Logs > Gamma Logs > Forgive Me If I Take Offense

Forgive Me If I Take Offense

[Cappy's Inn, Main Room]
The old, weathered planks that make up the walls do very little to keep out drafts, but do give the erroneous feeling that you are on a ship and not in a land-based inn. Trestle tables made out of old hatch covers and homemade benches are scattered everywhere. A large, dusty stuffed fish hangs over the bar as well as a rack holding beer mugs and whiskey glasses. An arch leads to a dark hallway just past the bar, and over it is a sign. Hanging on sagging hinges, a pair of swinging doors lead back out onto the pier. You see Cappy.

Sour beer and unwashed bodies cause a constant reek.

Severin walks towards the swinging doors.
Shala exclaims, "Severin, no!"
You ask, "It was only a thought. What's going on?"
Severin glances at Shala.
Severin raises an eyebrow.
Shala says, "Please..."
Shala asks, "Trust me?"
You put a gray pewter tankard on a trestle table.
Shala gazes hopefully at Severin.
Severin says, "Doesn't look as if I've got much choice."
Severin nods to you.
Severin nods to Sinjinn.
Severin kisses Shala on the cheek.
Sinjinn nods to Severin.
You raise an eyebrow.
Severin says, "I'll be around."
Severin throws open the swing doors and steps outside.
Shala begins to say something, then hesitates.
Shala stares at some swinging doors.
Shala turns to face Sinjinn.
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to Shala.
Shala gazes helplessly at Sinjinn.
You ask, "First fight, hm?"
Sinjinn asks, "Are you all right, dear?"
Sinjinn gives Shala a worried look.
Shala asks, "I.. he doesn't mean to leave, does he?"
Sinjinn blinks.
You say, "I'd tell you to buy him some roses, but I don't think he goes for them."
Sinjinn asks, "Leave? Kaezar?"
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to you.
Sinjinn raises an eyebrow in your direction.
Shala glances at Jurion uncertainly.
Sinjinn asks, "What noise is this?"
Shala says, "Roses... oh stars..."
You ask, "Can you say what you're fighting about, or is it private?"
Shala sits down on a bench.
Shala says, "He.. thinks I'm keeping a secret from him."
You ask, "Are you?"
Shala rests her head in her hands.
Shala says, "Of course I am."
You get a gray pewter tankard from a trestle table.
You swallow some dark rum.
The dark rum soothes and refreshes you. You can feel the tension drain away.
Shala moans softly.
Sinjinn glances at Shala and winces slightly.
You ask, "Does it concern anyone but yourself?"
Shala says, "Gods, what a mess."
Shala glances at you.
Shala sighs.
Shala asks, "Don't ask me more just yet. We need to speak to Kot and Xelian, don't we?"
You frown slightly.
Shala gets a gray pewter tankard from a trestle table.
You put a gray pewter tankard on a trestle table.
Shala gulps down some dark rum.
Shala drains her gray pewter tankard dry!
Seeing that it's empty, Shala sets her gray pewter tankard aside.
You say, "Yes."
Shala sighs.
Shala nods to you.
Sinjinn says, "If you need an ear or shoulder at any time."
Sinjinn points at herself.
You ask, "Does it concern Kot and Xelian?"
Shala smiles faintly at Sinjinn.
Shala shifts her eyes to you.
Sinjinn sips some hot toddy from her pewter mug.
Shala begins to say something, then hesitates.
Shala says, "I don't know yet, Jurion."
You say, "All right."
You say, "If it turns out that it does, it concerns all of us, you realize."
Shala nods to you.
Shala says, "I know."
Shala says, "I won't forget that."
You nod slowly.
You say, "All right."
You ask, "I don't want another repeat of Kot's mistakes, you hear?"
Shala asks, "Where do you think he may have gone?"
You get a gray pewter tankard from a trestle table.
Shala nods to you.
Shala says, "It's not like that."
Shala stands up.
Shala asks, "I've got to find Severin. You'll be at the Dwarf?"
You nod to Shala.
Shala nods to you.
Shala says, "We'll meet you there if I can find him."
You say, "Try Breen's."
You say, "He may go in for some whiskey."
Sinjinn says, "Luck walk with you."
Sinjinn nods to Shala.
Shala says, "I'm so sorry about all this. I'll explain soon."
Shala waves.
Shala throws open the swing doors and steps outside.
Sinjinn turns to face you.
Sinjinn stares fiercely at you.
