He spotted the accomplices with ease. Surveying the hustle and bustle of the crowds, he picked out a dozen other "casuals" who were all closing in on their location, however nonchalantly it might've been. They were alright, but Gaia's eyes and his perception were much better.
Pettilaen's ideas settle on one thing. Run. He needed a distraction, something that could clear a path towards their destination. He figures they can outrun the group on their horses. In Gnommish, he tells Portia and Kanon, "Kanon, hop on Portia's horse, and hold on tight. You're about to have the ride of your life. When you see the demon, charge." His words might've been cryptic, but he figured they would figure it out quickly enough. He didn't have the luxury of time to explain any further. He whispered to Crescentwave, relaying his plan as simply as he could put it for her.
His mind settles on the image of a particularly fierce looking demon he saw in a book he "found" a few years ago. Striving to portray the demon to the best of his memory, he casts Minor Illusion. Placing the image in a clearing just ahead on the route they needed to take, he projects the fearsome demon there, and causes a loud roar to emanate from the demon in hopes of frightening those who might not initially see it.
With the roar, he kicked into Sunbeam's sides, lashed her reigns, and bolted with her, heading for Neiklot's place as quickly as he could. He only hoped that Portia and Kanon were closely behind him.
An older, mildly overweight gentleman with wispy white hair and sagging jowls, wearing an old fashioned woolen waistcoat and comfortable trousers, enters through the door on the right. Siwel is fast on his heels.
"Dash it all," the gentleman says as he enters the room, his words slightly muffled as he speaks through teeth clenched on a fine pipe of wood and bone. "Siwel, I was just getting the hang of that script when you pulled me away. Haven't I told you to never interrupt my work?"
"But Nieklot, sir," Siwel stammers, "McDonald..."
"McDonald be dashed! Where is that self-important gasbag, anyway???"
Nieklot storms into the room and throws his perturbed gaze about, but instead of McDonald, his eyes land on Zina. They immediately soften and he chuckles lightly.
"Well, hello there, miss." He quickly knocks out his pipe on a shoe. "My apologies. Smoking in the presence of a lady. So rude of me."
Neiklot bends and the waist and extends his hand to Zina.
Kanon leaps atop Portia's horse and holds on tight. The feel of her body so close to his causes him to blush. He tightens his grip around her waist as she spurs the animal forward and he can feel her armor shifting as her muscles flex. He holds on for the ride.
As soon as Zina found herself alone, she did what any self-respecting Strifelaughter would have done. It took the illusionist less than two seconds to get behind Siwel's desk and start reading the letters. She couldn't read the original text, although she made a mental note that she should probably learn Undercommon, but she could read the older gnome's notes. Just as she was getting to the pet about some slave owner named Taskmaster Llomache, the door opened and Zina jolted upright.
The star-struck feeling from earlier had diminished, so the younger gnome was much calmer now that she was actually in the presence of Neiklot. The famed code breaker didn't seem too happy when he entered the room, but he instantly softened when he saw her.
"Not sure if I'm considered a lady, but my name is Zina, Zina Strifelaughter," she shook Neiklot's hand as she introduced herself for what felt like the millionth time today. "I'm not Kanon, who was the original courier for these scrolls, but I was the one who studied them the whole ride here so I refused to leave until I could see you." The gnome was positively beaming as she produced the scrolls.
After Kanon joins Portia on her horse, Pettilaen leads a charge through the closing ambush. Anticipating the maneuver, the thieves charge the group with knives drawn, striking as they pass in the hopes of disabling them and preventing their flight. Knife blades flash all around you and all three of your are wounded in the process, but manage to break through and ride free into the street faster than they can pursue.
(META: Portia takes 7 points and Kanon takes 5 points, each from critical hits to their legs. Pettilaen is struck by a thrown dagger for 2 points.)
