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<Mike_Holmes> Isadora, having had her interview with the baron, had returned downstairs to find Okhfels had disappeared. Servants said he'd left with the baron's son. Returning to the inn where they'd been staying since the destruction of her place by the demon, Isadora had awaited Okhfels return.
<Mike_Holmes> Now he enters, wearing a baldric that she recognizes as belonging to the Red Rapiers Dueling Club.
<Mike_Holmes> The longstanding rivals of her dueling club.
Okhfels beams.
<Isadora> "What in the name of all the bloodsoaked flaying pits of Tanos are you wearing?"
Okhfels looks quite pleased with himself, and not drunk.
<Isadora> Isadora, if anything, anti-beams. Okhfels looks down. "What, this?"
<Isadora> "That's what you're wearing, so logic suggests it as the subject of my inquiry, yes."
<Isadora> Isadora's expression seems to be unsure whether it should be aghast or amused, and is swiftly heading towards resigned as a compromise.
<Okhfels> "It's a baldric from this Duelling club. I hit it off really well with the Baron's son, Merudian, he's actually a pretty good guy."
<Isadora> "The Merudian whose older brother was killed some twenty years ago in some aristo brats' scuffle that resulted in one of the survivors being banished to an obscure trade outpost? I'm glad to hear the lad's grown up proper."
Okhfels starts to answer, then looks aside a moment, and catches on. "Ash and Smoke... Iz, I didn't know... I thought I was..." He sighs.
<Okhfels> All the light goes out.
<Okhfels> "I can't do ANYTHING right." Okhfels takes off the baldric and flings it into a chair.
<Isadora> "I think we both know better than that," Isadora responds to his last statement first, rising to go and kiss him. "Either he's working an angle or it's a coincidence of such hilarity that I'll treasure it for years. Whichever, I'd love to hear what happened."
<Okhfels> Okhfels takes Isadora into his arms, because everything seems alright when she's there. He takes a deep breath. "Well, I was sitting in the Baron's... sitting room... while you were inside negotiating. Merudian came in and started playing that stupid 'see how long we can insult the hick before he realizes' game...
<Okhfels> "Well, I remembered your advice, and I just ignored it and turned the conversation to my own ends. We went out to a tavern and I started telling war stories."
<Okhfels> "Well you know, these guys are pretty young. None of them have been in a real big fight before. Even so, I was still a bit surprised when they actually listened."
<Okhfels> "When they offered to make me a member of their club, well... it seemed like a bad idea to turn them down. It's good to have friends."
<Isadora> "Hard to believe, but young nobles want glory even more than sex. It might be legit. I gave you that look when you came in, though, because that dueling club has been unfriendly with mine." Isadora looks thoughtful. "What did they tell you it would mean?"
<Okhfels> "That we'd defend each other, teach each other... there was an oath, let's see if I can remember it..."
Isadora raises her eyebrows. "Loyalty, fearlessness, and eternal brotherhood? Something like that?"
<Okhfels> "Yeah, that sounds right. Not that much different than the Oaks, I thought."
<Isadora> "It's not, except here in Kaitaine there isn't really anything to defend your brothers from, so it mostly means parties and the occasional brawl with a rival gang. They frown on that last bit, though." She frowns. "Hmm. Did you get the sense Merudian was the leader of the bunch you met?"
<Okhfels> "Well, yes and no. The others took their direction from him, but he didn't seem to have any special rank."
<Isadora> "Well, congratulations." Isadora grins and kisses him. "You're officially in Kaitaine politics now."
<Okhfels> Okhfels smiles. "That was quick. You were pretty mad, before."
Isadora shrugs. "If they're serious about involving you, it'll show you better than I could ever hope to explain why I do some of the things I do. Who knows? Little Merudian might be planning to come after me. It'll be fun."
<Okhfels> "Do you think they're actually doing it to get to you? Seems like an odd way to go about it."
<Undigo> braaaaap
<Isadora> "Darling, are you suggesting I'm self-centered?" Isadora grins. "I think it's possible, but there could be lots of other reasons. Just keep your eyes open, and I'm sure it'll be educational."
