CH. 9: Winter is Coming

[Chris1234]

After the call to take all the kit with them, but no one moving to take any of the armour, Shima attaches the handaxe and remaining shortsword to his belt and then pulls out a large sack from a belt pouch and another from his backpack. He then stuffs the leather armour in his back pack and the 2 sets of chainmail into the two sacks, noting them as barely fitting in..
The dwarf then picks up a sack in each hand and teeters after Gregeddin, uttering , “Will you wait for me? Or else can someone give me a hand with some of this stuff?”

En route to Gregeddin's place, Shima asks, "Do you intend to keep this stuff? Or do you want me to see if I can get some coin for at least some of it? And is there time to get to the High Hand and the Steel Tankard and back to your place before curfew? I could try and put out feelers for the whereabouts pair that stole your stuff."


=========
{OOC: Shima's load: Previously carried 79.3lb + 3lb (shortsword) + 15lb (leathers) +40lb (chainmail #1) + 40lb (chainmail #2) = 177.3lb, Movement Rate ~1”. If, for example, Gregeddin were to take one sack of chain, this would improve Shima’s movement to 3” (137lb) but drops Gregeddin’s to 6” (113lb). To get up to 4” movement, Shima would need to c=shed an additional set of chain and the shortsword, so probably not worth it, assu7ming we can live with a movement of 3”. }

[spyguy1503]

"One ale please." When it comes, he asks about the girls, describing them.

[djhyland]

"Yes, mother." Despite her feelings on Osred joining them for dinner, Arulia complies with her mother's request. After hurrying upstairs, she strips off her armor and washes up with the half-frozen water in the basin, then dresses in her nicest clothing. Once finished, she returns to the ground floor and joins her sisters at the table.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae, Gregeddin, Tulbas, Gobax and Shima (Three Forks, outside Arulia's place)
While they stand outside of Arulia's place talking in the cold, someone in the black robes of Takhisis approaches their group. The person has their hood up, masking their features. But the manner in which they walk suggest the person is a woman. When she speaks, this only confirms this.

"I have been sent to find you. It has been three days since we issued you a permit, and you have not checked in once, even for a status report," she says. She looks at Haahqae and adds, "The high priestess still waits for the return of her book, as well."

Kendra Greylock (Prefect's Mansion)
Offering Kendra his arm, Norris escorts her over to the dark couple. "Master Gunther, Lady Cornelia, may I introduce my wife, Kendra?"

The man, Gunther, bows politely. "A pleasure. So sorry to have missed the wedding, but we appreciate the invitation." He is an older gentleman, perhaps in his mid-forties. He has long dark hair and a vandyke beard. His outfit, all in black and made of silk, is not quite audacious but the top hat he wears pushes it over the edge a bit. He smiles, but Kendra notices he keeps looking back to the window, as if checking to see how late it is.

"Not at all, I realized you were probably going to be too busy to attend," Norris responds.

The woman, Cornelia, smiles politely. But the smile does not reach her eyes. She has the look of someone who hates parties, hates socializing, but has long learned to get used to it. She has long hair that partially covers one of her eyes, and wears a flowing, black dress and black choker with gemstones embedded around it. Her lipstick is purple, which is an unusual look. "Nice to meet you," she says with little enthusiasm.

"You know, I often wondered about you," Gunther says to her. "Norris is a handsome, wealthy fellow. Could have chosen any woman he wanted, but he decided on a woman from a poor family with no noble blood at all. Err, no offense, of course. Still, it was surprising. I can see now why he was so smitten, though. You're lucky to have a man who chooses love over money. It's rare."

Norris clears his throat, a bit embarrassed by the man's praise. "Speaking of money, I hope the new tax hasn't affected you overly much."

"Not at all," Cornelia responds. "Although we've heard the poorer families are suffering quite a bit."

"A damned shame," Gunther adds. "It seems like no matter who controls this city--the mayor, the Belzorites, the Seekers, and now the Dragonarmy, poverty is always a problem."

Arulia Seroth (323 Three Forks, Seroth residence)
By the time Arulia is finished and has stepped into the main living area, she hears a knock on the door. "That's him," her mother says, clearly far more nervous about this than anyone else.

Thoron pats her shoulder reassuringly and stands up to answer the door. Osred walks in, looking much like Arulia remembers. The same shock of red hair, the same piercing purple eyes. But he is cleaned up; there is no ash or soot smeared on his hands or face, and instead of his dirty, leather apron, he's wearing a fairly nice blue tunic. "Welcome to our home," Thoron says, taking the man's cloak.

