About what Valka told Veleda in Feruz, Valka will talk to Bjarturius in semi-private (she isn't going out of her way to have no-one else) but makes sure Gravus is with her.
Valka says to Cassia (and everyone else too):
"I'm thinking of opening a shop in Loutharnium where Gravus can practice his trade. I should make good money from that."
Cassia is for returning to Loutharnium and, like Valka, has some plans for residing there at least for the moment Although there is some unfinished business which needs to be resolved.
Turia's hearth seems the most sensible place to start, and I recall Valka paying someone to keep an eye out for anyone keeping a watch on us. We're even less likely to be able to remain inconspicuous than last time so (slamming the stable door after the horse is long gone) we need to keep our guard up.
Later that day before we enter Loutharnium, Valka turns to Gallus and says:
“Cassia tells me she wants you to stick around. I don’t know if that’s what you plan to do or not. If it is you and me need to settle a few things right?”
Valka agrees with Cassia (go to the Turia's Hearth and keep on paying that guy to keep an eye on us). She tells Cassia as soon as they are settle she needs to go repay a debt and will be back very soon.
Does Cassia explain what she means by unfinished business?
Valka is very neutral how she says this.
"Indeed, Valks Spartaca, it is my intent to stay around." Gallus says cautiously. His hand slides toward his pommel, not sure what to expect, but he makes no aggresive move.
Valka makes a small muffle laugh when Gallus reaches for the pommel. Her tone actually is more relaxed suddenly:
"Relax Lucius Gallus. Look, I DO get what it must be like for an AERDIAN soldier to take any kinda crap from not only a CORUSKIAN BARBARIAN but also a FEMALE. So if you are smart, and I think you are, kinda at least, you have to think about the reverse too. I don't know what's up between you and Cassia and really its none of my business. Cassia is important to me, and she wants you to stick around, so now you've suddenly become important to me to. Simple enough?"
"What you are means significantly less to me than who you are. I respect your skill and your instinct Valka Spartaca."
He forms a half smile which only makes him look confused and totally undermines his next statement. "When you say simple enough I know exactly what you mean." It is clear he does not.
Valka listens, thinks about what Gallus said and continues:
"Simple enough then. Second thing: remember when you said we would see when you are actually tested for real? "Talk is cheap" I think are the words you used? I cant agree with you more there! I did back then and I still do now. Talk IS cheap: the reason why I wanted to judge how good you were with a gladius more then the words that were coming out of your mouth."
Valka continues while going to Erkin the mule.
"So this is what I found out at the Temple. First: you are brave. Most would have run for their lives. Second: you are smart and wise in combat. You protected what was the most important to us, the mules ..."
Valka pats Erkin on the back.
" ... and what was on them, Veleda, the reason why we were there, instead of going after personal glory. You earned BIG POINTS in my mind when you did that! Later you protected Cassia. I was kinda pissed cuz Bjarturius was dying. But now I see there is a "Thing" between you and Cassia, so I get that better. Third: you kinda suck in combat. You're not TERRIBLE but let's face it, you need training, BADLY!"
Valka takes out the 2 Rudis and offer one to Gallus.
"So this time don't be an ASS like Erkin or Severina here and take the training. Like it or not you still ARE a pup at the ludus. One day, if you live, you WILL be the Lion, but right now, the Lioness: dats ME!"
Valka is sooo NOT trying to be arrogant when she say this (well, maybe a lil bit! giggle ... but NOT on purpose).
"I was EXACTLY in your sandals not even a year ago Gallus. And look at me now. And I'm only a tiny lil coruskian blonde. Imagine what YOU could be with just a bit of teaching?"
Valka keeps the Rudis out, to offer it to Gallus.
Gallus tries not to smile at her. And mostly succeeds. He takes the rudi and as he does he says, "This is different now. This is 2 warriors trying to sharpen each other because they will have to rely on each other later. Let us see lioness if you are the legend you have built in your mind"
Lucius says the last playfully and seems more at ease than he has since he has been with the group. He engages in mock combat (and I expect gets drubbed soundly!).
