Fantasy Rifts [IC][Closed]

[joshuadim]

The Custom's House
Breadman​

"We need Gerwin's services." Arnas added to Fraskia's words and putting emphasis for urgency, as the mention of the Utterlin captain made Lanya's eyes widen in surprise. "We may have entered based on a lie, but we couldn't get any other easy way in to tell the truth." He then pulled out the talisman that the Guardian had given him and gently tossed it over to Lanya, who caught it and inspected it for a moment. "The Guardian sent us for an important task." the young mercenary then continued, "Surely you've heard of what's happened recently? Or at least, heard some hearsay? It's why we're here."

Lanya was quiet for a moment as she set down the talisman onto the table in front of her and sighed: "There have been rumours of what's happened across the continent, yes." she said, "...that new rifts have appeared. Some say it's the end of days." She then looked up to the two strangers in her midst, still harbouring her doubts visibly as she sighed. "And how does he play into this?"

"He knows the best way to get past the elvish coastal patrols. We need to get to Argos. Believe me when I say that if there was another... more reliable way to do so, we would not be here." Arnas then pulled out the small envelope that he had been handed by Gerwin and set it onto the table. "And... he also wanted to give this to you too."

Lanya looked at the parchment for a moment before - with caution - taking and opening it to reveal its contents: a single letter of with the writing in a deep black ink that nearly bled through to the other side. Her eyes scanned over the writings, and her once hardened expression softened from suspicion and agitation to melancholy. Arnas said nothing, save for sharing a glance with Fraskia, as he watched her lean back into her seat and crumpled the letter gently in one hand. "...I've been let down by him so many times, it's hard to keep count. And here he is again, still haunting me and my doings." Lanya cradled the paper close to her chest, and both Arnas and Fraskia could see how tumultuous her thoughts were. "If only you knew him the way I do."

"And we probably never will... but he's willing to help us through all this, and he needs our help first."

Setting the paper back down, Lanya let out another sigh and shook her head: "I can't just... give it to you is the problem." she spoke with resignation, "There's a whole process with appeals, and it would need to be officially judiated..."

Arnas could only pace around the room as Lanya listed the issues, scratching his head in frustration: "Please, there has to be some way. Anything."

A moment passed as Lanya scratched her chin, lost in thought, before pulling out another envelope and set it on the table in front of her. "Well, I said I can't give it to you. But... if you took it, well, that would be another story altogether. I would have to send the guards after you though." She did, however, look uncomfortable as to the potential consequences.

---

The Gutters
Vexumin Oreo Cookie​

Ornam twiddled with the end of his beard as he listened to both Vera and Reece's thoughts on the matter, and let out a quiet snort. "Aye, need to be smart about this. I agree." the dwarf stated as he looked back to the wooden gate leading into the yard before back to Vera. "Alright, I'll have a look. See how many I can make out." he then said quietly, before slowly making his way over to the gate. The wood itself seemed to be in decent condition, which meant there was little in the way of sneaking a look to the inside of the yard and in turn getting a good look at Kiri and his fellows. However, there was a small gap in the planks that provided some leeway and allowed only a glimmer of sight. A moment passed as he stood, hands cupped around his face he struggled to get as much as he could.

Meanwhile, more conversation could be heard from the rowdy bunch that was in the back courtyard of the inn: "Been thinkin' of collecting some o' that brine I been hearin' 'bout." another voice chimed in, "Heard it's good stuff."

"I also heard that it completely screws you. I wouldn't touch that. Stick with the ale and mead." spoke who was presumably to be Kiri.

It was then that Ornam quietly shuffled back to the others and whispered: "I count six. Five if that other one be too drunk ta fight." he said, sparing a glance over to Levy. "I think we can take them if things get ugly."

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian​

Jannah looked between the trio and the brigands with fearful eyes as the former tried to defuse the situation, offering to heal their man and get their deal through. The leader of the brigands, however, looked less than trusting of such flowered language as he spit onto the mossy bricks below. "Yeah, lay your hands on our lad... then slit his throat yeah?" he asked with a snarl, pointing his blade towards Edoardo. "You're already in league with this scale-fuck aren't you!?" It was more than obvious that he himself, and his other companions, were all intoxicated to varying degrees; and this in turn meant that they weren't in their right minds, seeing enemies everywhere and ultimately seeing those they had confronted as more bodies to deal with as they had before.

