29. Children are evil, actually

2nd Aryth, 998 YK

• Tamara and Ell kinda both did the recap? Ell did a more detailed one. Give em both an advance, fuck it
• Chloe also did another rendition of Yashira's rant about children being evil
• It's the day after the big family dinner, there's some things to wrap up in Sharn before they get their next mission.
• Charlie wants to go thank Luca.
• Yashira also wants to make some headway on Nerys's case. She wants Nerys to be more actively involved in the case, after the results of the dinner.
• Nerys is an amazing notetaker
• They also wanna give Damien his new coat

Nerys' Case

• Their main lead is Daask, which they are hesitant to follow up on
• "Hey Nerys, how much do you want to find your friend?"
• "Really bad"
• Damn
• They've exhausted all of their other leads at this point. Yashira is pacing and chewing her nails.
• "Nerys, are you sure you want to come on this one? I do want to involve you, it's just that"
• "Is it too dangerous for a civilian?"
• "No, it's not that. You're not going to have as nice of a time going down there, because of me. I don't want you to get hurt because of my past...enacting of justice."
• Nerys wants to go though, wants to have Yashira's back
• But they also understand if it would be an easier time for Yashira to follow up on this one alone
• "No, it wouldn't be easier. How about this, we go together, we'll just be cautious about it. We're going to leave any worldly posessions we don't want pilfered in a safe location, that's step one. Step two is just to make sure we have each other's back. Step three, if things start getting dicey, we need to leave that situation as promptly and safely as we can. We don't push our luck while we're down there. I would if alone, but not while you're with me."
• Nerys asks if they have a safe here?
• She does, in her office, which she's trapped.
• Nerys takes off their brooch. They ask if they might steal the bells from their beard?
• There's a world where that happens, yes
• Okay :(
• They take off their bells too. Oh and their book, they don't want to lose their stories.
• Everything else is expendable.
• Yashira asks if they need the book to do their magic?
• Oh yeah they do need that
• "I'm not expecting to get into a scrap, but maybe we do bring it..."
• Yashira leaves nothing in the safe. All she has is 16 concealed knives and pocket spaghetti.
• They also consider whether to bring anyone else with them. Yashira asks Nerys if they want to keep this between them, or involve any of the others?
• Nerys says that Yashira was worried about them coming, do they think it'll be safer with the others?
• Nerys wants to bring everyone
• Yashira is visibly nervous about this
• "We'll...ask the others if they'd like to come. We'll have to tell them about the risks, and if they'd like to come, they're more than welcome to, and if not, it'll just be us."
• They track down the others and explain the situation. Yashira goes looking for Charlie and Ruckus (and maybe Damien is with them), and Nerys will go find Ban.
• Yashira remembers they are a Medani, and have the funds to use the Sivis sending network. Nerys is prepping sandwiches
• "Nerys and I investigating lead in Malleon's Gate. Will explain in person, do you want to join? May be dangerous, leaving in 2 hours."
• Ban: "I'm sorry, I have to work. I will see you next time! Good luck!" Too short notice :(
• Damien: "No. Terrible idea. Don't want you killed. Be there soon."
• Ruckus: "Oh okay. I guess I'll be down to help...is that the right word? I'm in. Anyway, you turn the bolt and add black powder-"
• Yashira is immediately concerned. What is he doing with black powder?
• Books, the people in the walls, also respond somehow. "Yeah of course we'll come this is such a dumb thing to do and we want to watch and make comments! You're very likely going"
• Nerys asks if they've ever met the people in the walls? Yashira hasn't even met them. It might be a wraith or something, she's never investigated
• Charlie: "Hi Yash (and Nerys!)! I am going to see Luca first but can tag along after? Unless it's urgent then you would be best to-"
• Yashira thinks that Charlie is ragebaiting her, he knows how the fucking spell works, he's educated!
• Nerys suggests they go a couple hours later, so that Ban can join them too. "Look, we've got guarantees from some people and others are on the fence. I will go and see Ban and Charlie and explain us possibly leaving later. Meet you back here in a couple hours."