You rub your chin.
You blink at Sinjinn.
You ask, "What?"
Sinjinn asks, "What the bloody pox do you think that's all about?"
You say, "I would like to tell you that I knew."
You say, "I'm trusting it doesn't have anything to do with the temple, or she'd have told us."
Sinjinn asks, "Would she?"
Sinjinn asks, "You asked if it had to do with Kot or Xeli and she said she didn't know... yet?"
Sinjinn says, "That's just damned odd."
You say, "If it has to do with Kot and Xelian, she had better not turn it into a repeat of her little trek to the Weald."
Sinjinn asks, "When, with Rowles?"
You say, "I don't want to hear about anything that has to do with any of us second-hand."
You nod to Sinjinn.
Sinjinn says, "Blast and damn, no."
Sinjinn says, "Too many links in the chain, blast it."
You say, "She should know better than to repeat Kot's mistakes with Vargus."
Sinjinn says, "She may have erred a long while back."
You say, "If someone's gotten on to Kot and Xeli and Shala's found out about it..."
Sinjinn says, "And is only now paying for it."
Sinjinn says, "Or that, yes."
You say, "Still, this is no time to play it close to the vest."
Sinjinn says, "Gods no."
You say, "Mayhap we can find Xelian."
Sinjinn says, "She dashes around so quickly, I hope she finds either one of us and tells us what this is all about."
Sinjinn nods to you.
You say, "We can pray."
You stand up.
Sinjinn stands up.
You put a gray pewter tankard on a trestle table.

[Stumbling Dwarf Cafe, Dining Area]
Covering this open air cafe is a faded green canvas awning, which has been connected to wooden poles, and offers a modicum of shade from the road. Tables are set out in an orderly fashion, and a handwritten sign has been tacked to the front of the building housing the kitchen. Sand and sawdust has been poured over the ground, making the ground rather stable and free of the muck that sometimes plagues the rest of the road. You see Fiamma.

Your group follows you.
You say, "Beat them."
You chuckle.
You seat yourself down at a table.
Sinjinn grins.
You touch Sinjinn's hand.
Sinjinn seats herself down at a table.
Sinjinn wipes the sweat from her brow.
You ask, "Are you all right? Like some cider to clear your head?"
You stand up.
Sinjinn nods to you.
You open an embroidered black leather pouch.
You get a dozen sovereigns from an embroidered black leather pouch.
You hand Fiamma some money.
Fiamma smiles and cheerfuly pours out a warmed cup of cider.
With a grin, she hands it over to you.
Fiamma gives you your change.
You put an earthenware mug on a wrought iron table.
You hand Fiamma some money.
Fiamma smiles and cheerfuly pours out a warmed cup of cider.
With a grin, she hands it over to you.
Xelian comes under the awning from the street.
Xelian's group follows her.
Kot says, "Okay, let's see what other mess has happened."
You frown at a handwritten sign.
Kot grins at Xelian.
Kot says, "Ermm."
Kot coughs.
Kot waves.
Xelian waves.
You say, "You know, that still says three sovereigns."
Kot asks, "How's things?"
You wave.
You close an embroidered black leather pouch.
Kot grins.
Sinjinn waves.
You say, "Very well."
Xelian says, "Ello, folks."
Xelian smiles.
Kot says, "Good... good to hear that."
You ask, "Xelian, have you got space for this?"
What is it you want to do?
Kot seats himself at a table.
You get an embroidered ivory leather pouch from a fitted black velvet cloak.
You seat yourself down at a table.
You offer your embroidered ivory leather pouch to Xelian.
Xelian asks, "What's going on? and what's happened with Shala and Severin?"
Xelian accepts your offer.
You ask, "Did you see them?"
Kot grins.
Kot nods.
Xelian peers at her embroidered ivory leather pouch.
Kot says, "Severin had four whiskeys in a row."
You say, "I don't know. They're supposed to come by here in a bit... or at least, Shala is."
You say, "She wouldn't tell us what's going on, either."
Xelian says, "Then she came in and asked Severin to let her explain."
Kot says, "Then Shala walked in looking sad like a lady who was jes' told her ya know whats are beginning to drift down."
You glance at Sinjinn.
You ask, "Mayhap we put some sense into her?"
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to you.
You swallow some mulled spiced cider.
The cider tastes pleasantly sweet, with just the right amount of sugar and spices.
Sinjinn says, "Perhaps."
Kot winces.
