Iago Stand up, brushes himself, snork a lot > > Christeel > "You know something Iago, I have given your words some thought > about you saying that I know nothing of the tough life and > that I best go run back to my folks. The way I see it is > life is what you make of it, you can be a victim of it and > blame your troubles on hard luck, or you can choose your > own path in life. I choose to make my own path in life. > How about you?" Iago " Then you're in for some deception, if you think you can force your way on the Gods. And to deny the reality of the Gods, well I won't be silly enough to do that. You speak of victim, well you seem well fed, used to clean things. According to my own experience, I was not a child of love you see, these are valued things one do not the price of, unless you were deprived of it, of course. You say you choose your own path in life, I dare you to prove it." "As for my path so far, why should I bother you with a sad story. I was taught telling bad things makes them happens. As for where I stand now, this is a matter of perception. For me, I just stand up, for the she-dwarf, I am 6 feets to high, for you a subjecty of curiosity. Why would I explain?" FOLDIS, Foldis having severe problems not to laugh out loud but from the look on her face it is easy to tell that she is more than happy with what has just happened. If she was a religious person she would probably now be uttering a thank you to the gods. On hearing Christeels comment about choosing personal paths in life FOLDIS will say - loudly enough for all to hear. "Christeel, how can he choose his own path in life. He can't even walk a few steps along a normal road without falling flat on his face. Maybe that's why they look like they do." Jeath >Alright Lady and Gentleman, and with the exception of Darrin I'm probably >using those words incorrectly, we've had enough fun now. Before anyone >taunts Iago any further I'd like to remind you of a few things: Foldis, you >started this. Secondly, if anyone offered to bury an axe in any of you >would you have reacted any differently than Iago did? I don't think so, and >if you did everyone else would consider you cowardly. Iago merely responded >in kind and everyone got defensive. What a bunch of racists you guys are. >Might I remind you Iago is half human, and his parentage was not of his >choosing, or his mother's I imagine. > >That's enough with the parlor tricks as well, Christeel. If the rest of you >don't mind I'd like to head off with Iago somewhere and talk for a bit. In >case you've forgotten we are here for a reason. Who better to tell us if >Carnie people were wandering around last night than the Carnie's Nightwatchman? Christeel Christeel looks at Jeath as if to say what the hell are you talking about. Jeath >Iago, if I might, I would like to extend a hand and apologize for the rude >behavior of this group I travel with. My father was killed in the Orc Wars, >so I have no love of things orcish, but neither do I have a reason to >dislike you. I know my tongue got us off to a bad start, but perhaps we >could talk of this and more over a flask of wine? I'm buying. > >Who's the healer here? Take my temperature. I can't believe I'm stopping a >fight instead of starting one. And by the way, if you really want someone >taunted let me know, that's my specialty. For instance...Onyx and Foldis >you may not want to anger Iago. After all half an orc against only two >dwarves is hardly a fair fight. Onyx >Jeath does have a point. We are here for a reason and we need to keep that in mind. Iago may be a helpful resource in finding out what happened to Zeptha. Hopefully he will talk to Jeath, because I think the only other person he would talk to is Darrin. Besides, I am fairly certain a fight will start when we find the kidnappers and having Iago jion their side would not be helpful. I think once we get settled in for the evening Foldis and I should go in search of Verdak and Christeel should look up his two lady friends (remember what we are here for and which part of your body needs to be doing the thinking.) :) Jeath could also look up his lady friend (the same goes for you too) and we can see what we can find out. I also think that no one should go off by themselves, just to be safe. We do not want the kidnappers to ambush one of us at a time and make no mistake, they know why we are here. Erilyx, I realize you are kind of quiet and detatched most of the time, but the kidnappers may have gotten a look at you so you especially should never be alone. If we work together we can get the lady Zeptha back safely. Christeel, could you also keep an eye on Darrin? You are the best talker among us and I think you would have the best chance of calming