stonegod said:
The revelation of the guardsman betrayal made the voices creshendo, reminding Jon of the fickleness of human nature. Put his hand to his temple, his eyes closed to shut out the distraction, the well dressed man addresses the thug/guardsman.
"And where was that you were hired, and who did so? The more you can tell us know, the more lineint your fate may be." He looks over at the nobleman and the guard, trying to communicate his bluff.
[OOC: Combo bluff/diplomacy to get the info. Apparently, I'm good cop. 
]
Nilas scowls at Jon, but sensing his current predicament, decides to give a straight answer. "The three of us were coming out of the Tipped Tankard a few nights ago. It was late, we were kind of drunk. A short woman with long, black hair called to us from an alley, and we could tell right away she was Last Laugh...she had her paint on. She made her offer, and like I said, it seemed harmless enough, and the money was good, so we agreed. She never gave her name, and that's all I know, honest," he concludes, sullenly. "Never even got paid..."
Whizbang Dustyboots said:
Arak's eyes blaze with fury.
"Seek the mercy of men, for the gods will have none on such as you."
Land Outcast said:
Just some fancy dressed guards, no trouble then...
Remen doesn't bother to speak, the others having spoken what's worth. He just glares menacingly at the thug...
Nilas' eyes shift back and forth from Arak to Remen, and he gulps nervously, suddenly glad that the watch is there to protect him.
Jdvn1 said:
Once the other questions have been answered, Dowlee speaks up to the guard. "Would you rather us help escort these men to the guard station, or are we free to accompany Ruphus to his temple? If these men had anyone watching them, they may be following Ruphus."
The Sergeant answers Dowlee, "No, we've got it under control. We'll clean up here. Seems to me these fools got what they deserved, taking a job from the Last Laugh," he adds with disgust evident in his voice. "Go ahead and see the priest safely back to his temple."
With the alley now under the control of the watch, the group decides to take leave and escort Ruphus back to the temple of St. Cuthbert. With the tension of the alley confrontation behind, the drizzle and fog of the evening press in, making for a very wet and miserable autumn night. Ruphus doesn't say much, and indeed seems a bit skittish, as his eyes scan every shadow and alley for trouble...but no trouble rears its head. It seems scarcely anyone is out and about on this night, understandably.
The temple is not far from the alley where Ruphus was attacked, and soon its two-story structure comes into view. Its white marble walls suffused with veins of vivid blue, it stands in stark contrast to the buildings of bare black stone that flank it on the north end of Obsidian Avenue. A pair of white marble statues depicting armored warriors stands on either side of the temple's heavy oaken door. Each of the statues raises a great mace to the sky. Above the door's marble architrave are boldly inscribed the following words: "WITHIN LAW LIVES HOPE."
Ruphus swiftly opens the door and enters, ushering the party inside and out of the rain. The group is greeted by acolytes who immediately express their concern at Ruphus' bruised and disheveled appearance. He reassures them that he is fine. Then, to the party, he says, "I will go and report to Priestess Jenya what has happened. I am sure she will want to speak with you about what has happened tonight. Meanwhile, please allow my brothers to see to your comfort."
As Ruphus hurries away, the other acolytes show the party to a sitting room with padded chairs, and thankfully, a fire roaring in a large stone hearth. The acolytes provide warm blankets and hot tea before they depart. The heroes are left with a moment alone to dry themselves and take stock of the situation.
(OOC: I wanted to push onward and get you guys to the next scene, but please feel free to retroactively post questions or comments, if you wish, for the town watch or for Ruphus. We'll pause here for the characters to warm themselves and share their thoughts about events thus far.)
