Diablotin 1 session 6

Diablotin 1 session logs Previous Session 6 Next

Summary

Third-month, 2196:

• 7th: Boden and Kalman talk about work and friends (Solo 3); Boden reports back on the most recent case to Eynard Arguelles.
• 20th-22nd: The group visits the Belden family farm.
• 23rd: Loch visits his sister Romary; Belden visits Brother Cleas and joins the Ostraka; Falke goes to Lucky Aric's to see his friend Lukas and encounters Grey Grizzle for the first time; Kalman has his aunt Thoumire over for dinner and discusses the Vaillancourts with her; Pavo visits his aunt Deleanthe.
• 23rd/24th: Boden finds out Lygia has been raped. Orain Talavera dies.
• 24th: The group learns that Orain Talavera was assassinated.
• 25th: Loch visits Brother Jonas; Boden shows the portrait of Davilas to Lygia for her confirmation, then talks to Kalman. (Solo 4)
• 26th: Loch visits Romary again; Falke tracks down Grey Grizzle and talks to him. (Solo 4)
• 28th: Kalman visits Davilas at the Imperial Palace. (Solo 4), then talks to Boden (Solo 5).

Logs

(Narrator) The mild winds from the west drift over the city of Diablotin. It is the end of Third-month, the beginning of spring in the Empire. The snow has melted everywhere except in the Niveous Mountains, barely visible to the north. The Ousel River displays an energy rarely seen the rest of the year, as the melt-water rushes and churns past its muddy banks to its ultimate destination, the Ocean of Sorrow.
(Narrator) Following your investigation which shut down the Scarlet Sign (at least temporarily) early in the month, you received various accolades. Congratulations from Lt. Svodoba and Capt. Niemi, as well as from your fellow guards. A note from the Warlord himself (or at least from his secretary) expressing thanks for a job well done. And of course the financial benefits from the bust.
(Narrator) The profits from the raid on the Scarlet Sign amounted to something in the vicinity of 1000 Imperials, when all was said and done. The city took 200 of that. An additional 240 was divided between the 12 members of the two additional squadrons you called in for reinforcements. That left each of you with 93 Imperials and 3 Crowns, portioned out to you by a grinning Svodoba.
(Narrator) If anyone has anything particular they want to do with their newfound wealth, let me know. Otherwise, I'll assume you're saving it for the time being.
(Kalman) (I'll buy something nice for my girlfriend. And my sister, arr...)
(Narrator) ('k)
(Narrator) Two weeks after the raid on the Scarlet Sign, following some negotiations with Svodoba (you convinced her that you needed a rest after your strenuous efforts earlier in the month), you found yourselves with four consecutive days off.
(Narrator) Belden repeated her generous offer of a short vacation to her parents' farm, and the idea of getting out of the city for a few days was very appealing.
(Narrator) You decide you will spend three days there, leaving you with one last day to spend as you like.
(Falke) (I want to buy something nice for my sister too, and put the rest away for now)
(Narrator) ('k)
(Narrator) Anyone have anything particular they want to bring with them on this trip, other than the usual food, clothing, weaponry? It is a journey of about 5 hours leisurely walking, roughly 15 miles outside the city limits.
(Falke) (nope, I have nothing to bring)
(Boden) (would camping equipment be appropriate, or do they have enough beds?)
(Loch) (no, nothing special)
(Belden) (I'll bring anything to my parents that Trimmon might want sent, or my uncle, etc)
(Narrator) (Boden, you will be sleeping in the barn, you hear :)
(Falke) (lol!)
(Kalman) (I was going to bring something for Belden's parents... A nice bottle of brandy or somethig similar.)
(Narrator) (Belden, you can bring letters from your brother and uncle :)
(Narrator) (Okay, a bottle of brandy it is, Kalman :)
(Narrator) You set out early in the morning of the 20th, just as the sun is emerging over the horizon. The old Prince-Imperial Highway, leading out of the city to the east, is already crowded with the traffic of farmers and travelers, but they are mainly heading towards the city and you pass them easily.
(Narrator) You will take the Highway until you reach the village of Maplecross, where you will turn on to a much smaller road for about another four miles until you reach the Belden family's ancestral homestead.
(Boden) (I will bring my camping backpack and bedroll...so I'll be comfortable in the barn)
(Narrator) ('k)
(Narrator) The day is sunny and clear, with a mild breeze blowing from the north-west. A flock of redwings, probably thousands strong, fills the sky for a time. The road is muddy with heavy travel, but reasonably flat and straight.

• Falke looks around and is very quiet the whole way.

(Narrator) The land you are walking through is farming country, mainly flat and well-populated. There are many small villages and individual farms, and numerous small roads lead off in different directions from the main Highway. You pass many farmers who are plowing their fields in preparation for planting.
(Narrator) The smells of the countryside, so different from those of the city, strike you with a strange force. Wet earth and rainwater, green things growing, an almost visceral scent of living energy in the air.

• Belden sings some hymns. :D

(Narrator) Noises, too, are different. A herd of cows lowing gently in a field, the song of small birds, the rustle of wind in branches dotted with new leaves, and a distant shepherd calling wordlessly to his flock.
(Kalman) (I'm trying to decide if I would ride or not, assuming I could get a horse...)
(Narrator) (This is your chance to talk, folks. You'll have up to an hour :)

• Falke feels... nervous. He tries to hide it.

(Kalman) (I'd probably ask Belden if her parents would mind, though)
(Belden) (Would they mind if you rode a horse? Why would they?)
(Kalman) (Because then I'd need somewhere to keep the horse, etc)
(Falke) (having to feed it while he stays?)

• Pavo has a bit of a spring to his step, being ever cheerful.

(Belden) (It might make you look like you think you're better than the rest of us, but I'm not going to say that)
(Narrator) (They wouldn't mind, but the only thing is that you might leave your companions in the dust ;)
(Loch) It's been too long since I've been out of the city
(Kalman) (I'm just lazy ;)
(Belden) (Look at me, Mr richy pants, with my very own horse while everyone else walks... )
(Kalman) (Good point Julie... n/m)

• Loch looks longingly over the countryside
• Falke feels lost.

(Kalman) It's been too long since I was out of the city...
(Belden) There's nothing like coming home!

• Pavo stretches and pulls off his outer shirt and wraps it around his waist.
• Falke kind of... looks lost, too.

(Kalman) Hmm, well, I guess it would be good to feel welcome...
(Belden) Don't worry Falke, I know where we're going

• Falke straightens up.

(Falke) Oh, I'm not worried!

• Falke lies.

(Kalman) no?
(Kalman) You look a bit... green.

• Kalman grins

(Kalman) Never been to the country before?
(Belden) This is an honest place.
(Pavo) That's probably just the spring foliage reflecting off his charming face :)
(Falke) Not at all... out here, far away from any place I have ever been, with nota recognizable landmark in sight...
(Pavo) .oO(Honest place?)
(Pavo) Well as long as the main landmark, the ground, is still within reach, all is well!

• Falke laughs nervously.

(Falke) Is it much farther?

• Falke asks Belden.

(Belden) It's a while yet.

• Belden says cheerily.

(Falke) Really?

• Falke almost squeaks.

(Boden) Its really far in terms of city distance.
(Belden) Big out here, eh?

• Belden laughs.

(Falke) Yes... rather.

• Loch smiles at Belden's comment

(Falke) I'll try to get used to it...

• Falke sounds doubtful.
• Pavo barks at a farmdog...
• Belden takes a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh, clean air.
• Kalman looks at Pavo

(Belden) Ah... the smell of the earth being reborn!

• Falke longs for the winding streets of Diablotin.
• Pavo arfs at Kalman too.

(Loch) I think the clean air is getting to you, Pavo.
(Pavo) (Ah, the winding streets, the whores, the overdoses and the evil spider women... j/k)
(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.
(Belden) Out here, you know... it seems like I can really feel the Wheel turning

• Belden says happily.

(Pavo) I wouldn't mind some wheels right now, even a donkey pulled cart would be ok.

• Kalman sort of grins and shakes his head at pavo

(Belden) Walking is good for you, Pavo
(Kalman) yeah..
(Pavo) Perhaps, but I'm sure I get enough in while on duty.
(Boden) And its easier to walk on the roads here than the coblestones in the city.

• Kalman nods

(Falke) ...
(Belden) That's right... it's nice to walk with one's feet actually on the ground.
(Falke) (m) I feel... cut off from everything.
(Loch) You do realize that we're going to have to help out with chores while were out here Pavo. It's the way of the country.
(Kalman) I suppose it depends what you're used to
(Pavo) I'm just hoping it's all ground, and not horseshit :)
(Loch) This walk is just a refreshing break.
(Boden) Don't worry Falke, I felt the same way when I came to the city.
(Pavo) Well if it doesn't involve shovelling crap, then I'm ok.
(Falke) ...
(Falke) I understand Kalman would be glad to handle that aspect of things.
(Belden) I hate to break it to you Pavo...
(Pavo) We can leave that to Kalman *grins evilly*
(Kalman) gee, thanks.
(Loch) There is the stables.

• Kalman gives Pavo an evil look

(Belden) But this road is so old, and has seen so many horses... It's probably half manure by now.
(Belden) :)

• Pavo pats Kalman on the back
• Kalman shakes his head

(Kalman) well, at least I'll have some experience with that one
(Kalman) . o O ( I should have brought my violin... :o )

• Falke 's attempt at joking goes unnoticed, overshadowed by Pavo's, and he slouches down a bit again and tries not to feel so... *small*.

(Loch) So, Belden. Tell us about your family.
(Falke) Good idea.

• Pavo plucks some greenery off the side of the road and casually mutilates it / plays with it.

(Belden) Well, Trimmon is on duty today, so it will just be my parents, my two other brothers, and my grandmother.
(Belden) We're a pretty typical family...
(Belden) What do you want to know?
(Falke) What are they called, and how should we refer to them when we meet them?
(Pavo) Mom and Pop, what else?
(Pavo) :)
(Belden) (What do I think my parents would want to be called?)

• Kalman wonders if Belden's parents know what they are getting themselves into ;)
• Falke glides his green eyes over to Pavo's and shakes his head slightly, smiling a bit, perhaps.

(Narrator) (hmm... Mr. and Mrs. Belden, perhaps, or, if they like these people, Mother and Father ;)

• Pavo shrugs innocently.

(Belden) Well for mom and Dad...
(Belden) They're kind of old-fashioned, so maybe we should just start with Mr. And Mrs. Belden...

• Falke returns his attention to Belden.
• Falke nods.
• Kalman nods

(Boden) ummm
(Kalman) So what do we call you then? ;)
(Boden) that begs the question...we allways just call you belden

• Boden nods to Kalman.

(Belden) Oh...
(Pavo) Little Belden!
(Belden) No, that's Trimmon
(Belden) You'll confuse them

• Falke smiles.

(Belden) ;)
(Pavo) Oh...
(Falke) So, what *do* we call you, then?
(Falke) And your other brothers?
(Belden) I guess you could call me Pasith...

• Kalman smiles

(Belden) My oldest brother is Sholet... you'll spot him right away, 'cause he's almost as big as Boden
(Falke) Just while we are at your family's home?

• Falke smiles.

(Belden) And then there's Cern, my younger brother...
(Falke) Trimmon is the youngest?
(Belden) No...
(Belden) Just the shortest.
(Belden) He's smaller than I am!

