Feeling tired and a bit weak. He stares at the Noctis soldier's. Then suddenly she appears. The woman who dealt the final blow to Kol Rainmaker. Cade glares at the woman. She was beautiful even dressed in military armor. Her white hair reminded Cade of untouched snow. Beautiful and Pure. Cade thought he knew her well, but never imagined she would stand before him again. There were rumors that the young lady died in battle, but Cade knew otherwise.

"Azlyn," Cade murmurs. He knew he wasn't going to win this fight. He was breathing hard. He was tired and he was injured.

"Take me to my brother, Azlyn," Cade says. He drops his swords. He was surrendering and embracing his death. Azlyn stared at Cade with a look of concern.

"Cade..." He heard Azlyn whisper.

"I no longer love you," Cade interjects. He collapses to the ground tired. He touches his forehead with his left hand and can feel the blood. He grabs his swords and attempts to stand once more. 

"Finish it, Azlyn. If you ever loved me, end my suffering," Cade begs. He could no longer stop the tears. He drops his swords and collapses to his knees crying.

The two men still standing around Cade.  One looks at the other.  Seeing the figure seemingly talk aloud.  Kneeling down with his blades now on the ground.  There’s a moment of hesitatation with one of them, but the other comes around with the pipe in their hand.

Attack: 22 Damage: 6

The one who swings is stopped.  The other grabbing his arm.  “This dude’s crazy.  We’ve got this brief moment....” one begins to grab Cade’s swords.  The other begins to pull their dead coworker away.

It’s in this moment that Keegan, Emund, and Yorvalor arrive.  Outside in broad daylight, by a loading area of a warehouse, is a scene of some kind of chaos.  One man just stopped the other from smashing Cade’s head with a rock.  Then they begin to take his blooded swords and drag a body away.  Someone’s injured off to the side, a slash on his arm, dragging someone else away with the words ‘hang on,’ but it’s clear the figure is dead; two puncture wounds through the chest.  

Yorvalor... your knowledge of performing and people.. those faces.  They may not be able, or willing, to hear what you could say.  Friends are dead. And save any magical effects on a crowd, nothing would probably turn them from whatever shock and anger could be there.

Others are still standing around.  Watching. Parallized and not able to act.  The three of you know just how bad this could be.  Two area dead, Cade’s alive but beaten pretty badly himself; bruises starting to form and swollen sections of his body from the group that the fight started in.  Assuming the Noctis haven’t changed any laws, he’d get a trial.  But even the prior king’s laws were harsh.

Emund...  If Cade started this... even someone like Father Curtis would find it hard pressed to not lock him up forever, if guilty.  Others in the Faith would have him executed.

Others are coming out of the warehouse, to see what the commotion was about.  Keegan... you know these streets.  You know that, if you’re going to run, it has to be soon.  And fast.  There’s the sections of the city underneath.  Alleyways all over the warehouse.  You’re certain the backroads are your best bet.  But you have to move before any guards show up.  Or worse.

What do you all do?

Keegan comes sprinting up to the scene, taking out the gun the pulled off the corpse from the inn and pointing in at the closest people "Back! All of you back, or by the damned gods I will shoot!" (intimidation: 7) Keegan stands next to Cade, "Cade! Cade! Snap out of it man, we have to get out of here now! Yorvalor, Edmund, help him up! Follow me!"

(If no one interferes and we start making a run for it, Keegan will drop a handful of ball bearings between us and any pursuers)

There’s some grumbles, but the closest people put their hands up.  With a bit of a clamor, the twin short-swords Cade owns fall to the ground. The others behind take some cover, ducking behind the boxes.  The only one who seems to ignore the command is one of the workers dragging their dead coworker back towards everyone.  

“Not lookin for trouble....” the one who dropped the swords states.  Keeping a careful eye on Keegan while looking at the others.  He does shoot a look over to the person who came running and flagged you all down.

Yorvalor cast Prestidigitation to create some black smoke that comes from under Cade, envelopes him, and blows away with the wind. Yorvalor whispers to Emund. “Go forth and help our friend in need. Perhaps Lolth may be of assistance here.” (OCC: With bonus action gives Emund a Bardic Inspiration die).

The group notices the black smoke billow up from Cade.  There’s a few extra grumbles and comments being passed around, especially in the back where they feel a bit safer.  But, the one that is closest to Cade, who has his hands up, is still primarily focused on the gun pointed at him.  His eyes shift to Cade for just a moment, then back over to Keegan.  

The scene is tense and its gravity isn't lost on Emund. He feels as though he needs to work quickly to keep things on the right side of the law and to prevent damage to their already terrible relationship with the Orchids. He inhales deeply, thinking of what he could say or do to improve the situation. He reaches to pull the emblem of The Faith out from under his collar and whispers to himself. Don't let this be where I break–don't let me end here. The words feel heavy and he puts a hand over the emblem now in front of his chest and casts Guidance on himself.

