Chapter 7: Unconscious Revelations

[Jeff]

Several halflings come forward to "receive" Rejda. "Thanks," one of them says with a wink and a smile that borders on camaraderie.

"I'll lead them out of here," Varna says to the Boromars, indicating your party.

"Be careful," Resh says.

Varna nods and beckons to you. "Let's go."

[Darren]

Kalarian studies Resh for a moment. "Your bravery would commend you to your brothers on the Plains," he says. "I only hope you can find their kind of honor amongst your surroundings." He gestures vaguely around, taking in the Boromars, Callestan, perhaps all of Sharn.

Turning to leave, Kal looks down at Varna, then gestures over to Rejda. "I hope you like your present, sweetheart. I don't think the store will take it back." Kal grins and gives her a wink. "Okay, my friends, let's be on our way."

[Joe]

Streko nods at Rejda. "May Olladra grant you a death worthy of your deeds."

Streko will follow directly behind his sister in whatever "marching order" there may be.

[Jeff]

Without anther word, Varna leads you out...into the midnight streets of Callestan. She obviously knows her way perfectly, but she approaches each intersection cautiously, and occasionally looks back to see that everyone's still with her. Only a few streets later, you're back onto one of the main avenues of the district, and other people appear.

They give you all a wide berth. Adamant and especially the black-blood-caked Condign seems to deter everyone. A few goblins mill around the crowd, but they don't seem related to those in Daask.

"You mentioned a half-orc named Trag earlier," Varna says when it's clear she's more relaxed. "We'll look into him, and keep him off your back. But you can start by staying out of Callestan next time."

And then finally, Callestan is behind you. The streets lead to the bridges, and you cross the city chasm and its thousands of lights rising up all around you and eventually return to Olladra's Kitchen.

At this hour, the Eatery is closed, but Varna uses a key to get you in. "Sleep well," she says once the quiet and dark of the restaurant encloses you. "You've earned it, I'd say. And thanks for your help. I'll check in with them tomorrow morning, to see if I can find out when Castar has something for you."

"Goodnight." Varna walks wearily off to her room.

Rest and recuperation awaits.

Adamant sees everyone safely home, and is now free to return to High Walls until morning.

______________________________

Unless you have anything further to do, we'll move on to the next day...

[Darren]

Kal is eager to see if word has arrived from the Deneith enclave, but as everyone is asleep, he knows he will have to wait until morning. He watches Varna walk off to her room and sighs as he closes the door of his own room and lies down to sleep.

________________
Ready to move on.

[Dave W.]

Adamant escorts the group into the Tavern. He nods to Varna as she readies to leave, "Thank you Varna, it has be an interesting night."

"Gentle people, I will see you in the morning."

Adamant will then return to his small room in High Walls. After resting for 4 hours, the remaining night is spent patrolling.

---------
I'm fine with advancing time.

[Ken]

Belarin says, "I'm too tired to drink. Good night, gentle friends. Here's to pleasant dreams and another day of chaos ahead."

____________________________
Nothing more to add. Ready to move on.

[Brian]

While the others wander off to their rooms, Condign does his best to find water and soap. Back in his room, he cleans off his armor and weapons first and sets them aside. Next he tries to wash out as much of the troll blood from his clothes as he can. Finally, he scrubs himself clean.

Too tired to dispose of the basin of filthy water now, he leaves it in the far corner of his room. Then he climbs into bed and quickly falls asleep.

__________________

On to the next adventure. Maybe during this one I can get a scabbard for this blade.

[Mike]

Syrdan says nothing as he heads back to the tavern with his companions, seemingly lost in his own musings.

Once there, he quietly bids his new friends good night, and heads up to his room. There, he sits and meditates for awhile, communing with his ancestors, before finally catching a few winks of sleep.

________________

Also ready to move on.

[Jeff]

The remainder of the night is uneventful. After cleaning, resting, or otherwise sleeping, you are all finally roused by early morning. Although most of you would have wanted to sleep by mid-morning, the mysterious Z's letter indicated a meeting time of the 10th bell for breakfast.

Your remaining injuries are less serious; now they're just irritating. Your bodies are sore but serviceable.

