Feign just gives a little shake of his head. "Blood and Feathers..." he mutters to himself. "This look no good." Darien looks in wonder at the man standing and moves into the room very cautiously. He still tries to stay close to Stump and seems even more confused than ever. Elaina is so confuse that it's almost funny. She try to say something, but nothing come out. Then realising that she has nothing to say, she stand there. Desperatly waiting for some explication. As you gather in the room, the door opens behind you one more time, this time without a knock, and in the doorway is Gareth preceded by the most magnificent looking woman in Waterdeep stands in front of you, with a walking cape on. Her long silvery hair fans out down to her waist and encases her emerald-hued eyes with a merry glint. The cape hangs over her lithe body and you are surprised to see her in riding leathers. The man behind the desk says slowly, "It is about time you arrived. Is this all of them?" Elaina look around and say "Where is Brian?, He was with us, but where did he go?" Stratt, uncertain of what is happening and why follows Darrin to the meeting. His eyes wide with wonder at every new sight. He is still getting used to the flow of traffic in the city. Stratt stands behind everyone, hoping the Lord Judge guy doesn't realize why his fingers have a sticky sheen to them, or how he got the sheen. Stump will stand in silence waiting for the trial to begin. Upon entering the room, Gareth is struck with awe and disblief, his knee buckled as a wave of emotion overwhelms him. You can plainly see the confusion on his handsome feature. One look and you can see why the young knight is so surprised, the resemblances are astounding. Their physical features are almost identical, except for the fact that Gareth has waves of long black hair rather than the curls of the older man. His own Tyr's symbol dangles freely upon his heavy chest. Looking at the Open Lord, he can only see himself. "It can not be," his voice echoed within his head. "My father is dead, killed during a trading expedition!" He can only stand there, motionless, unable to break his gaze from the Open Lord. Darein recognizes the similiarity between the two and becomes even more perplexed. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His eyes remain closed as he tries to sort all these questions flowing around in his head. Elaina stare at Gareth father, then she smile, as she begin to understand. 'So that what's going on. How long did you know this Ross? And how are you going to marry zeptha after you have been declared officially dead?" "Milady," Lord Piergeiron addresses the red head. "I am truly sorry for any upset we may have caused you, and any confusion. But now I am as perplexed as you." The Open Lord turns his gaze to Gareth and he says, "I know nothing of your father, and believe me, I have no sons that I know nothing of. I am sorry that any similarity might have caused you pain, young knight." He nods towards Gareth and you can see his eye catch the symbol of Tyr which Gareth wears. He gestures towards a couple of couches at the side of the room and says slowly, "Please, we have much to discuss and very little time it would seem." Lord P.'s response left Gareth beaming with embarassment. " I...I am sorry, Mi..Milord." He fumbles for the words wich appeared to have been caught in his throat. "I...I should have kept my thoughts to myself." Slowly he takes a few steps toward the Lord. "Milord I did not meant to shame you in anyway." He stops short in front of the man and kneels down on one knee. "Forgive me Lord P., years of trying to imagine how my parents look seems to have taken its toll. It...it's just that you....." Letting his words trail to an end, he simply let it go and accepts the lord's invitation to the couches and slump himself down into its cushions. "Milord," Ross says softly, "I would like a few minutes alone... with Darrin. To explain things that are truly only important to him and I." The Lady that arrived with Gareth grins at Ross, and slowly nods her head up and down while Piergeiron says slowly, "Of course. You already know what has happened and what is to be. I hope your young friends will help us find out about this false Lord and set the matter straight for the public." Darrin says softly, "We heard the herald on the steps proclaiming Ross's guilt. I don't understand." "Just a ruse, Darrin," Ross answers giving Darrin's shoulder a squeeze. "Come with me, just a few minutes, Darrin." Darrin nods slowly, and rising up out of the chair, he let's Ross guide him to a back room, off this main office. Piergeiron slowly states, "I am sorry for all the confusion. We play a dangerous game with our enemies at all times. You are all wanted by the law at this time, but it is a ruse. Ross had already spoken with me