Zoinks, the Gang is Back Together

Posted on 15 Jul 2023 @ 4:47am by Rogue Jaslyn & Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Warrior Katya Charbonnet (Shar-bon-ay) & Rogue Nazri Arisant & Mage Kithris Sabrae

1,951 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Hall of the Phantom Shadow
Location: Begonia Baudelaire's Mansion
Timeline: Bloomingtide 7th, after 'Undead Underground' and 'A Witch Opportunity'

The moment was tense.

The group that had been exploring the mansion prepared to meet whatever emerged from the downward staircase across the room. Rhiannon and Skeld stood in the center of the kitchen, with Elinowy, Kalian, and Lilith behind them.

Meanwhile, the group that had been exploring the tunnel prepared for whatever might be awaiting them in the room above. Kithris took the form of a mouse to sneak to the top of the stairs. Kithris-mouse quickly recognized her friends and allies, and a potential accidental friendly-fire situation was neatly avoided.

In a flurry of disjointed and excited bursts, the reunited team of adventurers exchanged their stories about what had happened since they split up.

The solution to the mystery soon became clear, and Kalian summarized it. "So, this started because Lilith was, uh, squatting in this abandoned house whilst she looked for her son in Jader. Rossa found her here and offered her a deal. He would help her find her child, and she would animate corpses to guard their mutual hideout. But soon, Rossa imprisoned her in the house, and he and his gang were using the abominations to terrorize and rob travelers. Plus he was making many of the survivors serve him in his camp. Until Begonia Baudelaire bought the house and hired us to investigate."

Rhi listened quietly as Kalian went over what they knew. "I am glad that this was not a true haunting. Ghosts are nasty business. Most of the time."

Kit looked to Rhi then to Katya as if the dwarf might not be completely right in the head. Like is she for real? Ghosts?

"I've never seen ghosts," Nazri interjected, "but I've seen some really weird things. I don't doubt their existence."

Lilith had begged to read the note Katya found and had been staring at it while the others talked. She handed the note back to Katya. "I believe the 'A' who wrote this note is an Antivan woman named Agnola. Rossa brought her to see me once when I refused to cooperate. Oh Maker, the thought of her watching my Luca and the other children at the orphanage, of getting close enough to the children's milk to take this invoice." Lilith shuddered. "My darling Luca is not the only child in danger."

Kithris had read the note, over Katya's shoulder, not sure what to make of it. So when Lilith had read the note and explained what it meant. "There is nothing more that I hate, than the mistreatment of children. We need to look into this."

Rhiannon listened as Lilith explained the letter that Katya had found. Anger crossed her face at the mention of children being mistreated. Hearing Kithris say what was in Rhiannon's heart, the gleam in her crimson-red eyes seemed to glow. "Yes. I agree. Those who treat children like this....." Her tone was more a growl than words as she couldn't seem to finish her thoughts.

"We don't just need to look into it," Nazri said, "we need to end it and end anyone that took part in it."

"If she hurts any of the children, I will run my sword through her personally." As it was Katya's blood was boiling! How dare they threaten innocent children? Perhaps she should let her mother know so she could be on guard against this woman. "Lilith, any idea where we can find this Agnola?"

Lilith shook her head worriedly. "I don't know. The note implies Agnola is watching the orphanage, so she must be staying nearby. I would recognize her if I saw her again."

Kalian regarded the Nevarran mage thoughtfully. "We'll need to warn Miss Caroline as soon as possible, and look for this Agnola person. Lilith, it will be easier to find her with your help, but if you go into Jader you could be caught and sent back to the Circle." Or worse, he thought, if Templers knew she'd used blood magic. He tried to catch Elinowy's gaze, wondering what the scarlet sister thought about that.

"I don't care, I just need to make sure Luca and the other children are safe," insisted Lilith.

The three warriors, Skeld, Katya, and Rhiannon, did a quick sweep of the remaining mansion rooms, and destroyed one more possessed corpse, completing the task set for them by Begonia Baudelaire.

The whole group back-tracked through the underground cellar to the bandit camp, collecting bandit loot as they went.

Skeld's disappointment at not getting to destroy more walking corpses was quelled when he rushed into that first underground room Nazri, Katya, and Kithris had wisely shut, and emerged in a happier, but messier, state.

The heroes found the bandit camp emptied of living people. The bandit leader's tent was cleaned out, and his victims dispersed. Luckily, there was a stream close to camp where those who wished to could clean any accumulated gore off their armor.

---

A familiar large wagon pulled up to the gathered heroes, driven by an elven woman wearing Gray Warden light armor. "Good to see you again, Elinowy, Rhiannon, and Kalian. I ran into Martin headed into town. He was delayed at the Guardhouse, so I offered to bring the wagon back, and help. Though it looks like you have the situation under control." She turned her attention to Lilith, Katya, Kithris, Nazri, and Skeld. "Good to meet you, my name is Jaslyn. Are you ready to head back to Jader?"

