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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1335418" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>“Well, if we’re going to be visiting the Baron tommorrow, we should probably go to Elenya’s father’s shop today,” Shaun volunteered, “she gave me the directions... and the fact we could get a discount if we told him she sent us.” General agreement went around, until Lucius looked down suddenly, and shifted his feet uneasily.</p><p></p><p>“I... have somewhere else I need to go,” he said quietly. “I’ll see you guys at the magic store.” He begins to dart out in a hurry until Tess’s hand catches him and holds him fast.</p><p></p><p>“Where are you going?” she said quietly, as Siabrey moved up as well. <em>Where are you going now, Luke?</em> Siabrey’s mind asked, a little worried, but more curious because of his seeming embarrassment about the destination.</p><p></p><p>“Are you going to a temple? A brothel? What?” she pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Um... no...to a place, to do some business I need to...” his voice trailed off again, very quietly. </p><p></p><p>“I’ll go with you Lucius,” Siabrey volunteered, “as none of us should be going alone. If its more nobility things, take our paladin friend with you!” Pellaron nodded, and Lucius’ face became beet red.</p><p></p><p>“Um... no... Pellaron cannot come with on this one... and Siabrey, you can’t either. I...um... Shaun,” he said quickly, looking at the roguish bard, “can you come with me?” His eyes had a look of desperation.</p><p></p><p>“Sure?” Shaun replied, unsure himself of what was going on. Before he could say much more, Lucius dragged him downstairs and off into the street... quickly.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey and Tess shrugged, Tess commenting, “Your boy can be strange sometimes.”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey felt her familiar anger at the teasing rise a bit, until a calm part of her mind reminded her, <em>Yes... he </em>is<em> your boy now... isn’t he?</em> Her fuming relented to a sheepish grin as she replied, “Yes... I guess so.”</p><p></p><p>The main party set out for Elenya’s father’s shop, which they find with little trouble. The shop is out of the way... small, but with a pleasant exterior and in rather cheerful letters on the sign outside, “Qunnias’ Magic and Goods.” Tess and Siabrey step inside, into a small room filled with racks of potions, and random items.</p><p></p><p>“Hello!” a pleasant man in his early 50s calls from the back. When he comes out the party sees he’s average hieght and graying, and he eagerly comes forward to the counter. “How can I help you?”</p><p></p><p>Tess and Siabrey extended their own greetings, and began placing the items they had taken from Ananias’ tomb on the counter... a strange ribbon, a quiver filled with white arrows, a javelin with runes on it, and a crystal staff with diamonds on either end of it.</p><p></p><p>”Hmm... interesting... very interesting indeed,” the man said interested, as he flipped the items about, looking at them in the light. “Normally I charge 10 gold pieces per item to be ascertained...”</p><p></p><p>“We came here on the recommendation of your daughter, Elenya... we ran into her during our stay at the Drunken Pony,” Tess volunteered, and the man’s face grew into a grin.</p><p></p><p>”Ah yes, my daughter... an excellent girl... sweet and well behaved! Well, if you come with such credentials, I can probably give you a discount... I’ll look at the whole lot for 28 gold!” The party agreed, and began unloading their old magical armor, which sparked a look of confusion from the man.</p><p></p><p>“Woah... woah woah woah...” he held up his hands. “I know nothing of shields, armor and weapons... I’m afraid I might cheat you if I looked them over, I’m so inexperienced. Are you looking to sell these?” Tess and Siabrey nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Ah... well, I’d suggest either one of the temples... or maybe the Mage’s Guild. Both have use for armor like these.” Tess and Siabrey nodded, and thanked Quinnias for his advise.</p><p></p><p><em>Hmm... we could get money from the Mage’s Guild,</em> Tess thought, <em>But after Ananias’s loot, we have enough of that. I’d much rather have the goodwill giving the armor to the Church might bring...</em></p><p></p><p>”We shall take the items to the Church of Hieroneous then... they will have use for them?” she asked.</p><p></p><p>“Yes... usually they’re looking for magical armors and the like they can equip their paladins with... Is there anything in the store that catches your fancy?”</p><p></p><p>Tess laid eyes on a small necklace with five amber beads of varying sizes, and a seemingly random rock. Siabrey saw a rather flashy looking vest, and thought immediately its goofiness belonged on Shaun. They brought the three items to the front.</p><p></p><p>“Ah...” Quinnias said, “you found the fireball necklace... quite an item, should be useful for you. (<em>Necklace of Fireballs II</em>)”</p><p></p><p>“What about the rock and the vest?” Tess asked.