Charlie and Luca

• It's Charlie time
• He heads down to the Diamond Theatre with some flowers. He feels like he owes her quite a bit for saving them from the Radiant Idol
• It's early in the day so there's no plays on
• Charlie enters Luca's office and says "so, hello! Umm" and then shows the flowers. "I know that you don't really like gifts, per se, but I feel like you deserve this"
• Luca tilts her head. "What do they do?"
• "The flowers?"
• "Yes"
• "Oh, they just look nice. They're a gesture of thank you, or love, or forgiveness. Stuff. It depends on the reason you're giving them. Should I have brought something else?"
• "No no, I wasn't expecting anything. Do I need to do anything with them?"
• "If you put them in water, they'll last longer"
• He looks around, but Luca doesn't seem to have a vase. She does have some mugs. Charlie puts the flowers in a mug. They're yellow roses. Apparently this signifies friendship, joy, and warmth. Ironic.
• Luca drills down into the metaphor associated with this gift. Things that are beautiful for a short while, and then die. Just like everyone she's ever met.
• Damn
• Luca thanks him for the flowers, and expresses confusion. What are the flowers for?
• "For saving us?"
• "Did I save you? I think you had it under control"
• Charlie doesn't think they did! He's never done that level of magic before.
• "It was from me. The angel made me feel things I can't remember feeling. It was ugly, and awful, and angry. I lashed out."
• Hmm
• Charlie says he hopes the flowers help, anyway
• "It did show me that I can more actively observe you, if I focus."
• "That's not...all the time, right?"
• "No. I am always vaguely aware of what state you're in. If you're in danger, I can feel that. I have to focus to actively observe you."
• Charlie has to think about how to respond to that. "I really appreciate what you did, anyway. Even if it was born out of unpleasant emotions. It'll be okay, emotions don't last, they linger maybe. I just hope that you're feeling a bit better than you were."
• "I'm not sure that those words apply to me, Charlie. I've been...like this, for a very long time."
• Charlie shrugs. "I'm looking at it from a lifespan of mine, you're looking at it from yours. Temporary means different things"
• "Maybe."
• "And I will take the maybe. I know that you say you're not a person, but in my head you're still persony, and people are flawed and have emotions. I don't like seeing you upset, I just want the best for you."
• She sits in uncomfortable silence for a while before answering. "I don't necessarily know what best for me looks like."
• Charlie doesn't think that anyone does. "But what do I know, you've had more experience of the world than I have."
• "I'm not sure that's true either, Charlie. I arrived during the war, and most of my experience has been of the war."
• "That's true of most people on Eberron, to be honest. It was a long war and people live long lives."
• "What was the point of it?"
• "I don't fucking know...I guess people fighting over the throne? Important people sending less important people to die for them. Fucking stupid if you ask me, but don't let my dad hear me say that."
• Luca staring down at her hands, in a quiet voice, "but who decides who is more or less important?"
• "Everyone makes that choice in their own way. On a grander scale, the pricks that are in charge. They have the shiniest hats and the fanciest chairs and people listen to them because they think they're ordained by some magic being or something. It's all really silly when you look at it from really far away."
• "No, I think it was less silly when it was far away. Easier to assign roles like in a story, heroes and villains, but when you get on the ground you realise it's all just...people, fighting over lines on a map."
• Charlie agrees, there weren't really any heroes or villains in the Last War. It was just a whole bunch of shit, sandwiched together. That's why there's so much energy spent trying to convince everyone that their side was the right one, and everyone else was wrong. They have to justify it.
• "I don't think I've ever asked you how the war impacted you, Charlie."
• He wasn't directly involved. His dad was, his siblings were. He had an uncle that died, but that's hardly a unique story. "It affects how you look at people. How you look at someone from Cyre, or Aundair, or Thrane. You think of all the terrible things you get told. I'm not gonna stand here and say I didn't fall for that propaganda. You get told by your parents, who got told by their parents, who got told by their ministers or kings."
• "And what did you hear about Cyre?"
• "Basically inventing these terrible machines. Talking specifically about the big warforged things-"
• "The colossus."