Mol, the 16th of Sypheros 998 YK

After cleaning and getting a good look at himself in a mirror, Syrdan sees that he's got a pretty noticeable scar running from his temple to halfway across his forehead—the echo of wound that nearly killed him. The sort of that even healing magic can't make go away. It'll become less noticeable over time, but never really fade.

Your washbasins come out pink and dirty, but you all sure feel a lot better and a lot cleaner. Grime clings to the edges of Condign's armor, but it's mostly clean now. His broadsword gleams much easier. If only he could find a scabbard! A quick stop at any leatherworker might solve that...

Adamant feels pretty good. The nightly patrol around High Walls has worked out the warforged's overwrought musculature. The few dents and scars remain, but he's used to that. Physical condition aside, his brief inactivity and then daily rounds help him mentally, even spiritually. Being among the Cyrans again, despite the destitute condition of their new home in Sharn, does him good. High Walls has as much sorrow as Callestan, but not half of the vice or desperation. There is a persistent spirit here, and a lingering, if wounded pride, even if it's locked in constant struggle.

When you've all gathered in the common room, you find the breakfast crowd already coming and going. Esthryn and Orval are busy cooking and serving, and Adamant has already returned.

The stools at the bar remain empty for your use. Varna sits at the end of the bar on her stool, still sleepy-eyed and wearing only thin morning robes (to Esthryn's silent chagrin); she is barefoot, is sipping some tea, but she still wears her dagger at her hip. She looks over at you as you gather.

"So who's this 'Z' you mentioned yesterday?" she asks, yawning. "Someone I should know about?" You recall now that she was not there at the time of the letter's arrival. "Or am I not to be trusted now?" A slight smile.

Before you can even answer...

You have experienced—and survived—another eventful evening, Matheu says to you all from his unseen perch somewhere within the common room. A task for the Boromar Clan? Adamant and Syrdan are not yet used to the pseudodragon's sudden telepathic musings.

It is now the 9th bell of morning.

_______________________________

Everyone's back at max hit points, with 1 action point.

[Darren]

"Perhaps you should consider writing a book about us," Kal says into the silence of his mind, for Matheu's benefit. He smiles, even if everyone around him doesn't know why.

Taking a seat next to Varna, and trying not to be too obvious in noticing how she is dressed, Kal leans his elbows on the bar in front of him. "I've trusted you from the start, Varna. As to this 'Z', I was hoping to try to get more information from your friends, but apparently they don't like puppies as much as I thought they would." Kal glances at Esthryn, hoping he has been vague enough to not get Varna in trouble. "We are supposed to meet with this man in one bell, in the garden patio of Azure Gateway. Perhaps you'd like to come with us? You'd need to dress...well...more appropriately. I would be delighted to have you as my guest." Kal smiles a very genuine smile.

[Dave W.]

"I believe what Kal is trying to say," Adamant tells Varna, "is that we received a letter yesterday from someone who has an adventure opportunity for us. He claims to be the person who was watching us in the our adventure in the City of the Dead. He signed the letter as 'Z' and requested a meeting at the 10th bell today."

"I should think that you have the right to be included unless you wish not to be."

[Brian]

"I suggest we get moving," says Condign after he finishes his meal. "If there is a leatherworker on the way, I'd like to stop and get a scabbard for this sword."

[Mike]

Syrdan takes a seat far from Varna, albeit one close enough to at least faintly hear the conversation of his companions. He sips at a mug of herbal tea, mulling over the events of the previous evening, and contemplating the upcoming meeting with the enigmatic "Z".

The elf looks up at Condign, when he mentions a scabbard.

"It's a fine blade, my friend," Syrdan says quietly. "I'd suggest waiting to find a scabbard for it after our meeting, though. Find your sword a scabbard worthy to hold it." He smiles, and taps his fingers lightly against the giant sword slung over his back. "It deserves something wrought with a bit of care, by a master of the craft, I think."

[Jeff]

Varna smiles at Kal's words. "How do you know Z is a man?"

When Adamant says more about it, she sits up tall and her smile fades. "This person claims to be behind all that? The City of the Dead ordeal? I most definitely am interested in going with you...anyone who can pull strings like that without...umm, my friends' knowledge is worth knowing about. But...we only have an hour?!" She hops off her stool. "Damn it...wish you'd said something sooner. I'm not going to be ready in time..."