• Falke laughs.

(Kalman) I think I've seen him around...
(Pavo) So one's tiny, the other is ... well Boden.
(Pavo) *quirks a brow*
(Belden) No, Cern isn't tiny.
(Falke) He is medium-sized?
(Pavo) I meant Trimmon

• Falke 's mouth quirks up slightly.

(Pavo) So how old is Cern?
(Belden) Cern's a little younger than me.
(Falke) So...
(Belden) He's 14, actually...
(Falke) Why don't you just list your siblings, including you, from oldest to youngest?
(Kalman) that's a pretty big familly...
(Belden) So I guess... Wow, I forgot how old I am.
(Falke) I'd hate to say something to one of them and have it wrong...
(Pavo) Ah... is he cute? *grins mischieviously*
(Belden) It's not so big, I only have three brothers.
(Kalman) (do we know Pavo is gay or not?)
(Kalman) Big enough :o
(Pavo) (Everyone but Boden should have caught on)
(Pavo) (dunno if Boden would)
(Belden) Alright so there's Sholet, he's 27, then me, then Trimmon - seventeen, and Cern.
(Falke) All right... think I've got it.

• Falke nods affirmatively.

(Falke) Was it tough being the only girl?
(Boden) (me doesn't undersand that some people are completely gay, he just thinks some people are bi.)
(Belden) Why would it be?
(Falke) Oh, I don't know.
(Loch) I have three sisters and two brothers. Your family isn't that large, Pasith.
(Boden) My mother allways says she wishes she had girls.
(Belden) See, that's what I thought, Loch.
(Falke) I was the only boy in my family, and when my sisters reached a certain age... well, I had to wade through some strange apparel on wash days, let em tell you...
(Falke) Among other things.
(Boden) Yeah, I'm the younger of us, My mom stoped having kids after me.
(Pavo) I've just got my one brother, a bit of a square too... you'd almost think he was another uncle.
(Belden) Oh Boden.

• Belden laughs.

(Loch) No wonder, You must have been the size of a watermelon
(Boden) I had a huge head.
(Pavo) (Must resist urge to say it... HA! Terry did!)
(Boden) I got to hear about it until I was 15.
(Pavo) Poor woman...

• Boden says jokingly glum.

(Falke) Poor Boden.

• Boden pretends to be sad.

(Pavo) And what, at 15 you started picking her up and carrying her around if she said it too often? :)
(Boden) No no no.
(Boden) My mom is the scariest person in my family by far.
(Boden) If there was going to be a Kobold attack she and some of the other women would guard the kids.
(Pavo) Kobold attack?
(Boden) yeah, sometimes before winter they'd attack in little raids to get at the harvest and get meat for winter.
(Kalman) Has Gouge always had problems woth Kobolds?
(Boden) Thats why I'm always watching for them, If you have one kobold there is bound to be more of them.
(Boden) Yeah, its just bellow the mountains, they hide in the caves up there.
(Kalman) ahh
(Boden) And they did all these little holes everywere, tunnels and stuff to hide in.
(Boden) They may be small, but they are crafty little devils.
(Falke) Clever little buggers.
(Loch) I've never heard of Kobold problems this close to the city, so there should be nothing to worry about.
(Belden) Huh. :o

• Boden nods knowingly

(Belden) No, I've never even seen one.
(Pavo) I'm not even sure I've seen one ... alive.
(Kalman) me either
(Falke) Me neither.

• Pavo nudges Falke with his elbow.

(Pavo) There you go, just be glad we're not walking to Boden's!
(Boden) yep

• Falke grins sheepishly.

(Falke) Yes, count my blessings...
(Loch) I think that would be a long walk
(Boden) It took forever to get here. I traveled with a wool caravan.

• Kalman nods

(Pavo) Sounds itchy.
(Falke) How many days did you travel?
(Boden) I'm not really sure, It took over a month.
(Belden) goodness!
(Falke) A *month*?
(Boden) yeah.
(Belden) I didn't realize it was quite that far.
(Boden) yeah,
(Pavo) What drew you here THAT strongly?
(Boden) Well caravans don't make really good time when they are loaded up.
(Boden) My brother got a really sweet job here, and I was a little big to be going down Kobold holes.

• Falke suddenly feels a bit lightheaded, trying to imagine...

(Kalman) hmm.

• Boden sounds like there may be something else he isn't saying.

(Belden) What does your brother do?

• Kalman watches Boden

(Boden) He's a gamekeeper for a big noble house.

• Falke snaps out of it, fearful of appearing ignorant.

(Pavo) Couldn't you just jump on them until they collapse instead?
(Belden) Oh.

• Belden nods.

(Falke) *snick*
(Boden) you gotta find them first. and they might stab you in the bollocks.
(Falke) What house does your brother work for, Boden?
(Boden) um, Kalman's dad.
(Belden) Oh, really?
(Belden) Did you two already know each other, then?
(Boden) when Kalman joined up Franek sugested I join to.
(Kalman) Not really.
(Boden) No.

• Pavo winces and looks down at his crotch
• Falke glances over at Kalman.
• Loch nods

(Belden) Well, that's kind of neat.
(Boden) yep
(Kalman) My parents... well, my father isn't especially enthusiastic about my doing this

• Kalman shrugs

(Loch) Why not?
(Belden) That's a shame...
(Belden) You're doing good work.
(Kalman) Well, I think so, but he doens't think that it is proper.
(Pavo) Speaking of bullocks
(Kalman) My mother does her best to convince him that it is "Just a phase"
(Falke) Why *did* you join the guard?

• Kalman smiles wryly
• Falke is curious.

(Kalman) indeed.
(Kalman) Well... I guess I feel that there are a lot of people in the city in bad circumstances, and it appealed as an active way of doing something to help them.

• Falke raises an eyebrow but nods.

(Falke) Fair enough.
(Pavo) Bravo!

• Belden smiles at Kalman.

(Loch) Has it been as rewarding as you had hoped?
(Kalman) most of the time
(Kalman) Sometimes it is a bit frustrating
(Falke) How so?
(Kalman) Well, look at the Scarlet Sign.

• Belden nods sadly.

(Falke) What of it?
(Kalman) We closed down the current operation, seized a lot of drugs...

• Falke nods.

(Kalman) but even though we learned who had been operating it, we can't do anything about it
(Pavo) Things like that take time.
(Kalman) So there is nothing, or, well, little to stop him from opening up a new one

• Falke shrugs.

(Falke) That's the way the world /works/.
(Loch) I guess we'll just have to shut down the next place as well.
(Belden) There is an old proverb, written down by a scholar of my order...
(Boden) Oh, by the way, I reported back to that guy like we said we would.
(Belden) "You might not be able to change the world, but you can make a dent."
(Belden) :)
(Kalman) maybe
(Belden) Which guy?
(Falke) It's a nice thought, Belden.

• Falke smiles patiently.

(Boden) The count guy, the one that was sleeping with the girl who died.
(Falke) Count Eynard Arguelles...
(Boden) yeah, him
(Kalman) . o O ( prick )
(Belden) (Sense patronization... I mean motive :P)
(Falke) (hee)
(Narrator) (on who?)
(Belden) (Falke :P)
(Kalman) Did he have anything useful to add?
(Pavo) I think it's the most depressing saying I've ever heard.
(Boden) no

• Boden says glumly

(Pavo) I have no desire to make dents, should I ever chose to make a mark at all
(Belden) Now, that's just plain irresponsible and lazy!
(Narrator) (Belden, you think he probably doesn't agree with you, but is just being polite)
(Narrator) (okay, any last comments or thoughts? We're going to stop this bit in a few minutes)
(Boden) nope
(Belden) (ok)
(Falke) . o O (I'd say it's just more realistic.)
(Loch) (that's fine)
(Narrator) ('k, I'll go on, then :)
(Boden) I don't think anyone here has been to lazy lately
(Kalman) everyone has their own ideas, I suppose
(Narrator) You reach the Belden family's farm, where you spend a pleasant two nights and a day. Her parents, Luncroft and Moraine, a sturdy middle-aged couple, welcome you warmly. Her older brother Sholet and younger brother Cern are friendly to you, and even her grandmother Trenta asks you about yourselves.
(Narrator) The peasant food, simple but hearty, is unusual but pleasant for some of you, a reminder of your own homes for others.
(Narrator) At every meal except breakfast, you eat a thick soup made of beef, vegetables, and barley, with warm flatbread and fresh butter, and drink thick homemade ale. Breakfast is porridge with a few slices of dried apple on top (though you suspect the apple might only be there for company).

• Boden is kinda nervouse around Beldens parents

(Kalman) . o O ( this pesant fare is surprisingly tasty! ;D )

• Pavo can't say he won't aim a smile at Sholet at least once or twice.

(Belden) (that's a good way to make my mom hate you :o)
(Narrator) To be sure, the Beldens put you to work on your day there, repairing fences that have been damaged over the winter. In a single day, you get work done that might have taken the men of the family a week to finish, and they are grateful to you. Exhausted, you sleep in the warm loft of the barn, nodding off to the sounds of lowing cattle.
(Belden) (she wants to marry him off, not shack him up with a homo)

• Falke is appreciative of everything they give him and makes sure they realize it.

(Kalman) (j/k)
(Pavo) (Muahaha)

• Loch will enjoy the return to country living
• Kalman will be very polite and such, of course
• Belden will work as hard as she ever did when she was living here, which is very!
• Kalman is unused to sleeping in barns though :o
• Falke offers to help with dishes and everything. ^-^
• Boden does good work as long as people tell him what to do...but he doesn't have a lot of initiative.

(Narrator) Before you leave, Moraine packs each of you a small bag containing a wedge of hard white cheese and some fresh bread, to sustain you on your trip home. She gives each of you a kiss on the cheek, tells you you can call her 'mother' and instructs you to return whenever you are able.

• Falke bows his head with respect and thanks her, calling her "mother" with a charming smile.
• Belden will hug and kiss her family goodbye.

(Narrator) You return to the city with a certain reluctance, but it must be done. The journey back is uneventful, and you are back in your own beds by the evening of the 22nd, leaving you with one remaining day off to take care of your own business.
(Kalman) . o O ( mmmm... real bed.... )

• Loch will give a gift to Moraine before he leaves, a small wooden figuring in Pasith's likeness
• Falke flexes his muscles as he gets ready for bed.

(Falke) Wow, we ought to do that more often.
(Belden) . o O (Vanity...)
(Narrator) She is very grateful, and oohs over the resemblance.

• Falke is just joking, actually.
• Belden gets down on her knees in front of her bunk to pray before sleeping.
• Kalman would have given them the brandy when we arriveed, arr
• Boden sets up his little table below his bed to rest his feet on.

(Narrator) They enjoy the brandy very much, offering everyone a taste of it, then :)
(Narrator) Actually, Boden, when you get back, they've set up your new, extra-large bed. :)

• Falke also kneels and prays, but he doesn't pray as long as Belden does. ^-^

(Boden) Wow! a bed that really fits me!

• Boden is inordinately excited about his new bed.

(Narrator) It sticks out into the centre aisle a bit, but it fits you well.

• Pavo chuckles

(Falke) I don't know, Boden, the barn seemed made to order...
(Kalman) (Is that what you bought? ;)

• Boden gets down to examine the work on the bed.

(Boden) It looks really sturdy!