You say, "I told her if it was anything to do with any of us, she had better come out with it."
Xelian asks, "Jurion, is this...?"
You nod to Xelian.
Xelian peers at her embroidered ivory leather pouch.
Xelian says, "Gad."
You ask, "Heavy?"
Xelian shakes her head.
Kot leans back while sitting on the wooden chair.
Xelian says, "I'll be uncomfortable until I pass it over."
You nod to Xelian.
Kot says, "I'll keep it for you."
Kot grins at Xelian.
You say, "I know, but it's better to keep it moving right now."
Xelian puts an embroidered ivory leather pouch in her threaded pale lavender cotton sack.
You glance at Sinjinn.
Xelian closes a threaded pale lavender cotton sack.
You say, "There's one on the table for you, love."
Sinjinn blinks.
Sinjinn shakes her head and closes her eyes.
Xelian wiggles a finger at Kot.
You rub Sinjinn's neck.
Sinjinn says, "My mind is racing, sorry."
You say, "I'm curious to know what the trouble is."
Sinjinn swallows some mulled spiced cider.
Xelian exclaims, "Doncha tease me and try to take it from me, now!"
You shift your weight.
Kot says, "Don' let it run too far."
Kot grins at Xelian.
Kot asks, "Would I ever do something like that?"
Xelian seats herself down at a table.
You say, "It's thirty-five, this time."
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
You say, "I'm still working on Denita and the two hundred she got from that fellow Arknor."
You mutter.
Xelian asks, "Thirty five?"
Kot says, "Denita got money from Arknor?.."
Kot peers at you.
You say, "Apparently Merow told her to give it to Emerald Jake to hire mercenaries with."
You nod to Kot.
You say, "Two hundred imperials worth."
Kot says, "What for?.."
Xelian gawks at you.
You say, "'The defense of the city.'"
Kot asks, "Arknor donated money to defense of the city?"
Xelian asks, "He paid her 200 imperials to do what exactly??"
Kot says, "Out of the goodness of his heart?.."
Sinjinn chuckles.
You say, "I imagine she thinks that her role in helping Vek has given her sufficient fame to explain why he should give it to her."
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
You say, "I don't think she knows why, actually."
Fiamma wipes down a table.
Kot shakes his head.
You say, "I've been after her to give it to us, but she's bound on doing what Merow tells her."
You say, "You know, though..."
You say, "Everyone says Arknor's some kind of orcish spy."
Xelian grins at you.
Kot shrugs.
You say, "I wonder if she's not just buying the mercs for Talone and doesn't know it."
Kot scratches his cheek.
You say, "She says she'll give me half of whatever's left over after she sees Jake."
Xelian says, "Would not surprise me."
You gaze upwards to the heavens.
You ask, "The other half goes to... guess who?"
Kot grins.
Sinjinn smirks.
Kot says, "Tough guess."
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
You flail your arms about.
You say, "There's a hint."
You swallow some mulled spiced cider.
So refreshing, this spice cider hits the spot.
Xelian shakes her head.
Xelian pinches the bridge of her nose.
You say, "After that and Deloria only coughing up ten imperials from her orcish loot, I begin to think this town is full of skinflints."
You rub your chin.
Sinjinn asks, "Begin?"
Kot grins.
Xelian says, "I have no idea what is going on anymore."
Xelian leans back while sitting on the wooden chair.
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
You ask, "You don't suppose we could stage a robbery?"
Xelian crosses her arms and closes her eyes.
You ask, "Throw a bag over her head, abscond with the money?"
You lean back while sitting on the wooden chair.
Xelian holds out one hand.
Kot scratches his head.
Xelian says, "Someone place an ale in this hand, please."
Sinjinn chuckles.
Kot gets a single royal from a simple backpack.
Kot hands Fiamma some money.
Fiamma smiles and cheerfuly draws an ale.
With a wink, she hands it over to Kot.
Fiamma gives Kot his change.
Kot offers his tall pewter tankard to Xelian.
Kot puts a handful of sovereigns in his brown wool cloak.
You say, "He must love you dearly if he's buying you ale."
Kot closes a simple backpack.
Xelian says, "Now wait a momemnt. Arknor gave her 200 imps."
Xelian nods to you.
Xelian accepts Kot's offer.
You nod.
Kot scratches his chin.
Xelian says, "That is how I know his love is true."
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
Kot grins at Xelian.
You say, "Handy test for it."
Kot opens his mouth as if to say something.
Kot mumbles.
