1st of Erastus 4708AR
It is a hot Toilday afternoon and the business is picking up at Slim's Way Inn. Everyone seems to be coming in to get out of the afternoon sun. Sunrise Boulevard is packed with all sorts of traffic coming and going Northpoint is a bustling district this time of day. Slim's isn't the biggest Inn in the district nor is it the most famous, but it is a decent place, clean, decent food, better drink. The average customer falls into to categories; one they are either local here for a pint or a bit of food, or two they are newcomers in town looking for a place where they can sort out the city before moving on. Many teamsters like to stop in here Slim loves a bit of news from beyond the walls, and often gives a free mug for any new tidbit that he has yet to hear. He used to have problems with Dancers thats true they thought the fresh fish in town were easy pickings then Slim hired Xanthem, and a better spotter he hadn't seen. With Two Waters as an enforcer no one seemed to want to fleece his customers anymore, or when they did they learned they didn't want to make the mistake again.
Slim was happy his bar was full most of his rooms too. The ale was flowing, and he was engaging in one of his favorite pastimes gossip. An old friend of his had pulled in today Hobart Gerabaldi a caravan master that traveled across Kingdoms. It seems he had just got in from a long hull with a load of Darkwood all the way from Darkmoon Vale You don't Say? So last you heard the whole of northern Andoran come down with this Blackscour Taint huh?
True as I'm sitting here Slim. I saw it myself Falcon's Hollow was plagued with it when I picked up the load I got now corse I had priests pray over it make sure it wasn't carrying any contagions. I can't get the reputation that I bear a load of plagued wood; no sir wouldn't do at all. He paused to take a large draw off the pint of Two Knights summer pale. Oh this is a fine brew Slim ya say this comes out of that bit of a town near Magnimar? Now I might have to make that Journey.
Red had managed to climb up in the raptors from the top of the stair case and was prowling about, He had a feeling there would be someone with grabby palms about today, whether it was a bag cutting hoodlum or a drunk getting overly familar with the girls. There was just an itch he had to scratch. He managed to weave his way over slim and what was his name? Hobart, sounded right but he couldn't quite remember.
He manuevered over the bar and listened in as his eye wondered the patrons looking for what was out of place.
perception.
Red was at home in the rafters like a raven roosting. The only one that seemed to notice him was Two Waters the big Shoanti bouncer. He always seemed to keep an eye on Red for any sign of trouble. The rest of the tap room went on about their business none the wiser. Alia and Maggie were working the room with the deftness unknown to any but an experienced tavern wench. Gildana was slinging drinks from behind the bar. It didn't take long for Red to notice a dancer preparing to work. He had never seen this one before Probably an out of towner who didn't know any better. He was a young Varisian fellow maybe of mixed blood. He hadn't acted yet, but Red knew that look the youth was merely sizing up the prey. Now what to do?
So how long you in town for Hobart? Slim asked pouring him a fresh pint.
He takes the fresh pint after first draining the last of the pint he had been working on. Thank ya Slim. I reckon on being here a few days I have a bit of delicate business to handle as well He says with a wink Then I figure I may have to make my way on to that Sandpoint for a couple kegs of this Two Knights.
Teach the kid a lesson, and teach him hard? or give him a word of advice before he got himself in real trouble.He shakes his head,signaling two waters that nothing was wrong, with that he gave a yawn and a stretch. Red pads over to the stairs, not wanting to tip everyone off in the bar that he was working the rafters like spider in its web watching diligently which fly to eat and which to protect. Hopping from a beam to the stairs.
acrobatics
He then continues down and walks calmly over to the youngling. once close enough he will say in a quiet tone, You from around here kid? I'm guessing not, because you don't know better than to come into my tavern with that on your mind.
With a shocked look on his face the young man says What are you talking about mister? I'm new in the city alright, but I'm not sure what you mean. I just stepped in here to get something to drink, maybe a bite to eat. The sweat coming off the boy could be from the hot day, but all of Red's instincts scream he was right about the boy trying to take a purse still maybe the boy wasn't a hardened crook. He certainly didn't look like Scarni the Varisian criminal clan.
sure, you know what I mean. I've been there, staring at somebody's pouch, knowing it's got your meal ticket hanging there. Where ya from? Come on, the drink and the bite is on me.