"Listen, man-idiot!" Jannah then shouted angrily in response to the insult directed at him, "No bad! They he-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" the brigand shouted again, immedaitely shutting down the kobold's protest and in turn sent him shirking back behind the chair for cover. It was then that he pointed his blade back towards the group, switching targets as if unable to choose who to threaten the most in that moment. A toothy grin encapsulated his face as he turned back to his compatriots: "...I think I smell good business here lads." he spoke, a comment that brought out a series of chuckles from the other men as he turned his attention back to Aelestra, Terrence and Edoardo, before settling his blade on Terrence. " 'specially from this traveling green gobshite... he practically reeks of money. Drop yer weapons, and all your purses, and your belongings. We'll be taking those, and whatever shite your priest has for our man. Then I'll consider letting you all leave here."

 

[Beann]

Aelestra had hoped the offering of free services to aid their writhing companion would be enough to diffuse the situation but of course, it was never that easy when it came to ill-hearted men. While she had been the one to suggest helping the cowering kobold, she could not help but spare Jannah a glance as he threw out an insult to worsen the atmosphere. For a split second, there was a hint of annoyance in her gaze but that quickly faded when her attention returned to the leader of the intoxicated bunch. With his blade pointed at Terrence, the monk instinctively stepped out in front of the merchant and she brought her hands up to sign a quick message directed at the brigand.

‘You turned down our offer to help him. Now, you will receive nothing.’

She allowed a brief pause for Terrence to translate for her before dashing forward, quickly closing the distance between herself and the leader. Aelestra feigned a hook from the left side with the intention of striking his gut with a balled right fist.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Edoardo's hardened gaze gleamed lifelessly in the dim illumination of Jannah's chambers, jaw tight with consternation. His hands remained at his side, cold and steady in the gloom. In ordeals such as this, Sobekoni, the lower rung of their swamps, would've enacted similar demands. As then and now, Edoardo despised the senseless brutality. His amber eyes, with a righteous fury about them, swept the bandits slowly. Then his head shifted to the merchant when the leader levelled a plain blade to him. Though, he could not grasp the basest intricacies of the monk's sign-cant, some meanings transcend the barrier of language. He uttered a prayer for their vagabond souls.

Then Edoardo lunged. The priest became a blur of pale cloth and grey scale, of animalistic, savage motion. His jaw snapped wide, growling. His eyes streaked as though they were orange comets in the night sky. His bared fangs and wicked claws were aimed at a man to the leader's right, his arm outstretched to snatch another close by.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

After translating for Aelestra, Terrence drew his ax, seeing both of his companions charging in. “It is regrettable that you did not take our offer. Unfortunately, I do not think you will have the opportunity to make that mistake twice.” The orc moved forward on the leader, bringing his weapon at the man with an upwards slash.

 

[Breadman]

"What if they were...misplaced?" Fraskia said after some uncomfortable moments of silence. "You are very busy and sometimes you need someone to carry out work for you like transporting permit important papers to storage and vaults." She shrugged "You wouldn't know what exactly has happened to the papers as they were transported. They could get lost somewhere."

 

[Vexumin]

Reece nods his head. The numbers were against them , but he had a good feeling. If it came down to it, he would be right there healing whatever wounds he could manage. He would sling magic to hurt even, should the situation call for it. He clasps his hands around the focus hanging from his neck.

"I am ready. I am with you both. I shall pray for the best," he says. He was starting to get nervous, but he could feel Tereila with him. As he recounts the prayers of his faith in his head, he begins to feel a warmth take him. His demeanor changes, nerves are replaced with an eagerness to see this task done.

A smile spreads across his face.

"Let us hope they see reason."

 

[Oreo Cookie]

“Only six, huh?” Vera mused in a murmur. Not the worst odds, and truthfully, less muscle than she’d expected Kiri to have. Six pairs of fists? That was less a gang and more a gaggle in her book.

She cast a quick look over their own motley crew, a growing assurance that if push came to shove, they'd be able to collect Kiri's debt regardless of what happens. Her sidelong gaze lingered on the elf priest clutching his charm. The pure earnestness he radiated was almost foreign to her. “Aye. Maybe I’ll name my sword Reason, just to be sure they’ll be seein’ it either way.” she replied, her words a jest—mostly.

With a nod to display her readiness, she added, "Let's not keep em waitin'."

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman
​

"What if they were...misplaced? You are very busy and sometimes you need someone to carry out work for you like transporting permit important papers to storage and vaults. You wouldn't know what exactly has happened to the papers as they were transported. They could get lost somewhere."

Lanya visibly pondered it for a moment, before shaking her head: "I... have a reputation to maintain, based on my competence and capabilities. The magistrate would be more than happy to find a reason to get rid of me if I were to misplace such an important document, especially when we are constantly dealing with smugglers and pirates. If one such permit were to be 'misplaced', then the possibility of forgeries would come into question and I would be a suspect in aiding such an effort." She tapped the permit on the table again, indicating her impatience: "This way, I am removed from that possibility as being a victim rather than a suspected perpetrator. We all get what we want in the end... at least, I would hope so. Do you have a way out?"

