"Agneta is one of the Vulpes you didn't kill last time you were here."
Cassia turns to Paesentius.
"If Placidius comes intending to make a fight of it, who is he likely to have with him? How many?"
After that she goes quiet and still.
Gallus does not waste time. He begins making the windows secure on the first floor, and looking for an escape route from the second. (Are there buildings close by? Anything that would cushion a fall if we jumped etc?)
Valka remembers the fight best she can. It went so fast! But she remembers seeing someone and says:
"Oh the cute girl that was trying to sneak up and change her mind when things started to go bad for them!
So ... how do we CONVINCE her to join our side Paesentius? What could make her decide to join us? Money?"
Valka agrees with the idea of barricading everything except:
- one entrance on the main floor
- one window on the second floor (Gallus's escape route idea)
She also agree about the defensive points idea
Paesentius answering Cassia: "How long until Placidius comes? Istus only knows. It could be moments or days. But I doubt he will let a moon pass before acting. How many will be with him? He has the advantage of revenge: those you killed have families who will by right want your blood. He will also probably use what coin he has left to get killers. But he might try to be subtle about it: find some angle he can use to do this without a bloodbath. Placidius is one ruthless bastard: very little is below him. I don't think he will burn the Inn down."
Addressing the Agneta issue: "Money can help but won't be enough. Agneta will go with the side that is most likely to win: you have to convince her ours is the right one and that there are advantages to joining before. To get to her use her sick mother Matidia: Agneta is always searching for wonder-workers that could cure her back. If you approach her that way it won't arouse too many suspicions from Placidius if he is having Agneta watched."
Valka does NOT look happy at all at the "could be moments or days ... up to a moon" part! She turns to Cassia:
"Cassia, if you plan to go look for Agneta do you want me to come with you? Gravus can disguise me, maybe even give us herbs that would help us look the part of wonder-workers! Or maybe he could even come too in disguise"
Valka looks at Gravus for that last part to see his reaction (like YES I can do that or a NO WAY kinda reaction)
"I have no intention of waiting until Korius to resolve this matter. How would Placidius react do you think if I were to lay a death curse upon him and servants of Nerull were seen circling his house? Perhaps more usefully, how do you think those who might stand with him would react?"
"To approach Agneta it might be better if Lucius Gallus were to accompany me. He is unlikely to be recognised even without disguise. Placidius' will undoubtedly be watching the Vulpes Nigra, how possible would it be for him to be watching the sewer entrances? Is there a way we can come and go and be sure that we are unseen?"
"It seems that separating Placidius from possible support is our goal. Would simple bribery suffice? Or the payment of what I believe the Coruskians call a weregild for those who Valka Spartaca slew?"
Paesentius's smile broadens: "A death curse on Placidius could work, especially if some ill was to fall on him or those that stand by him."
About the Agneta plan: "Was Gallus seen in the Laxium already? Did he inquire, even indirectly, about the Vulpus, the Inn or what's going on? If yes don't bring him unless he is disguised."
"The sewers are the best way to go in and out unseen but Placidius could have them watched."
"Simple bribery at large won't work unless you can come up with big sums. If you have coins best focus your efforts on a single influential person, like Agneta."
Gallus observes, "With what coins we have, and after we have secured Agneta, or not, we might hire sell swords to help us..." His thoughts carry him, and suddenly he says, "If you want to show the bastard who should fear whom, if you want him to cower you go to him. Let us find him and do what needs to be done, instead of letting him plan this in his time, let us plan it to our advantage."
Gallus seems excited at this prospect. "The mouse fears the cat, not because the cat will harm it if it gets to close, but because the cat will hunt it and kill it."
"This place trapped and defended could be a redoubt if things do not go our way, but let us choose the time and place for us to do this! Paesentius, where could Placidius be found?"
Paesentius's face lights up, enjoying Gallus's energy, but practicality clearly tempers his response: "If only it were that simple. First thing Placidius did was put his family somewhere safe and leave his domus. I did the same thing."
Paesentius continues, considering options in Gallus's plan: "I have a few ideas where he could have sent them but going after them is a long shot. If you have ways to find them this could help us out. Viusenius's wife might know. The ungrateful b!tch is helping him out in his bid for power, more out of vengeance then love of the man."
He shrugs his heavy set shoulders: "bah, can't blame her for that. I would expect my wife to do the same."
