Returning to the docks, to finish out their shift for the day, it was evident to Hektor that the Private had something on his mind. It appeared this way ever since they had left the Pearl; however, it wasn't until the mid afternoon, near the shifts end, that Hudson finally spoke up. "Sarge, what would you do if the Governor decided to go against the wishes of the Baron? Where is your allegiance? To the kingdom, or to the colony?"
Hektor sighed. "The others talk to you about this?" he continued, not really waiting for Hudson's answer. "Honestly I can't say for certain. We made our pledges to the Watch of Palua-Palua, to the defense of its fields, its walls and its people." He chuckled. "Aye, even its sands and sad docks." he added, motioning around their current location. "No Baron, in some place I have never seen, has ever done anything for me. The Governor, while he may not know my name, at the very least knows that the Watch, our Watch is integral to the city in which he has been assigned. He too may sit in some far off place on a council deciding matters that do not pertain to us, but there are people here who make decisions on his whims or at least on his behalf. While they may not always have everyone's best interest at heart..." he paused, taking a drink. "...they at least know to keep their seat of power they need this city and to keep the city they need the Watch."
Hektor turned and clapped a hand on Hudson's shoulder. He spoke in a lighter tone, more personally. "Regardless of what I or others may think or say, at the end it is you who must decide what you will. Who you will follow. It is not wrong to fulfill your oaths to the Baron in the capital. It is not wrong to want the best for where you live. It is not wrong to follow the natural course of Nobility and servants, nor is it wrong to take a stand against the status quo if it is not for the best of the future. If it were me..." Hektor looked aside, removing his hand from Hudson's shoulder before returning his gaze to meet the young mans. "...I would fortify our walls and keep us an independent city until such time as the matter of succession or treason in the Capital is settled. We have the tools, the talent, the resources and the manpower to do so." He took a step back, continuing patrol.
"It is not up to me, nor is it up to those around us to decide these things and draw lines. A clear head waits in times like these, a bold one acts." He scuffed. "Fortune may favor the bold Hudson, but it does not always guarantee a victory."
Hudson simply nodded in response to everything Hektor had just said. It wasn't just because the Private was likely at a loss for words, but if Hektor was correct and the questions were indeed derived from a conversation with the guards at the Pearl, he had given Hudson a lot to think about.
The shift had already been nearing its end, and Hudson said nothing more, even on the walk back to the barracks to report out for the shift, he was simply lost in thought.
Returning to the barracks for muster before being relieved from duty, Hektor and Hudson found themselves in the courtyard well after, still awaiting on the rest of the shift to return. Captain Willard appeared impatient, as did the other guards; all of whom had been waiting a quarter-hour for the last guard patrol, who still had not returned.
"The next shift can find them." Willard addressed the group. "Unless anyone has anything, you're all dismissed." Gladly, the guards began to disperse.
Hektor narrowed his eyes, hummed once and approached the Captain. "Captain. Who is late and what was their route?" His asking was respectful but rather direct, likely something the Captain was used to hearing when Hektor had something pulling on a string in the back of his head.
The Captain looked at Hektor for a few moments before resolving to looking down at a clip board in his hand. "Sergeant Brutto and Private Rico. Labor Housing, Lower District." Captain Willard lowered the clipboard. "Don't go looking for trouble where there is none, Lethe. Brutto's able to take care of himself."
The Captain was right. Hektor didn't know much about the Private other than he was a thin young guy, nearly a kid by most standards. Brutto however was a solider by nature. A natural born citizen of Palua-Palua, who joined the Cathaan army to get away from the City, only to get shipped right back to serve out his duty with the guard, since there wasn't any war going on any longer. He was a larger man, round in some parts but still plenty of muscle. Took rank and file and military discipline a little too seriously.
"Very good sir." Hektor responded respectfully before accepting his dismissal. He rolled his shoulders and sighed, looking forward to a meal and some sleep before another day. With any luck he'd have some downtime and could get a bath before the sand got into his bunk.
It was just beginning mid-afternoon when the shift was over. Hektor had lived this life for years now; 10-hour shifts with two days off each month, and aside from the occasional extra duties, afternoons to himself. Today was one such day, and being that it was the middle of the week, there would not be much else going on in the city.
It wasn't an exciting life, from an outside perspective, but it was a fulfilling one offering job security and shelter from outside threats.
