A smallish mansion, three sories tall with only six bedrooms, and one formal dinning area, but it makes up for its small size with a cozy atmosphere.
Located on the fringes of the Noble Class Housing, Currently the dwelling of Lady Calmoranna. Daughter of the the third in line to the throne of Caranbar." Or more acurately, the dwelling of the woman pretending to be Lady Calmoranna. In this case, NaShae Ch'radryn .
Normally the house would be abustle with scurrying maids, butlers, and other essential servants. But normally, the staff does not ALL get called home at the same time. They will have to be replaced of course. It won't do, to have the Lady of The House doing her own cooking, when the represenatives from the Ayres come calling to gauge Lady Calmoranna's qualifications for membership.
Carefully making her way to the sounds, NaShae peeks into the foyer. Three well dressed men are going through the larder.
"Mundavai, aint gunna like this. I know The Boss gave him a lot of grief about setting this place up. And that he assigned some of his top people to this place. People who just wouldn't up and leave without contacting him."
"No, I'd hate to be in his shoes when the Boss finds out."
"That's what he gets for trusting that elf. I knew she was no good to start with. You can't trust nobles. Especially fake ones."
"She's dissapeared too. There's something going on here that's for sure. We need to be on our toes."
"Right. Lets see what we can find."
Nashae finds she has to quickily duck behind a curtain as the three men start heading her way. They pass with out noticing her, and she lets out a small sigh of relief.
One of the men turns around. "Did you hear that? There's someone here."
All three men draw their rapiers. "We know you're here. Come out and show yourself."
Whether it hits him or not, she stomps out from behind the curtain, glad her disguise is in place, "Damn! What do you think you're doing scaring me like that? I've been hiding here for days making sure nobody would come back before I went to see Mundavai, because I know he wouldn't be happy if whatever got the others followed me there!. And now I had to shoot one of you!"
During her tirade, she throws her crossbow and gets out her mace, trying to hide it from the men.
[+9 1d8, 19-20/x2 critical (+10 if within 30')
Sorry for the time it took to get this up. They switched my schedule, but on the up side, there's a promotion involved. Another up side, shouldn't have any more 60+ hour weeks. ]
"They'll be no need for that mace m'lady."
"We're all on the same side now then aren't we?"
None of the men lower their weapons, and they all slowly advance closer.
"We heard you were the first one top dissapear. What happened to the rest of the people assigned here?"
"And to you... You are more then late in checking in."
With her other hand, she reaches to get her flower petals, preparing to cast a spell to put them to sleep.
"We aren't the ones who abadoned our assignment after all."
"The Boss knows we can be trusted."
"You we aren't so sure of anymore."
She tosses the petals, motioning and calling out to cast her spell.
[casts deep slumber]
He collapses to the ground, the other two shake their heads and then rush forward. "This ain't her!"
Iniative:
NaShae 18
Striker 1 14
Striker 2 8
[Ray of Enfeeblement]
The second striker growls and swings, but his companian can't get out of his way quick enough, and his is forced to swing unbalanced. NaShae steps out of the way.
Iniative:
NaShae 18
Striker 1 14
Striker 2 8
Iniative:
NaShae 18 19/20
Striker 1 14 ???/???
Striker 2 8
[+4 (1d8-1, x2 critical) apparently the info thread says I have a morningstar, though I could have sworn that's what she got for Kywyn. And just to clarify for myself, does she have the POD and the bracers? With them she should have 30 HP, but if she left them behind or isn't wearing them because of the costume, that's fine, I just wanted to know. Thanks.]
The other striker steps into the space left by his fallen companian, and gives NaShae a nasty slice across the arm/.[color=skyblue](NaShae takes 6 points of damage)
Iniative:
NaShae 18 23/30[/color]
Striker 1 14 down
Striker 2 8
(Yes, you have your bracers and amulet. I didn't read through your sheet deep enough yesterday, and only saw the twenty hp listed under hp. Sorry about that.)
[S'ok. Just checking for myself. Cast Touch of Fatigue. Hold it until he comes close or her attack comes up.]
She manages to keep her consentration, and the man's panting and miss are evidence that the spell was succesfull.
Iniative:
NaShae 18 14/30
Striker 1 14 down
Striker 2 8
[cast Ray of Enfeeblement]
He reaches the door and starts to move out of it.