"I have enough materials at hand te perhaps disguise a single person, but for more than that it would be takin' me quite some time te properly prepare the correct mixtures, Domina." Gravus responds to Valka's questioning look.
Valka is sensing Cassia AND Gallus are impatient and don't exactly wanna wait this one out!
Valka, who is FAR from the patient type, listens to everything then says:
"Let's make our move then! It sounds like going in and out of the Inn without being spotted could be a problem, so I say Cassia should go in disguise with Gallus so he can protect her. We'll go through the sewers. Bjarturius, Gravus and me will make a diversion in case there is someone checking the sewers: we'll make sure the way is clear so you can pop out in disguise somewhere after. Gravus: use your materials on Gallus at the right time."
Valka turns to Cassia and says:
"From outside you can maybe do both Agneta and your Nerull idea. My suggestion is you stay on the outside as long as you need to and avoid doing in and outs from the Inn. Agreed?"
Paesentius: "In the sewers following the water flow gets you to the river port district: Anguis Flumen territory. Placidius won't have pull there. The Anguis will stay neutral. If he's having the sewers watched before that there aren't many places one can do so discretely. The plan to flush out lookouts should work. I can tell you how to reach Agenta or Matidia, and the domus of Placidius for your death curse."
The rotund man makes a gesture to ward off Nerull's influence, the hand motion of 'WeeJa clude forem' ('closing Weejas' portal', the entrance to the world of the Dead).
"Stay clear of the Laxium to lie low and don't trust Old Loutharnium. The River Port is a good place, or the Disticum if you really must."
Valka puts on all her weapons and her armor and gets ready to enter the sewers (yukk!). She tells Gravus to get ready too and get those disguise materials ready for Gallus in case. She ask Bjarturius to come along too. I know this means leaving Veleda alone for a little bit but we won't take long, just a quick trip in the sewers to clear the way for Cassia (and maybe Gallus if he wants to go). If Bjarturius feels uneasy Valka says Veleda could follow behind. If he is still uneasy Valka will of course understand and tell Bjarturius to stay, that I will take care of it alone (with Gravus). After that she asks Cassia if she is ready to go and if she needs anything special. If Cassia changes her mind and doesn't want to go, Valka will go with Gravus, asking everyone else to go first to clear the sewers for her (so noone sees her or Gravus).
Gallus goes with the group, but leaves his weapons save a pugio and armor behind. He is ready to join Cassia on her errand.
Before setting off, Gravus grinds together some minerals with a clay-like substance and rolls it out flat onto a small board. Over the course of no more than a few minutes, he moulds and shapes the stuff into the rough outline of a face. Looking between his work and Gallus, the dwarf carefully lays the 'mask' between two sheets of oiled cloth before holding it out to the warrior.
"This should render ye unrecognisable te most observation, but it'll nae last much longer than a half hour once it's removed from the protective wrapping, so ye might want te hold of on applying it fer now... just be sure te press firmly around the edges, it'd be a dead give-away if yer false skin were te start peelin' off mid-conversation."
Cassia will use mundane methods to disguise her identity in the first instance. (Posture, make-up to darken her skin to a tanned/weather beaten shade, clothes from the girls' rooms to mimic the colourful garb of a gypsy, headscarf to hide her hair). Similarly, will do what I can with what is available so that Lucius Gallus looks the part.
We'll need a carrying basket with some innocuous poultices/compresses if we're going to pretend to be wonder workers (looks at Gravus - although I imagine the kitchen still has some herbs/flour/water). (Also, this kind of thing would be useful props if I wish to 'curse' Placidius).
Reluctantly, armour will be left behind, as will sword. If my whip can be coiled up to go in my belt pouch, that's where it will be. If it can't, it goes in the basket with the poultices.
(Perhaps Paesentius could lay hands on saps for everyone since if it does come to a big fight, we're not really wanting to slaughter the opposition).
Once out of the sewers, Matidia is first call with a view to finding Agneta there. If she's not, if Matidia has slave/servant/friend I'd try to send them to fetch Agneta. Where after that depends on how things go. I'll need Placidius' full name for any curse.
Does traversing the sewers involve getting covered in sewage, or are there walkways/ledges to prevent this? Are the sewers windy catacombs, or just a straightforward gridwork of pipes (i.e. can we get lost?)?
