Zack seemed satisfied with the outcome of the little trip, luckily as hell that the shop had been open, though it did mean they'd have to be here for at-least the next three days to claim it all. Walking back to the likely near-empty streets, aside from the dredges and the drunkards. As well as likely a guard or two on the late shift. He walked at a brisk, but controlled pace intending to be where he needed to be at roughly the right time. Nadia, I'd suggest not being too close to us. Try to sit somewhere where it'll take them a moment to get to you. But... You may want to choose your melee over your bow if a fight breaks out. As it won't be long before they're on you if it does.so better to just assume that's how you'll be fighting. It's also safe to assume the guards aren't on our side. I realize.. you spotted all this with them before... but.. I gave them a chance then that I won't now. 

Also.. Happy... if you got any way to be combat ready without being seen yourself... otherwise just be 'ready' to do something. We'll see how this plays out. he whispered to them both as they approached. 

Entering in, Zack takes note of the fewer people. To be expected, but the people who remained? Zhents or just late customers? he thought to himself, but not letting his eyes linger on them any longer than to take stock of their numbers and location in the room. Seeing the same teifling and a brief flicker of a grin appears on his face about what had happened before... not that he relished it, but that they'd be in so similar a situation was amusing in its own right. Moving towards the table like it was only natural once the Snail beckoned, in whatever formation everyone who was present would take. Adjusting his sword to allow him to sit there and be easier to draw should the need arise. 

We're good on all fronts, but thank you. Zacks eyes on the teifling until she's out of sight, attempting to see if he can glean anything from the way she did so, as hard as that might be, before returning his full attention to the baby-don-corleone. Once everyone sat who was or wasn't there, he'd listen to the Snail begin. A bit of honest confusion washes over his face at parts of what the Snail said. 

Well, as I said earlier, I'm here on business. Personal  business. A vendetta, you could say. Now I'm not exactly overly sentimental but, if someone you were close to just so happens to die while you were gone.. some.. disease rolls through and kills them within a few days, and you don't get to say your farewells and all that. You find out it's been happening both near and far,  Then within the same time-frame you find out about that, you discover the guy who caused it's just down the street from where you were at the time you found out.... And you just so happen to accidentally murder him, a slip of the hand, and honest accident. And then you discover he's just the middle man, so you haven't really solved the problem, now have you? So my goal here is to cut off the last head of this Hydra.

he sets his elbows on the table as if the real talk is about to begin and he's starting to truly focus. All of his description of events was to omit as much information as possible to hopefully not link his town with the incident. As for the rest of it, what you said, I mean. I barely know what you're talking about. What I remember of those events boils down to we discovered something, someone wasn't happy, and then a massive blank in my memories. So I'm afraid I'll need to be filled in on the details if I'm to better understand your situation.

The Snail listens closely while continuing to eat. You're pretty sure you've never seen a Halfling eat as much as this one, and you can't help but wonder how he stays in shape. As you finish your piece the Snail gives you a look of confusion, saying You don't remember? You're the 2nd most wanted man in the city, right behind Angela. You tried to kill the dutchess, the entire city shut down as they hunted you two. Angela paid quite a large sum for me to help smuggle you two out of the city. Yet you don't remember? I must say, I'm shocked. I would have thought such events would have left an impression. But perhaps attempted assassination is just another job for you? If that's the case, then I could use you. But we'll get to that later. Let me refresh your memory a bit first.

Now I remember that night quite well. I was here enjoying a feast when one of my men comes running in the front door half exhausted. Hes normally supposed to keep an eye on things in the Ducal Palace and keep me informed on what's going on. But I've never seen him like this. He says someone tried to assassinate the Duchess. Suddenly the alarm bells start ringing. Guards shouting to close the gates. A man hunt like I've never seen before starts as guards comb the city. I think to myself, I don't care about the Duchess, but who would dare plot an assassination in my city without my permission? And worse yet, mess it up? My informant says a Ducal guard was the culprit. Him and some young squire of his. Naturally I was intrigued. Of course a few hours later who comes to visit with a large sack of stolen gold from the palace? You two would be assassins. Asking me to smuggle you out of the city. Quite a risk given the heat, but that gold was too good to pass up. Also a bit short notice, the only way I could get you out was through an old associate of mine. A wizard. A bit of some powerful magic on his part, and he could get you out when everything calmed down. Now as I recall you both were very hesitant to go with his plan. True polymorph would have to be dispelled by him at somepoint, and I don't think you trusted him to do it. But seeing as you're here now, I assume he dispelled it. Unless Angela is still a wooden wardrobe somewhere. Either way you both spent a good amount of time as furniture here before it was finally safe to get you out. I'm not sure what happened after that.