A softer footfall replaces it, coming back towards the door. The handle jiggles as the door is slowly opened...
Softly, almost to herself: [Elven] "I haven't seen a Striker run like that in... well, it's been far too long anyway."
*glances around cautiously, taking in her surroundings*
[edit: kicks sig]
[Listen +7, Spot +8, Hide +7]
And Fern spots NaShae trying to hide behind the door.
Going to get her rope, she ties up the sleeping one, making sure the other in the house is dead, "How is it you wandered in here?"
[:tinkers with sig: work!
]"As for being here, I thought I recognized that one when they passed me on the street..." leans over the downed Striker to take a closer look "don't think we were ever actually introduced, but I definately remember him from somewhere..."
She shrugs again "Can't say whose he was for sure..." .oO(Gatchni's perhaps? I wonder who replaced him anyway?)
"Anyway, I thought I might learn something interesting if I kept an eye on them. I got a bit worried when they went in here, tough to find a good place to hide on these streets, but then his friend comes staggering back out like he's being chased by demons." Smiles coldly as she cleans and sheathes her rapier.
Glances down at the one Shae is tying up then back to the door. "I'd best go get his body off the street before someone finds it."
"They're with someone named Mundavi."
"Can't say that I ever met, him?..."
.oO(Or that I really want too.)
*tries to remember if she's ever heard of him [knowledge local +3, Bardic knowledge +6]*
*looks somewhat surprised as she reaches the body*
"I must be loosing my touch..."
*starts carrying the Striker back towards the door*
"If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is going on?"
.oO(So much for being inconspicious...)
*glances around nervously* ... "Not that its any of my business..."
.oO(right... might've tried thinking of that before you ran this one through, Tirie.
running always works better when no one knows you were there in the first place. idiot.)[edit for clarity and stuff and sig]
He's still alive? What does it take to kill him??
*Once they are inside, she closes the door and ties up this one too.*
We can get to him later.
*As if there wasn't a battle just in the room, Shae motions to the foyer and offers Fern a seat*
Can I get you anything before we talk?
"Not all that much more I suspect, but he'll keep."
*glances around*
"Speaking of which..."
*while Shae ties up the last Striker Fern searches each of them, removing any weaponry that she finds and piling it neatly in a corner [search +6, taking 20] before joining Shae*
*smiles as she takes the indicated seat*
"Thank you, but I think it would be best if we had everything sorted out before they regain conciousness."
*her smile softens ever so slightly and she looks genuinely amused*
"I might just have to kill them on general principle if they start making noise, and I wouldn't want to interrupt you." She says blandly.
If you give me just a moment, this will be taken care of and we'll discuss this.
*She closes her eyes and concentrates on calling for Verinal*
"Verinal, there's been a problem. Some Striker's came here. There was a fight. Two are still alive if you want to question them. Preferrably not here."
[/font]
"Of course."
.oO(Really wouldn't want to be you, boys.)
"Then could you move them to a more convient location? I don't think the neighbors would appreciate the noise. And I have company, a half-orc you may remember, who happened on one who nearly got away."
*She crosses her arms in front of her chest.*
"If you even remotely want this to work, come pick up your captives. Because if you think they won't send others, you're insane...who's to say they won't come while I'm out?"
"Have I misjudged your worth to MY organization? You can be replaced. Your life belongs to me. As does that of your family. It is not your place to tell me what will work, and what will not work."
"Your task is do as I comand."
"You would do well to remember that."
Verinals voice is silent again to give his words a chance to set in.
Verinal's voice echoes again, discontent obvious in his tone.' "I'll have someone there within the hour to clean up your mess."
"Do not disapoint me again, Telwa Lokte. My patience with you is nearing it's end."
"Verinal, what the hell is the point of working for you if I can't count on your help? You asked me here, not the other way around. I'm doing this for you and I have done everything you've asked since I've been with you. I was tortured, I've killed for your organization and you have my family, and now you plan on leaving me on my own with the Striker's coming after me? So I can die for your organization? If I'm found out or get killed, you won't get what you want. What purpose will that serve? "
*NaShae mutters to herself, working to block her thoughts from him*
And you disappoint me you senile, old, goat.