Red didn't do this often, but something about the kid struck him, He wasn't from around here, then hopefully he wasn't going to be staying either, cause the kid wouldn't survive with those kind of skills.
If he refused, well if fate gave him an out and he refused it, well than fate could have em.
Red made his way to the bar, hopefully with the kid in tow. hey boss,can we get two pints and two bowls of whatever cook is slinging?Evening Mr. Hobart.
Hanzi nervously spoke I was traveling with my kin. We meet up early this spring with another group. I happened to have fallen in love with the Headman's daughter he didn't take kindly to finding us together about a week ago in a nice clearing. His eyes glaze over for a moment before he snaps back to the present. He was going to take his scarf to me, so I ran and didn't turn back found myself on the road to Korvosa so I thought I would come see the city. Hanzi watched as the elf turned and headed for the bar. He didn't wait long to follow. My name is Hanzi Fenello, and I don't forget a good turn. he added as he took the seat next to Red.
Slim nodded to Red not paying much attention knowing if he really wanted his attention he would use certain turns of phrases they had long ago worked out. Gildana see to Red would ya dear?
Hello Red how are you doing? when are you going to leave Slim here and come see a bit of the world with me? Like I say never know when I am going to need a man with your skills. The offer is always good mind you. Hobart smiled
Gildana poured two pints of Two Knights for Red and slid a platter of fresh bread, summer sausage, and a wheel of Varisian sharp between him and the lad. The sassy half-elf said Supper ain't ready yet Red, this will have to tide you and yur little ragamuffin over fer the time. with a wink and a smile.
"Well Hanzi Fenello my friend, I'm on my second favor for you right now and I'll do ya at least one more before the night is over." Red grinned at him casually. "The first was stopping you from doing what you were about to do, this is a cutthroat city, literally. If you succeeded or failed in taking your mark, its my job to keep the costumers pouches full until they empty their contents on our drink, food, and tips. so the first favor was helping you not do something uninformed. the second is right here." a pair of pints slung down on the table and bread meat and cheese. " The third is an offer, that if I were you I'd take. This town is rough on someone that doesn't know the rules, a place like sand point might be a bit more your speed, pick up a trade.how does that sound? He rattled all this off to Hanzi and then turned to speak with his fellows while he gave the boy a moment to think it over.
Thank you Gildana, I'll remember your kindness always.He grinned at the half elf right back, this is just the way it went between the two, he wasn't ever sure if she was flirting with him or treating him like a sibling. and so the od mixture was processed and returned half sarcasm half sincere.
Actually Mr.Hobart, no one has come looking for me that I need to run from lately,so I am afraid I am going to have to turn you offer down one more time, you just wait until I get myself in enough trouble that I have no choice but to run and I'll look you up first thing, but I do know somebody that might be looking to leave the city, travel along with you til at least sand point unless you can work out a different arrangement by then, Nice honest fellow, to good for Korvosa if you ask me.
I don't know bout that I have always thought I would take up the left handed trade ya know? I don't know bout learning some trade besides I think the Headman's kin are in Sandpoint. Why don't I stay here and you can show me the ropes eh? He looks at Red hopefully helping himself to the platter laid out for them.
Hobart smiles taking a big draw from his pint. Whats that then? You know me I can always use a good hand with the caravan. I always got someone hiring on, or leaving to try their hand at some fool venture. Tell me more bout this promising soul.
IF the headsman's kin are in sandpoint won't that mean your lass is in sandpoint? If you stay, you are going to have to pay your own dues and fight your own battles, I will teach you but I won't make you my responsibility, at least until you prove you are worth the trouble. Are you sure? if you can't learn quick the only ropes I may be leading you to are the ones in the gallows or the ones tied to anchors and your ankles.
He waits a moment for Hanzi's response, before he replies to Hobart.