</p><p></p><p>“Hmm... the rock is a rock that can give you warning when someone approaches (<em>rock of alarm</em>), and this vest has numerous pockets for keeping lockpicking tools... if you leans to more buggery than anything. It also is... well... slippery, so its easier for you to escape using this (<em>vest of escape</em>). Are you interested in them?”</p><p></p><p>“By all means,” Siabrey said, “do you accept gems as a means of currency?” Siabrey fingered the two large sapphires in her pocket that originally came from Ananias.</p><p></p><p>“Why yes, of course, if I may have a look at them at first!” As Siabrey began laying out the gems, Tess began bargaining with him over the price of the items, finally negotiating with him to a total price of 4,000 gold...</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, a few minutes earlier, Shaun had been in the midst of pestering Lucius as to where he was going when it became readily apparent after they turned a corner... and Shaun gawked as he saw they were headed to the Temple of Sune, the Goddess of Love.</p><p></p><p>“So...” he said in a singsong tone, “Lucius... getting ready for...”</p><p></p><p>“Quiet,” The young man said rather sternly, and Shaun shut up. As they were about to enter, Lucius spun around to face Shaun, and put a finger in his face. “If you ever... <em>ever</em> tell Siabrey, or any of the others for that matter, that I was here and what I’m about to get, I will string you up.” Shaun nodded, a grin spreading across his face.</p><p></p><p>“So... getting some...”</p><p></p><p>“Quiet,” Lucius growled as they walked towards the temple steps.</p><p></p><p>“What are you here for?” he asked as they entered. Lucius seemed to know immediately where he was headed, and upon anyone asking he readily told the priests his rank. </p><p></p><p>“I.... well... “ he said, looking ahead vacantly almost, “...well... I need some guidance, as I don’t know how to handle some things, and...”</p><p></p><p>”...you want Siabrey to be happy... if things go as they’re going?” Shaun volunteered a finish, and Lucius gave a little sigh of relief and nodded. Shaun put his arm around the young man as he picked up a single, small book, and began walking out with it. The priests all gave him a short, formal bow as he left, the same he recieved as he entered. Shaun now grew less concerned about how Lucius knew where the book he grabbed was almost immediately, and more about other things...</p><p></p><p>“Now... Lucius... friend... buddy... pal...” Shaun began as they left, “do you think I could borrow that sometime?”</p><p></p><p>“Um...” Lucius stuffed the book into a corner pocket of the travelling coat he was wearing, “no.”</p><p></p><p>“Aw c’mon! If an old friend needs help, you’d help him out, wouldn’t you?” Shaun continued.</p><p></p><p><em>I wanna see whats in there!</em></p><p></p><p>“I thought you were reasonably happy with Elenya... and the answer in this case, is no,” Lucius continued walking.</p><p></p><p>“I can give you some tips that aren’t in there... I just need a refresher!”</p><p></p><p>“This book has advice from priests that lived over the past two hundred years... so the answer remains the same, no.”</p><p></p><p>“Please? Puleeze?”</p><p></p><p>“No.”</p><p></p><p>“How much would I have to pay you?”</p><p></p><p>“No.”</p><p></p><p></p><p>The two arrived back at the shop just as Siabrey and Tess were finishing their exchange. Rather unfortunately for Lucius, Shaun was still continuing his attempts at bribery as they walked through the door.</p><p></p><p>“Can’t I read just two pages? Two! C’mon! That’s not much! I’ll give it back to you tonigh... um... hey Siabrey!” Shaun gasped as Lucius delivered a sharp elbow to his stomach.</p><p></p><p>“Lucius... what did you get?” Siabrey was now facing them, her arms crossed. <em>What trouble did Shaun get him into now?</em></p><p></p><p>“Your friend here got... ack!” Another well-timed elbow hit Shaun in the gullet, as Lucius sweetly said, “Oh, nothing... just a history book.”</p><p></p><p>“A history book?” Siabrey raised an eyebrow. “Does a history book require you to elbow Shaun quite hard in the stomach?” Lucius’ face grew much redder.</p><p></p><p><em>Lucius is hiding something.</em> Inwardly, she mind wanted to grin as she wondered what it was... another surprise she assumed, though in her mind it was kind of hard to top her new set of armor.</p><p></p><p>“Um... yes. He’s getting mouthy... I have to keep him in line... and yes, its a history book...thats what it is.”</p><p></p><p>Tess could immediately tell Lucius was in some kind of distress, and having some mercy on the poor boy, decided now would be as good a time as any to show Shaun what they had brought him.</p><p></p><p>“Shaun! Come here... try this on... we bought it for you!”</p><p></p><p>“Yes...its an excellent purchase!” Quinnais volunteered behind the counter. “You know them and my daughter as well?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” Shaun said, barely keeping himself from growing red with embarassment. <em>I know your daughter far better than you would likely like, sir.