The snail pauses and throws the pit of the peace across the room and into a bin. Though I do know since that day, things have been difficult around here. The Duchess and I used to have an understanding. She stays out of my way and I out of hers. Lately however that hasn't been the case. She surrounds herself with more and more...troubling advisors. Advisors who've convinced her that I somehow owe her. At first they said she just wanted to partner up, that we could profit by working together. And at first we did and I made a lot of money. But now, they use my men without payment, threatening to have them executed if they don't comply. Their payments have become smaller and less frequent, yet they still force my men to make her deliveries, spy on her enemies, and kidnap people who become problems. In this room are my most loyal allies. A pale comparison to what it was****y a few years ago. It seems everyday more and more people side with their little cult. You do remember that dont you? The cult of Asmodeus? They run this city now. The Duchess is with them and all her advisors are as well. I'd wager half the guard are as well. They've been slowly getting more and more of the guard to join their cult. Most do, knowing that once the cult has been revealed to them, and they refuse, that they end up getting sent somewhere only to never return. 

So, that should just about cover it. Any questions? Or can we get to buisness? Because I think we can help each other. The cult is bad for buisness. The leadership of the Black Network are unhappy with the way things have developed here. Between Daggerford increasingly falling out of our hands, and the Nightstone relocation attempt failing, they are looking for me to restore some sort of order to this city so buisness can resume. If I fail well...Let's not consider that an option. So, I find myself in need of someone I can trust to help. Which is to say, no one. But you, well, you've already tried to kill the Duchess before. Do you think you can do it right this time?

Happy nods a few times before shaking his head. "I don't have anything of that sort, giving the nature of the invitation. But, I'll be sure 'Cloudine Thunderhead Strife' will visibly be packing a blade, at the very least." He said, giving off the feeling of grin past the mask. And so it was when 'Happy' enter, it was as Cloudine, following a detour about five minutes out from the establishment for the swap. This time she sported a scimitar at her hip, and black clothing more suited for combat. Just in case.

'She is all smiles in spite of the tense atmosphere, and would even politely wave to most in passing once inside. Of the offer of food or refreshments, she smiled then too, but shook her head in refusal of any. Otherwise, Cloudine listens with rapt attention to both sides of the story with a more subdued expression. An increasingly more subdued one when Snail gives his story initially before turning wide-eyed at the mention of Asmodeus Cult. Several times she tries to form words in answer, only for them to fail. Eventually she and just sits back in her seat, staring up at the ceiling for a while.

"Gotta put that training to good use one of these days, eh?" Nadia says in reply to Zack's suggestion, followed by a light chuckle. "Yeah, I figured it would be better for me to use my sword if anything happened, so don't worry," She smiles up to him as she gives a pat to the hilt of her blade. "I'll be fine."

When they enter the establishment and are beckoned to sit, she does as Zack had advised in seating placement, and respectfully declines the offer of food (even if she felt bad about all the food that would go to waste had it not been poisoned, better safe than sorry). Her attention had been fixated on the snail after the fighter said his piece, interested in what he had to say... and did he have a lot to say. Despite having experience with meetings like these before, where she would need to keep her face unreadable, she finds it incredibly difficult to do so with everything the halfling had been saying. 

It simply was a great deal to take in, especially on Zack himself, and she can't help but throw a worried look over to him to gauge how he had been feeling after that large lump of information was so easily dumped on top of him. Her eyes then fall onto the table, focusing on the spiral in the wood while her fingers going to fumble with a loose string on her leathers, staying quiet while her mind processed all that was said. Most importantly, another try at an assassination attempt on the duchess...

There was parting in her lips, but similar to the disguised firbolg, words were unable to formulate and make it past her throat. Instead, she clamps her mouth shut and sits in silence at allow herself more time to digest everything that was said.

Zack does take note that the halfling is eating far more than he should be capable of.  Perhaps he's not actually a halfling but something else entirely? He'd have to keep an eye out. or now though, Zack just listened with rapt attention. Had it really gone all the way back to the city leadership? I knew the military was doing it, but... he let himself think as the man continued. A citywide chase makes sense..  if we had really done that it's only logical, regardless of who we were. As the man finished his explanation of the events directly tied to himself and Angeal, he put a fits into his open hand as he pondered, trying to piece together what he already remembered with what he was being told. Then, when the man began to speak again, Zack listened to this as well. Zack was pretty smart, for a fighter... and he began to believe he had deduced something. Before all that though, Zack had been gauging the man through the entire conversation, trying to determine if the man was being false at any point. (Discord under your tag)

Regardless of the outcome, he still speaks his mind. Well, lets start with the first part. As parts of my memory are missing that you may have just filled in. So we apparently tried to kill the duchess, a fact I was unaware of until now. I mean I was probably aware of it at the time, but things have happened since, leading to my condition. Two men going up against the entire city guard, unless we had other ways... I digress. What I do remember is hazy. Something was going on that made us choose to go against them, I just can't quite remember what. I do somewhat remember fleeing, but the only memory I have on that, is a breif, fleeting flash of myself in a tower, and the people around me are shadows. but.. more like a bad spot in memory, as opposed to them actually 'being' shadows. 

