook. Are you a worshiper of Pharasma, then?"
She grins. "Pleased to meet you, Brayker.
"I'm looking for the boy because it's my duty. I'm his nursemaid, you see. He was kidnapped by slavers a little less than a year ago, and now I'm following his trail." She taps her cane.
"I hate slavers..." he growls, "We'll get along just fine."
"I hate slavers..." he growls, "We'll get along just fine."She grins. "Pleased to meet you, Brayker.
"I'm looking for the boy because it's my duty. I'm his nursemaid, you see. He was kidnapped by slavers a little less than a year ago, and now I'm following his trail." She taps her cane.
She laughs. "Yes, it's a nasty business. I owe the family a lot, so I agreed to retrieve their child. It's been a few months now." She seems a bit troubled for an instant, then her smile returns. "After this the debt will be reversed, I hope."
"I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Carbrook. Are you a worshiper of Pharasma, then?"
'I pay my respects to the Lady of the Graves, as all members of my profession do. But my concern is not how the souls of the departed are judged by her, rather that their transition from life to afterlife is orderly, and that what is left behind is allowed to become part of the natural cycle of death and rebirth; Alseta is my mistress' he says closing his eyes for a moment at the mention of his Goddess's name.
"I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Carbrook. Are you a worshiper of Pharasma, then?"'I pay my respects to the Lady of the Graves, as all members of my profession do. But my concern is not how the souls of the departed are judged by her, rather that their transition from life to afterlife is orderly, and that what is left behind is allowed to become part of the natural cycle of death and rebirth; Alseta is my mistress' he says closing his eyes for a moment at the mention of his Goddess's name.
"Your profession?" she asks.
"Your profession?" she asks.
Carbrook replies 'I am an undertaker, madam, although I confess I cannot claim to have earned a living from my trade for some time. I have most recently found my knowledge of the dead to be of some small value to the forces of law and order'.
She laughs. "Yes, it's a nasty business. I owe the family a lot, so I agreed to retrieve their child. It's been a few months now." She seems a bit troubled for an instant, then her smile returns. "After this the debt will be reversed, I hope."
Ellaria looks at the halfling, then says empathically, "I understand it isn't going so well lately. Do you have any leads you can pursue, or is your search stuck for now? I'd be glad to offer help with information if I can while we're waiting here".
She laughs. "Yes, it's a nasty business. I owe the family a lot, so I agreed to retrieve their child. It's been a few months now." She seems a bit troubled for an instant, then her smile returns. "After this the debt will be reversed, I hope."Ellaria looks at the halfling, then says empathically, "I understand it isn't going so well lately. Do you have any leads you can pursue, or is your search stuck for now? I'd be glad to offer help with information if I can while we're waiting here".
Her smile freezes, then slowly vanishes. "I--well--it--" she stammers. She takes a deep breath, and her smile returns, though notably smaller. "I can assure you, my search is going fine. I'm just stopping here because I was offered information on Benhov's destination."
Her smile freezes, then slowly vanishes. "I--well--it--" she stammers. She takes a deep breath, and her smile returns, though notably smaller. "I can assure you, my search is going fine. I'm just stopping here because I was offered information on Benhov's destination."
Ellaria's eyes narrow a bit as she listens to the halfling's answer, then smiles while responding. "I'm really happy to hear that. Finding slavers and rescuing innocent children is always a noble thing to do. Surely you don't intend to do this all by yourself? I've heard slavers aren't the nicest people around". While she talks, her eyes stay focused on the halfling, while giving the smallest nod of her head to her and leaving the subject tactfully.
Carbrook slowly turned to face the new speaker.
'I have indeed visited the establishment you describe. I see you have some familiarity with methods of preparation of corpses' he replied.
'Regrettably, I am unfamiliar with that text. Perhaps we might discuss it when the opportunity presents itself?', he continued, a momentary gleam appearing his dark eyes.
Her smile freezes, then slowly vanishes. "I--well--it--" she stammers. She takes a deep breath, and her smile returns, though notably smaller. "I can assure you, my search is going fine. I'm just stopping here because I was offered information on Benhov's destination."** spoiler omitted **
Ellaria's eyes narrow a bit as she listens to the halfling's answer, then smiles while responding. "I'm really happy to hear that. Finding slavers and rescuing innocent children is always a noble thing to do. Surely you don't intend to do this all by yourself? I've heard slavers aren't the nicest people around". While she talks, her eyes stay focused on the halfling, while giving the smallest nod of her head to her and leaving the subject tactfully.