</em></p><p></p><p>“Good... beautiful girl... well, I hope you enjoy your vest... and may it bring you out of many scrapes!”</p><p></p><p>Shaun felt the sides of the vest, and it felt... oily... but there was no residue on his hands. Tess pronounced it a perfect fit, and pulled them out of the shop before Siabrey’s curious mind or Shaun’s embarassment could spread further. Her plan almost failed, as Siabrey opened her mouth.</p><p></p><p>“Luke,” she began, as they were now outside, “what... what <em>did</em> you get?”</p><p></p><p>“Um... nothing. Its time to return to the inn now, isn’t it?” he called for distraction, and Tess grinned at the ruse, but said nothing. Siabrey frowned, for sure knowing he was hiding something, but decided to not push things...</p><p></p><p>As they walked back, Tess’ mind was already working in overdrive. <em>I wonder if anyone knows we’re here.</em></p><p></p><p><em>How is this Baron Valdonis?</em></p><p></p><p><em>As much as I trust the Churches, I need to find out on my own if Ilia and Rogar were here...</em></p><p></p><p>About halfway to the inn, Tess asks Shaun if he would like to go hunting with her. </p><p></p><p>“Hunting?! I love hunting!” Siabrey grins, until Lucius taps her on the shoulder.</p><p></p><p> “I think they mean buggery,” he whispers in her ear. </p><p></p><p>“Oh...” Siabrey nodded. “Well... we’ll go back to the inn and look for some information from the travellers there... especially the loud, noisy group if they’re still there.”</p><p></p><p>Tess wanted to laugh at Lucius’ guess as to what she and Shaun were up to, but held her tongue. </p><p></p><p>“Go on... we’ll spend a couple hours out here, and then see you at then inn!”</p><p></p><p><em>Go on, you silly lovebirds!</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Shaun and Tess then split away from the other two, and began working the crowds, discreetly asking information, and sifting between rumor and truth. They found a rather wealthy merchant, who loudly told them that the Baron’s subsidies on his business had allowed him to expand to smaller villages beyond the city. In comparison, many of the farmers in town for market had rather dim views of hte Baron, calling him fat, stupid, with the intelligence of a cow. </p><p></p><p>They also pick up rumors that there are some very important people in town... though no one knows for sure. Rumors run amok that the people might be retainers for the Princess Zoe, others say that they’re representatives for the governor.. and some even claim the Emperor himself is in disguise. The latter causes both Tess and Shaun to laugh after they had a chance to get away from the old man blabbering about it.</p><p></p><p>When they ask around about people fitting Rogar or Ilia’s description, they find out that both left town a few days prior... the day after Hidalas was attacked. More alarmingly, they hear rumors that, “bad things” are happening to the south. Stories of ice creatures... monsters on the move... and orcs gathering in the mists...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Lucius and Siabrey return to the inn, finding that yes... indeed, the large group of men is <em>still</em> there, drinking and carousing. Contrary to the assumptions of Shaun and Tess, they both set about getting into positions to listen to conversations.</p><p></p><p>Time went by. And then more time... and Siabrey started to drift off as the only thing she heard from the men gathered were recounts of travels escorting “fat fools,” and the like... it was easy to guess they were bodyguards. Her mind drifted off into a pleasant daydream reflecting on some of the happier moments of her mercenary days, until she caught sight of the girl called Elenya going into the kitchen of the establishment. That brought up other thoughts into her bored mind.</p><p></p><p><em>There goes Shaun’s “friend...” I wonder what she really thinks of him... I wonder if I could get some...</em> </p><p></p><p>And her mind arrived at an opportunity to dig up some serious dirt on her rival. With an evil grin, she gets up and walks to the other side of the inn, where Lucius is listening and drinking some water.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll be back,” she says quietly. </p><p></p><p>Lucius recognizes the grin, and asks with one of his own, “what are you doing?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh nothing,” she says with the most innocent look she can muster... which causes him to almost laugh.</p><p></p><p>“No, really Siabrey... what are you doing?”</p><p></p><p>“If you tell me where you went with Shaun, I’ll tell you what I’m about to do,” she rests her head on her arms and gives a semi-pouty look. <em>I’ll tell my secret if you tell yours</em> she thought, and she wasn’t altogether surprised when Lucius shook his head no with a smile. She wandered up to the kitchen, careful to slip in when the barkeep wasn’t paying attention. As she comes into the room, Elenya was standing beside another boar, which was roasting over the fire.