CH. 5: Vying Factions

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra looks rather puzzled by the question posed to her. She looks down at herself to make sure that she looks like a girl before she seems satisfied that she does, indeed look like a girl. "Well, girls in general, sure. I am one," she points out. "Why?"

[mgbevan]

"Straight down to business I love it!" Gregeddin exclaims happily, as he shuffles awkwardly alongside the pair as they continue walking towards the entrance.Walking and talking he adds, "I'm looking to speak with that black robes mage from earlier, Magnus, you remember the inintimidating chap. Do you know where I can find him? Planning spells for tomorrow takes time and I forgot to ask him about it earlier so it would be really great if you did know where he is. But oh my your job sounds exciting, coming straight from the boss, has he got you doing something really important that would be really fun to share? oh I love a good story"

[djhyland]

Darga considers for a minute before nodding. "I don' think anyone's 'spectin' ya ta fight an' keep bad 'uns away from th' elf if ya do take him in," he says. "I'll let th' lad know what you said. If'n he feels right 'bout it, then he kin come an' bring his uncle ta ya. But even if he don't, ya have my thanks fer yer kindness."

Darga bows hurriedly an' murmurs a few more words of thanks before heading back out to find Tulbas again.

[Haahque]

"Oh nothing. It's just that one of the recruits is a gnome. It's been months since I last saw another gnome. Years since I last saw a girl. I don't know how to act. She's nice, and pretty and smart and successful and intelligent and beautiful." Haahqae pauses for a moment. "But you probably don't know very much about gnomes. And she'll probably leave us again after killing the giant. So it probably doesn't matter anyways."

[JadedDM]

Gregeddin and Tulbas (River Way, outside the cult warehouse)
Biggs and Wedge both shudder at the mention of the black robed wizard, Magnus. "No, he left as soon as his interview was over," Biggs admits. "No idea where he went."

"Can't say I want to know, either," adds Wedge as the three step outside. Biggs and Wedge look around, as if searching for someone.

They appear confused when they fail to find the person, then Biggs looks to Gregeddin. "Actually, maybe you can help. The boss needs to speak with that elf kid, Tulbas. You know him right? If you see him around, send him down here right away. Boss says it's urgent. Something about healing his dad or whatever."

Unbeknownst to the three of them, Tulbas spies all of this from above, on the rooftop of the building across the street.

Darga (Mageware Shop)
Darga returns to the mageware shop without incident. He's let inside by Kendra and Haahqae, but finds that Tulbas is no longer there!

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, I might not know much about gnomes, but girls are girls no matter the race," Kendra says. "Or, at least I think they are. Are you just wanting to get to know her better?" she asks. "I mean, I guess it is all about your intentions."

[Haahque]

"Yes, I think I would like to get to know her better. Or maybe to travel with her for a while. Maybe she can help us with other heroic tasks? Mostly I know I wouldn't want to just finish this task with her and say goodbye forever."

[HorizonsDream]

"So, maybe after we kill the giant and survive, we can do a little celebration at one of the taverns around here," Kendra offers. "That gives you the chance to talk to her."

[BishGada]

Tulbas waits until Gregeddin is alone, then he quickly climbs down peeks behinds a house corner, whistles somewhat clumsily to get Gregeddin attention and hides again behind the corner.

[mgbevan]

Disappointed that Magnus' location was unknown, Gregeddin agrees to relay the message on behalf of Biggs and Wedge. Bidding them farewell, he too is somewhat confused when he doesn't see Tulbas where he left him.

After hearing a strange sound that somewhat resembled a whistle, he follows it to find Tulbas. "Oh there you are! No luck with Magnus, but more pressingly Darewind's feathers seemed pretty ruffled in there, he was getting all agitated and Nora didn't look like she was enjoying whatever he was saying. I didn't go up to speak with them since he looked quite angry, but then I saw Biggs and Wedge walking out menacingly, they were looking for you and apparently Darewind wants to speak with you in there right away." He pauses for a breath before continuing hesitantly, "The pair of them said it was to do with healing your uncle, although they said father, but given everyone's attitudes I think it could be a lure... I can't remember how many days Raetmal has been asleep now... If it's somehow genuine great, but otherwise it gives you a pretty tough decision to make since he means a lot to you..."

[BishGada]

For a moment Tulbas's eyes lit with hope. 'Healing my uncle' he thinks, but the light immediately dims. "As far as I wish someone could heal my uncle, I've seen enough of Darewinds healing powers when he sucked the life out of the Seekers guard. I don't trust him. Did you see a small boy reports to Darewind just before you met Biggs and Wedge by any chance? I think they were watching out for me... Anyway, I can't set my foot there... Let's see if we can track Magnus in one of the Taverns and otherwise return to the shop."

[Haahque]

"Mmm, yes, that would be a good idea. Although the Steel Tankard always seems to be completely full all the time, maybe there's another tavern around that will have some room. And perhaps better quality drinks. Or maybe we'll find some aged wine in the giant's lair. Anyways, I should probably be off, there are plans to be made for laying traps for the giant, and they aren't going to make themselves, so I should meet with the huntsman. See you tomorrow Kendra. Thanks" With a little smile towards Kendra, Haahqae gathers his strength to brave the great outdoors.

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin nods solemnly along with Tulbas, knowing that was not an easy decision to reach. "A small boy?" Gregeddin asks, "Um yes I think there was, he went and bowed to darewind. I didn't think much of it at the time. Right let's try the taverns, to the closest one round here and maybe some food and drink to go with it!" the bard concludes, upbeat.

[JadedDM]

Haahqae (Steel Tankard Inn)
Haahqae leaves Kendra and Darga at the mageware shop, and heads toward the Steel Tankard again. The sun will be down soon, so the place is starting to fill up again with refugees looking for a warm spot on the floor for the night.

He doesn't see Jaymes anywhere, but he does recall the ranger went upstairs when he and Gregeddin left earlier.

Gregeddin and Tulbas (River Way, Harbor District)
The pair decide to check out the nearest tavern, which is a smoky dive called The Happee Ohgr. However, before they even reach it, Magnus himself steps out from an alley and approaches them. "Well," he says, "I would question the wisdom of wandering around the outside of Darewind's hideout when you're at the top of his 'kill' list," he says casually. "Surely you've more sense than that."

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin stops in his tracks as he hears that familiar voice, a little tingle in his spine emerges with the surprise. Doing his best to regain his composure he warmly says, "Ah there you are, we were out trying to find you! Magnus, Tulbas. Tulbas, Magnus." Gesturing appropriately to each person. "I, Gregeddin, briefly explained your intent, Magnus, to Tulbas, then Tulbas really wanted to meet you, Magnus, so I, Gregeddin, said I'd go looking for Magnus, you, and Tulbas, he, wanted to come so here we... We are. " slightly confused he finishes " so questions?"