"Oh, good good," Neiklot says, his eyes twinkling. "I've been most curious to inspect those documents. The scholars of Candlekeep are the best in all Faerun. I do not see how I could succeed where they have failed, but I'm eager to try. Do you have them with you?"
Kanon could feel the warm blood pouring down his leg. The thief must have hit something vital. Grunting through the pain he holds onto Portia with one hand as he whispers cure wounds. The sudden relief from the pain is immediate and he's able to regain his grip on Portia as she continues her gallop down the street.
"Of course!" Rather than handing the scrolls over, Zina unfurled them and began to relay her own research. "I did some looking on the way here, because no one told me not to, and I found some really interesting stuff. I mean, I'm no you," the gnome laughed nervously before continuing, pointing to different places as she mentioned them. "I found that this string of six symbols appears the most often. It's obviously some wizard's personal shorthand, but I think that if you combine this with some other documents, you could unlock something truly powerful."
Pettilaen leads the charge, riding through the crowd as it quickly parts, like he was some cleric parting a large sea, bringing his friends through towards safety.
Though Portia's horse didn't need to gallop, only keep up with Galerider's adorably short legs. Having outran the potential assassins, Pettilaen surveyed the area. Once he felt safe, he took a deep breather. "So this is what it feels like being on the other side of a pickpocket attempt. It's almost as exhilarating as being the pickpocketer!" he exclaims, relieved to be out of that sticky situation.
Noting the blood, he figures it's nothing serious, and thinks it will add into their dramatic entrance when they return to Neiklot's with Zina's share. Making the pace slower, he leads the group on a steady trot, until the arrive at Neiklot's shop. Discounting from his horse, he whispers to Blossomhooves, telling her to stay.
As Portia and Kanon dismount, Kanon notes the wound on her leg.
"My lady! You were hit as well... I'm sorry. I thought it was my blood that drenched you." He calls up the spell of cure wounds in grand display, gesturing forth and touching the afflicted portion of her leg with delicate grace.
"Upon my word, uttered by the learned, may your wounds be cured."
He rises from his kneel and says, "Again I apologize, m'lady. Had I known you were injured I'd have helped you sooner." Kanon still carries the blush he had when holding her tight as she gallantly stormed through the assaulting rogues. (Wounds Cured for 12hp)
Portia smirks and puts her arm around his shoulder when he stands up. "You and I need to have a little chat. You are a great bard, but seem to be a fraidy cat of anyone giving you anything to hold onto, let alone you get a gift more than a meal and a bed. Lathander, forbid life could be so generous to you. I think Pettilaen needs to give you lessons on how to properly stow things and be able to help disperse the carrying of money so there is more than one target." She chuckles noting he was blushing some.
"Also, don't go blathering apologies. Just do what needs to be done when you notice and can do something. I figured I'd live until we got here. And thank you for the healing. I saw you figure out how to act and do what you could with the attack on the road so I know there is far bolder person in there somewhere. Besides, how are you going to come up with more tales and songs if you don't boldly go where we go?"
She claps him on the back and then turns to Pettilaen. "If you can't convince him to take that roll of coin to carry we will split it three ways with Zina. I will be telling her you have it. I already know you made extra on the side selling some swords. I also know you can pick pockets. I propose that you be a team player and find ways to exhilarate yourself and line your pockets that works for all of us equally so our team thrives. I know you can do it and I've seen that you can when you don't have time to think about it too much." She leans over and gives the gnome a hug. Then quietly says, "If you pickpocket me again or anyone in our party, we'll be having a fight and know I can heal myself pretty good. I rather not hurt you on purpose, but I will not break my ideals either." She gives him a wink as she pulls from the hug. "I like you even if at times you probably didn't think so."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Zina and Neiklot are interrupted when the left door behind the large desk opens and MacDonald (correct spelling) emerges with a large goblet of purple wine. Seconds later, Pettilaen and the rest of the party return through the main door, discussing a recent attack that took place. Portia's voice can be heard warning Pettilaen about the vice of thievery.