Arnas exchanged another look with Fraskia as the realization settled, with him mentioning with just a look that this was the best that they were going to get in this situation. The young mercenary then nodded to the Utterlin: "There's some scaffolding at the wall repairs near the back end of the estate, we can use that to make our exit." He gently took the enveloped in between his fingers before stuffing it into a pouch that hung at his belt. "You'll give us a head start, I hope?"

Lanya nodded, but before the duo left she spoke up again: "Wait, before I forget." She quickly inked a quill and pulled out another piece of paper to quickly write down whatever the contents were before stuffing it into another letter and holding it up to Fraskia - as she was closer by that point. "Can you hand this to Gerwin as well? I would greatly appreciate it." On taking the second letter, Lanya then sighed. "Alright, I'll give you ten seconds before I have to ring the alarm. Please don't hurt any of the guards if you can. They're just doing their job."

Arnas nodded, before quickly turning for the doors with Fraskia; once outside her office, he quickly filled in Jordie with the situation by waving a hand briskly towards himself. "Quickly, we'll rush for the second floor before going out the windows at the back to get to the scaffolding." he whispered, making a dash for the stairs.

---

The Gutters
Vexumin Oreo Cookie​

Ornam let out a soft chuckle at Vera's jest, before straightening himself and pulling out his bow as a precaution. "Alright, time ta get to it." he muttered, positioning himself at the courtyard door. Taking a deep breath, he quickly kicked open the door so that he and the others could catch Kiri and his goons by surprise; their target in question, another dwarf with a scar tracing the length of his brow, jumped off the barrel he was sitting on in surprise as Ornam and Vera took the front while Levy kept the exit secure with her blade brandished out front in a menacing manner. A few of the others were a collection of haggard and rough looking men, but what really stood out was Prox - who was a ogre - sitting on the ground clutching at his belly and burping loudly.

"The fuck is this?" Kiri then asked, throwing his hands up in the air - more annoyed than threatened. "Did Konrad send ya gobbers? I told him I ain't payin'-"

"We were sent by Gerwin, you owe him."

Kiri was quiet for a moment, staring at his dwarven counterpart for a moment, before letting out a derisive laugh. "I don't owe that drunkard SHIT!"

Wordlessly, Ornam nocked an arrow onto his bow's string and snorted: "I'll give ye a moment to reconsider that answer."

The threat made Kiri's compatriots put their hands on their blades as well in response, while Kiri himself looked over to Prox with anger. "Get your drunk ass up NOW. The fuck do I pay you for!?"

However, it quickly became clear that the ogre was less than capable as he let out another burp before falling on his back entirely and began to snore. With his greater trump card gone, Kiri was left with only a few pair of hands against the trio and let out a nervous chuckle. "Alright... my memory is coming back to me. But I don't have all the money! I only have half of what I owe him." His eyes darted between Ornam and Vera as he leaned onto the barrel he had just been sitting on, gritting his teeth as he tried to negotiate his way out of this.

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian​

The ringleader of the brigands was quickly felled as Aelestra first broke his nose, before Terrence's blow sent him sailing back crashing into a wooden crate that shattered on impact from his lifeless body. The rest of the brigands quickly sprung into action, despite their inebriation, as Edoardo quickly lunged forward as well and managed to snatch one man into his jaws - his teeth digging deep into the man's flesh - while the other he tried to grab managed to just barely escape his claws. Enraged by the loss of their leader in the moment, the fighting escalated as steel sang in the air and shouts from the brigands filled the cistern. Janna and his compatriot quickly manage to scamper behind cover at the far end of the chamber, only peeking out the tops of their heads to watch the fighting unfold from relative safety.

Edoardo felt two swords scrape across his hide as a few of the brigands - seeing him as the larger target - band together to try to take him down. A third brigand then charged forward and stabbed his spear into the sobekan's side, before quicking stepping away as Edoardo reactively batted an arm at him. The remaining brigands split their attention between Aelestra and Edoardo, who both managed to evade most blows save for a few scratches that stung more their pride than it did their bodies.

"Fucking die you bastards!" yelled one of the brigands, slashing at Terrence with hate but missed when he easily sidestepped the blow and left him open for a counterattack.