Valka gives him the Spock eyebrow and sighs, shaking her head:
"You really ARE something Gallus. And your name, well, in your case it REALLY fits you PERFECTLY!"
Valka takes her Rudis, take a fighting pose and places her feet how she remembers Gallus doing at the Temple against the 4 arm skeletons.
"So, Mister "Cocky", let's start with why you couldn't hit anything except a skeleton getting up after being tripped. It starts with how your feet are placed ... etc ...etc ..."
Valka will take 15-30mns to teach some basic stuff she has notice in seeing Gallus fight at the Temple that she could help him improve. She does NOT let this get into a "mock fight", she on purpose makes the learning boring and un-cool.
Valka Spartaca finds Lucius Gallus intense about training as he is about everything. He is prone to interupting her, and asking about the physics of much of it. And he studies her moves and tries very hard to imitate them.
When Gallus takes training seriously he finds a new Valka: one that's not "aggressive", that doesn't mind interruptions or even "cocky" comments at all.
After this small training, Valka offers to do many more, like 2 every day.
At the end of one she will say:
"What I am teaching you now a Lanista called Valerius teach me. I just hope you won't do to me what I did to him!"
Evening of the 6th.
Cassia had watched Valka and Lucius Gallus with some apparent amusement, though not much interest and completed the journey to Loutharnium in relatively good spirits (relative to deep despair and/or drugged silence, of course).
At evening meal at Turia's Hearth she's pushing the food around the plate when at a lull in the (presumably quite limited) conversation she looks up.
"I need a new name."
In response to the quizzical looks she explains.
"I can't remain 'just Cassia', although it doesn't sound quite so bad in Suel. I've considered Cassia Victrix and Cassia Alecto but the one is too pretentious and the other might be considered blasphemy. What about Cassia Nigra?"
Cassia seems (unusually) to genuinely be canvassing opinion rather than informing of a decision already made.
Later on the evening of the 6th.
"Lucius Gallus, will you accompany me tomorrow on a scouting mission into what may be enemy territory?"
She turns to Valka.
"I need to gain some idea of what the situation at the Vulpus Nigrus is if we are to stay in Loutharnium. If we don't come back, you have my permission to slaughter the rest of them."
Valka says to Cassia, liking the idea of a new name:
"I like Cassia Nigra Alecto, or Cassia Alecto Nigra. Your talks about a new name made me decide to add Tisiphone to my own: Valka Spartaca Tisiphone. Dats why I like you picking Alecto. Let our enemies know what's in store for them if they mess with us!"
Valka finishes in good spirits!
"And if you don't come back I'll slaughter them all don't worry."
She says that while eating, the same way she would have said "pass me the butter". She also says:
"While you go on your mission, I'll go pay the debt I owe Igno. Let's meet back here."
- 7th Day of the 2nd Low Nones Cobius (morning)
CASSIA and GALLUS: scouting mission
VALKA and GRAVUS going to the Fremitum (humanoid slums outside the city) to repay Valka's debt to Igno
Valka will ask Bjarturius how they hired Igno and all the details he can give (like where they meet, who was there and all that).
With that, Valka and Gravus will go directly and try to speak with Igno. If we can't get to Igno directly. Valka will ask around what's the normal way to find him or to leave a message. If its needed Valka will use some money to get it done (Valka will have Gravus negociate stuff like that!). Valka will be very careful in the humanoid slums part!
Gravus's job will be to do all the talking (including negociation), watch her back and act like a chaperon.
Valka's city look:
- Basic Look (normally I'll be like that): simple short tunic-stola, mini-dress style that goes to mid-thigh and has a good but not indecent cleavage. Sandals (high ones with the leather straps that go all the way up just under the knees) and a belt with a pugio and a pouch for money (the belt is that hidden pugio belt I took from Viusenius!). I don't carry much cash around: let's say 25 denarius and other coins worth less.
Not sure what my other looks are yet! I'm hoping when I have more cash and we go shopping with Cassia I will get a hotter fashion look going! :)
(and all my stuff is at the Inn for now, ideally in a locked chest. I'll look into buying one as soon as I can!)