him down if her starts to get out of hand. There will be a time when we can let him get riled up, but we need to wait until we actually find the kidnappers for that. By the way, you are good at taunting people Jeath. That is a skill that can come in handy at times. Just be sure you know when to use it and who to use it on. I am sure your mouth has gotten you into worse places than the caravan woman's arms, and some day you may need some help to get out of an unpleasant situation. Christeel says to Iago "Do you actually think that the Gods take an active part in our lives? I doubt that, We are like flies compared to a giant dragon. Do you think that a Dragon worries with a fly.? I don't. Also why would the gods choose to make a half-orc. I think that maybe fate had a hand in your existance, but for a god to look down from above and say I think that I'll make a half-orc. Oh yea, that happens all the time. I offer an extended hand to you in friendship and what is your response in return, You back way from me. Perhaps decit is waiting around the corner, but I would rather have some friends to help me face this problem then try to go it all alone and by myself. Nothing ventured nothing gained. There can be loss also, but one must be willing to take a chance. Iago Iago tsk's all the way down Chrsiteel's speech. "wrong, wrong" whiny orcish voice.. clear his throat, goes human voiced again " Would you then please explain me where does clerical powers comes from if not from those aloof Dragons. " the tone is part annoyed, part amused " You test my patience more than the she-dwarf. You talk a lot but says nonense. You try to fish out my mind and I don't like it. But you offer nothing in return. I have enough of this silly talk" the tone changes to gritty cold " words are hollow if they are not backed up with actions. I do not understand you more than I do with the quiet one over there", head tilt to Erilyx "but at least he doesn't stuff my ears with his voice". Iago moves further back from the caravan, and position himself a bit after it on the right side. A claw goes deep into Iago's ear and come back with some things on the tips (some of them moving). "does my ears deceive me?" he asks his fingertip before throwing the lot away " A dwarf who wants to kill me, that I can understand. Someone who want to bore me to death with his rantling, well this is a new killing way to me but I can understand too. An elf who takes my side this I don't understand. You first stance was more of my liking Jeah, now you seems to switch side"... switch to orcish and talk to himself (" tricks... doublecross... pretenders ") are the only louds words for those who speak orcish. grunt. " Wine?. Wine is good, will talk over wine. Won't listen to nonsense either" indicates Chrysteel "See you night-time". When all seems to be settled with them, Iago goes back to his usual place and catches on to his sleep. He expects a busy night... Christeel :> by the way we are taking the wagon to the assigned location. > Christeel will take the time to go back by Darrin after his conversation > with the half-orc and tell him" > "I have spoken with the rear guard Iago and he said that we are > welcome to join the caravan, Iago is showing us the spot in > the caravan that we are to take. I'll keep an eye out for any > tracks that lead away from the caravan so that we don't loose > your cousin" Darrin nods his approval, and Onyx guides the horses to a place in between a couple of covered wagons. The caravan moves single file down the road at a decent pace, one wagon and then another. You notice that Iago rides by constantly, checking you out, and soon Jeath comes riding up as well, with a gentleman in tow. The man with him sports a long tweaked handle bar moustache which matches his black sleek hair. He wears a nice long sleeved, silken shirt and he greets you in a booming voice, "Greetings. Which of you is the caravan master here? Quite a large caravan you sport youngster," he comments when Darrin nods his head. "Well, you are certainly welcome to travel with us, but you know I will ask you not to bother any of the others, unless they wish to associate with you. We are a tight knit company, as close a family as we are friends. But if they are willing, you may mingle with them. We will not be stopping for lunch today, as we stayed an extra day in Milsoninaville, and are slightly behind schedule. Stay with us for as long as you like. If you need anything call for Iago. I'm sure he will be close at hand." He nods to each of you, and then turns his horse for the front of the caravan, giving you no time to make any inquiries, even if you wanted to. Jeath tells you that he is pretty sure he saw Vea peeking out of the