She shrugs, nodding just slightly at Ellaria's change of subject. "I hope to buy him from them, if I can drum up enough money. Otherwise I'll simply take him by force."
'Regrettably, I am unfamiliar with that text. Perhaps we might discuss it when the opportunity presents itself?', he continued, a momentary gleam appearing his dark eyes.
Hazard brightens, and continues eagerly, "Wonderful! An enlightened mind in these squalid times. I am eager to hear your unique perspective on the subject, but perhaps you are right. Now is not the time, there is science afoot!" He thrusts a finger in the air.
Refocusing intently on Carbrook, "Did you see where that rat went? It was supposed to give me some... information." Hazard leans in to hiss, "It would also make an excellent subject for my experiments."
Her smile freezes, then slowly vanishes. "I--well--it--" she stammers. She takes a deep breath, and her smile returns, though notably smaller. "I can assure you, my search is going fine. I'm just stopping here because I was offered information on Benhov's destination."
"I'm really happy to hear that. Finding slavers and rescuing innocent children is always a noble thing to do. Surely you don't intend to do this all by yourself? I've heard slavers aren't the nicest people around"
"She don't gotta by her lonsies. I'm goin the same way. Enemy of my enemy an' all that! Whaddya say?"
"I hope to buy him from them, if I can drum up enough money. Otherwise I'll simply take him by force."
"They might be deservin a bit 'o force either way, if you ask me. Ha ha ha!"
Her smile freezes, then slowly vanishes. "I--well--it--" she stammers. She takes a deep breath, and her smile returns, though notably smaller. "I can assure you, my search is going fine. I'm just stopping here because I was offered information on Benhov's destination."1d20 + 12
"I'm really happy to hear that. Finding slavers and rescuing innocent children is always a noble thing to do. Surely you don't intend to do this all by yourself? I've heard slavers aren't the nicest people around""She don't gotta by her lonsies. I'm goin the same way. Enemy of my enemy an' all that! Whaddya say?"
"I hope to buy him from them, if I can drum up enough money. Otherwise I'll simply take him by force.""They might be deservin a bit 'o force either way, if you ask me. Ha ha
ha!"
Aseve hesitates. "Um...I am sorry, what?"
Aseve hesitates. "Um...I am sorry, what?"
"We're travel mates now. Ain'tcha listenin? I mean, you can say no an' all, but I wouldn't advise it," he says with a big ol' grin.
Aseve hesitates. "Um...I am sorry, what?""We're travel mates now. Ain'tcha listenin? I mean, you can say no an' all, but I wouldn't advise it," he says with a big ol' grin.
Aseve looks a bit confused. She stands, staring at him, for a few moments. Then she laughs. "Sounds good, then. So who are you looking for?"
Aseve looks a bit confused. She stands, staring at him, for a few moments. Then she laughs. "Sounds good, then. So who are you looking for?"
Looking distinctly more solemn, he says, "Her name's Evelyn. Likely dead. Either way, I don't much care fer slavers ... So when's this gate gonna open anyway? I haven't got all day!"
Brayker lets out a grunt and gives the gate a good shake.
Aseve looks a bit confused. She stands, staring at him, for a few moments. Then she laughs. "Sounds good, then. So who are you looking for?"Looking distinctly more solemn, he says, "Her name's Evelyn. Likely dead. Either way, I don't much care fer slavers ... So when's this gate gonna open anyway? I haven't got all day!"
Brayker lets out a grunt and gives the gate a good shake.
Aseve looks uncomfortable at Brayker's temporary loss of composure. "That may not be the polite thing to do, Brayker. I'm sure our mysterious benefactor is going as fast as he can."
Aseve looks uncomfortable at Brayker's temporary loss of composure. "That may not be the polite thing to do, Brayker. I'm sure our mysterious benefactor is going as fast as he can."
Brayker bows his head and relaxes, letting his arms hang at his side. He sits down at the nearest lean-to (i.e. a wall, tree, etc).
"Right. The polite thing ... Apologies."
He'll focus on listening to the conversation of others as he calms.