After being dismissed, Hudson had gone off and disappeared, though nothing unusual about that. The younger guards in particular always preferred to spend as much time away from the barracks as they were allotted.
Upon some thought, Hektor it would be best to remove the sand from his pockets before getting into anything else with his free time. He contemplated requisitioning a crossbow for some practice in the yard, but he had plenty of that in days prior and really he had some coin to spend. Taking his leave from the Barracks, Hektor would make his way through the markets to peruse before getting some rest and relaxation at the Desert Rose.
Being that it was a weekday, near the end of the week, much of what was available from the market, in terms of freshness, tended to be leftovers from whatever was placed out to attract customers the previous weekend. It wasn't to say that any of it had necessarily gone bad, just that food wise should be eaten relatively soon.
Hektor knew that in just another two days time, the stands would be stocked again and the open air filled with people bumping this way and that.
When he eventually reached and entered the Desert Rose, he was greeted by Madam Lil as he entered. She was the proprieter of the establishment, and a very professional and courteous individual. She knew every Palua-Palua guardsmen by name, and taste for that matter, even commenting to Hektor "Willow is...preoccupied at the moment, but can I interest you in a drink in the parlor, while you wait, Sergeant Lethe?"
Hektor perused the markets briefly, but aside from some mental notes for later he didn't procure anything. He took a moment to kick the dust from his boots before entering the Desert Rose. Almost immediately a voice came to him and he smiled warmly, turning to see the Madam. He had no doubt that in her time she was easily the most attractive woman in any room. Even still, she had an aura about her, one that overpowered even the other girls at the Rose.
"Greetings Madam." he inclined his head toward her. "I don't suppose she's getting another lesson..." he dismissed the verbal thought, and any immediate follow up, with a wave of his hand. "Madam I would be delighted, if of course you'd do me the honor to select the first round for me?" His playful tone was one he adopted for the Madam. Hektor was well aware he was not the most, inspiring, for a ladies favors. By no means did he consider himself an ugly man, but there were far more likely to be thought handsome over the Sergeant. Instead, he chose to carry himself with a tinge of mockery, a putting on of airs for the jest of it. It made the time he had at the Rose more enjoyable, adding to the illusion that the establishment curated.
Business was business, but when the business was pleasure one might as well get the most for ones gold.
Escorted to the parlor, though Hektor knew his way, as he had been to the establishment often enough. There were other individuals already there, some seated, others standing, surrounded by women draped upon the furniture, and each other. There was always a regular turnover of a few, keeping the faces fresh, and even if Hektor already made up his mind on what he came for, it was always pleasant to at least look around.
A slender yuan-ti woman brought a flute glass to Hektor. She seemed otherwise human with the exception of one or two small patches of scales on her skin. Without a doubt a bloodline that had since been 'watered-down' for ages and likely even was more human than anything else at this point. The glass was tall and thin, and had a gold trim around the rim. Due to the size and shape, it was meant to be held by even larger hands, though contained but a few sips of liquid. The drink was sweet but not sugary. A sweetness that came naturally from whatever fruit the liquor was likely derived.
As Hektor drank, other patrons came and went, some with the first women they approached, some requiring a lady of the house to approach them. By the time Hektor had finished his drink, even though only a few minutes had passed, the recognizable figure of the very woman he had come to see, appeared in the parlor door. Willow was taller than the average elf, but still maintained the same dainty physical features. It helped to play up the character of her work, since even her dress was a costume of some sort of woodland nymph. A stereotype of a wood elf, that Willow had likely never even seen, let alone wore, since coming to work here. Her blonde hair had flowers braided throughout. Hektor however knew full well that this innocent lost creature of the woods was more than capable of taking care of herself, even in a city as this.
Hektor allowed himself to be escorted, the act of which allowed him to start his relaxation. He took in his surroundings with a practiced eye, but didn't look too long or too hard at any one thing in particular. He looked twice, once when the yuan-ti brought him the glass and again to make sure she was in fact a yuan-ti. He smiled at her and nodded. "Thanks for the drink luv." He made a mental note to get her name at some point. He found the drink pleasant, but not something he was likely to order, another reason he asked the Madam if shed choose his first round. He let his eyes wander, making up stories for those that came and went. Someone here for the first time, someone here far too often, someone with coin to spend and someone addicted to the feeling of being loved. Hektor shook his head at the last. A younger he likely would have spent all his coin in hopes of some affection, now he just hoped that the time he did spend was at least entertaining if not pleasant for his company.
