The Devil's in the Details - Kolis-Tane

Finding a restful night after their earlier excursion into nightmare the Wardens find a pleasant night. Myra works into the night on several of the items Raijun indicated he needed for the heist as well as the proposal for the Nightwell keep for her father.   As they gather for breakfast the group finalizes the break in plan:

• Myra bestows on Raijun all of her nights efforts including:
  • A pair of goggles that will allow him to cast detect magic ten times
  • A pair of flying boots with four hours of charge
  • The putty that will allow him to replicate the blueprints
• The group agrees that Sarya and Myra will meet Carter for drinks while Hagren, Adama, and Persistent as Raijun will go else where to ensure they are also seen
• Sarya gives Raijun water breathing for the day
• Myra notes that she can enhance Raijun's dexterity right before the heist
• Hagren has Trenchcoat, begrudgingly, give Raijun one of the teleportation pockets for easy escape of the blueprints once acquired

 

A Study of Dragons

As the group disbands to their own pursuits about the day Myra takes some time to find Gemeta, who's dutifully working on her next article in the staff kitchen. Myra knocks on the frame asking if Gameta would like to utilize her personal library. Gameta is flustered but hurriedly packs the papers she was working on away as Myra leads her back to the library. "Raijun didn't really tell me what books you were looking for," she gestures around the room at the clear sections, "but that may be more a function of Raijun more than you not telling him."   "Oh," Gameta blushes, "I didn't go into too great a detail. Just anything on draconic lines would be helpful."   "Oh we should go to my room then," Myra starts walking off down the back hallway. Gameta nods looking flustered as she follows, Myra pauses blushing, "Is that -? I can bring it out if that would be..."   "No! I just don't want to intrude."   "Not at all," Myra starts walking again the blush fading from her cheeks. "The others might still be back there but that's fine."   "That's fine. Anything fun planned for today?" Gameta asks, as they pass by the group and into Myra's quarters.   "I think we're just going to spend it around," Myra notes quickly. "I think some people have a little extra shopping they need to do before we shove off."   "Oh! I need to run some things down to the printing press I'd be happy to pick up some things if the group needed them."   "That's very kind of you. We can certainly ask." Myra moves into the room and starts pulling books off some shelves.   Several of the books Myra pulls talk of the process of dragon bloodlines and while some are genetic some of the books also speak on granting mortals pieces of the dragons abilities. In a footnote on one of the granting sections there's a brief mention of cults that consume dragon parts to infuse themselves through rituals and surgeries to gain those abilities. The books also mention the crystalline dragons, where they also find some information about the glow that Gameta generates. While nothing in there is the silver bullet of what Gameta was hoping for she feels she comes away with more knowledge than she had before and thanks Myra.   "Do you know - did your parents interact with a dragon personally?"   "No... at least that's what they've told me. It was all underground in the Dragon Spine Mountains. In the mines. They were in the mines of Timeston, surveying the Dragonspine area and exploring some ancient temples and relics from the Era of the Unknown. Things from back before the elves arrived in this world, let alone this region, about the worship to the dragon tyrants. They were rulers, believed, if the research is correct. I guess they found something or were around something for too long and..." Gameta shrugs, "I am what I am now."   "I mean, there's nothing wrong with you," Myra comments.   "Childhood bullies would beg to differ."   "Childhood bullies are idiots. Do you know what they found?"   "Yes," Gameta smiles a little, "I would agree but, thank you."   "Do you know who the temples were to?" Myra gestures to the footnote, "Some of these book mentioned speak of specific groups. But I'm not sure if you know -"   "No," Gameta frowns, "too far back. I never really dived into it with my parents. But it always seemed like it was too old."   "Did they take anything out with them?" Myra asks, "Most of these," gesturing again at the passage, "seem to imply a time element. If they were just in and out I wouldn't expect them to affect -"   "I mean they stayed there for quite some time. Some things were sent to other research facilities in Aegermouth Keep, and the Bismuth Abbey, and even back to Greenport with us."   "Oh, well we should ask - we are going to the Abbey shortly - maybe someone there will know."   "I wouldn't want to interfere, but if we are in a place with many other books. I would love to look around."   "Absolutely, do you know what elements they brought out?"   "Old elements and tools? I'm not really sure..."   "It's fine," Myra waves away, "Just curiosity."   "I certainly appreciate your help Lady Myra -"   "Just Myra, please."   "Yes. I suppose I am in your rooms - formalities have - yes it's been quite and experience."   "Sorry it can be a little overwhelming sometimes."   "Yes..." Gameta pauses, "my whole house was about this size."   Myra smiles awkwardly, "Yes I believe Raijun once told me his entire orphanage was about this size."   Gameta's face falls a little at the mention of Raijun's past, "He's certainly been through a lot." She pauses before making eye contact with Myra and blushing, "Well certainly - thank you very much - please let me know if I can get any books or things while I'm in town today. I'll be around for a little while longer," as she picks up her notes and nearly bolts out of Myra's room.   As Gameta rushes through she nods to the group before excusing herself back to the main area of the house. As Myra exits Raijun corners her, "What did you two talk about?"   "You of course," Myra says flatly. "You expected us to talk about something else?"   "No, I expected that I'm the center of your world the same way I'm the center of mine."  

