Chapter 5: Blood and Fire

[Jeff]

"You have my thanks, Blademark, and my support for as long as you need it. If ever I can be of assistance to you, please seek me out. Please pass my regards to Enan for me, as well. Your service will not be forgotten."

Amal smiles with humility. But Kal detects a note of distraction in the Blademark's eyes. Somehow Kal knows the other man is remembering the Wood Mistress. After a moment, Amal says, "I think that I will seek you again someday, my lord."

The prince departs, and with formal words the dragonmarked representatives soon follow, Amal as well. Lady Vialene, before she leaves, exchanges some final words with Ralsor in harsh, clipped tones just quiet enough that you can't make out. She leaves in a huff.

"Let the adventures continue," Ralsor says to you with his characteristic grin.

Castellan Adele leads you out and through another maze of halls and elegant galleries until at last you've entered a grand antechamber just inside the main gate of Fairhold. There are a number of other people coming, going, and waiting here, and the room is large enough that individual groups of people can speak in private without risk of anyone else hearing.

An usher of sorts approaches with a fine leather, but well-worn satchel in his hand, which he then hands over to Kal. It looks like a scholar's pack, the type with which a wealthy student of the University might carry his school books. But it's fairly hefty.

"As requested for your investigative needs," Adele says by way of explanation. "The equivalent of one thousand galifars, in gold, silver, and platinum, cushioned as to prevent the jingling of coins. I recommend not losing this."

"Remember," Adele goes on. "Any sort of proof of Malov's efforts should be reported back to us. You can direct a messenger, or Sivis message, to myself or to Prince Aurad—but no one else."

With a gesture, a small group of court guards move forward, bearing your weapons. They hand them out, then Adele bids you farewell and departs with her bodyguard behind her. Now it's just your party and Lamara again.

Upon a high wall a grand clock face chimes with a magical resonance, sounding out twelve bells in succession. Noon.

Lamara, always scrutinizing, takes note of the instinctive glances some of you make at the sound of the clock. The inquisitive clears her throat. "Now we need to decide where to begin. I have a few ideas—"

"As do I," Charis adds, grasping her rapier with a smile. She makes a smooth flourish with her fingers as they wrap around the weapon's grip, and the rapier vanishes.

Lamara raises an eyebrow. "Nice trick."

"All in the wrist," Charis replies, daylight glinting off her one jeweled ring. Then she absently examines the new ring given to her by Adele, siblings to those the rest of you wear.

Lamara eyes Belarin, a sly grin forming on her lips. "You already have some place to be, don't you?" she says, "And you've been reticent about it."

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The satchel contains 80 pp (equivalent of 800 gp), 175 gp, 250 sp (equivalent of 25 gp), and I've added it (for now) to Kal's inventory.

[Darren]

Kalarian seems to ignore Lamara for the moment. "First we need to get to the university for our meeting. Then I think we should resupply. We need to get word out on the street about the book as soon as possible after that. Once that's done, I'd like to speak further with Lady Korvine."

[Jeff's backup]

Condign looks around the large antechamber, a bit overwhelmed by the opulence. As he assesses the room's entrances, exits and groups of people, he notices others returning his gaze with expressions of surprise and anxiety.

He turns to the others, his large red tail sweeping behind him and almost hitting Streko. "I believe, my friends, our best chance of success hinges upon our operating with some measure of secrecy. "Discreet" was the word used, if I remember rightly. However, my appearance among the good folk of Fairhaven will be anything but discreet. I will only draw attention to you and your efforts, and that must be avoided. Since my whereabouts will undoubtedly be watched, I may be better used as a diversion. What say you?"

[Jeff]

"True enough," Charis says at Condign's words. "But once we get underground—so to speak—your appearance may weigh in our favor." Her eyes linger on his curling black horns. "And those things might come in handy. What people don't know or understand they fear. And fear is important in that world."

Charis looks to Kal. "In any case, you should go where you agreed to go." Her eyes flick to Grafth then to Ralsor. "And I will deliver our overdue message to our mutual friend."

Lamara looks at Charis, her expression blank. "You made no mention to Prince Aundair of informing another third party."

"True enough," Charis replies with a smile. "But this one we trust." She looks to the rest of you. "Let say we meet at the second bell in two hours in front of the Deneith enclave gates? I figured you'd end up going there anyway. Should give you time for your meeting, get some food, and maybe some new supplies, eh?"

