Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Jeff]

Team B

The two elves listen quietly. Gradually, Haralee seems to relax and lower her suspicions, especially as Ptolyn seems to take Belarin's words to heart.

The male elf nods at Adamant. "Mayne Jhaelian, you may call him a high priest. One of the most venerable I know. Rest assured, we will send word to him of what we know, and of your presence here. While he was aware of the....significance of Lerrhana's identity, he has always remained neutral to Aereni politics. I respect him as I do my own ancestors."

He looks to the three of you. "I know of Syrdan Sar Dathiel, indirectly, though he may not know of us. His name was on a list of possible friends or associates of Lerrhana's on Khorvaire. Yes, Lerrhana is a royal, a cousin to the diplomat Etrigani in Karrnath, who has now become a queen there, and Lerrhana is what you might term a 'second cousin' to the Sibling Kings in Aerenal. Despite her familial duties, she exhibited an interest in joining an organization her line—that is, her extended family—had forbidden membership in. Eventually, she did, and soon after departed from Aerenal. We are looking to retrieve her."

Ptolyn hesitates. "I suspect...against her will. And that is where this becomes more complicated." He glances at the door. "Now that we know she is in the city, as you have suggested, my associates have already begun searching for her. Understand, that is why we are here right now. We had charted a course towards Sharn, but...divinations revealed that she was no longer there and was, somehow, at sea. That was not expected. So we came here to continue the search. I thank the Court that we encountered you."

The elf gestures out the window, and, looking down into the wharf, you can see a vessel you hadn't noticed before, somehow lost among the many masts. It's a black ship, smaller than the Merrow Down, and shaped like no other craft you've seen before. It is adorned with skulls. Instead of a standard mast, it looks like there's an actual leaf-less tree sprouting from the center of the deck with a web of gossomar forming a strange sail between its branches.

Ptolyn continues speaking, drawing your eyes back to him. "Your role is to be commended in this, Master...? Will you give me your proper names? I have given you mine: Ptolyn Sar Lorelac. This is Haralee Ar Vanaliel.

"I suspect your preference is to let Lerrhana decide her own fate...and in that we would be agreed, to a point. But I would ask you to consider that her responsibilities are greater than you have heard and that there is more to our culture that Khorvairians would not share or understand.

"In the very least, we have a common enemy. In searching for Lerrhana, I have learned of Major Krez, though I did not know he is suspected of becoming a vampire. It does not surprise me. His foul associations in the land of Karrnath..."

Ptolyn stops and looks at each of you. "Before we continue, I need to know: will you cooperate with us, and help us safely find Lerrhana again? She is no criminal—far from it—but if she is to quit the duties of our realm, she must do so through proper channels."

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin listens with interest to Ptolyn's reaction and explanation. Any warmth he feels, though, cools quickly as he hears Ptolyn's question.

Feb 9, 2012 12:27:24 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Ptolyn continues speaking, drawing your eyes back to him. "Your role is to be commended in this, Master...? Will you give me your proper names? I have given you mine: Ptolyn Sar Lorelac. This is Haralee Ar Vanaliel.

. . .

Ptolyn stops and looks at each of you. "Before we continue, I need to know: will you cooperate with us, and help us safely find Lerrhana again? She is no criminal—far from it—but if she is to quit the duties of our realm, she must do so through proper channels."

Belarin nods and says amiably, "My name is Belarin Malizia, and it's a pleasure to meet the both of you. My stalwart, deception-averse friend here is Adamant, and Shorak is, well... Shorak! He's the only one of us with ties to Stormreach." He looks at Shorak and Adamant for a moment before responding to Ptolyn's final question.

"Lerrhana is ... well, it's hard to precisely label her as a 'friend' as I hadn't learned much about her in our time together... well, that's obvious now ... but... I carried her bleeding, cold body as we ran out of the Patriot's hold." He finds himself getting tense. "I held her head up in the freezing ocean as we waited for our ship to pick us up." His voice rises ever so slightly and he struggles to moderate his tone. "Excuse me. I just want you to understand that I -- we --" he indicates his two friends "-- have invested heavily in her life and happiness. And we respect greatly her wishes. When she parted company, it was because she felt that, apart, we would all be safer from Krez than if we were together. And she's probably right.

"Krez, unfortunately, is no idiot, and he is likely bolstering his connections in the city. Look at us, Ptolyn -- a human, a gray-skinned drow, and a warforged. If Krez received reports of such a trio wandering through the streets in the company of Aereni, what do you think he would do?

"No, Ptolyn, Haralee... I, for one, will not help you look for her, at least not until Krez is destroyed. I'm sorry, truly, because I believe everything you say, but her stated wishes take precedence."