In as far as is possible, I am trying to stay aware at any time of the direct route back to the Vulpus Nigra (with a sense of how long it will take running flat out), and the fastest route back to our entry back into the sewers. (Pausing at junctions to clarify where I am and remember landmarks so that I don't get lost if I have to run for it).
With preparations completed, the Heroes set off to execute the plan. Valka, Bjarturius (who agreed to come and leave Veleda at the Inn for the short time required) and Gravus lead the way to flush out any potential lookouts while Cassia and Gallus follow about 30 paces (90’) behind (Cassia using her strange theatrical power of projecting her voice into people’s ears to maintain discreet communications).
The sewers of Loutharnium are, Paesentius explains, a handful of simple underground tunnels with few junctions draining into the Flamia river (i.e. not labyrinthine). From the inn’s secret passage there is a narrow walkway (as seen on map) designed to avoid treading through the filth. Water marks higher up on the walls (about 2 feet high) indicate that during times of heavy rains the sewers must overfill and the walkway drops below water line. The sewers are rat infested and there is a foul stench that permeates the stale air. Gratings above at semi-regular intervals (every 20 paces or so) provide lighting (normal light directly under, dim otherwise). Steel ladders bolted to the masonry give access to those gratings.
At one point in the tunnel, poor masonry or some accident has damaged the walkway, leaving only a broken narrow strip just under a foot wide for a short distance.
Beyond this area the vanguard (Valka, Bjarturius and Gravus) sees an older prole (maybe in his 50s) keeping an eye on the tunnel at the foot of a ladder leading to one of those gratings (the grating is currently opened). Upon spotting the vanguard, the older man rushes back up in haste (the distance is about 25 paces -75 feet-).
When it comes to crossing the narrow ledge, Cassia wrinkles her nose. Obviously one bit of joining the criminal underworld she hadn't banked on...
Valka is first to cross the narrow ledge and does so easily , showing once again she is more about quickness and agility then brute strength (and showing too that she would HATE to get herself in filth!)! :)
Valka rushes that older prole to REALLY scare him off. She will even climb up the ladder using her shield to protect her (gladius put away). Her idea is to get to the grating (but NOT go on the street) and close it back so Cassia and Gallus can cross with zero chance of be seen!
When Cassia passes Valka says:
"Fortuna fellow black vixen!"
When they have pass safely Valka will return quick with Bjarturius and Gravus to the Inn to get back to Veleda.
The vanguard (Valka, Gravus and Bjarturius) negotiates the broken narrow ledge successfully. Valka's rush forces the old prole to make haste. He climbs the ladder and has disappeared in the Laxium streets by the time Valka reaches the top at street level. A few passersby are startled by Valka's appearance and stay clear of the grating. When Valka closes it over her head, she is certain Cassia and Gallus were able to pass unseen.
The vanguard returns to the Vulpes while Cassia and Gallus press onward following the sewer tunnel. They quickly realize they have entered the river port district. The question now is where to resurface. The first grating they are under opens under a street affluent to the river port forum, bristling with people.
I think if it's very busy out there, climbing out is probably ill advised. Someone is bound to ask questions. If there's no strong chance of getting actually lost, I'd say we should press on. (That includes getting lost in the river port district, I'm assuming wherever we come up we can find a main throughfare and recover our bearings).
If Gallus did end up accidentally wading through the sewage we'd need to pause to clean him up a bit before we emerge.
In the event when we emerge someone does challenge us/ask us what we were doing down there in the first place, we will explain that you never know what things will be found that someone has thrown or lost down a drain - which should fit in with prejudices against pikeys.
Cassia and Gallus press onward, following the simple tunnel system that makes up the Loutharnium sewers. A fork in the tunnel offers 2 options of passage. On the one to the left (the more northern one Cassia and Gallus believe), a man's shadowy shape can be seen in the dim light about 20 paces in, kneeling over some sort of large inert bundle (a bag? a small person? Hard to say in the darkness). Occupied, he does not seem to have noticed the duo.
"Press on before he sees us," whispers Cassia, and plans to climb up the next ladder.
Gallus nods in assent and moves as quickly and quietly as he can toward and down the right passage.
Flashback: Gallus had stumbled at the broken narrow ledge and had to step in the filth (knee deep). Fortunately he didn't fall flat in the sewer waters.