[Darren]

Kal locks Charis' eyes and studies her. "Be careful," he says with a nod. "If you have occasion to spread a few rumors while you are out..."

[Ken]

Reclaiming the pact dagger, Belarin briefly holds the weapon at arm's length, staring at it with a neutral expression. Then he places it back in the sheath at his belt.

Lamara eyes Belarin, a sly grin forming on her lips. "You already have some place to be, don't you?" she says, "And you've been reticent about it."

"Always, Lady Lamara, always," he replies, with a grin to match hers. "Usually, my answer would be a reputable tavern with good food and drink -- and I hope you'll recommend and join me at such establishments, my lady -- but yes, I do sincerely want to go to the University. I expect we'll discover some valuable arcane information.... It simply may not be within the library."

He looks at Charis after she speaks, his concern as great as Kal's. "We'll see you soon then, my lady." He then looks at the others and says, smiling once more, "Well then, let us go seek knowledge!" Unless there's any objection, he starts leading the way to the University.

[Joe]

"And, as you may have guessed, House Jorasco offers it's full support as well. We would do well to supply ourselves with some of their wares once we have finished with our meeting. Might I suggest stopping off there on the way to the Deneith Enclave? Our next to last stop before we begin in earnest?"

[Jeff]

Belarin leads the way out from under the massive double doors which seem to stand open at all times during the day, though they are guarded by a pair of halberdiers and, in a shadowed alcove, a pair of staff-bearing, lightly-armored mages. They set their eyes on you as you pass through, especially Condign.

"See you in two hours," Charis says, "In front of the Deneith enclave. Good luck." With that, she strides down the paved hill on which Fairhold rests, moving toward the rest of the city. Soon she's out of sight, lost in the masses.

"Well...it's time I get back to my ship," Ralsor says. "And Lever should stay with me. I'm surprised they didn't ask too many questions about him. I keep wondering if House Cannith will come calling...since he's still on their rosters."

"I have wondered the same," Lever says. "If I may suggest, Captain? I believe it may be best to approach House Cannith directly—perhaps on the way to the docking tower? I would certainly like to bring Mist's body to their workshops before too long. If there's any chance of reviving her, I would like to try."

Ralsor blows out a sigh. "We'll figure it out." He looks between Kal and Grafth. "With some new coin in hand, it may be worth it for you check in at the Cannith enclave, you know. They have the best arms and magical resources, after all. Think about it. In any case, you can always find me at the Lyrandar tower. Once I'm there, my house will be keeping a close eye on me, and probably the Watch, too."

[Josh]

"Yes, I certainly need a new spear, and would relish the chance to replenish my supplies without threat of certain doom." Grafth looks around to the others.

"Condign's concern brings up a good point... should all of us walk out of here and make straight for our rendezvous? Perhaps we should stagger ourselves, meeting back together as Charis recommends."

[Ken]

"Yes, that's a good idea," says Belarin. He looks at Condign, a touch of redness actually marking his cheeks. "My apologies, Condign," he continues. "In my haste to keep moving, I blazed right past your sensible comment. Not the first time my curiosity has overwhelmed me. Well, obviously, I need to go to our rendezvous, but there's no need for all of us to go. If perhaps one or two of you went with Condign, that would keep too much attention from being focused on the rest of us. I wouldn't split ourselves up more than that, however. It would be foolish to think that Malov's allies aren't fully aware of our presence here, so let's not make ourselves too easy of a target."

[Darren]

"A good suggestion, Grafth. Belarin, you head out first. Take Streko with you. The two of you heading straight for the university will look like academic curiosity to a casual observer. Grafth, shadow their movements. Try to make sure they're not being followed. If they are, follow their followers." He grins. "Condign and I will follow at a more leisurely pace. We'll meander a different path, but we'll be there in time for the meeting. Anyone who sees me will not be surprised by my keeping such...unique...company."

[Jeff's backup]

Belarin:

"My apologies, Condign," he continues. "In my haste to keep moving, I blazed right past your sensible comment."

"No apologies needed, my lord Belarin," says the tielfing. "The pace at which all of you live is. . .refreshing." Condign pauses, looking around at the others. "My mentor bade me seek out friends in this foreign land. I found the suggestion ill-advised at the time: an orc telling a tiefling to find friends in a nation of men. He persevered, telling me I can not accomplish all I need to do by myself. He said: 'To gain what you seek, you must learn. And by learning, teach others. Some walls were meant to be broken.' I did not understand him at the time, and I still do not understand him. Not fully. But I begin to see the wisdom in his words."

