Graddik looks at Racheal Seems like you’re with the wrong guy. Go ahead, answer him. Racheal looks down with a sigh. They’re treating me fine, Kes, they just won’t let me leave till Howell pays what he owes... although honestly don’t know if he’s coming back at this point. She lowers her eyes again. And Graddik speaks. Yes, we thought Howell would’ve been back by now. Honestly, she’s becoming a bit of an issue for me. I don’t want her here anymore. But I can’t just let her go, understand? Sets a bad precedent. But maybe, if you do something for me I release her to you lot. How’s that sound?
As Mendax walks into the office a sense of unease and excitement runs through him. Every time Graddik has "invited" Mendax to have a talk left Mendax with a bad taste and an order to help another despicable associate of Graddik. This time, however, Mendax feels the tables have turned, but he keeps his dwarven dragon dice face when he rolls in, nods at Lors, and then he takes his usual seat which faces Graddik directly.
He takes a glass from Rachel, his eyes quickly flashing to hers, but settling back to Graddik. As Kes starts to get upset Mendax looks at him and says, "the man had a bolt to the belly, not to his hearing, now calm down. And if you can't then you best step out and take a walk around the block."
Mendax then turns to Graddik, "you see you got the boy all riled, Graddik. Now, what is it that Howell did and where did you send him and for what?"
Graddik looks at the four of you assembled in his office and takes a moment before saying He did what a lot of boys his age with more balls than brains do, he made a bet he couldn't cover. What I'm proposing to you four is a little deal, I release Rachael into your custody, and if Howell turns back up, you let me know, and beyond that we just say you owe me a favor? How's that for a deal?
Mendax relaxes in his chair as Graddik addresses him and the party. When Graddik finishes his offer Mendax leans over slightly towards Kes and whispers under his breath "don't get too excited about Rachel and the deal yet." He then looks over at Con and Vin and shrugs his shoulders at Graddik's offer. Mendax then turns to Graddik, scratches behind his ear, and then leans forward with a furrowed face and says to him, "so what your saying is, you'll hand over Rachel to us now, which is great because it'll make the boy happy. But then you want us to use the girl as bait to lure Howell in so you can snag him up. I'm okay with using the lady as bait, after all she put my Kes through. But you need to tell me now why this Howell is so important that you need us to grab him. And after last night, with me pulling a bolt out of your belly and saving your life, I deserve a straight answer," and then Mendax leans back in his chair and stares at Graddik, his eye on one occasion flickering to meet Lor's eyes.
Graddik looks Mendax in the eye The boy welched on a bet, Mendax, if I don't do something about it people will say I'm starting to go soft and I clearly can't afford to have anyone think it's a better time to come after me than it already is He gingerly pats his stomach. Speaking of which, Halfin, you remember him, right? They found him trussed up in an alley near the Broken Flagon, someone cut his throat for him. He observes you all for a second. Not my best man, but loyal none the less, and another widow I'll have to put on the dole. Well, If that's all you can take the girl and clear out of my office, I've matters to attend to.
Lors gives an almost imperceptible smirk in Con’s direction as the five of you exit. You make your way back to Mendax’s rooms where there is enough space for everyone to stay for the next couple days until the matter with Graddik is resolved as long as everyone doesn’t mind being a bit cramped.
Once you’re safely back at Mendax’s Racheal slumps down into a chair with a shuddering sigh. I’m so sorry, you all, I never meant for you to be swept up in all this... I had a feeling Howell wasn’t coming back. Loyalty wasn’t among his good qualities I’m afraid.
Kestrell gets Rachael settled, and then gathers the others in the next room where she can't hear: "Hey guys, Graddik didn't seem like too bad of a fellow. Actually he was kind of nice to us. Maybe we should think about giving him an antidote or something. I don't think we need to kill him."
On the walk back to his rented apartment at the Temple Mendax hears Con and nods, "I believe you. Maybe whoever got to Graddik with the bolt got to Halfin too."
Mendax pulls out his bottle of whiskey from the cabinet as they all settle into his main room. "Lathander would be displeased with us if we allow Graddik to live," he says over his shoulder at Kes. He comes back into the room carrying a tray with the bottle and glasses on it and places it on the table and pours himself one and sits in his old, musty chair. "Kes, Graddik is only being nice to us because he wants us to do his dirty work. This is the same man who was just threatning your...," Mendax looks over at Rachel, "...what is she to you anyway Kes?" He then turns back to Kes and looks at him.
Mendax then sighs, takes a sip of whiskey, and then looks at the party, "well, we better find out where we can trace down Howell. Do we know where he likes to hang out? Rachel, what can you tell us about Howell and this bet he made and maybe where he went?"
Mendax pulls out his bottle of whiskey from the cabinet as they all settle into his main room. "Lathander would be displeased with us if we allow Graddik to live," ...
"Kes, Graddik is only being nice to us because he wants us to do his dirty work. This is the same man who was just threatning your...," Mendax looks over at Rachel, "...what is she to you anyway Kes?" He then turns back to Kes and looks at him.