Cassia and Gallus press on the right fork and climb up the first ladder. They emerge on a River Port street full of fisheries. The stench of fish makes Cassia forget Gallus's stink. A few noticed their emergence from the sewers but either ignore it or pretend they haven't seen anything.
The heroic two set off disguised as gypsies/street peddlars with sweet smelling oils, guaranteed to relieve muscle pain, cure warts, attract the opposite sex...
If it's realistic to go to Matidia's by a route that takes us past Placidius' so I get a quick view of the lie of the land then that's good.
When we get to Matidia's area I will try to interest a couple random passers by (well, not entirely random, in that they must not, under any circumstances, be associates of the Vulpus) in our fake unguents (basically, olive oil with something pleasantly scented - so entirely harmless). Maybe knock on an empty looking Domus' door before knocking on Matidia's residence and talking our way inside quickly. If Agneta herself is not present I will tell Matidia that I had heard that Agneta was seeking remedies for her and ask her to send someone for her daughter (to negotiate a price).
The duo of gypsy/street peddlers run into the usual amount of bias directed at such vagabond class, from interested novelty/curiosity to outright prejudice/racism. A patrol of militia (composed of a human, 2 half-orcs and a full blooded orc) also inquire about the duo and question their rights to peddle their "filthy trade" (they do ask for names: what are the ones given?). Cassia maneuvers through the encounter with verbal ease and skill. Gallus surprises Cassia by showing himself to be charismatic in a straightforward soldier's way (something that Valka seemed to have missed on her first encounter with the man).
Traveling from the River Port district to the Laxium (FYI: going from one point of the city to the next is at worst a 20-30mns endeavor on foot), the duo makes its way to Matidia's domus, peddling their false trade as they go.
Along the way: the hustle and bustle of a typical work day in Loutharnium. On top of the vendors, craftsmen and slaves going about their daily business, the duo crosses a downtrodden proselytizer of Pelor preaching for a renewal of the faith to the God of Light on this first day of the month in honor to his name (you may have noticed the months are named after the Gods of the Empire). He is largely ignored.
Arriving at Matidia's, they take advantage of the distraction caused by magistrates of the censor's office who are going about ensuring local artisans pay their taxes (the 1st day of Pelius is also an administrative bi-yearly census day, and one of the census's main function is to properly account for all to levy taxes). Their arrival in the Laxium is causing an adequate amount of stir, grumbles and complains that allows Cassia and Gallus to present themselves at Matidia's door without making a scene.
Matidia is a woman in her forties who suffers from back deformity. At first thinking the visit was from the censor's office, she is relieved and listens to promise of wonder cures with a mix of interest and suspicion.
Cassia gave her name as Clea and Gallus' name as Mordo. (Aiming to sound foriegn but forgettable).
Cassia won't promise the earth and everything in it to Matidia, but will sound hopeful that something could be done to assist matters, and will ask about what has been attempted making concerned noises and acknowledging that such a problem is very difficult. The goal is to get Agneta here (or possibly go to Agneta, but that's a very poor second choice) so talking payment for possible cure but pointing out that with that many tax collectors about maybe coin is a poor sort of payment right now and maybe non-material payment in the form of favours and connections would be better. If Matidia is over-suspicious (or dense and doesn't get the point) then I'll be a bit more obvious saying I had heard that there was trouble on the street but that Agneta was likely to still be standing when the dust settled.
Did we manage to sell anything? Knew I should have got some clothes pegs.
Cassia weaves her argument well .
Agneta did take her sharp wits from somewhere: though obviously superstitious, the mother is smart and takes Cassia's hint right away.
Agneta soon appears, Cassia and Gallus realize they live together here, along with Agneta's older brother and his family (he officially owns the domus).
I’m not certain how well Agneta knew Cassia, I don’t know if she came out after the fight at the Vulpes, if she didn’t it’s been about a month since we were face to face however I’m expecting she’ll recognise me more or less immediately so won’t attempt to maintain the charade.
“Hello again Agneta.” Calm, respectful, but leaving a huge amount unsaid.
Assuming Agneta doesn’t immediately respond with some form of overreaction.