Xelian says, "Arknor gave her 200 imperials. Merow told her to give the 200 imperials to Emerald Jake to pay mercenaries."
You say, "That's what Denita says."
You say, "The first time I talked to her, she said she had to talk to Merow."
Xelian asks, "But she is only going to give him half of that?"
Kot shakes his head at Xelian.
You say, "Then today she told me she was going to pay Jake with the money."
Xelian sips some refreshing ale from her pint jar.
You say, "No, she's going to pay him whatever he wants."
You say, "She's going to give us half of whatever's left over."
Xelian says, "Ah, but she has 200 to negotiate with. I see."
You say, "So if he wants a hundred and ninety-nine imperials, we get ten royals."
Xelian nods.
Sinjinn smacks her lips.
You ask, "Who the blazes is Arknor, anyhow?"
Sinjinn says, "We may never know what she's truly left with."
Shala comes under the awning from the street.
Shala pants rapidly, trying to regain her breath.
Xelian says, "That is a good question."
You ask, "And what does he want?"
You wave to Shala.
Xelian nods to you.
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to Shala.
Kot says, "A huge ugly orc looking fella who was buying weapons for Talone's army."
Xelian asks, "And what is he?"
Shala glances at Kot.
Shala asks, "Orc?"
Kot says, "He said he didn't know who the weapons were for."
You say, "We're discussing Denita's plans for her two hundred imperials."
Xelian says, "Who seems to be very tight with Merow."
Kot says, "But."
Kot shrugs.
Xelian sips some refreshing ale from her pint jar.
Xelian crosses her legs.
Kot says, "Big guy... small red beady eyes... hairy ugly hands."
You ask, "Did you find Severin, Shala?"
Shala nods to you.
Shala says, "He's gone to Kemstead."
Kot says, "Couldn't make out much of it."
Xelian says, "He is not human, that is for sure."
Shala seats herself down at a table.
Shala gazes at Xelian.
You say, "Have some cider, Shala."
Shala asks, "What has happened?"
Kot says, "So, what's going on?.."
Xelian says, "Not elf or gharkin, either."
You nod at your earthenware mug.
Shala shifts her eyes to you.
Shala gets an earthenware mug from a wrought iron table.
Shala puts an earthenware mug on a wrought iron table.
Xelian says, "'We were just talkin' about that Arknor." to Shala.
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Shala asks, "Did you meet him?"
Xelian nods to Shala.
Shala asks, "What did you think of him?"
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
Xelian says, "Perhaps meet is not the right word. Kot and I saw him at Breen's the other night."
Shala nervously push a stray strand of hair from her face.
Shala shifts her eyes to Kot.
Kot says, "Why'd you need to see us, eh?.. What's the trouble everyone's going on about?.."
Kot mutters.
Xelian says, "Suspicious. But so is everyone in Breen's."
Shala asks, "Please, tell me what you heard?"
Xelian blinks at Shala.
Shala fidgets.
Shala asks, "Please, Xelian. It's important. What have you heard?"
Kot asks, "What is going on?"
Kot frowns.
Xelian asks, "About...Arknor?"
You say, "It would be easier if you would tell us what the trouble is, Shala."
Shala nods to Xelian.
You say, "Don't do this backwards."
Xelian frowns at Shala.
Kot glances at Shala.
Shala pulls her hands from the table and clasps them in her lap.
Shala nods.
Xelian says, "Nothing atall really. Just saw him in Breen's, and word is he works for the orcs."
Xelian rubs Shala gently.
Shala says, "Yes, you're right."
Shala says, "But not here."
Shala stands up.
Kot stands up.
Xelian gives Shala a worried look.
Xelian stands up.
You sigh.
You stand up.
Kot says, "There's a good place a bit north of here."
Shala shakes her head at Kot.
Kot says, "Not many people would go there."
Kot peers at Shala.
Shala says, "This way. Nice and quiet most times."
Shala walks over to Kot.
You say, "If we go more than a half-mile, you can write me a note."
Sinjinn stands up.
Shala says, "Not far."
You say, "And it had better not be underground, either."
You join Shala's group.
Sinjinn glances at you.
Xelian nods to you.
Shala glances at you.
Xelian jerks a finger at Jurion.
Shala sneaks down the stairs when Fiamma is not looking.
You follow Shala stone staircase.

