Yorvalor helps Emund pass undetected through the stonework. In a hush voice "I will try to lead the way Brother Emund." (Stealth: 16)

Carefully, Emund follows behind Yorvalor. He tries his best to keep quiet and undetected while they move (Stealth: 18).

The two of you sneak through.  Heading quietly over the stones, the three guards down at the edge of the sight-lines unaware.  

Despite the little damage to the wall, the district is rather... beautiful.  Large houses with sections of land between them.  Fences designed more for decor, rather than strict protection line the mansions.  Homes with spots for a gate house, and a carriage house.  One seemingly after the other with manicured bushes and trees.  Some rather exotic and definitely not from this region.  

The main road is finely placed cobblestone with grooves for the carriages to move in multiple directions.  Small walking paths on either side give plenty of space to both pedestrians and horses.  Street lights give the main road a soft glow; similar to the main road in the city proper.  Off in the distance, you see the reddish tint of a house.  Not quite as big as some of the others.  A lone gate-keeper standing outside of it.

Yorvalor sights sadly, he has been shaken by the recent events. "Brother Emund, it seems we have found the safe house that Nikolai told us to go..." He says in a low monotone voice. He reaches into one of his pocket and pulls out a rock that he remembers was given by Nikolai. He unties the note from the rock and reads it (OCC: if the note is in Common).

Yorvalor, the note itself is tied up around a rock.  Something that could have been tossed at, or through, a window.  

The note

 Inside the small satchel that Nikoli gave you

"Seems like." Emund looks down towards the house with the guard and attempts to see if there are any other people on their path there (Perception: 23).

Looking at the contents of the pack, Emund points to the ring. "Best throw that on Yorvalor. Either it's a sign we're well, a sign we're to be trusted, or a payment." 

"Once we've gotten settled and gotten rested, we might think about finding Tharii. Granted he's keen on Keegan more than either of us, but he seems to be quite well informed."

Assuming the path looks relatively safe, he starts making moves towards the gatekeeper.

There's a lone gate "guard" stationed at the front of the house, behind the iron poles that make up the fence.  A spear and shield seem to complete the outfit of the basic leather armor.  His hand reaches up as you all approach.

"It's late folks. The master of the house has gone to bed. I'm sure your business can wait for tomorrow."

Yorvalor sights and looks at Emund. "It looks like we should find a place where we can spend the rest of the night out of sight. I could use the rest." Yorvalor looks for a place where they can get some rest. (Perception: 12).

"Hmm. It is late, but too late to be cashing in favors owed, is it?" Emund plays with the signet ring in front of the gatekeeper. "The master of the house might not be opposed to being roused to clear a debt." (Intimidate: 19).

While Yorvalor seems to scope out the area, Emund wracks his brain to think of if there's a shrine to the Broken God hidden somewhere in this neighborhood, where they might be able to sleep through the night if they're not let in. (Perception: 7 or History: 10 or just general knowing?).

Yorvalor, as you look around, see lots of little spots to try and find the time to catch a quick nap.  But, most houses seem to have some kind of gate.  And gatesmen.  It'd be rather hard to find a spot to really put down and get any kind of rest, rather than simply hiding off and on.  (Short rest; yes. Long rest; no)

You do notice that some of the lights in the red house appear to be on.  

Emund, you don't recall anything from this district.  If there are any, they keep it extremely hush hush.  But as you toy with the signet ring, the design does bear a resemblance to the design on the gateman's symbol on his chest.  Not exactly the same, but, close.  A homage to the serpents.

Emund waves the ring in front of the gatekeeper and then points to his chest with his other hand. “Seems we’ve something in common.”

Yorvalor touches Emund's shoulder and whispers. "Hope this works Brother Emund." Yorvalor gives a bardic inspiration to Emund (if he needs to make any check).

The gateman looks between Emund, the ring, and Yorvalor.  His mouth seems to open, as if to question it.  But, finding the better of himself, shakes his head.

"I...uhh... yessir.  Please forgive me for... not knowing..." he takes a few moments to unlock the gate.  Pointing along the rather well manicured path up to the front door.  A similar situation at the front door of the home.  Some kind of servant opening it. Not entirely trusting what's soon to happen. But the ring acting as a key to getting through.  Once inside, the servant does ask you to wait just a moment for him to get someone proper.