“I apologise for the charade, but last time I walked the streets of the Laxium in my own clothes, it didn’t turn out very well.” Cassia bows/curtseys formally to Matidia. “I’m truly sorry to enter your home by stealth. I would hope that we can in truth provide you with some benefit. I travel with a priest of Kord I have seen work miracles, and a dwarven salve who can bring life to the dying, but today I wish to talk with Agneta the Vulpa for whom I bring greetings from Moretius Paesentius.”
Agneta gives Cassia an impish grin at the introduction:
"It is for Laurentinus, my brother and Dominus here, to judge if your entrance in his home is proper or not."
To Gallus:
"Can I offer you water?"
Proper manners, Cassia notices, and cool under pressure.
"I would be in the debt of anyone who could help our family and her matriarch."
Matidia walks laboriously (because of her bad back) inside (the conversation was in the Vestibulum so far) and sits on a nearby chair of the Atrium, content to stay silent and play her role as matriarch to her clan, silently observing and listening to everything being said.
Agneta hushes the house dog who was making muted growls at the unknown guests: "Sedere!". The house dog, a mutt of mix breed -collie and the Gods know what-, sits obediently.
Agneta fetches an amphora of water, serving water cups (if accepted) to Gallus, to whom she gives a coy smile (and did her hand brush Gallus's by mistake?), then to Cassia.
Agneta: "Salute Paesentius for me. Tell him he has few allies left in the Laxium after siding with outsiders and the killers of Viusenius."
Her eyes dart from Cassia to Gallus and back when she speaks.
I will introduce Lucius Gallus in whatever the correct manner would be, leaving our relationship ambiguous.
“Things change. Allies can always be won back with good fortune and good sense. Viusenius lost both of those when he chose not to deal honestly with me, and those with poor fortune and poor sense tend to do badly. Paesentius has a great respect for your good sense and believes that good fortune awaits you if you choose to step out of the shadows.”
Gallus accepts the drink of water and asks if he could examine Matilda's back, though if it is that he hopes to leverage the limited medical knowledge he has, or if it is merely to distract Matilda to give these 2 powers the ability to speak freely, Cassia is sure to not know. He does not interject or say anything more except to basic social protocol in greeting and introduction.
His manner is very calm, almost gentle, and he seems unruffled by the posturing of the younger women. He also seems oblivious to Agneta's charms.
Agneta serves herself some water.
"I also have a great respect for Paesentius. He knows."
She takes a sip of water and says in a low tone, the cup hiding her face:
"My fortunes are decided by my sex. I am not like you, and I know my place."
Meanwhile, during the introductions Cassia briefly made, Gallus had convinced Matidia to apply his medical knowledge to her condition.
"Hiiii!"
A sharp yell of surprise from her mother silences Agneta. Eyes turn to Matidia. The matriarch is on her feet, having bolted up from her chair. Though still hunched, she seems invigorated, her stance less laborious.
Agneta: "Mater?"
Rushed footsteps. A male voice: "Mater?" A thin man with a stunning resemblance to Agneta and Matidia enters the atrium.
Matidia embraces Gallus warmly: "Sweet Istus! My back hasn't felt this good in years! Not without expensive numbing herbal brews! You truly are a wonder worker!"
Cassia is gobsmacked, and unable to contain her surprise (leaping to her feet if she was sitting), although she does manage to avoid making the sign against the evil eye. She stares at Lucius Gallus and eventually recovers her poise.
"I am delighted that my friend's skill is helpful to your family."
"If that is so, where are your husband and children? And why would Paesentius have identified you above all others as the person to seek to tilt the balance? You may have a place in mind, but I would suggest that 'close right hand' is nearer the mark. When Paesentius wins, he'll need someone as his second, and who better than you?"
The man takes his place at his mother's side and stands defiantly in front of Gallus, as one son's should. The portrait is oddly comical: the man is a good foot shorter than Gallus and slight of frame. Hardly a challenging sight.
"Thank you for your help." The man says to Gallus. "How much do you charge for your services?"
Agneta's response to Cassia's later remark:
"You have a point there. My situation is ...." (a pause)
"... special. I didn't have the choice to get a husband and family."
For some reason she looks at her brother.
"But it doesn't mean I can't be proper."
Another pause. She looks up from her cup at Cassia.
"Maybe the same thing happened to you."
Her keen eyes show her mind, and wit, have refocused on matters at hand:
"So is Paesentius making the offer, or you? And what advantages come with being the second?"