<Okhfels> Okhfels turns towards the door, unsure whether it's an intoxicated reveler just using the door for support as he goes by, or someone actually requesting entrance.
<Undigo> "uh. hi. you're supposed to be somewhere." eyes Isadora with a mealy eye.
<Okhfels> Okhfels cocks one eyebrow. "Good evening, Undigo. I'm actually supposed to be in three different places right now, are you adding a fourth?"
<Mike_Holmes> It seemed almost as if the belch had blown the door open a moment ago, and this man had barged into the room.
Okhfels keeps Isadora in his arms.
Isadora watches, her initial startlement quickly smoothed into an expression of bland curiosity.
<Undigo> looks a little befuddled. shakes head to clear it. "Um. I'm more interested in the duelly-dad. S'posed to ... burp ... haul you down there." Stunned silence. "Now."
<Okhfels> "You, haul ME?"
<Isadora> "Are guests invited?" Isadora asks, expecting a negative answer but unable to resist.
<Undigo> Undigo bristles ever so slightly. He wags a finger Okhfels' way. "Just the messenger. Don't dump on me."
<Okhfels> "Alright, alright... you do enough of that for yourself. Where are we going?"
<Undigo> his lazy eye skitters Isadora's way. "As for you...well, that's none of my affair." His meaty hand wanders for the door handle.
<Okhfels> Okhfels gives Isadora a shruggy look that says, "Well?"
<Undigo> "You know damned well where you're supposed to be. Coming?"
<Okhfels> Okhfels scoops up his baldric.
<Isadora> "Have fun," Isadora says, kissing Okhfels on the cheek. "Don't kill anyone I wouldn't."
<Okhfels> Okhfels chuckles. "Okay, no suicide. Got it."
<Isadora> "Give my regards to Merudian, and my complements on his messenger," Isadora says dryly to Undigo.
<Undigo> Swinging his head so that his filthy locks swirl around, Undigo snaps "That would involve talking to him. Bah."
<Okhfels> Okhfels slings his spear over his back as he leaves the apartments. "Don't wait up, Iz."

<Okhfels> Okhfels walks purposefully alongside Undigo, grabbing him occasionally to keep him from drifting too far off course.
<Okhfels> "My wife told me a little about the history of the Red Rapiers. You folks had left a few details out, eh?"
<Undigo> the lazy eye darts this way and that, in a fashion best described as rat-like. "Um...details?"
<Okhfels> "Well, you know how women are... always remembering things that happened a long time ago, all kinds of thoughts of revenge and everything."
<Undigo> "Damn you and your games. Speak plainly." Shuddering lurch to the left. "And more quietly."
<Okhfels> Okhfels laughs uproariously.
<Undigo> Undigo winces.
<Okhfels> Okhfels recovers, and wipes a tear from his eye. "Oh, she would be so proud to hear that."
<Undigo> Undigo mutters unintelligibly and shambles away.
<Mike_Holmes> They arrive under the sign that looks like Okhfels' tabard. The building is an old one, but well kept, and sizeable. Many members are already within.
<Okhfels> Okhfels enters with all the confidence of a returning war hero.
<Undigo> Undigo quickly surveys the crowd for anyone paying undue attention to him. Just in case, he slinks into a corner.
<Undigo> To Okhfels, with some venom, "Enjoy your laurels."
<Mike_Holmes> The antechamber they pass through leads to a huge gallery. It is a marvelous floor of some exotic wood, laid in an intense pattern. Above the gallery around it are collonaded balconies on three sides. There appear to be comestibles on tables in the balcony galleries.
Okhfels looks around for Merudian.
<Mike_Holmes> The baron's son is surrounded by a coterie of hangers on, all vying for attention. But when the crowd's reaction to Okhfels entrance alerts him, he ignores them all, and comes over to Okhfels. extending his hand.
<Okhfels> Okhfels accepts Merudian's hand and greets him enthusiastically, and then gives him a sly look. "That was a quick bit of maneuvering, you devil... did you think I wouldn't find out?"
<Okhfels> Okhfels' smile is undimmed.
<Undigo> Just quietly enough to be ignored, Undigo murmurs "Heads up asses. Get on with it."