As if she had heard his stray dog thoughts, there she stood. He had just finished his drink when she appeared, wearing an outfit he would have laughed at if she didn't look so good. He appreciated the flowers, but they were likely a pain to doll up after every lesson. He waved to her from across the room with a small smile on his face, almost at once feeling as if this was going to be a nice easy day.
Willow obliged with Hektor's hand motion of a request, coming over to him, as was expected and par for the course at this point in time. He wasn't her only regular, but she did well to make her client's feel as though they were.
"Well, if it isn't Sergeant Lethe. The noble stallion of the city watch." She playfully greeted him as she approached, though both he and she were completely aware that it was intentionally sarcastic; more so an inside joke between the two.
She allowed herself to plop down onto the cushion, beside him and lean in, awaiting for him to say or do whatever it was he wished.
((Should there be anything new, aside from the regular routine of their song and dance when Hektor visits, feel free to highlight that. Otherwise, in the traditional Madam Lil fashion, your story will continue after you've completed the time with Willow. Haha))
Hektor laughed. They talked. Nothings mostly, comings and goings, boring routines. Avoiding the political topic and anything to do with work on either end. They had a little to drink, then found themselves a quiet place with a tub, on account of Hektor's watch location. He let her set the pace, like he usually did, it was fun and games for him, but this was her livelihood. He appreciated the days where she made 'extra' time for him at no extra cost, at the very least it let him know she enjoyed his company and he wasn't just another regular. ((Black Screen)) At length he pulled himself back into his clothes and armaments and allowed himself to be politely booted out of the room.
Returning to the parlor, weary yet also refreshed, Hektor found himself a seat and waited to settle up with the Madam.
((Retroactively also tipping Willow privately once prices are established, as he normally would.))
Madam Willow came with the bill for Hektor, which had no physical form. Anyone who visited the Desert Rose on a regular basis knew the madam, while elderly was sharp as a tack, and her mind like a steel trap. If required she could likely recite an entire day's business in every detail: who, what, where, when, and how much. She was however, straight to the point, only providing the additional detail, as necessary.
"Sergeant Lethe, 2 gold and 1 silver. I trust Willow did not disappointment."
It was likely a majority of the cost was the drink. As an 'employment benefit' the city covers a large portion of costs for certain 'extracurricular activities' such as the Desert Rose, the theater, discounted seasonal goods, etc.
Hektor smiled as the Madam approached. He fished for the currency as he replied. "Madam, much like when I get the chance to see your smiling countenance again, she never does." He handed over the coin, trapping her hand for a moment between his with a gentle squeeze, a silent thanks for her time and earlier suggestion on drink. He released her hand almost as soon after and stood. "Unless there is anything else you need from me?" he paused. "...I shall take my leave."
It is still early enough in the evening when Hektor departs the Desert Rose that the sky itself has not resided to the night. The street lanterns would likely be lit soon, but the streets themselves are still lively enough.
Hektor would be repeating his same daily routine the next day, but he still had a good few hours before a good night's rest required him to be in bed.
After the bath, Hektor was loathe to spend his remaining hours in the practice yard working up a sweat before he hit his sheets. He was content to stroll the streets at an easy pace, looking to see if there was a show or street performance near a local tavern where he could enjoy the weather. If nothing passed him by, he'd likely return to the barracks and sit out off duty until he had to lay his head down. He sighed, knowing the barracks was likely to be a breeding ground for political intent and quiet lines secretly drawn. For now Hektor could stand on the wall but he had a terrible feeling in his gut that sooner rather than later he'd have to make a choice and carry the consequences of that. Only an official missive from the Right Hand could quell things now and they were likely far far from Palua-Palua dealing with more urgent crisis and professional soldiers.
Hektor walked the streets of his city, hoping he'd find distraction for a few hours more.
The streets themselves were relatively calm with little spectacle, and it was still just shy of any live music at most taverns, or show at the city theater. Seasonally, there likely wouldn't be anything of quality at the theater for a while as even though Palua-Palua was a regularly tropical climate near round, they were entering the colder months. The days remained warm, but during the winter season, the winds brought through the city at night provided an uncomfortable chill. Too much for most patrons of the outdoor theater.
