TELL SASCHI - but it's too late. The golden shimmer of the portal has washed away her surroundings and replaced them with a city caught in the grip of ilvilel'ceela. The colorfully inked halfling grins and winks at the first person she notices, in case stepping out of nowhere shouting over her shoulder had alarmed anyone, but the smile fades from her face as she walks, the sounds and smells of the street contrasting loudly with those she's just left. Her steps slow, and then stop, and for a moment she is not inside a city but before one, a shining one with gates barred and archers on the wall. The turn of her head to look behind is hesitant; the field of diseased dead and fallen soldiers bodies of the lesser races stacked like wood for the winter is not going anywhere.
Rymmu, she tries uncertainly to the moving people she sees in place of what she briefly expected, and heads in a general direction for the district Jennara was supposed to take. She becomes distracted, however, at the sight of one of their clinics in operation, all the faces that have become not-faces, just spinning tops going wobbly. Her hand rattles absently to chime the bells shackled around her wrist, and the smoke and the shouting is chased away for a space by the bright and silvery noise. By the time her dream-sister tracks her down, she is easy to follow by sound. She's in the middle of Coin From The Well, and flips a single piece of the Queen's Gold lit brightly with a scroll to someone nearby.
Niccy. I heard you were here.
Jennara had approached from the right, and now stands a human's-step away, hands clasped behind her back. She looks sad, despite the reunion with one so close. It is clear, too, that she is tired. One too many strands of her hair hang loose. Her posture, her shoulders, her eyelids almost droop, sagging rather than supporting, as if trying to lay themselves down but held up by a will.
My post is this way.
She turns to begin walking, but stops and looks back to Acacea.
I am glad, and sorry, you are here.
At the end of a chorus Acacea looks right and tilts her head; her eyes refocus after a beat and she smiles at the other halfling. She tsks playfully at Jennara's less-than-orderly appearance, teasing at the model she sets for all the scale-shiners, and moves beside her when she pauses.
Mmmmhm! Me, too! Oh, wait. She rummages around in one of her sleeves and fishes out something wrapped in a large leaf and tied with twine. It has a savory aroma that combines unpleasantly with that from the distant pyres. Acacea shrugs apologetically. I picked some up for you in Spellgard; it seemed a lot more delicious at the time. I'm still hoarding a sack lunch from Anna!
She tugs at the twine as they walk and reveals several palm-sized (for a halfling) balls of spiced dough, some unidentifiable filling trying to escape when she takes a bite of one. fill pree guh. A cough and another swallow. Anyway, do you want the good news or the bad news, besides the two-in-one of the ikkmwhyldillo?
Jennara eyes the dough balls not-quite-suspiciously, then takes three. She starts walking back to her assigned area.
Start with the bad news, please. Let the news become increasingly better.
She eats one of the dough balls without comment or expression.
The very image of disheveled herself, she steps alongside while licking juice from her fingers. Mm, well, I did not manage to rustle up any volunteers for the Strickens to bind them by tongue or by toe, for one. Just me, I'm afraid!
If this is the worst news, it is not very bad.
In that case, let me start again. Behold! I have come with fantastic news! Her gaze steals to one side to grin playfully. If it comes to Silence we might still pass word through Spellgard. Alas, they think they are most clever, and have given me a meep with but one destination, a trained pigeon that only flies home. She heaves a heavy sigh and then grins sideways again. But! A wall of stone, most high and heavy, might be moved by the hands of any halfling once given hinges and tumblers.
She taps the side of her nose and points to Jennara. The making of this pretty may be well beyond my gift or ken, but the turning of such a thing to my ends once made? Ha! Give me but time.
Her gait changes, becoming a swagger to match the carry of her boastful voice, as though playing the part of a man all large and loud. I have riddled the pages from Nesar of Crag, deciphered the secrets of the shadow walkers, and I have a key for near every door! She rubs her sleeve across her face as she looks around, the pattern of steps falling back into the light bounce. Anyway, so I haven't figured it out yet. But I can tell them stuff if we have to.
