The Shattered City: Chapter Four

[Cronax]

Its hardly a matter of Mr. Boucher being 'worth it'. Agale mused to himself. Its a matter of public safety and weal. On that matter he found himself in general agreement Gauvin, Thierri was proving ill suited to Chastel's mantle. What is the commissioner's plan? For he surely possesses one. Assume the power for himself? Not out of the question, but that seems somehow too reckless. A subordinate perhaps? Groomed for such a position through rigorous training? Possible, but that then begs the question of why Gauvin would have been prepared for such an eventuality baffled the mind. Left not even consciously considered was the possibility that the commissioner had engineered the reliquary thefts from the start.

Though with the impressionable Miss Viardot in close proximity, he thought the better of sharing his contemplations aloud. "Your offer of guidance is graciously accepted madam. If you may enlighten us professor, what is the nature of this meeting we are to attend and what preparations are advantageous or even possible before our unusual sojourn? Professor Theroux was somewhat obtuse in his explanation. If it would not be an undue imposition, I would like to understand what we can expect if in fact this gathering is in session."

[The Whistler]

"This boy had better prove worth it," she said strictly.

"Oh, but he is, Madame Professor!"

This statement was particularly earnest, if that was possible. For some reason, you doubted Celeste was talking solely about the supernatural destiny of Port-a-Lucine, just then.

If you may enlighten us professor, what is the nature of this meeting we are to attend and what preparations are advantageous or even possible before our unusual sojourn? Professor Theroux was somewhat obtuse in his explanation. If it would not be an undue imposition, I would like to understand what we can expect if in fact this gathering is in session."

"...I agree entirely, good Sir! If you would be so kind, dear Professor, we would be inexpressibly grateful!"

...And you were certain that Celeste had not thought of any of Agale's points until after he had said them.

[yalenusveler]

To describe Kerrian as uncomfortable with the current situation would be a great understatement, pacing having already set in as he began wandering, trying distinctly to stay out of Hyacinthe's range of attack.

"Is..there a way to cure this? I mean, I've heard it's like a disease...there has to be a cure, right?" Spoken with the sort of faint hope that comes from being naive about certain ways of the world.

[Rock of the Fraternity]

Lia walks over to Kerrian and pulls him further back, whispering all the while: "Vampires die, they physically die, then rise from the grave to drink the blood of the living to keep themselves going. No heartbeat. No need to breathe except to talk. They are undead. It is only like a disease in that they can spread their condition. It is not like the flue, it is not like the plague, it is undeath, spreading itself. If you could kill that man and restore him to life with a ritual, you might have a slim chance to save his humanity. Other than that, there is no cure."

Lia looks Kerrian in the eye for a moment, then lets go of him. "I apologize," she whispers. "The undead upset me. I am not unsympathetic, but they are hideously dangerous, even if they do not want to be. Only extreme measures can cure them. Anything short of that is doomed to fail. I hate to say it, but a quick decapitation and a hot fire is the best thing you can offer most undead. I wish it weren't, but it is, Kerrian. I know. I have fought thi-- people like this before. Even the ones that aren't aggressive are dangerous. And miserable."

[NeoTiamat]

2 Days, 11 Hours, 13 Minutes
University of Dementlieu, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"If you may enlighten us professor, what is the nature of this meeting we are to attend and what preparations are advantageous or even possible before our unusual sojourn? Professor Theroux was somewhat obtuse in his explanation. If it would not be an undue imposition, I would like to understand what we can expect if in fact this gathering is in session."

"It is a market," Professor Petrik said practically, picking up her switch-like conductor's baton. "Things are bought and sold. Bring gold or things of worth with which to barter." She sniffed. "I do not know who is attending now, so I cannot tell you what they value."

"There are rules. I will not explain them here," she firmly stated. "I will speak on them when I return to the Chateau. Gather everyone who is attending there. I will not repeat myself."

2 Days, 11 Hours, 13 Minutes
Vervain Rookery, Quartier Ouvrier, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"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.

“I'll see what I can think of.” Athene said with a quick grin over her shoulder. “Give me time, Benoit. I hadn't expected such a chance. See you tonight.”

And with that, she left. In short order, you did as well.

2 Days, 11 Hours, 13 Minutes
Sewers, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Morning on April 22nd, 770
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"Is..there a way to cure this? I mean, I've heard it's like a disease...there has to be a cure, right?" Spoken with the sort of faint hope that comes from being naive about certain ways of the world.