[Dave W.]

Team B 
Adamant nods at his introduction, "I apologize for the deception, I am Adamant."

When his friend finishes, Adamant has his say, "Belarin is more harsh than I would be. And i am more sympathetic to your case; one should be encouraged to do ones duty."

"But though my answer may differ in detail, it may not differ in a meaningful way. And in all practicality, neither answer really matters."

"I believe Lerrhana may have made her decisions lacking full information. And I would gladly present your case to her and have her choose if it were possible but it is not."

"We parted in such a way to make finding her again impossible.. There are no secret means to contact either side. No scheduled meetings. She meant to disappear from us. If she stays true to her plan, then she would hide from us more than any other in this city, save perhaps one."

"So the truth is, regardless of sympathies either way, we are likely to be the least helpful in searching for this particular friend."

"I am sorry, but I know no way to help you in this."

[Jeff]

Team B

Ptolyn nods and smiles sadly at Belarin's, then Adamant's words. "I understand. You have personal reasons to protect her. I only wish there was time to explain to you the complexities of this matter, so that you would understand that Lerrhana is is greater danger abroad, unchaperoned, without greater protection." A hint of some personal emotion creeps into the elf's voice now. "Great resources—resources that could have been used elsewhere—are being expended on this futile chase."

"Adamant," Haralee says, a bit of challenge in her voice now she knows the warforged's real name. "What is the name of the ship you came here on?"

__________________________

For Team K, I'm waiting to see if you had any other dialogue in mind, since Condign spoke to Kal.

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak nods in agreement with Belarin's tale as well as the statements directed towards him. He occasionally glances around the room, just taking in the ambience. There are no drow, but he still feels a slight affinity with the light skinned elves. Unfortunately, this feeling brings on a slight twinge of longing for his fallen tribe. He quickly composes himself, not wanting to distract from what's going on at the table.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin starts to rub his hand across his chin -- but then he thinks better of it. He doesn't want to accidentally diminish Nerrin's pasty complexion. He simply looks at Ptolyn with obvious sympathy, and he finds himself liking this elf.

He says, "Ptolyn, I sympathize, really. I know what it's like when what you should do doesn't perfectly align with what you're supposed to do." A pause. "All right. As Adamant said, there are no timetables, no plans for us to meet Lerrhana again. That said, circumstance or the gods brought her and us together in the middle of the damn sea! So I won't dismiss the possibility of us stumbling across her again, especially if Krez is still looking for her.

"Maybe there isn't time for you to explain everything, but are there some words... perhaps a name... that would impart to Lerrhana the importance of what you describe? You have my vow that if we do find her, I will relay your words and act as your advocate. The decision will be up to her."

[Dave W.]

Team B 

Feb 9, 2012 20:50:16 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Adamant," Haralee says, a bit of challenge in her voice now she knows the warforged's real name. "What is the name of the ship you came here on?"

"I am sorry Haralee, but it seems a separate betrayal to involve the good captain and her crew.  Their part in Lerrhana's tale is passed. I would not put them in further danger."

"I can tell you that we docked this morning. Lerrhana would have been on the docks only a few hours ago. That would be your starting point."

"And Master Ptolyn," Adamant says to the elder elf, "Lerrhana is not unchaperoned; Syrdan was to go with her. That was the plan as I understood it."

[Jeff]

Team B

Harlee:

"What is the name of the ship you came here on?"

Adamant:

"I am sorry Haralee, but it seems a separate betrayal to involve the good captain and her crew. Their part in Lerrhana's tale is passed. I would not put them in further danger."

Haralee's eyes shine with some measure of quiet triumph. "Her," she repeats quietly, and nods.

Ptolyn lets out a sigh. He gestures and a young elf—who'd be a teenager by human standards, but is probably a good thirty years old—comes forward and serves mugs of hot tea to everyone at the table. He places one in front of Adamant, then gets a good look at the warforged; the young elf's cheeks redden slightly, and he awkwardly, yet still somehow gracefully, withdraws without taking the mug away again (because that might seem rude).

The scent is tantalizing and slightly sweet, and smells of herbs unfamiliar to you. Ptolyn reaches out to one of them and sips.

"Maybe there isn't time for you to explain everything, but are there some words... perhaps a name... that would impart to Lerrhana the importance of what you describe? You have my vow that if we do find her, I will relay your words and act as your advocate. The decision will be up to her."

"I'm afraid that we haven't reached a sufficient plateau of trust," Ptolyn says, mostly directing his words to Belarin. "For me to provide you with any more information. I understand and respect the loyalty you are giving to Lerrhana. Despite my disappointment, I will honor that. Without intervention, it sounds like she would have no life at all...duties or not. I thank you for that. I was hoping we could reward you more properly for your part in all of this, but unfortunately our errand is not complete until we have returned her safely home."

