Marda's eyes wander down to the crest. She then takes the locket and tears begin to well up in her eyes again. "My mother had always told me he was the last of his order. So you knew my father. Did he die peacefully?"
"Yes, ma'am. He died in his sleep overlooking the Arm of Luthes. He took me there often." Kleb says this numbly as he tries to grasp the enormity of what he is being told of Born's life. He thinks about telling her how Born was like a father to him, but feels that in this situation that might seem inappropriate to tell Born's true offspring.
__________________ My Involvement:
Spoiler:
Player of Doral Kinsman the Beguiler in Who Wants to Be a Wayfinder IC
Clearly fighting back a flood of tears, Marda recounts, "He was a good man, when I knew him that is. He and mother worked together for many years to combat the evils of this city. He helped my mother found this orphanage, but disagreed with her when she wanted to open it up as a haven for those caught out after dark as well. He felt it would bring potential danger to the children, but my mother was so compassionate. She couldn't bear the thought of so many locked doors in this city and not a single one open to a soul in need. It is ironic that the one thing I have had all these years to remind me of them was the one thing that drove them apart. Until now that is. Thank you for this. It means so much that you undertook the effort to return it."
Marda then takes the locket and places it in her pocket. She pulls out a kerchief and wipes her eyes. She then turns to the rest of you. "Please forgive me. I normally try to keep better control of my emotions than this. Tell me more about your attackers. Did you get a good look at any of them or learn their names? As I said, I know anyone who is anyone in this city. It would be good to know if this was some random act of violence or if there is some greater need for concern."
Arden is reluctant to begin and so starts hesitantly.
"I think this was more than some random act of violence. The thugs were led by a pair named Durm and Krethan. Durm we killed and Krethan ran off; but not before raving about how she could not leave us alive because of something she foresaw that we would do. I'm afraid we've brought danger here with us."
Prophecy is for fools the power of divination is corrupted by unknown entites that swim through the remenants of the dreamer and into the minds of mortals
__________________ Human Wizard:"The world is but a manifestation of the dreamings
Marda's eyebrows perk up as Arden speaks. "Durm I've not heard of, but I know of this Krethan. She's a seer, and a gifted one at that. She predicted a storm last year that caused much destruction in the city. She also predicted one of our campaigns against the lizardfolk in the Moorlands last year would be a dismal failure, which it was. Half the soldiers caught diseases before the battle even began. Up until that point a lot of people called her crazy. She's often wandering the streets predicting all kinds of doom and gloom. I've never known her to attack anyone though. What I find even more surprising is that she was out after dark. Everyone knows she is a target for the Crucible."
In response to Lestrivius, Marda turns and says, "Well, I don't know much of divination myself, but the girl is talented. Stark raving mad maybe, but talented nonetheless. Honestly, I think she's troubled. Don't get me wrong. What she did to you was terrible. Still, she's had it rough and I empathize. Apparently she sees all kinds of horrible things that no one else does. That has to be unpleasant, to say the least."
She thoughtfully sips her tea and adds, "As for you bringing trouble, well, Krethan has been wrong before too. I wouldn't worry about it too much. But I would keep an eye out for her. It is quite possible she might try the same stunt again. And she has a way of inspiring a kind of fear in people that makes them follow her, so she won't be alone if she does."
"Well, a couple of weeks ago the city was supposed to be wiped out by a plague. And no, I can't really say I've ever heard of her predicting anything positive. While it is true that she has been correct about a number of very specific things, if I had to guess I'd say she's wrong more often than she's right. So you may wish to take what she says with a grain of salt."
My Valiant Hostess may I be so intrudeful as to ask for a place in which I may rest the night I have used up some of my most useful spells this night and I wish to refresh them
__________________ Human Wizard:"The world is but a manifestation of the dreamings
"Why of course you may, that is, if you don't mind listening to a little pitch of mine. You see the Dawn House has traditionally been run on donations of charitable citizens and a trust left behind by my mother. Well recently, a city provision expired protecting places like this from most forms of taxation, and my costs have tripled. Councilman Wevelus attempted to extend the city provision, but as usual, Baron von Darque managed to have it struck down. I was hoping you might be willing to help me, either with a donation, or by performing a service for me."
"Let me answer your question first, Kleb, as the answer is simpler. I'll accept any amount you have to offer. I must care for 23 children. In addition to food and clothing, I must also pay for their schooling. It's uncommon enough for children to be adopted. Making sure they have been taught their letters and basic arithmetic improves their chances of surviving in the real world if that never happens."
She stirs her tea for a moment, then looks over at Lestrivius. "If you would be willing to perform a service for me, I think your group might be perfect for the job. You look to be equipped to handle a fight."
At this she leans in closely and speaks more softly. "I also have my hand in a few clandestine operations. Some of my suppliers in the countryside have recently been complaining of orcs pillaging their farms. Recently, I sent Hokken out to learn what he could about this and he tracked the orcs back to an old keep on Baron von Darque's lands. I've done a little bit of investigating here in town and learned that von Darque doesn't use the keep anymore, so it's possible that this is merely a coincidence, but I wouldn't put it past the Baron. I've long suspected that he finds my establishment an inconvenience and has been trying to find a way to wipe me off the map. If you were to travel to this keep and clean out the orcs, as well as bring back any evidence that might incriminate von Darque, I would be most grateful. Of course, I'll let you stay the night either way. But do please consider it."
Kylest remains silent through the shared recolections of family and mentors, the words practically meaningless to him. He bitterly considers the fact that his owner was the closest thing he has ever had to family, and bites back his rage at the world.
Marda's request falls on deaf ears at first. Coin was scarce enough, and he had himself to look out for before he could spare concern for strangers. The younglings may be a cheering sight . . . but sometimes the innocent must be sacrificed. However, the mention of her errand attracts more attention. . . particularly one word.
"Orcs? Down here in the human lands? I think I might be willing to lend my aid to your endeavor. Any land cleared of the tusked ones is better for it."
Revenge. Now there was something he could do with his life. And if others benefitted from his work, so much the better.
__________________
SOUL: Secret Organization for Underground Levity
You can't stop the laughter!
THE HIVE: One Mind, No Purpose. Public Member of the Secret Fraternal Order of the Hive.
The look on Marda's face at your reaction is one of refreshment. "I'm so delighted to hear that you'd be willing to help. Such caring folk are rare in this city. But then, I gather that most of you aren't from around here. We will talk more of this in the morning. I'm certain you are all tired after your ordeal. Let me show to your beds."
Marda leads you upstairs to a fairly small room with several double bunks and a few trunk chests. Each of the bunks has a folded blanket and pillow atop a plain mattress, probably of straw. "I know it's not much, but I hope you'll be comfortable enough. There's a washbasin in the corner and a chamberpot down the hall if any of you need it."
"Hmmm... I call top bunk," Kleb says almost playfully as he puts his gear away and prepare for sleep. "Tomorrow we should sell off the gear and split the money, buy supplies, then prepare to head out."
__________________ My Involvement:
Spoiler:
Player of Doral Kinsman the Beguiler in Who Wants to Be a Wayfinder IC
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