“Sorry Kerry.” Said Cerise, shrugging her shoulders just a little.

"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."

“NO! You promised... damn you... you promised to end this!” Hyacinthe's mad cries trailed you as you left, alternately pleading and threatening, invariably desperate. “COME BACK!... come back.... please, oh please come back... don't leave me here! Please...”


2 Days, 9 Hours, 2 Minutes
Chateau Malchance, Quartier Marchand, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Afternoon on April 22nd, 770
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The Common's Room was the biggest room in the house, but it was not usually occupied by all of you at the same time. Professor Petrik stalked towards the center of the room in her stiletto heels, examining all of you with a critical air. Commentary was delayed, however, by a knock on the door. Betram and Bertriz were on time. More than that, they were early. Marchand-Renier must have put the fear of Ezra into them, or at any rate the fear of Sebastian Marchand-Renier.

They were an attractive looking pair, by any measure of beauty. Lithe, athletic, with fine aristocratic faces and near-white hair, the only thing which prevented them from looking like marble statues were the matching mischievous grins they bore. A little peculiarly, both were in what might be called street-clothing, stiff leather or woolen clothing. Each bore a broad belt, which had a holster for a pistol on one side, and a rather ugly-looking, broad-bladed shortsword on the other.

“Our illustrious uncle says you want to find the Market?” Bertram said as he entered, flashing a pearly grin. “Good thing that we're the best urban guides in Dementlieu, Richemulot, Falkovnia, and Borca.”

“The very best.” Bertriz said with a sly smile. “No promises that you'll survive the trip, but we'll try.”

Professor Petrik snapped her baton against one of the tables for silence. The two Reniers promptly fell silent, stalking towards the back of the room. A moment passed before Petrik broke the silence. "So. We are bringing an army?" she asked sharply.

"On dit que Dieu est toujours pour les gros bataillons, my ineffable Seiglinde. 1" Professor Evariste Lemercier said, a glass of sherry in hand and looking over the assembled group with heavy-lidded eyes. "It thus seems we are bringing at least a regiment."

Petrik sniffed.

"Fine," she replied curtly. "You will listen now. The Midnight Market has rules. It survives because of these rules. You will follow these rules, or you will pay the price for breaking them. Do not fool yourself into thinking there are other outcomes."

"Firstly. The Midnight Market is a place of truce. Violence is punished by death. You will not raise a hand against another within the Market, unless it is part of a bargain fairly struck between the pair of you. You will not attempt to harm another through indirect means. You will not use magic or other compulsion to force another to break this rule. You are responsible for the behavior of anyone you bring to the Market." She gave you all a very harsh look at that. She added, more mildly, "Weapons are permitted. Be careful when entering and when leaving."

"Secondly. Some of the merchants do not have souls in the same fashion as you or I. They refer to things that are intangible in ways that seem tangible. Other merchants will seek to trick you. If you do not understand what you are agreeing to give, you will have no recourse when it is taken from you. A bargain struck is a bargain kept." She flicked her baton with her sharp-nailed fingers, considering. "Bring gold or things of worth to barter with. It may be of monetary worth or personal worth. Be careful bringing anything you do not wish to part with."

"Thirdly. Everything has its fair price. Things that are freely given are usually considered worthless. If they are not, then they are flawed in some manner." She paused for a moment. "The flaws need not be insurmountable, if you are aware of them. But do not expect a gift you offer to be accepted, and do not expect a gift given to be beneficial. Understood?" Professor Petrik asked sternly.

1 They say that God is always on the side of the big battalions.

[DocBeard]

"My thought." Eisenwald added after Petrik had her peace-Tomas was bold but he was not willing to stand in the way of a monologue like that. "Was that we split up, as we are fortunate enough to have more than one guide. Smaller parties will be less...how you say? Conspicuous."

"We cover more ground, and function more efficiently that way." Tomas rubs his bandaged shoulder, wincing at the pain and scowling at the scratches on his face. Even with his jaw re-set that'll scar. He can't be sure if those nervous looks he's been getting from Kerrian and Cerise are entirely his imagination or not. ...okay, Cerise probably thinks he's interesting.

"Are there any specific figures we should be on the look out for, madame?" Tomas asks, pasting a little smile on in hopes of appeasing Petrik a little.

(Spent 2 healing surges to get back to full hp.)