Deliveries

Sarya slips out of the room with the group as Myra confirms all of Raijun's suspicions to find Max in the foyer. "Yes Miss Sarya? what can I do to help you?"   "I'd like to send a note and a package to Urza Dawnsaber," Sarya says handing over the items.   A quizzical look comes across Max's face as he accepts the items, "Very good, delivered right away?" Sarya nods and Max calls over a house staff relaying the items and request. He returns back to Sarya nodding, "It will be delivered within the hour." Sarya thanks Max and returns to the group.  

Questions for the Weave

Myra retreats to her office where she begins to set up for the ritual to inspect the Weave again. But before she does so she takes the time to open the locked chest her mother gave her that contains the evocation scroll. Upon opening the chest she hears a message in her mind from Lady Stagwood, beginning with a deep sigh, "You couldn't have waited until you left the house? Fine..." Followed by another sigh.   Myra responds shrugging, "I told you I was doing it last night," as she can almost feel the sigh on the other end of the message.   Myra asks Nari to supervise but not actually participate this time as she sets both scrolls in a magic circle. She sets the circle to prevent any problems she may cause from escaping as she lowers her goggles and starts casting as Nari showed her. As the magic begins Myra focuses on the transmutation aspect of Weave.   What Myra learns is that the minor experimentations seem to come out like small ripples in the larger pond. However, there is damage. It appears as though larger disturbances have occurred and that has weakened the aspect of transmutation, especially the edges farthest out from the center of the anchor. While Myra is unsure of the exact effect it seems that as the threads stretch they seem to become thinner until some seem incredibly delicate at the ends. There are also places where Myra feels that the threads should stretch but don't, seemingly missing in locations.   Myra attempts to inspect the age of the damage to see if she is the cause of it, and reviewing the Weave, she finds deep past scarring but also clear indication of newer wounds. As she surveys the older damage she sees a time in which there was damage made across all the schools of magic.   As Myra exits her trance she takes the evocation scroll from where she had set it in front of her, returns it to the lock box and shuts it.  

Evening Adventures

The group prepares for the upcoming heist, Hagren and Adama choose a location in the Starlit ring for their drinking alibi. Myra informs Ayen that she's going to the Lonely Minotaur with Sarya.   "Alright," Ayen nods, "same drill as last time, probably less showy. But it's important to keep up appearances at this point and ensure that you and anybody else is safe. So we'll make the necessary arrangements for your travel." Myra nods. "I appreciate you not putting up a fight about it," Ayen comments, eyes narrowing in suspicion.   "I'm getting a drink with friends Ayen, it really doesn't matter how I get there."   "Oh by the way this came for you," He hands Myra over a letter with Carter's seal.   Myra opens the letter to find a note, 'Of course something has required my attention. Would you mind meeting me in the lobby and we can walk over together? - Carter' Myra pens a quick response indicating that that is fine and has it sent. She also informs Ayen of the change in location.   "Alright, no problem. Ah - Miss Carter? Are you planning on doing other jobs for -"   "Thompson? Not particularly. There something I should know there?"   "Good... Good. No, no more than the rumors and scuttlebutt from your father's dealing with him from the past. Wide birth is all I'd say. You're smart, you know how to spot something."   "Yes, well I would like to know if he knew he was smuggling the people who kidnapped me into the city."   "I will give him enough credit to say that he knows how much information to be in the know about."   "Quite," Myra pauses before turning, "Ayen are you coming with us to the Abbey?"   "I had not planned on it. My job is to ensure that your father and your brother return back to Nightwell safely."   Myra's brow furrows in thought, "I would rather that you were there with them. Not that I wouldn't have you with... But..."   "Nari knows what she's doing she'll take care of you alright."   Myra smiles, "And if something goes really wrong she'll just come get you right?"   "Yes. I think your cause for danger and concern are well behind you."   "Oh yes," Myra says sarcastically, "I'm not carrying anything that could potentially do anything like that."   "Well," Ayen smiles, "You're not going to get ambushed in the same way again. Myra learns from her mistakes. I don't think many of them will be walking away next time." Ayen pats Myra and heads off to prepare things.   The below sections are split by groups and happen concurrently.