""You may put your panic aside and remember that I have matters well in hand in regard to your safety -- and that of your son. Now do as you were bid. The sooner you get started, the better the chance we have to salvage things."
"Thank you, Verinal. I'll get to it right away."
*She casts again, hitting them both with another one of the strong sleeping spells then turns back to Fern closing the door to the room the Striker's are tied up in*
Where to start? The woman who was in the place I am now... was from where I grew up. She heard I was gone and decided to do a bad impression of me to help the Striker's.
.oO(Not really all that surprising, a noble house isn't exactly a likely place for thieves to be hiding...)
"If you don't mind my asking, what got you involved with them?"
[edit for clarity]
From what I understand, it was a way for them to get money and influence. Not surprising, really.
*she shrugs*
If someone was impersonating you, for the Striker's of all people, wouldn't you want to stop them.
"Certainly..."
.oO(Not sure if I'd want to hang around for the response though... Empty house... which would mean that this wasn't recent, or spur of the moment.)
*glances around* "I take it you've decided to appropriate their resources instead of simply giving them a bloody nose?"
.oO(They must have no idea... those three are way to few to clean up a mess like this, and what in Demmion's name are you doing here alone?)
Something like that. More that I wanted to take over here and cut them off. May not have worked as well as I hoped.
*Looks around and shrugs* "Probably not. It doesn't mean things have gone completely bad though. You can probably still salvage your plan, right?"
"None of them got away, so they don't know it is you here?"
As far as I know, they don't know it. Though when they came here, they seemed willing to kill whoever was here.
*She sighs and shakes her head*
I'm going to try to salvage this, but I don't even know where to start really. Everything dealing with them has usually been kill, kill, kill, but I can't do that here.
[i](Apologies to Fern if I don't get the character right. I'm stepping in momentarily to keep things moving.)[i]
(No problem, you got what I was going to say almost exactly
)"I expect that they were just being cautious, a place like this being empty is enough to spook anyone, especially when they know they should have allies here..."
*smiles wryly and nods*
"I know the feeling..."
*shrugs and pauses for a moment*
"The best thing to do would be to ask them for additional protection, immediately, make up whatever you need to about what happened to the rest of the operation... or just say that you have no idea. As long as you convince them that you trust them to watch your back you should stand a chance."
*frowns slightly, staring off into space*
"They'll still have a lot to ask you, quite possibly at knifepoint, but as long as you let them close enough to do that they shouldn't kill you out of hand."
*pauses and turns her attention back to Shae*
"I can't say I know how this Mundavai will expect you to act, but if he gives you an order he probabally expects it to be followed to the letter."
*smiles wryly*
"I know a roundabout way to get in touch with them if you need one, it may not be fast enough though..."
I can think up something.
*frowns*
Where would I find this contact? I do know how to get in contact with them, but it might work better if I go around....say that I was afraid to contact him directly in case I drew attention to him.
"Marroc, at Nobody's... and you didn't hear it from me."
*grimaces slightly*
"I trust him with my life, but I have some... business for him that I'd like to wrap up before he hears of me again, I've been somewhat less than timely about it..."
"Oh, and he's a bit touchy about getting between the Strikers and their enemies."
Yeah, him I knew. But I'm not sure that would be the best way. He's helped me before.
*She shakes her head*
I don't want him to get into trouble. He's too good a contact to lose.
"I could try to get into one of the hideouts and get someone to pass on a message, but I have no doubt they've changed security somewhat..."
*shakes her head*
"That would really tip them off if I screwed up somehow... I can take a message to either Marroc or someone else if you need me to, I could avoid being recognized for long enough to leave a message."
"If you need the help that is..."
.oO(Why do I always get myself stuck in messes like this?)
.oO(Because you are a complete imbecile, perhaps you should enjoy a vacation at a Demmionite temple while you're at it, I'm sure the sacrifices are ever so... pleasant.)
.oO(Oh please! Would you rather do coin tricks in the marketplace?)
.oO(Yes.)
.oO(As a half-orc?)
.oO(er... no?)
.oO(And how precisely are you planning on getting that corrected without taking a few risks?)
.oO(Are you going to start acting like Pinker? Raen said he was going crazy. It might help, you know, throw the Strikers off a bit.)
.oO(Shut up.)
.oO(Oh, never mind. I forgot.)