[Nathan of the FoS]

"You are admirably succinct, Professor," Mercator says quietly. "Thank you for your advice, and your good offices in escorting us." He nods at Beatriz and Bertram as well, including them in his thanks. "As Herr Eisenwald says, with so many of us I should think it would be much more convenient, as well as much faster, to form...at least two groups?" Performing a quick count, he says, "Eighteen? We might venture as many as four, perhaps, and make use of our several guides."

[Nerit]

Nerit swung her foot impatiently under her slip, ignoring any questions or looks her way. The day had been a "triumph," so to speak, in that they hadn't gotten stabbed to death by revolutionaries in the Rookery, but the problem was how long that would last. There was also the problem of the nun in half dress, hence any looks. She kept her arms and legs crossed.

She cleared her throat. "Yes, thank you, Professor. Despite our overabundance of guides and participants...if you all want me to attend, I will need appropriate clothes," she eyed Nicolas sharply then, "as I am not expected to be a bonne seur to our guide, Athene. Indeed, I am part of Benoit's revolutionary entourage now! Oh--" she lifted a finger, "did you hear that? I believe Le Marquis just sneezed."

Right, perception if you want.
Also, there are certain superstitions that a person sneezes if they are mentioned elsewhere, or that something happens to them (ironically) when they Feel a Great Disturbance in the Force, etc, sort of like rolling over in one's grave or someone just stepped over one's grave. And no, it is not just Japan, you weeaboos. Shutting up now.

[lostboy]

"I'm more than happy to not continue my charade in front of such a large audience" Nicolas says with a sigh gesturing to his still in place "Benoit" disguise. "Besides if our said revolutionary guide, who I suspect is much more than that in many ways, works out the con, then it is likely to get very messy. Although I'm very pleased to hear of the ban on violence at the market" he adds with a nod to the severe professorial type over the other side of the room. "Still can anyone who accompanies me, make sure they are happy being in the entourage of the legendary Guy Benoit.. ar at least toe the line so I don't get eviscerated....." he tails off, rolls his eyes and lights a cigarette.

if you all want me to attend, I will need appropriate clothes,

Nicolas almost, almost says something , but then thinks better of it, and instead offers Nerit a smile, making sure his gaze is at eye level at all times.

Perception: 27

[DocBeard]

"Have I mentioned." Tomas turns a moment to give Nicolas a cheerful, carefree look capable of stopping a bullet mid-air. "Just what a wonderful idea that was? Because I feel as though even if I have it cannot be overstated."

Tomas pauses, and asides to Nerit, who seems to have the most experience in these matters. "-am I doing the sarcasm thing right? Because I am being new to Mordentish." He's been 'new' to Mordentish for over a decade now. There's a pause. "You know, that look kind of works for you."

(I got a 13 on my perception so I figure its been way too long since Tomas said something embarrassing.)

[Nathan of the FoS]

It's obvious that Mercator is in total agreement with Tomas about the first part of his statement, and could hardly agree less with the second. The look he gives Nicolas at the announcement that he will be impersonating a famous revolutionary--the famous revolutionary--is a mixture of horror and bemusement.

After the first shock of recognition, he hasn't looked at Sister Doherty at all.

"One moment," he say suddenly, smiling very slightly. "Ah, Professors, monsieur and mademoiselle Renier, what are the customary prerequisites for declaring one's services to be available to the Market? And are there any large trees in the public areas of the Market? It might be well to bring a small folding table and two chairs, as well, if they can be gotten quickly and are of a size suitable for carrying."

Perception 17, fwiw.

[lostboy]

"I know, I know" he says as one after the other tell him in not so many words that he's an idiot. "Long term planning was never my strong suit, more of an impulse man, which is what lands me in situations like this. Still keeps life interesting eh?" He finishes with an exhalation of smoke towards the ceiling and wink in Tomas' direction. Was he being serious? Quite likely....

In any case his gaze grows a little thoughtful as it returns to Nerit "Mademoiselle may I have a brief word before we depart ce soir?"

[NeoTiamat]

2 Days, 8 Hours, 49 Minutes
Chateau Malchance, Quartier Marchand, Port-a-Lucine, Mid-Afternoon on April 22nd, 770
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"Are there any specific figures we should be on the look out for, madame?" Tomas asks, pasting a little smile on in hopes of appeasing Petrik a little.

