With Hal and Cameron inside the building, Nessa finds herself quickly becoming bored, a very bad thing that is bound to cause troubles. Since she doesn't want to cause troubles for her, dare she call them, friends, she decides ti's time to talk with the new girl some more. she walks up to Krucina with her usual sultry gait and speaks, "So, you're Krucina? What are you exactly, I've never seen a creature like yourself," she looks the woman over with only a mild suggestion, she seems more curious than anything.
Cameron takes his hat off politely when entering, and minds his P's and Q's by keeping quiet and examining an imaginary spot in the middle distance... When Hal introduces him to Hedarold, Cameron nods and says politely, "Good to meet you, Sir." He risks looking around but doesn't notice anything of interest. And to his surprise, Cameron find the money lender's poker face is as good or better than his own!
When the haggling over price starts, Cameron interjects by saying, "Indeed should all the stars and planets align, a simple fact may hold and entire kingdom to ransom. Yet to find yourself in such a position, well sir you'd have to be extremely lucky wouldn't you say?"
Krucina smiles wryly at the tiefling and draws back her hood to show her full face.
"Tsk, tsk! I am no "creature", drogi. I am one of the kayal, we are the shadow people. You and I, we are not so different, I think."
Her smile widens with the last sentence.
I am grateful for your accommodation. Truth be told, had your Hal not intervened when he had, I might very well be dead. I am endeared to you all, but I am not one to trust lightly. Please, do not squander this gift." Krucina unconsciously adjusts her cowl to make certain her neck is fully covered. She loses herself in thought as the smile melts away...
Realizing she gave some unintentional offense, Nessa decides that she likes the response she gets from Krucina, "I'm sorry Mistress Krucina, I didn't mean offense," her voice is breathy and almost, but not quite, suggestive. "If there's anything I can do to make it up to you..." She giggles a bit naughtily and continues, "So you are descended from something not of this plane also, how fascinating. I've never met anybody other than tieflings who could claim that."
Grinning Alayna remarks to the two girls, "Tha only plane I ever seen that mattered is the top o' tha deck, and the hul o' the ship yer on. Well met, Krucina."
I don't want to seem rude, but I try to make my own luck, Desnan.
The gnome looks back at Hal Dorel.
You seek information about Beltias Kreun. I can sell some informations, at the right price. What you have showed so far doesn't meet it, as you surely know, Hal. Let's hope it's just an appetizer.
He looks at the small uncut gem, but you can't figure if he's really interested in it or not.
If you can't meet my price, I'm willing to trade informations. You've probably heard that Ol" Saul's Gold Goblin recently got some new and efficient enforcers...
There's a feeble smile on the pale gnome lips, as if he was savouring the irony of the situation like a delicate dish.
Dolgrin looks over at Krucina at her mention of being of the 'shadow people' and then glances up at the enshrouded sky. Returning his gaze to the woman, he raises a suspicious eyebrow. "Are you or your people responsible for the unnatural darkness that covers the skies?"
.
.
.
Hal's eyes narrow at the implication. While he has no love for the rest of the party, he has no small amount of elvish propriety when it comes to whoring out their services. Instead his hand goes to his hip pouch and he produces two of the three remaining jewels from Krucina's provision.
"We are under contract." He places the uncut jewels down on the counter. "These along with the offer of my services alone at a future date." He rests his hands on the counter, demeanor conveying that there is little room left for the gnome to wring put more beneficial terms.
Hal'dorel knew the danger of being on the gnome's debt all too well. It is not a place in which sane people wished to dwell.
Really, Hal Dorel? Your services alone? Whenever I need them, for whatever deed?
The gnome's smile is obviously vicious, and he takes the uncut gems, answering quickly, before Cameron can says anything
Deal.
After a few seconds of reflection, he adds
What do you already know about your prey, Hal Dorel? I don't want to bother you with repetitive information
..........................................................................
A man quickly enters the side street, and stops dead in his tracks as he sees the small group.
ummm ...hello... you're all waiting for the fence?
He's quite young,in his mid twenties, and sports a goatee. His clothes are quite common, brown. He has a black scorpion tatooed on his upper arm.
Seeing the handsome young man enter the alley, Nessa begins to stroll up to him, eyeing him much like she does everyone. Her body language indicates her strong desire to to take him someplace nice quiet, or not so quiet place to spend some "quality" time with him. Her voice is throaty as she speaks to him, "Oh, no, I didn't know there was even a fence in this alley," she looks around, "I don't see one anyway. We're just waiting on our companions to finish some business nearby and heard a commotion. Some hideous dog beasts were eating someone...so we killed them." She leans in to the man as one hand goes down to tease him, "Maybe I can help you with something?"