• Boden is beaming.

(Pavo) I wonder how many of us are going to trip over that in the dark :)

• Falke gets up from praying and crawls under his covers.

(Boden) wow.
(Boden) I've never had a bed that fit me since I got so big.
(Falke) Dream well, Boden.

• Falke rolls onto his side and closes his eyes.

(Boden) thanks :)
(Narrator) Okay, we're going to do individual scenes now, but like I said in the email, I'd appreciate it if everyone could stay until the end. I'll try to keep us on time, so each of you will get 30 minutes.

• Boden will happily crawl into bed.

(Narrator) Turning to Loch...

• Loch will keep to himself and go quietly to bed

(Narrator) Loch, you rise early on the morning of the 23rd, being quite accustomed to hard work and long walks. Although you don't recall any specific dreams, you are left with a slightly uncomfortable feeling of light movement over your skin, as of nails and fur. However, it quickly dissipates as you wake fully.
(Narrator) As you are making your bed, Lt. Svodoba approaches you.
(Svodoba) Du Champe, you had a visitor yesterday while you were away.
(Loch) Who was it, Lt?
(Svodoba) A priest, young woman with red hair, about so tall...

• Svodoba gestures vaguely around the level of her shoulder.

(Svodoba) Old girlfriend?

• Svodoba says with a wink.

(Loch) I don't think so
(Narrator) Sounds like your sister Romary. She was supposed to finish her training as a priest around this time, you think.
(Loch) It sounds like my sister Romary

• Svodoba nods

(Svodoba) She said she was staying at the Cloisters down on Windrush Lane for a few days.
(Svodoba) Just thought I'd let you know.
(Loch) Thank you for the message
(Svodoba) No problem.

• Svodoba departs.

(Narrator) Plans, Loch?

• Loch will finish getting cleaned up and breakfasted and will then head down to the Cloisters

(Narrator) You make your way to Windrush Lane, a quiet street on the edge of Iena, near the outskirts of the city. The Cloisters is a very old building of pale grey stone, crawling with ivy and other vines. After speaking briefly to the priestess who is serving as gatekeeper, you are led into a central courtyard.
(Narrator) A large pear tree stands in the centre, just coming into blossom, looking almost as if it is still covered with snow. Circling its trunk is a well-worn stone bench, upon which sits your sister Romary. She is wearing a simple dark brown robe, and her wavy red hair has been cut very short. She stands to greet you with a hug, smiling.
(Romary) Loch, I'm so glad to see you.
(Loch) I am happy to see you as well

• Romary seems very happy and excited to see you.
• Romary takes your hand and sits down on the bench again.
• Loch will sit with her

(Loch) Excited to be finishing your training.

• Romary nods

(Romary) I just got to the city a few days ago.
(Romary) The church is trying to decide where to assign me, I think. But I asked them if they could make sure I'll be in the city.
(Romary) I want to be here, where there are so many people to help. And of course I'll be near you.

• Romary smiles at that

(Loch) I have missed you.
(Romary) I've missed you too, it's been a long time.
(Romary) After I finished my training, I went and spent a few weeks in Flatwood. Did you know Jore and Geriance are going to have another baby?
(Loch) That's terrific news.

• Romary nods happily

(Loch) I hadn't heard
(Romary) It should be born at the end of the summer.
(Romary) It's good for them, of course, but...
(Loch) I'll have to go out and visit, we should try to arrange to head together

• Loch frowns

(Romary) Oh yes, that would be a good idea.
(Loch) they're having another bad year?

• Romary nods

(Romary) I worry they have a hard enough time feeding the children they already have...
(Romary) But that land is just no good for farming.
(Romary) Jore was telling me, if he had the money, he might try to start an orchard there instead.
(Romary) But, orchards take a long time to produce, of course. He just can't afford the time.

• Romary looks a bit sad at that

(Loch) We should do something to help them get back on their feet
(Romary) If I knew what to do, I would...

• Romary perks up a bit

(Romary) But tell me how things are with you. It's been so long since we've seen each other...
(Loch) I've managed to save up a few imperials working on the guard. I could send them some to help them get along.

• Romary squeezes your hand.

(Loch) The guard is fine...
(Romary) That's great, Loch. I'm sure they'd appreciate that... but make it a present for the new baby, I think. It'll seem less like charity that way.
(Romary) You know how Jore can be...
(Loch) Yes, I remember

• Romary grimaces slightly

(Romary) So, the guard is working out for you?
(Loch) I'm not sure, really
(Romary) No?

• Romary looks worried for you.

(Loch) I'm sure if it's what I want to do.
(Loch) I miss the country.
(Romary) We all want you to be happy, you know.

• Romary nods at that

(Romary) I can understand that...
(Loch) I know, but I owe Marzel so much I feel like I would be betraying him if I didn't stick with it.
(Romary) Oh. Well, have you talked to him about it?
(Loch) No.
(Loch) It seems too soon to be walking away. It's only been a few months
(Romary) Why not?
(Romary) Well, that's true.
(Romary) Give it a year, maybe, and then see how you feel.
(Romary) Are you seeing anyone? Mother always asks you that, I know...

• Romary changes the subject, as she tends to do.

(Loch) Unfortunately no.

• Loch sighs slightly

(Romary) Any prospects?

• Romary says gently, not wanting to tease you.

(Belden) (heh heh)
(Loch) Nothing really. And you? Does the priesthood allow you to find a someone?

• Romary blushes a bit

(Romary) I must confess, there's another reason I want to be assigned to a job in the city...

• Romary clasps your hand excitedly, lowering her voice.

(Romary) I'm in love, Loch.
(Loch) Really? Who is this lucky fellow?
(Romary) His name is Jonas... Brother Jonas. We met while I was doing my training. He's such a wonderful man...so caring, so devoted to his work...
(Romary) But...

• Romary hesitates

(Loch) but?
(Romary) Well, there's a little problem.

• Loch frowns slightly
• Romary lowers her eyes

(Loch) What kind of problem?
(Romary) Ah...
(Romary) He's not from the House of the Ox.

• Romary says in a near-whisper
• Romary watches for your reaction to that.

(Loch) Romary...
(Romary) I haven't told mother and father...
(Romary) You're the first one I've told.
(Romary) I'm just not sure what to do. I love him so much...
(Loch) I can't hate you Romary, you're my little sister.

• Romary leans against your shoulder.

(Romary) What should I do?
(Loch) You really love him? Truly?
(Romary) I do, really.
(Loch) And he loves you?
(Romary) Yes, he does.
(Romary) He said he would marry me if we could...
(Romary) The priesthood didn't prepare me for this, somehow.

• Romary sighs
• Loch sighs as well

(Romary) Anyway, he has a posting here in the city... but I've told him I can't see him for a while, at least until I decide what is right to do.
(Romary) Does this happen often, in the city? I'm just curious...
(Loch) You're an adult now Romary. You're old enough to understand the consequences of what you're doing. I can't twll you what to do or not to do.
(Romary) I mean, if we were in Flatwood, I'd get drummed out of town, but maybe things are different here...
(Loch) Not often. I have heard rumors.
(Romary) It might mean we could be thrown out of the church...
(Romary) But I've heard that some priests don't agree with that.. they would even do a wedding for us and everything.
(Romary) I'll have to keep thinking about it, I guess...

• Romary sighs again

(Romary) But you wouldn't hate me, no matter what I decided?
(Loch) Of course not.

• Loch smiles at her
• Romary squeezes your hand again and smiles wanly

(Romary) Thanks.
(Narrator) (Okay, turning to Belden....)
(Loch) I would like to meet this young man though...

• Romary nods in agreement

(Romary) I'll tell you where you can find him...

• Romary gives you an address.

(Narrator) (Okay, now really turning to Belden.. :)
(Narrator) Belden, you also wake early on the morning of the 23rd, from a dream about your family. You recall only that your mother, looking haggard and worn, begged you to come home. It has left you with a melancholy feeling.

• Belden gets up very early in the morning to pray, as usual, but feels disquieted...

(Narrator) You have arranged to meet today with Brother Cleas, the head of a small group devoted to gaining greater rights for the Houseless. His small home is in Rhenea, on Anchor and Hope Lane.

• Belden will get dressed and head out for Rhenea, then.

(Narrator) The street looks like it might once have been prosperous, but must have fallen on hard times in the past century or so. You step over the remains of a marble pillar, looking up at the portico which sags alarmingly without one of its supports, and stand before Brother Cleas's door. A frayed, ragged bell cord hangs limply.

• Belden will reach up and give it a ring.

(Narrator) From deep within the house, you hear a clanging, then the sound of footsteps hurrying towards the door.
(Brother_Cleas) Coming, coming!

• Brother_Cleas opens the door.
• Brother_Cleas is a tall, stout man in his late fifties, with a head of short fair curls. He wears ordinary clothes, but a sash of silver at his waist shows his allegiance to the Order of the Wolf.
• Belden smiles and bows her head respectfully.

(Belden) Good morning, brother.
(Brother_Cleas) Ah, Sister Pasith! Good to see you. Please, come in.

• Belden steps inside.
• Brother_Cleas stands aside to allow you to enter.

(Narrator) The floorboards creak loudly inside the house. It looks as if a rich family abandoned the place long ago without taking their possessions. To your right, a tattered wall-hanging depicts a banquet scene in faded colours. A musty chandelier, long since stripped of its glory, hangs from the mildewed ceiling.
(Brother_Cleas) Do forgive the state of my home. I don't use this part of it very much.
(Belden) . o O (What an interesting place...)
(Belden) Oh, I don't mind.
(Belden) I'm glad you were able to find time to meet with me.

• Belden says humbly.
• Brother_Cleas smiles at that

(Brother_Cleas) I always have time for compatriots.

• Brother_Cleas moves towards a staircase leading up.
• Belden follows him.

(Brother_Cleas) Mind the fourth step, it's a bit loose.
(Belden) Well, when Brother Butler told me about your work...

• Belden carefully steps *over* the fourth step.

(Belden) It really struck close to home, I guess.

• Brother_Cleas leads the way to a sitting room on the second story.

(Brother_Cleas) It's so hard to keep these big houses heated, and I find it easier to live mostly up here.

• Brother_Cleas says in passing

(Brother_Cleas) Please, take a seat.

• Belden nods.

(Narrator) The upstairs is somewhat more presentable, as well as more humbly furnished. Plain wooden furniture, a couple of simple watercolour paintings of street scenes on the wall.

• Belden wonders why he just doesn't live in a smaller house...
• Belden sits down.

(Brother_Cleas) So, what has Brother Butler told you?

• Brother_Cleas sits as well.

(Belden) Not too many details... Just that you are working for the rights of the Houseless, to improve their legal status and so-on...

• Brother_Cleas clasps his hands over his knee.
• Brother_Cleas nods

(Brother_Cleas) Yes, that's about it, in general.

• Belden clasps her hands over her stomach.

(Brother_Cleas) Tell me a little about yourself, if you don't mind, and why exactly you are interested in helping my little organization.

• Brother_Cleas smiles encouragingly.

(Belden) Well, I only recently finished my studies... I've been working with the Imperial Guard, because I wanted to do something that would help the people directly.
(Brother_Cleas) Ah, a noble goal.
(Belden) But I found that... I don't know, I felt like I could be doing more.
(Belden) I went to Brother Butler for guidance, as I said.
(Belden) He mentioned several options to me...