Gallus blushes. He embraces Matilda briefly. Gallus sees the protective nature of this son for mother, and he steps back and lowers his eyes. "There is no charge for this boon of the Gods. This is well outside my training as a healer!"
Turning from the pair before, and toward Cassia and Agneta, Gallus opens his hands and holds them empty at his side with palms out, in a gesture of nothing being hidden. With his eyes downcast and his head low in deference, he says, "Forgive my interuption Domina, but you are dwelling on the trivia of the matter before us. In truth, the only thing that matters is this. The Gods favor our side. You have heard how Viusenius was bested with his well trained men by a few outlanders. This could be coincidence to your mind, but it is not. It is given as the first sign that the Gods favor us. Then, we enter your domus, and again the Gods make manifest thier will by giving a second sign, that of the healing of your dear mother. This is done in your full sight so there can be no accusation of witchery, or a tale told too tall."
"Thus do I now prophesy, that a third sign shall be given, that Placidius shall cease his claim, through wisdom or violence I know not. But I know he shall not triumph! While Gallus averts continues to avert his eyes, his voice rises seeming with each word until it is as if he were on stage giving a performance.
Cassia glances between Lucius Gallus and Agneta, speechless, clearly irritated at being upstaged and at the way that control of the conversation has slipped away from her.
"My friend is gifted, and I trust his insight. But the clever woman also counts her money. You would know better than I what being second in the Vulpus Nigrus would bring you. I am certain you would be more successful in the role than that unlamented sow Hilaria Antia. As Placidius' position weakens there will be many who will see that the wind is behind Moretius Paesentius and reconsider their station. He will owe the greater debt to those who lead the way."
Looking around, is it possible that Agneta's brother has been unable or unwilling to provide her with a dowry?
"From myself, I am not above the patrician's traditional method of encouraging others."
Cassia's tone conveys a level of good humoured disdain for the patrician way of doing business, and an awareness of the irony of that position.
Gallus's deeds, added to his well chosen and delivered words have struck a chord with his newly found audience. The brother nods in acknowledgement and appreciation. The mother fawns over Gallus, trying to smooth any creases in his tunic her hug might have caused.
Even Agneta needs a moment to recover her wits:
"Signs from the Gods cannot be ignored. They have shown their favor here today."
Cassia looks around: the household is typical of a craftsman's family. They do not look destitute. A loom in one corner, and way too many rolls of yarn for standard household work: could Laurentinus be a weaver? Her attention is brought back to Agneta who now addresses her.
"Being Second is tempting, 'traditional methods' too, and with the Gods speaking here today ..."
She stops suddenly, her sentence unfinished. After a pause:
"Honest? Tempting but too many women. Paesentius would never be respected. He needs a man at his side. Someone local would help."
Agneta thinks. An amusing thought:
"I don't imagine either you or the amazon would consider a marriage of alliance?"
More thinking, she coyly eyes Gallus:
"Or a strong handsome man blessed by the Gods could help the cause, especially if he was attached to someone local."
Cassia gives Agneta's suggestion more serious consideration than she might have expected.
"I have not had much luck with husbands. Or perhaps, husbands have had very poor luck with me."
A pause, old pain crosses her face, then a savage look, then calm again.
"Maybe. I need a place."
Cassia looks away so that Agneta can't see her lips move.
"I like her," she whispers to Gallus. "She's clever and sees further than most. You could do far worse."
Agneta's eyes don't seem to miss much, trying to understand Cassia's reactions.
"The First Bond of Society is Marriage."
She simply says.
Cassia is surprised to hear Agneta quote Micianus, a famous orator, philosopher and senator from the old Republic.
"The problem is proper candidates. Placidius does have a son almost in age, 15 summers old. Of course I would not wish the Cypriani on anyone!"
"They are of foul, cruel and brutal temper. But it would be the proper marriage to maybe solve this situation."
More thinking.
"Another Vulpus still alive is Micon."
Agneta giggles.
"But you would have to overlook the greasy hair and newly carved nose, courtesy of your amazon friend."
And finally, her voice demure suddenly:
"Of course there is me too. I am Vulpa. As a wife I am not ideal but ..."
Her voice trails off. She struggles to finish, her eyes timidly dart to Gallus a few times:
"I am not unpleasing to look at I've been told."