He whistles, pushing down Nessa wandering hand with a smile
You killed these dogs? All three of them? Nice...Well, I guess I'll just come back and see the fence later.
She seems slightly disappointed at his lack of interest but replies, "Oh I didn't do it alone, my friends here did most of the killing," she gestures to the group. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to play with me while you wait? Waiting is so boring after all."
"Better tha' way, cutter. By then the dogs and the bloke'll be good n' ripe for ya."
Alayna does not relax her guard, Why now? This alley ain't tha' bloody nice! She pokes her head out and checks the street looking for sign o' boarders or summat.
Cameron glances at the fence and finds himself thinking, 'What an odeous little man. I bet he delights in breaking people for the hell of it. Still remember where you are Cameron...'
Cameron decides not to take any insult from the gnomes disinterest, feigned or otherwise. Although his eyes widen when Hal makes his offer.
Under his breath he whispers something in elvish.
Cameron waits for Hal to reply to the gnome before interjecting if needed.
Krucina smiles at Nessa's apology. "No, no drogi! No offense taken.This "common" does not always fit my mouth correctly."
Upon hearing Dolgrin's blunt question, her eyes go wide: "Przez bogów! No! My kin and I merely traded goods between this plane of existence and the Shadow plane. We were sort of like planar caravaneers, if you like. I don't know what that blot is, but it is not of my people."
When the stranger arrives, Krucina turns her body so that her back is to him, facing the others so she can conceal the fact that her hand went to her weapon....
In the alley,the young man still show no interest in Nessa's antics
This is neither the place or the time.
He spots something when Krucina turns her back to him
vs
Hey, you, drop your hand slowly.... Dontcha know this place is neutral ground for all the gangs? We all need the fence. I don't want to start a fight, and if you value your skin, neither should you. No offense meant.
......................................................................
The gnome's small eyes darts to Cameron when he speaks in Elvish
May I remind you that my crossbows are targeting you, and don't allow for a warning shot? If you have to speak, speak in common. Or get out, Desnan. Maybe you miss the open sky above your head.
The words fail to impress Cameron, however.
Nessa's lips purse in a pout, "Nobody wants to play with me anymore." She turns away and walks back to the group to wait for their companions.
Dolgrin shrugs at Krucina's response. "I figured, but the question was begging to be asked."
The dwarf blinked at the young human spok on how they were on neutral ground... The boy likely belongs to one of the gangs... He leans in to the other more sociable types of the group to speak softly "I don't suppose you know which gang that fellow is in... or what relation they may have with the gang and the fellow we're looking for. Perhaps the boy can offer us some information..."
.
.
.
(vs Hedarold)
"Fear not, Clan Hawkwinter," Hal's eyes burrow into the gnome's, his voice calm and even. "Master Hedarold knows the business I am about, thus he knows my parameters when it comes to services offered. And he knows not to threaten me or my associates when I name them a friend of mine. Considering the myriad of employers we've both served in the past, I can be assured he knows how best to collect this new debt."
His gaze relaxes and his tone takes on more color as he continues. "But be cordial here, Clan Hawkwinter, Hedarold's shop represents a neutral ground, so to speak. That means business is bartered and parlay is always in Common. A matter of etiquette." Although Hal doesn't like the gnome per say, it's clear in the subtle change of tone that the elf respects him. Cameron has known Hal'dorel long enough to know that such a thing is difficult in the extreme.
"Now, for my inquiry," he addresses the gnome once more. "...he is a master of disguise, leader of a new gang in the area, possesses an interesting tattoo just here of a wolf and he has recently added to his coffers."
You are partially wrong, Hal Dorel. Or at least I think so. For what I know, the man uses fake tatoos from time to time. His gang is too small to hold a big territory, and tatoos are used by bigger gangs, when you don't know everyone but ought to be able to recognise who's on your side in a fight. You should keep your eyes open near the mission, or temple, or whatever it is called. Things are not always as they seem. I can't give you too much details, my clients here like to have some privacy. But Beltias Kreun is a nuisance that I'd be happy to have..permanently removed. Nothing personal of course.
He pauses, then
Saul sends you to put a show and get his money back? Beltias is a small fish to Saul, as Saul is a small fish in Riddleport's pond so far. He's no threat to the other crime bosses, who got the real power.If Saul tries to reclimb the ladder...