Aelestra in the meantime faced a more difficult situation as another brigand managed to catch Aelestra by using his weight to tackle her onto the ground and brought the shaft of his spear to her neck and began to press down in his violent attempt to crush her neck. Spit gathered at the sides of his mouth as he strained to squeeze the life out of her, veins bulging at the sides of his head from the sheer rage he focused into his attempt to murder her. A large jar of glass - filled with the same brine that Edoardo had drank earlier - then shattered on the man's face, leaving him staggering back off Aelestra and clutching at his visage in pain as the alcohol burned at his glass wounds.

"KILL HIM!" shouted Janna, providing words of encouragement before ducking back into cover.

 

[Beann]

With the ringleader knocked off balance by Aelestra’s blow, Terrence easily swung his ax into the bandit's gut, flinging him in a neutralized slump into the corner. Only a second passed before the next threat made itself obvious, the orc narrowly dodging the brigand’s clumsy blade. A quick kick from Terrence to the brigand's foot sent the man tumbling forward, allowing the orc to bring down his ax on the back of his head, ending the brigand's life just as swiftly as he'd charged forth.

Meanwhile, Aelestra let out a grunt in surprise as she was tackled onto the ground by another brigand. Panic began to set in as the crazed man hovered above her, the look of anger was all too familiar that it made the monk squirm underneath. She pressed her palms underneath the spear, trying to lift it up against the weight of him while her heels scraped at the ground beneath, desperate to find leverage. Her lips parted, letting out broken and weak gasps for air.

Her vision began to blur as it felt like she was losing the battle of strength. To her luck though, the cowering kobold was good at aiming just as he was good at hiding. Once the brigand released his hold on her, instinct took over and she immediately turned the tides, tackling him. Without relent, she began to deliver blow after blow to his face, a clear look of anger and fear in her eyes.

Terrence moved to Aelestra, moving with urgency, but by the time he’d reached her, the enemy she’d been fighting was already bloodied and bruised. It was likely the man wasn’t breathing at that point, but the monk looked to be far from done with him. Terrence allowed her a few more vicious moments before stepping in to peel her away. “He is finished…” He said figuring the man was unconscious, dead, or otherwise dealt with. The orc placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to pull her away.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Aelestra immediately turned, her arm pulled back and ready to deal with the next person. However, she stopped herself short at the sight of Terrence and slowly lowered her fist. Taking a second or two to get her breathing under control, she glanced at the brigand beneath her before rising back up to her feet. The overwhelming rush of emotions that were previously present was no longer detectable in her eyes.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

Wicked teeth bit deep into the lowlife's neck, crimson pooling as Edoardo snatched the man's flailing arms. In the periphery of his amber eyes, Edoardo saw the blur of steel flashing in the darkened chamber, the strikes connected, raking across his toughened hide with a crack of metal against scales. He pitched up, lifting the drunken man into the rot-filled air, squirming in the Priest's jaw and grasp. As his fists twisted the man in his maw, another had come at him, a roar in his throat and spear in hand. He was poorly garbed, cloth and linen darkened with dirt, age, use; features wearied by bitter spirits. He barreled into Edoardo, the sharpened speartip punching through the soft side of his chest. His jaw clenched as the spear drew blood, cruel satisfaction lighting across the man's face, dull eyes gleaming suddenly. Then he looked up and saw Edoardo's auburn glare staring down at him.

The priest snapped his victim's neck, the crack of bone loud in the tight brewery. His hand slashed down, breaking the haft of the spear. Edoardo spun, tail whipping at one of his assailants, sending him clattering to the ground in a heap. His hands shot up, tearing the lifeless body from his mouth. He tossed it two-handed towards disarmed attacker, trailing thick rivulets of blood in its wake. Crashing into the man, the corpse slammed him from his feet.

Edoardo turned, focus set on the man clutching a sword, hands trembling with an instinctive dread. The Priest reared up fully, one half of his face shrouded by the lingering shadows, only his eyes sparked in the soft darkness and the red vitality that dripped down his brutal fangs onto his grey scales. Without a moment's hesitation, the man raised his sword and threw it at Edoardo. Fear spurred him to flight, he tried to flee, but was not swift enough. Edoardo dodged around the sword, charging into the man. The full speed and intensity of the stampede swept him away onto the nearby wall, breaking bone and brick and bottles alike, leaving him bristling with shards of glass and dust.

As he turned, Edoardo saw the blunt brutality Aelestra unleashed. His spirit had long been liberated from his mortal coil, but she continued; her fists running red with blood, slick with gore at the knuckles. He glanced at Terrence as the merchant arrested the monk's assault. The Priest's head shifted at the dead and incapacitated. He cursed the necessity of this exchange with a hiss.

