Vehl

[mixafix]

A figure popular with the masses and discredited to others, the enigma that was Arkolio, was seen moving among the poor of the dock area dispensing fresh caught and filleted fish. Master Adventurer maybe but master fisherman for sure. He handed out 26 catfish, 26 pike, 44 Bass and 23 salmon. The crowd received him and his generous nature with good cheer and a hearty welcome.

[Xaltotun]

'Aboot time he goat ra recognishun he deserves, 'at wan. Salt o' ra grund, ah says; always bin ferr wi' me, an' a couldni wish fur a better freen.' She looks to her side slowly, and in a silky smooth voice asks her companions if that sounds like a genuine summation.

[mixafix]

The presence of extra knights and militia, all garbed in distinctive tabards emblazoned with symbols of Rofirein, can be seen throughout the streets of Vehl over recent weeks. New recruits, new arms and armor, new training, a new fervor for law and order ... does this herald a new dawn for crime-ravaged Vehl?

The Church of Rofirein would like to thank Arkolio Salvorre of the Vault Bank for the kind donation that made these improvements to public safety possible

[Xaltotun]

(A scribbled note is pinned onto a wall in Vehl)

"Let's hear it fur Arkolio!

Ah think Arkolio should run fur office fur ra Roffies as least, oar maybe even fur Vehl itsel'. He is a wunnerful guy; whit a shinin' light fur ithers tae folli, whit a joy ..."

(she is prevented from further extolling Ark's virtues by being forcibly dragged off to the inn by a (cynical?) passerby)

[cbnicholson]

Benjamin is seen slipping through the back alleys, several furs over his shoulder which never seem to diminish.  Those that watch closely, notice he stops at various beggers and known thieves and a glint of true can be seen changing hands. "Keep it under wraps boys, Ark's yer man." With a wink and a small thumbs up he moves on.
 
 Later, after dumping the furs, Benjamin joins in the cheering crowds egging them on. "Ark fer magistrate!" He cries along with a few ruffians.

[Xaltotun]

A woman in red, seen frequently around Vehl, slips into the inn (which is under new management) and speaks to the patrons. Some small Trues pass across tables and some rice cakes and bread. "From Ark, god bless 'im ah says," she says in a voice like gently flowing water. "He should be mayor o' 'is toon."

She pulls her red hood lower down and moves off into the shadows and the next poor souls and impoverished of the town.

[Dezza]

*Not far from the newly managed inn a swift knife in the dimness ends the life of one who thought they could continue business as it had been done in the past. A passing cat meows softly as a soft footed, dark clad woman slips back into the shadows of the alley and quickly disappears.*

[Xaltotun]

A whispered conversation, and an exchange of money; in advance. There follows a brief description and a confirmation to proceed. They part company, going in different directions.

Some time later in the late hours of the evening, a man approaches a prone figure lying face up in the gutter and in the shadows of the overhanging buildings. He looks about to see if he is being watched, then certain that no-one is there, he approaches the body slowly and silently - with what intent?

He looks down - the woman, for by now it is obvious that it is a woman - has her face covered by something; he cannot tell what. Leaning forward now, and excited by the prospects of what lies ahead, he reaches down to remove the covering from her face.

As fast a striking sand snake, a small dagger reaches up towards and behind his neck, and with a single stroke, severs the man's spinal cord as if it were silk thread. As the poison on the blade also enters him, he collapses without a sound as if poleaxed by a forest giant - for how can he make a sound when every nerve in his body has been disconnected: the poison made doubly sure of that. As the man falls to the ground, his last breath exhaling as his lungs lose their fight for life, the woman rolls to the side skillfully and into a crouch.

Quickly now, lest someone happens by, she tears his pockets and rips his coat. As a final thought, she takes his few Trues and leaves, disappearing into the shadows, a dark clad woman in a deepening dark night.