<Mike_Holmes> Merudian says, "Okhfels you injure me. You impressed me, and I offered you a place in my club. Now you think it's some sort of maneuver?"
<Mike_Holmes> "What happened between Isadora and my brother was decades ago," he says.
<Mike_Holmes> "And what's more, my brother probably deserved it," he says.
<Okhfels> "And if I meant to wound you, would I have come? No, no... if it's all smoke up the pipe to you, then so it is to me as well."
<Undigo> Undigo's good eye narrows. That look on Merudian's face is all too familiar. He suppresses a hearty belch. "Enjoy your important to-do." And he stalks out, hoping to catch the footpads on the way to Isadora's apartment.
<Mike_Holmes> Merudian smiles, "Well, then, let's forget that, and have a quick bite to eat before the ceremony begins."
<Okhfels> Okhfels rubs his hands together. "Good idea."
Okhfels follows along behind Merudian. He's on the eye out for anything the other RR's are avoiding.

<Mike_Holmes> After eating, the ceremony begins. Apparently Merudian got the idea to induct Okhfels in part because two other members are being inducted as well. The first step of the process, apparently, is for the inductees to give a display of their talent with the sword.
<Okhfels> Okhfels is unafraid to go first. No matter what happens, his display will not be forgotten.
<Okhfels> When his time to display his skill comes up, Okhfels allows himself to be backed up closer and closer to the fireplace.
<Okhfels> The huge hearth is more than large enough for him to stand up in, and before long his left leg is edging into the fire itself.
<Okhfels> Just as his hosen are starting to smoke, Okhfels bends down, reaches into the fire, and pulls out a flaming brand by the smoking far end.
<Okhfels> Then he lets his real skill show... advancing on his opponent, munching on the flaming coals as he goes.
<Mike_Holmes> His opponent, reeling back in part because of Okhfels' skill, and in part due to sheer shock, falls on his backside, sword spilling beside him. The man accidentally rolls on the blade, and blood flows from his right flank.
<Mike_Holmes> There's a gasp from the audience. Suddenly the room fills with a red light that condenses quickly, and coalesces into something more fluidy around the blood spit.
<Mike_Holmes> split.
<Mike_Holmes> The red disappears along with the blood, and the room begins to vibrate.
<Okhfels> Okhfels kneels next to the fallen swordsman, while the others panic..
<Mike_Holmes> Okhfels can tell what it means, suddenly, as he can tell the other members do, too. The essence is saying that it is mightily satisfied with these events.
<Mike_Holmes> Okhfels can feel himself to be in complete tune with this essence, his blood attached to it, and it to his blood. Merudian looks at Okhfels in stunned surprise.
<Mike_Holmes> Then the essence tells Okhfels something else...Isadora, like blood to him, is in danger.
<Okhfels> "Iz." Okhfels scoops up his blade and bolts from the room.

<Mike_Holmes> I Lung stands victorious having scared off those who threatened the family of his new charge. Agnes, having seen it all, just learned from Harvald that he believes that the only place the mirror could be hidden is the Tethium forge.
<Agnes> "OK, so where's the forge, then?�
<Mike_Holmes> "On the west side of Norhtown," he replies. "But it'll be locked up tight at this time of night."
<Agnes> "How tight could it be?" Agnes turns toward that part of town and starts walking.
"Need a hand?"
<Agnes> "I dunno, let's find out." As usual, she wears a smile.
"Come along Halant, we might be able to help them"
"So, what do you know about this mirror?"
<Agnes> "It was a gift from the elves to the ancients of this place. It seems that several factions want it for themselves."
"Ah, and which are you working for?"
<Agnes> "Those who should know best seem to believe it is powerfully magical."
<Agnes> "I'm working for me. And you?�
"I just like to help people"
<Agnes> With a laugh, Agnes takes the stranger up on the offer. "Then help me."
<Mike_Holmes> Halant looks back and forth between the pair, a very curious look on his face.
"Good enough, let's move"
<Agnes> The group moves along to the forgeyard, not sneaking, but steering clear of people. As they approach the grounds of the Tethium forge, Agnes stops where she can observe the goal and questions Halant for information on protocol, guards, hours of operation, etc.