wagon three ahead of yours, and he saw that strongarm guy just ahead of that. Onyx >I will drive the wagon along in line for the rest of the day, trading places with Foldis if I get tired of driving. Since we are not stopping for lunch I will just eat while driving the wagon. After the caravan stops for the day I will see to the horses and then I will see if Foldis would like to go see Verdak with me. Foldis, I will quite happily accompany you on a visit to Verdak, I was going to suggest it myself. Onyx >I will bring the wagon into line with the others where Iago tells me to go and wait for the caravan to get underway again. As soon as we get settled for the evening I will get Foldis and we will go in search of Verdak. I will try to avoid Iago if I can. The night arrives As the wagons all park, and several people begin to make campfires around which they gather with their family or friends, you begin to part ways each on his prospective mission. Christeel will help set up camp for the wagon, He will help get the night time meal set up and make to sure of set some aside for the half-orc Iago. Christeel will find out when his watch is to be for protecting the wagon. Darrin suggest everyone stop back here in a couple of hours to see if anyone found something out....like around ten...it's just sundown right now. Onyx I think meeting back at the wagons around 10 is a good idea. That should give us enough time to find out some information and it will give us time to make a plan Christeel will ask Darrin "Would you care to go for a ride, we could try to find out more about the other wagons, and stop by and say hello to the ladies that we had met last night" Darrin blushes bashfully and says, "I don't know....maybe I should just stay here.... you know watch the wagon. You go ahead though, don't mind me." Christeel grins and nods at Darrin, "I understand, she did seem a bit agressive, perhaps you should stay here. I will try to meet as many of the others as possible. When I return we will talk. If I come across any that might be what we are look for perhaps we can check them out further when we get a chance. Is any one good as sneaking around?" As they mount up Christeel will gather up the portion of food that he had set aside for Iago and bring it with him. "Uhm,....hey, you know, if you guys are gonna stay here with Verdak... I think, maybe...well...I'll go with Christeel," Darrin stammers. He runs quickly and catches up to Christeel. Christeel will suggest to Darrin that they start at the nearest wagon and try to introduce themselves saying hello and nice to meet you, make small chit chat and then move on to the next wagon. Darrin nods in agreement... If any do not seem friendly, Christeel will not force the issue, not wanting to make to many enemies the first night. There don't seem to be too many nasty people...in fact all seem quite friendly. The two flautists smile warmly at both of you, and one of them winks your way, at least you thought it was a wink, and Darrin's giggle behind you suggests that he saw it as well. Amongst the others, are a flame-eating clown and two jugglers as well as an animal trainer, though he has only a pet bear with him. He nearly cries trying to tell you about his lion, but Darrin intercedes, telling him he doesn't have to go into any details. Soon you decide to move along. Christeel says to Darrin about the flutist wink, "Now that a first, I don't think that I have ever received a friendly wink from another male. Now that is something that would be a totally new experience for me. But I think that I will pass on that for now" When ever Christeel and Darrin make it around to the sisters wagon. Christeel will make sure to say hello to the Rui and Meli. Checking on her hurt ankle, using this as an excuse to stay longer with the twins and talk. "Oh. So nice to see you again. My ankle's fine thank you," says Meli. "We were so happy to find out you were traveling with us," Rui tells you. "Vrey is ecstatic. I'll go get her." Christeel will dismount and insist on look at Meli ankle, he will take his time looking her over, well her ankle to. "I am glad that we will get the chance to travel together, I enjoyed last night it is already one of my fondest memories and sincearly hope we may contiune our new relationship. I do have strong feelings for both you and your sister Rui. I would like to know you better. I already enjoy you company very much and look forward to see the both of you. I would like to know more about your family and things about you and Rui, likes, dislikes. If you would like I would be happy to tell you more about myself also. Meli says delight tingling in her voice, "Oh, my ankle feels much better now. Thank you, Christeel," she