As Hektor walked back towards the barracks, he came upon a crowd in the northern corner of the crowd square. It was only upon further investigation that he identified the reason. While it was not a performance of entertainment, it could be considered a performance nonetheless.
The crowd consisted mainly lower class citizens, specifically half-orcs. And there was a male human on a wooden box (possibly one that held and crated soap). The man was speaking to the crowd "...and for what? For you to break your backs while they reap the rewards of your labor? I say no friends! I say you come together, into a brotherhood, a union! One that will protect your rights as a skilled laborer. One that will ensure you get an equal pay for an equal shares work. Without you, their system would crumble. It is upon your shoulders they stand, and you heads with which they wipe their shit covered boots."
Many within the crowd stared at the man blankly, and one or two even rubbed their scalps and seemed to look for signs of something being there that shouldn't when he mentioned 'boots being wiped on their heads.' All in all, while there was emotion in his words, no general reaction came, until a half-orc behind the man, and seemingly aware or understanding the point of the man's speech, spoke up. "No more work, until we have better treatment. No one work!"
There were many nods and grunts of agreement, as well as a few cheers from the audience. There had been rumors of similar talks to this. The lower class banning together to demand better wages, accommodations, and generally respect as living, thinking beings. This was the first time though that Hektor had seen it first-hand.
Hektors waking dreams faded as he entered the northern edge of the square. His pace slowed as he gathered what he could from the spectacle before him. As he listened, his eyes narrowed and he sighed as he continued on his way to the barracks. He would leave a report for the Watch to do with as they pleased but he was off duty and far outnumbered to break up such a display. Everyone had a their place in the world and in this city that was no different. Hektor had aspirations to rise in the ranks of the Watch but tempered that with the knowledge of he would never be a commander. He carried no noble blood to his knowledge, nor was he surrounded by vast amounts of wealth. He shook his head to clear it, slightly annoyed at the thoughts the display had conjured in his mind.
He pressed on to the barracks, resuming his normal pace.
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Exitus Acta Probat
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Returning to the docks, to finish out their shift for the day, it was evident to Hektor that the Private had something on his mind. It appeared this way ever since they had left the Pearl; however, it wasn't until the mid afternoon, near the shifts end, that Hudson finally spoke up. "Sarge, what would you do if the Governor decided to go against the wishes of the Baron? Where is your allegiance? To the kingdom, or to the colony?"
Hektor sighed. "The others talk to you about this?" he continued, not really waiting for Hudson's answer. "Honestly I can't say for certain. We made our pledges to the Watch of Palua-Palua, to the defense of its fields, its walls and its people." He chuckled. "Aye, even its sands and sad docks." he added, motioning around their current location. "No Baron, in some place I have never seen, has ever done anything for me. The Governor, while he may not know my name, at the very least knows that the Watch, our Watch is integral to the city in which he has been assigned. He too may sit in some far off place on a council deciding matters that do not pertain to us, but there are people here who make decisions on his whims or at least on his behalf. While they may not always have everyone's best interest at heart..." he paused, taking a drink. "...they at least know to keep their seat of power they need this city and to keep the city they need the Watch."
Hektor turned and clapped a hand on Hudson's shoulder. He spoke in a lighter tone, more personally. "Regardless of what I or others may think or say, at the end it is you who must decide what you will. Who you will follow. It is not wrong to fulfill your oaths to the Baron in the capital. It is not wrong to want the best for where you live. It is not wrong to follow the natural course of Nobility and servants, nor is it wrong to take a stand against the status quo if it is not for the best of the future. If it were me..." Hektor looked aside, removing his hand from Hudson's shoulder before returning his gaze to meet the young mans. "...I would fortify our walls and keep us an independent city until such time as the matter of succession or treason in the Capital is settled. We have the tools, the talent, the resources and the manpower to do so." He took a step back, continuing patrol.
"It is not up to me, nor is it up to those around us to decide these things and draw lines. A clear head waits in times like these, a bold one acts." He scuffed. "Fortune may favor the bold Hudson, but it does not always guarantee a victory."
Exitus Acta Probat
Hudson simply nodded in response to everything Hektor had just said. It wasn't just because the Private was likely at a loss for words, but if Hektor was correct and the questions were indeed derived from a conversation with the guards at the Pearl, he had given Hudson a lot to think about.