• "Yeah. These massive abominations that were demolishing cities. That sort of thing. I mean, technically it's true, they were built. It's not as if Breland didn't do terrible things-"
• "Floating fortresses"
• "Or Karrnath"
• Luca takes in a deep breath.
• "There were no good people. Everyone felt like they were in the right, even though when you strip it out, you can't really find it. Everyone just wanted to win, but there was no winning."
• "I used to think there was meaning, that I'd picked the right side. But then the war went on, and I did more and more...terrible things."
• "Okay. That's what happens. I know people around me have done terrible things, and there's not much you can do about that. You can look at the way things can be made better, or choose to die on the hill and say you were justified, and fuck everyone else."
• Luca has chosen the secret third option: be sad about it forever.
• "It's why so many of my plays touch on the war."
• "It's important. You can show people the price of war. Make them less inclined to...start it up again."
• "I wish I could say I was so noble, and I guess the impact is there, but I write the things I write because my head is buzzing all the time, and putting it on the page is the only thing that quietens it down."
• Charlie comments that there are worse ways to cope. He's seen so many people cope in worse ways.
• "I just want you to know, Luca, that whatever you did...it's okay."
• She sharply inhales
• "The actions weren't okay, but it'll be okay. It won't happen again."
• Very quietly, she responds "yeah...it won't happen again."
• Charlie pulls her into a hug. She's really cold. She doesn't return the hug straight away, but eventually wraps her arms around him too.
• As he pulls away, she says "if it wasn't obvious, I fought for Cyre."
• Charlie didn't exactly know that, but he had assumed based on her previous questions.
• "I thought we were the good guys, we weren't."
• "That's okay. Breland weren't either. You made an error in judgement."
• "You said your uncle died?"
• "Yeah. Uncle Varian."
• "Fighting who?"
• "Darguun."
• Luca seems to let out the breath she was holding.
• "If it's okay with you Charlie, I don't think I want to talk about this anymore."
• "It's been a lot, I didn't want to upset you. If you need anything, you can always get a hold of me."
• "And if you're in danger. I'll know, even if I can't necessarily do anything about it."
• "I know. At least I know you're keeping an eye on things. It helps. Anyway, I need to go to Malleon's Gate, for some reason. I'm sure it'll be fine."
• "Be careful."
• "I'm always careful."
• She doesn't justify that with a response, just watches him leave.
• He then heads to Yashira's office in Underlook

Nerys' Case 2: Crimes

• Yashira heads down to Ban's work to ask if he wants to come if they delay a bit. When is he off work?
• Ban's a bit swamped, but he could probably come in about 3-4 hours?
• Oh yeah that's fine. Yashira tells him to meet them at her office when he can. She'll explain everything there.
• Excellent
• He's mentally preparing snacks for them all
• Yashira goes back to her apartment and tries to prepare enough seating for everyone. She goes to get some pillows to sit on the floor, as her couch isn't big enough.
• They wait around until everyone is gathered, and then Yashira explains. She wasn't going to spend the money on more sendings.
• "It's nothing too serious, I'm sure Nerys will explain whatever they want to, but we're going down to Malleon's Gate to investigate a lead we've been pursuing for a few months. Nerys, would you like to explain the circumstances?"
• "Hello everyone, my name is Nerys Soranath. I asked Yashira when we first met if she could help me. You know that I'm originally from the Mror Holds, and I had a very good friend who went missing a few years ago, and he was presumed dead. For a long time. When I came to Sharn, I kind of heard rumours, and it's weird to explain, but it made me think he wasn't dead. You know like in stories, where you think someone is dead, and they show up as a plot twist? Yashira was looking into leads, and she found them, but it was a different dwarf. And now there's another different dwarf, and he was sighted in Malleon's Gate, but that's a dangerous evil place and he might be entangled with Daask. We want to go check it out, and I thought there'd be safety in numbers. We don't want to do any trouble, just looking around. He looks like this-"
• and Nerys shows them all a drawing of Razgon.
• Tamara actually draws on the VTT! It's a really good sketch
• Yashira has no multicoloured pens though, so it's all one colour. She explains he has heterochromia too, green and red.
