(Cowritten with Mason, and input from the DMs)
Morning at the Celano House was the usual small chaos of different inhabitants moving around and chattering with each other. Mari eventually separated herself from the din and headed to the front hall. “Frederick, are you ready?”, She called
Having posted up by the front door to avoid the morning disarray, Fred turned his head as Mari approached, an expectant look on his face. “Yeah, just a moment and I’ll be set”, he replied as he covered his pointed ears with a pair of earmuffs followed by a newsie cap, slipping on a pair of wool gloves shortly after. “It’s gotten cold these past few days, better bundle up.”
The young warlock nodded before grabbing her navy cloak, Orion immediately fluttering over to wrap across her shoulders as she put it on. “We should be back before Sundown” She called to the house before opening the door to a lightly snow coated Evershoal. Mari skipped down the stairs impulsively, making boot prints for a moment in the fresh powder before realizing she was with company and instantly straightening with a small smile.
“Ah, don’t hold back on account of me”, Fred said while giving Mari a faint smile in return, “Evershoal only gets a few weeks of snow a year, gotta enjoy it while ya can.”
“There will be plenty of time to enjoy it when we get home, I’ve already promised Orion to toss a couple of snowballs to fetch. We need to make sure Thorpe and Daleo are safe”, Mari said, smiling but a bit more determined as she spoke. She waved Fred to follow as they headed down the street.
Keeping a steady pace alongside her, Fred mulled over Mari’s words as they walked. Keeping his eyes forward, he said “You know, you’ve got an incredible amount of resolve for someone so young”, allowing himself a brief laugh. “I apologize, I don’t mean that in a rude way. It’s just that when I was your age, I was…so foolhardy, unfocused. All that I thought about was escapin’ home and going to the big city, not that anything good ever really came of it”, he said, letting the words hang in the cold morning air.
Mari only tilted her head and thought, “I don’t know if I’m not foolhardy, I’ll admit, I’m still really bad at thinking tactically, but I’ve been away from home for so long…”, trailing off as she looked up towards the gray skies overhead. “I miss it but I can’t go back to it because it’s not the same, you know?”
The pair continued their trek through the docks, the smell of spiced mulled wine and warm, sugary treats filling the air as they passed various stalls selling wintertime delights. More than once Fred had to duck out of the way to avoid becoming the victim of a stray snowball as the local children made the most of the year’s first snowfall. Eventually, they found themselves standing before the crown resort of Evershoal and site of a recent hostage situation, the Majesty.
It was a minor “to do”, to enter the grand halls of the resort and explain to a very not impressed Butler that they were here to see Daleo and their new guest. After some minor browbeating, and a rather long peresual of an approved guest list, they were finally led to Tidal Loft. The name alone spoke to the grandeur of the area.
It was there they found the tall, elegant Daleo Cardel looking towards Thorpe with a cat-like grin as they pushed more food to the terrified halfling that seemed to be bundled in an incredibly fluffy towel.
“Well you need to eat something, I insist. Particularly if you’re not going to spill any go- Mari!” The socialite immediately picked up their head and smiled warmly towards Mari while regarding Fred with minor bemusement. “Oh, and you also brought company. Excellent, come in, please, join us and Mr. Goodbarrel for tea. Perhaps you can convince him to eat his fill”
Mari smiled back and waved before nodding to Fred to follow. Thorpe seemed nervous as more people arrived, and confused. With a small feast before him of several different appetizers, he watched as Mari seemed to move with clockwork precision as she poured the tea before sitting. “I’m so glad you’re both still safe”, Mari said brightly, “Particularly you, Thorpe. Fred and I were very worried”
Were it not for the severity of the circumstances surrounding the situation, Fred would’ve been amused by the juxtaposition of the pair. Seeing that Thorpe was still very much on edge, however, Fred took a seat next to Mari and said, “Very worried indeed. I’ll spare you the full details for now, but it seems that Meles went rabid after he found the letter I sent you. Thankfully for everyone, and especially thanks to your help, Thorpe, he’s in our custody now. It’s sad that we had to lose some people in the process, though.”
Shrinking back at the mention of Meles, Thorpe fidgeted with the teacup Mari had placed before him. “So you’re saying he…he’s still alive?”, he said, followed by a nervous sip of his tea. “I…I don’t know if that’s a good idea, guys. What if he escapes? I know for sure that he’ll come after me first. Mel never forgets a grudge.”
Doing his best to ease the halfling’s concern, Fred replied, “Trust me, he’s not gonna get away. We’re keeping him somewhere discreet and under constant supervision. You did the right thing, and we’re gonna keep you safe.” Letting the words hang in the air, Fred redoubled his gaze on Thorpe as he continued, saying, “The only thing that’s holding us up on putting him in front of a judge, though, is finding someone credible who can testify to his crimes. I’d go myself, but we both know my being here in Evershoal is…illegal, and I’d prefer to stay a free man.”
