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Restoration of the Sands

For her own part, Willow was thinking that these city people were strange and rather argumentative. Yes, they did not know each other and so could not trust each other too deeply yet, yet you would expect them to at the least pretend to make noises of agreement until the hunt was over. So, before she could speak, she would close her mouth again, shaking her head as she followed Khettio and the others.

For her own part, she was wondering... was she bound to the course? Because if the arguments got too bad, if she was not bound, she may well slip into proper civilization, back to the dunes and away from this place. Still, she would slip inside... and stand back though close enough, being quiet as she listened. After all, one ca learn much by being patient and quiet and very little by being brash.
 
As everyone entered Ember gave each person a speculative look, his eye seeming to linger on Kas for a moment before moving on to everyone else. While he certainly seemed appreciative when looking over the flattering forms of each person, he didn't leer or appear to take his inspection too far. When he had gone through everyone, he gave a satisfied little nod. "You'll all do nicely I think, well then, on to business. Now Lady A I'm sure has filled you in, I have information she is looking for. More specifically I have a map to a location I know for certain there was one, maybe three of her little gems. In exchange, I want a little work done."

He sat up a little, more of his bare chest and stomach exposed, hairless and smooth, besides where a burn scar marred it. "Got a couple of little tasks I want done, can do them in any order you like and however you like, don't much care. So long as the jobs are done I'll hand over the map and you can be on your way."

"First task involves a woman, a certain Madame Isha'Var. She runs an establishment called the Dancing Dunes, during the day it's a fancy Tea Garden and Cabaret. By night, erotic dancing and prostitution. In addition to all this it seems the good Madame has gotten herself into the trade of secrets, which I prefer not to have competition so close to home, especially when it isn't clear how she's getting them. I want you to find out how she is getting her information. I'm a little understaffed as it were right now and the Madame is rather particular, she only will take Elves as staff." He gives a meaningful look to the groups Elf before continuing with a smile. "Course, I'm not telling you how to go about that."

"Second is a rather simple matter. There is a expedition leaving to the Divine Pillars lead by a man named Harger. I have a book that I want to be slipped into his possession, without him thinking it suspicious of course."

"Finally a recent little development, but important. The local gang of pickpockets, children for the most part, I keep on good terms with. I provide what protection and charity I can, they pass on information to me and do some work when needed. I've heard they have a message for me, but not through the right channels, and they have become quite scarce on the city streets. I dare say that noone has had their purses cut in days here. I need someone unaffiliated with me to seek them out, I suspect trouble is afoot there."

At last he will recline a little into his bath, seeming to give a momentary wince at one of his burns. "Any questions?"
 
Following Khettio's anger Kas moved with the group as they practically swam through the bustling bazaar before finally finding their target building. The noise and energy of all the people was stifling to the elf who was used to the quiet of the shifting sands and even more than just the weight of his equipment weighed down upon him here, clear worry and concern about watching his surroundings as they moved until finally they were inside the Golden Oasis and trundling into the sauna room where much to his expectation Alderdrix awaited them casually. For his part he sighed openly but would leave the fighting to the others if they wished, he just wanted this job over with so he could go his own way and get back to the life he knew but at this rate he was beginning to consider that perhaps the money wasn't worth the hassle.

The humid are was somewhat stifling as he set his sack down by the doorway and propped his large bow against the wall beside it, the temperature wasn't an issue by comparison but he simply had to undo his head wrap somewhat and adjust it upon his head which also gave a much clearer view of his tanned skin, brilliant white hair, and the normally somewhat obscured tattoos upon the far right side of his face which trailed down his neck and into his shoulder. Apparently this all meant something to Ember as his eyes lingered upon him in passing, hinting at some level of interest in the elf before he continued his pass to inspect what he was being given to work with. True enough once business began he wanted their assistance with a job just as Kas himself had guessed and thankfully wasn't interested in sexual favors like Khettio had suggested earlier.

He listened to the man speak his requests in turn, chuckling slightly at the mention of this madame only hiring Elves since he was the farthest thing from a dancer or a prostitute there was but he was indeed the only elf in the group all the same. In a roundabout way it seemed Khettio wasn't entirely wrong after all, but there was nothing saying that he had to dress up and try to play that role in any case sense truly he would be terrible at it by all means except appearance perhaps. "Do you want the book planted into Harger's possession or are you asking us to convince him to take it? And for these cutpurses do you have a general area which to begin our search?" Other than those questions he was content to lean against the wall with folded arms and let the others take the lead.
 