• Nerys also adds that he has a scar
• Damien asks how long it's been since he went missing?
• It's been years, but we're not sure how many at this stage.
• Yashira explains the plan, try and find him or someone who looks like him. See where the lead takes them. Hopefully it'll be that simple, but she doesn't think it will be.
• "None of you have to join us, but it feels only right to open this up to all of you. I have a tendency to do things on my own, and after our dinner the night I feel like I should offer it. You're more than welcome to leave us to it if you don't want to."
• Nerys clarifies it's not a paying job
• Damien says "oh, it's not paid?" and Yashira tells him to shut up.
• He clarifies he's here because Malleon's Gate is dangerous. Yashira agrees, she's been there. "I was apprehensive to take Nerys there, alone. I don't want to put any of you in a tricky circumstance. I'm not the strongest, I'm not Chantalyn Sarhain, I lack Ban's strength, but I've got wits. Don't feel like you have to come, and I don't want you to come as begrudging bodyguards. Come because you want to come."
• Ruckus says he doesn't think they need protection, it's just something to do, innit?
• Ruckus is in
• Charlie is in
• Damien is in. "It's not a lack of belief in anyone's capabilities, I'd just be more comfortable if I was there." He buttons up his shirt, though.
• Probably wise.
• "If it helps, they already I'm a Medani. There's already going to be a level of flak."
• Ban is in, of course.
• That's everybody!
• Yashira tells them to leave any belongings they don't want getting stolen here. She has a safe! (that is currently full of bells)
• "Last time I had a run in with someone from Malleon's Gate, my coinpurse was stolen"
• Yashira also advises that if it seems like a fight, she'd advise they try and leave. They can't take Daask. "I don't think they'll be too bothered about roughing us up if they have to. We're not trying to rock any boats, just get some information and leave."
• Nerys says there also might be nothing, there's no confirmation that Raz is even...not dead.
• Yashira puts a hand on Nerys' shoulder and says "I'm sure if there's rumours, there's something to follow. Even if it's just another clue, don't give up hope."
• Ban asks if the safe can fit his frying pan?
• "No, but my kitchen is rather bare and it looks like an ordinary frying pan. Just hang it up, I can't see anyone wanting to steal that."
• Yashira suddenly starts. "Oh! I have to warn you all, the children down there are evil!"
• "What?"
• Yashira says that if a child comes up to them and gives them sweet innocent eyes and says something like "oh please sir, I don't have enough money for food", DON'T FALL FOR IT
• Don't trust any children!
• "But what if they're telling the truth?"
• "Even if they are, there's a second child behind you stealing your stuff!"
• Nerys asks why she has a vendetta against children?
• "A child stole my coinpurse! Don't fall for their tricks! They're rough and tumble, survivors, they have a very sharp wit and tricks up their sleeves. Be mindful."
• Yashira asks if anyone needs to do anything before they head out?
• Damien stores his money, and a pendant that looks like a porcelain horseshoe painted with poppies.
• Charlie puts Warren, the rat skeleton, in a nook somewhere. He's worried someone will steal his dead rat.
• It is in a nice box
• Ruckus is concerned about his exoskeleton, but that's a bit hard to pickpocket, and Ruckus has ties with Daask anyway.
• Nerys also stores their signet ring in the safe
• Yashira also puts a healing potion on the kitchen counter. She keeps her pocket watch on her, she's usually got her hand on it. "These criminal children are gonna have to bunk biscuit me if they want my pocket watch."

Down into Malleon's Gate

• They head down into Malleon's Gate
• Nerys puts their hood up, so they don't get recognised. Who is going to recognise them? Their poms poms make it look like Mickey from Kingdom Hearts
• Yashira says that Daask aren't going to be the most forthcoming, but she'll find a way. She'll claim she owes someone a favour or something.
• "I rustled some feathers back in the day, I can say I'm making good on that. I think it'll be easy enough to get in if we blag enough, it's just how much we're going to be watched. We can be bare faced if you want, Nerys, it's up to you how transparent we are."