"So, think we can make it in undetected?"
<Agnes> "If we need to. What do you think Halant? You think the mirror must be here. How small an area can you narrow that down to? The forge structure itself? The building? The yard?"
<Mike_Holmes> "Well, it's probably in the cells under the forge itself," says Halant. The area around the forge had been cleared of brush and such to facilitate bringing in raw materials. But the forge itself was carved into the solid rock outcropping. Strange magic had been used to hew it out of the living rock itself. It was only after several years of operations that the lower cells were discovered.
<Mike_Holmes> Halant relays all of this.
<Agnes> "And how are they accessed? From right in front of the forge?"
<Mike_Holmes> "The cells? There is a stair now inside the forge," he goes on. "There will be two guards inside at this time. Likely sleeping. But they're behind the solid iron door. They won't open for any but the day shift. Or they're not supposed to anyhow."
<Agnes> "OK, great. Let's go."
Agnes walks across the cleared ground to the forge's entrance.
I Lung follows looking for signs of complication
<Mike_Holmes> The sounds of the not too distant swamps are all around them. I Lung wonders how there can be underground cells here. But everyone makes it across the yard to the door without event.
Agnes tries to open the door quietly -- no pounding or banging.
<Mike_Holmes> The door is, as promised, barred from the inside.
<Agnes> "OK, hang on." Agnes places both palms flat against the door then leans into it pressing her cheek to the cool surface of the door. She casts her mind wandering into the building, looking for other minds. The first one she finds appears totally relaxed -- this is a good thing.
Agnes shuffles the clockwork of the guard's mind, trying to convince him that he has to get out of there, has to open the door and sneak away. Now!
<Mike_Holmes> Agnes becomes aware that the effect is working. The guard is headed for the door.
<Agnes> "Step back, behind where the door hinges open." Agnes whispers to her companions and steps behind the door's arc herself.
I Lung moves there, ready to pounce if needed.
<Mike_Holmes> The guard opens the door quietly, and begins to sneak out into the night.
Agnes makes sure that the door doesn't close and once the guard is gone, slips into the building.
I Lung and Halant sneak in the now open door.
<Mike_Holmes> Agnes' movement is completely silent. She seems to have discovered that the stone floors here are just like some she's been on before back home, and that she'll have no problems moving silently anywhere around this place. I Lung is comparatively noisy, which seems odd given his deft movements. But he's far from waking the remaining guard, either.
<Mike_Holmes> Halant goes very slowly behind, to avoid making noise.
Agnes makes her way to the descending steps and begins the search for the mirror.
I Lung and Halant broke off in different directions to search as well.
"Meet back at this door in 30 minutes?"
<Agnes> "Sure, hopefully this place isn't too big. Remember to stay quiet." Agnes whispers to her companions in crime.
<Agnes> As Agnes moves through the ancient dusty tunnels of the Tethite forge, she hears whispering. It takes a while to realize that it's in her mind -- funny given how many times she's tormented goblins with the same whispers.
<Agnes> Once she realized what was happening, Agnes was able to make friends with these long-lonely guardians of the forge. Thinking about the mirror, the thoughts lead her right to the chamber where it resides in a strange combination of 'on display' and 'in hiding.'
<Mike_Holmes> As I Lung finds her, seeing the mirror, he immediately notes something. There's an image in the mirror that doesn't belong there. Looking deep into it, far past the walls of the forge, he can somehow see a being, and can sense the mirror reflecting the benig's magic.
I Lung sidles on up next to Agnes. Apparently all paths lead to this most precioustreasure. Then he noticed the Silver circle on the floor, protecting it.
<Mike_Holmes> The vision he has of the thing is one of a goblin...but then it's put into perspective of other goblins around it. The "goblin" in question must be twenty feet tall or more.
<Mike_Holmes> He can't get any better a look without crossing the silver circle.
"I think we are going to have to find a way to overcome this circle if we are to succeed...
<Mike_Holmes> Agnes notes I Lung looking deep into the mirror, and at the circle on the floor. but also notes that Halant is looking very nervous.
<Agnes> "What's wrong Halant?"