</p><p></p><p>“Elenya?” Siabrey asked rather tenatively. Elenya looked up, and gave a smile at recognizing one of Shaun’s friends.</p><p></p><p>“Hello... Siabrey, isn’t it?” she says, looking back and forth between the woman and the roasting boar. “I remember you... you’re the one that keeps Shaun in line.” Her smile turned massive. “I like that, he needs it some.”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey was more than a little taken aback, before laughing herself. <em>I already like this woman.</em></p><p></p><p>“Well, I’m glad to see someone appreciates my work, and the need for it,” she said, and Elenya now laughed too. “And speaking of Shaun... I’d like to know... how is he?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh,” Elenya laughed, “he’s a very kind, generous man... once you get past the exterior... there’s a lot of bravado on the outside but...”</p><p></p><p>“No... I’ve figured some of that out,” Siabrey said, “but what I’m asking is... how <em>is</em> he?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh,” Elenya began to giggle once she understood what Siabrey was laughing. “Well... woman to woman... he’s great... excellent. Very creative... except he has one weird trait.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m all ears,” Siabrey leaned forward, her face eager and hungry like a wolf’s. Elenya broke out laughing, and took a few minutes to restrain herself.</p><p></p><p>“Well... he calls out Hieroneous sometimes!” she giggled, and Siabrey’s eyebrows rose rather high.</p><p></p><p>“Um... he what?”</p><p></p><p><em>I can’t believe this... this is </em>golden!<em> This is far more than what I was even looking for!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Mockingville, here I come!</em></p><p></p><p>“Will that suit your needs?” Elenya said as she turned back to the boar, the red light from the fire glinting off of her smiling teeth.</p><p></p><p>“Oh... it was far more than what I was expecting,” Siabrey’s mind was now licking its chops at the chance to spring this piece of ammunition on her opponent.</p><p></p><p>“If it serves to keep him on his toes... all the better,” she smiled, “though I don’t think I could ask for a nicer guy. Oh... and would the rest of you like some dinner tonight? There’s likely going to be boar!” she pointed with a grin.</p><p></p><p>Siabrey was taken aback for a second, (consider what Shaun always jokingly called food with Elenya) till she realized that Elenya was actually talking about food. “Oh... yes! Yes, of course! Shaun says you are an excellent cook!” </p><p></p><p>Elenya blushed a little. “Well, when I’m here helping my uncle, I watch... thats why they have me roasting this animal for those animals,” she gestures out to the large party outside.</p><p></p><p>“Who are they, do you know?”</p><p></p><p>“Some band of bodyguards... the blond one is their leader. They’re resting in town for now until they get a new job.”</p><p></p><p>“Hmm... well, Elenya,” Siabrey said, now intrigued about the other people in the bar, “I should probably find out what they’re doing... and um... thanks for the information?”</p><p></p><p>Elenya turned and gave Siabrey a wink. “No problem. If he feels bad, I’ll make him feel better later.” Siabrey grinned, and walked back out into the bar... and into her mind going into confusion.</p><p></p><p>The evident leader of the group was a tall, blond man, just as Elenya had said. His hair flowed around his shoulders, and he looked to be in his late twenties. The most dramatic thing about him was his face... it looked almost exactly like Tess’. As she watched, someone from the main group shouted at him, “Hey... Quin! Can ya get us some more ale!”</p><p></p><p>Siabrey looks over to Lucius’ direction, and nods at him. He doesn’t understand what she means, but she heads over towards the bar anyway as the man sits down and begins his order.</p><p></p><p>“Barkeep! I’d like another 13 tarabashi ales... three with snowdrops... two with...”</p><p></p><p>“Thats quite a few ales for one person,” Siabrey said, sitting down next to him. She’d thrown on her deepest, sultriest voice. “You sure you can handle them?” She hadn’t had to lead a man around like this in quite a while, and she decided it might be a quick way to get info.</p><p></p><p>The guy gave a little bit of a blush, and smiled. “Oh, they’re not for me... these are for my boys,” he nodded towards the large, rowdy group. “We’re bodyguards, looking for work now... the ale keeps them in line, and out of trouble.”</p><p></p><p>“Really? Say... I think I’ve seen you before,” Siabrey says as the man starts to stand up with the first order of ales. Upon her statement, he sits back down quickly, looks at her, and gets a quizzical look on his face.</p><p></p><p>”I would have remembered someone with eyes like yours... or that voice,” he smiles. </p><p></p><p><em>Oh boy... this isn’t going where I wanted it to,</em> she thinks as she realizes he’s attracted possibly more than his attention. <em>Perhaps the tactic Tess hates would be appropriate here.