[Stumbling Dwarf Cafe, Basement]
A jumble of stuff lies on the on floor: brooms, empty casks, chairs with broken legs, that sort of thing. The proprietor of the cafe obviously doesn't throw anything away. Wooden stairs built against the wall lead up to the cafe. You see a limping veckle. Also here is Xelian, Kot, and Shala.
The only obvious exit is south.
Xelian says, "Wise man."
Shala says, "Can't have everything."
Shala furrows her brow.
Shala asks, "Sinjinn?"
Shala peers off to the north.
Sinjinn walks in.
You say, "Shala... Just tell us the story."
Xelian walks over to Shala.
Xelian rubs Shala gently.
Shala paces back and forth.
Xelian offers her pint jar to Shala.
Kot says, "So, what's going on?.."
Shala says, "I was with Severin on the beach tonight."
Shala accepts Xelian's offer.
Kot nods.
Shala says, "Thank you." to Xelian.
Xelian winks at Shala.
Xelian nods.
Shala swallows some refreshing ale.
Shala says, "A guardsman approached me."
Shala says, "He asked Severin to step outside so he could speak with me."
Shala holds the jar with two hands.
You say, "All right, stop."
You say, "I'm going to reverse myself here."
You say, "Let's go somewhere aboveground, if we're so worried about this. It's quite a bit more suspicious if someone runs into us here than at the Dwarf having cider or at a private table in the Plum."
Shala gazes at you.
Xelian nods.
Shala nods slowly.
Shala asks, "I.. where?"

You climb the stairs.
[Stumbling Dwarf Cafe, Dining Area]
Covering this open air cafe is a faded green canvas awning, which has been connected to wooden poles, and offers a modicum of shade from the road. Tables are set out in an orderly fashion, and a handwritten sign has been tacked to the front of the building housing the kitchen. Sand and sawdust has been poured over the ground, making the ground rather stable and free of the muck that sometimes plagues the rest of the road. You see Fiamma.
Your group follows you.

You say, "Just sit."
You flail your arms about.
Shala paces back and forth.
Sinjinn shifts her weight.
You say, "If Fiamma's paid for the temple, she's paid for this. Sit down."
Shala seats herself down at a table.
You say, "At least this way if someone comes in, we're having a nice cup of cider."
Sinjinn seats herself down at a table.
Xelian seats herself down at a table.
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
You seat yourself down at a table.
Shala nods to you.
Shala says, "I'm not thinking clearly. I'm sorry."
You say, "Now. You were with Severin on the beach and a guardsman came in."
Shala nods.
Xelian glances at Kot.
Kot shrugs at Xelian.
Shala shifts her eyes to Xelian.
Shala says, "He is a friend of Jayden's. Says they grew up together."
Shala says, "He told me he believes Jayden to be innocent."
Xelian turns to face Shala.
Kot grins at Xelian.
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Xelian pats Shala's arm encouragingly.
Shala says, "He asked me to listen. Listen for information that could prove it."
Shala says, "He... said he thinks Merow lied."
Shala shivers.
Xelian frowns.
You ask, "Why did this make you worry about Kot and Xelian?"
Shala gazes at you.
Shala says, "He told me they might know something."
Xelian raises an eyebrow.
Kot scratches his cheek.
Shala says, "He asked me to spy on them. Get them to tell me if they knew more than they've said."
Xelian asks, "What? he mentioned us? what?"
Shala licks her lips nervously.
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Sinjinn frowns.
Xelian leans back while sitting on the wooden chair.
Shala asks, "I'm not so good at this spy thing am I, Xelian?"
Shala smiles weakly.
Kot says, "If the guard were who he says he is..."
You snort.
You say, "I'd rather you told us than keep it in your pocket."
Shala says, "I just did."
You say, "If it concerns one of us, it concerns all of us."
Shala gazes at you.
You say, "I'm trying to thank you."
You grin quickly at Shala.
Xelian shakes her head slowly.
Shala blushes.
Shala says, "I'm sorry. I'm not.."
Shala shakes her head.
Shala shifts her eyes to Xelian.
Kot says, "If not... it's a great way to split the town in half."
You ask, "Do you know something about Jayden that would prove he's innocent?"
You raise an eyebrow in Xelian's direction.
Sinjinn sips some mulled spiced cider from her earthenware mug.
Shala asks, "Have you heard anything, Xelian?"
Xelian says, "'So ye told him ye would agree to spy on us? good for you." to Shala.
Kot grins wryly.
Shala blushes slightly.
Shala says, "I told him I would see what I could do."
Shala says, "I..."