.oO(Forgot what!?)
.oO(... nothing.)
.oO(No, do go on. You were going to say that I'm already insane.)
.oO(You. Are. Talking. To. Yourself.)
.oO(Point.)
*Fern sighs and straightens her... rags* :embarrass
"I guess what I'm trying to say, oh so eloquently, is that if you need anything done - or just someone to watch your back while you give Striker a black eye, I'm there."
*smiles ruefully*
"Um... preferably not literally."
"A safer alternative, at that. More profitable too, I think you'll find."
Neither elf nor former elf can pinpoint the speaker's location, but they can tell that he (it sounds like a he) is close -- close enough that they should be able to see him.
Only they can't.
.oO(Coin tricks.)
"I would ask who you are, but I doubt you would bother to tell me."
*raises an eyebrow at Shae*
"And that aside, I'm not entirely sure I want to know..."
"So, what precisely is this alternative?"
"They call me Mundavai, for what it's worth -- and now I'd say that you both have an advantage over me in that regard."
He smiles quickly, then explains himself.
"It took us several months to arrange this setup, and you've both torn it down in pretty short order. I don't know if you had help with that or not -- not yet, at least. Now Striker--"
He lets the name hang in the air for a few seconds.
"--Striker might feel he'd have to make examples of you both for crossing him. He's got a reputation to maintain, after all.
"Then again, he's also got a business to run, and if I'm able to convince him that we can turn this little setback into an 'advantage' for us all, that will satisfy him."
With a conspiratorial look, he adds in a more hushed voice, "You might even say he's gotten rather tired of all of the little fights. Lost his taste for blood, maybe -- or something like that."
He pauses to cover his mouth and cough, then speaks in a firmer voice again.
"Anyway, since it's pretty obvious that you -- whoever you are -- were determined to take this operation over for yourself, why should we stop you when we could merely retain your services and let you carry on? I assure you that -- excuse me, let's call him 'our benefactor' -- can be quite generous with those who perform well."
Mundavai's eyes flicker toward NaShae's scattered victims.
"And I've little doubt about your abilities in that regard," he adds.
"Now, what say you both?"
I thought you'd be taller from the way they spoke about you.
*she nods toward the 'scattered victims'. Looking to Fern, she tilts her head, 'asking' the ex-elf's opinion*
Other than not being killed, what's in it for us exactly?
"Judging from the fact that it's just you two and me right now, you look like you're short a few people for this job. Speaking of which, we wouldn't mind getting our original people back, if there's any chance that they're still alive. We'd have to reassign them, just in case there's any hard feelings, but we've got others to take their places.
"I suspect that's not your main concern, though, nor do I think you're interested in information we can provide for you. All right; let's talk in terms of coin.
"I should be able to arrange for each of you to receive..."
He pauses to consider a sum, scratching an ear.
"--ninety gold per month, just to cover basic needs. If you need anything more to get the job done, get word back to me, and I'll do what I can.
"In addition to that, if you learn anything that proves lucrative to m-- I mean -- to us, there's a bonus in it for you, based on just how lucrative it turns out to be."
Mundavai pauses, leaning against a wall, then gives the duo a smug little smile.
"Did I miss anything there?"
*smiles at Shae and shrugs, folding her hands in her lap*
*nods to Mundavai*
"That seems reasonable enough to me, on the other hand..."
*glances at Shae and raises an eyebrow*
"The basic needs of someone living as a noble are not insignificant, I'm not saying that ninety gold is an unreasonable stipend..." *smiles wryly at Mundavai and gestures at her clothing* "this is not entirely feigned, but running this household would require a certain degree of... shall we say social spending. We would be expected to host the occasional party, shower silver on the occasional gifted minstrel, maintain a wardrobe befitting people of our station, and have money left over to finance the occasional business venture that someone might propose to us... all of which ignores the hobbies and flights of fancy that the wealthy tend to indulge in."
*pauses and shrugs*
"As you say, we can get word back to you if something should come up, but I think we would hardly be amiss to plan for such things in advance."
.oO(Don't jump too quickly, he's sharp... he may well need us for this more than he's willing to admit. Reastablishing this operation, even without fighting us for it, will have to burn a hole in his pockets. Especially if he has to rush it. Besides this'll go much better if we don't leave guts strewn all over the place, ours or theirs.)