blinks her eyelashes quickly at you, while grinning broadly. "Last night was great." A question that Christeel forgot to ask Meli, "Are we the only new wagon to join you caravan, recently? I was looking for a few friends that said they should be on the same road that we are traveling. Maybe they rode past the caravan this day before we caught up to your caravan. "Hm... I didn't see anyone else, but after such a great time last night, all of us fell asleep quickly in our wagon. But that just means we are wide awake again for tonight," she hints. As Christeel leaves Meli "Do you ride horses?" If not I would be delighted to teach both you and Rui" Christeel add very softly for Meli ears only (with a smirk) "After all a master needs to keep his slaves happy" Meli says, "We don't know how to ride. Would you take us for a ride and show us more of your tricks." Even as she speaks, Darrin looks away and tries to be elsewhere. Darrin tries to stop her, but Rui is gone, running as the wind to find her older sister. Darrin just shakes his head and rolls his eyes. As the older sister returns Christeel will say to Darrin, "We need to be getting back shortly, it will be our turn at the watch. Sorry Vrey but we have a job to do and our shift is about to come up" Darrin sighs at your words, "Yes. It is our watch." Vrey stops short at his words, and says softly, "But of course. I understand." She stares at him for a few seconds, and Darrin's head sinks lower and lower under her gaze, like a wilting flower. "Then why did you come with your friend?" "I...I...don't know..." he stammers and as soon as the words tumble out, he knows he has screwed this up. "I thought that...we..." she begins hotly. Darrin cuts her off, raising his hands and waving them at her frantically, "It is not that. I'm sorry. Please listen to me." "We are looking for someone... a blond woman, really beautiful, with long hair and blue eyes..." Vrey's tone of voice cuts right through him like a sharpened hatchet, "A blond. Less than a day, and you dump me for a blond. I... I..." She fumes as the words don't form with which to blast the struggling youth. Darrin is so dumbfounded and confused now, that no words seem to want to come from his mouth. And after what he has already said, perhaps it is better that way. Christeel will climb back in the saddle and await Darrin to come along. Christeel will say to Rui "I have offered to show both you and Meli how to ride a horses. Come by tommorrow and I will teach you how to ride and in time you could become quite good at it" Rui is nodding in agreement with a big smile on her face, when you notice Darrin's plight... Christeel says to Rui, "Excuse me my sweet, but Darrin is in need of some help. Your sister jumps to conclusions quite quickly" Christeel says to Vrey in a strong as stern voice, "Darrin is right we do seek this a blond woman, really beautiful, with long hair and blue eyes. But not for the reasons you think." Christeel will lean nearer Vrey and a much softer and gentler voice "We have been hired to find her and have traced her as far as your this caravan we beleive that she might be hidden in one of the wagons in this caravan. Would you know of any in this cravan that might stowaway someone. Darrin does have feeling for you, he has told me but you aught not rush things you might scare him off." Christeel raises his eyebrows at the last part as if to say think about it. Vrey at first holds her anger in check, and then looks at you suspiciously, as if she doesn't believe this hogwash. But when you speak about Darrin, her glare softens and she glances at him, and he looks positively crushed by her earlier reaction to him. She considers him for a few moments, and then with a sigh looks back to you with a slight nod. She says, "You think someone ran away from home and joined our carnival. It happens all the time, and none here would betray her to you..." she trails off. "We are like family. We ask no one about their past. But, I have not seen anyone resembling this person, who might've joined us recently." She turns towards Darrin, saying, "And next time, Darrin, you should watch how you speak of another woman. Perhaps your friend will watch your wagon, and we can speak in private." She does not wait for you to reply, and Darrin is shocked by her sudden change of tune. She takes him by the arm and leads him on a walk up the road, towards the carnival's wagons... Christeel will watch the reaction of Vrey, and smile politely at Rui and Meli. He will try to note the postering of Very. Christeel will wait about five minutes before going back to the wagons to check on Darrin. Darrin and Vrey return rather quickly, no need to look for them. Darrin is dazed, with lipstick on his lips and bright red chipmunk cheeks. Vrey grins like the proverbial chesire cat, and says to you, "I'll see if I can find anything out about your friend, but you better wise this one up a bit. I won't wait forever for him to make his move." She gives Darrin a playful little shove back towards you, and in silence he walks back to your campsite. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Jeath and Iago Once camp is settled I grab a bite to eat, find two flasks of wine and go >looking for Iago. Once I find him I offer him his choice, and I will drink >from either or both if necessary to earn his trust. > >Things I ask Iago: Anything about his background that he would care to tell >me. Parentage, hometown, how long he's been with the caravan and what other >types of work he's done. What can he tell me about some of the people that >work for the Carnie? Vea, Vrey and the twins? Verdak? AJ? > >What I really want to know is was he standing watch last night? If so did >he notice anything unusual? Did anyone or any group return in the middle of >the night with a large bundle, or anything else? Does he have a good idea >who was and wasn't in camp last night? > >Not being a heavy weight I will drink slowly. Should Iago finish his and >want more he's welcome to finish mine as well. > ------------------------------ Iago grabs a flask, pour some wine in a cup, stare at it a long while. taste it... Made a lots of tsk sound with his tongue. "Good, good much more lighter than your brethen" covers his mouth "somes I know's wine, but lighter on da head". some orcish gibberish.. "Now, now. You want something from me, and your group is worried enough not to hide its worry. You need something. Tell me what it is". Iago will casually dismiss any questions regarding his past "Bad stories makes bad things happens, I was taught, this no good story at all. Don't ask" shake his head a lot " You told me about an orcish war, what was that?? " as an afterthough : " I am the night guard here, good eyes you see. Never sleep in the night" shakes his head" never. See all in the night, like the night" nod and gibberish orcish Iago will ask in turn some questions about Jaeh's past, but nothing like an inquisition, just plain manners which means he has some:). While I grab the cup, I will cast a detect poison on the cup, and won't wait for Jeah to drink first, neither ask. I stick to my own flask, won't get into his I ask Iago if he saw anything coming into or going out of camp last night. I tell him a woman disappeared from the town, and it was suspected she may be with the Carny. It's also quite likely she didn't join the Carny of her own free will. Did Iago see anyone or anything unusual last night? Not necessarily just a woman, if they were trying to sneak her into camp she may have been tied up in a large bundle or blanket. If so what did he see, who and how many were involved and where is their wagon now? If not, is there anyone in the carny he thinks might be likely to attempt a stunt like this? If he hesitates on answering, I'll mention the fact that her fiance is rather well to do and likely to offer some sort of reward. About the orc wars: I know little, they were a long time ago. They were probably just skirmishes, but I was a child, they seemed bigger at the time, and my father was killed in battle. Sorry, that's a bad story and we weren't supposed to tell bad stories. But I have no good stories of orcs. Or elves. I am more fluent in orcish than in common grunt over the wine. "something special da last night!. No, in fact is was very quiet. People came late, as usual, some very late but nothing fancy that night." scratch himself, head tilt on the side.... " No, nothing I know of" " This is a carnival, everyone bring back his goods and tools in a bundle or in a blanket. As to whom may have done this, here ..." count on his fingers .........." I would say 9 person out of 10" laugh and cough, wipe his eyes... "hmm that's a good one", spit, " I know each and every wagon. A prisonner, a she-one, she would cry in the night or make noise wouldn't you think??." slap his tigh, "show me this man, perhaps I can strike a deal with him, my price may not be the one you expect..." and raise. Jeath's response: Iago >>"As to whom may have done this, I would say 9 person out of 10" > Jeath >That's what I thought. > Iago >>A >>prisonner, a she-one, she would cry in the night or make noise wouldn't you >>think??." > Jeath >If I was kidnapping somebody I would assume she would try to make some >noise. Therefore I would plan ahead and try to prevent it. Maybe they've >drugged her, or spelled her to sleep. > Iago >>"show me this man, perhaps I can strike a deal with >>him, my price may not be