I don't have any memory of being smuggled out, but obviously we got out somehow. I also know some sort of experiments were done on me and Angeal. But now I'm questioning who did them. You say a mage of some power polymorphed us.. it could have been him who did it. Or.. maybe.. that's why we... Zack seemed to wax into thought for a moment. Either way, that means either your wizard friend.. or.. the army.... or... the Duchess herself is doing human experimentation. And myself and Angeal were part of it. While the details are fuzzy on that as well, I remember us escaping from somewhere.  Whether that was the city or some experimental cell I don't know. All I do know, is it left me with this.

Zack willed his body to react with every spell he knew without actually triggering their effects. And in turn, his eyes blazed to life in an effluent blue glow. His arms and spine, and all the connecting lines flowed to life, giving him the appearance of a man on fire from within, like someone might see in a scary story told to children to keep them from going out at night, lest they meet with the 'glowing man.' My guess is.. it wasn't your wizard friend though.. the more I think on it. Because then the timelines wouldn't add up. I think .. ifwe did attempt to kill the duchess... it must have been after the experimentation... because I remember that Angeal died.. protecting me when I was still too weak to move. Which means they found us, at some point. I dunno. That or they found us again after your wizards assistance.

In any case... based on what you've said, and what I know of the person in the stone. He said "Talk to the snail, tell him you want something delivered to the duchess, he'll know what to do" Something along that line. Thus leading me to you, and you say the duchess has -and no offense intended - been using you and yours as errand boys, while pulling away on their own end of the bargain. Meaning whoever told me to come to you, is connected with the Duchess, because they wanted us to deliver something to her, that doesn't exist. I lied to the person on the other end of the line, claiming to have 'perfected' what they were after after killing their .. lackey.

The only other possibility I can think of is, perhaps whoever is on the other line also wants the duchess dead.. but considering I was bringing a recipe, instead of a sample.. I doubt it. But if so, it means we have a common enemy. And both stand to benefit.

So what say I contact the man on the other side of the stone, and you see if you can tell me whom it is?

The Snail considers what you've told him as he gulps down a large glass of wine. He continues to pick food off the tray, taking chunks of cheese and dipping them into a red raspberry sauce before slowly chomping them down. As far as you can tell, you're fairly confident he hasnt lied to you yet about any information. Several moments of silence go by before he slowly speaks again.

 I see. Well, my wizard "friend" as you put it, I would say associate, isn't exactly the nicest person around. While I'm not personally aware of him performing any sort of human experimentation, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he was involved in that sort of thing. He had been here to pay for some exotic ingredients we were in possession of. It was rather coincidental that he was in the city just as you needed help getting out. But, that doesn't really concern me. You're friend paid me to get you out, I utilized my contacts to do that. That's where it ends for me, normally anyway. Though I haven't heard from that Wizard in some time, that's not particularly unusual. I can say I don't remember you or your friend having any such abilities, but I mostly delt with Mr.Hewly. The snail pauses for a moment to take another large sip of wine. As for the reasoning behind you're friends little assassination attempt, I cannot say. He didn't want to share that information.  I had assumed perhaps it had something to do with the cult. Again, at the time it didn't really matter. Now, well knowing that might have helped me make better decisions. But the past is the past.

Now, regardless if I was working with the Duchess or not, any criminal who needed something delivered discretely to the palace would likely go through me. Its possible your friend on the other side if the stone knows that. It's also possible they work in the palace or know someone who does. As far as I'm aware the Duchess's agents havent used sending stones, at least not in their dealings with me. But feel free to contact this person, I'll see if I know who they are.

Zack watched with interest as the man at that disgusting melba crap food laid out before him. Tempted to ask but not wanting to overstep the bounds of questions for .... reasons so as not to give the DM ideas. Aye, the past is the past. And one way or another the experiements or whatever they were, only made me stronger. Either way, we've both likely satisfied each-others most base curiosities so.. let me get down to it. Zack clears his throat several times to try to make him better able to do as he did before, but also taking a moment to think of just what exactly he was going to say.. as if he went with 'the snail refuses' or some such it may just anger the man before him, and the last thing Zack wanted was to fight a hoard of Zhents inside their own den. 