"The children should be taken by a group smaller than the one assembled here since time does seem to be of the essence then it would be best to split up, my skills do run into persuasion quite well as well as observation. I could be utilized effectively in any of the three problems, I think it would be best if Jasper did the Dancing Dunes job himself while I focus my attention elsewhere, he blends in quite well and is more intelligent than many humans. I also second Kas' question about the cutpurses if they are going into hiding or acting strangely we need to know where to start so we can fish them out." Jasper, the cat, appears on Alderdrix's shoulder scroll still in his mouth which he quickly drops into a waiting hand to be stowed in Alderdrix's backpack.
 
"So long as the book goes with Harger on his journey, I don't much mind whether he is aware of it or not. As for my little friends, they hide out in a set of alleyways lower docks and the market. Believe right off 'Serpant Lane'." Ember seeming to pause a moment to consider a mental map of the city.

"Will be in that area, whenever we needed to meet cloaer to their home it was always with their leader at the 'Crocodile Tail', a rather run down dive of a bar on that street."
 
Noticing his injuries, she would step forward, a finger reaching out, a faint golden green glow around her hand. "Would you like some assistance with your burns?" She would pause a moment, before continuing. "I can heal, but... never had to treat burns before. Worked well on sunburns though." She would likely go to assist the child gang, as she could heal and so if there were injuries? That was one place her talents could shine.
 
Ember gave a rueful little chuckle at Willow's offer. "I appreciate the gesture, but it won't work." The man reaches up to the one at his cheek, wincing slightly. "Best healers money can buy can't do anything to them. Say the burns are cursed, but no priest has been able to lift it yet." He shakes his head dropping his hand back to the water. "Legacy of a foolish young man sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong. Till I can find a cure, just endless hours of pain relief for me." Gesturing to the bath, the creams, everyting in a expansive gesture.
 
Khettio's narrowed eyes were fixed on Alderdrix the entire time. "I'm not an elf, of course, so I won't be of much use in the Dancing Dunes. I suppose I can find these cutpurses. I don't have anything worth stealing, and I'm not unfamiliar with shady men. Are we to split up for this?"
 
"Unless you think we can do all of it faster as a group. I find what you to believe to be faster very interesting. Let's figure out who goes with whom I believe Jasper should go to the Dunes, he is observant and few would think anything of having a cat around if nothing else he can go with Kas to back him up. I am fairly sure I can convince Hargar to take the book with him, or I can help with the children so really wherever you want me I can go there." Alderdrix stares evenly back at the person glaring at him nither intimidated or even bothered by it.
 
"I think it best if i go along with dealing with the kids then." Ana spoke up, shaking her head after a moment. "Not an elf, never been great at lyin' to people or duping them, and if the kids are getting a little scarce it sounds like they may be under competition or threat from something else. And i'm much better at busting heads than I am at negotiations." Of course, she could help out other ways as well, but she knew her skillset fairly well - and she was a soldier, not a diplomat.
 
Kas listened to the concept of splitting up and sighed, they were already consigning him to the Dancing Dunes without understanding that he was not the kind of person who could play that role and lie with ease about his intentions. "Now wait before you all just assume that I can handle the Dunes. Yes I am indeed an elf, and yes indeed many find my kind appealing, but I am no dancer, no liar, and no skulker beyond hiding myself entirely. I fail to see how anything good can come of sending me in to infiltrate this Madame's group, especially when my entire life has been one of the deserts and crags. If you want me to make the attempt all the same that's fine, but I'll not do so if my only backup is a cat should there be trouble. I'd be much more capable in planting that book quietly than anything else in truth." By all regards he was a warrior as well and not suited to speaking and conversing with those more 'civilized' folk. Outside of archery and general survival skills Kas had little else he considered himself skilled at and unfortunately none of these tasks were anything close to his strengths.

 
Ember at this point cuts in. "I feel I must clarify. While the Dancing Dunes does only hire Elves, their customer base is far more expansive than that. Any of you can go in and spend the night, just don't quite have the same set of options as someone getting employed."
 
"Fine I will go it will be easy to explain my pet" Alderdrix makes that last word sound as though the cat is anything but. "Kas You sneak in the book and the rest take care of the children deal?"
 
She would be quiet. She was unsure of the ways of cities, places that were like a pit of vipers rolled around in angry ants, and while she was used to hiding, that was among the ruins and dunes. She was unsure, even as she would hold back for the moment... though she was not one for subtle means and ways either, strangely enough.
 
Given directions to the establishment, Alederdrix will find his way easily through the city streets there. Located on a ridge, overlooking to the ever present river the city is built around, it would be close to sunset by the time the man arrived.

Met by a pair of guards, standing either side of an open archway, the taller of the two would speak up after noting any weapons the man carried. "We must insist that any weapons on you are either left with us, or peacebound in place. The Madame does not tolerate violence under her roof." Complying with the request, one way or another the pair will allow him entry.