While Shorak is taking in the sights, soft sounds, and smells of the common room, his eyes drift inevitably to the shadowed alcove above the door. He feels rather certain that there is a guard of some kind there, watching him back.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal nods grimly at Condign. "As I said, it is my intention to see her taken care of, no matter how I must do it. I believe my word should be sufficient for you to trust me after all we have been through."

[Brian]

Team K

"It is not your word I doubt," says Condign, somewhat tersely. "Just the word of those in whose care you will leave the girl." Then he leans in close and whispers, "Quit being so damn prickly, Kal. Not every suggestion is meant as an insult to your honor or dignity."

Standing tall again, he adds with a gesture to the door, "Shall we proceed, my lord?"

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak looks over at the smug looking Haralee. "Good for you if you have guessed correctly. But, keep in mind that the captain of our ship almost lost their life protecting your princess. I would appreciate you not badgering her for she is still mending."

He lifts his tea cup and raises it to his lips for a taste. Looking back up to the alcove, Shorak offers a wink to the unseen guard there.

[Joe]

Streko listens to his two friend's terse exchange. He sighs, then smiles widely.

"Perhaps you two should consider formally exchanging vows for marriage, considering how often you argue. As a cleric of Olladra, I have the authority to do so, although the thought of either of you consecrating such vows makes me a bit, how shall I say this diplomatically, uncomfortable.

"As to Condign's suggestion, I agree. It is time for us to move along and see what fruits our labors have wrought. Were we noticed by anyone or were we enough of a diversion for the others?

"And, Kalarian, if I may suggest, Rinti might be the perfect individual to provide intelligence and communication with Syrdan and Lerrhana, as well as the others, should you wish to employ her further in our cause."

[Dave W.]

Team B 

Feb 11, 2012 8:49:09 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Haralee's eyes shine with some measure of quiet triumph. "Her," she repeats quietly, and nods.

"Ah, I was referring to the ship of course, for some reason people consider ships to be female. It doesn't make sense but I do have trouble with gender from time to time."

"But since my drow friend has confirmed your mistaken assumption," Adamant continues with no sound of condemnation, "I will reiterate, the Merrow Down has no further part in this. Harassing her crew will gain you no new information and will only irritate me."

a young elf... serves mugs of hot tea to everyone at the table. He places one in front of Adamant, then gets a good look at the warforged; the young elf's cheeks redden slightly, and he awkwardly, yet still somehow gracefully, withdraws without taking the mug away again (because that might seem rude).

Adamant's posture and tone immediately soften when the elf serves him, "Thank you sir.  You are most kind to include me." The mug disappears in the warforged's large metal hands; he absorbs the heat and perfume.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin doesn't pay much attention to Haralee's attempts to score points... although he does spare a disbelieving, disappointed glance that's similar to what a parent would give a child who's disrupting a conversation between grown-ups. Not that he has any experience with such things.

He returns his full focus to Ptolyn, especially when the elf mentions the word "reward."

Feb 11, 2012 8:49:09 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"I'm afraid that we haven't reached a sufficient plateau of trust," Ptolyn says, mostly directing his words to Belarin. "For me to provide you with any more information. I understand and respect the loyalty you are giving to Lerrhana. Despite my disappointment, I will honor that. Without intervention, it sounds like she would have no life at all...duties or not. I thank you for that. I was hoping we could reward you more properly for your part in all of this, but unfortunately our errand is not complete until we have returned her safely home."

"I understand," says Belarin, "and the feeling is mutual. Had we met at an earlier time and established a greater level of trust, I probably would be more accommodating than I am now -- in fact, some people believe I'm ridiculously accommodating by nature -- but it is what it is. Regardless, I'll stick to my promise. Should we see Lerrhana, I'll stress the vital importance that you placed upon her returning with you... and my personal belief that you're a man to be trusted.

"One more thing... we've heard that Krez is likely working with someone called the White Raven. Eccentric name, but -- according to Shorak here -- also an arcane swordsman of some repute in this area. Right, Shorak? He's likely been hired to assist Krez on this damnable quest of his... yet I mention it just it case Krez wants him to help with other things, too. Just so you're prepared."

He raises his drink to the two elves and to his companion. "To the health of Lerrhana," he says softly, "and to fortunate encounters," he directs specifically at Ptolyn and Haralee. He takes a sip. "Oh, this is excellent. Thank you. What is it?"

