Aust Thale: ~Splendid. Simply splendid.~
Shifting the weight on his shoulder he stands with the sack toward the dwarves, his opposite hand within reach of his rapier. Using the strain of the load to mask Aust's re-direction of the nosy dwarves' questions, he replies: "Well met! Actually, thank you no. I'm 'earning my keep'. Let's hope Avar appreciates it (with just a hint of feigned indignation). If you are looking for him, try Putyuk's or another tavern nearby. And if you find him, tell him thanks for leaving me this chore."
Sharpening his focus, Aust hones in on their intent (Sense Motive skill?). These fellows showing up at this time of night right after this bad business is a little too coincidental. Sundered dwarves are shaping up to be right up there with gnomes. They can have Avar. If they are here for Jabbar or me, however, they will find themselves 'responsible' for this murder, or worse. And I will be dragging dead bodies to the sewer all night.
Burrai said:Burrai scowled as Elloral brushed by. She had always been forthright, but clearly the events of the last few days had ground her temper down to rock dust. Caution, especially after the ambush not a few moments ago, was wise. Sensible. Hurtling around in a town like Cabarda to speak to people they’d not met more than six hours gone, in the shade of a Vulkyrie temple, carrying a book literally written in evil, seemed at best rash. He wouldn’t say foolhardy – Elloral wasn’t, hadn’t been, and never would be, a fool.
“Elloral, we’ve just stormed out of there. I don’t want to sit outside as much as the next dwarf, but I don’t think risking suspicion by playing rock hop with an inn door is the best – “ And then, just as she disappeared inside outrunning his words, the reality of what she’d said really hit him. “Elloral! Wait! What do you mean they know you have it? Kong and the Black Lions are employed by…? How do you know they…? Oh by the bloody sacred mines of Dal Moreth!”
And with that he darted inside after her.
Putyuk’s seemed to largely ignore his re-emergence. A few patrons turned his way, sotted grins plastered across their faces along with ale foam. He shouldered through the crowd, catching a glimpse of the Elf leading Elloral, Avar and another out towards the front door. He growled, becoming more irritated by the constant running around than by Kong’s ambush. At least that was something he could face – this felt more like chasing mine dust through breezy caverns.
He managed to hold back from knocking people aside, opting for the less conspicuous route of weaving round the patrons, and finally stepped back outside. The noise dropped suddenly, like a bubble bursting, spilling quiet onto the empty streets. The Elf slunk to one side in the shadows, eyes darting about. Elloral and the others huddled nearby, caught between inaction and caution. Burrai took a deep breath, calming himself.
“Well,” he whispered, “Now we’re all here can we decide on a location to talk and stay there? Because if we traipse in and out of one more inn I swear I’ll find Kong right now and cut some answers out of him.”
……Perhaps the constant tension was fraying his temper too….
Jabbar: Holds up his hand, calling for calm. "Let's hear a reason for this meeting before we decide if it's necessary or not?" He asks, looking to Burrai for an answer.
[Billanverthorne, Burrai: What do you do?]
Aletia said:Despite this blasted inconvenience, Aletia maintained a calm demeanor as she was escorted over for the "meeting". A professional and successful lady it seemed, that bode well at least, but what the hell did she want? The young elf did her best to take note of the details during her approach, the fanciful sidearms and rubies... oh yes those lovely earrings! ~Ruby; firey and captivating, a certain sign of prosperity.~
As her visual appraisal of the "Lady of the House" ended, the scolding facial expressions and stern words began. Aletia's paper-thin mask began to slowly tear away. Her optimism, regardless of how "manufactured", fell to the floor in a heap at her feet. This blondie was upset about something, or definitely insecure in the presence of someone both new and young. Aletia was in no fine mood to cop a verbal beating from a local upstart, but before Aletia could develop an exit-strategy, the wound-up wench introduced herself...
~Burlock? This? No! Wait... yes... I serve in his honor, and will honor him so.~
She bowed deeply with respect, for just moments which felt like far longer, nodding her head low, thinking of what to do, before returning upright with face still hanging low in regret.
"Burlock... Lady Burlock? Please be assured that I meant no disrespect to you by failing to greet you so, and for whatever reason you scold me with those eyes, it is inconsequential to this pit of grief that I carry in my soul. Lady... Burlock..."