Jennara nods slowly.
Good.
She starts eating the second dough ball before sharing the current situation.
There is little good news here. Some healers have found a way to help some of those who are newly affected. It is a start.
Otherwise, we are mostly comforting the dying... rather ineffectively. It is not an easy disease to comfort. We have to carefully use our supplies. Some days, I want to help the alchemists and healers and wizards, but they know more than I do. I would probably be in the way. I keep supplies organized and properly distributed instead, and talk with the local leaders to share news. Fear is understandable, but if the people's fear becomes violence, everyone will suffer more. Keeping everyone informed helps.
She stares at the half-eaten dough ball.
Maybe sleeping potions...
Yes, well. I can sing blankets for the weary, and if they are far enough gone it may be a sleep they are not waking from. But I hope there are other things we can be doing. She glances to the other side and shifts at some noise or another as they walk.
In any case, supplies. Some news! I have a list-ish of what few resources Lucindites had in the area -- probably any material goods nearby have already been taken, but there may be also records for the components, maybe even their combining. Hopefully you are not having to negotiate with any Pit-Boss for them in bulk, because I am not sure how you would be getting there from here, hey?
She shows Jennara a scrap of parchment with scribbles on it, and patiently translates the handwriting like it's perfectly obvious. I can maybe help look for these. I do not disagree with the sharing of information, of course, but given that scrap and little else, shrines the kingdom over may be raided and pillaged, so I'd rather not.
She nods.
Find what you can, please. We will mix the ingredients and try them on the afflicted ourselves before determining how to share any successful remedy's ingredients with others.
She tilts her head dubiously. I don't recall much of what you guys did Before, but I don't think they were especially common ingredients... but here is hoping, yoa! Her skeptical expression brightens somewhat. I suppose it can't be rarer than the Cult's. Perhaps you might send some of your nicer tincans? Are your areas quarantined off from one another, or only the city? In any case, I will start in this area. She points to a scribble. I would like to know if any Lucindites remain in Pirateville, anyhow.
Some areas are barred, and some more closely monitored than others, but the districts are not entirely quarantined, no. Are you requesting I send Knights for ingredients? And what makes you think that area will have rare ingredients?
She raises her eyebrows.
She waves a hand distractedly, as if her thoughts have already left the earlier path. Hyf, I meant to ask after for records of Before. I only wondered if people knowing the who-is-allowed-where bits could move faster and if we might look in more than one place at a time by spreading, but it doesn't sound like it! I only mentioned them being rare because I was admiring your optimism in saying we will test them ourselves first, ha!
Jennara nods a little.
Be safe... I have a place for you to sleep, if you need.
Well, I will see where you're at, at least! So I can come back and tell you things, or in case you change your mind. She looks around. I mean, you sound rather stretched for not a lot right now anyway, right? So you could probably hit these faster than me. Just a thought!
That may be true. Shall we share? We can discuss who will visit where in the tent.
Acacea seems amenable to whatever is easiest for Jennara, particularly if it nets the other halfling a nap in the process. After arriving she re-translates the scribbles of all but the one she claimed ahead of time (as she's going there first, anyhow) so Jennara can take her own notes if desired, and shares what little she has been told of the Lucindite resources that didn't seem terribly secret in the city proper and surrounding region. Should Jennara investigate any before she manages herself, she would like to know who remains and how they are holding up, naturally with whatever her sister should discover.
When the Fabled Sack Lunch is opened, she shares this, as well.
... and you could look here on the way back, just in case I take too long at the others.
Jennara's list contains almost all the sites. After sharing the Fabled Sack Lunch, she requests one of the Rofireinite guards wake her in ten minutes, then returns to her tent and allows herself to sleep.