"You're correct, of course. The matter of the proper wardrobe is something we were already attending to--"
Turning to NaShae, he continues, "--and it doesn't look like much tailoring will be required to adjust it, thankfully. You'll be provided with an appropriate amount of jewellry as well, which can take serve quite well as currency in a pinch, but you'll be expected to keep up appearances after that, even if it comes out of your own earnings.
"I'll see to social gatherings as well, even to the point of informing you when they'll be held. If you feel you need to arrange something beyond this, give your reasons and we'll go from there.
"Naturally, we can't account for everything in advance, but if there's a need beyond the norm, let me know. You'll be trusted to not abuse the privilege--"
Mundavai draws a knife and begins carefully cleaning a nail, but his eyes return to Fern's face, and maintain the gaze.
"--keeping in mind that we always collect on our debts in the end."
Looking between them with a smile, he asks, "Now, can we come to an arrangement?"
The originals are gone. Nothing to give back.
*Her face takes on a cold hard look*
What exactly would you consider lucritive information? I'm assuming regular gossip is not what you want. Unless you wanted to blackmail someone. Are we looking for money or just information?
*She stays away from him, her arms crossed*
Name's Rhainne Darkmoon.
"Of course."
.oO(Touchy, aren't you? ... Ah well, business in business.)
*crosses her legs, leaning her elbows on her knees, and listens to Rhainne*
*nods slightly in Mundavai's direction*
"Kessa."
"Blackmail's such a harsh term. I prefer to think of it as contracted discretion, but to each her own. In more general terms, we'd like to be kept informed of life in high society, of what interests them and in what interesting things they might be up to.
"We're also curious about the club itself. We've had someone inside before, on the staff. That was months ago, and we'd like to know what happened. We were hoping that a patron, rather than an employee, would draw less attention -- or at least a different kind of attention."
He gives NaShae a shrewd look, then turns it on Fern.
"Say... neither of you'd know anything about that, would you? Hmm. No, I guess not -- otherwise why take over this operation after you'd taken it apart? We've just lost enough people to this between you and... whoever removed our other operatives.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll just let myself out. I'd like this bunch back when they wake up -- tell 'em Mundavai wasn't happy with their performance and wants to review it with them immediately."
He looks around.
"I want them all back, too. I've counted them, just in case. You can send one packing with the message, and I'll send him back for the others -- and with your first month's fee -- when I'm done talking with him."
He bows low, but keeps his eyes on the other two just the same.
"And now, ladies, it's time I got back to other matters. Good day to you both."
"Good day."
*listens carefully as he leaves trying to determine whether or not he was alone*
"Verinal, I'm sorry to bother you again, but there's been a development. We've had a visitor here. Mundavai. He's offered Striker financing."
NaShae senses a tinge of shock (and perhaps alarm) in Verinal's bemused response.
"He's-- who's... perhaps you had best explain further."
"Mundavai. Apparently, he ran this operation for the group. He seems to think this was a two person operation, and was impressed that his people were taken out and the operation dismantled. At least it seemed that way. He offered us a deal.
He wants his men back, the ones on the floor, that is. I told him the rest are gone, and even if they aren't dead yet, they're lost to him.
We're to take up residence, with their backing and a stipend, for information about the house and why one of their operatives, an employee at the club, is now missing."
*nudges one with her boot and shrugs, turning to Shae*
"Shall I heal him and send him on his way?"
"It could make things easier. Be on your guard, though -- they've lost people, and I'm not sure they'll forget that. Nevertheless, it's a good offer. If you feel it's legitimate, take it."
After another short pause, he adds, "I'll call off the retrieval -- unless you need something else?"
"No, nothing else is needed."
*She turns back to Fern*
No need. He said send him back when he wakes up. That one should be waking up soon.
*She points to the tied up one who's just asleep*
We'll send him back. The other....
*grins*
He's our information.
"To bad Mundavai will probabally want him intact..."
*grins*
"But then he doesn't know that."
*draws a dagger and tests the edge*
He doesn't.
*She looks at the one they plan to keep there*
And he was so uncooperative with dying. Mundavai just said that we had to return him alive.
*Looking around the house, she sighs*
Just try not to get too much blood around. It's horrid to clean up.