Shala mumbles some obscenities.
Xelian glances from Shala to Jurion and back again.
Xelian opens her mouth as if to say something.
Shala rubs her temple.
Shala exclaims, "I never thought he'd say your name!"
Xelian laughs.
Kot shakes his head.
Xelian asks, "It's quite good. Ours were the last names ye expected to hear
him say, eh?"
Kot seats himself at a table.
Shala closes her eyes.
Shala leans back while sitting on the wooden chair.
Xelian rubs Shala gently.
Kot says, "The guard has to be tested."
You swallow some mulled spiced cider.
The cider tastes pleasantly sweet, with just the right amount of sugar and spices.
You drain your earthenware mug dry!
Seeing that it's empty, you set your earthenware mug aside.
Shala opens her eyes.
You say, "Wait a moment."
Shala gazes at Kot.
Shala asks, "What?"
You ask, "Do you two know anything, or not?"
Xelian says, "I know nothing that would prove Jayden innocent."
Shala shakes her head.
Shala furrows her brow.
Kot says, "It's more likely that the guard is working against Jayden and against the city."
Shala asks, "But... do you know anything that would prove Merow lied?"
Kot nods.
Shala begins to say something, then hesitates.
Kot says, "There is a way."
Xelian stands up.
Xelian paces back and forth.
Kot says, "I sent a letter into the palace last morning."
Shala puts a pint jar on a wrought iron table.
Kot grins.
Shala asks, "A letter?"
Kot says, "Signed it with Breen's name."
Xelian rubs her chin.
Kot nods.
Shala asks, "What in the stars is going on?"
Kot says, "I don't think Jayden did what Merow said he did."
Kot says, "And I think Merow is working for Talone."
Kot shrugs.
You ask, "Did you say this in the letter?"
Kot grins.
Shala stares at Kot.
Kot says, "Not quite like that."
You ask, "And is there any reason for the guard to mention you and Xelian by name?"
Shala shakes her head at you.
Shala says, "If there was, he didn't say."
Kot says, "I mentioned me in the letter."
Shala says, "Just that he thought they might know something."
Xelian licks her lips.
You say, "Well."
Kot says, "That is... if the guard came from the palace."
You say, "That would explain it, wouldn't it."
Xelian says, "Merow and I spoke the other night..."
Kot says, "If the guard came from the other side."
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to Xelian.
Kot says, "They would want you to tell them what our side knows."
Shala shifts her eyes to Kot.
Xelian says, "Most of what we spoke about is not relevant."
Xelian says, "Let us just say...in his tribe, during great trials, a warrior will seek out his shaman."
Shala runs her hand through her hair nervously.
Xelian says, "And I am as close to a shaman as Merow could find in Kaezar."
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Xelian rubs her arms slowly.
Xelian says, "As for the matters at hand..."
Shala asks, "Xelian, what did he tell you?"
Xelian says, "He spoke of a mission he would be workin' on, for the Crown. and he spoke of Jayden."
Shala asks, "What of Jayden?"
Xelian says, "Said he and Jayden had both been trained for the mission. But that Jayden, of late, had come under suspicion. And that he suspected Jayden would try to convince others Merow was a traitor."
Kot grins.
Shala furrows her brow.
Kot scratches his chin.
Xelian walks over to a wooden chair.
Xelian leans on Kot.
Xelian places her hands on Kot's shoulders.
Shala says, "It sounds... like something Kot would say."
Shala shifts her eyes to Kot.
Kot says, "Which sort of fits with Jayden's story."
Kot shakes his head.
Shala asks, "You spoke with him?"
Kot nods.
Kot says, "A couple times."
Shala asks, "What did he say?"
Kot says, "According to him it went like this."
Kot says, "He and Merow were invited to Kemstead.. to Essence Inn."
Kot points at Shala.
Kot says, "You showed Merow where it was."
Shala nods to Kot.
Shala says, "And you lied about me."
Kot says, "There they met an old man.. sylvan..."
Kot looks like he really doesn't care.
Shala says, "I've not forgotten. I'll have your hide for that yet."
Kot says, "Get in line."
Kot says, "Anyway."
Kot says, "The old man was a professor of orcish stuff from the abbey."
Shala nods to Kot.
You act: Jurion laces his fingers together.
Kot says, "And he has tought them how to speak orcish."
Kot says, "Then Merow and him went to test their skills out."
Kot says, "Found an orc.. and it worked."
Shala furrows her brow.