</em></p><p></p><p>“Are you related to a Tesseron Keldare?” Siabey asks bluntly, and the man’s face changes from one of a slightly amorous nature to one of concern tinged with fear. He nods slowly.</p><p></p><p>“Do you know my sister? Has anything happened to my sister?”</p><p></p><p>“Your sister is fine... she’s here in town actually, I’ve been travelling with her,” Siabrey says. “I had a hunch after seeing you, I just wanted to confirm it.” Siabrey then got up, noticing Lucius looking a little concerned over at his table. The man called Quin followed her.</p><p></p><p>“How is she?” he asks.</p><p></p><p>“She’s quite fine... she might be walking through those doors fairly soon now,” she said as they drew up to the table where Lucius sat. “This here is my...” and her mind stumbled for a second.</p><p></p><p><em>Friend? He’s more than that... what term do I use...</em></p><p></p><p>“... good friend... Luke,” she settles on the proper term, and she senses a slight relaxation in Luke... he knew her internal conflict. As the two shake hands, a squeal echoes through the inn.</p><p></p><p>“QUIN!? Is that you? QUIN!!!!”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1335418, member: 15043"] “Well, if we’re going to be visiting the Baron tommorrow, we should probably go to Elenya’s father’s shop today,” Shaun volunteered, “she gave me the directions... and the fact we could get a discount if we told him she sent us.” General agreement went around, until Lucius looked down suddenly, and shifted his feet uneasily. “I... have somewhere else I need to go,” he said quietly. “I’ll see you guys at the magic store.” He begins to dart out in a hurry until Tess’s hand catches him and holds him fast. “Where are you going?” she said quietly, as Siabrey moved up as well. [i]Where are you going now, Luke?[/i] Siabrey’s mind asked, a little worried, but more curious because of his seeming embarrassment about the destination. “Are you going to a temple? A brothel? What?” she pressed. “Um... no...to a place, to do some business I need to...” his voice trailed off again, very quietly. “I’ll go with you Lucius,” Siabrey volunteered, “as none of us should be going alone. If its more nobility things, take our paladin friend with you!” Pellaron nodded, and Lucius’ face became beet red. “Um... no... Pellaron cannot come with on this one... and Siabrey, you can’t either. I...um... Shaun,” he said quickly, looking at the roguish bard, “can you come with me?” His eyes had a look of desperation. “Sure?” Shaun replied, unsure himself of what was going on. Before he could say much more, Lucius dragged him downstairs and off into the street... quickly. Siabrey and Tess shrugged, Tess commenting, “Your boy can be strange sometimes.” Siabrey felt her familiar anger at the teasing rise a bit, until a calm part of her mind reminded her, [i]Yes... he [/i]is[i] your boy now... isn’t he?[/i] Her fuming relented to a sheepish grin as she replied, “Yes... I guess so.” The main party set out for Elenya’s father’s shop, which they find with little trouble. The shop is out of the way... small, but with a pleasant exterior and in rather cheerful letters on the sign outside, “Qunnias’ Magic and Goods.” Tess and Siabrey step inside, into a small room filled with racks of potions, and random items. “Hello!” a pleasant man in his early 50s calls from the back. When he comes out the party sees he’s average hieght and graying, and he eagerly comes forward to the counter. “How can I help you?” Tess and Siabrey extended their own greetings, and began placing the items they had taken from Ananias’ tomb on the counter... a strange ribbon, a quiver filled with white arrows, a javelin with runes on it, and a crystal staff with diamonds on either end of it. ”Hmm... interesting... very interesting indeed,” the man said interested, as he flipped the items about, looking at them in the light. “Normally I charge 10 gold pieces per item to be ascertained...” “We came here on the recommendation of your daughter, Elenya... we ran into her during our stay at the Drunken Pony,” Tess volunteered, and the man’s face grew into a grin. ”Ah yes, my daughter... an excellent girl... sweet and well behaved! Well, if you come with such credentials, I can probably give you a discount... I’ll look at the whole lot for 28 gold!” The party agreed, and began unloading their old magical armor, which sparked a look of confusion from the man. “Woah... woah woah woah...” he held up his hands. “I know nothing of shields, armor and weapons... I’m afraid I might cheat you if I looked them over, I’m so inexperienced. Are you looking to sell these?” Tess and Siabrey nodded. “Ah... well, I’d suggest either one of the temples... or maybe the Mage’s Guild. Both have use for armor like these.” Tess and Siabrey nodded, and thanked Quinnias for his advise. [i]Hmm... we could get money from the Mage’s Guild,[/i] Tess thought, [i]But after Ananias’s loot, we have enough of that. I’d much rather have the goodwill giving the armor to the Church might bring...