• "Maybe let us start with being more cautious, but if we get in a bind, I don't want us in trouble. We can put our cards on the table. It's most important that everyone is safe."
• Yashira and Ruckus have been to one Daask hideout here, so that's probably a good place to start. She also doesn't really know her way around Malleon's Gate, and this is more familiar.
• They haven't mentioned to the others about Ruckus' relationship with Daask. Yashira says she's been down here for a job or two in the past.
• They head to the hideout. Yashira has a great memory, and gets them there no problem, even though Rhazala obfuscated the route.
• Yashira knocks on the door, and waits for a response. Yadha-Ro answers the door. "You again."
• "Hi, nice to see you again. Listen, I was wondering. I think I'm ready to extend an olive branch for my poor etiquette all those months ago, in the Cogs. I was wondering if you would like me to do you a small favour, in exchange for a favour of my own."
• "Just you?" as they gesture at the rest of the group
• "We were hoping to have a bit of a look around, we're looking for someone."
• "Looking for who?"
• "That's a personal question. Are you interested? Favour for a favour, or no?"
• "Maybe, but not deal with me. Deal with Kasslak."
• "Do we get a guide?"
• Rhazala pokes her head around.
• "Hi Rhazala"
• "Hi Mr Ruckus! Hi Yashira! Hi Mr Ruckus' roommate!"
• "Are you wanting to show us the way?"
• "It's not far. You can say you just wanted to see me again"
• "You're right, I did miss you. It's nice to see you again."
• Psychological warfare
• Yashira smiles and turns to the others. "Shall we go? I'll explain in a moment, Charlie"
• He should hope so
• Rhazala takes Yashira's hand once they enter the hideout. She gives it a squeeze. One less hand that can pilfer from her.
• Rhazala leads them again through the hideout, and questions them incessantly. "How long have you been roommates?"
• "A...few days? How do you know we're roommates?"
• "Oh I came to see Mr Ruckus and Yashira yesterday"
• Okay...
• Nerys asks if they want to talk about that now or later?
• They all say later
• "Oops" says Rhazala
• Yashira says "don't worry Rhazala, you've done nothing wrong"
• "I know"
• She comments that Ban smells good, does he work in a kitchen?
• He offers her a cookie, and her pupils dilate. "Real ones?"
• "Yeah! with chocolate chips and everything!"
• Nerys has some sandwiches too
• "What's the catch?"
• "Nothing! I brought plenty" as he hands her a cookie
• That's both hands occupied.
• She continues to talk with her mouth full as she asks Damien if he always looks like that?
• Yashira instinctively puts her hand on Damien's back
• "I'm a little sparse in the coat department at the moment, but it's not unusual for me to be..." and he waits for her to clarify what she meant
• She doesn't
• "I've seen you before, but you were louder?" she says to Nerys
• "Yeah! I usually have little bells in my beard"
• "Did the others put them on you so they don't lose you?"
• "No I had them before, but my mother used to use them to not lose when I was really small."
• "When was that? I'm 6 by the way"
• Nerys says how old they are, we're not sure
• "Woah that's crazy"
• Nerys asks when Rhazala's birthday is? "Oh I have no idea"
• "But it was 6 years ago?"
• "Yeah but I don't know what day. I just increase the number when it's Long Shadows"
• "Oh"
• "Yeah Kasslak says it's because the shadows are longer and the six are closer to the world."
• "Oh, cos you're going to be as tall as the shadows?"
• "No he's comparing me to demons, I think"
• How nice
• "Well maybe he's stupid"
• "Don't say that too loud"
• "You can't be a demon, you like dinosaur shaped cookies"
• "I do! These are amazing, where do you live?"
• Ban tells her exactly where he lives, despite Books in the chat screaming not to answer that question
• Well done, everyone
• Yashira is going through it right now
• Ban can't lie to children
• Yashira says he can, it's morally permissable!
• Don't trust the children, literally like half an hour ago, and now Ban's giving away his full address
• "It'll be fine, she seems like a sweet child"
• Rhazala stops. "Hey Ban, is there milk in the chocolate?"