• Brother_Cleas nods, listening attentively

(Belden) But this one stood out...
(Brother_Cleas) You said it hit close to home, I believe...
(Belden) My aunt, Mirza Corren, is one of the Houseless, and so is my cousin.

• Brother_Cleas nods sympathetically.

(Brother_Cleas) I am also, myself.

• Belden nods, trying to hide her surprise.
• Brother_Cleas says without seeming ashamed.

(Belden) It seems so unfair, that people should be treated with pariahs because of something that is beyond their control.

• Brother_Cleas nods fervently.

(Brother_Cleas) I am fortunate that the Church has ... so far ... taken little interest in me or my actions.
(Brother_Cleas) They could cast me out, in theory at least.

• Belden shakes her head unhappily.

(Brother_Cleas) But I do have my supporters.
(Brother_Cleas) Others like yourself, mostly.
(Brother_Cleas) People who have relatives and friends they have seen mistreated.
(Belden) I just think that this is somehwere I could make a difference, and do something that would really matter...

• Brother_Cleas grins widely

(Brother_Cleas) Well, I think you are certainly an excellent candidate to join the Ostraka.
(Brother_Cleas) We're a small group, and we're always looking for new members.
(Belden) Well... you can count me in, if you'll have me.
(Brother_Cleas) Of course, of course.
(Brother_Cleas) Perhaps I should tell you a little about our specific goals.
(Belden) Please do.
(Brother_Cleas) As Brother Butler has explained to you, we devote our energies to helping the Houseless however possible.
(Brother_Cleas) We perform marriage services for them, rather than encouraging them to live in sin. We offer education to their children, to help them find better employment and rise in the world.

• Belden nods.

(Brother_Cleas) And we regularly petition the Emperor on the behalf of our compatriots, either individually, in the case of those accused of crimes, or for the class as a whole.
(Brother_Cleas) You must be aware that the laws against the Houseless are quite severe, particularly if they are believed to have concealed their status. That can lead to a charge of impersonating a House member, which carries a very heavy fine, or exile from the Empire for a second offence.

• Belden nods.
• Brother_Cleas speaks with sorrow in his voice, as if perhaps he knows first-hand.
• Belden thinks of her cousin...

(Belden) ...
(Brother_Cleas) Because so many of these poor souls live in poverty, they have much higher levels of participation in crime and vice. It is a vicious circle - by refusing them many rights, the government denies them the chance to better themselves, and they are trapped.

• Belden nods again, solemnly.

(Brother_Cleas) We meet regularly in order to discuss other plans as well.
(Belden) When is the next meeting?

• Belden asks eagerly.

(Brother_Cleas) Early next month, on the 6th.
(Brother_Cleas) I'm delighted you want to help us. It is always good to have another priest on our side. The more of us who are willing to stand up and be heard, the more quickly change will come.
(Brother_Cleas) Do you have any questions? I've been doing too much talking, I fear.
(Brother_Cleas) I do get carried away.

• Brother_Cleas smiles casually

(Belden) I'd love to hear about what the group is working on right now...

• Brother_Cleas perks up

(Brother_Cleas) The first thing you can do is to sign this petition, if you want to help immediately.

• Brother_Cleas pulls a scroll of parchment from his cluttered desk.

(Brother_Cleas) It is in support of our general goals - the permission of inter-House and Houseless marriages, greater access to education for the Houseless, and the removal of all discriminatory laws.
(Belden) Oh, certainly!
(Narrator) The petition seems to have about fifty signatures so far.
(Belden) Have you got a quill?
(Brother_Cleas) Of course...

• Brother_Cleas finds one in the clutter of the desk.

(Brother_Cleas) Here you are.

• Belden will sign it, then.

(Brother_Cleas) Every little bit helps.
(Brother_Cleas) Thank you.
(Brother_Cleas) Our major project at the moment is a bit more difficult...
(Brother_Cleas) I am in the process of conducting a head count of the Houseless. They are, of course, generally omitted in the official census. The simple fact is, no one really knows how many of them there are. I believe that if I can reach some total, even an inexact one, the government will be forced to recognize how large a problem this truly is.

• Brother_Cleas is a very passionate speaker when he gets going.

(Brother_Cleas) Of course, many people are reluctant to admit the truth about their parentage, which I can fully understand. And in order to make sure I do not count anyone twice, I must take their names, which makes some who might otherwise be willing shy away.
(Belden) Yes, I suppose it would...
(Brother_Cleas) To be sure, I keep the list in complete confidence, and securely hidden. Even once I believe it to be as nearly complete as possible, I will not surrender it to the authorities - I rather suspect I will burn it, in fact. A number is what I seek, nothing more.

• Brother_Cleas seems very enthused.

(Belden) Do you think someone might try to... use it to harm them?

• Belden asks, wide eyed.

(Brother_Cleas) That is my greatest fear, sister.
(Belden) How awful...
(Brother_Cleas) But I keep it securely hidden. No one except me knows its location.
(Belden) I have another question...
(Brother_Cleas) And I take other security precautions...

• Brother_Cleas says vaguely

(Brother_Cleas) Yes, sister?

• Brother_Cleas leans forward

(Belden) It is a theological one... I hope you won't take offense.
(Brother_Cleas) Not at all!
(Belden) Do you think that the Houseless are ... are damned never to reach the Centre?

• Brother_Cleas sighs heavily

(Brother_Cleas) This is a question many ask, and I fear I have no solid answer to it.

• Belden seems like she has been thinking about this for a long time.

(Belden) Has nothing been written?
(Brother_Cleas) Yes, many things, on either side.
(Belden) I will have to do some more research...
(Brother_Cleas) Some hold that, by their very birth, the Houseless have moved outside the Great Wheel, and can never re-enter it.
(Belden) The issue was sort of... skirted in school.
(Brother_Cleas) Others, a smaller group, I would say, believe that the Houseless may be reborn, just as anyone else, but they will need to take longer to reach the centre, by passing through the lives they have missed.
(Brother_Cleas) So to speak.
(Brother_Cleas) I myself believe that the gods would not be so cruel to someone for no fault of their own. They will reach the Centre by their own path, and there be judged accordingly.
(Belden) Yes... I have thought about that as well.

• Belden nods.

(Brother_Cleas) I can see you are going to be a wonderful addition to our little group, sister.

• Brother_Cleas smiles warmly and rises to shake your hand.

(Belden) I'm so glad to have met you.
(Brother_Cleas) And I, you.

• Belden says, with a sincere smile.
• Belden shakes his hand.

(Brother_Cleas) I will see you at our next meeting, then?
(Belden) Of course!
(Brother_Cleas) We meet here, in my home.

• Belden nods.

(Brother_Cleas) Splendid, splendid.
(Belden) Should I bring anything?
(Brother_Cleas) Nothing except an open mind and a willing spirit, sister.
(Belden) I can definitely manage that!

• Brother_Cleas smiles gratefully

(Brother_Cleas) I shall look forward to it.

• Belden is terribly excited!

(Narrator) (Okay, we'll turn to Falke now ...)
(Falke) (Ok)
(Narrator) Falke, you rise from your bed rather late, a bit sore from the exertions of the past couple of days. It's good to know that you still have a day off to relax, though.
(Narrator) The thought occurs that you could head over to Lucky Aric's in time for lunch.

• Falke stretches and yawns, showers, dresses in civvies and heads out, then.

(Narrator) The tavern is busy with workers from the area taking a break from their labours. Seated at a table near one of the open windows, you see Lukas, with Ofelia just taking his order.

• Lukas waves to you.

(Lukas) Hey, Falke! You got the day off, I guess?
(Falke) (give me a sec, just checking out who all these people are on my list)
(Narrator) (sure, np :)

• Falke heads over to the table and slides in across from Lukas.

(Falke) Make that two.

• Falke says to Ofelia.
• Ofelia nods and heads off.
• Lukas claps you on the shoulder firmly.

(Lukas) I guess you got time for lunch with me? It'd be good to talk to you.

• Lukas grins

(Falke) Ooof!
(Falke) Sure, why not.

• Falke rubs his sore muscles.

(Lukas) They must be working you hard.

• Lukas teases

(Falke) Heh, spent the past few days out in the country, working on one my squadmember's family's farms...

• Lukas arches an eyebrow

(Lukas) That's a bit... unusual, isn't it?
(Falke) We had some time off.

• Falke grins.

(Lukas) Must be nice.
(Falke) Leave it to me to go do *more* work...

• Lukas chuckles at that

(Lukas) You never knew when to call it quits...
(Falke) Have you ever left the city, Lukas?

• Falke frowns slightly, trying to remember.
• Ofelia brings both of you an ale and a bowl of leek and dumpling soup.

(Lukas) Nope, not I.
(Falke) *Don't*.
(Falke) Thanks Ofelia.

• Falke smiles up at her.

(Ofelia) No problem, Falke.

• Ofelia smiles at you and rushes off - it's busy here.

(Lukas) There's nothing out there but mud and horseshit, as far as I can tell.
(Falke) It's so... empty.

• Falke nods.

(Lukas) Well, you're back here now, so you're safe.

• Lukas tucks in to his soup.
• Falke quirks an eyebrow.

(Falke) I wasn't afraid.

• Falke starts eating as well.

(Lukas) Oh? Bored, then.

• Falke sniggers.

(Falke) Something like that...
(Falke) Belden's family is really nice though....
(Lukas) How is the guard job working out for you?
(Lukas) That's good...
(Falke) So far, so good...
(Falke) A bit slow at times.
(Lukas) Heh.
(Falke) What have you been up to of late?
(Lukas) I hear you look back on the slow parts and say "I wish it could all have been like that."
(Lukas) Business is, well, same as always, really. We get by.
(Lukas) Ilse is a big help around the shop, of course, and I couldn't get by without mother's help and advice.

• Falke nods.

(Lukas) But it keeps me pretty busy.
(Lukas) How are things with Dagan and Anezie? Are they going to tie the knot?
(Falke) They better not.
(Lukas) Why not?
(Falke) I don't want Houseless nieces and nephews.
(Lukas) Well, there's that...

• Lukas shrugs

(Lukas) Things are starting to change, though.

• Falke frowns slightly.

(Lukas) But hey...

• Lukas backpedals hastily

(Falke) Life is hard enough, without being Houseless.
(Lukas) I can understand that.
(Lukas) And you're right...
(Lukas) Things are hard enough, I guess.
(Falke) Damn straight...
(Lukas) And your parents probably wouldn't have it, am I right?
(Falke) Has he been soliciting her attention more of late?

• Lukas shrugs
• Falke asks suspiciously.

(Lukas) More? No, not *more*.
(Falke) ...
(Lukas) I think they go out for a drink now and then.
(Falke) Maybe I should talk to her one of these days...
(Lukas) She's your sister, it's your job to set her straight.

• Lukas jokes

(Falke) ...
(Lukas) Speaking of sisters, Ilse is here.

• Lukas waves to his sister, who has just entered the tavern with an old man on her arm.

(Falke) She's good at what she does, but doesn't always think things through.

• Lukas nods sympathetically at that.
• Falke looks up and smiles at Ilse.
• Ilse is fourteen, short and plain, with her poker-straight black hair tied back in a ponytail. The old man she leads is even shorter than her, slender of build, with bushy grey hair and eyebrows. He must be over seventy.
• Ilse helps the old man to the bar, where she buys him a drink of gin and herself a bowl of soup, and then she comes over to join you.