[/i] ”We shall take the items to the Church of Hieroneous then... they will have use for them?” she asked. “Yes... usually they’re looking for magical armors and the like they can equip their paladins with... Is there anything in the store that catches your fancy?” Tess laid eyes on a small necklace with five amber beads of varying sizes, and a seemingly random rock. Siabrey saw a rather flashy looking vest, and thought immediately its goofiness belonged on Shaun. They brought the three items to the front. “Ah...” Quinnias said, “you found the fireball necklace... quite an item, should be useful for you. ([i]Necklace of Fireballs II[/i])” “What about the rock and the vest?” Tess asked. “Hmm... the rock is a rock that can give you warning when someone approaches ([i]rock of alarm[/i]), and this vest has numerous pockets for keeping lockpicking tools... if you leans to more buggery than anything. It also is... well... slippery, so its easier for you to escape using this ([i]vest of escape[/i]). Are you interested in them?” “By all means,” Siabrey said, “do you accept gems as a means of currency?” Siabrey fingered the two large sapphires in her pocket that originally came from Ananias. “Why yes, of course, if I may have a look at them at first!” As Siabrey began laying out the gems, Tess began bargaining with him over the price of the items, finally negotiating with him to a total price of 4,000 gold... Meanwhile, a few minutes earlier, Shaun had been in the midst of pestering Lucius as to where he was going when it became readily apparent after they turned a corner... and Shaun gawked as he saw they were headed to the Temple of Sune, the Goddess of Love. “So...” he said in a singsong tone, “Lucius... getting ready for...” “Quiet,” The young man said rather sternly, and Shaun shut up. As they were about to enter, Lucius spun around to face Shaun, and put a finger in his face. “If you ever... [i]ever[/i] tell Siabrey, or any of the others for that matter, that I was here and what I’m about to get, I will string you up.” Shaun nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “So... getting some...” “Quiet,” Lucius growled as they walked towards the temple steps. “What are you here for?” he asked as they entered. Lucius seemed to know immediately where he was headed, and upon anyone asking he readily told the priests his rank. “I.... well... “ he said, looking ahead vacantly almost, “...well... I need some guidance, as I don’t know how to handle some things, and...” ”...you want Siabrey to be happy... if things go as they’re going?” Shaun volunteered a finish, and Lucius gave a little sigh of relief and nodded. Shaun put his arm around the young man as he picked up a single, small book, and began walking out with it. The priests all gave him a short, formal bow as he left, the same he recieved as he entered. Shaun now grew less concerned about how Lucius knew where the book he grabbed was almost immediately, and more about other things... “Now... Lucius... friend... buddy... pal...” Shaun began as they left, “do you think I could borrow that sometime?” “Um...” Lucius stuffed the book into a corner pocket of the travelling coat he was wearing, “no.” “Aw c’mon! If an old friend needs help, you’d help him out, wouldn’t you?” Shaun continued. [i]I wanna see whats in there![/i] “I thought you were reasonably happy with Elenya... and the answer in this case, is no,” Lucius continued walking. “I can give you some tips that aren’t in there... I just need a refresher!” “This book has advice from priests that lived over the past two hundred years... so the answer remains the same, no.” “Please? Puleeze?” “No.” “How much would I have to pay you?” “No.” The two arrived back at the shop just as Siabrey and Tess were finishing their exchange. Rather unfortunately for Lucius, Shaun was still continuing his attempts at bribery as they walked through the door. “Can’t I read just two pages? Two! C’mon! That’s not much! I’ll give it back to you tonigh... um... hey Siabrey!” Shaun gasped as Lucius delivered a sharp elbow to his stomach. “Lucius... what did you get?” Siabrey was now facing them, her arms crossed. [i]What trouble did Shaun get him into now?[/i] “Your friend here got... ack!” Another well-timed elbow hit Shaun in the gullet, as Lucius sweetly said, “Oh, nothing... just a history book.” “A history book?” Siabrey raised an eyebrow. “Does a history book require you to elbow Shaun quite hard in the stomach?” Lucius’ face grew much redder. [i]Lucius is hiding something.[/i] Inwardly, she mind wanted to grin as she wondered what it was... another surprise she assumed, though in her mind it was kind of hard to top her new set of armor. “Um... yes. He’s getting mouthy... I have to keep him in line... and yes, its a history book...thats what it is.” Tess could immediately tell Lucius was in some kind of distress, and having some mercy on the poor boy, decided now would be as good a time as any to show Shaun what they had brought him. “Shaun! Come here... try this on... we bought it for you!” “Yes...its an excellent purchase!” Quinnais volunteered behind the counter. “You know them and my daughter as well?” “Yes,” Shaun said, barely keeping himself from growing red with embarassment. [i]I know your daughter far better than you would likely like, sir.