As Kes speaks, Con raises an eyebrow and his lip twists in yet another smirk, a common expression for him. He seems to be about to make a comment about Kes' relationship with Rachael, but he doesn't. Instead his face goes blank for a few seconds, and then he looks quizzically at Kes. You ever killed a man before, kid?
Vin remained mostly silent throughout their meeting with Graddik, doing her utmost to hide her disdain for him and his ilk. As Con and Mendax discuss the death of Halfin after they've left, Vin chimes in and says with a shrug; "Maybe it was one of his other men, clearing the competition. I don't like that look that... what was it, Lors? Gave to Con as we left. Maybe he did it."
Once they arrive home, Vin picks up the explanation where Mendax leaves off. "He's right, Kestrell. Men like Graddik are only out for themselves, and they'll put on whatever face they need to in the moment. He'll just as readily kill folk like us in cold blood as be kind to us, if it furthers his plots. Besides, you heard what the Doctor said the other morning; Lethander has divined that Graddik will become a major power across the Sword Coast if he isn't checked now."
Vin then turns her attention to Rachael and begins doting over her like a mother hen, wrapping her in far too many blankets and making a steaming hot, soothing tea for her to hold and sip at. She continues busying herself with her normal duties in the office as the others talk, occasionally stopping to reassure the poor girl that this isn't her fault, she'll be safe now, they'll figure this out...
On the death of Halfin: Could be. Lors might be trouble, if he takes over from Graddik. He's got people scared but... I dunno. He scowls, pulls his hood further over to cover his face, and walks on.
To Kes: Con steps closer to the boy, getting up into his face. You fetched the poison. You're part of this conspiracy. You're killing Graddik, as sure as if you stuck a dagger through his heart. How you feeling about that, kid?
Mendax gets up as Con gets in Kes's face and gets between the two men. "Gentleman, please. Let's focus on the task at hand. We need to find Howell and soon. Bickering between us will get us nowhere." He then walks over to the window and casual looks out of it and then looks back at the party and gives them a weak smile. "Let's find Howell and maybe if he's lucky by the time we get him to Graddik, Graddik will be dead."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Where is..." Kestrell trails off as Rachael walks in. Seeing Con's cool stare, Kestrell takes a breath, trying to gather himself then continues.
"Rachael? Are you alright? Do you want to leave with us?"
Graddik looks at Racheal Seems like you’re with the wrong guy. Go ahead, answer him. Racheal looks down with a sigh. They’re treating me fine, Kes, they just won’t let me leave till Howell pays what he owes... although honestly don’t know if he’s coming back at this point. She lowers her eyes again. And Graddik speaks. Yes, we thought Howell would’ve been back by now. Honestly, she’s becoming a bit of an issue for me. I don’t want her here anymore. But I can’t just let her go, understand? Sets a bad precedent. But maybe, if you do something for me I release her to you lot. How’s that sound?
Kestrell sighs under his breath: "That sonofa***** Howell." And then louder: "Yes, what do you need us to do?"
As Mendax walks into the office a sense of unease and excitement runs through him. Every time Graddik has "invited" Mendax to have a talk left Mendax with a bad taste and an order to help another despicable associate of Graddik. This time, however, Mendax feels the tables have turned, but he keeps his dwarven dragon dice face when he rolls in, nods at Lors, and then he takes his usual seat which faces Graddik directly.
He takes a glass from Rachel, his eyes quickly flashing to hers, but settling back to Graddik. As Kes starts to get upset Mendax looks at him and says, "the man had a bolt to the belly, not to his hearing, now calm down. And if you can't then you best step out and take a walk around the block."
Mendax then turns to Graddik, "you see you got the boy all riled, Graddik. Now, what is it that Howell did and where did you send him and for what?"
Graddik looks at the four of you assembled in his office and takes a moment before saying He did what a lot of boys his age with more balls than brains do, he made a bet he couldn't cover. What I'm proposing to you four is a little deal, I release Rachael into your custody, and if Howell turns back up, you let me know, and beyond that we just say you owe me a favor? How's that for a deal?
Kestrell turns to the others and says, "This is not your problem. This is my problem. No need for you all to get tangled up in this."
Kestrell turns back to Graddik: "Rachael comes with us, and I owe you a favor, and will let you know if Howell turns back up."
Mendax relaxes in his chair as Graddik addresses him and the party. When Graddik finishes his offer Mendax leans over slightly towards Kes and whispers under his breath "don't get too excited about Rachel and the deal yet." He then looks over at Con and Vin and shrugs his shoulders at Graddik's offer. Mendax then turns to Graddik, scratches behind his ear, and then leans forward with a furrowed face and says to him, "so what your saying is, you'll hand over Rachel to us now, which is great because it'll make the boy happy. But then you want us to use the girl as bait to lure Howell in so you can snag him up. I'm okay with using the lady as bait, after all she put my Kes through. But you need to tell me now why this Howell is so important that you need us to grab him. And after last night, with me pulling a bolt out of your belly and saving your life, I deserve a straight answer," and then Mendax leans back in his chair and stares at Graddik, his eye on one occasion flickering to meet Lor's eyes.