(Ilse) Hi Falke.
(Falke) Hello little Ilse.

• Falke teases.
• Ilse says a bit shyly. She has grown even since the last time you saw her, you think.

(Falke) Not so little anymore.
(Ilse) I guess not...
(Falke) Helping your brother out in the bakery still?

• Ilse sits down beside her brother and begins to eat her soup.

(Ilse) Yeah.
(Lukas) She's a big help, when she's not mooning over some young man...

• Lukas elbows her

(Falke) Maybe some day when I am high up in the guard I can negociate a contract to have all the bread supplied by you...
(Falke) Ooooh, a man is it?

• Falke teases.

(Lukas) Or an old man...

• Ilse looks embarassed

(Ilse) I'm just being kind to him.
(Lukas) Oh sure. You're after him, I can tell.

• Lukas teases his sister.
• Falke smiles.

(Falke) Who is he?
(Ilse) I don't know what his real name is, everyone just calls him Grey Grizzle.
(Lukas) He comes by the shop most days, to get whatever bread we can't sell because it's gone too stale. Usually there isn't much for him, but we give him a bit extra when we can.

• Falke nods.

(Lukas) I've heard people say he used to be a famous thief.

• Lukas says, lowering his voice.

(Ilse) Don't be silly, Lukas. If he was a famous thief, he'd be rich, not begging for bread.

• Ilse says in a similar tone of voice

(Falke) Actually, it's the famous thieves as get caught.

• Lukas shrugs
• Falke says quietly as well.
• Falke grins.

(Lukas) Taran Dark? Have you ever heard that name before?

• Lukas is almost whispering now.

(Falke) (Have I?)
(Narrator) (nope, doesn't ring a bell)
(Lukas) I remember my father telling me a story about him when I was little.
(Falke) Oh?
(Falke) Do tell.

• Lukas nods obligingly.

(Lukas) The story was that he stole a ruby ring right off Princess Ombretta's finger when she was no older than Ilse here. He jumped into her bedroom window and was gone again before the guards got there.

• Lukas says in an ominous undertone.

(Lukas) Anyway, father told me that old man was him.

• Lukas nods in the old man's direction.

(Falke) Interesting.
(Ilse) You don't know if that's even true, Lukas.
(Falke) Where does he live now?
(Ilse) You shouldn't spread rumours about people, even poor people.
(Falke) Or does he live anywhere...?

• Lukas thinks for a second

(Lukas) I think he has a flop near the Hatcham Soap Works.
(Lukas) At least, I think he used to.

• Lukas shrugs.

(Lukas) Who knows? He's around these parts fairly often, though.

• Falke nods.

(Ilse) Father always used to give him a little something, so we do the same.
(Falke) It's very kind of you.

• Falke smiles warmly.
• Old_man slurps his soup and gin, seemingly oblivious to you talking about him.
• Ilse smiles back.
• Lukas has finished his meal.

(Lukas) I need to get back to the bakery, but it was good to see you, Falke.
(Falke) You too, Lukas.

• Lukas smiles warmly

(Lukas) Don't be a stranger around here, now.

• Falke stands up and shakes his friend's hand.
• Lukas shakes it back firmly

(Falke) If they ever let me off guard duty, I generally try to come by.

• Falke grins cheerfully.

(Falke) See you around, Lukas.

• Lukas grins back
• Lukas leaves the tavern, stumbling over someone's feet on the way but catching himself before he falls.
• Falke smiles.
• Ilse is left alone with you. She looks mostly at her soup.

(Falke) He hasn't changed much, has he.
(Falke) Hey - aren't you hungry?
(Ilse) No, I'm... I'm okay.

• Falke looks concerned.

(Ilse) I have to go too... It was good to see you again, Falke...
(Falke) All right, Ilse...

• Ilse rises and leaves as well, leaving a few dumplings in the bottom of her bowl.
• Falke seems a bit concerned.

(Narrator) (okay, and with that, we'll turn to Kalman...)
(Falke) (okey day)
(Narrator) Kalman, you awake in your warm featherbed to the sounds of Jolande bustling about in the corridor, the way she tends to do when she thinks you've slept in too long.

• Kalman sighs
• Kalman wonders if she's ever slept in a barn :p

(Narrator) Tonight, you have invited your father's younger sister Thoumire over for dinner. As a consequence, you spend most of the day practicing your music, and then tidying up the house (under Jolande's watchful eye).
(Kalman) (Yay!)
(Narrator) Anything else you need to do before she arrives?
(Kalman) (Get dressed, I guess...)
(Narrator) Heh, good plan :)

• Kalman will dress nicely for his aunt
• Thoumire arrives a bit late, as usual.
• Thoumire is just about forty, with a cloud of disheveled wavy brown hair and a still-slender figure. She breezes into your house, carrying a couple of books.

(Thoumire) So sorry I'm late, dear, I was cornered by that dreadful bore Gallion, who simply would not stop talking about his latest spell.

• Thoumire gives you a peck on the cheek, plops the books down on the bench near the door, and takes a seat herself in a more comfortable chair.

(Thoumire) Whew. It's good to sit down.

• Kalman grins

(Kalman) It's nice to see you, too
(Thoumire) How have you been?

• Thoumire speaks softly but quickly.

(Kalman) I'm good..
(Thoumire) You've set up a nice place here for yourself, I do say. It must drive your parents simply mad.
(Kalman) quite

• Thoumire smiles slyly
• Kalman grins again

(Kalman) Father especially, I think
(Thoumire) No doubt, dear.
(Thoumire) You'll get used to it, though.

• Kalman nods

(Kalman) I worry about Ivona, though
(Thoumire) How so?
(Thoumire) She's a smart girl, I'm confident she can take care of herself.
(Kalman) I'm afraid she'll never really be able to be independant of them, I suppose.

• Thoumire nods slightly

(Thoumire) I suppose that's possible... But they mean the best for her, really.
(Thoumire) Well, I'm famished. Is dinner ready, if I may be so rude as to ask?
(Kalman) Mother is already planning who to marry her off to.

• Kalman smiles
• Thoumire chuckles

(Kalman) No, I think it is just about done
(Thoumire) Splendid. Shall we continue this conversation in the dining room, my lord?

• Thoumire will take your arm to go in to dinner, as though this was a formal occasion.
• Kalman will play along ;)
• Kalman will pull out her chair and stuff

(Narrator) You sit down to a lovely dinner of roasted quail and boiled fern-tips prepared by Jolande.

• Thoumire is amused by your gallantry.

(Thoumire) So, what have you been up to lately?

• Thoumire eats her food daintily, listening.

(Kalman) Well, I just spent the last three days out in the country...
(Thoumire) At a friend's manor?

• Kalman shakes his head

(Thoumire) Hunting?
(Kalman) One of my Squad members's family live there, and she invited us out to meet them...
(Thoumire) Oh, that sounds charming.
(Kalman) It was very interesting... a very different kind of life, for certain

• Thoumire smiles

(Thoumire) It can't hurt you to have new and different experiences, truly.

• Thoumire sips her wine.

(Kalman) no, I think it's good.

• Thoumire nods in agreement.

(Thoumire) So, what did you really want to talk to me about? I can't imagine you put on this spread just to tell me about your trip to the country...

• Kalman sighs

(Kalman) No...

• Thoumire looks sympathetic

(Thoumire) Is something bothering you?
(Kalman) Not that you're not worth it of course

• Kalman smiles
• Thoumire chuckles at that.

(Kalman) But I wanted to ask you something

• Thoumire chuckles at that.

(Thoumire) Ask away.
(Kalman) Well... I've noticed there is a certain kind of, well, animosity, maybe between my parents and the Vaillancourts...

• Thoumire arches an eyebrow

(Kalman) I just want to know if you know anything about it?
(Thoumire) The Vaillancourts? Hermus and Annelore, you mean? Why on earth could you be asking about that?
(Thoumire) Or perhaps I shouldn't ask...

• Kalman coughs
• Thoumire has a wry smile.

(Thoumire) Well, of course

• Kalman blushes guiltily
• Thoumire clears her throat.

(Thoumire) I can tell you what I know, at least.
(Kalman) please..

• Thoumire settles in to tell a story.

(Thoumire) Hermus was very handsome in his day, you know. So tall and muscular, charming, and an excellent dancer. Many of the girls at court were quite wild over him.
(Narrator) (You have a hard time picturing that hippo of a man as a good dancer ;)
(Thoumire) Annelore was a different matter altogether. She was the demoiselle Annelore Walther then, and so haughty you could barely stand to speak to her. She was pretty though, I suppose, in an angular sort of way.
(Boden) (Like mr Sweazey.)

• Kalman gets an odd look on his face at the description ;)

(Thoumire) Your father and I, being close to the same age as them, were often matched with them for social occasions.
(Thoumire) While I didn't mind in the least partnering Hermus for a dance or three, I think your father had a harder time with Annelore. They never really got on well together, but then, she didn't get on well with most people.
(Thoumire) On the other hand, your father and Hermus were great friends once.
(Kalman) they were?
(Thoumire) You seem surprised.
(Thoumire) Yes, they were very close when they were young men. But then they had a falling-out.
(Thoumire) They even fought a duel, you know.
(Kalman) really?
(Thoumire) Has your father never told you about it?
(Kalman) what over?

• Kalman shakes his head
• Thoumire seems a bit surprised.

(Kalman) he's never mentioned it
(Thoumire) I would have thought he'd like to brag about that sort of thing...
(Thoumire) Well, not very many people would know about that. There were only a few witnesses. I was there as Corentin's second, which should show you how quiet they wanted to keep things. Noyale Arguelles - the Warlord's daughter, you know - seconded for Hermus.
(Thoumire) The only other person there was Prince Laurain, who arbitrated the affair.

• Kalman nods

(Thoumire) I was only seventeen, just a little bookworm, and I was shaking so hard I dropped the sword when I was handing it to Corentin.

• Thoumire reminisces.

(Thoumire) It was the middle of the night, but the moon was full, and you could see as plain as day.
(Thoumire) They had picked a spot in the Imperial gardens, on that stone bridge that goes over the little stream, you know?

• Kalman nods

(Kalman) I think I know it
(Thoumire) They fought for what seemed like forever, back and forth, but neither could get the better of the other. I was so scared for Corentin.
(Thoumire) Finally, your father managed to sneak under Hermus's guard and strike him. I truly think Corentin might have killed him then and there if the Prince hadn't stepped in to stop the duel...

• Kalman shakes his head

(Thoumire) Prince Laurain was always a bit sensitive about that sort of thing. You know, his parents killed each other in a duel when he was eight... but that's another story.

• Kalman blinks

(Thoumire) Hermus was wounded in the side, but not too gravely.
(Thoumire) Your father leaned down and whispered something in his ear, handed me his sword and stalked off. I was left to help clean up the mess, of course.
(Thoumire) Corentin never even told me what it was about. I assume it was a matter of love.
(Kalman) wow...

• Thoumire shrugs, looking away.
• Kalman sighs

(Thoumire) Ancient history now, though. But I suppose that's where the animosity, as you put it, between them stems from.
(Thoumire) I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
(Kalman) Well, it has helped a bit...