The shift had already been nearing its end, and Hudson said nothing more, even on the walk back to the barracks to report out for the shift, he was simply lost in thought.
Returning to the barracks for muster before being relieved from duty, Hektor and Hudson found themselves in the courtyard well after, still awaiting on the rest of the shift to return. Captain Willard appeared impatient, as did the other guards; all of whom had been waiting a quarter-hour for the last guard patrol, who still had not returned.
"The next shift can find them." Willard addressed the group. "Unless anyone has anything, you're all dismissed." Gladly, the guards began to disperse.
Hektor narrowed his eyes, hummed once and approached the Captain. "Captain. Who is late and what was their route?" His asking was respectful but rather direct, likely something the Captain was used to hearing when Hektor had something pulling on a string in the back of his head.
Exitus Acta Probat
The Captain looked at Hektor for a few moments before resolving to looking down at a clip board in his hand. "Sergeant Brutto and Private Rico. Labor Housing, Lower District." Captain Willard lowered the clipboard. "Don't go looking for trouble where there is none, Lethe. Brutto's able to take care of himself."
The Captain was right. Hektor didn't know much about the Private other than he was a thin young guy, nearly a kid by most standards. Brutto however was a solider by nature. A natural born citizen of Palua-Palua, who joined the Cathaan army to get away from the City, only to get shipped right back to serve out his duty with the guard, since there wasn't any war going on any longer. He was a larger man, round in some parts but still plenty of muscle. Took rank and file and military discipline a little too seriously.
"Very good sir." Hektor responded respectfully before accepting his dismissal. He rolled his shoulders and sighed, looking forward to a meal and some sleep before another day. With any luck he'd have some downtime and could get a bath before the sand got into his bunk.
Exitus Acta Probat
It was just beginning mid-afternoon when the shift was over. Hektor had lived this life for years now; 10-hour shifts with two days off each month, and aside from the occasional extra duties, afternoons to himself. Today was one such day, and being that it was the middle of the week, there would not be much else going on in the city.
It wasn't an exciting life, from an outside perspective, but it was a fulfilling one offering job security and shelter from outside threats.
After being dismissed, Hudson had gone off and disappeared, though nothing unusual about that. The younger guards in particular always preferred to spend as much time away from the barracks as they were allotted.
Upon some thought, Hektor it would be best to remove the sand from his pockets before getting into anything else with his free time. He contemplated requisitioning a crossbow for some practice in the yard, but he had plenty of that in days prior and really he had some coin to spend. Taking his leave from the Barracks, Hektor would make his way through the markets to peruse before getting some rest and relaxation at the Desert Rose.
Exitus Acta Probat
Being that it was a weekday, near the end of the week, much of what was available from the market, in terms of freshness, tended to be leftovers from whatever was placed out to attract customers the previous weekend. It wasn't to say that any of it had necessarily gone bad, just that food wise should be eaten relatively soon.
Hektor knew that in just another two days time, the stands would be stocked again and the open air filled with people bumping this way and that.
When he eventually reached and entered the Desert Rose, he was greeted by Madam Lil as he entered. She was the proprieter of the establishment, and a very professional and courteous individual. She knew every Palua-Palua guardsmen by name, and taste for that matter, even commenting to Hektor "Willow is...preoccupied at the moment, but can I interest you in a drink in the parlor, while you wait, Sergeant Lethe?"
Hektor perused the markets briefly, but aside from some mental notes for later he didn't procure anything. He took a moment to kick the dust from his boots before entering the Desert Rose. Almost immediately a voice came to him and he smiled warmly, turning to see the Madam. He had no doubt that in her time she was easily the most attractive woman in any room. Even still, she had an aura about her, one that overpowered even the other girls at the Rose.
"Greetings Madam." he inclined his head toward her. "I don't suppose she's getting another lesson..." he dismissed the verbal thought, and any immediate follow up, with a wave of his hand. "Madam I would be delighted, if of course you'd do me the honor to select the first round for me?" His playful tone was one he adopted for the Madam. Hektor was well aware he was not the most, inspiring, for a ladies favors. By no means did he consider himself an ugly man, but there were far more likely to be thought handsome over the Sergeant. Instead, he chose to carry himself with a tinge of mockery, a putting on of airs for the jest of it. It made the time he had at the Rose more enjoyable, adding to the illusion that the establishment curated.