about his intended actions, and my support was complete, in that I asked him to bring me any that surrendered. Two men were caught fleeing the warehouse by watchmen I had asked to be stationed in that area as well as a couple from inside the warehouse. And then word was brought to me about Ross's arrest and I immediately moved to confer with him. It is a matter of Treason to impersonate a Lord of Waterdeep. I had a false proclamation read, concerning Ross's guilt and his accomplices, you, are now sought by the law as well. We hope this will enable you to do some digging into this matter. Perhaps it is someone in the Outriders or connected to them, or friends of one of these slavers, who feared something might go wrong, but I fear that it is more than likely one of our many foes. The agents of the Shadow Thieves, or someone wishing to break up the Lord's Alliance by stopping Ross's wedding into the Miyar family." The silver haired lady says with a grin, "Perhaps we should not involve these good folk. They have but recently rescued their friend, and the Festival begins tomorrow. They might not be ready to face the enemies of Waterdeep." "I am just hoping that maybe they can do some legwork, and since they are on the dark side of the law, shall we say, maybe someone will come to them even, once word is spread of course. Until then, Ross shall be my guest," Piergeiron says calmly. Darien...who seems lees confused as of now asks "Thieves? what Thieves? And who are these Lords you speak of, are they like kings or princes? do all of you make the decision for this land?" Looking at the silver-haired lady, Darien calmy states "There is no need for you to grin...though I have not been with these long and know none of them, I doubt there is anything they CANNOT do." "I don't like it when someone uses a cloak to chide his face to do dispense justice, there is no honor in hiding." "I'm in I want these/this person." "You mean that's not ...." Elaina blush violently 'I am sorry, i have a tendancy to jump to conclusion, please forgive me. It will be a honour to help you" She start to think and say "If i understand, you are the only one to know all the lords. Even the others lords don't know the true identity of the others." Lord Piergeiron says slowly, "It is our way, good dwarf. I am called the Open Lord, because I am the only Lord of Waterdeep to go unhooded in public. The identities of the remaining Lords is kept secret, so that none can bribe or find a way to coerce a Lord to be false to his most important post of running the city. Only I may ask a Lord to reveal himself, as only I know all of the Lords, and so could always reveal a false Lord, but I was called too late this morning." He continues after a slight pause, "For those of you that do not know her, this is Laeral Silverhand," he nods towards the woman at the door. "Her friend Lord Arunson, was a Lord of Waterdeep until he retired just recently. And here in town, I have heard rumors that some of our good folk, believe that Ross is a Lord of Waterdeep, which makes this matter even more dire. A supposed Lord of Waterdeep being accused and found guilty of murder would shake our government's long standing system." Feign nods to Darrin and Ross. "I'll find Tag. Maybe we can learn something in dark places." He gives a wink at the boy. "I think me know where to start." "Is there way out I not be seen?" this said to the lord Piergeiron. "Of course," Lord Piergeiron replies. "I will have you escorted when you are all ready to depart." Stratt peeks around Feign's cloak, "Did somebody say 'festival'?" Stratt's eyes are as big as saucers, "When is it? Tommorrow? Can we go? What a great town! I've been here only a little while and I've helped rescue Darrin, am wanted by the guards, seen jugglers, magicians, actors, a lady with 4 arms, and a dark dwarf, I meet a real Lord, and now a festival!" Stratt suddenly feels the Lord's eyes come to rest on him and yelps, ducking back behind Feign. He peeks around again, "I'll help if I can go to the festival." "The festival will be going along all week long little one," Laeral replies from just behind the gnome. "I am sure you will see most of it as you help your friends here." "It is honor, Lord P., to help you and Lady Laeral," he nods at the magnificent silver hair woman, "to rid Waterdeep of this imposter. Just tell me what I have to do and by Tyr's Hammer I'll do it." He continues with a slight sadness in his tone. "It is the least I can do after the confusion that I've just caused. There is only one small favor that I need to ask of you and Lady Laeral. (He waits for their approval to he begins).