When Jennara departs for her briefest of naps, Acacea rattles her bells absently a moment and sighs before departing for the area she'd claimed, staving off at least some portion of priority-guilt by having passed what she could to someone she thought would do it better. Rather than heading immediately for the drop, however, she tries to make herself useful nearby with her stories, music, and healing abilities, and listens to the stories (not a lot of good ones) of others. She shares what little odds and ends she managed to purchase despite the sort of looming futility of doing so. She stays a time this way to listen for rumors of anything that may have happened there outside the sickness, of Lucindites (or any of a great number of synonyms from mage to witch), or of familiar names or faces, and writes a cheerfully long and rambling letter waiting to be dropped off - once nothing seems amiss - in hopes of contacting a familiar name.
Vrebel rides Chekeetah to the gates of Hurm and if gained entry will seek out Acacea or Jennara or both. Once inside he'll look to help with moving bodies or supplies for now. He looks dishoveled but fairly healthy. His garb is well worn malars to those who have an eye for tailoring and dones a hood over his head.
Vrebel is stopped at the gate and cautioned from entering town do to the wide spread plague. He is warned too that entering would bind him to a possible quarantine that they believe is coming for the entire city.
((pending response from player))
He thanks the kind gate guard for letting him know about the plague and possible quarantine. He informs the gaurd that he'll accept the risk of both as he has come to help with their problem and intends on staying as long as it takes. He does ask if there are stables outside he could keep his horse and if not he'll set Chekeetah out to pasture and come inside on foot.
The guard tells Vrebel that the safer place is to put them out as the stables also have an infection rate at present.
Vrebel is allowed in when he is finished tending his animal with a final warning of potentially being trapped in city soon.
Of note because of quickness of movement, Jennara moves quickly and deftly through the city, visiting a number of Lucindite sites throughout Hurm and its immediate outskirts, apparently in search of something though also apparently with some good information about where to go specifically. These visits take place over several days as her duties and the needs of her commands and those indirectly in her care permit.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, a somewhat conspicuous halfling pays several visits to a marketplace a bit off the usual path. While still busy in its own right, the locals know the foot traffic there has been much reduced since the plague started. Of course the shops and taverns in the general area provide their own amusements as well to the one known as Acacea, and she seems more interested in eyeing things and generally interacting with and listening to the local population than actually buying anything.
Acacea certainly is conspicuous, as she makes no attempt to hide, wearing her clinking keys and chiming bells and tattooed everywhere visible from the neck down. She's come to the city with what healing abilities she has, and while they may be no match for a priest with Aeridin or Prunilla's hand on his shoulder, she reasons that in times less fraught, with illnesses less magical, they have more than once made the difference between life and death and could still be of some small use to somebody. She offers her songs as she has since arriving - healing wounds, neutralizing poisons and curing diseases from people and water, and occasionally even renewing the stamina and will of others beyond the skills of a common bard.
Her asking after the doings and well-being of vendors and shoppers is not deception but genuine - simply two birds with one stone. In a city full of afflicted to choose from that she can aid but barely, she simply chooses the location convenient to her other ends. She is drawn to their stories, most especially any that others would avoid, and distracted often from her other purpose by wishing to share a song or tale of her own to cheer them. Now and again she will make her way back to Jennara's post to check for her, but despite her intent to meet with her and aid with the others, with her sister's duties and her own growing list of Things She Could Be Doing, it is a few days before they find time to speak once more.
Jennara still looks tired and sad, but touched now with some fire.
These places were attended.
She holds a scrap of paper where Acacea can see and indicates a few places on the list she had made from Acacea's scribbles.
The keepers were unwilling to assist.
Acacea's own tiredness shows itself in its own way - even more distracted eyes, jittery feet and rattling bells. Her eyebrows raise as she shifts her gaze back to Jennara from the list. How do you mean? They wouldn't share their records? They didn't have any? Or they told you to go ride a slaad and have done?