He says no more, knowing (or at least expecting)Hal Dorel will understand, blinks and looks at Cameron
One last word with you, Desnan. I know a certain priest of your goddess has recently disappeared.He was unlucky enough to be spotted some weeks ago in the Hornless Unicorn, asking questions about St Caspieran Salvation... which is on Beltias Kreun territory. Now you too are indebted to me.I'll collect later. It always pay to have an ace in your sleeve, as you might say, Cameron Hawkwinter,nephew to Milon...
He rubs his small hands
You may go. I have other clients, probably less honorable than you, to attend.
Alyana watches the man in the alley, and wonders over his lingering after he said he would be on his way. "Nevermin' wha my crewmate is workin'. Your ship is pullin' free o' the pier an' ya need to get on it." She motions with one hand two legs walking, "An' don' be missin' yer gangplank, cutter." She thinks to herself, Maybe a lashin' ta send tha cur on 'is way... where are the elf and the priest? She grins broadly, a joke has just written itself...
* * *
In the alley, the man goes away, after a last look at the dead goblin dogs.
He never totally turns his back to you, however, out of instinct.
Aggravated that she has nothing. or no one, to do, Nessa begins conjuring blobs of acid and dropping them on the dog corpses to dispose of them.
Cameron answer carefully, suppressing any emotion although inside the fence's words fill him with dread. "Beltias Kreun now there's a name with a black reputation. Somebody less charitable than my self might think the worst of a tip like that... If I owe you anything it's entirely due to my sense of honor, and any favor I do in return must therefor be compatible with that."
As they step outside, one thing is on Cameron's mind, 'Sweet dreamer! What foolishness did Millon get caught up in?'
Safely away from the fence's ears Cameron whispers something to Hal in the elvish tongue.
Everyone regroups outside of the fence's den.
Cameron and Hal notice one of the dead goblin dogs spots multiple acid wounds?
And Nessa seems itchy and in a bad mood.
Cameron eyes the partially dissolved dog and shudders involuntarily, 'Great Dreamer! I hope you can find it in your heat to forgive your wayward son and excuse him for living in such a stinking pit of villainy.'
After a moment he shakes his head and attempts a joke, "Well if the casino business doesn't work out, there's always sanitation. Gods knows this odious midden of a town can do with all the help it gets with that!"
A few moments pass and in a more serious tone, he shares what they learned about their mark, "It seems Beltias Kreun has annoyed the Sczarni, for we where told to keep our eyes open near the 'mission, or temple, or whatever it is called.' Apparently he doesn't have a big enough gang to hold much territory and any tatoos he has are unrelated to gangs. Oh and we where warned that 'things are not always as they seem.'"
Alayna deliberately ignores what Nessa is doing with the dog's corpse. Ach! Somethin' dark in tha' lass's soul.
When Cam and Hal finally emerge from the den of the fence, Alayna listens as the priest explains what they have learned. "Then to tha mission! An' if he aint got a big enough gang, then maybe we are a big enough crew to stomp 'is lights out?" Tattoos? "Aye, Lil' Dreamer, we just had a run-in wit' a cutter wearin' some ink - a scorpio or summat"
Having thoroughly melted the corpse of one of the dogs into a puddle of corrosive goo, Nessa tosses one last glob at it for good measure, pauses while taking a deep breath, and starts to swish her way out of the alley. She looks back over her shoulder, "Coming?" A slight frown crosses her face as she realizes she doesn't know where they are going for sure and says, "So where are we headed now?"
Cameron finds his eyes drawn to the melted remains once more and then he tears himself away and replies carefully, "To the mission. I think I know where that is..."
It takes you half an hour to reach the district where St Caspieran's Salvation lays, under the direction of Cameron.
The houses are smaller and need repairing, the ground is muddy-at least you hope it's mud-and the crowd is scarcer, poorer, and afraid.
Squatting halfway down this muck-smeared alley, sandwiched between a derelict wainwright’s shop and a bakery, stands a dilapidated tenement. A crooked belltower rises from the building’s rear, and a half-dozen grease-smeared, cracked, and boarded-over windows gaze out from walls that might haveonce been white.
A small sign hangs over the building’s battered oak front doors: “St. Caspieran’s Salvation—All Welcome.”
The mission's building is old, it's a two stories thing-three if you count the small part where the bell is hung. It's mid afternoon, maybe there's some priest or monk in here that could answer your question in there?