<> You see," he begins sadly, "16 years ago, the Blackwell family, my birth parents were killed by bandits during a trading expedition between Waterdeep and Elturel, a small city NE of Baldur's Gate. My foster mother, with the grace of Tymora, discovered that my father has a surviving brother, Bertrom Blackwell, here in Waterdeep. I came here to find him to see if the murders were caught and maybe he can tell me more about my parents past. With all due respect, Milord, Milady," nods at them. "Do you remember or came across that case while ruling in Waterdeep? If not, since now that I can not openly search for my uncle, is there anyway you can dispatch someone to find him for me, Milord? His name is Bertrom Blackwell, a gemsmith by trade. Lord Piergeiron says softly, "I am sorry to hear of your parents. I will send someone immediately to search out your kin. They will answer to Ross and you may find out the information from him." Ross says softly, "I will let you know as soon as I hear something, Gareth." After waiting for the reponses from the Open Lord and Lady Laeral concering his parents, Gareth reiterates Elaina's question of Brian's where abouts. "There is one more companion of ours that you didn't get a hold off, Milord. His name is Brian, an elf. He was with us earlier but he has a tendency to wander off by himself. We seemed to have lost him in the crowd." Quickly he gives the Lord the description of Brian. "I will look into this matter as well," Lord Piergeiron says with a nod. "If he is found, I will try to set him upon your path." Stratt tugs on Feign's cloak, "Feign, I want to go with you, okay?" Darrin comes up behind Stratt and says softly, "I think perhaps, you should stay with Gareth. He needs looking after." Darrin grins up at the big warrior and winks at him. Darrin says softly to Feign, "I think that Tag will either be close to the mansion or at the other place we visited. I will join you there later. These others might need someone who knows Waterdeep, at least a little." "Thank you, Milord and Milady," He says as he gives them a gracious bow. "And thank you for your concern ,Darrin, but I'll be fine. By the way, congratulation on finding your true heritage. I am sorry for the things that I have said about you earlier." Glancing around at his companions, "Must we spit up again? He asks. Can't we all go together to find Tag? We're all in this together so let's protect each other like real friends do this time. Unless of course, there is some place else that you (Darrin) think we should begin. We obviously can't go running to a bar and ask questions since now that we outlawed. Why don't we go to these places that Feign's heading? Tag did mentioned them to me -- hidouts for people like himself and Feign, here. What do you think, friends? He held out his hand, gesturing to the group that they should stay together. Elaina look at Stratt with puzzle look on her face and say "A lady with 4 arms ! ... " wondering if he had a been hit on the head. She say to lord Piergeiron "Then i will be carfull, if i were you because if i were this imposter, i'll make sure you had a accident and one of the lords. Then i will become a legitimate lord and i will be able to do much more harm to this city" Lord Piergeiron just nods in agreement, and says, "I will be very careful, Milady. I ask all of you to be just as careful, of course, and for any reason at all you think you are in danger and need assistance, I ask you to contact Laeral." Laeral says, "In fact. If your need is great enough... say my name and then say danger and tell me where you are. I have the ability to hear my name when called, no matter where I am. But please, only in dire emergencies. You are doing us a great service by assisting us." Elaina aggree with Gareth suggestion to stay together. Then say "Ok, what do we do now?" Darrin says, "Well, first we could search through the belongings of... Maris...," he stammers, but then gulping, he gathers himself and continues, "... that were left at the inn. It may not help point us towards the false Lord, but then it might give us other leads, like to whoever they all knew... I don't know, it might not help at all. But we have to start somewhere. And that's an area of Waterdeep where people are always being hired and if we pretended to be looking for work and it was known we were wanted men... maybe we could work from there." Lord Piergeiron says slowly, "I do not like such underhanded means as pretending to be what you are not, but in extreme circumstances, even I must bow to such measures. This is one threat to our great city and our great land that must be uncovered and stopped at all costs. I wish you all the best of luck. If I find your friend, I will send him to meet you at Ross's residence. Other than that, I suggest you get some rest and then begin your side of this investigation. I remind you to be wary of the city watch... you are sought after men, and women," he nods to Elaina. > "Sure that sounds good to me, Darrin. Just lead the way and we'll