She pauses. "Wait. You do realize where Azure Gateway is?" She shakes her head and stares into space for a moment.

Skyway, Matheu says. The loftiest region of this city. Skyway is a district built upon floating disks of force, wreathed in clouds. It hovers above even the Upper City. There are some who believe Skyway is the city's greatest conceit; more so than even the towers of Sharn, it relies upon the influence of Syrania to stay aloft.

"Yeah....all that," Varna says. "Only the wealthiest go there; it has the finest inns and restaurants. Some even live there."

[Ken]

Belarin doesn't appear to have had a very restful sleep. He looks haggard, as though he had had dreams involving massive wolf jaws and reanimated foes. The fresh coffee and the Tavvens' magnificent pastries seem to have had only a mild impact on him.

The description of Skyway, however, appears to stimulate him. "Really? How wonderfully pompous of 'Z'! He - or she, Varna, quite right - hopes to persuade us not with a show of force, but with a gaudy display of wealth. Fortunately, I'm resistant to such displays." He pauses to sip coffee. "Not immune, mind you. Just resistant. Let's gather what we need in the next few minutes and be off."

[Dave W.]

"How long could it take to change clothes? Aren't they designed to be attached and unattached quickly. I seem to recall reading a tavern song that focused on how quickly clothes were unattached."

"Get ready Varna, we will wait."

Adamant approaches Syrdan, "You seem distant, friend. Is it concern for Lerhanna? I share that concern but we have pursued all the paths we had. More will open up. Have hope that Varna's friends will show us new paths."

[Darren]

Dec 30, 2010 17:19:58 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Varna smiles at Kal's words. "How do you know Z is a man?"

"Oh, I don't know, Varna," Kal says with a chuckle, "the letter sounded pretty pompous. Most women I know couldn't pull off quite that much."

Dec 30, 2010 17:19:58 GMT -4 Jeff said:

She pauses. "Wait. You do realize where Azure Gateway is?" She shakes her head and stares into space for a moment.

Skyway, Matheu says. The loftiest region of this city. Skyway is a district built upon floating disks of force, wreathed in clouds. It hovers above even the Upper City. There are some who believe Skyway is the city's greatest conceit; more so than even the towers of Sharn, it relies upon the influence of Syrania to stay aloft.

"Yeah....all that," Varna says. "Only the wealthiest go there; it has the finest inns and restaurants. Some even live there."

"Of course, my dear! That's why I said you'd need to change." Kal moves closer to the pretty halfling and lowers his voice. "And while I admire your usual attire, I think a dress might be more appropriate for this outing." Kal winks at her. "Besides, I would so love to see you in a beautiful gown." He stands and takes on a tone more fitting for Esthryn. "Go along now. Hurry, dear. We mustn't keep our mysterious friend waiting. Ah, Belarin? You do still have that box, don't you?"

_________________
Kal, by the way, has put on his new clothes that he didn't wear yesterday. So he should be looking quite presentable.

[Joe]

Dec 30, 2010 19:41:33 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"How long could it take to change clothes? Aren't they designed to be attached and unattached quickly. I seem to recall reading a tavern song that focused on how quickly clothes were unattached."

Streko spits out a mouthful of coffee, choking on the dark brew as if it were poison.

Dec 30, 2010 19:41:33 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"Get ready Varna, we will wait."

He glares at Adamant, then turns to his sister. "Yes, please do."

Streko looks positively dreadful and knows he will need at least one more cup of the strong breew before he is capable of thinking correctly. He appears as if he has a hangover, but he certainly can't remember imbibing in recent memory. Then, of course, he recalls the number of times over the course of yesteday that he channeled Olladra's will.

"The Lady giveth...and the Lady taketh away. Gods, but my head hurts..."

He takes a sip of coffee, enjoying the flavor that explodes throughout his mouth and the heat as it travels down his throat.

[Jeff]

"Streko!" Esthryn shouts from the kitchen when Streko spits out his coffee. She hears nothing of your conversation. "You clean that up right away!"

Kal:

"Besides, I would so love to see you in a beautiful gown."

"A gown?" Varna echoes. "Dream on, Kal. That's not my style." She gives him a crooked smile. "Black leather was good enough for Z's little gauntlet, so it'll have to do for breakfast, too."