"Of course..."
*smiles slightly*
"Rhainne."
*kneels down to check on the wounded one*
"So, what am I supposed to call you in public?"
*swears softly*
"And for that matter how are we going to get around the fact that most of the nobles here probabally don't think much of half-orcs?"
*Her head tilts*
There are likely a few things we can do. You still have more the form of an elf. Gloves, clothes that cover, a hat with a veil. It won't be comfortable, but that'll only need to be when you're in public. Unless you can borrow Darkar's hat. That would take care of everything.
"Yes, you're right, I should be able to work something out. A mask for parties and a veil otherwise..."
"Darkar's hat?"
.oO(He worked for Marroc, didn't he?)
From what I understand, Darkar has a hat that can make anyone wearing it look like someone else.
*She frowns*
I'm not sure he'd be willing to part with it. I wouldn't.
"That I can certainly understand..."
"Though I'll have to ask him how he got it sometime."
*smiles*
"For now though I guess I'll just spend a bit of that money Mundavai will be sending."
*looks over at the sleeping one*
Would you stop drooling on my rugs?
"Shall I gag him?"
Go ahead. But he's going to clean that before he can leave.
"I think it's a very good thing Mundavai will be reassigning these... gentlemen."
*gags him, using a second section of rag to be thorough, but making sure she doesn't block his nose*
*smirks*
"We may just have to kill them in self defense otherwise."
Either way. One they're dead, the other they're gone.
*She grins*
Really, they should be glad. If Mundavai hadn't stepped in, they'd be as good as dead.
"I'm sure they'll be properly appreciative."
*shrugs*
"On the other hand he may just keep them on a leash until he doesn't have a use for us anymore."
*smiles sweetly at him*
"So sorry about the gag, but you were drooling on the floor."
"I'm afraid you'll have to clean that up before we send you back to Mundavai."
*leans down next to him*
"You won't do anything rash if I untie you, will you?"
"I'd have to gut you if you did. Nothing personal, and Mundavai would probabally be rather upset with us - said he wanted to have a chat with you boys about your performance - and, well... I dont think he meant with your corpses."
*frowns*
"And then I'd have get blood out of the rug as well, which would really be a pain."
*removes the gag*
"Is that something I should be worrying about?"
Very disappointed. Getting beaten by a couple girls.
*She shakes her head*
And lucky you gets to go back first.
.oO(If he only knew...)
She smiles slightly and shakes her head as she starts to untie the ropes. The smile is nice enough, but one look at her eyes is enough to tell that she isn't being friendly at all; just amused.
Once completely untied he looks towards the door. "You haven't seen the last of me. Once Mundavai is done with you, I'll be back. You have my word on that."
"Now if you are done trying to intimidate me, I've got a report to make. You don't want to break your deal this soon do you?"
He starts moving tiowards the door.
Have you ever seen a man more eager to get beaten again?
*She crosses her arms, her face going blank*
You're very lucky that Mundavai showed when he did.
*Shrugging, she waves her hand dismissively*
You're free to go.
"Of course he's going to leave you alive, he told us so."
*gestures towards the pile of weapons and raises an eyebrow*
"Are you going to take your stuff?"
[elven]"And thus we demonstrate the problem with letting fools live: they start to think that they stand a chance."
*shakes her head and snarls under her breath*
"I'll let you know when it's over, errand boy."
*turns to Shae and nods to the wounded Striker*
"Is there anything we need to ask this one, or should we just leave him for his friend to pick up?"
No, of course it isn't.
*She looks at the other one*
Just leave him for now. When he wakes up, we'll see what he has to say.
Within half an hour, his eyes are open and he struggles against the ropes binding him.
*walks over to him*
"If you'll give me a second I'll take those off."
*nods to the pile of empty ropes*
"At some point Mundavai sends your associate back to pick you up and drop off some things for us. We let you go, and you have a chat with him in which he either reasigns you to some other project, or retains you to kill us when we're no longer useful to him. Possibly both."
*glances over at Shae*
"Did I miss anything?"
Sounds like everything.
"We'll have to ask you to stay here until your associate returns. Not that I doubt your ability to take care of yourself, but Mundavai said he wanted you back and I'd like to avoid any misunderstandings that could arise from your being somewhere else when he sends people back to get you."