Condign turns to Kalarian and bows deeply. "After you, my lord Kalarian, for I do not know the way."

[Jeff]

We never did implement an If You Agree To Kal's Plan, Say Ay type of policy...

If I have this right, Kal's suggestion is: Belarin and Streko lead, making their way to the University. Grafth follows close behind. Then Kal and Condign work their way there more leisurely.

If anyone doesn't agree, better say so soon. DMs take their cues from player assertiveness.

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Ralsor and Lever walk off.

"Was there somewhere more specific than 'the University'?" Lamara asks. "It's a pretty big place, if you haven't noticed. If you wish, I will shadow Kal and Condign, as Grafth will Belarin and Streko."

[Darren]

Kal looks to Lamara, for a moment seeming to have forgotten that she was there. "Yes," he says, "that seems like an excellent idea. If we've already attracted attention here, it would be good to know. As for where we're supposed to meet, Belarin arranged that. Where did you tell our friend to meet us?"

_________________
I want to apologize, again, if anyone feels like I was just trying to tell everyone what to do. Of course you can all feel free to dissent. I'm just trying to keep things moving, and I'm trying to play Kal as the leader of the group, even if it's all in his head.

[Joe]

Streko sidles up to Belarin. "Well, then, shall we go see what wonderful troves of information we might discover? Allow the less educated among us to follow in our footsteps?"

He glances back at his friends and winks. "No offense meant...simply attempting some simple banter in the face of overwhelming obstacles and great fear of approaching doom."

He grins again and nods at Belarin. "After you, good sir!"

[Jeff]

The sky is bright blue, with hardly a cloud in sight. The air is warm, with only a slight breeze stirring your cloaks in this upraised portion of the city. In every direction away from Fairhold, the street slopes down, making it appear as though the royal palace was constructed on a great cobblestone pyramid.

Soon enough, your path descends to the level streets of Fairhaven from the north side of the palace...where you split into two groups, one going left (Belarin and Streko) and one going right (Kal and Condign), with Grafth and Lamara following the two groups respectively, and from a distance. The plan seems to be to circle around Fairhold and head for the University of Wynarn which lies south.

Most of you have been through the streets of Fairhaven before. But some have not....

Like most of the cities of the Five Nations, more than half of the people walking these streets are human. Half-elves are the next most populace race represented. Dwarves saunter about in smaller numbers, with full-blooded elves and gnomes much more scarce.

The only shifters you see are clearly travelers, not locals. Like Grafth, they're on the move. It's fairly well known that few shifters make permanent homes in Aundair. Many were wiped out by the zealots (and bigots) among the Church of the Silver Flame long before even the Last War, part of the bloody event known as the Purge. Most that remained returned west into the Eldeen Reaches...or ventured into the Talenta Plains to join distant kin who settled there.

Belarin & Streko

The last time Belarin walked through the streets of Fairhaven during the day had been when he was sniffing around for Emerald Claw activity, and eventually found it...and it's led full circle. He finds that he perceives the presence of the pact blade on his belt as if it were a living thing. Not living, perhaps, but certainly a pulse of power bound to another place, another person...even to an enemy.

Meanwhile, Streko recalls the incidents that occurred the last time he was here. Meeting his sister was a joyous, if brief occasion, and though he lost her again, he immediately came into the company of his present companions—powerful, if disorganized people. People who give him a fighting chance to get her back.

Kal & Condign

To Condign, the bustling city streets are almost dazzling to look upon. So much movement of booted feet and bodies going every which way. A tactical nightmare indeed, should combat ever break out. Streets open on many sides, narrow allies dividing the buildings. Arms sway, hands in motion, garments stirring. City watchmen, travelers, and occasionally mercenaries walk past, swords on their belts or spears in their hands. How vulnerable the citizens of this city appear! And talking. So much talking! Women gossiping on a street corner, peddlers hawking their wares, residents chatting with friends as they walk past on unknown errands. Altogether it creates a muted roar that drowns out any one voice. In his mind's eye, Condign can well envision shapeshifting fiends living among such a populace, easily concealing their crimes amidst such numbers.

In turn, the peoples' reactions to Condign are quite diverse. Out of the corner of their eyes, both Condign and Kal can hear whispers and soft-spoken comments as they go, most of which can't quite be made out. But a few can.