Business was business, but when the business was pleasure one might as well get the most for ones gold.
Exitus Acta Probat
Escorted to the parlor, though Hektor knew his way, as he had been to the establishment often enough. There were other individuals already there, some seated, others standing, surrounded by women draped upon the furniture, and each other. There was always a regular turnover of a few, keeping the faces fresh, and even if Hektor already made up his mind on what he came for, it was always pleasant to at least look around.
A slender yuan-ti woman brought a flute glass to Hektor. She seemed otherwise human with the exception of one or two small patches of scales on her skin. Without a doubt a bloodline that had since been 'watered-down' for ages and likely even was more human than anything else at this point. The glass was tall and thin, and had a gold trim around the rim. Due to the size and shape, it was meant to be held by even larger hands, though contained but a few sips of liquid. The drink was sweet but not sugary. A sweetness that came naturally from whatever fruit the liquor was likely derived.
As Hektor drank, other patrons came and went, some with the first women they approached, some requiring a lady of the house to approach them. By the time Hektor had finished his drink, even though only a few minutes had passed, the recognizable figure of the very woman he had come to see, appeared in the parlor door. Willow was taller than the average elf, but still maintained the same dainty physical features. It helped to play up the character of her work, since even her dress was a costume of some sort of woodland nymph. A stereotype of a wood elf, that Willow had likely never even seen, let alone wore, since coming to work here. Her blonde hair had flowers braided throughout. Hektor however knew full well that this innocent lost creature of the woods was more than capable of taking care of herself, even in a city as this.
Hektor allowed himself to be escorted, the act of which allowed him to start his relaxation. He took in his surroundings with a practiced eye, but didn't look too long or too hard at any one thing in particular. He looked twice, once when the yuan-ti brought him the glass and again to make sure she was in fact a yuan-ti. He smiled at her and nodded. "Thanks for the drink luv." He made a mental note to get her name at some point. He found the drink pleasant, but not something he was likely to order, another reason he asked the Madam if shed choose his first round. He let his eyes wander, making up stories for those that came and went. Someone here for the first time, someone here far too often, someone with coin to spend and someone addicted to the feeling of being loved. Hektor shook his head at the last. A younger he likely would have spent all his coin in hopes of some affection, now he just hoped that the time he did spend was at least entertaining if not pleasant for his company.
As if she had heard his stray dog thoughts, there she stood. He had just finished his drink when she appeared, wearing an outfit he would have laughed at if she didn't look so good. He appreciated the flowers, but they were likely a pain to doll up after every lesson. He waved to her from across the room with a small smile on his face, almost at once feeling as if this was going to be a nice easy day.
Exitus Acta Probat
Willow obliged with Hektor's hand motion of a request, coming over to him, as was expected and par for the course at this point in time. He wasn't her only regular, but she did well to make her client's feel as though they were.
"Well, if it isn't Sergeant Lethe. The noble stallion of the city watch." She playfully greeted him as she approached, though both he and she were completely aware that it was intentionally sarcastic; more so an inside joke between the two.
She allowed herself to plop down onto the cushion, beside him and lean in, awaiting for him to say or do whatever it was he wished.
((Should there be anything new, aside from the regular routine of their song and dance when Hektor visits, feel free to highlight that. Otherwise, in the traditional Madam Lil fashion, your story will continue after you've completed the time with Willow. Haha))
Hektor laughed. They talked. Nothings mostly, comings and goings, boring routines. Avoiding the political topic and anything to do with work on either end. They had a little to drink, then found themselves a quiet place with a tub, on account of Hektor's watch location. He let her set the pace, like he usually did, it was fun and games for him, but this was her livelihood. He appreciated the days where she made 'extra' time for him at no extra cost, at the very least it let him know she enjoyed his company and he wasn't just another regular. ((Black Screen)) At length he pulled himself back into his clothes and armaments and allowed himself to be politely booted out of the room.
Returning to the parlor, weary yet also refreshed, Hektor found himself a seat and waited to settle up with the Madam.
((Retroactively also tipping Willow privately once prices are established, as he normally would.))
Exitus Acta Probat
Madam Willow came with the bill for Hektor, which had no physical form. Anyone who visited the Desert Rose on a regular basis knew the madam, while elderly was sharp as a tack, and her mind like a steel trap. If required she could likely recite an entire day's business in every detail: who, what, where, when, and how much. She was however, straight to the point, only providing the additional detail, as necessary.