*shrugs*
"I can leave you tied up if you prefer."
"I'm not really into being immobile if you know what I mean."
The Striker rolls into a more comfortable position. "You made a deal with Mundavai did you?"
"Well if you keep your end of it, then it should be profitable for everyone involved."
*shrugs and smiles slightly*
"I expect things will work out quite nicely then."
.oO(Excluding anyone who tries to put a knife in my back, of course...)
*gestures to the corner*
"Your weapons are over there, if you like."
He gets up on his feet and bounces around, loosening his muscles. "Just why are you two here anyways? She.." He indicates NaShae with a tilt of his head. "She looks a little like Elanna."
"I guess you might say we're the replacements..."
*glances at Shae before continuing*
"To be honest I wasn't expecting Mundavai to show up when he did, but he's offered us agreeable terms to continue the operation for him..."
She shrugs, looking rather pensive.
.oO(And since Gatchni is dead I don't have a quarrel with anyone but Garban... and not really him either. The hand did hurt, but he wasn't overly vicious about it.)
"..."
She rubs her left wrist for a moment, not conscious of what she is doing, then she shrugs again and turns her attention back to him.
"Unless it's as a bodyguard or somesuch. Not that she needs one..." He glances at NaShae again.
"Then again, having an agent in the servants can't hurt... unless you dissapear like the others."
"We've lalready lost people to that place. Good men who wouldn't just run off."
"But then convincing people that she did need a bodyguard would be worthwhile in its own right."
"You can't let on you know somethings going on there."
"If it were that simple we'd just move in and take it over."
"The Boss wants something there, but he doesn't want them to know he wants anything."
"True enough, on the other hand should they catch wind of us I'd rather they not have the best idea of what we're capable of." A hint of her previous smile returns. "And while you're right about not tipping them off, personally I'd find it rather suspicious if my lady didn't have at least some protection."
"Servants hear things that their betters don't."
"And a bodyguard is more likely to survive then sending in another waitress or cook."
"I see your point then..."
.oO(I think... and if I'm right it's a good one, whether or not you know it.)
"... I'm Kessa by the way."
He looks around the room and sighs. "Looks like you two have a sweet set up here."
"I hope you can pull this off. A lot of money has already gone into this effort."
I'm Rhainne. And you're right. I don't need a bodyguard, but an elven noble would.
*She looks around*
I've seen better. Of course, the rest of the deal makes it sweeter.
*She grins, turning to Fern for a second before turning back to Gabby*
He shrugs. I suppose if hobnobbing ith a bunch of bluebloods is your thing."
"Give me a lively inn over that anytime."
Sure, if you don't mind a bunch of drunk idiots pawing at you. Not really my thing.
He takes his eyes off of NaShae to respond to Ferns words. "Advantages yeah."
"You can find a lot of fun at a tavern, but... well the Ayres is where you find power."
Try what, exactly? Being pawed? Or drunk and pawing?
Gabby's smile fades a bit. "They won't manhandle you at the Ayres. At least I wouldn't think they would, but you'll still get used there if you aren't careful."
"The people there will eat you up and spit you out once you no longer amuse them, or provide a way to further their status."
I know how nobles are. And I know how to play the game.
Gabby glances away. "You wouldn't happen to have anything to eat would you?"
"I suspect I won't have much time to eat once I go back to Mundavai. He'll want me to tell him everything I've seen you two do and say."
"At least twice."
Does he use magical means to see if you are telling everything or the truth?
"Unless you count being sharp as a tack magical."
"He doesn't miss much the first time."
"And nothing the second time he has you recount the report."
He looks at the women again.
"Now, about that food?"
"I expect there is something in the pantry, help yourself."
"I never thought I'd be saying this, but please gods, let that be the Strikers."
Two burley, grim faced men each carrying a chest, and an impeccably dressed gnome enter. The gnome instructs the muscle to put down the chests and then opens them up for the two women to see their contents.
The first holds the promised gold coins. The second contains clothes. The gnome looks at NaShae and nods. "These should fit with only minor alterations. And it appears our employer was right about the colors as well."
"But you," He shakes his head at Fern. "You I was not prepared for. It will be a hard task, but I'm sure I can find something to ... compliment your features."