Daleo seemed to perk up at the words “illegal” with almost too much enthusiasm, but held their tongue as Mari paused, looking towards Thorpe. “We’re also interested in making sure you have a safe place to start over as well. It is at least not in my best interest to have you take a risk and not have a place to heal, Thorpe”
“Oh right, weren’t you bleeding when you arrived, Mr. Goodbarrel?” Daleo said, and Thorpe seemingly paled again as Mari’s gaze came upon him. “I was able to convince him to wash up at least. I’d say it was far more exciting than anything I’ve experienced, but after the hostage situation last week, I’d say I’m becoming an old hat”
Mari outstretched a hand to Thope, hoping her intentions truly read as gentle and warm. Thorpe seemed incredibly hesitant, but took it. Mari placed her other on top and focused, a warm glow spreading out from her core, and passing over to the wounded halfling. Thorpe seemed genuinely shocked and almost pushed away, but when the glow subsided he checked his sleeve, looking for a red, angry cut, but only finding a small white scar.
“There we go, better?”, she asked.
Thorpe only nodded in stunned amazement as Daleo watched the spectacle with an unreadable expression.
“I don’t know if myself or Fred here would be fair or impartial, but Meles does need to pay for his crimes. I understand this is incredibly frightening, but your words and documentation would be able to convince the authorities, and I can promise you that I will personally consider myself responsible for your well being during that” Mari said with her eyes bright and focused before looking to Fred.
Following up on Mari’s earnesty, Fred nodded his head in agreement. “The important thing here is to keep you safe, and the best way to achieve that is putting Meles behind bars”, he said, reaching into his coat. Producing a series of documents consisting of forged ledger pages, unlawful bills of sale, and incriminating letters, he laid them down in front of Thorpe. “While there was a lot of evidence to dig through, I’ve pieced together as much of it as I can to weave a pretty damning story, and we just need you to pull the trigger. I’ve made sure nothing incriminates you in the process, though, as promised.”
Taking a few minutes to look through the evidence in front of him, a new energy seemed to come over Thorpe. As the nervousness left him, his eyes gleamed with a hint of confidence for perhaps the first time in years. Meles had made his life a living hell, forcing him to tread on his own ideals time and time again. Now, however, sitting right in front of him was the key to ending that nightmare.
“I…I’ll do it”, Thorpe said with a sigh. Slowly looking between Mari, Fred, and finally the documents, his features settled into a self-assured expression. “I’ve gotta make up for helping Mel get away with such horrible things for so long. I worked hard to join the Slatebearers and make Evershoal a better place, and he ruined that for me. I’m not gonna let him get away with that any longer.”
As these words left the halfling’s mouth, a feeling of relief washed over Fred. “This means more to me than you know, Thorpe. If you’d said no, I would’ve been in a real rough spot.” Allowing himself a brief moment of joy, he carried on, saying, “And just like Mari said, both during and after all of this, I’ll make sure you stay safe. It’s the least I can do.”
“Speaking of which, I haven’t properly introduced myself”, Fred said, turning to Daleo. “The name’s…Frederick Krakuul”, hesitating a moment before sharing his name with a stranger. However, if Daleo was a friend of Mari, then they could be trusted. “I appreciate you letting Thorpe impose upon the Majesty on such short notice. We’ll take him off your hands, though, since I assume you have more important things to attend to.”
Daleo gave a bored wave of their hand though mere moments ago had been watching the entire conversation with rapt attention. “Please, any excuse for a little excitement around here is fine by me. Besides, after your group was able to prevent a massacre, I think sheltering an endangered witness is the least we can do” Daleo said , playing cool the entire scenario of the past weeks.
“Still, I know there’s only so much goodwill, and I think the sooner we get Thorpe a safe place to recover the better. Besides…I’d hate it if you ended up being a target as well” Mari said, showing genuine concern. Daleo dropped the mask for only a moment, eyes softening.
“I’ve managed so far, but I’m honestly more concerned about you Mari, being in the thick of things. Although you seem to keep taking care of yourself and others” Daleo said with a small smile.
Mari glanced back to Thorpe and Fred. “We should escort Thorpe to a safe place until the trial and then get the others to contact the officials and meet us at the warehouse to turn Meles over. How does that sound?” Mari offered, to which Fred nodded his head in agreement.
Exiting the Majesty with Thorpe at their side, Mari and Fred discretely escorted their charge to the Underhang. Weighing their options of where to hide him away, the two decided upon the Dour Dram. The establishment had been closed for the time being due to Linthel’s recent injuries which, along with its proximity to the Celaeno House, made it an ideal location for their halfling friend to lay low.
Showing Thorpe to one of the back rooms, they left him to make himself comfortable and returned to the foyer of the inn. Settling into a seat at the bar, Fred looked towards Mari and said “Would you mind pouring me a drink? It’s been a stressful couple of days” and before Mari could reply, added “Also, would ya mind if I bend your ear for a moment or two? I’ve got somethin’ that’s been weighing on my mind since we stopped Meles.”
