The Shattered City: Chapter Four

[lostboy]

Nicolas turns and watches the woman carefully as she approaches. Inside he was unsure whether this was the lady in question or whether it was a ruse to sniff him out, which was only one of a number of his worries right now, not that any of that showed on his face.

“I thought you'd be older.”

Nicolas simply grunts with a slightly grim smile showing a little of his eye-teeth and hoping that it captured the wolfish grin he had seen on Benoit's face.

“What does Benoit want with Athene?”

Good question, hmm I dont suppose you'd tell me the way to the Midnight Market pretty please with cherries on? And can you do it quickly as I'm a poet impersonating a revolutionary hero, which will likely get me lynched if you or any of your fellows work that out. IN the meantime fancy a drink? Was not what came out of Nicolas mouth, despite it being upmost in his thoughts, or at least vying for position with the desperate need for a cigarette.

Instead he maintains his composure and continues the act. "A quiet word and some information, nothing more. I'm seeking something, and word says Athene knows where it is to be found."

Friendly Deception is up
Bluff: 7 + 14 + 5 + 6 = 32

[Cronax]

"While the professor Lemercier I think the more likely of the two to be of assistance, it would not do to interrupt his lecture prematurely. Let us meanwhile to the conservatory." Mr Agale was entirely uncertain if Petrik would be of any direct help to their current cause, but it would not hurt to inquire, or at least not hurt much.

Going to be out away for the weekend, I'll be back Sunday. Try not to get into too much trouble in the meantime

[yalenusveler]

"Hyacinthe, I'm sorry for what happened to you. And what happened to Annette" Kerrian did, his concern now genuine. "Something..something happened to a friend of mine recently. It..it was pretty much my fault." He looked down, his voice going a bit quiet. "I was trying to do what I thought was the right thing too."

Kerrian paused a moment "I..I don't know if we can let you go. With everything that's happened to you, I'm not sure if it's safe for you, or others. But..if you know where Annette would be buried..I can take flowers there for you. Would you like me to do that?"

[Nerit]

The harlot who had just walked in seemed entirely uninterested in the server's warning. Her eyes were a little unfocused, and they wandered.

They did, however, settle on Nicolas. Nerit gasped. There was a pause. "It's him! Benoit!"

She turned to the nearest person, likely some "respectable" yet deadly revolutionary, and pointed frantically. "Messieurs, ha-ha! Do you know who that is?!"

With a twirl of her skirt, Nerit bit the end of the dagger in her left hand, demure and ragged all at once. "What a man of honor! Bravery!"


Bluff Assist Nicolas: 24
Uhhhhhh? You can roll perception if you'd like. I don't know.

[NeoTiamat]

2 Days, 11 Hours, 20 Minutes
University of Dementlieu, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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The conservatory didn't have the girth of other University buildings, but it was still respectably large; a three storied hall decked with carved reliefs and painted marble white. It was currently filled with bustling students, hurrying around towards their next classes, instruments and cases clutched in their hands. You were momentarily waylaid by a group of vocalists, all dressed in black, still practicing verses and harmonies as they walked down the hall.

Asking for Professor Petrik, aside from a lot of stares and fidgeting, got you directed down towards an atrium near the center of the building. The University had built a small concert hall within its conservatory, ostensibly for the better acoustics. There was no orchestra currently in it, simply an iron haired woman playing the harp. It was beautiful music, the kind that drifted through the air and drew you in. There was a sizable audience gathered, though blatantly hiding out of the performer's sight.

Petrik sniffed as you approached, plucking the last few strains of melody out with her long, filed fingernails. She gave the strange half-elf a thorough look over, then looked at the lawyer and the dilettante, and sniffed again.

"You are not students, nor are you musicians," she said, giving Celeste a particular look at that last statement. "So what brings you here?"