see what > we can find in Maris's belongings." Gareth nods in agreement. > > "I feel the same, Lord Piergeiron," Gareth nods in agreement to the Open's > comment, sneaking around isn't something I enjoy doing but if you feel that this > is a dire situation then I'll do what I can, Milord. And thank you for you your > offer, Milady." He bows politely to the silver hair lady. Looking at his > friends he quickly adds, "However, before we go anywhere, I suggest that we all > get a new set of clothing." > > 2DM: HOW'S THE WEATHER OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW? IF IT IS STILL COLD ENOUGH FOR > GARETH TO PUT ON HIS HOOD WITHOUT ATTRACTING SUSPICIONS THEN HE'LL DO THAT FROM > NOW ON -(EVERY TIME HE'S IN A PUBLIC PLACE.) HE'LL ALSO TUCK TYR'S SYMBOL TIGHTLY > UNDER HIS SHIRT SO THAT NO ONE MIGHT RECOGNIZE HIM. . BEFORE LEAVING, GARETH WILL ASK > LORD P. IF THEY MANAGE TO RETRIEVE THE GRIFFIN EGGS THAT BELONG TO DARRIN. > > The weather is great, as the first day of spring is in a couple of days. Tonight > the weather will be chillier, but it's just nearing noon and the weather is > downright beautiful for this time of year. > > Ross speaks up and says, "It was one of the first things that I asked of the > Lord, considering that Waterdeep uses griffons for it's aerial patrols, Darrin > and his merchant father have long been bringing griffon eggs to the city every > spring. They have been recovered and that matter is well in hand. I wish you > all the best of luck. Please take care of yourselves," he says with a soft smile. > > Elaina thanks Laeral for her offers and say with a point of irony in her voice > "You can be sure that you will not be disturbed for nothing" > > "I think we should do as Darrin suggested, unless somebody have a better > suggestion?" She wait for somebody to speak out, hoping feign will tell the > group about his plan. > > Elaina agree with Gareth suggestion to get new cloth but add with embarassement > "I kind of broke, and i will need to change my entire outfit." > > OOC: I have included her description below so you can understand why she need > to change everything, or she will be really easy to spot. > Elaina is a well proportinate 5"8 foot 122 pound, 21 year old human female. > Her long thick curly deep red hair are flowing freely and are mid back long. > Her stunning beautiful face is enlighted by her light green eye who gave her a > look of warmth and happiness. Her body is next to perfection. Her voice is > fluid and clear, and most pleaseant to be heard. > > Elaina cloathing is fonctional and cut to show off her figure with a v shape > neckline, sexy but sober. Her armor, boot, glove and helmet are of a deep > crimison. Her shield and cloak are also of a deep crimison but they also show > Sune's symbol (a beautiful, fire haired maiden) in white. > > "Actually, Milady," Gareth replies politely. "There's no need for you to change > your entire satire. If you don't mind, I have a little suggestion to make, > why don't we just cover you from head to toe with a large plain hooded cloak? I > think that'll do the job when wer'e in the open. However, I do have some > money if you feel that you must change entirely." He offers the voluptuous red head. > > Darrin says with a grin, "A light cloak would be fine for right now. Though > it seemed like a fine morning and the afternoon will probably get too hot. > But we will go down side streets and the inn was in the Adventurer's Quarter, > where most folk mind their own business. The cloaks just need to get us > out of Castle ward really." > > Lord Piergeiron excuses himself and poking his head out the door, he has > low words with his personal valet. He shuts the door and nods once or twice. > After a minute, the door opens quickly and the man who led you upstairs, > enters bearing several different sized cloaks in his arms. They are a light > grey and he sets them down on a chair. He waits patiently for each of you > to find one that fits and then with a bow to Lord Piergeiron, he leads you > forth from the room and down a back staircase. He leads you down a couple > of infrequented halls and opens a side door for you. > > Without a word, Darrin leads you from the castle and into a small side street. > As you enter the main street in front of the palace, your fears of discovery > ease greatly. It is the day before the start of a major holiday, and there > is a tremendous amount of people in the street, as you hear a nearby church > bells begin to ring the noon hour. Darrin strives to cross the busy street > and get to a smaller side street as he leads you to the Southeast corner of > town, the crowd jostling all of you, as you make it across. Stratt, despite Darrin's suggestion otherwise will tag along after Feign. He figures meeting these seedy underground people would be more fun