Adamant:

"Get ready Varna, we will wait."

Streko:

He glares at Adamant, then turns to his sister. "Yes, please do."

"No, no," Varna says, shaking her head. "You don't understand. I can get ready fairly quick, but I can't go straight there with you. I have...well, a couple of duties this morning. And no, you can't come with me." She seems distracted, ticking off some mental errands in her head. "But I could probably rush them and then join you. What happens if I'm late to Z's party?"

Adamant:

"You seem distant, friend. Is it concern for Lerhanna? I share that concern but we have pursued all the paths we had. More will open up. Have hope that Varna's friends will show us new paths."

"Oh!" Varna almost laughs, then snaps her fingers. "Syrdan!" She walks over and looks up at the elf, then lowers her voice. "In the corner, about forty year's old, the one missing a hand. That's Lefty. He always orders the..." She smiles. "Skyway Special for breakfast."

Syrdan easily spots the person in question. Sitting alone at a table among the breakfast crowd is a portly, grumpy-looking, middle-aged halfling male, shoveling away his breakfast with his right hand. His left arm ends at the elbow.

"Go talk to him," Varna goes on. "He's a messenger, usually delivers here in Olladra's Kitchen. If Castar found anything by this time, he'll have it. If not...well, he won't. He's a grouch, but he likes me and this place. I swear, my mother's omelets alone keeps me in good favor."

Meanwhile, Tangat drifts back and forth between each of you, trying to gauge the most generous scrap-giver.

[Darren]

"I don't think that's a good idea, Varna. You not showing up with us, I mean. We were given some items and told that that was our "passage" to get in. I really think it better if you arrive with us. Can you meet us at the entrance at 10th bell?"

[Ken]

"Yes, indeed, I have the package," Belarin says to Kalarian, displaying the box that the gargoyle messenger delivered, "but I don't think it's essential that Varna be with us at the start of the meeting. In the letter, 'Z' said to use this silver coffer," he taps the box lightly, "as our passage, and there wasn't anything inherently magical about it -- that is, nothing that could be used to compel someone to 'attend or else.' Excuse me... Esthryn, dearest lady, any chance that you've made a new batch of blueberry muffins?

"And I have to amend my comments about 'Z's' identity," he continues. He scans the letters as he speaks. "It's signed as 'The Man Behind the Eye' -- I had ignored that at first, still too flabbergasted by the wonderfully brazen signatory 'Your friend.' And if I had to guess, I'd venture he's not human. That ghostly woman in the chains had said that the annoying female necromancer - who still must die, by the way - served some unseen person. Let's assume that person was 'Z,' and if so, then 'Z' has probably had significant arcane talents for quite a while, perhaps longer than it would take some short-lived human like me to acquire. Not impossible for a human, certainly, but more difficult without external assistance. As Matheu had suggested, scrying magic isn't the work of a hedge wizard, nor is the binding of a powerful spirit."

He pauses to sip more coffee. "Of course, listen to me at your own peril. My recent conjectures have been embarrassingly off the mark."

[Jeff]

"No, I cannot," Varna replies to Kal. "If I'd known about this last night...no, it won't happen. But I can get there, maybe by the 11th bell."

She listens to Belarin, then nods at the coffer. "What's in there, then? And....can I read this letter?"

[Brian]

Varna:

She listens to Belarin, then nods at the coffer. "What's in there, then? And....can I read this letter?"

Condign arches one thin, blue eyebrow. "My lady Varna, while we welcome your company, you tell us you will be at least one bell late as it is. Delay any further and you will only be later. Maybe you should get dressed and attend to your errands. You may arrive sooner than you think. We will likely need your knowledge of this city and its workings when he deal with this Z person."

Condign smiles and grabs a large chunk of meat from his plate. He then holds it under his seat for Tangat.

[Mike]

Adamant approaches Syrdan, "You seem distant, friend. Is it concern for Lerhanna? I share that concern but we have pursued all the paths we had. More will open up. Have hope that Varna's friends will show us new paths."

Syrdan taps the side of his mug of tea with his gloved fingers. "Concern for Lerhanna, yes," Syrdan says in a low voice to Adamant. "And concern for the path of half-truths and hidden agendas that seem to be leading us to her. That seem to be leading us everywhere of late, like puppets on strings."