MacDonald watches and listens as Pettilaen responds to Portia, an amused grin spreading across his face. When Pettilaen goes silent, realizing all at once that he's walked into a room full of people, MacDonald approaches Kanon.
"Aha," MacDonald says. "This young man looks much more like the lad we were told to expect. Thank you for your service. I trust the journey was smooth? I believe the agreed rate was 12 gold shields?"
MacDonald reaches into a tiny silk pocket and removes several platinum coins.
"I'm afraid I have no small coins on my person, so this will have to do."
He extends his hand, containing two platinum coins embossed with the a map of the sword coast, toward Kanon.
Pettilaen listened with mild interest as she rambled on to Kanon. When she turned to him, he gulped. Oh great... -my- turn for the talk. "If you can't convince him to take that roll of coin to carry we will split it three ways with Zina. I will be telling her you have it. I already know you made extra on the side selling some swords. I also know you can pick pockets. I propose that you be a team player and find ways to exhilarate yourself and line your pockets that works for all of us equally so our team thrives. I know you can do it and I've seen that you can when you don't have time to think about it too much." She gave him a hug. He took it, seeing it as a good sign. "If you pickpocket me again or anyone in our party, we'll be having a fight and know I can heal myself pretty good. I rather not hurt you on purpose, but I will not break my ideals either. I like you even if at times you probably didn't think so."
Her words stirred a great deal of differing emotions in him. When she was done, he retorted, "I didn't split the coin on those swords because no one else risked their lives for them! Someone had to go out after the horn call, and you all hid and stayed with the boy! That said, now that I know you all better, I'm happy to evenly split any profits we make while we are a group. Discluding side businesses and such." He grinned, as if he had an idea but hasn't shared it.
"Anyway, yes, I took Kanon's gold because the lad would've just lost it during the ride with the pickpockets. He's well-versed, but there's a huge difference between book smart and street smart."
He smiles at Kanon, certain he could hear him. "No offense. It's probably a compliment for you anyway."
"But I'm not about to argue with the lad if he doesn't want the coin. So we can split it between us three." he explains, and watching MacDonald pull out the two platinum coins only solidifies the idea. "See? Now we all get a share of coin."
"In regards to pickpocketing you..." he laughs, continuing, "that was pretty good, wasn't it?! It was all in good fun. I might be a scoundrel and a prankster, but I'm trying to he honest, and I hope you can see that."
With all of that said, he turns and gives his undivided attention to the proceedings happening in the shop he hardly registered he had walked into.
"Yes ma'am," Kanon stutters as she's finished scolding him, "I'll try better... I'm sorry.. er... I mean, yes ma'am." When Portia turns on Petti, he lets out an audible sigh of relief since her attention is no longer on him.
As they enter the scribe's shop, Kanon spots Neiklot and Zina and a grin spreads across his face. It's as if he's already forgotten that he was just recently scolded by a goddess. As MacDonald addresses him, he turns his attention to the noble. Kanon's posture immediately straightens, and a refinement washes over his expression.
"My thanks m'lord. I am happy to have served." He accepts the two platinum pieces and adds, "If there is anything else I may do to assist, I am at your disposal." Kanon steps back and gives a low bow to the Lord before backing away to observe the rest of the scene as it plays out.
"Sir is fine," MacDonald responds. "I am no lord. I leave nobility to the noble."
He turns to address Neiklot.
"You will keep me informed of your progress and if there's anything you need?"
"Of course," Neiklot responds. "Sir."
Neiklot winks at Kanon. MacDonald clearly senses that Neiklot is poking fun at him, but only sighs in response before stowing the remainder of the platinum coins and turning back toward the door through which he just entered.
"Well, then, if you'll excuse me, I have much to which I must attend."