the one you expect..." > Jeath >Well I can and I can't. He's in Waterdeep. But I do know he's wealthy, and >would most likely handsomely reward his fiances deliverers. > >Any suggestions on where to start looking for her. You being guard can >probably nose around just about anywhere. I on the other hand will be a bit >more conspicuous. I'm not without talent, perhaps I could say I was looking >for someone to see about joining the Carny. > >Shall we start looking? > Iago sit down, shaking head "I assumed that she-one was someone you knew", whine " Mind you, why do you look after complete strangers?. Is the money-thing so important here?. I am trying to find out that one" .............. " As to help you, it would means I trust you" Grab da root from one pocket, clean it a bit and munch it " Now, let me get this straight. One man, whom friends are most unpleasants to me, wants mine help?. Presumably against someone I know and a caravan I like???" ............ " Either you're feeble up there or you think I am. That's twice in a day. Perhaps you try to makes me looks the other way so you can pilfer your ease", tone goes orcish like " Yes, thats it!. That was it all along". snort! Stand up, " If I ever see you in the night near a wagon you're not supposed to be around, you won't have a warning", Iago growls " NOW BEGONE !" You misunderstood something I said. Let me explain, and if you still insist, I'm outa here. >"I assumed that she-one was someone you knew" She is. We are not close, but I know her, and I will go through hell and high water to find her. Just a natural weakness I have for beautiful women I guess. All of us in the group feel the same way about her, and most of us have known her less than a week. She has that kind of effect on everyone she meets. >Is the >money-thing so important here?. I admit money motivates what I do often. Not in this case. I will not refuse a reward if it's offered, but that is not why I seek her. I mentioned it because it was all I could think of to offer to get your help. If money doesn't interest you, what does? >" As to help you, it would means I trust you" It woould mean you believe me. Frankly, I doubt anyone in the group I'm with trusts me. Remember, I'm a thief. We seem to have an untrustworthy reputation. I can deal with that. But I don't lie. >One man, whom friends are most >unpleasants to me, wants mine help?. They aren't my friends, just the group I'm travelling with at this point in time. I can't control their actions anymore than you can control what the people in the caravan you travel with do. >Presumably against someone I know and a >caravan I like???" Surely you don't like everyone in the caravan? And, not that you needed me to. but I was willing to help you when the dwarves in my group got hostile. >" Either you're feeble up there or you think I am. I'm not, and I don't think you are. Frankly, I think you're paranoid about it. That's twice now you've decided I think you're not bright just because you didn't like what I had to say. >Perhaps you try to makes me looks the other way so you can pilfer your >ease" What would I pilfer. As near as I can tell you have nothing of interest to me. I would not steal from anyone in the caravan when I will be traveling with the caravan for the next few days. Were I to attempt to steal something it wouldn't happen till we reached Waterdeep. And at this point in time I have no desire to steal anything from anyone. >Explain your motives to me. If money or mating is not your fuel, >what is it I'm not sure I could explain my motives to myself. Maybe it's a misplaced sense of honor, or right and wrong. I just can't bear the thought of what could happen to Zeptha if we don't get her back. She is one of the few people who actually liked me. This has only happened to me a handful of times. >You people are most strange Everyone is different, and I couldn't tell you what motivates anyone else in our group. Call people strange if you wish, I just look on it as indvidual quirks. " You said a word, I think I understood meaning but didn't know it. Paranoid, you said, as one fear hidden motives?." don't wait for the answer " I learned hard way not to trust. But you figured that one yourself methink" tsk a while.. take a sip " You may tell truth or trick me with a play about the dwarves, I'll find out " sniker I admit money motivates what I do often. Not in this case. I will not >refuse a reward if it's offered, but that is not why I seek her. I >mentioned it because it was all I could think of to offer to get your help. >If money doesn't interest you, what does? > " I am driven, my life is not in my hands. This will all I will tell for the moment", grab da root and munch it, nervously. The voice