• "Just a little bit. I usually use dark chocolate, but it has a little bit. Are you allergic?"
• "No, but goblins can't have milk. I'm getting a tummy ache"
• Oh no
• Nerys starts asking everyone for a healing potion. Yashira is shaking her head, they're eating it right up
• Rhazala shrugs. Ban is skeptical at the speed this tummy is aching
• Nerys says that if it gets worse, Damien can carry her
• Yashira asks what happens if the tummy ache gets worse? Will she have to leave them?
• "No, I don't want to leave you. I could die though, but probably not"
• Mhmm
• Yashira tells her to keep walking, get em to their destination.
• "Oh we've been standing outside the door for a while. It's this door"
• "Are you going to give us all the same advice you gave me last time?"
• "Oh I'm sure you've already told them all, you seem like you trust each other implicitly. I think Charlie should knock."
• lmao
• Yashira tells them not to look directly at the person. Okay...
• She twirls her hair and hisses a little bit
• Got it
• Charlie knocks, and a voice says "come in"
• Nerys panickedly asks the name of this person? Since they're supposed to have had contact before?
• "Oh, Kasslak. Seriously, don't look at them"
• He didn't have to aura farm this time, he's just sat at the desk, looking down as they enter.
• "To whom do I owe the pleasure?"
• They all enter the room, eyes cast down. Yashira waits a little bit before answering, wanting to give Charlie a chance to speak.
• She has a lot of explaining to do.
• She speaks up, "Hi, Kasslak. It's Yashira, I was wondering if we could have a word with you, just about some business we might have here. We were hoping we could talk to you about a person of interest."
• He looks up. "Does this involve Ruckus, or personal business of yours?"
• Personal
• "Okay, who are you looking for?"
• Yashira gestures to Nerys to provide the sketch. Nerys slides it over.
• "A dwarf by the name of Raz. He has a rather distinctive feature, yellow and green heterochromia. We've heard rumours that he may be associated with Daask, but they're just rumours. We were hoping-"
• "And why are you looking for this person?"
• Nerys answers. "We are working for someone that knows him, and has been looking for him, but not in an enemy sort of way, but like a friend sort of way."
• Yashira also clarifies. "I was hired by this person, and these others are just my adventuring guild. I can't go into the details"
• Somehow, Kasslak finds this endearing. 
• "I am not familiar with this person, but I don't manage Daask's affairs in the wider society, just Malleon's Gate. Given Ruckus' involvement, I am prepared to arrange a meeting with one of the higher ups."
• "Who would that be?"
• "I can't divulge identities. Are you familiar with Shamukaar, in Khyber's Gate?"
• Ruckus is, but the others only know Khyber's Gate by reputation.
• "I'm sure Ruckus can find it. Do not start a fight, it's neutral ground."
• Nerys starts to thank him for the help and leave, and Kasslak says "hold on. Are you going to be in Sharn for the next few days?"
• "That depends on why you're asking?"
• "You can't just go to Shamukaar now. They need to be expecting you. I can send Rhazala to find you when they're ready."
• Yashira asks for some kind of estimate on time? Nerys asks what the neutral ground is with?
• "Shamukaar is neutral ground for everybody. I can't imagine it being longer than two or three days."
• "Well, we're being sent out soon. It may be taking us out of the city, we'll have to speak to our handler. I don't want to come across as rude or like we're prioritising other things, we can possibly delay our mission with our handler. Would this individual take offense to us delaying our meeting?"
• Kasslak taps his fingers on his desk. "Depending on who wishes to speak with you, they very well may take offense."
• Yashira says they'll need to speak to their handler, then.
• Yashira thanks them for the help, and Kasslak says he's sure they'll have something for Ruckus to do soon. Nerys asks if they can leave now? "You can leave"
• "okay bye!"
• Rhazala is playing with a knife as they exit, and quickly puts it back into her shirt.
• Nerys says she needs to be careful, she might cut herself.
• "Cut myself with what?"
• "You were playing with a knife"
• "I don't have a knife."
• "Not now, but you-"
• "Are you okay? Was that a stressful meeting?"
