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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 8556303" data-attributes="member: 2012">"Pursuing Waldo should be our focus, but without the flower to use to open the portal, we cannot get to him," Custodio replies. "If Mr. Aceron has useful information, we need to get it out of him... even if we have to offer him some sort of incentive. If he's been in league with the Renegade, he should still face some sort of justice, but that might just be ostracizing him from Bluffside.""Can you make that deal with him?" Florrie asks."The Lord Commander has been willing to let us take the lead in uncovering all of Waldo's plots," Custodio says. "I don't think he'd worry too much about one corrupt guard... depending on how far that corruption goes.""I am willing to sseek the well," Sylemis notes. "With some help.""I'd rather you stay here," Florrie replies. "The Lanterns can hunt for this well.""If the legend iss true, it might not appear for you or your Lanterns," the dragori druid notes. "It might not even appear for me.""You and I can go together, Master Sylemis," Gerey offers. "I'm still spry enough to face any dangers the two of us may encounter. Carter can help watch over Stormgrove in my absence. He is quite capable."Florrie looks surprised by Gerey's offer but doesn't counter the older Lantern."I will keep your staff on their toes," the halfling man says as he steps down from the bench next to the large table."That assumes the creature was let loose in the Gardens by the sorcerer," Gerey notes. "So far, the Lanterns haven't found any evidence that is true. Yes, it did appear in the Gardens when their were Loyalists there, but evidence says it attacked them not the two Regulars that the Loyalists ambushed themselves. It left one guard alive and carried off the dead Loyalists.""They could have lost control of it," Custodio suggests."Perhaps, but I don't think so," Gerey adds."So, you don't think it is a threat?" Florrie asks."I do not know, but we should not assume it is in league with the sorcerer without real evidence," the warden replies."So, it could be an ally?" Custodio ponders. "That would change things... maybe we've had this wrong. What if Waldo wants to capture the creature? And if it hasn't been seen, maybe he's finally caught it.""Agreed," Custodio says. "We need to get into his enclave and bring him to justice. Mr. Aceron might know where to find another zunsum to use to get through the portal. If he doesn't, then he might know something else useful.""If the pool is fey in originss," Sylemis considers. "Perhapss it could be connected to the flower." The dragori druid gets to his feet and nods to Gerey. "I am ready when you are, warden.""Take a couple of the Lanterns with you," Florrie insists."Prudent," Gerey nods in assent.Florrie turns to Tim. "We can keep your prisoners here or we can secretly take them to the Military District and have them locked away somewhere safe and away from prying eyes. There are secret ways out of this manor. I didn't want to mention it in front of your prisoners, but we can take them through several tunnels that lead out of the district. There is another tunnel that leads to Lady Pomander's Estate. It was how the Lord Commander got The Five out of Old City.""You Lanterns do have a lot of secrets," Custodio says. "Do you have a map of these tunnels?""That would risk someone discovering them and using them against the city," Florrie replies. "While the best of the Lanterns know most of the tunnels, none of us are taught the full extent of the passageways. Not even Terger knows them all, and the tunnels aren't to be used unless their is a dire threat to the city.""So, you've been using them a lot?" Custodio asks."Yes. Since the Loyalists and the Dusk have begun appearing on the streets out of nowhere. We thought they might have discovered them, but we're certain they don't know they exist. It's the only way we've been able to counter them, so far.""You will take their prisoners to a secure location another way," Gerey insists to Florrie. "The Lantern Depths are not to be shown to anyone who poses any sort of risk to Bluffside."Florrie shrugs. "It was just a thought. We could bind and blindfold them.""There are dangerous things down there. Traps... monsters..." Gerey snaps, clearly irritated. "Even us using them is a risk. You know that."Florrie nods."I'm all for going after the guild," Custodio adds. "But maybe we go confront Mr. Aceron first. If he doesn't know how to get into the enclave, then maybe he knows something about the guild or The Dusk."Falen knows he needs to tell them about his conversation with the Praefectus at the Ticinum Delagacy regarding the death of the ambassador and his connection to both Phelix and The Dusk. Yes, he's was sworn to secrecy, but could the news have reached the ears of the Lanterns. He tests Gerey. "Warden, I'm wondering. Have you heard anything about the Ticinum Delagacy? I have a friend there who lent me a cot when I first arrived in the city. Has it come under attack?""Hmm, I haven't heard anything," Gerey replies. "You are worried about your friend?""A little. He's a scribe there," Falen nods. "His name is Vel Faunus Amphion. He's a strange fellow and can get distracted." He sighs. "In truth, I'm more worried he's wondering why I disappeared all of a sudden. I don't want him wandering the streets looking for me. The Dusk might be looking for me through him or the others at the embassy.""We will make enquiries," Gerey motions to Florrie. She nods and heads out of the room. "Do not worry about this friend of yours. We will make sure he is safe."The only one who seems in distress is Falen. He looks very worried. Could this friend of his be more like family to him?"It is known to grow in the ruins of Sem La Vah," Gerey replies. "But the ruins are expansive and can be dangerous, especially at night. The zunsum usually blooms only at night.""And it must be open," Vinny says. "If I'm remembering correctly.""Yes, its magic will only work if the crystalline flower has bloomed," Custodio says. "I saw that in one of the reports on the flower. The Wizard Council keeps a tight control on them. Its beauty rarely leads to peaceful outcomes, although it can be used to enhance not only portals, but also the creation of magical items.""There are rumors that there is a bloom kept in perpetual twilight in the Lord Mayor's personal garden," Carter says. "It might still be in the estate's garden if the Wizard Council hasn't confiscated it.""And what are the chances they haven't taken it," Custodio says. "I'm not sure we can trust them either." He looks at Vinny. "No offense.""And you must help protect it," the dragori druid replies. "I will go with Gerey and the Lanternss to try to find thiss well. Perhapss it will give me a chance to live a longer life or it will be connected to the bloom." Sylemis steps back and bows to Exemplars.Gerey bows as well.The two if them leave the room heading towards the back of the manor."So, Mr. Aceron first at the Black Cat, or do we raid the thieves' guild?" Custodio asks."If the guild knows you're on to them," Carter says. "They might have moved their hideout."</blockquote>

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