The inside of the home is fine wood; lacquered and polished.  The main entryway showcasing suits of armor. Medals. Weaponry.  Large hanging portraits of a herd of horses out in the wilderness.  Another the clear night's sky with the old world's colors swirling above. (INT / History to know more)  Faint screams can be heard coming from elsewhere, along with muffled other sounds of people talking. (Perception check to decipher what may be happening.)

It takes a few minutes but someone does approach from upstairs.  A robe and simple set of slacks on.  Mid-40s, with thinning hair and a missing arm from just under the elbow down.  "Good gentlemen, I heard you have arrived at this late hour in some need." He has a unsteady gate as he walks down the stairs to get a bit closer.  "If you may be so kind, may I see the ring?" he asks getting closer still.  

Inside the Red House, Yorvalor takes a moment to appreciate the fine decoration. He hears muffled voices and the tries to make out what it is about. (Perception:4)

Seen the gentleman come down from upstairs. Yorvalor bows and speaks in a low voice. "We are terribly sorry my good sir. I whish we could have come at a more opportune time."

"By all means, no need for such grace to someone such as I.  I'm the Head of Staff for the manor," the man says as he waives off the bowing.  But a slight corner of his lips turn into a smile from someone showing such respect.  

The voices remain muffled.  The scream drowning out what the others could be saying.  

"But I must ask what you are in need of," he takes another step. Getting to the landing of the staircase.  "at this late hour."

“Begging your pardon, but tonight’s been fouled up like a fish stew with old fish. We’ve need to call in a favor for a man known as Nikolai. Needing some shelter with as few questions asked as can be,” Emund explains to the man who introduced himself as head of staff. He listens in to the screaming, trying to perceive how they might be surfacing (Perception: 20 + 4 from Bardic Inspiration).

He holds the red strings at his wrist with his two center fingers and squeezes them, hoping that this man can help.

The man's face lights up when you mention Nikoli.  His hand reaching out and taking the ring.  "So that old dog remembered I owed him one," he smiles and shakes his head.  "We go a way back.  Former life.  Reason I've got this," the man gestures to his missing arm.  "And not missing something more important."  

He tosses the ring back, giving a firm nod.  "Very well.  A spare room. Clean linens. In the morning, clothes, food, and a bath.  We can spare you some time here.  At breakfast, I can introduce you all to the master of the house, as not to spook him with unannounced visitors."  His foot taps twice, as his lips turn a little bit.  "He won't have a problem with it." he assures.  Before turning and beginning to head up the stairs.  "If you all will follow me."

Emund, you hear the screams. Coming from a room upstairs.  At least two.. no... three...other voices talking with the screams.

Voice 1: "I can't suture if you don't hold him!"
Voice 2: "Brother, please, maintain your composer."
Voice 3: "Stop trying to alter!"
Voice 1: Curses, and makes a low... trumpeting sound?
Voice 3: I swear, I will knock you out if you change one more time.

As you head up the stairs (keeping that same percep roll), you see the door where the screams are coming from.  It slightly adjar, but just barely.  A figure thrashing on a table.  Two people trying to hold down whoever is on the table; one rather well dressed if not covered in blood, and the other dressed like a dock worker, also rather covered in blood.  Another figure looming over the table is difficult to see, but the trunk and tusks give away to probably be a Loxodon.  A species that looks similar to a humanoid elephant and normally reside in the Nation of Unity as one of the confederate factions.  Not that they all stay there.. but.. a rare sight to behold in this kingdom none the less.  

"This way, please," the head of staff says as he heads down a opposite hallway.  Emund, you catch in the corner of your eye a shortsword laying down on the ground.  It too a bloody mess.  It's the exact make of Cade's, and resembles the one that was lost.

Yorvalor follows the Head of the Staff upstairs with his head down. He's in "tunnel vision" mode at the moment (OCC: it would explain the crit fail perception check earlier), and he does not notice anything that is happening around him. He is tired and just would like to get some rest. He sniffs and rubs one of his eyes with the back of his hand.

“We might want to keep on our toes, Yorvalor,” Emund whispers. He follows the one-armed man as he directs them to where they’ll be staying. It’s clear his companion is tired, so he’d spare him what he’d just seen—or at least what he’d thought he’d seen—until they’d gotten some rest.

”Truly, we don’t need anything lavish. A quiet corner with a lock would be just fine for the two of us, I’m sure,” Emund says to the man, trying to gauge his response (Insight: 18).