"We're done." He called, voice taut with a subdued fury. "I assume there will not be hesitation with giving us the brine now?" Edoardo commented, not turning to look at the brewer as he clutched the side of his stomach.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera's hand rested ready on her sword hilt as they moved in, her gaze sweeping across the surprised faces they met. A handful of thugs, a scarred dwarf already sputtering complaints—the Kiri they were here to collect from, she surmised—and an ogre that was impossible to miss. A reflexive urge to draw steel coursed through her upon spying the latter, but it was a fleeting feeling, vanishing under wry amusement as she regarded the belching drunkard.

Her attention shifted back to the task at hand as the tension in the courtyard grew as taut as Ornam's bowstring. The collection of hands creeping towards their individual blades had her fully drawing her own steel in reply. It was more warning than provocation, the tip of her blade angling groundward as she kept her grip relaxed. What should have been the largest threat in the room was now slumbering, and it was becoming increasingly clear to her that Kiri's bark was louder than his bite.

"Then I suggest you scrounge up the other half 'fore we become a lot less accomodatin'." Vera told the scarred dwarf in a measured tone. She gestured to the snoring ogre with her sword. "I doubt this oaf is worth whatever you're payin' him. Could start by tossin' whatever coin was his our way."

 

[Breadman]

"Move, no time to explain!" Fraskia spoke with urgency to Geodie. The other knight looked at her perplexed.

"What did you two do?"

​

"No time!" The Rune knight shouted as she ran up the stairs after Arnas and her elder trailing right behind. It wasn't long before they heard the cry for the guards. Damn that woman. Couldn't she have waited just a few moments longer. Pretend to have been restricted. She didn't need to put that much effort into her performance. She turned back for a moment to see the guards hurrying to run after them up the stairs. Arnas sucker punched the one in front of them, buying some time, but they needed a wider gap.

"Lass, follow my lead." Geordie extended his arm and moved his fingers to form the run for water. A stream shot out of his palm and send the front-most guard shooting backwards into his colleges. Fraskia followed with a rune of her own. With a few quick flicks, she formed the rune for frost and unleashed the wave on the water that covered the steps. The guards had recovered just in time to try and rush up the stairs, only to start slipping on the steps as their shoes were not suited for the hard ice that had formed.

The trio had to hurry and get out of there. Through the window and up the scaffolding, just as Arnas said. Relief would be fleeting as they heard more guards come their way from behind. They ran along the planks layed down by the workers as they were doing repairs or placing new marbel. The details didnt matter much to the group running away. They grabbed the ropes and slid down to ground level to make their escape. Gordie was the last one down and used his strenght to pull the rope until it snapped. Thats one way they can't follow.

The gates were already locked, but there was another exit they could try. The pulley elevator used to get supplies from the docks would serve as an exit. They rushed over to where it was being operated and thanked their luck that it was pulled up to the house's level. There was of course a problem. If they all climbed aboard, they would be at the guard's mercy if they were on the elevator's controls. Someone had to stay behind. Geordie placed his palm on Fraskia's shoulder, the rune knight looked up to him and realized what he was going to do.

"Dont argue with me. Take your knucklehead and go. I'll make sure you make it down." As much as she wanted to say anything, Fraskia bit down her words and accepted it. If they were fortunate, they would meet again. The two mercenaries climbed aboard and Geordie pulled the lever to start their descend. As he was leaving their sights, they could hear the elder rune knight let out a boustorous laughter. "Now i know some of you boys are mad, so lets settle this like true men! No sword, see..." As they descended further down int the docks, they could hear the faint sounds of scuffling and fighting, interrupted by a loud laugh.

Once Fraskia and Arnas made it down, they pulled up their hoods and started to run through the streets. Going straight into the alleyways to avoid as many guards as possible. These documents had better been worth it.

 

[Vexumin]

Reece wasn’t the best at negotiating, nor was he the sort to put pressure on others about debts. However, at least he could stand and act as backup for those with the spine to confront someone about such matters. He kept his hand clutched around the focus hanging from his neck, aware of those still with Kiri, hands on the hilts of their blades if they hadn’t already been drawn.

Despite the tension rising from the situation, the elf seemed surprisingly calm, It was the sort of confidence that one had when they knew they weren’t alone. Even in this moment, he could feel the joy of his goddess with him. It made him a bit restless if anything. Almost like there was a small part of him that was hoping for things to go awry, that way he could release the power growing within, even if it was untempered.

He had a long way to go, and dying here wouldn’t be ideal for his patron, Tereila.

He looked to Vera and nodded as he listened to her words. It was a good idea. Why pay someone when they cannot provide the protection they were being paid to provide. Then again, taking the big fella’s pay is likely to throw him into a rage when he wakes and is ofthe right mind. Could mean someone to watch out for in the future.