Osred looks around skeptically as he kicks the snow off his boots and then steps inside. "Damn, this place reminds me of the stables more than a home." He smacks Thoron on the back and laughs at his own joke. Thoron manages a chuckle for politeness' sake and hangs the cloak up nearby.

Vera quickly begins bringing out the food to place on the table while Osred sits down where Thoron usually sits, at the head of the table. Thoron makes no objection to this, and simply chooses another seat. Osred, who looks to be around Vera's age, looks over the four girls carefully as he waits for the food. "Not bad," he says, elbowing Thoron in the ribs. "Although...some of you girls look kind of familiar..."

Felran and Ne-Chanz (Grinning Goat Tavern)
The bartender chuckles. "Well, I gotta say, most people don't come here when looking for pretty ladies. If you boys are lonely and got the coin, though, they are opening up that brothel again soon," he jokes. He pours Ne-Chanz an ale in a mug and sets it in front of the minotaur, taking two copper pieces in payment.

"Why you looking for them? Girlfriends who left you for other men?" he asks.

[Haahque]

"Oh yes, yes. We've made some great progress on the mission, but we also encountered a few difficulties along the way, we were just getting ready to give a status report and yes of course I'll return the book soon. Thank you, it was very interesting. You see, one thing that happened is a pair of thieves stole a lot of money from us while we were investigating the suspicious area, and we have no idea how to track them down, but that money is crucial for the health of our endeavor."

[djhyland]

Arulia struggles to hold back on her dislike for Osred, but when his first words are to insult their house, she stops trying. By the time he wonders why she and her sisters look familiar, she's seething in anger. "Yes, you should recognize us. We came to your shop a few days ago and humbly asked if you might take us on as apprentices, and you laughed in our faces," she spits. "I believe you said we'd 'distract your lads' before telling us to run along." She takes a deep breath before continuing, but when she does her tone is no less venomous. "I did not want to meet you again, but I promised Father that I would give you a chance. Well, I did! But then you come in, insult your hosts, and size us up like cattle! I can't speak for my sisters--maybe they like their men to be petty braggarts and fools!--but I will have nothing to do with you! If I am too distracting for your workshop, I am too distracting to be your wife! I don't care if you have all the steel in the world, I would rather starve!" Finished with her outburst, she glares at both Osred and her father, as if daring them to speak against her.

[HorizonsDream]

"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Kendra said pleasantly with a light curtsy towards the two of them. "And I'm afraid I'm still not quite sure how I managed win over my husband," she admits with a light smile. That was the truth too. She wasn't quite sure how Norris managed to fall in love with her. "The taxes are affecting more than just the poor, unfortunately. Even those with well established businesses are having a rough time of it."

[spyguy1503]

"Thieves. We got robbed by them. If you spot them, It'll be worth your while..."

[Chris1234]

Shima stays at the back of the group, content to both get his breath back and to not be overly conspicuous to this new figure, apparently one of some authority.

[mgbevan]

While walking, Gregeddin helps Shima carry the goods using their combined strength to split the load as best they can. "It could take some time to liquefy these assets, given the current market restrictions, so they can rest until buyers are found."

When confronted by the Hooded Priestess, Gregeddin also steps forward to take the brunt of her venom, hoping that his natural charm would placate her to something more neutral. "Indeed Priestess, we have not checked in. We would not like to report failure so we have been persevering to succeed in our mission, and tonight we have something that can resemble some success and be of use to you and the High Priestess." Continuing, the bard adds, "So with the daylight setting and the curfew closing in shall we arrange to meet in the morning? If that sit's well with you?"

[JadedDM]

Haahqae, Gregeddin, Tulbas, Gobax and Shima (Three Forks, outside Arulia's place)
The woman holds up a hand to indicate silence, and then says, "Were I you, I would not wait that long. She waits for you now. Although if you choose to keep her waiting, it is not my neck at risk. Do what you wish. But her patience is not infinite. And she is likely to send more than a single acolyte next time." With that, the woman walks off.

(OOC: I gave one suit of chain mail to Gregeddin and the other one to Shima, as well as the leather armor. Shima is now in moderate encumbrance. This does not affect the party's overall speed any.)

Kendra Greylock (Prefect's Mansion, Ballroom)
"I would imagine so," Gunther replies. "And how is your business doing these days, Greylock?"

"Oh, well, we make do, I suppose," Norris replies. "Not many people looking to buy gems or jewelry in this economy. Lots want to sell, though."

"Makes sense," Cornelia says noncommittally.

"Well, hopefully things turn around soon," Gunther adds. "This war can't last forever, after all."