ONE MORE THING: If it makes sense (like the slums outside the city!) I'll have Gravus carry 2 gladius in a weapon belt! The idea is that he looks like my slave-guard so it makes sense to have weapons and me I'm the helpless tiny blonde! :)
I'll arrange the weapon belt so that Valka can be behind Gravus and pull both gladius free from the belt at the same time! (grrrrr!)
When Valka Spartaca mentions Valerius, he is curious to hear the story. Trying not to pry, but eager to hear something of her background. He thanks her for the training humbly.
Gallus agrees to be an escort for Cassia and leaves his armor and shield and weapons save his pugio at Turia's. He wears it easily accessible, but under his shirt.
As the women discuss name changes, Gallus acts several times as if he has a comment or interjection, but each time holds back and insists that he has nothing to add.
CASSIA and GALLUS in the LAXIUM:
The Vulpes Nigra Inn is closed for business, the windows and doors barred shut. Casual inquiry with a few locals reveals there is trouble within the Vulpii, and it is better to wait until the dust settles than be caught in their mess.
VALKA and GRAVUS in the FREMITUM:
Exiting the city by the Rusicus Gate (north gate dedicated to the Emperor Ividius Naelax Rusicus), Valka and Gravus enter the Fremitum, an unsavory shanty town filled with humanoids of all kind, but mostly Orcs and Half-Orcs. They quickly locate the only half decent area of the Fremitum: a small forum built around a large bronze fountain of a Manticore.
VALKA and GRAVUS in the FREMITUM:
Gravus and Valka are searching for the right individual to ask questions to, Valka spotting a Goblin grinning at them from a distance, memories of the Hextaurian Temple still fresh in her mind. Gravus is considering a half-orc shop keeper (a tinkerer) when suddenly a large shadow covers the morning sun: a 7 foot tall 400 pounds Bugbear is standing before him, much too close for comfort. The battle-axe and gladius combo he wields doesn't help put Gravus at ease, neither does that mummified human head dangling from his belt:
"Me dont like stinkin Dwarf un Elf!" He grunts at Gravus.
CASSIA and GALLUS in the LAXIUM:
Gravus hesitates only briefly, his eyes lingering on the morbid talisman on the bugbear's belt before reminding himself that showing weakness to these creatures is not an option.
Setting his shoulders to present a stubborn posture as he glares up to meet the stranger's eyes, he responds in a low tone, almost a growl, "and I'm none too keen on wretched goblin-spawn, yet here ye are."
Leaning down, the bugbear's head approaches dangerously close to Gravus's own. The foul breath can be clearly smelled.
"Who u call retch dwarf dog? u insult me? dis be fremitum! no place for dwarf un elf!"
"Our place is no concern of yours, furball," the dwarf says back, only his frequent exposure to noxious fumes allowing him the self control to resist drawing back from the stench, "we're looking for a half-orc named Igno, so ye can either make yerself useful and point us in his direction, or ye can stop fouling up me air."
Tensions were escalating, that much Gravus was sure of, until he mentioned Igno. Though obviously still aggressive, the bugbear is considering.
"You know Igno dwarf?" (emphasis on 'you')
Gravus allows himself a calming breath as the bugbear show signs of recognition, "Aye, we've dealt with each other... he recently provided us with his services as a guide."
The bugbear backs down, a bit disappointed bloodshed was avoided.
Reluctantly offered: "if u know Igno Bosk Sickpuke not mess with u"
He barks something in that foul Goblin tongue. A Goblin approaches.
"Zag take you to Igno"
Zag the Goblin grins evilly at Gravus and motions for him to follow.
Gravus just gives the bugbear a curt nod, before eyeing the goblin suspiciously for a second and glancing back to Valka for confirmation that she is happy to follow.
Valka stays behind Gravus all this time, hoping to look like the helpless tiny blonde who needs protection of her Dwarf guard (but of course the point is to stay close to her 2 gladius right at the back of Gravus!).