One adolescent boy stops his friend and gestures at Condign brazenly. "Uh-oh! Don't tell those Flamers*....but it looks like one of their demons got out." This is followed by laughter as the boy turns and walks off with his friends. But a few moments later, a young woman walks past, doing a double take when she sees Condign. Then she says, "Good." Can't tell if it's sarcastic or genuine.

Grafth

The smell of food assails Grafth as he walks past street carts hawking pastries and cooked meats. He even catches the scent of Brelish onion butter, which he'd encountered only briefly when he'd arrived in Fairhaven the first time. Belarin and and Streko prove easy to keep an eye on to the shifter, even in the lunch hour crowds. So far so good, no one seems to be tailing them that he can see.

All of you meander your way south, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells.

-----------------

* Mildly derogatory term for Thranes, since the Church of the Silver Flame is based in Thrane. The term 'Flamic,' however, is the proper term for things relating to the Church.

I want to apologize, again, if anyone feels like I was just trying to tell everyone what to do. Of course you can all feel free to dissent. I'm just trying to keep things moving, and I'm trying to play Kal as the leader of the group, even if it's all in his head.

I fully appreciate the attempt to keep things moving, Darren. So in general, Kal acting leaderlike never bothers me. It's up to others to be swift about dissenting, though. That way I know when someone's not going to cooperate to an authoritative suggestion.

[Jeff's backup]

Condign struggles to suppress his continued amazement: how can people live like this, exposed to so many dangers, yet appear mostly to be happy and content? Then a different, familiar thought enters pushes its way to the front: 'To gain what you seek, you must learn. And by learning, teach others.' Maybe the dangers with which he was raised are not present here, or elsewhere? A life more relaxed, sheltered (maybe too sheltered) from violence. That is something to think upon.

"My lord Kalarian," he addresses his companion, "if I may ask, since we have time to pass, what type of military training have you had?"

---------------------------

In my opinion, don't worry about Kal. I think you play him very well. There may come a time, however, when someone questions his implied authority .

[Darren]

Oh, Brian...you should go back and look at the early days of this campaign.....

______________________________

Kal strolls next to Condign, seeming to almost enjoy the attention of the gawkers. He smiles and even occasionally waves to those who look. It isn't until Condign's question that his face darkens somewhat.

"Perhaps you are unfamiliar with House Deneith, Condign? We have some of the finest warriors you can find anywhere, and it was my honor to serve among them during the War. I was stationed in the Talenta Plains, amongst the Halfling people. You should see their nobility and their ferocity in combat, Condign. They are such an amazing people." Kalarian pauses, his thoughts drifting. When he returns his gaze to Condign, his eyes never falter from the tiefling's golden orbs. "I saw too many men die out there. Too many friends. The carnage and the destruction, so much of it senseless, was more than most men could bear. It was my honor to serve amongst and to lead my brothers, but the scars it has left me are far worse than physical."

Kal exhales. "This city," he says, gesturing around him, "seems to be peaceful. Do not be fooled, Condign. In our lands, danger comes as often from within as it does from outside. There may not be an attack by an army, but the corruption and greed in the hearts of men can be as destructive as an invader. We tear ourselves apart from the inside, and we smile while we do it." Kalarian's grin returns to his face and he even winks at a pretty girl as she passes by. "Still, if we can have a pint of ale and spend some time with a beautiful woman while we're doing it, it's better than being on the battlefield."

[Ken]

Before the group splits up:

Nov 4, 2009 14:34:13 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Was there somewhere more specific than 'the University'?" Lamara asks. "It's a pretty big place, if you haven't noticed."

Belarin smiles. "Quite so, my lady. Our meeting point is not in the University, but behind it. I suspect any large tree in that area will do. We'll see you shortly."

Now:
As they walk, Belarin says to Streko, "Hmmm, this is refreshing, isn't it? I know we have to stay on our guard, but it's such a nice day. The only drawback is that Kalarian has all the money! Feh." There's a pause, and he says quite seriously, "Have you ever killed someone, Streko? No, let me rephrase that... have you ever had to kill someone in cold blood, as opposed to in the heat of battle? Even if you haven't, I'm certain you'd make an exception in the case of Malov, but just wondering..."

____________________
OOC: Belarin doesn't have any problems with Kal making the calls on tactical matters like this. In fact, he's happy not to have to worry about it! So keep on playing Kal as you've been doing, Darren. If Belarin thinks Kal is aggressively steering the group's decisions into areas where he shouldn't, he'll let him know.