Agnes studies the silver circle as well. "You didn't mention that your inbred, hillbilly family were sorcerers..."
<Mike_Holmes> "Now that I see the mirror, I understand their desire to keep it a secret. It's so beautiful, and even I can sense it's power," he looks at them desperately, and considers Agnes' words. "Surely we will all be killed for this transgression?"
<Agnes> "Why would we? Is it not mine my rights?"
"We can't even be accused, if we don't get caught... Speeking of which, let's leave."
<Agnes> "I wouldn't dream of stopping you, but please do be quiet on your way out."
"You're staying? Do you have the kind of magic needed to break this circle?"
<Agnes> "I'll figure something out."
<Agnes> "And anyway, I like this building. This is the first comfortable place I've found in Green Lake."
"How can you stay here? Seems pretty well guarded. I'd like to help you make a home though, any ideas?"
<Agnes> "There are more tunnels down here than these people have found. It would be easy to avoid detection."
"OK, how can I help?"
<Agnes> "What are the chances that this ward -- that circle, does nothing?"
"I've already felt it pushing me away..."
Agnes asks the forge at large -- the intelligence that keeps things working, to disable the protection so that the mirror can be moved. "Please, let me in..."
<Mike_Holmes> The voices say that passing the circle will cause one to forget...possibly everything.

<Mike_Holmes> Lana, Tez, Teodric and Teodric's friend, hide in the shadows behind one of the buildings outside of the rock underworld from which they'd just emerged. These buildings are all situated atop poles above the water of the calm inlet.
<Mike_Holmes> Not far off is the pirate ship, flying the flag of the white swan.
<Mike_Holmes> Three dozen rough sailors seem to be readying it to move out.
<Teodric> Teodric turns from viewing the ships "It looks like they are preparing to sail, Lana."
<Lana> Lana takes a deep, calming breath, and turns to Teodric, 'We're outside now.' She frowns down at her blood-soaked clothes, the escape hadn't been quite as quiet as she would have liked, 'I hope you're happy.'
<Mike_Holmes> Nearby there's a huge crate that emanates a smell that Lana knows only too well. Processed Purple Orchid. Product of Green Lake.
<Teodric> "I'll be happy when I've found out who's behind this."
<Lana> Lana sighs and turns to Tez, 'How's the arm?'
Tez cradles her arm in the other, and smiles wryly. "I've had worse. Don't worry bout me."
<Lana> Lana looks skeptically at Tez, then shruts, 'I've got a safe house nearby that we can hide in for a few days. Assuming that we want to stay out of sight.'
<Tez> "I'd rather NOT come back here, so staying out of sight sounds like an excellent plan to me."
<Teodric> "I would like to know who is behind this, but I think laying low for a few days may be the best plan."
<Lana> Lana looks at Nula, 'How are you holding up? Can you make it back to town?'
<Tez> "What is who supposed to be behind?" Tez asks curiously.
<Mike_Holmes> Nula looks back at the thick brambles around and looks skeptical. But she puts a bold face on it, and says, "I'll try."
<Mike_Holmes> Lana recalls the trip here was bad enough without having to move soft folks along. Still, not impossible.
<Teodric> Teodric straightens to his full height "I will help her where necessary"
<Mike_Holmes> Lana overhears one of the pirates command, "Get that big crate on board. That's the key to it, boys. The Swan'll be angry if that doesn't make it to Sel-Kai on time! And some of these slaves won't make it to Kenezan, if we don't get hurrying! So get a move on!"
<Mike_Holmes> An obvious reference to one of the most famous pirates on the eastern coasts of Emer, and even north to Jaiman. The White Swan is supposed to have a small fleet of ships at his command, and an apparently intuitive knowledge of shipping schedules that goes beyond uncanny.
<Mike_Holmes> Perhaps only to be outdone in this region by the Dark Elves of Palisidar.
<Mike_Holmes> Perhaps...
<Lana> Lana makes a mental note that this is a bigger deal than she had first thought. 'Well, we best get started if we want to make it back before we run out of light.'
Tez fidgets a bit. "Are you three actually in bigger trouble than me?"
