Walking out of the palace doors, the sun shines brightly and the ocean breeze from the docks smells mostly fresh with just a hint of fish.

As you roll down the steps, escorted by royal guards, you are approached by a tall Elf woman dressed in a fine steelthistle gown.

Lady Johay sweeps up to the guard sergeant, the scent of expensive perfume and starched silk preceding her. "Guardsman," she states, her voice a low, resonant command, "the south fields are in a deplorable state, and I will not tolerate further delays. I require additional laborers, skilled in the reaping of golden wheat, by sunrise tomorrow. See to it that these individuals are of sound constitution and possess a diligent work ethic." She looks at you all with distain, "I shall personally inspect their progress, and any sign of indolence will be met with consequences. Consider this not a request, but an order, and ensure my wishes are executed with utmost efficiency." She turns around not waiting for a response, followed by her bodyguard.

The sergeant gapes at her retreating back and before he can reply, another individual saunters up to your group, "These are them right? The fortune seekers that returned with the magic hoodad that Sasindideous was all hot and bothered about?" he tips his feathered tricorn hat at you. "I need 'em if they're available."

PERCEPTION check everybody.

Razzec Perception Check: 12

Ember Perception:  25   {game log}

Anton perception: 9.

.

Perception: 21

*I'm assuming I'm the late arrival, anyone know what's going on?*

Grey perception: 22

Your group notices that across the street there is a bedraggled looking Human teenager taking many looks at your group. He stands against a shop wall crushing his hat in his hands. When you glance over, he quickly looks away. But there is an interest in his eye. 

My character begins fidgeting with a small brown rectangle, their eyes drawn to the small off-white sphere hanging from their hip. 

*should I do an intro of sorts since nobody knows my character?*

OOC: It's up to you. If you want to be a new addition you can, or you can just slide in as a known associate of the group.

Ember is well past frustrated at not being allowed to flit about while in the 'royal zone'.  Once they got outside, Ember would be flying back and forth over the heads of guards and compaions alike.

"Nice to be able to stretch my wings without fear of springing another trap or death puzzle."    **  ZOOMIES  **

Razzec grabs a gold piece out of his BoH and tosses it at the boy.  "Take it and run away, or follow us and I'll pay you another one once a week.  You'll do as we say though."

Razzec Persuasion check: 22 (used H.I.)

He looks surprised with the offering and quickly pockets it. Then with eyes downcast and hands twisting a frayed edge of his tunic, the young man shuffles forward. "Excuse me, good sirs and madams," he mumbles, his voice barely a whisper. "My father... he's a simple cart driver, and he's carrying a shipment of grain to Smoulderhome. But the roads have been... unsettled. He's old, and I fear for him. Would you... would you perhaps be willing to escort him? Just to ensure he arrives safely? We have little to offer in payment, but my father would be eternally grateful, and perhaps... perhaps a share of the grain?" He swallows, his gaze darting up momentarily before returning to the dusty ground. 

"Here, I can pay a gold coin in advance."

Razzec apologizes to the kid, "Sorry about that, I saw you eyeing us and assumed we were your next mark for a lil bit of pickpocketing.  I'm sorry I read the situation wrong. For that, I will gladly help your father, free of charge. You can keep the coin as well. Now it is up to the rest as to whether they want to help or not, but I think you have a good chance at it." He finishes with a wink.

"Yeah, sure. Why not?" Alexia puts her weapon away.

Grey shrugs, "Sounds fine, got nothing else better to do. Lets go somewhere new!"

Ember hovers above his companions.  "New places and new adventures!   

And who knows, maybe that crazy royal mage will have turned the town into a necropolis by the time we come back."

The boy's eyes light up and his smile is so big it might break his face, "Real heroes! my dad will be so pleased!"

He leads you from the palace grounds with its white marble walls and the houses of minor nobles or successful merchants. The guards outside follow you with their eyes and give scowls to your guide. The trip might have been faster on a carriage, you see a few roll by pulled by horses, humans, or yackles; but your guide ignores them. Rides cost money. 

It takes a good amount of time before reaching the more rundown parts of the city. The streets are unkept, the walls have stains where people rub up against them. Even during the day some of the alleys look dark and unwelcome. There is only color where you might find entertainment of one sort or another. The people here walk quickly with their heads down attending to their own business. Those that don't, look at you momentarily like targets but, no obvious moves are made. It seems they recognize prey that will bite them back harder than they desire.

The boy picks up his pace when you come in sight of a run down building with the sign with peeling paint Bartlett & Son. There is the smell of large birds and you hear the chirping of a pair of yackles. In the workyard you see an old but sturdy wagon being loaded by a man with white hair blowing in the wind. "Dad! DAD! I got helpers!"

The older man looks up from his work and his smile evaporates when he sees you. "Look here, we don't have anything of value. Just this load of grain. And I already sent a message to your lady boss that my birds are not for sale! I can't run my business if I can't move any goods now can I?!" He pulls the boy in tight behind him and quickly takes up a cudgel.

"No, dad!"

"Shush boy!" 

Alexia takes a defensive stance. "Wait, we aren't here to take anything. The kid asked us for help."