Looking around in some distaste, Nessa says, "This is an...interesting place, I don't know that I like it here." Looking at the building they were told to check out, "Soo, who want to lead the way into the dilapidated building first?"
"I'll do it." Alayna steps up, leans in a bit and lsitens for sounds from within.
Cameron touches Alayna gently on the shoulder and whispers, "May the dreamer guide your blade and guard your soul."
Using his longspear as a walking stick, a habit he is accustomed to in these parts, he follows shortly behind her trying to watch for any danger.
After their encounter outside the fence's domain, the hackles on the back of her neck have stayed risen. With Alayna's volunteer to check the door, Krucina places her back to the others, scanning the rear for any unseen trouble...
Alayna steps into the mission, not unwary, but confident. Once clear of the door she strides to the center of the room, making room for everyone else to come in behind her. "Lokks lika' surgeon's been to some work in this mess."
.
.
.
Hal considers the description of the thug the party encountered in the alley, nodding when Alayna mentions the tattoo. "Could be the lout is part of the Black Scorpions. They are of little consequence in the scheme of things, their territory is small. But knowing they've come this way to parlay with the gnome... perhaps there they would rather see this upstart Beltias Kreun and his ilk progress no further in the food chain?" the elf shrugs and moves along with the group, a quick tap at his hip to summon Inceku to his side.
------------------------
As the group makes the approach to the mission, Hal considered prior uses of the location, perhaps other gangs that used it or of there's an actual "clergy" to speak of in residence now.
Then, he nods to the others, "Inceku and I will attempt to swing in from the opposite side to gain an advantage." He glances Krucina's way and adds, "Your knowledge of the city will aid in this, and you've proven adept at shadowplay ." Hal indicates for her to follow him if she's willing.
》
》
》
》
Dolgrin shrugs and moves in with Alayna, his hand on his axe. Given the condition of the area they were in, the thought crossed his mind that such vermin could be around here too. Rodents and criminals... seems like a perfect match.
There are plenty of beggars here, of all ages, race, sex or form... and they all look at you, with sad and pleading eyes....
Maybe some fear too.
With a silent nod of her head in the affirmative to Hal, Krucina follows him around the side scanning the shadows.
Krucina silently slides her rapier from its sheath and readies the weapon towards the door. She nods towards it while looking at Hal, gauging whether he thinks they should enter as well, or wait for the rats to get flushed out to them.
Nessa keeps an eye out among the populace for anyone she might know who could be of interest, keeping close to her compatriots. She knows that she can deal with several of these people at once, but she would be quickly overwhelmed if they all came for her at once.
Hal asks Krucina to follow him, and turns the corner of the building. There's filth and broken branches and leaves, and the elf has an hard time to be totally silent. But there's so much noise inside that it probably won't matter.
He looks behind him, believing Krucina hasn't heard his invitation... and the pale girl is only a few inches from him!
How? She's more silent than ghost, Hal didn't even feel her presence just behind him, and is quite startled. She could have killed him without him noticing, that's certain. But who would have send her on such a mission? Which old foe would have payed? Shouldn't Hal have been more cautious before welcoming her in the group?
There's another path, not far away.. maybe another entrance?
.........................................................................
There's an argument in another room, not too far from the hall, two voices speaking about the meagre meal. Then a young man gets out what might be the "kitchen".
Hello... How can you help us? You're here to donate some money? I'm Jhonas, Father's Patrick ..help.
As they approach, Cameron keeps a keen eye out for any iconography or other hints about which god or goddess (if any) this place is supposed to be devoted to.
As they enter Cameron's nose wrinkles from all the unwashed bodies and he wonders if this is what a front looks like.
Taking a leaf out of his brother's book Cameron decides to try and bluff his way in. So when Jhonas asks their business, Cameron smiles and replies, "My dear fried Beltias told me all about this place and how you take excellent care for the poor. I thought it was time I swing by to give my regards. And who knows maybe some Alms too!"
Nessa finds herself immediately distracted from what she was doing as she stares at the handsome young man, her expression going from disinterested to yum almost instantly. She begins to walk towards him, her hips rolling and wings folded down, only to be interrupted when Cameron starts speaking. She makes a hissing sound that sounds almost exactly like a serpent but otherwise keeps her cool, UGH!, foiled again! Stupid no fun Cameron, she thinks to herself as she stomps one foot on the ground and gives him a dirty look.