• "It was really hard to read when he was expecting us to leave"
• "I never have any trouble with Kasslak"
• "Maybe you're just way smarter than me"
• "Probably."
• Yashira interjects. "Rhazala, apparently you're going to be in contact with us in a few days to tell us who we're meeting?"
• "Oh are you meeting someone? I'm going to need to know where you're going to be for the next few days"
• Mhmm
• Nerys says they'll be at their apartment or Yashira's. Yashira is not going to divulge the location of her apartment.
• "How am I going to find you?"
• "I'll send you a message"
• "How? I don't have an address"
• "I'll use magic"
• "You can do that?"
• "Yes. It will be weird, you'll hear my voice in your head, and you'll be able to reply with 25 words or less."
• "I can't count that high!"
• "Just start with the most important parts"
• "but everything is important!"
• Oh gods
• Nerys says they'll just give their address and everyone jumps down their throat. Damien says "just do it here!" and gives the address to a PO Box.
• Yashira says "look, Rhazala, I will message you in a few days time."
• Ban asks if she needs a healing potion. "No I think I'm going to live."
• Next time he'll make sure there's no milk. She goes wide eyed. "You'd do that for someone you just met? For free?"
• Yashira says that the milk is the best tasting part, is she sure?
• She locks eyes and in the most petulant, frustrated child voice goes "why would you say that!?"
• Ban also asks this
• Nerys asks if it's specific milk or one animal?
• "I don't know!"
• Nerys was going to offer a strawberry milkshake, but that also has milk
• Yashira tries to leave. "Rhazala, it's been wonderful but we really should make a move I think."
• "Okay, where are you going?"
• "Probably just back the way we came. We haven't got any plans, we might be busy the next few days. The sooner you get that meeting, the sooner we'll see you again"
• "Oh I don't think I can hurry these people along"
• "Oh I'm sure you can, just give them those big puppy dog eyes like you did with Ban."
• "You think I gave Ban big puppy eye dogs?"
• "Yeah and you did it really well."
• Yashira hurries them all out of the door, and says "see you soon Rhazala"
• Rhazala waves them off and tells Nerys to bring bells next time
• "Okay!"
• "No."
• Ruckus tells them all to check their pockets
• Damien's pocket knife is missing
• Nerys rolls two 1's but has nothing worth stealing. She stole their heart.
• Ban's cookie pouch is lighter than it should be
• Charlie isn't missing anything
• Yashira's coin pouch is back...and it's still full of money. Maybe not the same coins.
• and Damien has a little wooden carving of a horse?? He didn't have that before?
• "Oh this is quite nice"
• Yashira yells at them, "stop falling for it! She's evil!"
• She should just give the goblin child her address
• They have a really awkward elevator ride back up. Charlie asks if anyone wants to explain how they knew him?
• Nerys also says "can we talk about the whole you and Ruckus being here yesterday?"
• Yashira looks at Ruckus, waiting for his response before answering those questions. She is prepared to lie to the team for Ruckus.
• Ruckus has a blank expression. Give us nothing, King
• "it's complicated. When I said I had a job or two down here, I didn't divulge the timescale. I foolishly didn't think this would get brought up."
• "Yeah how could it not? We went to the area where they recognise us" says Ruckus
• "Yeah I didn't expect we'd have to talk to them...anyway. I'm sorry that I wasn't more forthcoming, if I'm being honest, the circumstances that lead me down there weren't my place to divulge anything. Like how I didn't divulge the details of Nerys' case, I wanted you to do it. I don't divulge the details of my clients, I treat yesterday like that, it's not my place to say what went on down there. They do know me, and I know a fair number of them, but I can't divulge the reasons unless my client wants to divulge that themselves. I'm sorry, I have to be vague."
• "Didn't you think that would come to light with all of us down here?" says Nerys
• "I did it because you wanted us all to be there. I thought it was only right you be given the option to bring who you wanted."
• "No but you could've given us a quick 'hey I know some of those guys so don't be surprised if I get recognised'"
• Yashira agrees, that's true. She apologises.