"Nice to meet you Jaslyn, I'm Katya Charbonet!"

"I'm ready," Nazri spoke, "I think we all are. I think time may be of the essence."

Strider had been patiently waiting for Katya! "Alright! Let's go! Kit, care to ride with me?"

Kit looked at Katya and smiled. "I would like that." As she moved to be close to Katya.

Jaslyn gave Kithris a long familiar look, recalling the afternoon and evening she'd spent with the Dalish elf and Cainan on the first day of the Summerday festival. With a sly grin, she noted the easy way Kithris accepted the warrior's invitation.

"Good to see you again, Jaslyn," said Kalian. "We need to get back to Jader as quickly as we can."

The wagon ride back to Jader was both faster and more serious than the ride out to the bandit hideout at the mansion. Jaslyn pushed the pair of horses pulling the wagon as hard as she dared without hurting them, whilst she prompted her passengers to describe their adventure. Upon hearing about Lilith's plight, Jaslyn offered to publicly conscript Lilith as a last resort if Templars tried to apprehend her. With an unsubtle glance over her shoulder and raised eyebrow, the elven Grey Warden extended the same offer to 'any other apostates they might know' who found themselves in a similar predicament.

Kithris glanced at Jaslyn and gave her a small nod then looked to Katya when Jaslyn made the offer if there was any trouble. She knew who Kit was and had kept her secret. "If it comes to that. It might be my only chance to stay out of the Circle." She whispers quietly to Katya.

"Do what you must my dear. I want you to be safe! It is very risky, but if that's what it takes, I will support you and stand by your side!" replied Katya.

Jaslyn drove the wagon right to the orphanage. Miss Caroline's met them outside, understandably concerned about the children seeing the group in their current post-battle state. She asked, "What is going on?"

Rhi looked to Miss Caroline. "Do you have a child named Luca here? We are here to collect him." Her tone was neutral though also held a, do not question us, as well.

"Rhiannon, show some respect. Remember this is Miss Caroline who has done more for the orphaned children of Jader than anyone. Mother, we have found Luca's mother. They were separated by some bad people. We dealt with them. We wish to reunite Luca with his mother." Katya gave her a look that said best not to ask too many questions about it! She knew her mother trusted her.

Kit looked to Rhi when the dwarf had made her statement. Shook her head slightly. It had been a while since she had had to deal with a dwarf. Giving Katya's arm a slight squeeze, and speaking softly, so as to not be heard by Rhi. "Do not worry, all dwarfs have a gruff side. She meant no disrespect. For a dwarf, her tone actually shows respect. She expects Miss Caroline to respond in kind. Showing that she will protect the children. Not cave like some mouse."

Rhi glanced at Katya. Though she had not known the woman to long, she had proven herself to be a warrior and loyal to the group. Her voice softened a bit yet still held a little of the do not question us. "As long as you vouch for her, then I will trust her."

"P-please, Miss Caroline." Lilith dropped to one knee in front of the older woman and looked up at her imploringly. "Luca is my son. Please tell me he is here, and he is all right. Please let me see him."

Miss Caroline gave them all a stern glare, though her expression softened when she regarded Lilith. Turning to her daughter, she said, "Katya, the lives of the children in this orphanage are entrusted to me. My responsibility, not my property. You know well enough that I would never hand a child over to anyone just for the asking."

"Bandits were holding this woman, Lilith, prisoner, and threatened to hurt her son, a child in your orphanage, unless she helped them, Miss Caroline. Show her the note you found," Kalian urged Katya.

Miss Caroline looked at the note and went pale. "This is about Luca? The child is here, yes. Healthy and well. A woman came here yesterday and claimed she wanted to adopt him. Her name was Agnola. Does she have something to do with the bandits Lady Seryl mentioned?"

"Yes she does. Very much so. She probably won't come back but perhaps this will clear things up mother." Katya gives her mother the note. "After you read it you will understand much better! Lilith is his mother."

"It seems that you have also averted a threat to the children here. Well then." Miss Caroline took Lilith's hand, and took in the younger woman's bedraggled state. It was unclear if she could support herself and Luca, or if she even had a home in which to raise him. Plus, Luca had come to the orphanage via the Chantry. "Stand up, dear. You may see Luca, rest up here, and we will discuss arrangements for you and your son."

Facing the large group of adventurers, Caroline said, "I am deeply grateful to you all, and I apologize for not inviting you in. This is a home for children, not a tavern. Luckily, Kalian's home is a tavern." Caroline was well acquainted with Kalian, he and her daughter had been friends for years. "Off with you now! You all need baths."

In a stage whisper, Miss Caroline added, "Except for you, Katya, this is your home. And of course you are always welcome to bring home a guest." She winked and glanced at Kithris.

-----
OOC The note says:
Rossa,
The witch's kid is here.
More carers in house than expected.
Best to act when the warrior is away and kill all witnesses.
Ready and awaiting your command.
~A

 

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