"I know you don't really know me," Zina began, launching into a speech she had been working on in her mind ever since she arrived. "But I have been staring at these pages for days, I even went into battle to protect them! I've just become so invested in decoding them, so I was hoping that you would maybe not mind if I stayed and watched you work? I've been a huge fan of yours for ages! I promise, you won't even know I'm there."
Kanon clears the way for the lord to exit and turns back to Neiklot and Zina. He hears Zina offer herself up for apprenticeship and even though he secretly hopes Neiklot rejects her offer, he feels the need to lighten the gnome's desperate plea.
"She really is quite small, and she fits in most lockable containers if given enough drink," Kanon says, winking at the lil gnome.
"Absolutely not!" He blurts. "I'm the only one who..."
Realizing he's entirely broken decorum by screeching like a parrot, he interrupts himself, loudly clearing his throat. Neiklot laughs out loud.
"My dear lady," Neiklot responds. "I am afraid there would be nothing for you to watch. My work is composed mainly of analyzing, comparing, and researching obscure texts. You would be sitting for days on end, watching me read..."
An idea twinkles in his eye.
"There is something you may be able to do, however." He leans in to whisper to Zina. "Something I could use help with, but would rather MacDonald not know about... I can tell at a glance this cipher is based on a key and I have some idea as to the location of a tome that might help me. You said something to Siwel about knowing the dwarven businessman called Orst?"
Zina's request for apprenticeship stung Pettilaen. Not like the stinging he felt from being blasted in the back by her. No, this stung struck deeper. She already wants to leave us? And she'd choose some old man over our companionship?
Oh thank the gods. He said no. Pettilaen chuckled for a reason unknown, but was curious about this tome. "If you need some thieving, -I'm- the perfect gnome for the job!" he states, taking a step forward. "Pettilaen Brookebrewer, son of the famed Brookebrew community... at least amongst gnomes we are. Master thief and magician. Uhh..." He runs out of fancy titles.
He spotted the accomplices with ease. Surveying the hustle and bustle of the crowds, he picked out a dozen other "casuals" who were all closing in on their location, however nonchalantly it might've been. They were alright, but Gaia's eyes and his perception were much better.
Pettilaen's ideas settle on one thing. Run. He needed a distraction, something that could clear a path towards their destination. He figures they can outrun the group on their horses. In Gnommish, he tells Portia and Kanon, "Kanon, hop on Portia's horse, and hold on tight. You're about to have the ride of your life. When you see the demon, charge." His words might've been cryptic, but he figured they would figure it out quickly enough. He didn't have the luxury of time to explain any further. He whispered to Crescentwave, relaying his plan as simply as he could put it for her.
His mind settles on the image of a particularly fierce looking demon he saw in a book he "found" a few years ago. Striving to portray the demon to the best of his memory, he casts Minor Illusion. Placing the image in a clearing just ahead on the route they needed to take, he projects the fearsome demon there, and causes a loud roar to emanate from the demon in hopes of frightening those who might not initially see it.
With the roar, he kicked into Sunbeam's sides, lashed her reigns, and bolted with her, heading for Neiklot's place as quickly as he could. He only hoped that Portia and Kanon were closely behind him.
OOC: Deception of 11.
BACK IN NEIKLOT'S OFFICE:
An older, mildly overweight gentleman with wispy white hair and sagging jowls, wearing an old fashioned woolen waistcoat and comfortable trousers, enters through the door on the right. Siwel is fast on his heels.
"Dash it all," the gentleman says as he enters the room, his words slightly muffled as he speaks through teeth clenched on a fine pipe of wood and bone. "Siwel, I was just getting the hang of that script when you pulled me away. Haven't I told you to never interrupt my work?"
"But Nieklot, sir," Siwel stammers, "McDonald..."
"McDonald be dashed! Where is that self-important gasbag, anyway???"
Nieklot storms into the room and throws his perturbed gaze about, but instead of McDonald, his eyes land on Zina. They immediately soften and he chuckles lightly.