"Sergeant Lethe, 2 gold and 1 silver. I trust Willow did not disappointment."
It was likely a majority of the cost was the drink. As an 'employment benefit' the city covers a large portion of costs for certain 'extracurricular activities' such as the Desert Rose, the theater, discounted seasonal goods, etc.
Hektor smiled as the Madam approached. He fished for the currency as he replied. "Madam, much like when I get the chance to see your smiling countenance again, she never does." He handed over the coin, trapping her hand for a moment between his with a gentle squeeze, a silent thanks for her time and earlier suggestion on drink. He released her hand almost as soon after and stood. "Unless there is anything else you need from me?" he paused. "...I shall take my leave."
((Willow also gains 3 Silver))
Exitus Acta Probat
It is still early enough in the evening when Hektor departs the Desert Rose that the sky itself has not resided to the night. The street lanterns would likely be lit soon, but the streets themselves are still lively enough.
Hektor would be repeating his same daily routine the next day, but he still had a good few hours before a good night's rest required him to be in bed.
After the bath, Hektor was loathe to spend his remaining hours in the practice yard working up a sweat before he hit his sheets. He was content to stroll the streets at an easy pace, looking to see if there was a show or street performance near a local tavern where he could enjoy the weather. If nothing passed him by, he'd likely return to the barracks and sit out off duty until he had to lay his head down. He sighed, knowing the barracks was likely to be a breeding ground for political intent and quiet lines secretly drawn. For now Hektor could stand on the wall but he had a terrible feeling in his gut that sooner rather than later he'd have to make a choice and carry the consequences of that. Only an official missive from the Right Hand could quell things now and they were likely far far from Palua-Palua dealing with more urgent crisis and professional soldiers.
Hektor walked the streets of his city, hoping he'd find distraction for a few hours more.
Exitus Acta Probat
The streets themselves were relatively calm with little spectacle, and it was still just shy of any live music at most taverns, or show at the city theater. Seasonally, there likely wouldn't be anything of quality at the theater for a while as even though Palua-Palua was a regularly tropical climate near round, they were entering the colder months. The days remained warm, but during the winter season, the winds brought through the city at night provided an uncomfortable chill. Too much for most patrons of the outdoor theater.
As Hektor walked back towards the barracks, he came upon a crowd in the northern corner of the crowd square. It was only upon further investigation that he identified the reason. While it was not a performance of entertainment, it could be considered a performance nonetheless.
The crowd consisted mainly lower class citizens, specifically half-orcs. And there was a male human on a wooden box (possibly one that held and crated soap). The man was speaking to the crowd "...and for what? For you to break your backs while they reap the rewards of your labor? I say no friends! I say you come together, into a brotherhood, a union! One that will protect your rights as a skilled laborer. One that will ensure you get an equal pay for an equal shares work. Without you, their system would crumble. It is upon your shoulders they stand, and you heads with which they wipe their shit covered boots."
Many within the crowd stared at the man blankly, and one or two even rubbed their scalps and seemed to look for signs of something being there that shouldn't when he mentioned 'boots being wiped on their heads.' All in all, while there was emotion in his words, no general reaction came, until a half-orc behind the man, and seemingly aware or understanding the point of the man's speech, spoke up. "No more work, until we have better treatment. No one work!"
There were many nods and grunts of agreement, as well as a few cheers from the audience. There had been rumors of similar talks to this. The lower class banning together to demand better wages, accommodations, and generally respect as living, thinking beings. This was the first time though that Hektor had seen it first-hand.
Hektors waking dreams faded as he entered the northern edge of the square. His pace slowed as he gathered what he could from the spectacle before him. As he listened, his eyes narrowed and he sighed as he continued on his way to the barracks. He would leave a report for the Watch to do with as they pleased but he was off duty and far outnumbered to break up such a display. Everyone had a their place in the world and in this city that was no different. Hektor had aspirations to rise in the ranks of the Watch but tempered that with the knowledge of he would never be a commander. He carried no noble blood to his knowledge, nor was he surrounded by vast amounts of wealth. He shook his head to clear it, slightly annoyed at the thoughts the display had conjured in his mind.
He pressed on to the barracks, resuming his normal pace.
Exitus Acta Probat