"Well done!" Valka whisper in Gravus's ear.
"We follow! See if this Zag speak our language!" she adds, still whispering.
Valka says:
"Valerius was a good talker who tried to turn me into a gladiator slave with sweet words and by being all charming. So I killed him of course. See why I don't trust sweet talkers?"
When Gallus thanks her, Valka says:
"Just make sure you keep on watching out for Cassia. Without a good name now to protect her she will be easy pray. That's the only payment I expect for teaching you Gallus. You learn fast anyway, you may not need my training soon enough!"
VALKA and GRAVUS in the FREMITUM:
Zag leads Gravus and Valka through a few streets of the humanoid favela until they reach a cluster of shanty houses with a pair of young half-orcs in front playing a game of kick the skull. Our heroes both notice Bosk (the bugbear) keeping an eye on things from afar, eager to see the nature of relationship between the duo and Igno.
Zag spits out in Goblin a short sentence with the word "Igno" in it. One of the half-orc youths shouts in a guttural broken tongue (orcish?). Igno emerges from an improvised doorway moments later.
- 1st Day of the Kalends of Pelius
CASSIA and GALLUS in the LAXIUM:
Paesentius shows up at the meeting set by Cassia in the main forum (in the old loutharnium district).
The heavy set man puts on an air of exaggerated good-humor at the sight of Cassia.
"There she is, the source of my current misfortunes. Istus's eye: what is it you want?"
Gravus begins to trail closely behind the goblin, and after a short distance he barks out a short question to follow through with Valka's inquiry over their diminutive guide's linguistic capabilities.
"How far is it?"
Zag answers in Nyrondese :
"Not far, close, close."
"The source of your misfortunes came second in an argument with Tisiphone, don't cast me as their author."
Cassia flicks her hand in the air to indicate she doesn't mind that much.
"I'm sure you've withstood misfortune before, and don't the Sunndi use the same character for 'crisis' as they do for 'opportunity'? Why don't I buy us a skin of wine and we can discuss how to turn the one to the other?"
Paesentius shows red eyes, signs he hasn't slept much. Otherwise he is adequately dresses as a rich plebeian would and doesn't seem overly worried or paranoid. He seems to be alone.
His thick lips pucker and he nods in approval of the analogy:
"Opportunity it is then. The wine can wait until we have something to celebrate. Tell me what you have in mind."
He looks around the forum square.
"That hellcat Tisiphone is not with you?" he offers as casually as the comment can sound.
"I left her at home. I'm hoping for an amicable meeting and she can be a bit excitable. How is Placidius? He didn't meet my little Fury, did he?"
Cassia shrugs.
"I was sad to discover that the Vulpes Nigra was currently closed for business. What would it take to get it open again? I have a yen to settle in Loutharnium, and I need a project to keep me occupied."
Paesentius, teeth flashing in an attempt at joviality: "Amicable it is then. Amicable, opportunity, wine, ..."
Running his thumb and index finger through the closely cropped beard of his chin: " ... why do I feel like a virgin about to be fu@ked?"
A tad more seriously: "I do remember you parting words, Cassia Aquila Tercia." Emphasizing the name.
Another change of tone as he squeezes his wide girth in mock sensuality: "This virgin won't mind giving away some of the goods for the right man, or women in this case."
His eyes narrow: "That's what Placidius thinks of me now anyway: that I let a couple of women make fools of the Vulpi."
His turn to shrug: "Maybe he is right. Maybe not. Too late to debate it now. Alea jacta est. The stronger side will become the Vulpus Nigrus. Aerdian Law."
"Don't use that name, it's cursed. For now, I am Cassia Nigra."
Cassia drops her 'playful' approach, she's deadly serious about that.
"I would avoid another bath of blood, though as you will remember this is not because I am squeamish. Could the watch be persuaded that Placidius is a bad influence on the citizens of Loutharnium? Or could the Vulpus be persuaded that to favour Placidius over us would be unprofitable, to say nothing of potentially fatal?"