"Well, hello there, miss." He quickly knocks out his pipe on a shoe. "My apologies. Smoking in the presence of a lady. So rude of me."
Neiklot bends and the waist and extends his hand to Zina.
Kanon leaps atop Portia's horse and holds on tight. The feel of her body so close to his causes him to blush. He tightens his grip around her waist as she spurs the animal forward and he can feel her armor shifting as her muscles flex. He holds on for the ride.
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As soon as Zina found herself alone, she did what any self-respecting Strifelaughter would have done. It took the illusionist less than two seconds to get behind Siwel's desk and start reading the letters. She couldn't read the original text, although she made a mental note that she should probably learn Undercommon, but she could read the older gnome's notes. Just as she was getting to the pet about some slave owner named Taskmaster Llomache, the door opened and Zina jolted upright.
The star-struck feeling from earlier had diminished, so the younger gnome was much calmer now that she was actually in the presence of Neiklot. The famed code breaker didn't seem too happy when he entered the room, but he instantly softened when he saw her.
"Not sure if I'm considered a lady, but my name is Zina, Zina Strifelaughter," she shook Neiklot's hand as she introduced herself for what felt like the millionth time today. "I'm not Kanon, who was the original courier for these scrolls, but I was the one who studied them the whole ride here so I refused to leave until I could see you." The gnome was positively beaming as she produced the scrolls.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
BREAKING THE AMBUSH:
After Kanon joins Portia on her horse, Pettilaen leads a charge through the closing ambush. Anticipating the maneuver, the thieves charge the group with knives drawn, striking as they pass in the hopes of disabling them and preventing their flight. Knife blades flash all around you and all three of your are wounded in the process, but manage to break through and ride free into the street faster than they can pursue.
(META: Portia takes 7 points and Kanon takes 5 points, each from critical hits to their legs. Pettilaen is struck by a thrown dagger for 2 points.)
BACK IN NEIKLOT'S OFFICE:
"Oh, good good," Neiklot says, his eyes twinkling. "I've been most curious to inspect those documents. The scholars of Candlekeep are the best in all Faerun. I do not see how I could succeed where they have failed, but I'm eager to try. Do you have them with you?"
Kanon could feel the warm blood pouring down his leg. The thief must have hit something vital. Grunting through the pain he holds onto Portia with one hand as he whispers cure wounds. The sudden relief from the pain is immediate and he's able to regain his grip on Portia as she continues her gallop down the street.
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"Of course!" Rather than handing the scrolls over, Zina unfurled them and began to relay her own research. "I did some looking on the way here, because no one told me not to, and I found some really interesting stuff. I mean, I'm no you," the gnome laughed nervously before continuing, pointing to different places as she mentioned them. "I found that this string of six symbols appears the most often. It's obviously some wizard's personal shorthand, but I think that if you combine this with some other documents, you could unlock something truly powerful."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Pettilaen leads the charge, riding through the crowd as it quickly parts, like he was some cleric parting a large sea, bringing his friends through towards safety.
Though Portia's horse didn't need to gallop, only keep up with Galerider's adorably short legs. Having outran the potential assassins, Pettilaen surveyed the area. Once he felt safe, he took a deep breather. "So this is what it feels like being on the other side of a pickpocket attempt. It's almost as exhilarating as being the pickpocketer!" he exclaims, relieved to be out of that sticky situation.
Noting the blood, he figures it's nothing serious, and thinks it will add into their dramatic entrance when they return to Neiklot's with Zina's share. Making the pace slower, he leads the group on a steady trot, until the arrive at Neiklot's shop. Discounting from his horse, he whispers to Blossomhooves, telling her to stay.
As Portia and Kanon dismount, Kanon notes the wound on her leg.
"My lady! You were hit as well... I'm sorry. I thought it was my blood that drenched you." He calls up the spell of cure wounds in grand display, gesturing forth and touching the afflicted portion of her leg with delicate grace.