[Josh]

The shifter enjoys the sights and smells of the city, though he regrets being unable to loiter at food carts. His eyes and ears are trained on his companions and surroundings, but feels that they are in no immediate danger—a pleasant turn of events.

_____________________
Jeff, you mention Grafth watching Condign, but isn't he tailing Belarin & Streko?

In my opinion, don't worry about Kal. I think you play him very well. There may come a time, however, when someone questions his implied authority .

Yep. I've given up on Grafth pretty much. It's either argue until you lose, leave, or break character to keep the game going.

[Jeff]

Kal & Condign

Another pair of adolescents start to keep pace Condign, though from a short distance. Grinning, they're clearly trying to impress each other by getting nearer the tiefling but staying out of reach.

"Hey!" one of them says, getting bolder by the second. "Is that a hat rack on your head there, sir?" His friend snickers. He doffs the brimless cap he's been wearing and holds it out. "Perhaps you can carry it for me?"

Grafth

Belarin and Streko seem to be maintaining a pretty leisurely pace. Grafth is fairly sure he could snag something from a vendor if they're quick enough, without losing his companions... The smell of some meaty thing with cream is taunting him. A merchant catches the shifter's eye and points to his cart, on which strips of seared meat have been stacked. "Two crowns'll do, my shifter friend."

[Josh]

Grafth considers the merchant's suggestion, but shakes his head, "My friend, you underestimate my appetite." He reaches into the pocket of his longcoat, feeling for any loose coinage me may have. He removes three crowns.

"Two for three?"

[Jeff's backup]

Condign looks at the boys with faint amusement. As they begin to follow Kal and him down the street, amusement fades to irritation, and then to concern as he worries the boys' antics may start to draw more attention as they approach the university.

With a brief gesture to Kal, he stops and turns to the boy with the hat. His lips peel back, revealing sharp, pointed teeth. He stares deep into the boy's eyes with that unblinking gaze others find so disturbing. The tiefling takes two quick steps forward and rolls his right shoulder over in the boy's direction. Then, with a quick twist of his hips, his long red tail lashes out and with a SNAP rends the hat into two pieces. As the remains of the hat flutter away in the wind, he says to the boy: "It appears you do not need a hat rack."

He and Kal resume their walk along the street. In a low voice, he says to Kal: "When I was young, I was often bored. To pass the time, I practiced snapping twigs off trees with my tail. I got pretty good at it."

[Joe]

Belarin:

Have you ever killed someone, Streko? No, let me rephrase that... have you ever had to kill someone in cold blood, as opposed to in the heat of battle? Even if you haven't, I'm certain you'd make an exception in the case of Malov, but just wondering...

Streko's eyes gaze distantly ahead, as if he were staring into the past, rather than the shapely Halfling ten paces ahead of them. "I am both a healer of House Jorasco, by birthright, and a cleric of Olladra, by desire. The first demands that I heal those in need, often for a price, but not for a lack of compassion. The second often places my life, and those around me, in peril. Have I ever had to kill in cold blood, my friend? No, even though I could have sworn that my own corpse has whispered into my ear on more than one occasion. Would I? Yes, I believe I would, given the correct situation. However, that is not the question I believe you want me to answer, is it? Perhaps you would like to know if I COULD kill in cold blood."

He blinks a couple times, as if returning to the present. He looks up at Belarin briefly and a sad smile creases his face. "Yes. Yes, I could."

Streko quickly turns away and shakes his head, attempting to ward off an oncoming headache. "I'm hungry. I hope this meeting goes quickly. I could use some spicy sausage and cold ale to wash it down with."

[Darren]

Kal watches without comment as Condign destroys the boy's hat, studying the tiefling closely. As the hat flutters away in the wind, Kalarian bends down next to Tangat and removes a sovereign from his pouch. Placing it carefully between the dog's teeth, he whispers something in Halfling into his friend's ear and then scratches him on the head as he stands up.

"My friend does not quite understand a joke," he calls out to the youth as he watches Tangat pad towards the boy. Stopping in front of him, Tangat opens his mouth and drops the coin into the boy's hand. "For a new hat," Kal says, "and perhaps a rack to hang it on." Kal grins and winks as he turns to go, allowing his canine friend to play for a moment with the boys before whistling for him to follow.

[Ken]

Streko:

Nov 5, 2009 21:56:56 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko quickly turns away and shakes his head, attempting to ward off an oncoming headache. "I'm hungry. I hope this meeting goes quickly. I could use some spicy sausage and cold ale to wash it down with."