Cassia waits to see what he thinks of that, (including discussion of details), then
"Will it be necessary to kill Placidius, and if so, do you have the will to do so? I do not imagine you gained your position through being soft hearted but you have been his partner for far longer than mine."
A pause. A sparkle in the large man's eye. "Alright, Cassia Nigra."
"The streets are not kind to those who show weakness, a problem I am facing. But they are even less kind to those that are ignorant."
Paesentius waves his thick hand, indicating Cassia.
"And they are not kind to those they don't know, or trust."
His smile is still there, but more symptomatic of the man's general demeanor than his current mood.
"Cassia Nigra could learn a lot from someone like me. Benefit too. Its a good time to invest. A powerful witch and the killer of Viusenius could make their mark. Audente fortuna juvat."
Cassia nods.
"That is one of Tisiphone's favourite sayings. Let us proceed then on the basis that I need your experience, and that your interests may be well served by our partnership. Tell me what has happened in the Vulpus since I terminated my relationship with Hilaria Antia."
Paesentius's ever-present smile erodes slowly at Cassia's words. "I just told you what happened with the Vulpus. And what needs to be done. You can sure of this: Placidius cannot have the ones that killed Viusenius left unpunished. So your choice is to help me, or get out of Loutharnium."
Valka steps up from behind Gravus and greet Igno with a short bow of her head. As soon as she saw him she prepares coins in both her hands.
"Here is the rest of what I owe you!"
Valka opens her right hand that has 10 denarius in it.
"The information you give me was good and useful. Worth every coin."
Valka gives Igno the 10 and opens her left hand, that has 5 more denarius in it.
"I have another deal for you Igno. 5 Denarius to find me a Goblin that can teach me the Goblin language. I will pay him well but he has to be civilized enough to teach me in the city without causing problems."
Valka says that part LOUD in case Zag the Goblin could be interested in the deal!
Bosk (the bugbear) is still hovering in the background, displaying the curiosity and discreet subtlety of a 5 year old.
Zag picks up on the offer right away, eyes riveted to the large sum just handed out to Igno:
"Zag smart, in Fremitum all call Zag devious" Zag obviously takes this as both compliment and affirmation of his earlier statement (devious = smart). "Pay Zag good and Zag the devious teach you Goblin fast!"
Igno open his palm, placing it under Valka's left (the one with the extra 5 denarii) "Done deal. Here's your teacher."
Valka does feel a bit abused about the deal for a second, but she thinks a bit and it all goes away. She gives Igno the 5 denarius, even giving Igno a small smile.
"Pleasure dealing with you Igno. Valka Spartaca Tisiphone will not forget how useful you have been to me."
Valka looks at Zag and says:
"I'll pay you Zag the devious. First lesson starts right now, okay?"
Valka wonders how good Gravus is at learning languages. If he is good at it, Valka will have him learn Goblin too.
Valka looks at Bosk and makes sure there is no sign of things going wrong there. Valka will take advantage of her deal with her new teacher to ask Zag:
"Who is this Bosk? Anyone important here? He always tries to pick up fights with dwarf and elves?"
Igno takes the money and returns to his shanty without so much as a "thank you".
Zag grins evilly, as if some mischievous thought had entered his mind (or is it just the way he always think?): "Bosk is sickpuke"
(again, spoken as if it bore meaning)
"He shame for backing down in front of elf woman. He say she demon elf. He say she got claws. No one see claws so all laugh at Bosk. Now Bosk want to pick fight with scum race like dwarf and elf."
Zag chuckles at all this.
"Bosk now see you deal with Fregus Pugnus. He not mess with you."
"Is Igno the Fregus Pugnus? Like you are Zag the devious and he is Bosk the sickpuke?"
Valka tries to work out ways with Zag that we can meet and he can teach her Goblin easily. For now maybe just outside the gate going to the Fremitum? Is that possible? Valka will pay for today and an advance for a second day to keep him interested.
After Valka will return to the Inn and meet up with Cassia and Gallus and see what's going on with them. She will also check on Bjarturius and Veleda!