than going with Elaina and Gareth. Unfortunately the dark elf stays close to Darrin for the time being, so Stratt stays near Darrin as well. > Darrin leads you to an area of town, where the streets are crammed together > and the buildings tower four and five stories tall, and barely room to squeeze > between their walls. It's a long walk, and after awhile, you stand in front > of an inn, near the South gate entrance to Waterdeep. Darrin falters as he > starts to step across the street towards it's entrance. Gareth quietly follows Darrin's lead. Keeping the new grey cloak closely wrapped around his tall frame, he notes the tight surrounding with displeasure - fearing that he won't be able to draw his sword in such tight quarters should anything happen. Darien looks around VERY nervously as he whispers to Stump, "Why are there so many people here?!" "I really need someone to teach me of this land." 'Darien do not fear the festivle always draws large crowds.' Glancing at Darrin with conern,`Gareth pats the rutond dwarf on the shoulder and looks at Darien, "What our friend is trying to say is that the festival of Greengrass has just begun. This is my first time here too so I can't tell you too much about it. Anyway, most of the stuff I know about the festival are from rumors and tavern tales. Greengrass, Darien is a ten day festival that the City of Splendors held to commemorate the beginning of spring. People travel for miles just to see this magnificent festival. I wish we have less pressing matter on our hands. Infact I think this is the main reason why most of us are here. Right Stratt?" Gareth looks around for Stratt. "Now where did our little friend go? Glancing around, Gareth spots the little gnome, behind Feign and Darrin. As soon as she notice Darrin weakness, Elaina put her arm around his waist, ready to help him. Worried, she say "What's wrong?, Are you feeling ill?" "I... just need a second," Darrin whispers. "I don't think the innkeeper knew what was going on, so maybe we just be real lowkey. I'll head upstairs like I'm supposed to be there and the rest of you just relax and wait for my okay." Gulping, the youth gathers his resolve, and with a small smile at Elaina, he takes a purposeful step across the street and leads the group inside. He heads immediately up the stairs at the back of the Inn, as the innkeeper gazes at the group, finally nodding a greeting at Feign, whom he recognizes. Before anyone can say a word, Darrin is quickly rushing back down the stairs and saying, "Citywatch," he is running for the door. You can hear footsteps on the stairs, and the tips of boots are already in view. Elaina turn around and without looking behind, she follow Darrin, running as fast as she can. "Oh boy" are the only words to escape Darien's mouth as he quickly turns to follow Darrin. DM: Noticing how Darrin's health was pretty shaky earlier, he will sprint up next to Darrin and keep by his side to help him if he needs it. Stump will start shoving people toward the door while looking over his shoulder at the stairs. "People we gotta move the Watch will be very happy to bring us in." "I anyone gets seperated head for the Wench we can always regroup there." "NOW MOVE!" "Great!" Gareth mutters as he follows Darrin out the door. "Gotcha" Gareth says as he give Stump a wink and was out the door. DM: SINCE GARETH DOESN'T REALLY KNOW ABOUT WATERDEEP, HE WILL DO ALL HE CAN TO KEEP UP WITH DARRIN. IF THE GNOME FOLLOWS AND APPEARS TO HAVE PROBLEM KEEPING UP, HE'LL SNATCH UP THE LITTLE FELLA AND CARRY HIM. Stratt looks around quickly for the usual bowls of nuts sitting around the inn. He grabs one and scatters the contents of the bowl on the stairs to hopefully slow pursuit for his friends, after all, he wasn't on the wanted list. "Go. I'll meet y'all at Stump's favorite place." He grabs for a second bowl and ducks under a table waiting to see what the results of his first bowl are. The lead watchman of four barrels down the stairs and slides a bit on the salty nuts, but maintains his footing, until his fellows run into him, and they all tumble into a heap, dazedly shaking their heads and trying to help each other up. Outside, Darrin heads Northwest back into the area where Ross's mansion lies at the foot of Mount Waterdeep. Quickly noticing that the pursuit is not right on your heels, Darrin leads you down a couple close alleys and then stops to catch his breath. He looks to Stump and says between breaths, "This Wench. It sounds familiar. Where is it, though?" Waiting for Stumps reply, the youth shakes his head and saying quickly, "Oh. Faron's tavern he likes so much. I seem to recall it a little. I can get us there. Hopefully Stratt can get there?" At a quick, but more refined pace, Darrin begins the trek again. "It would be nice to get a little sleep," he adds, his features still