<Lana> Lana grins and winks, 'I'm only in trouble if we get caught.'
<Mike_Holmes> Teodric recalls something that his uncle had said recently about the White Swan seeming to have begun to focus his operations around Sel-kai. But that didn't seem to make sense with what was going on here. Somebody was making their way around the south end of the continent to be getting Green Lake herb.
Tez laughs. "Well then we'd better not get caught. I owe you one, so I'll help any way I can... but what is it that you're running from?"
<Teodric> "Lana, this may bear further investigation. Something isn't quite right."
<Mike_Holmes> The south passage is notoriously dangerous. And yet Teodric's captors had somehow made it around. At one point they'd been blindfolded for an entire day...perhaps they had some secret method of getting through...
<Mike_Holmes> Looking at Tez's inflamed hand, Lana recalls that there's a simple concoction that can be created from the Purple Orchid that can often be used to help with such ailments.
<Lana> Lana thinks for a second, looking at Nula again. 'I don't think we're going to make it back to town after all.' She looks over the group, 'Stay here.' She moves through the shadows, trying to figure out a way to approach the crate without being noticed.
<Tez> "oookay." she looks around, wondering what she's gotten herself into... and why nobody will tell her anything... must be worse than she'd thought.
<Lana> Lana catches the tone in Tez's voice and turns back for a moment, 'Oh, it's not as bad as all that. Really.'
<Teodric> Teodric nods "They probably don't actually know why they captured me. Nula was intended for slavery much like you probably were."
Tez smiles in a way she hopes make them think she believes them. "well that's good then."
<Mike_Holmes> Nula gives Teodric a look. He knows that she thinks that she's somebody important where she comes from, but doesn't want to brag in claiming that her captivity means more than just that of the average slave.
<Teodric> Teodric bows his head slightly clearly embarrassed "Perhaps things aren't quite that simple."
Tez fingers the coin at the end of the leather thong, muttering a small prayer for the goddess of luck to watch over all four of them - luck is a fickle lady, but seems more inclined to be generous towards the ones who did not invoke the prayer.
<Mike_Holmes> As Lana turns back toward the crate, she sees that there are men coming for it. She'll have to work fast if she's to get anything from it before they come.
<Mike_Holmes> Using her knife, Lana deftly prys up a corner, reaches in, snatches a small sack, and strides back to the hiding place as if there weren't several men just about to see her doing so. She makes this all look very easy.
Tez watches Lana, impressed
<Lana> Lana walks up to Tez, 'Your arm is getting worse, here,' she holds out one of the orchids, 'some of the sap from this should help.'
<Tez> "Oh, thank you! I guess.. I owe you two now." she smiles crookedly, taking the flower from Lana. She bites it open, and applies the sap to her wound, rubbing it in.
<Lana> Lana looks back toward the ship and sighs. She turns back to Teodric, 'I think I'm going to have to stow away, can you get everyone back to town without me?'
<Teodric> Teodric frowns "Do you have a map? I was blindfolded when we were brought here, and I have no idea where we are."
<Lana> Lana blinks, 'Map? You just head up the hill, once you get to the top you should be able to see the town...'
<Mike_Holmes> Tez, looking up at the sky sees some interesting indicators. Looking at some of the birds and even plants, she sees a pattern in the essence of it all that says to her that bad weather is coming in overland to the sea. Very bad weather. But the clear sky at the moment lies to the unseeing.
<Teodric> Teodric blushes slightly "Uh yes of course. That's what I meant."
<Tez> "Lana... do you get seasick?"
<Lana> 'Not unless the weather is extremely bad.'
<Tez> "Then you're going to be seasick if you stow away today."
<Lana> 'Huh?' Lana takes a long look at the clouds, 'It looks like the weather is going to be perfect...'
<Tez> "Yeah, it's perfect NOW, but in a couple of hours, the clouds are going to come in, and it's all going to go upside down. I can tell. Anyway I thought you should know, since you've been so nice."
<Lana> Lana blinks, 'Oh... um... thanks. If that's the case, then I suppose they can't sail tonight anyway. We should head back to town.'
<Teodric> Teodric sighs in relief "I suppose you should lead the way then."

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