• "it just feels a little silly, was there any way we'd be down here and it not come up that you know them?" continues Nerys
• "No, I suppose not. Like I said, I rather foolishly thought us doing our personal investigation would be more my speed. When I do my work I tend to personally investigate areas, look at scenes, talk to run of the mill people. Not usually the heads of organisations. I suppose I just expected us to get there and talk to the average person, someone who wouldn't recognise us."
• "Last question, how did she know that Charlie is Ruckus' roommate?"
• Ruckus answers. "To tell the truth, we're not actually sure on that one. Yesterday, Yashira came round wanting help with something and then that goblin child showed up at the door."
• Damien says "how is it that dangerous criminals know where Charlie and Ruckus live?"
• They can't answer that one, they don't know. Yashira says they seem to be keeping tabs.
• At the very least, they're keeping tabs on Ruckus
• Nerys asks if Charlie knew that? "Oh, did I know that my home is being scoped out by dangerous criminals? No, I didn't know that"
• Guys it's fine, she's chill
• Nerys asks if Charlie wants to sleep somewhere else for a bit? "It wouldn't make a lot of sense. Maybe if Damien wanted to sleep over to make sure we were okay..."
• Ruckus apologises, if he hadn't moved in, they wouldn't know where Charlie lives.
• Damien then asks "oh that's another question, what exactly did they ask you to do, Ruckus?"
• Ruckus explains he's working for them on a contract basis, with the right to decline any jobs he doesn't want to do. So far, all he's done is recharge their healing wands.
• Yashira confirms, she was there
• Nerys is starstruck, is Ruckus famous?? They knew to look for him specifically?
• Apparently
• Damien says to be careful not to get taken advantage of.
• "I'll try not to let it get too out of hand"
• Nerys also says to make sure it's not going to effect Charlie. Damien doesn't like that Daask know where he lives and can just find him.
• They're throwing around the word "criminals" awfully casually for people who all broke into an art gallery a few days ago
• Nerys asks what he's going to do if they ask him to do something he doesn't want to? He says he'll just say no
• "So you can just get out whenever you want?"
• Hmm
• "I'm not sure on that, they know where I live..."
• Yashira interjects. "Look, for better or worse, we're going to be meeting a higher up within Daask in a few days time. We can decide whether to keep them at arms length once we know more. We can try and find ways around with Charlie and the circumstances surrounding it. Alarms or something, to give you a heads up if something bad comes your way."
• Nerys asks if Charlie is okay. "Yeah, just thinking about...stuff"
• "If it's any consolation, you're strong Charlie. I doubt you have too much to fear straight away" - Ruckus
• "Don't say straight away. Look, we don't know how they found Ruckus, they'd clearly been tracking him, and they just happened to get him after he'd moved in with you. I'm sorry it's happened, but I don't know what we can do about it other than moving you, or trying to secure the apartment." - Yashira
• Yeah, they could do that. "I just want to be clear that everything is okay, but I would like a heads up, so I don't find out like that if there's stuff happening. I would appreciate that in the future."
• Yashira apologises, but Charlie looks at Ruckus. "It's more you. But I forgive you."
• They briefly discuss whether they try and delay their next job with Lhara? Maybe it's gonna be close by?

What's the next mission?

• They head up to Clifftop to speak to Lhara and find out what's their next mission?
• Lhara starts when she sees them, did they get the letters already?
• "No, we're just very punctual. Today." - Ruckus
• "The next job is a bit of a doozy"
• Yashira goes "oh" and Lhara goes "that's not a fun reaction"
• Yashira switches up, "oh I'm so glad it's going to be a doozy!"
• The rest of them do not like this. "Ruckus and I will provide the whimsy, this isn't you Yashira" - Damien
• Lhara explains, she doesn't know what the artifact is but it's in the Shadow Marches and it's called the Spiral Well.
• Shadow Marches is very far away
• Yashira asks if they can delay leaving? In say three or four days?
• Lhara isn't aware of any issues with that.
• Yashira asks for more details, but Lhara says that Nigel is being cagey about this one. He hasn't told her anything, really. If they go speak to him, they can ask him these questions.
• They'll go speak to Nigel next time.