Before leaving, Cassia back-combs her hair (which is very bad for it) so it forms a dark halo around her face, wiping off the make up and replacing it with an almost-white foundation (incidentally much more typical of the patrician woman about town). The head scarf goes back on to cover up.
If possible, identifying a way of communicating with Agneta from inside the Vulpes would be good.
Leaving Laurentinus' house (is Agneta 'Laurentia Agneta'?) she leads Lucius Gallus back through the streets to Placidius' domus. She makes no further attempt to peddle wares, trying to appear more a country hick in the big city while moving as quickly through the crowds as she can without drawing attention.
Outside Placidius' she will wait for a point where there are no squads of guards nearby and check that there isn't a gang of hired thugs keeping an eye on the place.
"Keep anyone from interrupting me," she says to Lucius Gallus.
Seeing the look on his face she pauses.
"Including you. Trust me. I will break no oath I have made."
Gallus says goodbye to Laurentinus' family and in particular to Matilda, to whom he feels a sudden connection, considering what has happened.
Hurrying after Cassia, and feeling much like a dog at her heels, wondering what she will do next, he gives her a worried look when they arrive outside Placidius' home.
On her assurance, he merely nods, and takes several steps from her (3 or 4 paces) to give her room and to watch the area for danger.
Placidius`s domus is located not far, just west of the Laxium`s small forum. Cassia had previously noticed it looked vacant. Both Gallus and her get the feeling there are eyes on the place. Or maybe it is the streets talking: Agenta did inform the duo the streets were alive with rumours of the Vulpus war, and with those come the inevitable curiosity. If there are hired thugs to go with those eyes, they are hidden.
Cassia does judge that the close proximity to the forum would make a daylight attack difficult. Still, one never knows ...
Cassia feels the tense, nervous energy of imminent danger and shrugs slightly. She didn’t come here to slink away. Her back straightens and as she approaches the door to the Cypriani domus she unfastens the headscarf so that her hair is free.
“Secundus Cyprianus Placidius,” she calls out in a clear voice. “you have transgressed and you are called to account. I, Cassia Nigra Alecto of the Vulpus Nigrus, call upon the gods to cut the thread of your life.”
With a wickedly sharp bone dagger she slices two scarlet lines across her right palm and clenches her fist, raising it in defiance at the door.
“May the Furies hound you, may the servants of Nerull haunt you, may Nemesis punish you for your hubris.”
She slaps her palm against the door leaving a bloody hand print.
“With my blood I mark you for death, Secundus Cyprianus Placidius, you shall not live out the week.”
She stands there for a few seconds, the wrath of the gods personified, and then, almost in answer to her vitriolic curse there is a peal of thunder from the still air, rising in volume then dying away.
”Right, lets get out of here, QUICKLY.”
Cassia begins to draw a quick audience: a few slaves, an artisan and his aprentice, an older matron with her grandchild. A woman screams when Cassia cuts her hand and leaves her bloody print on the door. A few more have joined the ranks of the spectators. Gallus is eyeing suspiciously a man with a hooked nose in his mid-twenties: local prole or one of Placidius`s men?
When the thunder sounds, the old matron drops her basket and the woman screams again, louder this time. It is followed by hushed chatter and a few prayers to the Gods (to avoid the wrath called upon).
The man with the hooked nose hasn`t moved, but the way he is looking at them, if Gallus was a betting man, he would bet on him being one of Placidius`s goons.
Cassia and Gallus make haste and leave the Laxium unchallenged.
When the time comes to emerge from hiding to complete our 'curse' on Placidius, while still in a place out of immediate sight, Cassia asks Gallus to bring out the dwarf's 'mask' and looks at it, her brow furrowed.
"I wish I knew how this worked. I'm not sure if the dwarf has prepared a face for you to wear, or if it will respond in some way to your desires."
She indicates that Gallus should 'wear' it.
"If the former, well and good. In case of the latter, close your eyes, think of yourself as young, think of the people who were in your life just before you came of age, think of the connections between you and them and the way that they saw you. As two young brothers, we should attract little attention even if we're running."
"Now Gaius Clodius, try and look a bit cross at the way our mother has left you baby sitting your younger brother Marcus who you were supposed to get back home before dark. Race you back to the Laxium."
When Gallus dons the mask, he realizes concentrating does not alter the results: the mask molds onto the face and assumes a change of appearance the Dwarf had carefully crafted in the creation.