Thompson's Tower

A carriage carrying Myra, Raijun, and Sayra rolls through the streets of the Clockwork Spires, the trams having been disabled from the attack. As the approach the block of Thompson's tower Raijun looks to the girls, nods and poofs out of the carriage into a nearby alley. As Raijun rights himself from his dramatic unseen roll he hears Myra's voice in his head, "We'll be able to communicate for a bit but I'm not sure how long that will last so don't count on it."   "Don't worry I'm really, really good at doing crime."   "So you keep telling me."   Raijun laps the building, drawing the shadows to him evaluating his options. Looking around he evaluates the options in, seeing only the alley, roof, and front door as options.   Myra and Sarya exit the carriage at the front of the building passing pleasantly into the lobby. Inside they see an large ornate statue of Thompson philanthropically handing out gold, the tiled floor gleams with Thompson's symbol, a fox head that has the color and cut of a diamond apparent. On the fur corners, ornate statues guard the sides. Myra says in Sarya's, "I my lobby ever looks this way please take me out or something." They approach the front desk where four guards sit, coming to attention from playing guards.   "Can I help you ladies?" One guard asks.   "Yes, thank you. Miss Carter told us to meet her here. You can tell that Myra Stagwood is here to see her."   The guard's face drains a little as he realizes he has actually work, he looks through a book and makes a note, "Oh she hasn't left yet, she's upstairs. Would you like to be escorted upstairs to meet her? Or is she coming down here? I'm uncertain." He pauses looking nervous, "I need to make sure that I get this right, because if I don't she's going to be very angry."   "I believe she mentioned she was going to be leaving with us," Sarya comments.   Myra shrugs, "I'm happy to interrupt her."   "I'm don't know what to do from here. Why don't you both wait here and I will go upstairs and try to retrieve her," The guard hedges. Myra and Sarya shrug happy to wait in the lobby. As they wait Myra updates Raijun commenting on the number of guards, the layout of the lobby and the door the guard went through to go get Carter.   The guard returns after a few moments, still looking nervous, "There's a light on in her office. But there's just a lot of screaming... Not in danger," he assures.   "So she doesn't know we're here then?" Myra crosses her arms.   The guard sweats, "I tried to make it apparent but if you would like to be escorted up then we can -"   "Yes I would love to be escorted up," Myra indicates, as mentally she tells Raijun that a distraction of the front guards will be imminent. "Do we need several of you given that there is two of us?" Myra asks aloud, trying to pull more away.   "Ah - yes and I would please ask you to wear one of these," The guard opens the station and pulls out a series of bands and hands them to Sarya and Myra. Myra alerts Raijun to the bands present as Sarya pretends to struggle with the bracelet. Two guards exit with Myra and Sarya into the right most door up to see Carter.   As Myra gives Raijun the tip he waits a moment for the guards to return to their game and slips into the corner of the lobby sinking into the darkness. He quickly maneuvers himself so he can see the darkness behind the gate and moves silently through the shadows to appear behind the guards desk. Raijun ponders the bracelets and looks to the two guards. Raijun makes a small illusion on the card game that would indicate that one of the guards is cheating. He then uses more illusions to further implicate the guard showing extra cards on the ground. To add insult Raijun lays down a silence and throws his voice to pretend to be the guard to incite further violence. As the guards bicker Raijun sneaks up to the post and pulls on the drawer, only to find it locked.   As Myra and Sarya exit the elevator with the guards Myra turns to the one they've been speaking with, "So you said there was lots of yelling?"   "Yeah," He pauses, "She can be kinda like that sometimes. She seems always stressed out... but she did say in here she was expecting a visitor so if you want to visit," He shrugs.   The elevator opens into an office space with clerical desks devoid of personality. There are un-motivational posters of Thompson on the walls declaring things like 'get back to work' and the space is clearly mostly used for clerical work. Two individuals seem to be working and clock the group as it passes. The guard ushers them over to the closed office, where the door is shut. The yelling seems to have subsided but someone seems to be talking to themselves inside.   Myra knocks on the door and a voice from with shouts, "I said I am busy. I'm trying to finish something before I actually leave this place at a reasonable time for once."   "I apologize greatly for disturbing you then," Myra calls through the door.   There's a sudden shuffling in the room as the door slowly opens. As they peer in the room looks almost a disaster of papers with ledgers, books, and papers covering every surface. If Myra didn't know how meticulous Carter was in her note keeping Myra might think her a hoarder based upon this room. A flustered Carter, "I am so sorry for that. I got stuck working on something I was not expecting to have to do today. I will be just a moment," she apologizes. "Would you like to come in?"   "Sure," Myra says brightly.   Carter looks back at her office and seems to double guess herself, "Maybe not... please just give me a moment and I'll grab my things and prepare to come back after..."   "Please," Myra interrupts, "Please don't. I would hate to be the reason you have to come back later. We are perfectly happy to wait. Right Sarya?" Sarya nods enthusiastically in agreement. "Do you need any help?" Myra offers.   "No, no, I have a certain system that I use to keep everything in place. And truthfully I'm not sure if you should be up here right now." Staring daggers at their escort who shrinks back.   "You'll have to forgive them," Myra intercepts Carter's gaze, "I did tell them it would be alright with you. It is completely my fault."   Carter gives Myra a look like she doesn't believe her, "Alright, you may go," she dismisses the guards. They request the return of the bracelets from them as they exit. Myra nods her assent noting that Carter isn't wearing a bracelet, which she relays to Raijun. Carter turns back into the room sighing, "I will be but a moment. I had a chair in here at one point..." She frowns at the mountains of paper.   Stepping looks across the papers Myra sees a number of contracts, POs, packing slips. She notes a series of papers titled, "Golden Osellot Trade" have large number of line items. Carter seems to gather things as she crosses the room and as she does so Myra also clocks a significant number of papers with the name Camrell. Once Carter has collected a number of items she returns across the room, "I'm so sorry and incredibly embarrassed-"   "Please don't be," Myra interrupts.   "You're far too kind," she leads them out and struggles to shut the door through the waves of papers. She sticks one of the books inside her bag as she approaches one of the clerks. Myra attempts to pivot to read their lips but in doing so knocks over a vase and only catches, the tail end is Carter quietly forcefully saying, "Get it done." Carter returns to them as Myra rights the vase. Carter apologizes again asking, "Okay are you both ready?"   "Yes we're good if you are. You don't have to come back later on our account right?"   "No Archimis here will be getting it done for me such that tomorrow's shipments will be on time. Isn't that right Archimis?"   The clerk nods, "yes, Miss Carter, very well," a shit eating grin on his face.   "Good," Sarya smiles menacingly before turning a nicer grin to Carter, "Ready for some drinks?"   "Yes. The answer to that is yes."   Downstairs, Raijun uses the glasses Myra provided to check to see if the lock is magical. Finding and abjurative ward on the drawer and also sees that the drawer contains a larger sense of magic that is divinitation based. Raijun clocks that the guards are also not wearing armbands and realizes they may in fact be to track guests rather than to allow access, quickly backing away. He reviews the doors and sees the elevator that Myra indicated they used instead trying to go through the ornate door which appear to be locked. He attempts to pick the lock but the door remains unmoving. Raijun quickly pivots going to the freight elevator on the left that the girls didn't ascend through.   Raijun silently opens the elevator and looks at the series of buttons labeled one through ten. He flashes back to the planning session with Myra instructing Raijun to go to the third floor, clicking the button. As he begins to rise he hears the other two guards coming down from the other side diffusing the fight he caused in the lobby. There's a moment before the elevator opens to the third floor a long hallway appearing before Raijun. There's a door on the right, further down there seems to be another door but immediately in front of Raijun is someone wearing an artificing coat.   The person looks confused, "Hello? Can I help you? Who are you?"   Raijun draws himself up, "They didn't tell you about the inspection now did they?"   "In-inspection?"   "Part of the new safety standards in Kolis-Tane include more random laboratory inspections." Raijun creates an illusion behind his back of a certificate and presents it to the man.   The man looks at it then back to Raijun, "Oh I apologize. Do you need help getting to a certain lab or is this facility wide?"   "Are you trying to influence a special inspection?"   "I'm just trying to be curious! I mean I'm just trying to show you where to go. My apologies."   "I don't need your help young man, I've been doing this for decades. Now leave me to my work and don't interfere or you will receive poorer marks which will mean sanctions and levies will be held against the Thompson Trade Corporation. You wouldn't want to have to report that to Miss Carter would you?"   At the mention of Miss Carter the man's face pales, "Nn-No" as he steps aside to let Raijun pass.   Raijun walks sagely down the hallway seeing a door on the right a door on the left and one further down the hall. Raijun flashes back to Myra telling him, "you have to find the door that has a turning device to access the lab. It's a portal to another area my theory..." Raijun remembers zoning out and them Myra saying "Raijun you're going to be great," and smiles to himself. Raijun walks past the first door looking for the device Myra mentioned seeing it labeled as "Stasis development and Trade Research". He shakes his head moving to the second door which reads "Special Project's Portal" and next to that sign there's an arrow point down the hall stating, "Ship research and development facility".   Raijun makes his way down the hall he finds the door unlocked and finds himself in an odd shaped room, half domed shaped, and he sees a revolving door that seems halfway into a wall with a console in front of it. There seems to be a old school rotary dial in front of the door but is able to fiddle with it enough to enter the dockyard. As he steps in he sees a few more guards in front of him as the cannons seem to be firing in the distance.  