Kot grins.
Shala says, "But..."
Shala frowns.
Xelian says, "Aye, Merow mentioned that to me. Necessary for the mission, the orcish lessons."
Shala says, "Only Merow came out."
Kot says, "That's when Merow asked Jayden to step aside."
Kot shakes his head.
Shala asks, "Step aside?"
Kot says, "Merow said he had a message for the orc from his superiors."
Kot says, "And told Jayden to take a walk."
Xelian sips her ale slowly.
Xelian glances at an awning.
Kot says, "When Jayden returned, he heard the orc say that it will relay the message."
Kot shrugs.
Kot says, "Merow walked off and the orc attacked Jayden."
Shala frowns.
Kot says, "Jayden cought up with Merow later on in Breen's."
Kot says, "And that is when Merow in private told Jayden about his mission and all'at."
Kot says, "That is what prompted Jayden to start seeking audience with Vek, to confirm Merow's words."
Kot says, "Because, as he said, Merow told him that Vek himself requested this of him."
Shala gazes quietly at Kot.
Kot says, "In a day or so, Jayden was sitting in Breen's."
Kot says, "Waiting for folks to come in ask him to open boxes for them."
Kot says, "Then Merow walks in with Aman."
Kot says, "They ask him to come with them."
Kot says, "Naturally, he goes along."
Shala nods.
Kot says, "They bring him to the barracks, and there, in presence of two other guards, Merow says that he has overheard him saying something like "We will know when we kill the king"..."
Kot says, "And when they saw Merow, offering Merow a bribe of 80 imperials."
Kot says, "Once Jayden has heard that, he took a swing at Merow and ran for it."
Kot grins.
You scratch your chin.
You ask, "Do you think Valorian's in on it?"
Shala raises an eyebrow.
Kot says, "A few interesting things are."
Kot leans on Xelian.
Shala asks, "All I can think is... only 80?"
Shala shakes her head.
Shala says, "I've been hanging out in bad company."
Shala smiles faintly as she rubs her forehead.
Kot says, "What he told Xelian came the evening after the incident."
Shala nods to Kot.
Shala says, "After Jayden was accused."
Kot says, "So.. Merow may have told her that, knowing she is a loyal Kaezarian... hoping that.. no, before."
Xelian asks, "Valorian?"
Kot says, "Before Jayden was accused."
Kot grins at Xelian.
Xelian peers at you.
You say, "He said Jayden attacked him today."
You say, "While he was with Deloria."
Shala furrows her brow.
Kot says, "I'll get to that."
You say, "And yelled something about 'Death to all those who aren't in Talone's army,' according to Valorian."
Xelian grins at Kot.
Shala says, "You believe Jayden." to Kot.
Kot says, "So, Merow told Xelian that in the evening... Then next morning he has changed his story."
Kot says, "The story Merow tells in public makes no sense at all."
Kot shrugs.
Xelian nods slowly.
Kot says, "The other day... when I casually mentioned "I still can't believe
Jayden did something stupid like that" in front of Merow."
Kot says, "Merow went into a long explanation of what happened."
Kot says, "Instead of his usual shrug and a grunt."
Shala blinks.
Shala glances at you.
Kot says, "Then he said that he was offered 100 imperials for a bribe."
You act: Jurion fiddles with his ring.
Kot says, "And said a different phrase, other than what Jayden said Merow told to the guards."
Shala gazes at Kot.
Kot says, "In my letter to the palace, Breen suggests that Aman be questioned as to what exactly Merow said to them."
Shala asks, "But what if Jayden's lying?"
Xelian gnaws on her thumbnail.
Shala says, "I mean this is Merow we're talking about."
Shala says, "Merow."
Kot nods.
Shala gazes at Xelian.
Shala asks, "Do you believe Jayden, Xelian?"
You act: Jurion turns his ring around his finger.
Kot says, "I hope I am wrong."
You ask, "Other than my own personal problems with public executions, is there any reason we're concerned whether Jayden's innocent or not?"
Xelian says, "Aye...that's what Kot and I keep saying."
You act: Jurion taps his empty mug.
Shala shifts her eyes to you.
Sinjinn says, "Good question."
Kot says, "Also... the story Merow tells makes no sense."
Sinjinn puts an earthenware mug on a wrought iron table.
Sinjinn opens her mouth as if to say something.
Kot says, "If he did overhear Jayden... and Jayden tried to bribe him right there."
Sinjinn glances at you.