"Upon my word, uttered by the learned, may your wounds be cured."
He rises from his kneel and says, "Again I apologize, m'lady. Had I known you were injured I'd have helped you sooner." Kanon still carries the blush he had when holding her tight as she gallantly stormed through the assaulting rogues. (Wounds Cured for 12hp)
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Portia smirks and puts her arm around his shoulder when he stands up. "You and I need to have a little chat. You are a great bard, but seem to be a fraidy cat of anyone giving you anything to hold onto, let alone you get a gift more than a meal and a bed. Lathander, forbid life could be so generous to you. I think Pettilaen needs to give you lessons on how to properly stow things and be able to help disperse the carrying of money so there is more than one target." She chuckles noting he was blushing some.
"Also, don't go blathering apologies. Just do what needs to be done when you notice and can do something. I figured I'd live until we got here. And thank you for the healing. I saw you figure out how to act and do what you could with the attack on the road so I know there is far bolder person in there somewhere. Besides, how are you going to come up with more tales and songs if you don't boldly go where we go?"
She claps him on the back and then turns to Pettilaen. "If you can't convince him to take that roll of coin to carry we will split it three ways with Zina. I will be telling her you have it. I already know you made extra on the side selling some swords. I also know you can pick pockets. I propose that you be a team player and find ways to exhilarate yourself and line your pockets that works for all of us equally so our team thrives. I know you can do it and I've seen that you can when you don't have time to think about it too much." She leans over and gives the gnome a hug. Then quietly says, "If you pickpocket me again or anyone in our party, we'll be having a fight and know I can heal myself pretty good. I rather not hurt you on purpose, but I will not break my ideals either." She gives him a wink as she pulls from the hug. "I like you even if at times you probably didn't think so."
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Zina and Neiklot are interrupted when the left door behind the large desk opens and MacDonald (correct spelling) emerges with a large goblet of purple wine. Seconds later, Pettilaen and the rest of the party return through the main door, discussing a recent attack that took place. Portia's voice can be heard warning Pettilaen about the vice of thievery.
MacDonald watches and listens as Pettilaen responds to Portia, an amused grin spreading across his face. When Pettilaen goes silent, realizing all at once that he's walked into a room full of people, MacDonald approaches Kanon.
"Aha," MacDonald says. "This young man looks much more like the lad we were told to expect. Thank you for your service. I trust the journey was smooth? I believe the agreed rate was 12 gold shields?"
MacDonald reaches into a tiny silk pocket and removes several platinum coins.
"I'm afraid I have no small coins on my person, so this will have to do."
He extends his hand, containing two platinum coins embossed with the a map of the sword coast, toward Kanon.
Pettilaen listened with mild interest as she rambled on to Kanon. When she turned to him, he gulped. Oh great... -my- turn for the talk. "If you can't convince him to take that roll of coin to carry we will split it three ways with Zina. I will be telling her you have it. I already know you made extra on the side selling some swords. I also know you can pick pockets. I propose that you be a team player and find ways to exhilarate yourself and line your pockets that works for all of us equally so our team thrives. I know you can do it and I've seen that you can when you don't have time to think about it too much." She gave him a hug. He took it, seeing it as a good sign. "If you pickpocket me again or anyone in our party, we'll be having a fight and know I can heal myself pretty good. I rather not hurt you on purpose, but I will not break my ideals either. I like you even if at times you probably didn't think so."
Her words stirred a great deal of differing emotions in him. When she was done, he retorted, "I didn't split the coin on those swords because no one else risked their lives for them! Someone had to go out after the horn call, and you all hid and stayed with the boy! That said, now that I know you all better, I'm happy to evenly split any profits we make while we are a group. Discluding side businesses and such." He grinned, as if he had an idea but hasn't shared it.
"Anyway, yes, I took Kanon's gold because the lad would've just lost it during the ride with the pickpockets. He's well-versed, but there's a huge difference between book smart and street smart."