It could also mean trouble for Kiri. When the ogre wakes, how would they take the fact that they’ve been denied their pay? Could cost the fellow his life either way. Best for that to not be mentioned though.

“It may be best if you get the money as soon as possible. I don’t think we are going anywhere without it, unfortunately.”

 

[joshuadim]

The Customs House
Breadman​

Their escape had been a flurry, and Arnas acted on instinct when he had knocked out the first guard they came across - feeling a bit bad about it along the way - before sidestepping another guard's attempt at a tackle. The trio had managed to scamper through the escape route that he had previously scouted, and escaped only because Jordie had stayed behind and distracted the guards on their descent to the harbour. The guards were on full alert throughout the district, as patrols stormed throughout the area in search of a vague description. Fortunately for the duo, they had the narrow corridors and alleys on their side; but Arnas felt a pang of guilty as he looked upwards again, up towards the cliffside they had just descended from, and frowned. The man didn't have to go out of his way to do that for them, but he did and for a complete stranger like himself nonetheless. He seemed capable enough, but still...

"Will he be alright?" Arnas asked as he paced himself alongside Fraskia, stopping from turning a corner as a patrol rushed past in the street nearby. "Your friend?"

"He's one of our most renown brothers, he's faced overwhelming odds before. He has to be... Gods willing." Fraskia looked at Arnas, unsure in her own words. "We shouldn't worry about it."

A moment passed to ensure that the area was all-clear, allowing the two to quickly dash ahead into the street and into another alleyway across. "I'll have to buy him a drink when we get back from Argos then." Arnas stated, before pointing to the right as they neared an intersection of backways. "I think this way will lead us away back to the tavern..." he said with a wavered confidence, which was then restored as he peered out from the corner and saw their salvation. Wordlessly he waved Fraskia along to follow, and soon enough they were in the clear as they left the more affluent district of the city in favour of the more industrial part. From there it was a straight shot back to the tavern, having returned with all the others from their own ventures at around a similar time.

---

The Gutters
Vexumin Oreo Cookie​

Kiri gritted his teeth in protest when Vera showed little sympathy for his story, and turned again over to Prox - who was now drooling and snoring in the dirt - and started kicking the ogre's arm. "Wake up ya damn oaf!" he shouted again as a last ditch effort, only for it to be futile as the brute was out cold. Ornam kept the arrow on his notch, but couldn't help but smirk at the misfortune of the other dwarf as he groaned aloud and kicked a barrel in frustration. His men, by this point, had shirked back somewhat as they realized how poorly things had gone for them. Kiri on the other hand seemed to be attempting to rationalize some way out of actually handing his money over to these interlopers, as his bushy brow furrowed and he darted a glance between the four of them.

But it finally clicked as Kiri let out a defeated moan and pulled out a pouch: "Fine. Worthless sod ain't gettin' paid for sleepin' on the job." he simply said with an arm outstretched. "Ain't worth my blood anyhow." Kiri quietly took the pouch and inspected its contents, fingering between a few coins and taking a general guess as to how much was in there. Ornam raised an eyebrow, as he was impressed by how much coinage this lowlife had managed to amass and simply nodded after hooking the pouch onto his belt. "Pleasure doing business then. And this better be the full amount, or I'll have Levy over here smash your legs in."

"It's the full amount! I swear on the Earthmother." Kiri stated, placing an open palm on his chest in protest to the threat. "Just... fucking go and tell the drunk to leave me alone."

Ornam didn't feel any sympathy for wringing a character like Kiri of his cash, and thus motioned his head to the others to leave - doing so without incident - and left to return to the Golden Talon Tavern.

---

The Sewers
Beann Chaos Gallant Worthlessplebian
​

With the scene settled, Jannah and his compatriot both meekly stepped out from their hiding places and looked at the carnage that had been wrought within their lair. Jannah himself looked at the dead with a mixture of relief and nervousness, realizing just how dangerous this trio was since they had managed to deal with all these armed goons themselves. And when Edoardo spoke, Jannah nodded vigorously and quickly scampered to a shelf nearby; collecting a bottle of the liquor, the kobold quickly delivered it to Terrence - since the orc was less imposing and threatening than the Sobekan - and stepped away. Sparing another glance to the bodies left in the trio's wake, it was then that his partner spoke up.

"Waat mar?" he whispered, which made Jannah shake his head.

"We clean bodies." Jannah said aloud for both his partner and the trio. "No worry. No one know you kill. Go. Thank you."