• Thoumire thins her lips

(Thoumire) Whatever it was, it's foolish to let it continue to fester like this.
(Kalman) I agree

• Thoumire sips her wine
• Kalman seems thoughtful

(Kalman) I wonder if mother knows
(Thoumire) I wouldn't know... she was even younger than me at the time. I guess she would have been 15 or 16.
(Thoumire) She couldn't even have been at court long, I wouldn't think.
(Kalman) Hmm

• Kalman sighs again

(Thoumire) Anything else I can help with?
(Kalman) Nothing specific, no...
(Thoumire) Well, if you need anything, just let me know, alright?
(Kalman) thank you.

• Kalman smiles

(Thoumire) It's nothing, love.
(Narrator) (I think we'll move on to Pavo now...)
(Kalman) (keen)
(Narrator) Pavo, you rise earlier than you might like, disturbed by the sounds of other guards getting ready for the day.
(Narrator) Bored, and knowing that the Likely Lord's would be dead at this unholy hour, the thought occurs that you coul take a walk across the river to Rhenea to visit your aunt Deleanthe.
(Narrator) (unless I hear any objections ;)

• Pavo goes to visit the naughty aunt

(Narrator) Deleanthe lives in a section of the Old City which is a haven for artists, actors, musicians, and all other sorts of free spirits. Most people call it Knave's Acre, but those who live there call it the Asylum.
(Narrator) Specifically, your aunt lives on Holywell Row, with a good view of the Black Down from her top floor window.
(Narrator) She rents the upper two floors above a small bookseller's shop, using the uppermost as her studio because it gets the most light.
(Narrator) It is midmorning by the time you arrive there, as you had no desire to wake her up and took your time.
(Narrator) You climb the narrow stairs up to the second floor and knock loudly on her door, in case she is in the studio.

• Pavo wouldn't be so cruel as to inflict upon her the early morning he has had to endure.

(Narrator) You hear movement within, and the door swings open to reveal your aunt.
(Pavo) Auntie!

• Deleanthe is dressed in her usual painting outfit, a billowing blue-grey shirt and slim dark pants, but the lack of paint on her suggests she was not actually painting. Her blonde curls are tied back in an untidy knot.
• Deleanthe smiles when she sees you.

(Deleanthe) Pavo, what a surprise! Come on in..

• Deleanthe ushers you in.

(Deleanthe) I was just about to get started painting for the day, but you're welcome to stay. Maybe even pick up a brush yourself, eh?

• Deleanthe nudges gently you with her elbow.
• Pavo steps inside ... "Trying to corrupt me? What would father think?"

(Deleanthe) Come on, follow me, silly boy.

• Deleanthe heads upstairs, indicating you should follow her.

(Narrator) The studio is a wide, open room, with large windows which your aunt has open to let out the hot air that accumulates there under the roof. A pair of grey doves are nesting in the corner where the roof meets one of the windows. The smell of paint and turpentine is strong here.

• Pavo grins and trails after her.

(Narrator) In the middle of the room, reclining on a divan, is a nude woman, probably about your age or a bit younger. She is reading a book.

• Nude_woman is petite but not too small-breasted, with rich brown hair that falls in waves down to her shoulders. She seems unconcerned by your arrival, smiling at you instead.

(Pavo) Entertaining a guest, I see.

• Deleanthe smiles broadly

(Deleanthe) Pavo, this is Antenia Valenze, Antenia, my nephew Pavo.

• Nude_woman smiles more broadly.
• Pavo nods to her pleasantly.
  • • Nude_woman is now known as Antenia

(Antenia) Pleased to meet you, Pavo.

• Antenia moves gracefully to shake your hand.
• Pavo takes her hand firmly.

(Deleanthe) Dear, I'll have to re-pose you before we can start.

• Deleanthe comes over to the girl, placing her in a rather seductive reclining position.

(Deleanthe) Do you want to join in, Pavo? It would only take a moment to set up an easel and canvas for you...
(Pavo) Oh, I suppose I could.

• Deleanthe waves to the piles of art supplies around the studio.

(Deleanthe) Help yourself, then.

• Pavo will scrounge around for the materials.
• Deleanthe paints with brisk, firm strokes, capturing the grace and beauty of her subject skillfully. You do your best.

(Narrator) After about an hour, Antenia asks if she can take a break, and Deleanthe agrees readily.
(Deleanthe) The light is moving anyway. You won't mind coming back tomorrow, will you?

• Antenia shakes her head.

(Antenia) No, of course not.

• Antenia shrugs on a silk robe that was lying nearby and picks up her book.
• Antenia approaches Deleanthe and gives her a very affectionate kiss, which your aunt returns with her hands outstretched, so as not to get paint on the robe.

(Antenia) Tomorrow, then?

• Pavo quirks a brow... (or did he know Auntie was THAT kind of single?)

(Deleanthe) Tomorrow, same time. You can let yourself out, sweetheart.
(Narrator) (It's news to you, though you might have had vague suspicions...)

• Antenia heads down to the next floor, presumably to get dressed and leave.
• Deleanthe notices your quirked brow.

(Pavo) Well now, I knew you loved your art...
(Pavo) :)

• Deleanthe wipes her hands on a rag to get the worst paint off.

(Deleanthe) What, and do you think I don't know the sort of thing you get up to, young man?

• Deleanthe says mock-seriously.

(Deleanthe) She's an actress, and a very good one, at the Imperial Theatre.

• Pavo shrugs and looks as best he can like a cherub.

(Pavo) Ah... I've a fondness for actors myself. Perhaps it's in the blood.
(Deleanthe) Yes, the innocent act won't work here...

• Deleanthe chuckles at that.

(Deleanthe) Perhaps indeed...
(Deleanthe) She has a twin brother, you know...

• Deleanthe teases you.

(Pavo) Oh does she? :)
(Pavo) What was her last name again?
(Deleanthe) Valenze.
(Narrator) You've heard the name before, they're a House of the Cat noble family.
(Pavo) Hmm, well, I don't know if I've met her brother, but I've heard the name.
(Deleanthe) Her brother's first name is Adrius, I believe.
(Pavo) Perhaps a boy to take home to mom and pop :)

• Deleanthe laughs at that

(Deleanthe) Yes, good luck with that, dear boy.
(Deleanthe) You want to become a scandal like me, is that it?
(Pavo) I can't imagine it would be that hard. Some people are easily scandalised.
(Deleanthe) Yes, your father in particular.
(Pavo) Considering (sarcasm) I didn't pick a nice respectable trade.
(Deleanthe) At least he can't kick you out of the house...

• Deleanthe says sympathetically.
• Deleanthe continues cleaning up her studio as she talks to you.

(Pavo) I can't imagine he'd get THAT dissatisfied with me.
(Pavo) Besides, I dote on mother.
(Deleanthe) You might be surprised... Your mother is a kind woman, and I suspect she's the main reason I continue to be invited to their home.

• Pavo sighs.

(Deleanthe) Don't get too worried about it... you can always come and stay with me if you need a place.
(Deleanthe) And the guards must take good enough care of you... I haven't heard you complaining about them, at least.
(Pavo) Ah, I'm not worried... I get some perks there.

• Deleanthe arches an eyebrow

(Deleanthe) Oh?
(Pavo) Well the pay is nice, an imperial a day... I can't really find anything to spend it all on. And that's just pay.
(Pavo) depending on the job, we get gratuities.
(Deleanthe) Money is always helpful.
(Pavo) We recently broke up a drug den, and snagged something like a hundred imperials in reward.

• Deleanthe looks impressed
• Pavo snickers

(Deleanthe) I hope it was no one I know.

• Deleanthe jokes.

(Pavo) It'd be a whole lot more if we didn't have a goodie-two-shoes in the group.
(Deleanthe) How do you mean?
(Pavo) She refuses gratuities on our behalf :)
(Deleanthe) That could get tiresome, I can see.
(Pavo) I don't mind that much, like I said, I'm not in this for the money... and I don't need more really.
(Pavo) She thinks it might lead people to assume we work harder for the rich.
(Deleanthe) Remind me to call on your squadron if I have any problems. It seems you work cheap!

• Deleanthe says, chuckling

(Pavo) She's probably right. Some noble offered us a tidy sum to take care of a matter - one leading into the den bust - quickly.
(Pavo) You should have seen his face when she told him she wouldn't take it.
(Deleanthe) Well, not all bribes are meant in good faith.

• Pavo chuckles
• Deleanthe laughs as well

(Deleanthe) I can imagine...
(Pavo) Oh of course not, but he almost turned red! "Of COURSE it's supposed to show you'll work harder for us!"

• Deleanthe laughs out loud at that.

(Pavo) She'll calm with time, I imagine. But for now, the purity is worth it, I think.
(Deleanthe) Well, anything that puts a noble in his place, I appreciate.
(Deleanthe) Look, if you want to meet Antenia's brother, I'm sure I can arrange it.

• Deleanthe says, grinning

(Deleanthe) I get the idea he might be just your type.

• Pavo sits up in his chair and looks a bit dignified. "Oh really?"

(Deleanthe) Well, so I've heard.
(Pavo) Perhaps I'll buy some new threads and strut my stuff, now that I'm rolling in it!

• Pavo grins

(Pavo) Perhaps we should go see his sister at the theatre.
(Deleanthe) That might be a lovely idea.
(Deleanthe) I'll ask Antenia to arrange things...

• Pavo mrrowls.

(Narrator) (and we'll move on to Boden, last but not least :)
(Boden) (yeah)
(Narrator) Boden, you are awakened in your new bed very early in the morning, before the sun is up. Around you, all of the other guards are still asleep. Someone is shaking you by the shoulder.
(Pavo) (Could you resend me my NPCs Julie?)

• Boden will wake up alarmed...

(Narrator) (sure, after the game, okay?)
(Narrator) As the haze of sleep clears from your eyes, you realize it's one of your fellow guards, Philpot, a little skinny teenager with a wispy moustache.
(Boden) um
(Boden) yeah?
(Philpot) Wake up! C'mon...

• Boden will get up and put on some underwear.
• Philpot whispers loudly

(Philpot) There's a girl asking for you. She came in to report something, but she says she'll only talk to you.
(Boden) (w)whats wrong.
(Boden) oh

• Boden will get dressed quickly and strap on the gauntlet.
• Philpot waits for you to get ready, then leads you to one of the small interrogation rooms elsewhere in the complex.

(Philpot) She didn't say her name. She's got long black hair, kind of tall... she's probably pretty, but she looks like shit right now.

• Philpot tells you as you walk there.

(Boden) ?
(Boden) ok

• Boden will take a swig of water so I'll be awake for this person.
• Philpot waits outside the door, indicating that you should go in.
• Lygia is sitting on a wooden bench inside the small room. Her hair and clothes are messy, and you can see some bruises on her face and arms. Her eyes are red, like she's been crying a lot.

(Boden) .oO(crap)

• Philpot closes the door, but is probably standing right outside it in case you need anything.
• Lygia jumps up as soon as she sees you and runs over to you, obviously relieved.

(Lygia) Oh, Boden, I'm so glad they found you. I was asking for you, and I thought they wouldn't go get you...

• Boden give her a reasuring hug
• Lygia is crying again.

(Boden) I'm here now, whats the matter?
(Lygia) It was terrible...

• Lygia sits down again on the bench.