If they had not been polite, I would assume they thought I was Toranite. I think almost all of them knew what I was asking about. Even the most helpful -- she shakes her head slightly at this word -- person I spoke with would not answer any questions or verify that records even exist. They covered all three of your options, if not so directly on the last. I was told I needed to be officially associated with the Church of Lucinda or have personal, direct authorization from an authority in Spellgard.
Acacea throws up her hands dramatically and then looks heavenward, hands upraised beseechingly, and quotes
-- that very apparatus of Your desires
has ascended
beyond the cares of mortal kith
to that lofty position which demands,
with Duty's stern whipcrack,
the ever constant counting of fingers and toes,
something something
the incessant composition of verse to extol them
She taps her cheek a moment as if unsure that was really quite right, and then shrugs with an eyeroll to Jennara. I tell ya, if the Fallan Gis were around they woulda been the first ones here. Alas, Aeridin. She says the word as one would say "avalanche" or a word describing the inevitability of toast falling buttered side down. Guess I'll take 'em. You never know, they could be imprisoning a ravenous void beast in there and can't tell anybody about it.
She tugs at her ear after a moment and squints upwards, then looks back and asks which of the staffed places seemed most temple-y and the best route to get there that won't have her being "held up by an armadillo". Her intent seems to be hitting only the one before going elsewhere for a time, then back to visit the rest.
Maybe I can help with the shrines route, after all this. She lapses back into not-exactly-silence again, then steals another glance at Jennara before adding lamely, I guess the transition from one life to ... well, this, has, uh, been kind of dreadful. Sorry!
In a section of Hurm somewhat off the main path, but no less populated, an eccentrically-clothed halfling with a tangle of black hair moves about a series of twisty and criss-crossing streets, passing the same locations several times in some instances. Those telling the story of this somewhat unusual sight claim the small woman could be heard sometimes uttering a colorful phrase or three upon passing the same way several times, as well as a few phrases that were definitely not in Common but whose meaning was relatively evident from the way they were uttered.
Eventually, she is seen entering a temple dedicated to Lucinda. Later, in local taverns and inns, this last fact seems a rather fitting end to all the other details of the tale being told over tankards of ale. In at least one instance, the conversation turns to other strange sightings, being billed as "completely true" and all the other pseudo-assurances that accompany tall tales being shared along with several rounds of drinks.
I'll take another one of them strong ones Morimer
Vrebel slides his empy tankerd toward the barkeep at the Pirate's Cove Tavern as he keeps a watchfull but descrete eye of the patrons. He's dropped off most of his fancy belongings at the bank including all his prized great swords, weapons and armour save a small dagger he sheaths in his right ankle. He's wearing worn out malar leathers and dones a hood so his face is slightly concealed to most unless you get close.
Hey I was wonderin'? I was lookin' fer work and don't mind movin' corpses ta burn piles and such but maybe somethin' a bit more than that. I heard theres two halflins' in town runnin' round. One with keys jinglin' from her hip and another that's a whisperin' Rofi? You got any ideas were they're at?
He taps the bar top lightly with his large rustic fingers....
"If yer not mindin' gettin' dead yerself by handlin' them plague bodies," he gets as an answer. "I'm hearin' that whisperin' one is set up in the central district. Not sure about a jingling one, but sounds like that one ain' gonna be hard to find."
"Central district alright."
He nods content to get the location of at least one of them
"Not my first choice fer jobs loadin' diseased n' plagued bodies as why I was askin but thank ye for the info on one of them halfers'"
He pounds his last ale and dumps a sizeable amount of coin (300 trues) on the bar front for his bill and the bartender's tip hoping to get some extra information if it comes to him.
"Keep safe buddy and let me know if you hear anythin' bout anythin' regardin' this plague er rumours of all sorts. "
He'll hang around a bit before making his way to the Central District
The bartender calmly pockets the coins in a practiced way. Though he doesn't count the "tip", his experience tells him much by the weight of the pouch, and he can be heard muttering something about closing early.
Perhaps coincidentally, that particular bartender is not seen again for at least the next week.