2 Days, 11 Hours, 20 Minutes
Vervain Rookery, Quartier Ouvrier, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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Instead he maintains his composure and continues the act. "A quiet word and some information, nothing more. I'm seeking something, and word says Athene knows where it is to be found."

“Does the word mention that Athene doesn't work for cheap?” The scarred woman said, still looking at Nicolas speculatively. She had very dark eyes, deep brown. Except for a moment, they weren't. The scarred woman tilted her head in a certain way, and the light briefly reflected off her eyes. Human eyes didn't do that. She had eyes like a cat, or an owl. “She's expensive, but worth every bit. She sells murder and mayhem, but sure, she can do information. For the right price, she can do whatever you need.”

“And for the chance to work with the infamous Guy Benoit...” The scarred woman leaned forward and smiled a little, a close-mouthed smile that probably bore a great deal of resemblance to that of a bird of prey. “...I'll even offer you a discount.”

Insight Check

2 Days, 11 Hours, 20 Minutes
Sewers, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"The old man." Tomas says to the vampire, after a moment. "What was his name?"

“You... liar...damn you... why won't you just finish it...” Hyacinthe said, teeth clenched. He lifted his head and looked at Tomas, his face a picture of perfect loathing. “Oath-breaking LIAR... you taunt me... always taunting, never going to let this end... What does it matter... I don't deserve death...”

“I'm so sorry. So sorry... it was an accident. Or maybe it wasn't... maybe I deserve all this.” The young man began to sob again, muttering to himself. “Whatever you want. Duval... no, that was his name amongst the cattle. Cardei...old demon...”

"I have a question, also," Lia says. The look she gives is an uneasy mixture of pity and disgust. "Are you... Who and what else could guide us to the Midnight Market?"

“The merchants... I've forgotten...” Hyacinthe said in perfect misery, paying at best minimal attention to the fact that it was Lia doing the questioning. “I remember... the Clan Below... Malvein? Malthus? I remember the river-ghost, she dwelled... on the left bank...near the garden route. Veil would know... but he was mortal, does he still live?”

“The wolf!” Suddenly a memory seemed to come to Hyacinthe. “The wolf, the one with the iron ring. What was her husband's name... LeBlanc, Anton LeBlanc. Does he live? She would, the wolf would know.”

Kerrian paused a moment "I..I don't know if we can let you go. With everything that's happened to you, I'm not sure if it's safe for you, or others. But..if you know where Annette would be buried..I can take flowers there for you. Would you like me to do that?"

“I don't know... was she buried? Burned? What did the old man do to her body? Does it matter?” Hyacinthe said, shoulders slumping. “Gods... I am so sorry... I never meant it... Annette... so sorry...”

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"That seems like a handy number of leads to be getting on with," Lia says. She looks at the others. "Yes? Is it enough?"

Provided they agree, Lia addresses the vampire again. "Hyacinthe. You have done at least one terrible thing that I know of. I know not what else you have done in the service of this Cardei, but I may guess. You have been subjected to the torments of the damned for it, however, so I ask you now: do you desire death? The stake, the sword, garlic and fire, prayers spoken for your soul and Annette's by priests of Ezra? If I knew a way to restore you to human, I would offer it. But I do not. And you are too dangerous to release, both to yourself and to anyone you might meet."

[lostboy]

Nicolas manages a look of mild irritation in Nerit's direction, a look he thinks Guy would give, and one that affords him the chance to make sure she's safe, figuratively speaking.

“She's expensive, but worth every bit. She sells murder and mayhem, but sure, she can do information. For the right price, she can do whatever you need.”

"Inducing Mayhem is my intent, but the price I am willing to pay will depend on the quality of the information." Nicolas say with finality and a slight snarl.

He shrugs off the comment about the infamous Guy Benoit and settles his gaze on the woman's strange eyes, his voice dropping so only they can hear. "I'm looking for a place, a place that is difficult to find, if Athene can lead me there, then we can negotiate on a price."

Insight: 22 - Nicolas' insight is horrible

[Kaitou Kage]

"Get a room!"