If I go to Sandpoint I fear my fate would be no better it seems the young lady I was interested in was betrothed to another Headman's son unbeknownst to me. He looks Red straight in the eye You have helped me already and as I said I am in your debt. If you want me to move on I will. If you are willing to instruct me in the way this city works. I will repay you for the kindness somehow.
alright, lesson one Hanzi, never argue with fate. he pulls a copper out of his pocket and shows hanzi both sides. scratch and I teach you, i'll try to get you settled and a bit more, teach you everything I can. Clean side and you go with Hobart, Learn what he has to teach you and you stay nice and clean, keep out of the left handed business and trouble as best you can. sound fair? he finishes flicking the coin in the air. to land on the table. Red's hand slams down on the counter as fast as the coin lands and waits for Hanzi to agree.
Hanzi looks a little hesitant staring at Red's hand on the bar before he finally says Ok, you have a deal.
Red moves his hand to reveal the clean side of the coin.well, Hanzi my friend looks like you are for the caravan. he turns to Hobart. My young friend here could use a strong mind with a bit of a watchful eye, over him, not wary of him. just to put you fully at ease, he isn't from Korvosa, and that is my main concern, I know this city is trying to kill us all and treats out-of-towners like marzipan. so as a favor to him would you take him on, he has a quick mind, he'll be up to whatever task you set to him.What do you say Hobart?
Hobart looks over at the skinny Varisian youth You know your way around a wagon lad? I could always use someone that knows how to drive a team, an well as swing a sword or shoot a bow.Hobart takes another drink looking sorrowfully at the lowering level of amber goodness. What say you? care to take to the road with one of the most famous merchants in the known world. HAHAHAHA!
Hanzi can't help but smile at the charismatic rotund man Yes sir I know my way with a wagon I have lived my whole life practically on the road.
It wasn't so much that Red didn't want an apprentice, but Hanzi was a bit to clean and to be honest he spent some of his youth wondering what it would be like to not sleep with a dagger gripped in your hand, or having to find somewhere compact to sleep and well hidden. Hanzi, didn't know the life he was asking for. Perhaps if someday they came through again and he still wanted a cut throat life.
Red down's his two knights and grabs a chunk of bread,a slice of cheese and a bit of the meat, eating the sand which with pleasure. He swivels around on his stool and starts glancing around for rats after coin.
perception
Red goes back to watching the floor, and while it is bustling he seems to derailed any danger to the patrons purses for the moment he does notice Two waters subtly waving him over by his usual table near the door. The big Shoanti gives a stern look to a porter who seems to be getting into his cups and being a little to handsy with Alia; needless to say that sobers up the man a bit right quick as he quietly goes back to his mug.
if you'll excuse me gentleman? he says to the fellows at the bar. I better be getting back to work, eh boss?
He hops up from the stool with the chunk of bread cheese and meat still in hand. Walking over to the table and the door, wondering what exactly he is about to get into. Two waters is one of those guys that is at the beginning of a really good story, a good story a few years from now when you are safe. but just before you are about to get dragged into the good story you wonder why you are walking casually over to the beckoning of such a man. The first rule is why, never ignore fate. and if fate wasn't pulling Two waters strings, then he had the world all wrong.
Sure, I suppose ya should. He waves Red off. He was such a sucker for news from far off places. So tell me about this business you got into in Janderhoff. he held his hand out for Hobart's mug Slide over here lad you mine as well get to know old Hobart if you are going to be working for him.
Two Waters waited for Red to sit down. In his calm voice he said You helped that boy didn't ya Red?
I helped him take a different path. Red easily admits as he sits a bit warily, he never can make scratch or clean with this guy, but there was a very simple way to find out. wait and listen. His cold blue eyes searched the man for a hint of what he was thinking.
sense motive
It is a good thing you do Red the boy would have run into trouble in the city. I have seen it happen many times with the Varisions. They have their own code of behavior much like my own people. These foreign ideas don't mix well with the way we see the world. It was never much of a challenge to know how Two Waters felt about a situation if you were patient enough. It seems if speed was any indication that he felt pretty strong about this. I also wanted to let you know Morgo was by here earlier looking for you.