"In the meantime though, I'm afraid we will just have to make due with what we have here. Hmmm, let's see..."
Digging through the chest the gnome produces a deark blue cloak with lace trim. [color=green]"This should cover up what you have now, though it really isn't your color."
"But it should at least make it look like you have some taste."[/color]
.oO(So ... kind of you ...
)"If you can make me appear to have taste good sir, I'm sure that I can pretend to."
"But hopefully I'll have some of the rougher edges off by the time for your appointment at the Ayrie tonight."
"We'll have to do something with your hair. Yours too Madam," he indicates his head towards NaShae. "Remo. My tools please."
One of the thugs, produces a black packet from the chest containing the clothes. The gnome opens it up and takes out a pair of shiney silver scissors, and an ivory comb.
"Whose first?"
"Well, seeing as you have the farthest to go with mine..." she shrugs "I may as well volunteer."
After finding a stool and a step ladder the gnome sets to work. An hour or so later, the gnome finishes up and moves on to NaShae.
He puts away his tools and bows. "I've done what I can. The rest is up to you."
"I'm told you have an appointment at the Ayries tonight for dinner. Try to be on time."
"And mind your manners."
"I'd hate for our organization to be associated with boors anymore then it already is."
With a flourish of his cape, and a snap[ of his fingers the gnome, his two henchmen and Gabby stride out in to the street.
[Sorry, guys. Work and RL is being hell again. This weekend is going to be bad. But I'll try to stop by.]
The gold coins in the other chest are impressive as well. And after a careful count, every promised one is there.
The rest of the day goes by fairly smoothly, and soon night falls. And the apointment at the Ayres looms before the women.
(By the way, both of you are free to post outside of this thread, at least for now. Because of the length of time this is taking it is happening in a time that will be put into the game at a different point. If you have time or an inclination for interacting with other PC's, go ahead and do it..
Pausing by a mirror she quickly appraises herself. The blue cloak over her black clothing and armor looks... well, it could be worse anyway.
.oO(Now if I just didn't look like a bloody orc... oh well, as long as they don't take me as an insult...)
She goes to find Shae, and noticing the wounds she took earlier speaks up, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Do you want me to heal you before we head out? Sorry I didn't make the offer earlier, I guess I was caught up with dealing with those ... well I guess I shouldn't call them scum, for now."
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[OoC]
No problem Shae, sorry to hear that things aren't going well.
I'll probabally take you up on that kneyejailb *gets prepared to juggle equipment continuity*
Oh, that would be nice, thank you.
*She waits until Fern has healed her, then starts getting ready for the party.*
After a short ride to the club, the footman introduces his passengers to the man at the door. "Lady Calmoranna and her servant have graciously accepted your invitation for tonight's festivities."
The doorman nods, and holds the door open and addresses NaShae. "We are honored by your presance M'Lady."
"Would your servant be accompaning you, or shall I have her escorted to the back to join the others?"
Perring into the room, both women can see into the dining room at the end of a short hall. The doorman escorts "Lady Calmoranna" down it, and offers to take her cloak.
The dining room is lavishly decorated with oak, ivory, brass, gold and silver fixtures. A small army of waiters and busboys rush about to the some seven or so large tables. The air in the room smells of several exotic delicacies, and seated at the tables are a few very distinguished looking men and women. Mostly human, though the occasional elf and a halfling woman are also enjoying their meals.
There are three exits from the room not counting the one the two women are currently standing in. One, judging by the constant flow of servants coming in and out carrying dushes and food must be the entrance to the kitchen.
Another, at the far end of the room, guarded by a man and a stack if impeccabily stacked towels is most likely the way to the washroom.
The last set of doors are closed. And a pair of burley men in the clubs livery stand guard in front of it.
The doorman motions for NaShae to follow him to an empty table. "Will this table suffice M'Lady?"
"Follow me please."
He doorman holds open a side door for Fern. Pearing inside, she can see several well dressed men and women huddled around a small table. The table has a decent spread of food put out on it, but nothing that can compare to what Fern glimpsed in the formal dining hall.
An exceptionally tall man dressed in bright blue livery scoots down to give Fern a spot on one of the benches. "Make yourself comfortable. You'll probably be here awhile."
He goes back to talking to a woman in a crimson dress across from him. "So then M'Lady says to him..."