(Boden) What Happened?
(Lygia) This man came backstage after my show last night... He asked for me by name. Well, that's not that strange, I mean, I have admirers... but this one...
(Lygia) He was handsome, maybe about twenty, long blond hair... He said he had something he wanted to ... to give me, in private. I didn't think anything was wrong, so I let him come into my room and...

• Lygia shudders, crying

(Lygia) He forced me, I didn't want to.

• Boden shakes his head, conflicting between getting really angry and trying to confort her.
• Lygia says in a quiet voice.

(Boden) cor
(Boden) Ok,
(Lygia) I wasn't sure what to do, so I came here.
(Boden) um
(Lygia) And there was something else...
(Boden) (q)what?
(Lygia) After he was...done, he said.... "Go ahead and tell your giant about this. He won't be able to do anything."

• Lygia leans against you, crying.
• Boden gets angry

(Boden) I'll find out what happened.
(Boden) but I need to know what this guy looked like.
(Lygia) I think I've seen him in the audience once or twice before... He's some sort of noble, or at least he wears good clothes.
(Lygia) He's not too tall, but he's strong.

• Boden will let her talk.

(Lygia) He was dressed in black and gold.
(Lygia) He was handsome... long blond hair...

• Lygia shakes her head

(Lygia) I don't know what else to tell you.
(Boden) Did he have a knife? some kind of weapon?
(Boden) (*Rob drinks a beer as he figures out who this guy is.)
(Lygia) He carried a sword and a dagger.

• Boden seeths with rage.

(Boden) Have you told anyone else? seen anyone else?

• Lygia shakes her head

(Lygia) I just came here and talked to the guard at the front and told him I needed to see you.
(Boden) ok.
(Lygia) What should I do, Boden?

• Boden tries to think clearly.

(Boden) We should get you medical attention.
(Lygia) I don't think I'm hurt, except for the bruises. He didn't cut me or anything.
(Boden) ok.
(Boden) um

• Boden is trying to think through the anger.

(Lygia) Will you take me home, Boden? I just want to go home.
(Boden) yes.
(Boden) I'll take you home.
(Boden) Do you have someone that will stay with you until I handle this?

• Lygia sniffles, looking grateful

(Lygia) My mother...
(Boden) ok.
(Boden) I'll take you there.

• Lygia nods shakily

(Boden) Let me get some more things first.
(Lygia) Okay.

• Boden will go back to his bed, put on his armour but not the cloak or any guard insignia. He'll also take his weapons.
• Boden will go back to Lygia.
• Lygia waits for you.

(Boden) Here, I'll walk you home.

• Philpot has been keeping an eye on her.
• Lygia will go with you, then.
• Boden will ofer her his arm to hold on to.
• Lygia takes it gratefully.
• Lygia gives you directions to her mother's house in the Pavillion.
• Boden will be kinda quiet on the walk there. He is obviously trying to think really really hard.* Boden will be kinda quiet on the walk there. He is obviously trying to think really really hard.

(Lygia) What are you going to do, Boden?

• Lygia asks in a small voice

(Boden) I'm going to find out who he is first.
(Boden) There are only two possibilities really.
(Boden) I'll take care of it.

• Lygia looks confused

(Boden) I'm sorry.
(Lygia) Why are you sorry?
(Boden) I'm so very very sorry.
(Boden) because I think he did this to you to get to me.

• Lygia goes even paler

(Boden) I'm not sure who he is for sure, but I think this was about me.
(Lygia) You.. really think so?

• Lygia seems upset by that

(Boden) thats why I'm sorry.

• Boden will hold her close.
• Lygia is stiff in your arms

(Boden) when I was young, kids couldn't beat me up, so they'd make fun of my friends, beat them up when I wasn't around.
(Boden) No one ever wants to face me.

• Boden says glumly

(Boden) but they will have to face me over this Lygia, I swear to you.

• Lygia blinks away tears

(Boden) I'll find out who did this, and they won't be able to hide.
(Lygia) Just keep holding me, please.
(Boden) ok.
(Boden) ok.

• Boden will hug her closer in his arms.
• Lygia is still tense, but seems to relax a little, gradually.
• Lygia whispers something you couldn't quite hear into your chest.

(Boden) .oO(why oh why is this a day off...why can't I have everbody here to help me.)
(Boden) (w)what?
(Lygia) (q)Please, make love to me. Then if ... if I have a baby, I can believe it's yours, not his.

• Boden seems shocked

(Boden) um...ok?

• Lygia looks up at you, sorrowful
• Boden is trying hard to be suportive.

(Narrator) Boden will be supportive, then, and we'll stop this scene there.
(Boden) ok.
(Boden) (Do I get cut off there...or can I go to the Vak Andras residence?)
(Narrator) So... I understand that Boden has stuff he very much wants to do... If you want to talk to Kalman, and the two of you are willing to stick around after the game is done, you can do it then, or another time.
(Kalman) (I think he wants to talk to his bro)
(Narrator) But I have one little thing I need to do to all of you, before people have to leave.
(Narrator) (or to your brother, of course)
(Kalman) whassat?
(Boden) (I'll talk to my borther first....then maybe Kalman.)
(Narrator) It'll be the next day, before you go to patrol... So Boden might not even be there - it's up to him.
(Narrator) He can be there, or not, as you wish, Rob.
(Boden) (It will depend on what happens in my conversations....I really need to do them before next game.)
(Narrator) Yes, you will get to.
(Boden) (ok, so what is it you have to do?)
(Narrator) Okay...
(Pavo) (This is really ominous sounding...)
(Narrator) On the morning of the 24th of Third-month, your first day back at work, you are getting ready for the day as usual when Svodoba calls all of you into her office. You are surprised to see Captain Niemi there as well.
(Svodoba) Take a seat, all. Some news that's probably connected to that case of yours came in today.

• Svodoba looks to Niemi.
• Kalman sits
• Belden will take a seat.
• Loch sits down
• Niemi is in his mid sixties, a grizzled and scarred veteran of many fights.
• Pavo sits, even.

(Niemi) Orain Talavera is dead.

• Niemi says calmly.

(Niemi) Crossbow bolt to the back of the neck, in his own dining room, late last night.
(Kalman) oh.
(Pavo) (Orain was...?)
(Kalman) (The guy who we said ran the Svarlet sign)
(Niemi) It was an assassination, professional job, very neat.
(Belden) Oh my.
(Niemi) Any of you heard of Jux Maeda?

• Pavo gets a distinct impression of "intoodeep"

(Narrator) (None of you have.)

• Falke sits too, of course when everyone else does.
• Kalman shakes his head

(Kalman) No, Captain
(Niemi) I'm not surprised. He's an assassin, a damned good one too. At least, we assume he's a he, but we've really got no way of knowing.
(Loch) Not I
(Niemi) Signs all his kills with poems.

• Niemi holds out a piece of paper with the following lines written on it:

(Niemi) A slight rain comes, bathed in dawn light.
(Niemi) I hear it among treetop leaves before mist
(Niemi) Arrives. Soon it sprinkles the soil and,
(Niemi) Windblown, follows clouds away.

• Niemi reads it in his gruff voice.

(Narrator) The paper has a neat hole through the centre, between the second and third lines, and it is indeed signed "Jux Maeda". It is also stained with blood.
(Belden) (Is it an original poem, or something one of us might recognize?)
(Narrator) (None of you recognize it, off hand)

• Svodoba notes the looks on your faces.

(Svodoba) Don't worry, we're not asking you to get involved in this any further than you already are. We have more experienced people who can look into the murder angle. Captain Niemi just thought you should be made aware of this, and I agreed.

• Niemi nods firmly.

(Niemi) Be careful, is the main thing.

• Belden nods.

(Belden) Yes sir...
(Niemi) That's all, soldiers. Dismissed.

• Kalman nods
• Belden will leave the room.

(Kalman) Thank you captain
(Loch) Thank you for informing us sir

• Kalman will stand and leave
• Loch will leave as well

(Narrator) You leave the office, troubled by what you have just heard. The thought of an assassination like that, even if the man killed might possibly have been unpleasant, is unsettling.
(Narrator) Today, the city feels a little less secure than it did yesterday.
(Narrator) The End...
(Pavo) (Did the rat get gacked?)
(Narrator) (not that you've heard)
(Kalman) (we helped him flee the city ;)
(Narrator) Wow, we're almost on time :o
(Pavo) (We did? I wanted to, but I didn't think we actually did)
(Loch) Not too shabby
(Kalman) (I was assuming we did ;)
(Narrator) I was assuming you did as well.
(Kalman) (That was cool, yeah :D)

Solos

(Narrator) Okay, you can go and find your brother in the servant's quarters at the vak Andras house.

• Franek is half-asleep.
• Boden will try and slip in as unoticed as possible.

(Narrator) You manage to be fairly stealthy.
(Boden) Bro, wake up, comon on wake up.

• Boden will shake his brother.
• Franek blinks sleepily

(Franek) ...
(Franek) Boden?
(Franek) What are you doing here?

• Franek sits up in his bed, scratching himself.

(Boden) Something really bad has happened.
(Narrator) What?
(Franek) What?

• Boden is looking pretty grim/angry/sad/confused.
• Boden will sit down someplace.
• Franek will get up and pull on a shirt, then.

(Boden) Its lygia
(Franek) (w) We should go outside, so we don't wake anyone up.
(Boden) (w)ok

• Franek leads you outside to a carved stone bench, where he sits.

(Franek) Now, what's going on?

• Boden will sit to and speak quietly.

(Boden) Some guy came buy Lygia's work last night....
(Boden) he umm

• Boden can't make himself say it.
• Franek looks shocked

(Boden) and then he said that "Her giant boyfriend couldn't do anything about it."

• Franek swallows

(Franek) That's not good.

• Boden looks at his big hands like they have blood on them.

(Boden) I think its one of two things, and there both my fault.
(Franek) Tell me.
(Boden) We, me and the guards, raided the Scarlet Sign and took a bunch of cash and drugs.
(Boden) It could be revenge for that.
(Boden) but with her description of the guy....

• Franek listens

(Boden) It could be Davilas Dyess

• Franek blinks

(Franek) The Emperor's grandson?
(Franek) What makes you think it's him? (Elanya) (I dind't think you know who he was?)
(Boden) (I got his name from the chick I stuck it in.)
(Boden) I was at Lygia's bar, off duty.
(Boden) and he was drinking there... (Elanya) (ahh)
(Boden) with others, and he tried to start a fight with me, but I wouldn't fight him.

• Franek shakes his head sadly

(Franek) Nobles.
(Boden) I just kept sitting there and woudln't take any crap, or get mad or anything.
(Franek) How can people with so much be so stupid.
(Boden) I just drank my beer and didn't do anything.

• Franek says, not really asking a question.

(Boden) but...
(Franek) That was smart, Boden. I know I don't say that much, but it was.

• Boden looks at his brother really stricken.

(Boden) I was so proud of how I handled it.
(Boden) but one of the girls he was with...she slipped me a little note about her place.

• Boden talks quickly, like if he stops he won't be able to start again.
• Franek arches an eyebrow.

(Boden) I ended up going over to her place, spending the night. I have know idea if Davilass knows anything about that.
(Franek) You think he went after Lygia because of this other woman?
(Boden) I don't know.
(Franek) How will you find out what this is all about?
(Boden) I figured the other woman would keep it pretty quiet. Her name was Couramance Silveira

• Franek looks surprised

(Franek) You slept with Couramance Silveira?
(Boden) She likes men taller than her.
(Franek) And you didn't tell me?