He smiles at Kanon, certain he could hear him. "No offense. It's probably a compliment for you anyway."
"But I'm not about to argue with the lad if he doesn't want the coin. So we can split it between us three." he explains, and watching MacDonald pull out the two platinum coins only solidifies the idea. "See? Now we all get a share of coin."
"In regards to pickpocketing you..." he laughs, continuing, "that was pretty good, wasn't it?! It was all in good fun. I might be a scoundrel and a prankster, but I'm trying to he honest, and I hope you can see that."
With all of that said, he turns and gives his undivided attention to the proceedings happening in the shop he hardly registered he had walked into.
"Yes ma'am," Kanon stutters as she's finished scolding him, "I'll try better... I'm sorry.. er... I mean, yes ma'am." When Portia turns on Petti, he lets out an audible sigh of relief since her attention is no longer on him.
As they enter the scribe's shop, Kanon spots Neiklot and Zina and a grin spreads across his face. It's as if he's already forgotten that he was just recently scolded by a goddess. As MacDonald addresses him, he turns his attention to the noble. Kanon's posture immediately straightens, and a refinement washes over his expression.
"My thanks m'lord. I am happy to have served." He accepts the two platinum pieces and adds, "If there is anything else I may do to assist, I am at your disposal." Kanon steps back and gives a low bow to the Lord before backing away to observe the rest of the scene as it plays out.
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"Sir is fine," MacDonald responds. "I am no lord. I leave nobility to the noble."
He turns to address Neiklot.
"You will keep me informed of your progress and if there's anything you need?"
"Of course," Neiklot responds. "Sir."
Neiklot winks at Kanon. MacDonald clearly senses that Neiklot is poking fun at him, but only sighs in response before stowing the remainder of the platinum coins and turning back toward the door through which he just entered.
"Well, then, if you'll excuse me, I have much to which I must attend."
MacDonald closes the door behind him.
"I know you don't really know me," Zina began, launching into a speech she had been working on in her mind ever since she arrived. "But I have been staring at these pages for days, I even went into battle to protect them! I've just become so invested in decoding them, so I was hoping that you would maybe not mind if I stayed and watched you work? I've been a huge fan of yours for ages! I promise, you won't even know I'm there."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Kanon clears the way for the lord to exit and turns back to Neiklot and Zina. He hears Zina offer herself up for apprenticeship and even though he secretly hopes Neiklot rejects her offer, he feels the need to lighten the gnome's desperate plea.
"She really is quite small, and she fits in most lockable containers if given enough drink," Kanon says, winking at the lil gnome.
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Siwel blanches.
"Absolutely not!" He blurts. "I'm the only one who..."
Realizing he's entirely broken decorum by screeching like a parrot, he interrupts himself, loudly clearing his throat. Neiklot laughs out loud.
"My dear lady," Neiklot responds. "I am afraid there would be nothing for you to watch. My work is composed mainly of analyzing, comparing, and researching obscure texts. You would be sitting for days on end, watching me read..."
An idea twinkles in his eye.
"There is something you may be able to do, however." He leans in to whisper to Zina. "Something I could use help with, but would rather MacDonald not know about... I can tell at a glance this cipher is based on a key and I have some idea as to the location of a tome that might help me. You said something to Siwel about knowing the dwarven businessman called Orst?"
Zina's request for apprenticeship stung Pettilaen. Not like the stinging he felt from being blasted in the back by her. No, this stung struck deeper. She already wants to leave us? And she'd choose some old man over our companionship?
Oh thank the gods. He said no. Pettilaen chuckled for a reason unknown, but was curious about this tome. "If you need some thieving, -I'm- the perfect gnome for the job!" he states, taking a step forward. "Pettilaen Brookebrewer, son of the famed Brookebrew community... at least amongst gnomes we are. Master thief and magician. Uhh..." He runs out of fancy titles.