I figured it saved us the trouble of having to take the lad out back, and him the trouble of being taken out back.He patted Two waters on the shoulder. I'm glad we agreed on this one. Did Morgo have any particular message for me, a meeting spot or anything? He was kind of surprised when all Two waters had to say, but then out it came like a harbinger from the calm man's lips, Morgo stopped by.
Looks like there would be something to do tonight after all.
Just that he wanted to talk to you. Two waters Shrugged.
thanks for letting me know. Red weaves his way back over to Slim. looks like someone is calling me on an errand boss, Two waters has it under control. you need me to pick up anything while I'm out? maybe a something to drink? the last was a phrase they used to joke with and get any special errands across. [b] after he was given leave he would head up to his cramped attic room, Red loved the tight space, plus it led to the rooftops. finishing his bread and cheese along the way.
No got plenty of brew in stock tend to your errand. I will see ya later looks like we might have a late night. Slim waves at Red as he heads off turning back to Hobart. You mean to say that the woman was the Guildmaster's daughter, and you told her that? Ha don't think you will be going back to Janderhoff any time soon my friend.
Red gears up in his room smirking at the comment that slim was making to hobart, Seemed like Hanzi and Hobart would get along famously. He walked over to a secret hatch in the roof and exited it, looking it behind him. He could always enter again on the main floor.
He started the tricky walk to the posh and turtle, but trick meant entertaining. He wondered what other cats were out tonight, walking the fences.
He will move as quickly as he feels comfortable doing so.he has doned his reversible cloak, putting the black to the outside and the red on the inside. He will move as if any obsticle is but a place to improvise and let nothing remain between him and his goal.and as always when on the roofs or just out at night in Korvosa it was a good idea to remain a shadow as much as possible.
acrobatics
Stealth
Red soared through the Shingles like most would crossing a pleasant meadow. Some of the shingle folk around these parts were familiar with Red he got a quick hello as he hopped over Mrs. Copperpot a local halfling washer woman.She merely hollered out watch the line I got wash out as he turned the corner he jumped on a barrel then lept getting ample height over the little woman's wash lines. He pressed on challenging himself with the constant changing terrain of the shingles. He made good time crossing the district not his record though; that honor was still the night he had pissed off a bunch of Duster's when one of um tried to tax him for crossing his path and Red mopped the floor with him. Leaving his mates none to happy and on his tail oh he led them a merry chase that night. He soon found himself near the wall sliding down a rail into the ally behind the famous Posh&Turtle.
Stepping inside he saw Morgo sitting near the glass floor portion of the bar looking down on Old Tom the gigantic turtle that was stuck in the sea cave below the bar.
Morgo watches Red approach indicating he should take a seatHow dost do my bluff, Red my clinker rum dubber how fare thee? I hope this lanterntime fare thee well. I have found me self in a bit of learning that has led me to a fine plum. Do you fancy a panny on a Gentry Cove Ken? Hes a Merry-Begotten Buck Finch of a fellow who happens to have gotten himself in a bit of a bind. You just need to heave a jybe. What do you say? It is all Bob I promise. Fancy a guzzle? Morgo looks at Red waiting to see what he has to say.
Red flipped his cloak around displaying the red to the outside of the world, he was a bit bold in this aspect, he tended to announce himself if he was likely to be seen any how. his eyes strayed to the floor and the immense turtle below it, it was an oddity to sit above such things but it suited Morgo, so he wouldn't complain.
Pound it. he said simply. I'd ask but I trust there is a bit more to it since you are asking me and not some copper boy to get it done. he said with a smirk.
I'd take a drink but I've already had more than i like to work on.
So, Tell me Morgo. When I’m biting the ken, mind if I pick up some rum quids, I don’t want to be late with this months dues, and to be honest at the moment I’m a bit light of wagon wheels.if not its plumy, I’ll just find dawb later tonight. Point me toward the square crib and I’ll get the screeve.
Red waits and listens to Morgo trying to figure out more about who’s home he might be entering tonight and more so what exactly he needs to take.