"Keep the gun trained on them! We don't know who's channeling the demon into this man, but he positively reeks of things unholy. I have been tracking the followers of a sinister and bellicose cult here in Dunnour whose priesthood infects the minds of their victims with thoughts of combat and the horrors of war." (Deception: 13 + 1 + 3 = 18) Emund makes his way over to Cade and whispers calm at him, before unhooking his manacles and locking Cade's wrists behind his back. "This man requires an exorcism," he says to Keegan, roping him further into the play. "We should bring him to the 'hall of cleansing' immediately. I can only do so much here to ensure that The Faith protects him." Emund casts Heroism on Cade, ensuring that the somatic components are quite visible (Cade gains 3 temporary hit points and becomes immune to being frightened (how does this interact with the PTSD?)). "I've trapped the spirit, so at least it won't be able to leap into the minds and bodies of the people around here. We need to move quickly. Keep the gun to his head now, in case he tries to escape." He stands, bringing Cade to his feet as well, and begins to make his way out of the area towards the general direction of the cathedral.

Keegan continues to brandish the gun at the crowd, a bit startled at first from the black smoke "bloody Hells! He is possessed! That explains a lot!" Keegan genuinely buys in to this ruse for a moment. Then catching on to Edmund's tone, wonders if maybe this is a clever ploy. Still unsure Keegan, follows Edmunds instructions and points the gun at Cade's head as Edmund stands him up.

Cade, the spell washes over you.  The visions seeming to fade.  A bit of life and courage stepping into your heart.  You're able to see past the fog of your own memories, people and scenes shifting back to reality.  The magical nature of the spell washing over you and your mind.  The fear of battle leaving, bringing your adrenaline back down, making the scene appear to be more calm.  Keegan's nearby.  So is Emund and Yorvalor.  There's blood but.. you're made to stand and turned before able to get a more detailed view of the scene.

There's a few grumbles, gasps, and other small sounds as Emund begins to describe that Cade is possessed.  The symbol of the Faith causing those who're more devout to bow their heads while they perform the 'ceremony' on Cade.  Still, with manacles placed on his hands, and a gun to the back of Cade's head, the group walks out.  The others seem to let them go.  Yorvalor, you do hear them discussing if they should still report it to the guard, or simply let the Faith decide what to do with it.  Even as you all leave, you can't entirely tell what they're going to do the information and the sight.  

(You're all level 2)

It's Hours Later.

You're all back at the Falcon's Nest.  It's still a few hours until the usual begin to show up, and performances are to be had for the workers.  So far, the guards have yet to show up.  A good sign that even if the workers did report it, nobody has been able to follow up just yet.  (Please feel free to do any small scenes, or saying you went to talk to someone between now and then.)  You know that at some point today, the Tax Collector will probably return, having been pushed off from the night before.  Or at least according to her own words, she'd be back.  There's a bit of the unresolved business of Masus and the Orchids.  But, while you're all working, recovering, and discussing, the door does open.

Tharii walks in.  Dressed in a outfit fit for a street rat.  Tattered and torn clothing.  In his arms, something wrapped up in a ripped apart hemp sack.  He looks across the room, before giving a sigh, and heading over to the bar.  He placed the dirty sack on the just waxed counter top.  It hitting with a bit of a metallic clang.  His attention turning over to Cade, as he makes a small 'come here' gesture with his fingers.  Unwrapping the top of the sack, you see the hilt of your brother's blade.  

Yorvalor is getting the stage ready for the night. He sweeps the floor and makes sure that all the decorations are in place. He is also making sure that all the musical instruments are tuned. He see Tharii walks in and he goes to the bar. "What do we have here?"

Keegan will spend his tome behind the bar as usual. Cleaning, pouring a drink for any one ready with coin, etc. He's doing his best to avoid eye contact with his friends, feeling embarrassed for charging in like that, for showing his willingness to risk his life for Cade (he's normal a bit of a dick, and borderline stand offish), and for falling for the ruse of the exorcism (he didn't fully realize that Cade wasn't actually possessed until they were back at the Falcon and Edmund took the manacles off).  Seeing Tharii walk through the door and approach Cade, Keegan will subtly shuffle towards the conservationist, trying to act like he's not interested.

Emund kneels in the book behind the tavern, walled in by emptied barrels. He tightens the red cords around his wrists and talks openly, but quietly in what’s less a prayer and more a conversation with The Broken God.

”That was the riskiest thing you’ve pulled me through in some time. Hopefully, it doesn’t become a regular need of mine—don’t want you getting bored with me, after all.” Emund pauses and exhales deeply. With his index finger, he draws a symbol into the wet dirt and focuses on it. There’s a moment of nothing, but then a sensation washes over him. A little bit calm like a stream trickling along a mountain path, a little bit strong like the trunk of a great tree resisting the wind. He knows it very well could be in his head—he knows his god is real and knows he’s there watching, but he’s not had the experience of truly speaking with the deity, though who really has the chance to meet their gods?