Drinks

Hagren, Adama, and Persistence (in the guise of Raijun), make their way to the Starlit Ring. As they wander they find a myriad of options eventually setting on a location that declares itself Traviston's Meat and Other Eatery. There are a number of outdoor tables as the restaurant opens out into it. The server asks if they would like a table and Persistent responds, "Your finest table for heroes," Striking a pose but with an uncharacteristically blank face.   The dwarf server raises an eyebrow, "Alright all the tables are good, you can sit here," gesturing to an uncleaned table.   "Did you not here my friend?" Adama growls, looming over the dwarf. "We are the Wardens of the Weave. We are rolling with the Stagwoods and you dare give us the crappiest table around."   The server staggers back slightly, "My apologies first round is on the house." As he ushers the small group to a much nicer table. "Food for the table, yes I will make sure the chef knows you are here."   As they sit, Adama and Hagren clock the amount of attention that the Wardens, but more so the Stagwoods, name carries as heads turn to watch them go. The patrons start to turn back to their own conversations until Persistent loudly declares, "yes we are the Wardens of the Weave. You're welcome everybody!" Their face still not registering any emotion as they sit down.   One inebriated, ornately dressed person at the bar turns at Persistent's remarks, "Yeah? What does that mean? You guys make quilts and stuff?"   "My good sir," Hagren starts, "Have you not heard the legend of Raijun? 'The ninja you've never heard of'?"   "How am I supposed to hear of him if I've never heard of him?"   "Exactly. The Wardens of the Weave have been making huge headlines from coast to coast. This here, my good man Raijun," gesturing to Persistent, "he could do two somersaults while eating a baguette."   The man suggests he should as he chucks a breadbasket at them. Adama takes offense and turns the request back on the man telling him to eat the basket of bread. the man trips on someone, sending the bread flying as well as the person's drink. Adama throws his voice trying to incite a fight from the back of the bar. A group of Red Scarves turn to face Adama from the back of the bar as they hear Adama's shout kicking the man on the ground.   "Why, why is it every time I try to have a drink in peace, someone feels the need to cause a commotion?" Bigboy ask as the large man turns to face Adama.   "Cause your ugly?" Adama retorts. The figures turn and several rise as Adama mind links to Hagren, "Okay so we've clearly gotten everyone's attention."   "Well not the right kind of attention," Hagren mind links back.   "Wait why'd you bring me if you didn't want this kind of attention?"   "Touché... Touché... I just wanted to have Persistent make a peacock of himself. Since you're leading everything he might disappear in the background."   "Oh, okay well hear me out. Now that we clearly got everyone to know we're here I'll calm down some and I won't instigate a fight. 'Cause that's the only thing I'm really good at..." Adama turns back to Bigboy, raising his hands a placating motion, "Hey, there's' no need for you guys to stand up and make your way over here. I didn't understand that you were so attached to the way people receive your looks. I mean you could call me ugly all day and it wouldn't bother me. I wasn't aware that would hurt your feelings. I'm not going to say I'm sorry but I will say it won't happen again."   The group looks to Bigboy for confirmation as he steps up to Adama and smiles, "Good I will call you ugly. An ugly son of a bitch. Old Darvin here isn't one to hold his drink for too long." Gesturing to the man on the ground, "It's usually a fun part of the night try to make him dance for coin you just beat us to it," he laughs and the rest of the group follows. "Now did I hear it correctly that you are aligned with the Stagwoods? Usually we don't find their type down here with the 'common folk'. What did you get fired?"   "We're on our downtime," Hagren comments. "We just made acquaintance with them not too long ago."   "Well me and my merry band of travelers here," Gesturing to some of the other scarves that are patrons, "are always looking for new friends. Especially those acquainted to higher stations in the city and the world beyond. Now, can I buy you boys a drink?"   "As much as I like making acquaintances over drinks I shouldn't impose on you. How 'bout the next rounds on me for the trouble of my friend?" Hagren asks.   Bigboy smiles wide and claps Hagren on the back, "You, you I like. Him, he's still ugly," he laughs loudly accepting Hagren's offer. Bigboy waves over a couple of figures who bring over another table and join their section. After a hearty chuckle Bigboy turns to the guys, "So what line of work do you do for the Stagwoods if you don't mind me asking?"   "Well it's not much - our relationship isn't really business. But we have a friend who knows the Stagwoods... very well."   "Oh that is lovely. I bet they get all sorts of perks that high up in the city."   "Eh it's more of a trouble then it seems."   Bigboy laughs, "Strings upon strings those who sit high upon the trees. But I have you pegged as working man. Hands like that," Elbowing Hagren playfully, "don't come around from holding fancy glasses, am I right?"   "I suppose. By the by I better get those drinks for your boys. Raijun would you help me grab those drinks?"   "Of course Captain!" Persistent jumps up striking a heroic pose.   Once they are a bit away from the group Hagren leans in, "Hey uh Raijun, no offense but you're boring."   "Captain," Persistent says dropping Raijun's voice, "I am so sorry."   "Not Captain - Not captain. Hagren. Raijun wouldn't say captain... much"   "I apologize greatly for how I am failing you in this moment."   "Right, your job right now is to be a stand in for Raijun and right now," Hagren shakes his head, "Raijun would shame you so bad that you'd be fading out of existence."   Persistent collects themselves, "Hagren I will not fail you." Jumping up onto the bar they shout, "Come one and all hear of my heroic deeds. For I am Raijun for am member and leader of the Wardens of the Weave. As we have sailed around the world fighting evil-doers and creatures that would do you harm. Even saving this city from would be assassins and attackers, I have felled them all with my blades, and looked this good while doing it the entire time!"   The bar turns around looking at 'Raijun' and some people start muttering about past deeds of the Wardens. A light cheer starts up in the background as Persistent tries to flip into the Wardens dance only to slip on some beer and tumble. At the table, the scarves burst out laughing at the display, but Adama notices one of the figures leans in to talk to Bigboy. They exchange a look before that figure leaves and as he goes Adama clocks the red scarf tucked into the man's jacket.   Adama mind links to Hagren, "Be aware that there are red scarves around this area... And I don't know if you remember how we met but the first time we met we kinda knocked out a bunch of them. I think our red scarf body count is probably above thirty... each. I don't know if they've put together who we are and what we've done to them. Not that I think we can't take them but I don't think our charade would go over as well if we get into a fight."   "Alright," Hagren responds mentally, "How about we get this group as much ale as they want and then we do a bar hop. As we bar hop we can exit."   Adama stands up, "Friends, new friends, old friends, friends all around. Here's to all the true hearted men, women, and children who live in this fair city. A round on the Wardens and then we have to be off, make that two rounds one from me and one from our fair captain Hagren." The non-affiliated patrons cheer the Wardens, even some of the scarves seem jovial.   Bigboy smiles appreciatively, extending a hand to Adama, "Ah an ugly man who likes buying ale. I have to say thank you for that."   "My pleasure, it's good to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't catch your organization? Who are you guys affiliated with?"   "Oh we are the crew of the Ebonsquall."   "Hmm the Ebonsquall. I'm not really the sailing type so I haven't heard of you guys. Where do you hail from?"   "Well we mostly transition between here and Arnarholt."   "Wow you're far from home base. What brought you guys all this way?"   "Well after the Beholden opened up again once again, apparently thanks to you and your crew, I had a little bit of business to conduct within the city to ensure a fair trade agreement. So I sought to seek the journey personally. You know," Bigboy smiles, "Make sure things are done right."   "Yeah sometimes you gotta show up on your own or people will screw you all types of over. I gotcha."   "Very true. A man of business knows how much sometimes showing up in person could inspire the right reaction... to encourage future events. And recognize past ones."   "Bigboy..." Adama looks the man in the eye.   Bigboy pull his hand in slightly and at the mention of his name his crew sees to somber and pause, he pulls Adama closer, "My name is Bartholomew Blue, but some have called me Bigboy. It's so nice to really meet someone who has killed so many of my men. "   As Hagren returns to the table he notices the mood has changed, as Bigboy speaks, "Gentlemen you have interfered in my business for far too long. I had hoped that our meeting would not be one of circumstances but I will take this drink. I will say my goodbye for now. And maybe, just maybe, if you're lucky enough," he pauses as Adama and Hagren see running up through the street a large number of scarves running up.   "Look you know about me," Adam says beginning to manifest a fireball in his hand, "I'm about to blow you all up. Either this is going to go down peacefully or you're about to lose another thirty guys. I suggest we all accept that we had a good time today and then the next time you all see us you then try to murder us. Or to be honest I'm going to try to put your head on a steak."   Bigboy looks around almost lazily, "Respect. I think it's time for you to find another bar. We have another round to finish. And next time, next time I look forward to finishing you myself ugly man."   Adama gives him a nod of respect as Hagren, Adama, and Persistent exit the bar and as they go they see streets full of people lining up waiting to fight them. Some have chains, swords, crossbows, arcanists. It lasts, packed almost two blocks, before it starts to thin out as Hagren and Adama start to hear screams from the running crowd.  