Aletia's eyes met with Burlock's again, a lonely tear trickling slowly down her cheek. Her cover was blown, the smile flattened, her heart raced. It was all becoming extremely uncomfortable.
"May... may I have the honor to talk in private with you my lady? I... I... was to accompany a mutual friend here, a dear friend, the kindest soul to ever have lived, the one who taught me who I am and much that I know. If this name means anything to you..."
She leaned in closer a moment, speaking softly with as much grace as she could muster.
"Vallio."
"He was seeking you dear Burlock, yet all I can offer you is myself, a pale light compared to my dear friend's shining spirit. I offer you my sorrow. My apologies for bearing dark news. The outright exhaustion with which I entered your Inn, I could not bare to face this truth without rest. I bring also an apology, for assuming that my room had been paid for by a helpful stranger earlier this night. A chance to share words with you is all I seek. I am Aletia Moonborn. With the words said and done, if my coin is all you find of interest, then we shall settle that now. Name the price for one eve on your premises and we will call it done, and I will promise never to set foot in your Inn, or your life, ever again."
A guilt trip.
~I only pretend to fear you. I only share this evening's air with you because it was Vallio's wish. I can only hope you redeem yourself and show that Vallio's faith in you was true.~
Rhea: "You are mistaken. It is my father Vallio befriended, not I..." She swallows "This news will go hard on him. I was going to ask you about Vallio's whereabouts since you brought his horse along with yours. I assumed he must be nearby, but there was a possibility you had stolen it and I intended to learn the truth..." She frowns. "...I apologize."
She pauses, eyes unfocused in thought. You get the impression she is pondering what to do, and only reluctantly asks the following.
"I must ask you to share this news with him as gently as you can. He is in poor health, but it would be impossible to keep such a thing secret."
[Aletia: What do you do?]
![]() | ALETIA - Shining in the darkness Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599 Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows) Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison) Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link |
"Let's hear a reason for this meeting before we decide if it's necessary or not?"
"Jabbar, if I may be so bold, and with all due respect, my gut tells me we can trust Burrai, the same way it told me that I could trust you and Avar. Judging by the way Kong and his men came at these two with such force, I'd say that someone wants to silence them, permanently. And in my experience, the people you want to avoid are the people who would stoop to using hired assassins. Conversely, the people you want on your side are usually the ones who are the assassins' target. We can trust him, I'd bet my life on it; in fact, after the pasting I just gave Kong, I have already done so. I'm sure he'll come looking for me. He'll want revenge on the one who flayed the skin from the top of his head, and nearly put his eye out."
The dwarves look at each other with something akin to amusement and barely withheld judgement.
Sundered Dwarf 2: "We'll do that... but if we don't find him, we'll come back looking for you."
He says with a not-so-veiled threat. Together, the pair turn and make their way back into the alleys. As they walk away you overhear the bear-voiced one make a comment.
Sundered Dwarf 1: -Snorts- "What a weak elf."
Sundered Dwarf 2: -Chuckles- "Is there any other kind?"
[Aust: What do you do?]
"My lord Kryslogious! You have returned exactly as foretold! Everything is going to plan, your brothers from Chival have already landed their fleet! I am Saraesh Hussayn, spy-master of the Aluja Expanse. In the name of the true lord, the demon-king Herod, I welcome you!"
Ersun said:Ersun quickly follows Ren's note on the guards with his attention, although he still feels a little slow. There is so much new to process and filter out in this new environment, its hard to know where to put his focus sometimes. He can't help but feel somewhat flustered by it. He likes to think himself steadfast, yet he is out of his zone of comfort, he must foster caution, yet balance it not to sway into timidity.
He nods to Ren and whispers:
"I see. I will be careful." and with that follows him. He is somewhat nervous about having to sneak around, as even though his kind is renowned for its camouflage, he's never been one to exercise their sneaking prowess. There are so many things do to, and it is a hassle... but he stops himself form making excuses. Whatever he thinks, the fact is it would be most useful to be adept at it in this situation.
Nevertheless he quietly follows Ren in the darkness.