is less orcish than usual though. "Perhaps you will tell me lies about your reasons you wanna help. Perhaps you tell truth. Truth is, me is curious." think a bit "Whatever, best way is to find if your actions match your words. Iago will help. I will watch you closely, you can expect it". >I will watch you closely, you can expect it" So does everyone else. >Spit on his hand and offer it for Jeath to shake Jeath tries to spit on his hand (elves aren't used to that, it's kinda of dry), then grasps Iago's claw. Then Jeath asks, "Where do we begin?" Meet me here again at the hour of the rat. Grunt!. " hour of the rat is the time period you call two hours after midnight." "Sorry, Iago I'm not familiar with your method of telling time. When is the hour of the rat?" (after Iago answers Jeath responds) "I'll be here." Iago stand up, wipe his hand absentmindedly on his cloak. Check something on the side of his belt " For now we part, I know these caravans better look for something which changed recently." " You are stranger here, so you'll have fresh view. Meet me here again at the hour of the rat. Perhaps I'll have things to tell you". He checks again his belt and move toward the wagons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Onyx and Foldis with Verdak Onyx Foldis, why don't we go see if we can find Verdak? Jeath said he was about four wagons ahead of us, so let's wander up that way and see if we can find him. Foldis "Onyx, I will quite happily accompany you to see Verdak, I could do with some good company fter what has happened today" Verdak, was thinking the same thing and he wanders into your camp just >before you depart. He carries a hefty black skillet with freshly cut >up meat and says, "You made it after all, friends. Good. Perhaps we >can work on our routine a bit, lad," he pats Onyx on the back. He >places the skillet near the campfire, and then bows to Foldis, "Ah... >the girl of my dreams....and look the young lad who stayed so late >in the bar last night," he grins devilishly up at Darrin. "Plenty >for all of you. May I join you." > Foldis "Verdak, please do join us we were going to try to find >you anyway. I think we really should try to work out how we >are going to do this act if we are going to make the money >you think we might, but, should you really be feeding Onyx >all this meat he might start beating you " > Onyx >I think I would have to eat a lot more meat than that to beat Verdak. I would need two or three meals at least. I will clap Verdak on the back and laugh as I say this. Verdak laughs with you, and flexs his muscles as he tilts his head back. "Yes, I must insist on being the victor...my name is on the marquee. So don't get too strong lad. >I will stay in camp and have dinner with Verdak. I suggest Christeel and Jeath go and find the women they met last night and see if they know anything. I will find whatever food we have with us to add to the meat Verdak has brought and help with cooking the meal. After we have eaten and shared some pleasant conversation I will bring up what has brought us here. I will, however, make sure no one can overhear our conversation. "Verdak, we have caught up with your caravan not only so we could travel with you, but because we have a problem. Last night our lady companion was kidnapped from her room at the inn and our friend Erilyx was knocked unconscious before he could interfere. When we discovered what had happened this morning we were able to follow the kidnappers trail and it led to the carnival campsite. We followed the carnival down the road and we did not see any tracks leading away from the road. We believe that the kidnappers are hiding here among the carnival. Do you happen to have any other strangers traveling with you besides us? We are very concerned for the lady Zeptha and we could use all of the help you could give us in locating her. Our problem is we need to keep our search quiet so we do not alert the kidnappers and force them to do something rash. We are certain they know why we are here since they may recognize us from town, but we do not want to let them know if we are getting close to finding out who they are. We would be in your debt if you could help us find the lady Zeptha Verdak Later after things quiet down, you tell him your problem. He listens intently and strokes his long, black beard decidedly troubled by what he hears. He sighs and whispers, "Ah. I am so sorry to hear of this my friends. Still, there are no other strangers riding with us, except for your people. And I stayed out quite late last night. Very unusual for me, but normally there are only humans to talk to after I close down my tent for the night. So, I did not notice anything, except for the dancegirls