[/i] “Good... beautiful girl... well, I hope you enjoy your vest... and may it bring you out of many scrapes!” Shaun felt the sides of the vest, and it felt... oily... but there was no residue on his hands. Tess pronounced it a perfect fit, and pulled them out of the shop before Siabrey’s curious mind or Shaun’s embarassment could spread further. Her plan almost failed, as Siabrey opened her mouth. “Luke,” she began, as they were now outside, “what... what [i]did[/i] you get?” “Um... nothing. Its time to return to the inn now, isn’t it?” he called for distraction, and Tess grinned at the ruse, but said nothing. Siabrey frowned, for sure knowing he was hiding something, but decided to not push things... As they walked back, Tess’ mind was already working in overdrive. [i]I wonder if anyone knows we’re here.[/i] [i]How is this Baron Valdonis?[/i] [i]As much as I trust the Churches, I need to find out on my own if Ilia and Rogar were here...[/i] About halfway to the inn, Tess asks Shaun if he would like to go hunting with her. “Hunting?! I love hunting!” Siabrey grins, until Lucius taps her on the shoulder. “I think they mean buggery,” he whispers in her ear. “Oh...” Siabrey nodded. “Well... we’ll go back to the inn and look for some information from the travellers there... especially the loud, noisy group if they’re still there.” Tess wanted to laugh at Lucius’ guess as to what she and Shaun were up to, but held her tongue. “Go on... we’ll spend a couple hours out here, and then see you at then inn!” [i]Go on, you silly lovebirds![/i] Shaun and Tess then split away from the other two, and began working the crowds, discreetly asking information, and sifting between rumor and truth. They found a rather wealthy merchant, who loudly told them that the Baron’s subsidies on his business had allowed him to expand to smaller villages beyond the city. In comparison, many of the farmers in town for market had rather dim views of hte Baron, calling him fat, stupid, with the intelligence of a cow. They also pick up rumors that there are some very important people in town... though no one knows for sure. Rumors run amok that the people might be retainers for the Princess Zoe, others say that they’re representatives for the governor.. and some even claim the Emperor himself is in disguise. The latter causes both Tess and Shaun to laugh after they had a chance to get away from the old man blabbering about it. When they ask around about people fitting Rogar or Ilia’s description, they find out that both left town a few days prior... the day after Hidalas was attacked. More alarmingly, they hear rumors that, “bad things” are happening to the south. Stories of ice creatures... monsters on the move... and orcs gathering in the mists... Lucius and Siabrey return to the inn, finding that yes... indeed, the large group of men is [i]still[/i] there, drinking and carousing. Contrary to the assumptions of Shaun and Tess, they both set about getting into positions to listen to conversations. Time went by. And then more time... and Siabrey started to drift off as the only thing she heard from the men gathered were recounts of travels escorting “fat fools,” and the like... it was easy to guess they were bodyguards. Her mind drifted off into a pleasant daydream reflecting on some of the happier moments of her mercenary days, until she caught sight of the girl called Elenya going into the kitchen of the establishment. That brought up other thoughts into her bored mind. [i]There goes Shaun’s “friend...” I wonder what she really thinks of him... I wonder if I could get some...[/i] And her mind arrived at an opportunity to dig up some serious dirt on her rival. With an evil grin, she gets up and walks to the other side of the inn, where Lucius is listening and drinking some water. “I’ll be back,” she says quietly. Lucius recognizes the grin, and asks with one of his own, “what are you doing?” “Oh nothing,” she says with the most innocent look she can muster... which causes him to almost laugh. “No, really Siabrey... what are you doing?” “If you tell me where you went with Shaun, I’ll tell you what I’m about to do,” she rests her head on her arms and gives a semi-pouty look. [i]I’ll tell my secret if you tell yours[/i] she thought, and she wasn’t altogether surprised when Lucius shook his head no with a smile. She wandered up to the kitchen, careful to slip in when the barkeep wasn’t paying attention. As she comes into the room, Elenya was standing beside another boar, which was roasting over the fire. “Elenya?” Siabrey asked rather tenatively. Elenya looked up, and gave a smile at recognizing one of Shaun’s friends. “Hello... Siabrey, isn’t it?” she says, looking back and forth between the woman and the roasting boar. “I remember you... you’re the one that keeps Shaun in line.” Her smile turned massive. “I like that, he needs it some.” Siabrey was more than a little taken aback, before laughing herself. [i]I already like this woman.