It took him several long minutes, likely drawing some degree of ire from the Halfling  but eventually he settled on..... I'm here in the city, but I cannot find your contact. I am eager to deliver to our leige but you said to go here and here I have come! he can tell his voice isn't nearly as perfect as it was before, and.. trying to cover for it And the food here gets stuck in your throat. What do you wish me to do now?

Theres a moment of silence before an angry voice speaks through the stone. You came yourself? I told you to send your man servant. You fool, if people see you...fine fine. Just make the drop quick. The Snail is in the River Shining. Are you sure you're in the right place? Him or one of his associates is always there. Hes the little halfling gorging himself on more food than should be possible. Make sure you're in the right place and contact me again when it's done or if you can't find him. And make sure he doesn't learn of its contents! 

The voice ceases to speak and the Snail seems to be holding back his ire at the voices comments, before a look of intense curiosity crosses his face. For now he remains silent and waits for Zack to finish.

Zack smiles just a bit, but is passively watching the Snails reaction. Yes yes, well circumstances change. Do you not remember me telling you the tail was being followed? I did what I thought best. And what do I do if I cannot find him? Instead of making me wait to find out, just tell me now, it will save us all time!

There a brief pause before the voice returns. You best watch your tone, less you want to end up like your predecessor. If you can't find him them head back to your hideout. I'll send someone to pick it up from you if you are truly so in competent. Now leave me be and get this done!

Zack growls in the mans voice as best he can No. You watch your tone with me! I do the important work while you sit back and do nothing and reap the rewards. Lest you forget, I've perfected it, and don't think for a second I can't have a sample slipped into your wine and then we'll see what you think. You always forget that the person who makes the weapon can just as easily turn it on you! learn your place, before I put you in it! Now answer my question, before I end you myself.

Another pause from the voice on the stone before a laugh that can only be described as a typical evil laugh. It seems you've forgotten your place in our little arrangement. Fine. As I said, if you can't find the Snail, bring the sample back to your hide out. I'll arrange a pick up.

Zack ends the link then and there without reply, sighing but somewhat chuckling too. Was that enough for you to figure out who it is?

The Snail is quiet a moment before laughing himself. He leans back in the chair and ponders what he just heard. Hmm. Yes. I'd say I'd recognize that voice. Though the man it belongs too has not been in the city recently. But first, before I share that information, I'll need something from you. The Duchess, and her inner circle, they need to go. I'd like you and your friends to take care of that problem for me. In exchange, I'll tell you the name of the man you seek and where to find him. I'll even throw in a proper reward. Besides free room and board, I'll give you and your friends their your own riding horses and I'll throw in the deed to a propert I'm no longer interested in. A fortified tower in fair condition, it overlooks the Delimbiyr River west of Orlbar. More than fair compensation I'd say. So do we have a deal?

Zack punched his fist into his palm again as he began to think, even risking closing his eyes here as he mulls the information over in his head. He clearly didn't like the idea of helping the Zhentarim, but no matter how he looked at it, even if the duchess herself wasn't directly responsible - as unlikely as that was - he couldn't see how she wasn't in some way directly or indirectly involved with the plague business, as well as whatever happened with himself all those years ago. Angeal and himself wouldn't have revolted against them for nothing. Begrudgingly he see's no alternative that wouldn't just allow the person responsible for it all, to just restart, only minorly hindered. Seeing no other choice but to abandon the quest entirely. This will be a mar on my reputation, no matter how much good it does, but the path to my dream is meant to be the hard path. Sometimes you have to know when to use your enemy as much as they're intending to use you. he thought to himself. I'll need one other thing from you that will aid us both. I believe that somehow the duchess or atleast soemone on her level is involved with this plague shit. And Similarly, we rebelled against them for some reason.

If we go in blind all she has to do is claim insurrection or something similar, and that will pit the people against us.. well 'us' not you. We have some business that will be taken care of in a day or three, so.. while we wait for that to be dealt with.... you can stir the pot a bit. Have some people in your lower echelons the ones who pretend to be paupers or whatever, start spreading some rumors that the Duchess may be involved in something dark, but keep it non-specific until we strike. Doing so will allow the seed of doubt to be planted  and ripe to harvest but also won't alert the duchess or whomever that we're onto them, but keep it to a low-radar rumor, until after we start. With three days to stew... then when we actually launch it, turn up the volume, and be a little more 'specific' in what she might be dabbling in. That way it will split the guard, and the town, making it easier for us to do what we need to and to get out.