“I do not go there often.” Petrik said with a sniff. “The merchants have no doubt changed since my last visit.”

“Most of them will treat you fair provided you treat them fair.” Bertram Renier said, stretching like a lazy cat. “Just don't try to cheat them. It never goes well.”

“Curses are the preferred sanction, is it not, brother of mine?” Bertriz asked her brother, one brow raised. “Though many are supernatural creatures themselves.”

“It gets messy when someone tries to cheat. Not on market grounds, due to the no-violence pact, but once you're off market grounds...” Bertram said. “What happened to that Invidian fellow, do you recall, sister dearest?”

“They plucked his eyes out and let him go, I think.”

“Very merciful.”

“They let him go at the bottom of the catacombs.”

“Less merciful.”

"One moment," he say suddenly, smiling very slightly. "Ah, Professors, monsieur and mademoiselle Renier, what are the customary prerequisites for declaring one's services to be available to the Market? And are there any large trees in the public areas of the Market? It might be well to bring a small folding table and two chairs, as well, if they can be gotten quickly and are of a size suitable for carrying."

“You need to have something to sell. Something that people want” Bertriz said with a feral little smile.

“A booth of some manner is customary, though some do without.” Bertram added, casting his sister a fond look.

“Thinking of going into business, are you?” Bertriz said, fixing her eyes on the Darkonian.

"As Herr Eisenwald says, with so many of us I should think it would be much more convenient, as well as much faster, to form...at least two groups?" Performing a quick count, he says, "Eighteen? We might venture as many as four, perhaps, and make use of our several guides."

"Oh, you don't need the guide once you're at the Market proper," Bertriz said silkily, her hands clasped behind her back.

"If you think you'll be alright on your own," Bertram finished, flashing a bright grin. The two Reniers started laughing simultaneously.

"Mmm, something to keep in mind for any private shopping," Lessard commented from where he was sitting on the couch, his hands folded and his leg propped across his knee. "Otherwise, let's try not to have our groups stray too far out of contact? While our excess guides may be mostly to our advantage, it would be best if we avoided such redundancy in the future. It would be unfortunate if some of our number were locked into a heavy payment-" There was an flat look down his glasses at Nicolas. "-when it was not entirely necessary."

"Despite our overabundance of guides and participants...if you all want me to attend, I will need appropriate clothes," she eyed Nicolas sharply then, "as I am not expected to be a bonne seur to our guide, Athene. Indeed, I am part of Benoit's revolutionary entourage now!"

"I will give you some of mine," Katja stated. It was not a suggestion. "And I will give you a crossbow. A gun would look better, but I do not own one. Stay close to my side."

"I do not think she should go with you at all. Perhaps if her life is also at risk it will encourage you not to stay longer than needed," the solider said sharply to Nicolas. "I do not like the sound of this Market. Best to be done with it as soon as possible."

[Nerit]

Tomas pauses, and asides to Nerit, who seems to have the most experience in these matters. "-am I doing the sarcasm thing right? Because I am being new to Mordentish." He's been 'new' to Mordentish for over a decade now. There's a pause. "You know, that look kind of works for you."

The nun gave Tomas the most withering smile he'd likely ever seen on a human female, and said nothing.

She re-folded her arms across her chest and eyed Mercator with some curiosity.

"Mademoiselle may I have a brief word before we depart ce soir?"

"Mais oui," was all she said in response.

"I will give you some of mine," Katja stated. It was not a suggestion. "And I will give you a crossbow. A gun would look better, but I do not own one. Stay close to my side."

"I do not think she should go with you at all..."

Nerit inclined her head to Katja in gratitude. Her humility wasn't gone completely, then.

[yalenusveler]

"Does it feel to anyone else like the only way we could be getting more in over our head was if we were drowning in the sea?" Kerrian asked, giving his housemates quite the look as he mulled over in his head everything that was just said about their destination.

"I mean, a magical market where you can sell intangibles? In the middle of the city? I mean, we're already dealing with a housemate transformed into possibly the avatar of death as a concept. I mean...how much stranger can this get?" It took only a moment for Kerrian to answer his own question.

"Well, actually, I suppose we could meet two young women and a young man having a theological debate about the nature of suffering in the world, drawing on halan texts, the books of ezra, and the morninglord church, and find out they're literal embodiments of the deities trying to understand their own natures from a mortal perspective. But that would be too weird, right?"