He's already missing the fresh ocean breezes from the coast as he makes his way to the Central district. He's thankful his buzz is still strong enough to dull his senses so he doesn't get the full effect of the carnage. Watchful eyes peel the terraine for glimmers of gold armour, healing tents or halflings. Ears are also alert for jinglings of keys or singing.
"They gotta be round' here somewhere."
Maybe it's the drink or maybe it's just really hard to locate a specific halfling in a city in crisis, but whatever the case, Vrebel cannot seem to locate those he is searching for, at least not out in the open.
((At least for now, Acacea is in the midst of a task, and I'll let Gulnyr pipe in if Jennara might happen to be around where Vrebel is.))
In the mean time Vrebel grabs and pours himself some day old coffee from a small table that he thinks belongs to the Rofireinites group. He'll poke around for any kind of work that they need done and offer to help those already working.
A halfling in a bright yellow robe hands a list to a human with a Rofireinite amulet around his neck. She speaks quietly to him, then looks around and holds up one finger. Her eyes lock onto Vrebel and she approaches him.
What is your current assignment?
He drops the bundle of oak branches he was carrying and blinks a few times as he realizes she's finally shown up
"Hello Commander". He offers a salute but keeps his tone as low as he can to match hers but doesn't do a very good job.
"Me mission?" He's not sure quite sure how he want's to answer her but spits something out. "I guess you could say the reason I'm here is ta save lives and hopefully find a cure for all this darn plague!"
"Ya'll have any leads or somethin' I could help on?"
A weary smile comes across his face as he's feeling relieved to finally met someone he can sort of trust and that's he's been in battle with
Jennara narrows her eyes slightly and holds up a finger. She waves over a guard and asks her to assign an escort for the robed Rofireinite with whom she had previously been talking. Then she returns her attention to Vrebel.
There are rumors that you may bear some responsibility for this trouble. There are people in positions of authority that believe that information and have placed warrants for your arrest. You cannot escape whatever Justice is due for your actions, whether good or bad, but the trials awaiting you at the hands of these governments can wait for now; you will be more help here than in a dungeon or the stocks.
I expect news soon, and after that I may have more direct ways for you to help. For now, you have an interesting advantage: you are not a follower of the Lord Protector. Certain people may speak more freely around you, whether by talking directly to you or gossiping nearby, than around those of us who are recognizably devout. You may hear things that we may not. You may find access to certain quarters easier. This is not an invitation to behave contrary to the law, only an observation of the nature of the world.
There are also various tasks here and around this section of the city that would help the healers and the citizens. You appear to have already been doing some of these tasks. These are not glamourous tasks. They simply help ease the burdens. Even a small assistance is a boon.
I can always find work for able hands. See me regularly and I will tell you what is needed.
He listens to the Commander with intent eyes and ears but appears a bit distracted by something she said regarding trials and justice
"Aye Commander my thinkin' exactly. I'll see what I can hear round town and talk to some folks that maybe you all woudn't have a chance with. Bars, taverns and back alley ways would be a good start."
He waits a little longer for the guard she sent for an escort to get some distance from them
"I thank ye for not lockin' me up. I agree I won't be much help holed up in a jail cell. Specially if them blacks start attackin' town. I'll keep up my chores and do whatever you think can help yer cause here and report to you regulary like."
He offers another salute
"I'm glad I found ya and hopefully this thing don't go south anymore than it has."
Jennara nods once and glances off toward the south for a moment. She looks back at Vrebel again.
Please return to whatever task you had been assigned. Every effort counts.
He nods back to the Commander and picks up the pile of oak branches he was carrying and heads off.
Sometime after he can be seen heading into the local tavern to see if his bartender has returned and has any information. Otherwise he'll ask around in the seedier places of Hurm for any information about goings on regarding the plague or things out of the ordinary.