The Lonely Minotaur

The women arrive at the Lonely Minotaur, people watch as Myra enters but there's considerably less fanfare than their first night in the city. They are led to a private table in the back and as their drinks are brought out Carter sighs and smiles, "I truthfully wasn't expecting to hear from you. I know we had talked a little bit at the Gala but I must have really enjoyed my night, I don't usually lose control like that. I woke up the next morning with a true headache. Did I miss anything fun that happened?"   "I suppose that depends on what you remember," Myra smiles tightly. "Unfortunately, the reason I won't be able to partner with your organization going forward is that I'm now on the board of Stagwood Futures."   "Yes... I do remember that. Congratulations," Carter toasts.   Myra sips her drink, "Ah thank you. It was unexpected but I look forward to doing more work there."   "I bet that's quite rewarding getting to own and have more control in what you're doing day to day..."   "Well I don't plan on leaving the Wardens quite yet. So you know," Myra shrugs, "I assume I'll have about as much control as I ever do Miss Carter."   "Well you certainly - Sarya if I remember correctly?" Sarya nods and Carter continues, "Sarya excluded, you keep them in line fairly well."   Myra laughs, "I don't know that I would agree with that but thank you. I do try to keep them alive."   "She does do her best," Sarya adds smiling warmly at Myra.   "The fact that they are all still standing, is saying something," Carter says taking a larger sip of her drink, "Especially, well you know the one. Insufferable."   "He's really not that bad," Myra laughs.   "He made a very cruel joke at my expense and if it wasn't for your kindness I would have thought it much crueler."   Myra looks genuinely upset at Carter's words, "I'm very sorry. I don't believe he knew what he said at the time if that gives you any softening. Not that it need be."   "Well, a girl can dream. As you see I'm being kept just as busy as ever," Carter sighs drinking.   "Yes it sounds like you've had quite the day."   "Ah well you know, with the Beholden re-opening and Zap's latest failure for the city that things are in a chaotic state. And Thompson is making sure that his pieces are positioned correctly, in what is to come. In the - In the future he has planned," Carter says taking a large gulp of her drink.   "Well that sounds truly ominous," Myra and Sayra say almost in unison.   "You have no idea. That man... Men," she sighs, "Am I right?" And Myra and Sarya both raise a glass in a cheers to that. "He has such grandiose plans and ideas but he doesn't want to do the work -"   "They never do, do they?"   "No, no they don't."   "Have you thought more to my suggestion?" (see Ghosts of Decisions Past - Beholden Crossing)   "I fear that if I leave it would only cause more problems... Thompson is a very vindictive person."   "Are you concerned about reprisal then?"   "Yes, for myself as well as your family's... interests. I would not want your kindness to have any ill effect just because of your involvement."   "For what it's worth," Sarya speaks up, "I don't think Myra is doing it only out of kindness. You'd be a great asset."   "Yes don't think it all charity. it's quite selfish of me if I'm being honest," Myra adds.   Carter smiles and takes another healthy sip, "You know it is very rare on my day to day that I get met with an aspect of kindness. So I truly appreciate it."   "It sounds like you should leave wherever you are then."   "It really is hell. I make it really sound like hell don't I?"   "Yes. And I would not wish that on you."   "Is there a timeline associated with your offer?"   "Carter I've recently been put in charge of talent acquisition for Futures. It can be whenever you need it to be."   "That being said ... I have some very important work to finish and then I think it would be best if I separate myself from that organization."   Sarya beings to get a bad feeling but pushes it down instead saying, "I'm glad we were able to get together. It's been a pleasure properly meeting you Miss Carter. Just remember that we are here if you need us.   