"No," Norris agrees. "The city won't survive long if it does."

"Which is why one shouldn't make a marshal into a prefect," Cornelia adds. "Being able to lead an army is not the same as leading a city."

"Cornelia, please," Gunther hisses, looking around. "Watch your words, there are ears everywhere. Especially here."

Cornelia just shrugs, as if not concerned.

Arulia Seroth (323 Three Forks, Seroth residence)
Thoron does not speak, rather he looks rather stunned by Arulia's outburst. It's Vera, who speaks first. "Arulia! This is our guest! You will show some respect; I taught you better than that!" She looks to Osred. "I am so sorry, things have just been so stressful here lately. Please accept her apology."

Osred leans back, eyeing Arulia with recognition now. "Of course...if she offers one, that is. I want to hear it from her. Otherwise, if this is how you treat guests and potential suitors, I imagine you won't have much luck in finding either."

The other girls watch the exchange with wide eyes, but none say or do anything. They seem mesmerized by the whole thing.

Felran and Ne-Chanz (Grinning Goat Tavern)
The barman laughs. "Ah, I see. Let me guess...they stole your hearts, then stole your purses? Story as old as time, it is," he jokes. "But sure, I can keep an eye out for them. Depending on what it is you are offering."

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra looks to Norris for a moment, then looks back to the couple. "What do the two of you know about the prefect?" she asks curiously.

[djhyland]

Arulia scowls at her mother, aghast that she would take his side. "What about our "guest"? It seems that he's forgetting his lessons on respect, too!"

Arulia turns to Osred with narrowed eyes. "What have I to apologize for? When you come in and insult us, do you expect me to just smile and take it like a good little girl? I will not! If you expect to find a wife who will, you will not find her here!"

Having saved some of her anger for her father, she turns to him at last. "If this is the kind of guest or suitor you intend to bring by, then I will be happy to have little luck in finding them!"

[JadedDM]

Kendra Greylock (Prefect's Mansion, Ballroom)
"That he is a dragonman, or draconian, or whatever they call themselves," Gunther answers. "But beyond that, very little. He does not make many public appearances. For many of us, this will be the first time he's been seen at all."

It is at this point, at the beginning of Evening Watch, that the elderly butler from before steps into the ballroom and calls for attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your host, Flight Marshal of the First Red Flight and Prefect to Haven, Lord Tethys." He bows to the prefect as he enters.

As expected, Tethys is a draconian. But he is quite different in appearance than the Baaz and Kapaks she has dealt with in the past. First, he's quite tall; at least 6 feet, if not an inch or two more. His scales have a bronze tint to them and ram-like horns protrude from the back of his head. But it's more than that. He carries himself with authority. His orange eyes gleam with intelligence and cunning. He is dressed in ceremonial armor, designed to look impressive more than to be useful in a fight. Instead of a cloak, though, his own wings cover his back, with the talons hooked around his neck like a clasp.

"Good evening to you all, and welcome to my home," he says in a cordial, pleasant voice.

Tethys.jpg (170.19 KiB) Viewed 6986 times

Arulia Seroth (323 Three Forks, Seroth residence)
Before Vera can respond, Osred gets to his feet. "So be it," he says. "I won't stay where I'm not welcome. But perhaps you will get your wish; to starve, I mean. And when you are freezing in the winter with an empty belly, watching your family suffer, perhaps then you can swallow your pride long enough to apologize to me. I'll be waiting," he says, grinning.

It's only when he reaches the door that Thoron manages to snap out of it, and finally seems to realize what is happening. He quickly stands. "Osred, wait...I have three other daughters, too--"

Osred pauses as the door. "And? If I marry one, I'd still be related to that shrew, wouldn't I? Not a great deal. Perhaps when she learns how to speak to her betters...if she can." With that, he departs, slamming the door behind him.

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin lets out a sigh of relief once the acolyte has departed with nothing further than a message.
"Right, I will go and placate the high priestess tonight and give the details of what we found. Though that place is chilling enough, I'd rather not have them out here coming after us. We'll head back to my place to stash the goods, dropping anyone off along the way. Whether you think there will be enough time to head to a tavern depends largely on which tavern you'd want to go to. Those checkpoints can take ages... But since I live in the market district maybe the shops there might have made some big sales recently that could lead us to our former companions. But I'll leave that to you since I'd better hot foot it over to the temple." Making sure that everyone knows what he intends to do, he adds, "and in the morning, where shall we convene? I'll offer my place again but if you have preferences we can meet at a tavern."
[OOC or did we already coordinate where we would meet in the morning?]