A body couldn't really tell who shouted it, but it was unmistakably directed at Athene and "Benoit." It was also louder than Rex had ever been since he moved into the Chateau. Job done, the pharmacist melded back with the crowd and slunk off.

Rex kept one eye on Nic and Athene and wondered if the woman's swagger was a bad attempt at flirting or an attempt to impress "Benoit." With any luck, Nic would catch the hint. With any more luck, Athene would go along. This would be less explosive if they talked in private.

Though Rex had to wonder if Nic could keep his, ah, party side in check if they retired to a private room.

Using an assist on Nic's last bluff. Can't miss.

[The Whistler]

“Good afternoon, Professor Petrik!” Celeste was chipper as ever, though she returned Sieglinde’s look with a barely noticeable sheepish one of her own, at the appropriate moment. Say what you would about Celeste’s ill-advised turn as a violinist, she had been apologetic rather than arrogant whenever her efforts had driven another music tutor out of the house. Hopelessly, mind-wrenchingly enthusiastic, but apologetic.

That said, there was nothing in her tone that suggested unease, at the Professor’s general demeanor. She likely hadn’t the faintest inkling that she should have been intimidated. This was not a particularly constructive state of mind.

“Forgive our intrusion into your artistic sanctum, Madame Professor, but we seek your wise counsel on a matter of no small importance. You are aware…ah, you are aware of the circumstances that have befallen our mutual fellow-lodger, Monsieur B______?”

You weren’t certain how Celeste actually pronounced that last bit, but it sounded suitably anonymous somehow. Mlle. Viardot leaned in, doing that questionably effective whispering thing she sometimes did.

“We have reason to understand, Madame Professor, that the remedy to his condition may be found within the confines of one Midnight Market.” She straightened, jumping back to her normal volume. “Given your reputation for the knowledge of various historical lore, dear Professor, we had meant to inquire after any intelligence you might possess upon that particular subject.”

[lostboy]

Nicolas' eyes flick to the crowd at Rex's comments, not that he spots the originator, but his hand still drops to the axe at his belt.

"I have little time, it is foolish for me to linger in one place" he hisses at Athene, conveying not fear of capture, just a sense of survival. "Lets cut to the chase, the place know as the Midnight Market, show me how to reach it and name your price."

[Nerit]

The harlot slunk closer to Benoit, her chin lowered to her bosom. When he looked her way she gave him a sharp eye and a tiny lift of the head--but this was perceptible.

One must understand the complicated games humans can play; this, perhaps, was one of their unique traits. The creatures and horrors of the Night could only imitate such intricacies. Vampires, for example, did their damnedest to masquerade as humans, but it was a deception aided by supernatural charms and the dwindling memories of mortality. A human, on the other hand, was capable of delightful falsehoods wrapped over and in upon themselves through sheer force of personality. Sometimes they worked so hard at them that they believed the lies themselves.

And here, the scantily clad woman wove another layer: I am only a whore to those who see what they want, Athene. Otherwise, I'm with him.

Nerit brushed back a lock of hair with the point of her dagger. She eyed Athene with a daring smirk.

Bluff 30 (Assist, unfortunately for me) via asserting herself as part of Guy Benoit's entourage. This will hopefully help later.

[NeoTiamat]

2 Days, 11 Hours, 17 Minutes
University of Dementlieu, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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“We have reason to understand, Madame Professor, that the remedy to his condition may be found within the confines of one Midnight Market.”  She straightened, jumping back to her normal volume.  “Given your reputation for the knowledge of various historical lore, dear Professor, we had meant to inquire after any intelligence you might possess upon that particular subject.[/i]”

    
    One thing was quite certain; Professor Petrik recognized the name of the Midnight Market.
    
    "Hah!" she exclaimed, though it was a noise as far away from a laugh as you could possibly imagine. She stood up abruptly, her lip curled into a sneer of derision, leaving her ivory, overbitten teeth quite visible. A moment later it retracted back into a pensive look, though her mouth was still pursed forward, as if eating something sour and not quite sure if she liked it.
    