"Well, that's a given at ANY time of day," Belarin says, seemingly pleased that Streko has changed the topic. "So.... Lady Lamara -- do you think she's betrothed? I mean, I think she and I connected on an emotional level and..." Belarin simply starts laughing, and he places a hand on Streko's shoulder as they walk.

[Jeff]

Grafth

The vendor hesitates...then nods, and immediately grabs three strips of seared meat, slathers and unknown sauce on them, and wraps it all in some sort of cheesecloth. He accepts Grafth's two crowns*. Grafth finds the street food to be a rival of the fine cuisine of last night's restaurant dinner. With his stomach addressed, he feels better able to divert his full attention on Belarin and Streko, who seem to be talking to one another like old friends.

Just as he's lapping up the last remains of the mystery sauce, a small alarm is raised in his mind. He realizes that a man seems to be walking at the same pace as Belarin and Streko, about twenty feet to their right, and casting sidelong glances at them. He's human, fairly young, with disheveled hair, and lower- to middle-class clothing.

Condign & Kal

The boy's face reddens when his hat is lashed in two. But before Tangat can deliver the coin, the boys have run off. The mumurs continue as new people spot Condign. Kal feels more eyes on him (simply for being in the tiefling's company) than he's used to.

The street leads them between a long row of trees, which amount to a picturesque park, and commercial buildins. To their left, the spires of the city's Sovereign Ward loom overhead. That is the temple district of the city, housing individuals temples to the gods of the Soverieng Host and to the pantheon in general. And word has it, somewhere in there is even an abandoned temple once devoted to the Silver Flame.

Soon, they can begin to make out the great structures of the University. As they're walking, one man's voice emerges above the din of the crowds. With his back against one particularly large tree in the park and his feet planted firmly on a short stack of crates, a man with a neat beard and wearing the clothing of a courtier down on his luck (and twenty years ago) is speaking to a gathering of curious citizens. The man's voice carries well over the noise, suggesting some minor magic may even be at work. Around his neck on a long strap is a lute, although he isn't playing it now.

"How long?" he asks the people, "Will you remain complacent? How many setbacks will you endure before the dictates of a single woman draw you back to war again? Are Aundairians content to be citizens of Aundair alone? That may be enough for you and me, but what of the Queen? Does she not wish to make you all citizens of Galifar again? Does she not wish to claim the throne that Jarot left empty?"

Kal and Condign, both military men, quickly take note of the Watchman standing by. They're keeping an eye on the orator, wariness in their eyes and hands on the hafts of their weapons, but they're not interfering right now. The crowd seems more curious than up-in-arms about anything.

As Kal and Condign's path take them along the fringes of the gathering, the orator's eyes catch notice of them. Even from this distance, Condign can feel the man's gaze.

Belarin & Streko

Belarin can't help but imagine now that each gnome he glimpses, or each rare elf who passes by, could be an agent of the fey. They all go about their business in this, one of the most populated cities in the world, but just how far does Thelanis's gaze reach?

The shapely halfling that Streko noticed briefly turns her eyes on him. She makes a point to walk straight past him, a basket of bread in her arms. "May the Lady embolden you, sir," she says with a smile. Streko knows it's just one of the many sayings among followers of Olladra, but the way this halfling said it leaves him tingly.

Two seconds later, a male halfling follows behind her, clearly trying to catch up to her. His face is red and angry, though. Clearly a frustrated suitor. As he passes by Streko, he points a finger at him. "You. Stay away."

____________________________

Grafth's Perception check = 30 (Stupid Invisible Castle always goes down when I need a roll.)

* To make things consistant and easier for you guys, anytime coins come or go I'll make the updates on your character files.

[Josh]

The shifter, pleased that the vendor's misinterpretation netted him yet another piece of meat, watches the stranger without directly staring at him, lest the young man happen to glance his way.

Grafth positions himself in the man's blind spot, but closes in a bit, making sure to watch for any suspicious hand movements or signals to other people that he may potentially be in league with.

[Darren]

Kal puts a hand out in front of Condign to stop him, his eyes on the orator. "Let's see if we can't draw a little more attention to us and away from our friends," he says with a grin. Moving to the edge of the crowd, he calls out, "What do you propose to do then, sir? What wisdom do you possess that is greater than that of her Majesty?"

[Jeff's backup]

Condign steps back to stand behind and slightly to the right of Kal. Looking at the man, he places his fists on hips and slowly nods once. The message is clear: your move.