"Oh!" Varna almost laughs, then snaps her fingers. "Syrdan!"

"Speak of the devil," Syrdan murmurs quietly to Adamant, as he watches the halfling approach. A thin smile crosses the elf's lips. But there isn't a trace of humor in his eyes.

Still, he listens politely to Varna's words when she comes over to him, and nods when she's finished speaking. "My thanks to you," he says to the halfling. "I'll indeed speak with this 'Lefty' ... we'll see if he's got news for us."

The elf excuses himself from Varna and Adamant, and makes his way over to Lefty.

"Good morning," he says to the halfling. "Mind if I join you? I'm Syrdan Sar Dathiel ... a mutual friend of ours, Castar may have given you some information meant for my eyes and eyes."

[Darren]

Several emotions cross Kal's face, conflicting and battling for control. Finally he opens his mouth, a bit of sadness appearing to have won. "I think Condign is right, Varna. Get yourself ready and attend to those things that you won't tell us about. Meet us at Azure Gardens when you are done. That is all you need to know, for now."

Kal turns away from Varna, his eyes cast down towards the floor. He moves across the room and sits again at the bar. "Orval," he says, beckoning to the elder halfling, "has anyone come looking for me while we've been out?"

[Jeff]

Varna nods at Condign, takes a deep breath, and sighs. "Here's to another interesting day." She looks at all of you. "Right, just go. I know where the Azure Gateway is, but I've never been there. I'll catch up, soon as I can, I promise."

The halfling named Lefty looks up at Syrdan from beneath bushy eyebrows as the elf approaches.

"Might wanna be keeping your voice down, son." He doesn't look particularly pleased to have his meal interrupted. "Syrdan, is it? Yea, an elf elf-searcher. Guess that makes some kinda sense."

He pauses as he swallows, then takes a swig of juice. "Lessee...." Syrdan can picture some grinding wheels behind the old halfling's eyes. "I'm s'pose to tell you...that a fellow name Krek....Kress....no, Kretz?...is a well known war criminal sought for the gallows in 'is own 'omeland...that being Karrnath. 'E's a right fiend." Lefty lowers his voice real low. "Emerald Claw nutcase, and sympathizer with the Blood of Vol, they say. Came to this city for some sort of...promotion? Anyways, 'e's booked passage aboard a ship at the docks, due to be leaving soon. Later today or tom'rrow, it's said. Destination unknown; might'n be Vralkek, or Trolanport, or further on."

He pauses again, then taps his head with his one hand as he stares out the window, as if trying to dislodge more information. "Ahh, and the elf? Nothing. Castar can't find a trace except from those who've seen 'er at Silvermist. Never saw 'er before, never after. She don't leave a trail. But this ship that your friend Kretz'll be boarding...there've got some unknown cargo. Boxes and bundles. Maybe she's there? Boat's name is...uhhh...the Patriot."

Lefty stops pondering, then fixes Syrdan for the first time with both eyes, looking like he's going to say something portentous. "Can you tell Lady Esthryn to send some more rolls over?" He gestures at his mostly empty plate.

[Jeff]

"Come looking for you?" Orval says, approaching Kal. "What, you're not busy enough? You all look like you're going to war again or something. I heard you creep in last night...just glad everyone's all right."

"No, no one's come calling for you."

[Darren]

"That's a shame," Kal says, looking down at the bar. He meets Orval's eyes and continues. "I'm waiting for a messenger from the Deneith enclave, but I guess things move slower over there than I'd like. As for us, well, we're just off to breakfast, which is why I haven't indulged in Esthryn's cooking." Kal offers a seated bow to Esthryn. "No offense to you, my dear. We just wanted to try some of the other offerings in the city. While we're here." Kal puts on his most charming smile, hoping it will work on her.

[Ken]

Dec 31, 2010 7:17:38 GMT -4 Jeff said:

She listens to Belarin, then nods at the coffer. "What's in there, then? And....can I read this letter?"

"If you have the time, then certainly," he says with a smile, finally starting to regain his more traditional mood. "I'd get up and bring them over to you, but the absence of your parents' blueberry muffins has made me weak with hunger." He looks longingly toward the kitchen as he holds the contents of the box out for Varna to examine.