His partner let out an exasperated groan, knowing that their work ahead would be long and tedious. But for Jannah it was a professional courtesy for the trio saving their hides, and he looked over to Aelestra and gave her a nod before getting to work on disposing of the corpses.

---

The Golden Talon Tavern​

Arnas and Fraskia were the last to arrive, shortly after the other two groups had returned to the Tavern with their own successes in tow. Gerwin had remained seated, mulling over a cup of wine and spending his time ruminating in memory until noticing the return of his interepid do-gooders. The Utterlin gave a toothy grin to the regathered lot and outstretched his arms while leaning in his seat: "Good ta see yer back!" he said jovially, before taking another large gulp of wine. "And I see ta happy faces among yer lot. Ye got tha things?" Setting down his mug, he clasped his hands together in anticipation for everything that he was expecting to see gathered. Ornam was first to present as he placed the satch of coin on the table before the Utterlin.

"Aye. Kiri was... accomadating." the dwarf stated, crossing his arms as he watched Gerwin mull over the coinage. Gerwin pawed through the coins, and looked mostly satisfied aside from letting out a sharp 'tsk'.

"Les than I thought it be. Still! Be anoof fer us." Gerwin said, confirming that he was satisfied with what he had received. He looked towards Vera and Reece, and gave them an approving nod. "Ta Guardian choose his company well..." He then turned his attention to Levy and nodded to her: "Got a message fer ye. Ta Guardian need ya elsewhere too. Said it be a big monster fer ya ta kill from ta Rifts. Said ta leave immediately fer ta road nord." Levy exchanged a few glances with the others and nodded before leaving, allowing the conversation to continue ahead.

He then looked to Edoardo, Terrence, and Aelestra and nodded: "Got ta brine?" he asked with a smirk.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Terrence exhaled a heavy sigh, picking up what was left of the dealings and stowing it in his bag. He watched the kobold scurry about, accepting the bottle when offered. He only gave Janna a nod, pulling his modest satchel over his shoulder and turning to the exit. “Let us be out of this place, I believe the smell is starting to get to me.” He announced to his companions, pulling out his handkerchief once more to cover his nose.

Luckily the walk out of the sewers and back to the tavern wasn't a difficult one to navigate. Terrence took the liberty of hastening their pace until the smell of the underground was well out of their nostrils, even if he had no doubt the scent still lingered on them, if even but faintly.

The return to the atmosphere of the tavern was a welcome one, glad to see the rest of the party made it back as well, though the Utterlin’s voice did make Terrence’s eyebrow twitch faintly with annoyance. “It seems there is always something new with this Guardian. I am starting to regret that we did not ask for more in terms of compensation.” He said with the smallest hint of agitation in his voice. “But do not fear, your brine has been secured.” The orc pulled the bottle of dubious liquid from his bag, handing it over to Gerwin. “I ought to charge you for that, the hassle alone was a few coins worth.” Terrence didn't bother to try and enforce that charge however, instead finding a seat to rest his legs for a moment.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

"Agreed." Edoardo voiced, the vileness of his displeasure tinting the air dangerously more than the rot stink of refuse and sewage. He followed the merchant, footfalls marred by the weight of his wounds. He bound the side of his stomach with cloth and pressure, feeling the constriction dulling the ache. He offered a prayer to his Gods, thankful for the constitution he and his people enjoyed — it was writ through the silence of his voice. He did not impose himself onto his companions, even as his vision slightly swayed and swam. In a few minutes, they escaped the foul bowels of the city, the crisp air inflaming the Priest's lungs, clearing some of the splotches in his sight.

The tavern, and strangely the walk back, lightened Edoardo's mood. Though as he entered, Utterlin's complacent dependency for the Seabrine whittled and scraped against Edoardo's mind. His hand slowly parted from the bandaged wound, amber eyes casting a glance to it. The light played upon the length of his wicked claws. He clenched his fist suddenly, then his gaze went up to see them. "Unfortune seems to trail close behind the Guardian's wake or in the duties he dolls out to us." Edoardo spoke, absent of the expectant pain and hardness in his tone. Instead, his voice was composed, calm as though it were a soothing chill caressing the back.

"But Halforth speaks true, it was unnecessarily vexing." He allowed, retrieving a seat.

 

[joshuadim]

"Run inta trouble aye?" Gerwin responded in jest, a smirk crossing his face as he cradled the bottle. "Janna kind be a trouble fer me ta deal with. Hard ta understand... fer me and 'em." The Captain turned his attention away from their former woes and towards his acquired drink, which he uncorked and swirled it around in its container. Its contents formed a small maelstrom, like a storm upon a sea, before calming once more. For Gerwin, this was much more than a simple drink to annihilate himself upon as he bring the neck of the bottle to his nose and took a deep, thoughtful breath. To everyone, it would almost seem as though their guide across the sea had fallen into a trance - as his eyes rolled backwards and he let out a deep groan. Arnas shifted uncomfortably, feeling the need to intervene before what he thought was going to be Gerwin drinking the damned thing.