Stepping inside he would find find himself between two rooms. On his right a dining area of sorts, filled with a dozen or so customers all sitting at tables as they were served tea. At the far end of the room was a stage where performers played soft tones on the harp while a pair of dancers slowly performed to the music. Breaking up the space were a trio of small sand features, either rocks, plants or water surrounded by desert sands.

To his left he would see a room dominated by two of these large features, seperated only by a wooden walkway between. Here customers talked with each other or staff, all the while the low music filled the area, giving a relaxed atmosphere. Both rooms had a stair way leading up to a second level.

Like Ember had said, the workers, from dancer to tea maid were all elves. Males, females, even some half elves, but all clearly of elven blood.

Along with directions, Kas is given a intricate prayer book to God Khepri. On the cover is an ornate gold scarab inlain into the heavy tome.

Making his way down the Gold River, Kas will arrive at the western gate. A little away from the main market there was a large open building, more a collection of giant arches holding up a roof. There he will see the place is packed with people, camel's, horses and goods, getting packed and ready to leave.

Finding Harger in this crowd proves rather easy. Despite being abrown bearded dwarven man, and thus easily lost amongst the taller crowd, he moves through it with authority and everyone parts for him. Barking out orders and demanding to know why work was behind, it was clear who wqs in charge here and it seemed every man, mount and bag was his.

He didn't walk alone however, at his side was a tall dark skinned woman, seemingly human, bald and with an expression that was all too impassive. Lightly armoured and wearing a curved sword at her hip, the womans eyes looked around with studied disinterest, seeing everything while not focusing on any one thing.

The trio leave the Golden Oasis behind, making their ways down to the 'lower docks' of the city. Built as it was along the great river, the city had many docks along it, the lower docks specifically was where the general cargo boats would do their trade. This left the area mostly filled with sailors, dockworkers and of course, thieves.

To start with everything seemed normal, the bustle of busy streets, crowded taverns, even a few catcalls directed at them. However things changed around 'Serpant Lane'.

Even the least intuitive person amongst the trio would feel the difference, the lack of noise, the absence of people. For a street either side of this one, people didn't seem to linger. People would pass, not stopping. No work was done at the closest piers, and all round everything just seemed wrong.
 
The crowd was thick and busy with work as they prepared to leave, for his part Kas did what he could to remain nonchalant about the whole idea but with his skills he figured the best chance he had was not to convince the man to take the book but rather to sneak it into a pack without getting noticed. He remembered from his childhood just how dangerous these trips could be though and the bald woman was no doubt on edge even here as they prepared to leave, one could not take the desert lightly and the environment was only part of the dangers faced.

He hoped he could pull some of his childhood familiarity into mind here as he attempted to break off and find a safe spot to rest his sack and his bow before attempting to return and look for a suitable pack animal or wagon that would prove easy to get close to. Kas wasn't an expert in such things but his hands were plenty dexterous and he hoped that would prove enough to not get caught, otherwise he would simply have to hope he could talk his way out of things.

Looking around to hopefully find a relatively unattended, or inattentive individual that would afford a higher chance of success in slipping the book into a pack saddle or wagon.

Perception:
[1d20+3] = 17+3 = 20
 
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"Be wary, everyone. It's likely our presence has been noticed," said Khettio in a whisper as they went down Serpent Lane. She was aware of how out of place a walking tree, a warrior, and a half-naked kitsune appeared in a near empty street. "Hopefully we won't have to wait long before someone approaches us."

Khettio keeps an eye out for anyone who seems suspicious, or who look like they may try to pickpocket them.
[1d20+2]=13+2=15
 
Taking his time about to look around he would see many people hurrying to get their work done, being careful not to miss any little detail, lest they forget something or their boss catches them slacking. However there were plenty about still slacking, those who are dragging their feet and not paying much attention, besides where Harger is, so that they could act busy when his gaze turned to them.

One such woman, a bored looking human girl who seemed to be wanting to be anywhere but here, stood by a pack mule, haphazardly packed up with supplies. Surely an extra book wouldn't seem too out of place there?

The main thing that both of them noticed was rather the lack of pickpockets and shady characters. All throughout their walk there had been glimpses of both, but here it was suspicious for its absence. A perfectly ordinary dockside street and yet everything just goes quiet.

However both girls will notice something else out of place. A woman, a pale skinned human with red hair, marking her as someone from further afield, slowly walked down one of the alleyways. The woman was dressed in a frilly red and white skirt and hood and carried a basket. She looked entirely too out of place for this part of town, let alone walking down back alleys.
 
Alderdrix takes the ribbon offered to bind his bow and continues on inside with Jaspar following him. Once inside Alderdrix goes to socialize to the left while Jasper moves right, he continues about the place getting a feel for the area and finding the target.
 
For her own part, Willow was by and large unversed in the matter of what was normal in cities (though she was surprised to see there was less killing, drugs and sex in the streets then she was led to expect) and yet... something about that woman drew the eye, even as she would frown, before she would try and slip into the shadows, to pass unobserved as she would follow her.