Kot says, "Why did he just let Jayden leave?.."
Kot says, "Why did Jayden go back to life as usual."
Kot says, "Why did Jayden agree to come with the guards peacefully."
Kot says, "Yet swung and ran when he was accused..."
Sinjinn says, "Why do we care? Honestly, I'd like to know as well."
Shala says, "Merow wouldn't kill in cold blood. Maybe Merow didn't really believe it. He's a stickler for procedure."
Kot says, "But then Jayden's actions make no sense."
Xelian stares off into the distance.
Kot says, "If he knows that Merow knows he is guilty."
Shala gazes at Sinjinn.
Sinjinn says, "Forgive me if I don't weep blood-tears over whether a guard is lying. And forgive me if I take offense to being ignored."
Sinjinn stands up.
Shala glances at you.
Sinjinn says, "Love. I'll see you later."
Xelian says, "Nay, Sinjinn."
Xelian walks over to Sinjinn.
Sinjinn asks, "Unless you'd like to come with?"
Sinjinn peers at you.
Xelian touches Sinjinn.
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to Xelian.
Xelian says, "I was gatherin' my thoughts."
Kot mutters.
Xelian says, "Not ignorin' ye words."
You sigh.
Shala says, "I do care, though."
Kot says, "You don't care whether orcs overrun this town or not?.."
Xelian says, "Do not go, please."
Kot shrugs.
Sinjinn shifts her eyes to Kot.
Kot says, "What else's there to say."
You say, "We're trying to bilk them out of a thousand imperials."
Sinjinn asks, "I care, but do I care if a guard lied? We know the orcs are coming, why the intrigue over how?"
You say, "Not that it's the same as orcs coming, but the point is..."
You say, "I don't know."
Kot says, "Because those guards are close to Vek."
You say, "I don't want to see Jayden executed."
You ask, "Do you think I give two rabu pisses about Vek!?"
Sinjinn says, "There are other guards closer to Vek."
Shala flinches.
Sinjinn grinds her teeth together.
Kot shrugs.
Kot says, "I do."
Xelian says, "I care because...if there is a traitor, that would give the orcs advantage, I would like to see him caught."
Kot mutters.
You ask, "Vek who gives audiences to wandering minstrels and wayward gharkins? Vek who never once bothered to say one word to any of the people who fought to break him out of that tower?"
Shala clears her throat.
Xelian says, "Aye, we are tryin' to bilk the city out of a thousand imperials, but..."
You say, "I don't know what sort of king he is, but I'm not really wanting to put my neck on the line for Jayden."
Xelian says, "This is our home. This is Kaezar. This..."
Kot says, "Vek who is the commander of the royal army and the rightful king of the city."
Shala gazes sadly at you.
Kot spits on the ground.
Sinjinn crosses her arms.
Shala says, "I have to. I can't let it rest."
Shala says, "I wish I could, but I can't."
Shala says, "Not this time."
Kot glances at Shala.
Xelian chews on her lower lip.
Kot says, "Don't say what you've just heard to the guard."
Shala glances at Kot.
You say, "This city is full of fools and braggarts, and I for one am not especially interested in supporting it. If I were, I wouldn't be conning its citizens out of their hard-earned money for a temple that isn't going to exist."
Shala asks, "Do I trust anyone else in this city other than who is here?"
Shala shakes her head at Kot.
Xelian murmurs, "this is our home..."
You say, "It isn't mine."
Shala shifts her eyes to you.
Xelian squeezes Kot's shoulders hard.
Kot says, "Tell him while hiding at Breen's you have heard Breen mumbling something about writing a letter to the king."
Kot kisses Xelian's hand.
Xelian nods to you.
Kot shrugs at you.
Shala says, "It's the only one I have, Jurion. I can't turn away from it."
You ask, "Do you think you'll be living here in peace and quiet if word gets out what we're doing?"
Xelian says, "I know. I know, Jurion."
Shala says, "But it won't."
Kot nods to Shala.
You say, "Or are you just caught up in the noble cause of the moment? I've been down that road. It gets you nothing."
Kot glances at you.
Shala gazes sadly at you.
Xelian sighs heavily.
Shala says, "I can't see him killed, Jurion, and not see your face where his should be."
Shala says, "I have to know."
You say, "All right."
You say, "Try not to let it cut into your donations."
You stand up.
Ducking under the edge of the awning, you walk out to the road.

Logs > Gamma Logs > Forgive Me If I Take Offense