[Jeff]

Team K

Behind the shop, there is a wash basin, and it doesn't take too long for Rinti to wipe away the majority of the grime clinging to her. You're pretty sure she's catching at least some of what's being said between the three of you about fulfilling Kal's promise. She is quiet about it.

A short while later you've passed through the main doors and, true to Lady Bereschel's words, there are two raised desks on either side of the hall, which resembled a castle's antechamber. Each desk has its own administrator, uniformed, elderly men who Kal can tell are Blademark veterans. They look down in greeting, expectantly. One of them straightens the spectacles on his face to get a better look at the tall red tiefling in their midst.

[Jeff]

Team B

Shorak:

"Good for you if you have guessed correctly. But, keep in mind that the captain of our ship almost lost their life protecting your princess. I would appreciate you not badgering her for she is still mending."

Haralee seems mildly insulted at this. "We will badger no one. We will, however, do our duty."

He lifts his tea cup and raises it to his lips for a taste. Looking back up to the alcove, Shorak offers a wink to the unseen guard there.

Though there is no movement, Shorak can sense the unseen eyes marking his gesture.

Adamant:

"I will reiterate, the Merrow Down has no further part in this. Harassing her crew will gain you no new information and will only irritate me."

Ptolyn nods. "Please, do not be concerned. We will make a polite inquiry, nothing more. If the captain of this ship aided you against the likes of a vampire, we will regard her with the utmost of respect."

When Belarin speaks again, the elf smiles tightly. "The White Raven. Thank you. I am new to this city, so the name is unknown to me. But we will make investigations and some of the residents of this place"—he taps the table, indicating the inn itself—"may know the name."

Belarin:

"He raises his drink to the two elves and to his companion. "To the health of Lerrhana," he says softly, "and to fortunate encounters," he directs specifically at Ptolyn and Haralee. He takes a sip. "Oh, this is excellent. Thank you. What is it?"

Ptolyn and Haralee stare blankly at Belarin for a moment. Perhaps toasting isn't in their culture. He then sips from his own drink to identify it. "Whiteroot from Var-Shalas." Then he says, "Should we discover anything that might be beneficial to you in turn, how might we contact you again?"

[Ken]

"An excellent question," replies Belarin. "And unfortunately, it's not one for which I have an answer just yet. When we left our ship several hours ago, one group went to gather funds and secure lodgings, while the three of us engaged in the more fulfillling and entertaining task of local eavesdropping and planting nasty rumors about the Patriot. Our groups have made arrangements to meet up later, but as yet, I don't know where we'll be staying. Once that's done, though, may I leave a message for you here? Or somewhere else?"

[Darren]

Kal walks casually up to the desk, no fear of the formal air of the place. "I am Kalarian Jaeren," he says, "and I am just arrived in Stormreach. Bereschel, outside," Kal jerks a thumb towards the door, "said I should speak with Eren. Is she available?" Kal smiles at the clerk.

[Jeff]

Team B

"Yes," Ptolyn replies after only a moment's thought. "I will come and go from Thaendyr's Rest. Excuse me..."

He rises and approaches an elf woman who appears to be of his equivalent age. Unlike him, she is less formally attired. Her clothing combines the sensible outfit of an innkeeper with the stark cleanliness of the other Aereni around here.

Ptolyn returns. "If you have a message for me, you may leave it with Thaera, the keeper of Thaendyr's Rest. Though...when you come here again, without the escort of one of my countrymen, you may not be permitted inside. Even so, from the door, you may impart any messages."

[Ken]

Team B

"Quite understandable," says Belarin with a nod. He turns to Adamant and Shorak and continues, "Well, gentlemen. If there's nothing else, we should resume our somewhat-deceptive activities. Sorry, Adamant. You're doing magnificently, if that's any consolation... no, it isn't, is it?"

He takes a deep drink of the whiteroot tea, savoring its warmth, and then gently places the cup on the table. "Ptolyn, Haralee... I indeed consider it fortunate to have made your acquaintance. I have little doubt that we shall speak again. When that happens, I hope that we'll have positive news to share."

If there is nothing further from the elves, Belarin's posture seems to collapse somewhat as he rises from his seat. It is Nerrin who speaks when he says to his hosts, "A most enchanting establishment. My thanks to you both."

[Dave W.]

Team B 

Feb 14, 2012 0:21:58 GMT -4 Ken said:

[Belarin] "Well, gentlemen. If there's nothing else, we should resume our somewhat-deceptive activities. Sorry, Adamant. You're doing magnificently, if that's any consolation... no, it isn't, is it?"

Adamant sets down the tea mug and rises into a hunching pose, "It is a burden I must bare in silence." Adamant makes a rough imitation of Nerrin's whining.