And if you know where I can get this blade ... worked on I've been looking for years for a place to get that starmetal coat on it. If you know what I mean.

The whole while Zack and Snail are talking, Happy eventually gets over the first unnerving relevation to start look at Snail more closely than before. Although whether by intent or not, the way the illusion screwed up their face could be mistaken as either jealous in regards to the food or brewing attraction for the halfling. Happy was certainly not surprise at the halfling's gorging, having seen plenty enough feast on a great deal, much to the surprise of their neighbors. That, and give two less shits about modesty during hot enough summers in their own village. Not that he judged, having come from a similiar society.

Snail Character Insighting: 9.

Inevitably Happy is drawn away from snail to watch Zack's little argument with a mix of curiosity and concern on his face. About halfway in Happy -- Cloudine even started to reach out to pat him comforting on the shoulder, believing him to be genuinely upset. Thankfully, things calm down fast enough to reign in the hand, and even smile as things turn towards a more peaceful route.  That is, at least in terms of conversation among the group. Although he did have a wandering thought about being overheard on the stone, it promptly leaves Happy's mind as silly paranoia.

"Need a way in, too. At least ta get on the premises without having to fight every guard on the way." Cloudine pipes up. "Or did I miss that part?"

After they had contacted the man behind the other stone and the snail had admitted he did know who it was, Nadia's expression had become relatively unreadable. It came to no surprise to her that that the snail wouldn't release the name of the individual so easily. His kind of people always found a way to get what they wanted done without getting their hands dirty, another reason why she disliked the Zhentarim. But it looked to her now that they had no real choice but to do the deed for the information they needed. Sometimes you have to work with people you dislike for the greater good... or however that saying went. 

"A way out as well," Nadia adds in after Cloudine after having sat in silence for a bit. "Can't always escape the way you entered. We could maybe scout out the palace while we wait those three days? Or do your people already know of the weaknesses of the palace, etcetera?"

Happy, from what you can tell it seems the Snail is being honest about the information he has shared thus far, however you definitely get the feeling he is using you all to eliminate a rival. It seems that, while he definitely is no fan of the cult, that he isn't asking for help just out of the kindness of his heart and he definitely has other motives to get rid of them. The Snail waves off concern about entering the palace as if it was no trouble at all. Guard uniforms are easy to come by. We can get you a set and you should be able to walk right in. Unfortunately out is something you will have to take care of on your own. I might be able to get you out of the city in all the chaos, but out of the palace itself you'll need to figure out. I'll see about arranging a ship. Once the deed is done, you'll not want to stick around. I'll have my associates speak to a captain in our employ, and will arrange to have your rewards left for you on the ship. They will drop you off at the next port. I'll also arrange for my man at the gate to acquire some spare uniforms. He will help you get in. Once you're in though you're on your own. I trust that you will use the next three days wisely to plan an escape. And don't worry Mr.Fair. spreading rumors is certainly something we can do. Unless there are any questions, I suggest you all get some rest. You'll be busy these next few days.

In spite of the read on the man, Cloudine breathes a sigh of relief. "I myself won't be involved as I am. But, if you can make one fit for a goliath just in case, that would be appreciated. And while I personally cannot think of anything at the moment, if we do, might it be alright we speak with you or an associate in the following days to help handled anything extra to help smooth over this whole thing?" Cloudine asked. "I do have the one though that comes mind, and that is defenses. The duches wouldn't happen to have any that undoes magic that you know of? Or a particularly nasty 'pest' problem that you aware of? Or even animals on the grounds?"

She pauses and shakes her head with a smile. "Seems I had more questions than expected. But, those should be about it for me. But, if'n you happen to have any of that sort thing rolling around in that lovely melon of yours, it'd be most appreciated."

The Snail snaps a finger an a half elf make who had been sitting at one of the tables posing as a guest stands up and approches the table. Nadia and Zack, to you the half elf appears slightly familiar to you. He stands before to all with hands behind his back waiting to hear what the Snail has to say. Falkas here will be my liaison. Talk to him. Falkas, you are to do what you can to help them complete this job without failure. Just remember who you work for yeah?  Falkas, a tan skinned half elf with almond eyes and a square chin nods saying Of course sir. 

The Snail looks back to Happy and says Well dear no I can't say I can get armor fitted for a goliath. They don't have such creatures in the guard. I'd reccomend disguising yourself as something less...unique...anyway. As for defenses I'm not entirely sure. Prior to the cult defenses were simple and mundane. Little to no magical defense were present in the palace. Now, well I'm not sure. They do have guard dogs around the palace however. They are viscous little bastards too so I'd be careful.