a bit pale. "Fear not, Darrin. If we get lost, there is still this map I have here." Gareth pulls out a detail map of Waterdeep that Faron had drawn for him when they first met. "See? It isn't too far away from the mansion," he points to a location on the map. "But for your sake I hope we can find some rest there. Shouldn't we head somewhere that is a little less open to the public? I mean we should go to those places that Feign is going. I am sure that City Watch won't bother us there. What go you think my friends?" He looks at his companions, waiting for a reply. I hope Feign is faring better than us," he adds. Darrin turns heatedly on the bigger man, lack of sleep obviously making his nerves on end. "You could not handle being the friend of one drow elf. You think you could enter a bar that has forty or more dark elves. You seem to see them as all evil, but there are goods one, if you could just see into their souls, oh mighty just one!" "Look.. I am just trying to find a place where we can rest without fearing that when we wake up there'll be a sword in a throat." Gareth shots back angrily. "I don't give a damn about any drow. If you have a better suggestion then please do share but I am not going to stand here and argue with you about that elf again." Crossing his arms around his chest, he eyes dart back and forth so see if they are being follow. He had never wanted to run like a coward but these are city guards not evil beings. Difficult as it is to bring himself to terms with the fact that he is running like a criminal. Now this crazy idiot is blaming him for treating a drow elf badly. "Well? Are we just going to stand here? Darrin replies barely holding an obvious anger in check, "We need to go where Stratt will know to meet us. The Wench it is, Gareth of the Tyr's Justice." With that he leads you forth towards Lord Marquet's finally asking to glance at Gareth's map. "excuse me here", darien says quickly. "But we might have the guard looking for us...if you all don't mind, can you cut the crap fora few minutes and let us proceed with our plan?". Darien shakes his head and walks away muttering, "never seem so much damn racism and hate in my life...." Elaina say nothing during the conversation, and nod at Darrin suggestion to go the Wench. Stump look around to be sure that the Watch is nowhere to be found then he will start walking toward the tavern. "If you want rest in an area where no one will look for let's go rest in the tunnel that runs from the Mansion to the Tavern." "But first lets go to the Humming Wench and wait for Stratt and maybe have an Ale or two." Following Stump into the Tavern, Gareth mutters, "If I didn't give that drow a chance, I would never have travel with him. A thousand Feign would not clear the bloody legacy that they left behind." Looking at Darien, he adds "You'll find out soon enough." ----------- Stratt smiles viciously as the guards fall down the stairs in a heap. It is all he can do to hold in his laughter as he slips from under the table and heads for the door. Once outside he waits around just outside the door. He figures that if they see him they may ask which way his friends went and he can send them in the opposite direction. The guards burst into the street and turning this way and that, they see you pointing and with quick thanks they are off on a wild goose chase. He then makes his way towards where he recalls the Wench being. Is it that direction or was it that way, perhaps this street. When he is lost he'll stop at a vendor, eye their wares and ask directions to the Wench. He is getting tired, it has been a long night and he finds himself actually paying for a meat pie as he asks for directions. Amazingly enough, in your exhaustion, your subconcious mind guides your feet better than your memory ever could have. The vendor hands you a tasty meat pie, it's scent wafting up to your nostrils, as he tells you that you are but two blocks down and one block west of the Wench. In fact, it's one of his favorite places, and perhaps he will see you later. He even boxes the meat pie for you to go. -------- Brian really looks bored, he sigh's but will be happy to go to the wench for a nice stiff strong drink, after being in prison, he could use it. ------- As you cross the street you see Brian heading your way as carefree as a lark and also you see Stratt coming up quickly from the other way, waving cheerily as he spots all of you. In his hand is a closed box, that once he gets closer, you hear Darrin's stomach growl as the smell of a meat pie wafts past his nostrils. Darrin grins and says, "Sorry, everyone," as he holds open the door to the Humming Wench. As Stratt goes to enter the establishment, for a second you can see the dusky interior of a quaint tavern, tables, stools and a bar across from the entrance, then... it is gone.