• Boden says by way of explanation.

(Boden) When?

• Franek 's jaw is sort of hanging open.

(Boden) I've been working a lot, and I went to Belden's on my break.
(Franek) I guess...
(Boden) I was going to come by today
(Franek) Well, here you are.
(Boden) I...I was going to ask you if Mom and Dad needed some money sent home.

• Franek rubs his forehead.
• Boden waits, hoping his brother has answers.

(Franek) I'm sure they'd appreciate it, Boden..
(Franek) But this is really serious. How are you going to deal with it? I mean, you can't just walk up to the Imperial palace and ask to talk to the prince...
(Boden) no...
(Franek) And then club him until he screams like a little girl.
(Franek) For example.
(Boden) but Kalman could help.
(Franek) Yeah, maybe. Do you think he would?
(Boden) and I think at some point it will have to involve me clubbing him until he screams like a little girl.
(Boden) I don't know...
(Boden) see, Kalman would be all for helping me with this...but I'm not convinced he'd be all for the required clubing.
(Franek) I mean, Kalman might seem like a nice guy, but he's a noble... maybe he'd stick with his cousin or whatever he is.
(Boden) Kalman doesn't really like nobles.
(Boden) but he might be uptight about the clubing.
(Franek) Well, maybe you should go and talk to him... Try to see what he thinks about this guy.
(Franek) I'll come with you if you want.
(Boden) You'll help me with this though...
(Boden) right?
(Boden) I mean, you'll see it through with me, to the end.

• Boden looks pleading.

(Franek) Yes, of course.
(Boden) thank you.

• Boden will give his brother that look that says: "I'd hug you but we're too manly for that."

(Boden) Lets go find Kalman.
(Franek) Okay.
(Franek) Just let me get some boots on.

• Franek 's socks are soaked from the early morning dew.

(Boden) ok

• Boden will get up and go with his brother.
• Franek goes and gets properly dressed, quietly.

(Franek) Okay, lead the way.
(Boden) um...shouldn't you lead? You live here. (Elanya) (I don't ;)
(Franek) To Kalman's house, I mean. I'm not sure where it is.
(Boden) (Do I know were Kalman lives?)
(Narrator) You wouldn't be much of a spy on him if you didn't know that, at least ;)
(Narrator) Yes, you know. :)

• Boden will lead on to Kalman's house.

(Narrator) By this time it is probably just about sunrise.
(Narrator) Kalman, you're probably still asleep ;)

• • • Elanya is now known as Kalman
• Kalman is indeed, still asleep
• Boden will knock on the door.
• Jolande comes to the door, a middle-aged servant woman. She looks a bit cross.

(Jolande) Yes?
(Boden) I need to speak to Kalman.

• Jolande looks like she's considering saying no, then looks at the two of you again, nods and opens the door wider.

(Jolande) Wait here, then.
(Boden) Thank you.

• Jolande comes up to Kalman's room and knocks on the door.
• Kalman mumbles something to the effect of "what is it?"

(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir.
(Kalman) ...

• Kalman blinks

(Kalman) How large?
(Jolande) ...
(Kalman) Do they have names?
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.
(Kalman) ...Just a moment.

• Jolande seems a bit nervous.
• Kalman wonders...
• Kalman hopes he didn't do something wrong
• Kalman will grab his dressing gown and his short sword, just in case ;)
• Jolande is waiting in the hall, wringing her hands a bit.

(Jolande) I hope there's nothing wrong, sir.
(Kalman) me too, Jolande...

• Kalman will head downstairs
  • • Nikolai changes topic to '
      (Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir.
      (Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks
      (Kalman) How large?
      (Kalman) Do they have names?
      (Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say._'
• Kalman will come to the door, then.
• Jolande lurks behind you somewhere, just in case.
• Kalman doesn't look groomed or particularly awake ;)

(Kalman) ...Boden?
(Boden) We need to talk...privately.
(Kalman) ...alright. Come in.

• Kalman lets them pass.
• Kalman turns to Jolande

(Narrator) You would recognize Franek vaguely as well, as being a gameskeeper of your father.
(Kalman) This is Boden... he's on my squad.
(Kalman) And his brother.... Fran..ek?

• Jolande nods, still not convinced she's not about to be killed.
• Franek nods grimly.
• Boden nods
• Kalman tries to remember the brother's name, not having seen him much or known him very well

(Kalman) it's alright. Some coffee would be lovely though.

• Jolande will go and get some coffee, then.
• Kalman ushers the two of them into the sitting room

(Kalman) what's going on?
(Boden) I think Davilas Dyess, has done something really bad.
(Boden) But it could be goons from the scarlet sign.

• Boden sounds miserable.
• Franek just sits, still looking grim.

(Kalman) what?

• Kalman seems confused.
• Kalman blinks

(Kalman) ...
(Kalman) How do you know... that man.
(Kalman) ...and what did he do?
(Boden) I kinda shagged Couramance Silveira,
(Boden) I never really planned to...it just kinda came up.
(Boden) but that prbably isn't it.
(Boden) I was drinking on a day off in a bar.
(Kalman) ...

• Kalman sits down

(Boden) and he was there with a bunch of nobles.
(Boden) He tried to start a fight with me.

• Kalman isn't awake enough for this, quite
• Kalman isn't awake enough for this, quite

(Kalman) ...
(Boden) but I wouldn't,
(Kalman) I'm not surprised
(Boden) I didn't do anything wrong...
(Boden) on the way out the chick slipped me a note about her place that night.
(Kalman) Davilass is just..
(Boden) I dont' know if she told him or if he's just bitter I made him look bad in the bar.

• Kalman looks around to make sure Jolande isn't around

(Kalman) an asshole

• Kalman shakes his head
• Boden finishes and breathes in a long breath.

(Kalman) (What do I know about Couramance?)
(Kalman) (Do I know she's a big old slut?)
(Narrator) (You'd have heard that, yes. She's close to 10 years older than you, so you may not have socialized with her, though)
(Kalman) I doubt it was jealousy
(Boden) but its still about me.
(Boden) I have to do something about this!
(Kalman) what did he do?

• Boden is starting to get loud.

(Boden) Its bad!
(Boden) really really BAD!

• Jolande comes in to bring you all coffee, looking nervous.

(Kalman) calm down, boden, you'll tell the whole neighbourhood :o
(Franek) Boden, just tell him.

• Boden calms himself with great effort.
• Boden eyes Jolande suspiciously

(Kalman) Thanks, Jolande... why don't you try and... go back to bed, or something....

• Jolande eyes you and your visitors suspiciously, but goes upstairs.
• Kalman shakes his head
• Kalman takes a large drink of caffeine

(Boden) (q)He hurt Lygia, took her, she didn't want to....

• Kalman scowls
• Boden looks at Kalman, waiting.
• Kalman shakes his head

(Boden) would he do something like this? Over something so small as *not* fighting him in some bar in Pearl?
(Kalman) He might...
(Kalman) He'd do it because he wouldn't think there would be any way you could get back at him.
(Boden) (w)He's dead.

• Franek thins his lips angrily.

(Franek) What can we do to him?
(Boden) I need your help Kalman.

• Kalman nods

(Boden) I know I"m suposed to keep you out of trouble...but this...
(Boden) this is too...big
(Boden) this is more important than a job.
(Kalman) You can't outright kill him, unless you're willing to pretty much forfeit your own life

• Kalman nods

(Kalman) I understand
(Boden) What if it was a duel?
(Kalman) then it would be different
(Boden) Can I take him?

• Kalman thinks

(Kalman) (Do I think Boden coujld take Davilass? have I ever seen him fight?)
(Kalman) (Is Dueling legal? ;)
(Kalman) (What are the rules, formal and unformal about it?)
(Narrator) (You're not sure. You've seen Davilas fight, but just like beating on people, not so much with a sword or something. Maybe Boden could take him... you're not sure)
(Kalman) I don't know
(Kalman) Maybe
(Narrator) (Dueling: it's not really legal, but it goes on anyway. Generally it's something only done by nobles, though.)
(Kalman) I've never seen him really fight anything
(Boden) Could you set it up?

• • • Longpig has quit IRC (Quit: Boden pr0n please_)

(Kalman) I don't know
(Kalman) I don't know if he would agree to it or not
(Kalman) I could try.
(Boden) He wanted to fight me before.

• Kalman nods

(Kalman) he probably would agree then
(Boden) I knew I should have just knocked him out in that bar.
(Boden) Every time I try and be smart, it always backfires.
(Boden) I just can't be something I'm not!

• Boden says plaintively.

(Kalman) It's alright
(Franek) Don't say that, Boden. You do what you think is best. No one knows the future.
(Kalman) There isn't really any way to win with people like him

• Franek tries to console his brother.

(Boden) sure there is.
(Boden) We kill him and get away with it Kalman.
(Boden) thats how we win.
(Kalman) how?
(Boden) I'm not the thinker
(Kalman) He is the emperor's grandson.
(Boden) Thats why I came to you!
(Boden) you know all about this politics crap.
(Boden) thats why I need you.
(Boden) just let me kill him.
(Boden) I don't care how
(Kalman) If you duel, you'll have a chance

• Boden looks down at my belt.

(Kalman) but even if you kill him in a duel, it isn't legal and you could get arrested and killed for it yourself
(Boden) (Its a nice buckle of a bear with arrows in its jaws.)
(Boden) (w)you know...I'm still a noble.
(Boden) I am.

• Kalman nods

(Boden) We don't got no money or nothing...but I still got the blood.
(Boden) maybe that will help.
(Kalman) maybe
(Boden) please.

• Kalman nods

(Boden) I don't even care if its just a secret passage in the palace...get me close to him. I"ll do the rest.
(Kalman) I will help you Boden, I'm just trying to think if this is the best way to go about it
(Boden) I don't want her involved.
(Kalman) are you absolutely sure it was him?
(Boden) She needs to stay as far away from this...

• Boden looks crestfallen at the question....

(Boden) no...
(Boden) not for sure for sure.
(Boden) but if you can get a drawing of him...I could take it to Lygia.
(Kalman) I think I could arrange that
(Kalman) I need to think about the rest of it though.
(Boden) Thank you

• Kalman plots to assassinate the Emperor's grandsons doot de doot, never like that asswad anyway ;D

(Boden) thank you so much.

• Franek nods

(Franek) Thank you, sir.

• Boden will reach out to shake Kalman's hand.
• Kalman will shake it to cement the treason ;)

(Narrator) Okay, unless you have anything else.. That seems like a good stopping place :)
(Boden) Yeah, I'm done...I'll go back by Lygia's to check up on her.
(Boden) and I'll be at the guard house that night to be at the meeting tomorow.
(Narrator) Okay, you can do that. Her mother tells you she's asleep now, and you can go on to the guard house.
(Boden) Why do I get flashbacks to that STNG episode were worf kills that high ranking Klingon with the excuse: "She was my mate"
(Narrator) 'Cause it makes a good story ;)
(Boden) ok
(Kalman) heh
(Kalman) oy
(Kalman) why do I have to be the smart one?
(Kalman) I'm not even that smart :o
(Narrator) *snick*
(Boden) he he he
(Narrator) Franek's not totally dumb. He's smarter than Boden, at least :)

• Boden is terrified of politics...but as long as he thinks of this as just murder, he won't get too scared.