Regardless, he feels stronger. He listens to hooves on the cobblestone on the road beyond the wall and the voices of people going on their daily journey, quite likely ignorant to the balance that’s off in their city. Emund stands, brushes the dirt from his legs and returns to the inside of the tavern. 

Tharii finishes upwrapping the short sword infront of the group, or at least those around.  "Came across this little number down by one of the warehouses.  Something about a man possessed killing some folks.  Followed up with a worker.  Asked some of the city watch," he lingers as he runs a finger down the blade.  "It's surprising what you can find out.  So let's just say I'm here to establish some trust."  Tharii covers the blade back up, sliding it down the table away from him.  "Could only get this one back.  I don't know where the other went to."

There's a bit of a shrug as he glances over his shoulder for a moment.  Looking around at the door.  "So tell me, what did you all find out today.  If anything."

Cade suddenly having his vision being cleared, he finds himself back in the tavern. He wonders how he got here and what happened? He suddenly sees Tharii in front of him. He puts his hand up. 

“I’m going to get some sleep. I’m tired,” He states. He walks down to where his cot was and lays on it. He pulls out a letter. He crumbles it and throws it across the room. Cade sits back. He wants an escape. He wants to forget. 

Tharii smirks as Cade leaves the room.  He keeps the sword out, while placing his feet on the bar.  Looking at the others around.  

"Well, make sure he gets that.  Tell him it's a token of trust.  Or a debt to repay."

Approaching Tharii, Emund raises a hand. “Well the Orchid’s man, Masus was a right prick. Claimed to have been training up as a priest, but it’s no wonder that didn’t last. Odd for an orc. Anyways, we learned nothing, save for that he was aware that his men were applying prssure—claimed they were acting on their own. Something strange about his office though. I felt eyes on Keegan, Yorvalor and I, and they didn’t belong to the caretaker woman who looks after their young ones.” He looks at Cade’s sword and shakes his head. “We still need to talk with Cade about what he discovered in the bowels of that place.” Emund watches Tharii as he processes the information for any sign of surprise on his face (Insight: 18).

”Have you come bearing any additional news?”

After the misplaced eyes on the group comments, Yorvalor looks at Emund with surprise. "Brother Emund, funny that you mentioned someone eavesdropping on us in that orc's office. For some reason, something compelled me to go to the window of that office to look around. While at the window, I noticed that the bookcase was pulled slightly forward. There seemed to be a small passageway behind that bookcase, and behind it, I noticed a figure. I couldn't make much out of that figure, but I did noticed that the figure was wearing a tabard like piece of clothing.  Part of it being a white blade, in part of a X formation.  Once the figure noticed that we made eye contact, he or she stepped back into shadow. I am sure the person wasn't expecting to be seen. I wonder if Mr. Mason was having a meeting with that person and we interrupted it."

Yorvalor’s description of the person he saw stops Emund. He recognizes the emblem both from the conversation he overheard in the Nest and from Curtis’s terrified reaction when asked about them.

”Curious. Folks have been talking about seeing that emblem around. It belongs to an order of Knights in the Faith, but one that guards itself to the point that little is known. I’d asked Curtis about it when I saw him and he was stricken—quite likely that they’ve something to do with the Living Saint coming; quite likely they’re dealing with or pulling strings on Masus if they were there. Curtis told me to be careful around them, because...” He trails off and reassess with whom he’s speaking, looking at Tharii, in particular. “Because I’ve managed to avoid being tasked with duties that would eat up my time.”

Tharii gives pause as he thinks.  Listening to them as his eyes seem to dart around the top of the bar while they talk.  Processing and putting together things in his own head.  

"I didn't know Masus was also with the Orchids," he says after a pause.  "I heard the name a few times. Always in association of people with too much coin and not enough common sense."  Tharii taps the counter a few more times.  "But if there's a order here then...." Tharii takes a pause as he looks over at Emund.  "Did you say Saint?"

For the first time, Tharii is at a loss.  Normally there's a calm and collected presence about him.  Someone who's one step ahead. Has some fingers on the pulse.  Knows exactly who to ask, or who's throat to cut, to get the right amount of pressure.  "Masus has to know more.  There's something we're missing."  

Emund.  The way Tharii uses the phrase we... you don't think he talking about himself and the crew of the Falcon's Nest.

Tharii turns to Keegan.  "Can you get that out of him? Papers. Documents. Information.  Torture him or shove him into a vat of leviathan oil and raid his place. Doesn't matter."  He coughs a bit, before looking back at Yorvalor and Emund.  "Sorry.  I should ask you all to do this."