[/i] “Well, I’m glad to see someone appreciates my work, and the need for it,” she said, and Elenya now laughed too. “And speaking of Shaun... I’d like to know... how is he?” “Oh,” Elenya laughed, “he’s a very kind, generous man... once you get past the exterior... there’s a lot of bravado on the outside but...” “No... I’ve figured some of that out,” Siabrey said, “but what I’m asking is... how [i]is[/i] he?” “Oh,” Elenya began to giggle once she understood what Siabrey was laughing. “Well... woman to woman... he’s great... excellent. Very creative... except he has one weird trait.” “I’m all ears,” Siabrey leaned forward, her face eager and hungry like a wolf’s. Elenya broke out laughing, and took a few minutes to restrain herself. “Well... he calls out Hieroneous sometimes!” she giggled, and Siabrey’s eyebrows rose rather high. “Um... he what?” [i]I can’t believe this... this is [/i]golden![i] This is far more than what I was even looking for! Mockingville, here I come![/i] “Will that suit your needs?” Elenya said as she turned back to the boar, the red light from the fire glinting off of her smiling teeth. “Oh... it was far more than what I was expecting,” Siabrey’s mind was now licking its chops at the chance to spring this piece of ammunition on her opponent. “If it serves to keep him on his toes... all the better,” she smiled, “though I don’t think I could ask for a nicer guy. Oh... and would the rest of you like some dinner tonight? There’s likely going to be boar!” she pointed with a grin. Siabrey was taken aback for a second, (consider what Shaun always jokingly called food with Elenya) till she realized that Elenya was actually talking about food. “Oh... yes! Yes, of course! Shaun says you are an excellent cook!” Elenya blushed a little. “Well, when I’m here helping my uncle, I watch... thats why they have me roasting this animal for those animals,” she gestures out to the large party outside. “Who are they, do you know?” “Some band of bodyguards... the blond one is their leader. They’re resting in town for now until they get a new job.” “Hmm... well, Elenya,” Siabrey said, now intrigued about the other people in the bar, “I should probably find out what they’re doing... and um... thanks for the information?” Elenya turned and gave Siabrey a wink. “No problem. If he feels bad, I’ll make him feel better later.” Siabrey grinned, and walked back out into the bar... and into her mind going into confusion. The evident leader of the group was a tall, blond man, just as Elenya had said. His hair flowed around his shoulders, and he looked to be in his late twenties. The most dramatic thing about him was his face... it looked almost exactly like Tess’. As she watched, someone from the main group shouted at him, “Hey... Quin! Can ya get us some more ale!” Siabrey looks over to Lucius’ direction, and nods at him. He doesn’t understand what she means, but she heads over towards the bar anyway as the man sits down and begins his order. “Barkeep! I’d like another 13 tarabashi ales... three with snowdrops... two with...” “Thats quite a few ales for one person,” Siabrey said, sitting down next to him. She’d thrown on her deepest, sultriest voice. “You sure you can handle them?” She hadn’t had to lead a man around like this in quite a while, and she decided it might be a quick way to get info. The guy gave a little bit of a blush, and smiled. “Oh, they’re not for me... these are for my boys,” he nodded towards the large, rowdy group. “We’re bodyguards, looking for work now... the ale keeps them in line, and out of trouble.” “Really? Say... I think I’ve seen you before,” Siabrey says as the man starts to stand up with the first order of ales. Upon her statement, he sits back down quickly, looks at her, and gets a quizzical look on his face. ”I would have remembered someone with eyes like yours... or that voice,” he smiles. [i]Oh boy... this isn’t going where I wanted it to,[/i] she thinks as she realizes he’s attracted possibly more than his attention. [i]Perhaps the tactic Tess hates would be appropriate here.[/i] “Are you related to a Tesseron Keldare?” Siabey asks bluntly, and the man’s face changes from one of a slightly amorous nature to one of concern tinged with fear. He nods slowly. “Do you know my sister? Has anything happened to my sister?” “Your sister is fine... she’s here in town actually, I’ve been travelling with her,” Siabrey says. “I had a hunch after seeing you, I just wanted to confirm it.” Siabrey then got up, noticing Lucius looking a little concerned over at his table. The man called Quin followed her. “How is she?” he asks. “She’s quite fine... she might be walking through those doors fairly soon now,” she said as they drew up to the table where Lucius sat. “This here is my...” and her mind stumbled for a second. [i]Friend? He’s more than that... what term do I use...[/i] “... good friend... Luke,” she settles on the proper term, and she senses a slight relaxation in Luke... he knew her internal conflict. As the two shake hands, a squeal echoes through the inn. “QUIN!? Is that you? QUIN!!!!” [/QUOTE]
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