[Wisdom check: 12; -2 on further attentive checks here]
[Hide check: 25]
[Move silently check: 20]
Burrai Steelborn said:Burrai made a show of looking around. "Jabbar. I don't know how much is safe to say out here, even though it appears clear. Elloral here has acquired an...artifact that is far darker than her pure noble soul should be carrying. This ambush our friend here was describing is the second attempt on our lives in a day, and Elloral is right that we've got enemies creeping out of every crack at the moment. I'm hoping you might be able to help us with a..." he considered the most prudent word to use that might dissemble should anyone overhear, but convey his need. "...an explanation as to it's origins and uses. So if you have somewhere we can do some private business, I'll pay a generous rate for your expertise."
Kryslogious said:There was an eerie pause as the flames lapped about breaking the silence. Moments seemed to drag as the two figures stood silently facing each other, Saraesh awaiting his reply. Kryslogious was shaken by his words, his self internalized fear of his past was quickly coming to fruit. He stood rigid and emotionless, then suddenly a thud rang as his shield dropped to the ground. he raised his arm slowly to the back of his helm and unlatched and removed it slowly revealing his young unmarked face. He turned his head to the side talking to his cohorts behind him.
"Ill be back for my crossbow, use it well my friend." he said referencing Alic. "Sir, ask your trust in me." referencing Wrenwil
he looked back to Saraesh and replied.
"Show me... we talk along the way..."
He picked up his shield and flung the helm back on his head.
"lets go"
He needed answers, about himself and about what he feared was plaguing this world in his name.
Alic: -exclaims- "What the hell is he doing?!"
Ordechai: Looks to Wrenwil with a look reserved for enemies, not friends, as he simply demands. "Wrenwil... explain."
[Wrenwil: What do you do?]
View attachment 71470 | WRENWIL - a tough old boot on a terrible holiday Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=209300 Level 4, Init 2, HP 20/27, Speed 30 AC 15, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, Fort 6, Ref 3, Will 10, Base Attack Bonus 3 Masterwork Staff +7 to hit (d6+3) Spells: 5/5/3 |
So it wasn't entirely her place after all. Of course there would be more than one by the Burlock name. Aletia was somewhat relieved at the news. Vallio's trust and faith was held in another, older, wiser and less trumped-up soul, or so she hoped. None the less, her presumption and willingness to act before thinking left her feeling somewhat embarrassed. Yes, Aletia was bright and quick of mind, but her wisdom was somewhat lacking, and charm and a pretty face were never made to cut through situations such as this.
~There I go again, making a fool of myself. It's time to grow up Aletia. Snap out of it! Tis time for dignity and grace.~
The young elf softly sighed and returned a more friendly expression as Rhea spoke. She looked up to her attentively, absorbing each and every word, and finding some comfort within the facts. They knew Vallio's mount by sight. That indicated that these folk must have spent substantial time with him in years gone by.
Aletia gently took Rhea's hand into her own, giving it a soft comforting squeeze, a symbol of understanding and means not to cause ill.
"Dear Rhea Burlock, it is I who apologize for causing you such concern and for not making myself, and this news known to you earlier. I am also most sorry to hear of your father's suffering."
~Even the seemingly most perfect ruby encrusted lives carry dark weight.~
"I am honored that you would let me speak with him and softly deliver this news. Vallio brought us here, into your foreign lands to meet him, and to complete this wish is something I deeply desire to do..."
She squeezed the woman's hand a little again.
"... together... if you wish? Let me know when your kind father, friend of Vallio, is ready to receive me, and I promise to treat this with the respect it deserves."
"Agree to be honest with me, and I'll be happy to evaluate its origins and uses... deal?"
"Be careful what you wish for! Information like that can ensure you end up another victim, or worse yet, another liability!"
"Your concern for my well-being is touching but I'll take my chances. Of course I guard the identity of my clients with my life. No one will get your names from me I swear it!"
Mr. Burlock: Leans over and drops his blades to the floor before he scoops up the orange cat off his chair which meowls grumpily as he sits and plops it on his lap. "Hush!" He mutters to the feline, patting its ears. "So where is that wanderer Vallio? Don't tell me he's too busy to pay his old friend Kayote a visit!" He exclaims reaching for a berelle of Tejj, the famously strong honey-spiced wine of the local people.
Meanwhile, Rhea swallows, standing stiffly with her hands at her back, waiting for you to deliver the sad news.
[Aletia: What do you do?]
![]() | ALETIA - Shining in the darkness Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599 Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows) Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison) Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link |