Myra pulls out a card and hands it to Carter, "Whenever you're ready I'll be more than happy to facilitate anything you need." Carter reaches toward the card with hesitation. Myra jokes, "It's not going to bite. It isn't cursed or anything." Concern crosses Carter's face. "That was a joke," Myra reassures her. "Are you okay?"   "Do you know anyone who could help if it was?"   "If it was cursed?"   "Or worse..."   "I know quite a lot of people Miss Carter it would be helpful to know what I'm trying to break though."   "A deal..."   "A deal with whom? With perhaps -"   "Thompson for all of his failures is - can be a very noble man. But sometimes it can be good to let things go..."   As Carter speaks Sarya feels the impending doom reach her. Mentally Sarya reaches out, "Oh boy whatever's coming is going to be bad."   Myra, interpreting Sarya's words in reference to Carter's remains fixed on Carter. "Miss Carter, Thompson's deals in Nightwell how long did they extend before he arrived at the keep?"   She looks around nervously, "He's been putting more focus into dealing arms since Nightwell."   "Miss Carter is your contract with Thompson..."   "I... read carefully before signing anything. He..."   As Carter trails off a booming voice comes from outside, screams and yells reaching through, "Saryeva Undo’nen, I have come to take your soul."   Myra turns to Sarya, "Ohh you meant bad now." Myra touches her new earring sending a message to her mother, "There's going to be trouble at the Minotaur I'm terribly sorry." Myra draws, twisting one ring to swap her to armor.   "Come out and face, the face of your demise," the voice booms again, familiar but Myra is unable to place it.   "It's your name," Myra looks to Sarya, "Not mine for once. What do you say? Want to go out?"   "What do you think?" Sarya asks, "Will he break down the door to the place?"   "Oh yeah he'll absolutely burn the place to the ground," Myra comments as screams come from the background. "Yes better go out." Myra turns to Carter who seems to be shaking, "Miss Carter you may want to go out the back or something."   "He's here," Carter says shakily, "How? how did he know that we'd be here?"   "Who is he Miss Carter?" Myra asks as Sarya reassures, "It sounds like he's here for me."   Carter continues to shake as Myra touches her gently on the arm, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to. You should get out of here if you don't want to stay."   "I'm just going to hide back here. Please you don't understand. Don't hurt him - he doesn't - Thompson gave up a lot."   "Oh fuck," Myra says as she realizes who's waiting outdoors. As Myra and Sarya exit they see a hellish posse of what seem to be lavish and overdressed hellish individuals wearing very boutique style clothing, which mismatches the hellish fear exuding from them. "Sarya have you been introduced to Thompson Junior?" Myra asks. A group of millennial looking devils stands before them, as a scarf from beneath the helmet of War falls the figure drops the spear it is holding to tuck the scarf back in as they stand there voguing.   Myra to Sarya as they look at the millennial devils, "You didn't 'forget' to tell me that you sold your soul right?"   “Not that I know of,” she looks sheepish, “I’ve been on my own for a while… so it doesn’t always occur to me that anyone would care. But that’s definitely the guy that I saw at Thompson’s.”   "Yes well he was his son. So I suppose that makes sense. Though the fact that Thompson is not keeping him hidden or has failed to is interesting. This will be a PR nightmare. You don't know him from before that though? If you had signed a contract I would have imagined you meeting someone like him before."   “Wait, his son is a devil?” Sarya looks very confused, “I thought he was dead.” “Yeah though, no ‘devil’s bargain’ in my past. Not literally anyway”   "These things all appear to be true." Myra pauses, "When he died previously... his soul was consumed by a devils blade. You know the one Adama cherishes? At the time it empowered its owner to consume any soul of one it vanquished. So normal means of revivification would not have worked. It seems that those who thought Thompson did not care for his son were wrong as he seems to have gone through... great lengths to restore some semblance of him to the mortal realm."