Over the course of the rest of the day and well into the night, whether from keeping his eyes and ears open or from some carefully-placed words among the right (or wrong?) people, Vrebel does start to pick up a couple of common themes:
The evening has given way to the night by the time Acacea hunts down Jennara back in the central district. Her sleeves have been untied at some point, showing the winding spirals of scripts and stylized wind patterns up her arms above the belled bracelets. Trust me, she's waiting to hear back !
Jennara approaches quietly from the left, nods to the guard, and motions for Acacea to follow. She leads the way to her tent.
As she enters, she remarks, in case you wondered, nobody answered because only one person was left that wasn't dead or missing and she's just a little praybaby! She lets the opening fall closed and gestures while singing quietly; the sudden absence of sound from beyond the tent only highlights all the noise that has become usual.
Vrebel wanders by on one of his watches and stops to listen in the tent hearing the famliar singy voice and banter
Vrebel may be surprised at the lack of sound coming from the tent, as if no one were inside at all. Suddenly, Acacea can clearly be heard to mention that she would "almost definitely be back tomorrow" and would be taking a nap.
*yawns* Sorry I did not return with a magical spell of reversal...
...
It is?
... and reverse and reverse...
... *sniffles*
*quietly singing a common tune with uncommon words* Dnihi ed dni bcesi znihi ecc hyetm liid
Wehiziccm dy mea ert zurtm dy khiid
Cyrk zi behd, ert weh zi dhefic
'duc dni dnhietm yw Wedi orhefic
...
... What is done is done. There are things to be done now so that things are better later.
There is a visitor to attend. Enjoy your nap. Be safe, and I will see you tomorrow.
The tent flap flies open and Jennara nods once to Vrebel.
Hello. How can I help you?
"Howd'y Commander hope I'm not botherin' you."
He offers a quick salute and a smile as he wipes some sweat off his brow
"Just stoppin in to report about what I've heard. Seems business has picked up around here since this whole plague thing started. Folks go missin' now and no one's the wiser is what I've heard."
He tilts his body a little to see if he can catch a glimpse of the inside of the tent trying his best not to appear obvious
"Let me know if there's any new chores you want me to see about. Say you haven't seen Chimes runnin' bout have you? I heard she's been seen round."
Jennara nods a little to the report.
The plague is a cover for many evils. The unscrupulous find fewer hindrances. What may have been a rough mugging becomes a murder. Even those who only imagined such acts in the heat of anger may now idly consider the elimination of a neighbor with a coveted possession. The community is weakened. The world is dimmer. Darkness is winning.
She shrugs slightly. It is often easier for those who serve chaos and destruction, for it is easier to destroy than to create. A young child can topple a tower of blocks before she is able to build such a tower herself. She looks around. This all seems so very petty. So many have died, and for what? To demonstrate power? Her eyes lock with Vrebel's. I could have killed all these people. Not as quickly, perhaps, depending on the method I chose, but they would be no less dead. Does that make me powerful? The ability to kill? Her head shakes side to side slowly. Even mice kill. Being larger just makes it easier, physically speaking. If it were an army of veteran soldiers, slain in their ranks on the battlefield, one may consider it a powerful display. There is no honor or respect to be gained by being able to kill farmers and shop keepers and children easily. The weak are a coward's targets. I would expect better of such ancient beings.
Jennara pauses and looks around again. These people already feared the dragon. What was gained? What was lost?
She looks back. Those who create, those who preserve, those with discipline, those with restraint and patience, those who give rather than take -- they have more work than before. It is always the harder path, but victory is possible.
Jennara's brow furrows slightly.
There is nothing interesting to be seen within. I suspect you may have heard Acacea singing, at the least. Is there a message you would like me to deliver?
He blinks a few times and nods once Jennara is finished with her sermon
"And the way these dark beasts are doin' the killin' ain't brave either. Meet us in battle. Show yourselves at least."
He eyes the tent momentarily
"I don't really have some important message for Chimes cept that I'd be willing to help you all if you need it. If there's nothin further I'll go back to helpin' around here doin' me chores. Maybe we can meet up later when you have more information."