and the fortune teller all returning just as the sun rose. And there is nothing unusual about that, if you get my drift," he winks. "But, I will visit the various other members tomorrow and see if I think anyone is acting strangely, though as a whole, I think humans do tend to act that way quite regularly. I will also check with my two assitants, the young man that works the crowd for betting and the young man who adds weights to my bar. They may know something and I have known both of them for ten years or so." Onyx >"Thank you for your help Verdak. We are very worried about the lady Zeptha and we want to find her as quickly as possible. We are all on edge because of her abduction, but Darrin is especially tense. I am afraid if we do not find her soon he will do something rash. We are trying to keep an eye on him and keep him calm, but I do not know how long we can keep that up. I think it would be best if we were able to be certain who the kidnappers are before we mention anything to him. I would hate to have him lose control and go after someone who turned out to be innocent. I must admit, I am itching to get a chance at the kidnappers myself. With the way we are feeling I doubt there will be prisoners taken, which is another reason we need to be sure we know who the kidnappers are before we act. Please,Verdak, keep us informed of anything you find out, even if you do not find out anything helpful." FOLDIS Foldis offers to walk with Verdak back to his caravan. Verdak grins with delight, and replies, "Tis not far to my little stretch of ground, but you're welcome to come meet the lads that assist me." He bows with a little arm flourish and leads you North up the road a little ways. When they are alone she will start questioning him about Iago. What is he like, what is his background, how can Verdak stay around him etc. Verdak replies thoughtfully, "Ah. New guy. He hired on a couple of weeks ago. I know he's a half-orc, but the carny's made up of all kinds, sweetness," he says with a grin. "He's one of three or four caravan guards, and will either go or stay 'ere we come to Waterdeep. I steer clear of him, and he comes not near me, unless AJ, our leader has him deliver me a message." FOLDIS Once Foldis & Verdak have reached his caravan Foldis wishes him goodnight and then heads off back to the group by a route which will take her around as much of the outside of the caravan as possible without actualll being seen to be heading away from the group. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Verdak is just taking his leave of Foldis and Onyx, when Jeath hurries back, and soon after Christeel with a glazed-eyed looking Darrin... who seems to have a hint of lipstick on? Onyx When we all get settled I will tell the group that Verdak has agreed to help us with our problem. He will look around and see what he can find out. "Did any one find out anything we can use right now? Verdak will need to get back to us after he has had a chance to look around, but I hate just sitting here not doing anything." Christeel speaks, "Well has anyone had any luck in finding a certain missing person. Darrin and I checked out quite a few wagons and all seemed friendly enough. I think finding her may take us a little while. Vrey has agreed to help us. She said that she will ask around for us. I don't have any that I suppect at this time. Christeel speaks to Erilyx. > "Erilyx have you been able to recall any more infomation about her > abduction. You said that you saw three figures. Do you recall > their approxament height.? "No, the ones I did see were astride their horses, I just tried to listen in..." > What kind of horses? Was their and special markings on the > horses? "I really couldn't tell, it was dark. Everything was mere sillouette..." > What was the sound of their voices, high, low, male, female.? "Male, the one I heard talking, that's for sure - from it's gruff tone, I would assume it not to be elven, or the like, most likely men. From what I could tell, with them bieng mounted and all, they were near identical... probably even dressed in black. It was very dark." > Did it sound like anyone that we have met since we joined up > with Darrin? Slow shake of his head. > Think, any thing else that you can recall could be very > valuable in finding her. Silence. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Through the night at regular intervals, Iago does this along with any other conversations he has.... Iago check by frequently the wagpon during the night but will not come close to it. Though the unmistakable body odour will be felt by everyone now and then. for all who sees well in the night, He changed clothes to something darker (brown/black) not of orcish design.