Mari nodded, looking through the available options before pouring a glass and putting across from Fred, after which she puttered around the bar in general. “Of course, all ears” She said brightly,
Fred played with the glass in front of him for a moment, running his finger around the rim. “It’s about what happened with Maxwell. I know things were tense in the heat of the moment, and I’m more than willin’ to take responsibility for it, but I’m just unsure if it was the right thing” he said, pausing to take a drink. “I freed him ‘cause I just didn’t want anyone else dyin’ that night, but I’ve heard the stories of what he did in Quillpond. Do you think someone like that can be set right?”, he said as his brow furrowed.
Mari thought for a moment, pausing before drumming her small fingers across the bartop. “He was unarmed, and suffering. While I do not care for Maxwell, it would have been needlessly cruel to just let him suffer, and would bring us to his level”, Mari said, attempting an even tone. “I don’t know, I hope…I really hope he can turn around. But we’re not the one who he needs to change for, not really. Yes, Quillpond suffered some, but overall it was material. The Wardens lost lives, and almost their guardian too. Maxwell needs to atone for the pain caused. I recognize I can be a bit too soft, though…”, she said, giving a slight smile that did not reach her eyes.
Fred nodded along, and after Mari trailed off he let out a half-hearted chuckle. “Yeah, I think I’m probably being too soft on him too. I do agree, though. Any reconciliation for what he, and Minerva as well, have done has to be recognized in the eyes of the Wardens.” He gave Mari an earnest look and continued, “I’ll lay my full thoughts out on the table. I know it’s cheesy, but I was given my fair share of second chances, so I want to pay that forward. I was thinkin’ that with the twins being cut off from their father, and with Max’s new condition, they might be more open to a nudge in the right direction. If, and I know this is a huge if, they make some progress, show some real remorse, maybe the Wardens would be willing to help Max learn to accept himself.”
“Maybe! I should write to Forge, and Ivis, and see what they think or if we can get in contact. Meles is our priority right now”, Mari said as her thoughts began spooling again. “Hey Fred…weird question, but have you ever given someone one of your aliases and then had to tell your real name?”
Caught off guard by the inquiry, Fred looked up at the ceiling for a moment as he wracked his memory. “It’s definitely been a while, but yeah, I have. There was a case back in the day where I needed the full cooperation of a certain bookie who’s no longer with us, and at that point he’d known me for a few years as Rott Melby, a fishmonger who was bad at cards” Fred said, as a gleam of nostalgia formed in his eyes.
Continuing the story, he said, “Well, given the urgency of the circumstance, I…had to come clean with him. It was definitely awkward, and I was terrified he’d gut me, but as people but he surprised me, helped me out. After the fact we laughed about how I’d pulled one over on him, and the fact that I actually am just bad at cards. But sorry, I’m ramblin’ now. Why’d’ya ask?”
Mari listened, curious, but fidgeting slightly in place with more nerves than the normal excitable energy she usually exuded. “...Remember when we were at that ball? You asked me if I was a good liar…” She trailed again, pausing in her thoughts forcing a smile. “I’m a great liar. It’s one of the things I hate about myself. I’ve never lied to hurt anyone, or to put anyone else in danger…that’s mostly why I lie. I lie because I’ve been afraid if the wrong person knew or said something…well we’ve seen what happened to those associated with the Celano House. I hope to the gods it would be focused on me if anyone found out but…”
Mari paused, her smile faltering, her own mask shattering, showing for a moment the truth: a scared young woman who had been holding too much for too long. “I should tell the rest of the house, not just you. But a little truth…just for you, for practice? My last name isn’t really Grimm. Though, don’t tell my boss…I think that’s the only reason he hired me” Mari said with a weak laugh before rubbing her eyes.
Fred watched and listened intently as Mari spoke. Though initially surprised, his expression gradually softened into one of warm understanding and reassurance. “Mari, I…thank you for sharing this with me…I can only imagine the courage it took.” Pausing to organize his thoughts, he continued, “You’re right to want to protect those around you, but that weight doesn’t need to be borne alone.”
Standing from his stool, Fred moved to offer Mari a hug. “I don’t know your past, and I would never pry…but know you’re surrounded by some very capable and caring people, any one of which’ll help you just like you’ve helped so many of them. I’m happy to help you practice as much as you need, though, until you’re ready to speak your truth”, he said with a smile. After a moment, he tacked on, “And I wouldn’t worry about that sourpuss. He’ll accept you no matter what, though you’ll have to suffer a few weeks of melodrama for keepin’ it from him for so long”, which he followed with a hearty laugh.
Mari didn’t know why she was surprised, she shouldn’t be, these were good people she worked along side who wanted to do good. She did return the hug with a genuine smile at the joke. “Well I suppose that’s only fair” she said as she finally pulled away “But we better get going…don’t want to keep the rest of the house waiting!”
With that, the odd pair left the Dour Dram. As they stepped into the cold evening air, they began making their way toward the docks, conviction in the hearts and justice as their guide.