Eye-gems glowing brightly, Adamant pulls himself tall, taking on the mantle of Redoubt. 

The tall warforged makes a bow to the elder elf, "Master Ptolyn, I will pray you have fruit-full investigations. Whatever else she may be or become, she is a my friend and has had her own burdens and sufferings."

Adamant will also bow to Haralee, "I will relieve you of the burden of my sword. You have been very kind to a stranger and I do appreciate that. I think we have forged some trust between us today. A good start."

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak finishes his tea, then rises with his friends and bows respectfully to the two elves. "If you are ever in need of a Finder or a simple guide, feel free to seek my services. You already know where I live." He smiles warmly at them both. Shorak turns towards Nerrin/Belarin. "Where to, Master Nerrin?"

[Jeff]

Team K

"Welcome, Lord Jaeren," the elder says formally, studying Kal up and down. He politely requests to see Kal's identification papers, and Kal, knowing the protocol, also is given to display his arcane signet ring, which is even more identifying. "Eren...one moment, please." The administrator stands and walks through a door behind him, accessible only through the balcony-like desk he has been sitting behind.

He returns a few minutes later. "Please, proceed through the doors." He indicates a set of double doors ahead. "She will meet you beyond. Your companions as well?"

[Jeff]

Team B

Haralee nods at Adamant. "I am sure we will meet again, Adamant."

As you're heading toward the door, followed slowly by Ptolyn and Haralee, a strange creature appears unexpectedly in your path. Having loped soundlessly in front of you, you stop, startled and staring. It's about the size of a large halfling or short dwarf, but something about its graceful, ponderous movements suggests great power and strength, and latent ferocity. The animal has dark, reddish brown fur, but its face is almost hairless, with a vibrant red stripe running down the center and flanked on both sides by equally vibrant blue. A bizarre creature, with intelligent, orange eyes. Its presence doesn't seem to bother any of the elves in this establishment.

Some sort of baboon? Shorak has seen them before: mandrills, native to Xen'drik and Aerenal as well. It is a mandrill.

Something like a growl rumbles in its chest as it looks up at you, unafraid. Its lips peel back and reveal some uncomfortably large teeth.

"Faith," a chilling, raspy voice calls from above—from the shadowed alcove.

The animate relaxes, grunts, and lopes off again.

"I am sorry," Ptolyn says with a half chuckle, then escorts you to the door.

[Darren]

Team K

As Kal returns his identification papers to his bag, he lifts his eyes to look at the clerk. "Of course they will be coming with me. Has hospitality on this side of the world fallen so much lower than back home?" Kal considers for a moment, then grins. "Of course I jest with you. You have been very helpful. Come along, Rinti," he calls over his shoulder as he strides through the indicated the doors.

[Ken]

Team B

Feb 14, 2012 10:53:54 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak turns towards Nerrin/Belarin. "Where to, Master Nerrin?"

"Back to Marketplace, of course," says Belarin in Nerrin's seemingly ever-exasperated voice. "I still need to acquire some ink and other supplies for my... artwork. Besides, didn't..."

His next words are cut off by the sudden appearance of the bizarre creature!

After the mandrill lopes off and Ptolyn comments, Belarin/Nerrin continues, "Very effective deterrent... I'm referring to its stench, not its fangs. By the Host..." As he speaks, he offers Ptolyn a slight but mischievous smile. "Thank you again. Good fortune be with you."

Allowing Adamant to take the lead, he departs, never forgetting to maintain Nerrin's limp.

[Joe]

Streko quietly follows in Kal's wake, taking in the layout of the place and the general look of the people, trying to absorb as much as he can.

[Brian]

Team K

Condign gives a slight bow of thanks to the clerk and follows his friends. Despite being in a friendly enclave, he still keeps his eyes open.

[Dave B.]

Team B

"Let's head back." With that, Shorak takes the lead, falling easily back into his role as guide and heads back to Silverwall. "Your supplies first Master Nerrin."

"Redoubt. I suggest even more vigilance now." Shorak will keep a look out for anything untoward. Especially, thuggish in nature.

[Dave W.]

Team B

Feb 14, 2012 12:50:48 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Haralee nods at Adamant. "I am sure we will meet again, Adamant."

"I look forward to that meeting, Haralee" Adamant says in parting.


As they leave the tavern, Redoubt nods to Shorak's comment about staying alert. He stays within easy reach of his charge, Nerrin. The warforged remains alert to any trouble as they make their way to the marketplace.

-----------------------------
Okay, that's pretty lame, I know, but it's been a busy day and I wanted to acknowledge that Adamant's ready to move on.