Fortunately for everyone, Gerwin instead put the cork back in place and set the bottle down gently as a grin formed on his face. "I ain't be ta one ta drink that, promise. Now," he spoke, turning to Arnas and Fraskia. "Got ta permit? Can't leeve ta port without et."

Arnas nodded, sliding the envelope across the table before pulling out the second and sliding it over as well: "She asked us to give this to you as well."

Gerwin held a moment of confusion before noticing the handwriting and, rather than delve into the permit, immediately opened Lanya's envelope and unfolded its contents. His face lost its usual demeanour and grew serious while his eyes scanned through the ink. Silence overtook one who was usually so boisterous and confident, while his hands trembled ever so slightly, allowing only a trace of his composure to dissipate as he read; Arnas shifted again where he stood, chosing to stay silent as he recognized that whatever he was reading was more important in the moment. For a moment, he could have sworn that he could see tears forming in the Captain's eyes as he trailed through the words regardless of how hard the Utterlin was fighting to hold that back.

When the Utterlin reached the end of the letter, he slumped in his seat and crumpled the paper in his hand whilst averting his gaze. He chose to show no weakness as he cleared his throat and put his large brimmed hat back atop his head and used its front to cover his face partly out of shame. "Helvetti, I... need a marment. Head ta tha docks, me ship be tha one on ta far end. I'll meet ye thar."

---

Following the Captain's wishes, the group would head towards the vessel that would be carrying them across the sea; on the outside, it was modest in appearance though it was impressively rigged and maintained. The size was small enough to avoid most suspicions, but large enough to carry them all - plus cargo - as well as to brave the terrors of the open ocean. As the sun continued to set upon the city, giving way to a pale golden evening, Arnas looked at the ship with admiration. It was a wonder how a hard drinker could keep his ship so well maintained, which was a comfort considering the challenge of traversing itself. The hull was spotless save for the few barnacles growing at the bottom in the waters below, kept safe by the lapping of the surface until one was tasked with the unsavory job of maintenance.

But Arnas' mind was also preoccupied by the events earlier as he let out a sigh.

"What do you suppose that was about back there?" he asked to no one in particular where they stood. "The letter seemed to shake him."

Beann Breadman Chaos Gallant Oreo Cookie Vexumin Worthlessplebian

 

[Breadman]

"They obviously have history with how she acted before handing us the paper." Fraskia said as she was looking at the ship. Fine looking one. Small, but likely what he needed to smuggle with. "Maybe it was a warning. A plea for him to change his ways before the hangman's noose is tied around his neck." Did he even have a neck? His long body didn't seem to indicate one. "Maybe it was news about his family." She shrugged. "Or maybe its as the bards say...another love affair that's in its winter."

 

[Vexumin]

Reece had been rather quiet since after the encounter with Kiri and beyond. Even as the group had gathered back together, the elf lad seemed a bit deflated. It was as if his eagerness from before when there was the potential for a fight had just faded away, taking with it much of his energy. Considering the knowing look on his face, he was more than aware of why he was in such a condition. It took everything he had not to ask those with him to lug him off to the ship, even if it was tying a rope to him and dragging him along.

"Oh Goddess Tereila, your strength is too much for me sometimes..." he mutters as he slinks after the team, on their way to the ship.

An unfortunate side effect of his goddesses power is that when he calls upon her blessing, the energy that fills him is akin to adrenaline. A raw eagerness born from the desire to bring wonder. It gets him ready for any trouble ahead, but the moment it fades it saps everything from him in exchange. It was perhaps a bit premature for him to call upon Tereila before a fight had even had a chance to start, but he had to admit to himself that he was just a bit too nervous and used an important card when it was definitely not needed.

Now he was just doing his best to stay on his feet and hoping that he wouldn't be a hinderance for his new companions.

When the ship came into view he breathed a sigh of relief. It was in good condition as opposed to its captain when the group had first met him. Once they had departed, then it might give the elf a chance to collapse somewhere for a quick power nap.

As the conversation started to shift towards the captain and his reaction to whatever letter he had been given, the elf couldn't quite say. Reece was mostly listening and watching for the moment. Besides, Fraskia had pretty much covered the most plausible reasons that the letter could have evoked such a strong response.

"I hope that he will be in shape enough to help us. Perhaps he'll have need of us once more though?"