Con is still keeping his mouth shut and staying near to Kes; he gives the kid a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Graddik looks Mendax in the eye The boy welched on a bet, Mendax, if I don't do something about it people will say I'm starting to go soft and I clearly can't afford to have anyone think it's a better time to come after me than it already is He gingerly pats his stomach. Speaking of which, Halfin, you remember him, right? They found him trussed up in an alley near the Broken Flagon, someone cut his throat for him. He observes you all for a second. Not my best man, but loyal none the less, and another widow I'll have to put on the dole. Well, If that's all you can take the girl and clear out of my office, I've matters to attend to.
"Let's go, let's go, come on Rachael."
Lors gives an almost imperceptible smirk in Con’s direction as the five of you exit. You make your way back to Mendax’s rooms where there is enough space for everyone to stay for the next couple days until the matter with Graddik is resolved as long as everyone doesn’t mind being a bit cramped.
Once you’re safely back at Mendax’s Racheal slumps down into a chair with a shuddering sigh. I’m so sorry, you all, I never meant for you to be swept up in all this... I had a feeling Howell wasn’t coming back. Loyalty wasn’t among his good qualities I’m afraid.
"Well, at least you are out of there now."
Kestrell gets Rachael settled, and then gathers the others in the next room where she can't hear: "Hey guys, Graddik didn't seem like too bad of a fellow. Actually he was kind of nice to us. Maybe we should think about giving him an antidote or something. I don't think we need to kill him."
Con clenches his fists, keeps his head down, and avoids looking at Lors.
He sneers at Kes. Nice, he repeats with disgust. He's a scumbag, kid. Only one way that kind is gonna end, and it might as well be us that does it.
Then he looks at Mendax. Wasn't me. Halfin was alive when I left him.
On the walk back to his rented apartment at the Temple Mendax hears Con and nods, "I believe you. Maybe whoever got to Graddik with the bolt got to Halfin too."
Mendax pulls out his bottle of whiskey from the cabinet as they all settle into his main room. "Lathander would be displeased with us if we allow Graddik to live," he says over his shoulder at Kes. He comes back into the room carrying a tray with the bottle and glasses on it and places it on the table and pours himself one and sits in his old, musty chair. "Kes, Graddik is only being nice to us because he wants us to do his dirty work. This is the same man who was just threatning your...," Mendax looks over at Rachel, "...what is she to you anyway Kes?" He then turns back to Kes and looks at him.
Mendax then sighs, takes a sip of whiskey, and then looks at the party, "well, we better find out where we can trace down Howell. Do we know where he likes to hang out? Rachel, what can you tell us about Howell and this bet he made and maybe where he went?"
"Why? Why does Lathander want Graddik dead?"
Quote from Dcattarina >>
"Think so? I don't know, I feel bad."
"She's my, ah, Rachael's my good friend."
As Kes speaks, Con raises an eyebrow and his lip twists in yet another smirk, a common expression for him. He seems to be about to make a comment about Kes' relationship with Rachael, but he doesn't. Instead his face goes blank for a few seconds, and then he looks quizzically at Kes. You ever killed a man before, kid?
"What? No. Never. Nor a woman."
Vin remained mostly silent throughout their meeting with Graddik, doing her utmost to hide her disdain for him and his ilk. As Con and Mendax discuss the death of Halfin after they've left, Vin chimes in and says with a shrug; "Maybe it was one of his other men, clearing the competition. I don't like that look that... what was it, Lors? Gave to Con as we left. Maybe he did it."
Once they arrive home, Vin picks up the explanation where Mendax leaves off. "He's right, Kestrell. Men like Graddik are only out for themselves, and they'll put on whatever face they need to in the moment. He'll just as readily kill folk like us in cold blood as be kind to us, if it furthers his plots. Besides, you heard what the Doctor said the other morning; Lethander has divined that Graddik will become a major power across the Sword Coast if he isn't checked now."
Vin then turns her attention to Rachael and begins doting over her like a mother hen, wrapping her in far too many blankets and making a steaming hot, soothing tea for her to hold and sip at. She continues busying herself with her normal duties in the office as the others talk, occasionally stopping to reassure the poor girl that this isn't her fault, she'll be safe now, they'll figure this out...
On the death of Halfin: Could be. Lors might be trouble, if he takes over from Graddik. He's got people scared but... I dunno. He scowls, pulls his hood further over to cover his face, and walks on.
To Kes: Con steps closer to the boy, getting up into his face. You fetched the poison. You're part of this conspiracy. You're killing Graddik, as sure as if you stuck a dagger through his heart. How you feeling about that, kid?
Mendax gets up as Con gets in Kes's face and gets between the two men. "Gentleman, please. Let's focus on the task at hand. We need to find Howell and soon. Bickering between us will get us nowhere." He then walks over to the window and casual looks out of it and then looks back at the party and gives them a weak smile. "Let's find Howell and maybe if he's lucky by the time we get him to Graddik, Graddik will be dead."