I told her so. I expect news soon.
Thank you for helping.
Acacea staggers out of Jennara's tent a couple days (hehe) later despite not having been seen or heard entering it. She rubs her eyes and mutters something profane when a brief shift of wind sends the smell of the pyres her way. O traitorous stomach, that is the stench of burning disease, not bacon... She hits a few bars and labor lines looking for Vrebel...
Vrebel can be found toward the end of the day back at Pirates Cove Tavern. His outside table is littered with empty ale stines, boots propped up on a stool enjoying the fresh salt breeze coming off the water
After poking around halfheartedly the halfling gives up and heads for the Pirates Cove, hoping a bongo player or two is still alive. She brightens upon seeing what crazy random happenstance has led her to Vrebel's current haunt!
Such weather we are having, hey? she announces. What's the chant, Rebel?
He tries turning around almost sliding off his stool upon Chimes announcement. Most days he would hear her jinglings from far away but the ale and breeze (probably more the ale) had dulled his senses.
Chimes! I knew youd find me here!
He has a glimmer in his eyes that hasn't been seen in a while. Spinning around he greets her with smile.
I'd hug you but I smell like stale ale and rottin' flesh. And the chant I think is a bit more morbid these days....apparently folks don't like me much anymore. Not like they ever did anyways.
He offers a quick smirk but his eyes seem serious
What you been up to?
Har! I have had enough of that for another lifetime, I think, so I will pass on the hug. That said, in Derrick's day half the Arms smelled like this place does, now! She winks at the embellishment. As for liking, so I hear! Welcome to the world of unintended consequences! I will tell you sometime how I helped plummet the world into volcanic winter for a double-tenner. Her tone is light but she rubs absently at her shoulder at the words. As for up-to'ings,
The bells at her wrists chime as she gestures, then in mid-sentence sings a snatch of melody before continuing talking as she'd never paused. It takes a second to register that their surroundings have fallen silent. hunting for information, of course! At some point people may have to be jaunting rather far away for ingredients, I am thinking, but I am waiting to find out more, still. In the meantime, I've been picking up some ugly chatter on things going on... from fear turning to appeasement and people who looked the wrong way at someone last Freas ending up in a pyre without a whiff of plague. Not to mention I'm not sure what few supplies are left are even getting to the right places.
She pauses and cocks her head. Does this city have soldiers? Are there any peoples being locked away from regular sorts and eating high on the drake? That's not how that goes. Never mind. I don't want to see any burnings, again.
She rattles her keys together absently. I was hoping to help at the shrines 'til I hear back, but I wanna know if there's anything bigger going on, city-wise... And with you having a real reason to be avoiding authorities she coughs I thought you might help!
Not sure how much time we got.
Right.
He nods trying his best to appear like he's digested everything she's said
I've been askin round a bit and word from the street is folks are using this plague to balance their ledgers if you know what I mean
He winks a bit and places a good amount of coin on the table sitting up
Not sure about the soldiers but the town appears well fortified as far as the structure is concerned. I'll look around and figure out their numbers and whether their worthy of holdin' a blade and get back with you in a few days. Shrines sounds like a good change from what I've been doin' lately so I'm in! Lets meet up in a few days at the shrine of yer choosin' and I'll fill you in on what I've learned about soldiers?
The sounds of the area jump back into being as she brightens. I will be doing the Lucindite circuit, there are a few shrines and a little temple if you wanna meet me at the latter!
There's a latter? Going to what?
He smirks a bit then realizes he can hear the sea gulls cawing again
The little temple got it! I'll see you there in three days. If not, check the jail.
After they give their goodbyes Vrebel will take the next few days to access the strength, numbers and readiness of the Hurm Guard (If there is any). He'll shadow any guard posts or training areas watching their numbers and evaluating them during training. He'll also ask around to some of the trouble making kind to see if they know anything about the guards fighting prowess from past scuffles or fights.