Stealth; Greenpeace:1D20+7 → 27(20 + 7)
Perception; Greenpeace:1D20+6 → 19(13 + 6)
 
"Perfect." He thought to himself as he spotted the perfect target and began his casual approach. Not that he paid much attention to style or appearance for himself but he was thankful that his practical attire would see him blend in fairly well with the group who were also clad in various forms of hot-weather clothing. He moved carefully but not too carefully as he strode forth with book in hand and attempted to find a nice open slot in which to place it for the journey ahead, afterwards in an effort to avoid suspicion from entering and departing without so much as a word he would speak up to the human girl for a short friendly chat, assuming that he wasn't spotted beforehand.

Taking a 10 for Stealth so a total of 19 for his check. (Yes I cleared this with KalTammy beforehand since I do not have Sleight of Hand trained.)

--

"Well don't you look like you are having fun. Apologies, didn't mean to sneak up on you but I was actually curious as to where this caravan was heading. Of course I'm curious about what might be troubling a pretty thing such as yourself but I won't pry if it bothers you." He did what he could to be friendly and convincing in his words, genuinely interested much as he said in hearing what her troubles were even if he was mostly trying to cover his tracks as it were in the same instance.

[1d20+2] = 13+2 = 15

 
Alderdrix for his part will mingle and socialise for a short time, idly talking to the staff and the customer's, the former of which try and be as enticing as possible. It doesn't take long before Jasper returns and guides his master to the target.

Currently standing on the wooden walkway, looking down into the sands, there was a woman. An elf, dressed in a fine brown and gold dress, she stands out for all the jewellery, make-up and all around presence she carries. A fair, though still dark complexion with flowing heir down to the small of her back, smooth and the colour of dark amber.

Right now she seems to be paying no mind to anyone as she looks to the pit and rubs a large silver ring on her finger.

(Roll a Perception please)


Following the woman down the alley would reveal another abandoned section of city. There was clear sign someone had lived here, makeshift shelters standing empty, rags and blankets left behind.

The woman herself gave no sign thst she saw Willow. But the woman was searching, for something or someone amongst the abandoned mess.

Slipping the book into one of the bags, Kas hears no challenges, no alarmed shouts. Glancing around, it doesn't seem like anyone has taken notice of his action.

Turning to the woman he could take in the details better. Same complexion of most of the natives, dark hair done up in a braid to about shoulder length. She's young, pretty, but despite both shows signs of frequenting the desert, on both her simple but effecient clothes to the simple weathering on her skin.

As he spoke she jumped a little, having not noticed or expected him. Turning, she fixed hazelnut eyes on him, though her expression cooled some as he continued to speak. She couldn't make out many of his features with his clothes, so she just focused on his eyes.

"Where we are going? Hunting ghosts and chasing shadows." She gave a bit of a shrug, not caring all too much for the real destination. "The Divine Pillars to the west, set of five mountains in the inner desert. Harger hopes to find signs around it for the lost Pyramid City. Greatest collection of temples and tombs, swallowed by the sands. Fools errend really, I doubt a Pyramid that enormous ever existed, no amount of sand could hide it." The girl shrugs again. "But he pays my wage, and I'm not paid enough to ask questions."
 
As the woman turned Kas would pull his mask down to reveal his face, after all there was no point in the cloth there except to protect against the harsh winds that whipped sand in ones face angrily. He listened with interest as she explained their goal, down to how she thought it was pointless but couldn't argue with the coin. Inwardly this became all too curious as to exactly why planting the book into the caravan was so important but in the end it wasn't so much his problem anymore in much the same vein. He gave a warm smile as if to correct her from experience. "I'm not much of a treasure hunter, but you would be surprised how quickly the shifting sands can change the landscape. Can't say about the pyramid of course, but if it did exist once then the sand would likely be enough to conceal it."

He shrugged, not really sure what else to add and content for the moment in a task completed. "Sorry to bother you all the same, I'm afraid I dont have any real business I was simply curious. Take care out there, I know from experience that the desert is harsh and unforgiving. I wish you luck in hopes to stave off boredom if nothing else." He could be pleasant when he had to but in truth he wasnt much of a conversationalist and couldn't really think of anything else to say here. That said he wasn't going to run off if she had questions for him but otherwise he would be attempting to depart and return for his stashed equipment so as to be on his way.
 
Before following Willow and the woman into the alley, one of her tattoos glowed as she whispered the Guidance orison. Khettio was imbued with confidence, as if knowing exactly how to approach the situation. Her ears stood up in caution. Whispering to Willow, she said, "Wait wait, not so fast. She could be a lure."

[1d20+3] = 20+3 = 23
 
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