    
    "The blond boy?" she asked. She looked at you all again and sniffed.
    
    "Fine," she acquiesced sharply. "It may not be running. If it is, it will open after sundown. The Old Man and I will take you there." She turned her head towards Celeste, giving the young diletantte a very critical expression.
    
    "This boy had better prove worth it," she said strictly.

2 Days, 11 Hours, 17 Minutes
Vervain Rookery, Quartier Ouvrier, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"I have little time, it is foolish for me to linger in one place" he hisses at Athene, conveying not fear of capture, just a sense of survival. "Lets cut to the chase, the place know as the Midnight Market, show me how to reach it and name your price."

Athene's head turned to gaze into the crowd, her eyes flashing. Had Rex been just a little less adept at hiding in the crowd, the pharmacist would've been fortunate to walk out of the cafe with both lungs still in place. Then she turned back to Nicolas, her eyes no longer reflecting the light.

“Dangerous words, M. Benoit. Who knows what price I could ask?” Athene said with a purr that came out more like a mountain cat's growl than the seductive murmur it was intended to be. She grinned suddenly. “I'll take you to the Market. Meet me outside the north-east gate a quarter-hour before midnight, you and whoever you want to bring. And for my price, I'll take... a favor, that you owe to me.”

“I'll see you tonight.” Athene said with a quick smile, then stood up and turned to leave.

2 Days, 11 Hours, 17 Minutes
Sewers, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"Hyacinthe. You have done at least one terrible thing that I know of. I know not what else you have done in the service of this Cardei, but I may guess. You have been subjected to the torments of the damned for it, however, so I ask you now: do you desire death? The stake, the sword, garlic and fire, prayers spoken for your soul and Annette's by priests of Ezra? If I knew a way to restore you to human, I would offer it. But I do not. And you are too dangerous to release, both to yourself and to anyone you might meet."

“I just want it to end... gods, it hurts so much...” Hyacinthe said morosely. He looked towards Lia, though not really seeing her, perhaps. His face was a mess of green-black blood by now. It is hard to cry prettily when one cries tears of blood. “I want to live... I want to live with Annette... but I killed her... It's all my fault...”

The vampire's voice trailed off into incoherent sobs. Cerise glanced at Hyacinthe and then at Lia. “Just so you know, I'd be careful getting close to suicidal people. They can be unpredictable.”

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"I have no intention of going closer unless he can be restrained," Lia replies. "But I thank you for your warning, Cerise. Now. Can he be restrained?" She hefts her staff, nods at it, then at Hyacinthe. The message is clear enough: here is a strong end of wood imbued with magic... with a reasonably sharp tip.

(OOC: I tried a Religion roll for the proper method to permanently kill a 4e vampire, but I got a 16 and I doubt that's going to cut the mustard. Would you guys please give it a go, as well?)

[DocBeard]

"Stop it." Tomas says, looking at Lia. "I gave him my word I'd hear the whole story before deciding one way or the other. We don't have time right now, but I have more of a lead on that than I did before."

Tomas nods at Cerise, the hero of the hour so to speak, before turning around. "Come on, something'll be attracted to that smell sooner or later." Eisenwald pulls a hood from beneath his jacket, hoping to cover most of his wound before heading up.

[lostboy]

"Then we have a deal, although it may depend very much on the type of favour that is asked." Nicolas says in a an even tone. "I dislike loose ends, perhaps we can define the terms of repayment before we take the journey. Think on it, I shall see you at the gate." He stands, as she does and waits, arms folded, regarding Athene with a faint smile.

It was dangerous ground to be sure, but heaven alone knew how much more dangerous this could get with such an unknown quantity into the bargain.

Still job done, time to collect the team, get the hell out of dodge and find some bloody brandy and a cigarette...