The day has barely gotten underway and the market is still in the setup phase. Merchants are rolling their carts into place, setting up tables and arranging their goods. The place is abuzz with the typical chatter and gossip as merchants talk among themselves. There is a noticeable gap in the rows of merchandise, a gap that is peered at frequently as the whispers grow thicker.

3 Thrax Guards, Freja the long suffering, Rosalie arrive, following Coraline.

Admiral Merek has been sent to assist in investigation, and is here with Aneka and Meeka, as he looks around to see how people are doing. He looks to where the people are looking, and moves that way for the time being, his black cloak about him, hood up, fireweave scarf flitting in the wind.

The day has barely gotten underway and the market is still in the setup phase. Merchants are rolling their carts into place, setting up tables and arranging their goods. The place is abuzz with the typical chatter and gossip as merchants talk among themselves. There is a noticeable gap in the rows of merchandise, a gap that is peered at frequently as the whispers grow thicker. (Re: for newcomers)

Alessandro arrives arm in arm with Monique, and he's speaking to her in relatively quiet tones. "Now all that remains is to wait for the results," he says, starting them toward where the gap is as well. Apparently that is why they are here, since when they get close enough he starts to look at it, too. "Margret told me something of this when she got home the other night," he murmurs to Monique.


Leaning against the wall outside the Commons Clinic, having stopped by early doors to check on the state of the patients - and healers - within, Amantha has one boot propped against the wall and her arms folded comfortably low across her midsection. Emerald eyes calmly observe the general hubbub of the merchants and commoners milling about, occasionally drifting back to that noticeable gap. The more stalls that appear, the more obvious it becomes.. but for now, the redhead appears content to remain where she is. Perhaps she's on some sort of unofficial guard duty. Or maybe she's just enjoying the sunshine.

With nothing better to do today, the life of a champion, Caspian finds himself in the market of The Lowers. As he wanders about in an easy stroll, he passes the empty spot, he notices it and the whispers, and the man stops one of the whispering people, asking, "Hey, what's up with that empty spot? Everyone's checkin' it out."

Oriana Inverno and her still-wided-eyed guard - face it, he's mostly ornamental - move through the Commons. Her expression is grave as she scans the knot of folk and whisperings around the blank space. "Honestly, how are goods to move if folk are standing about gossiping like a bunch of old aunties?"

Like a crimson-bright flame, Monique arrives on the scene with the dapper, handsome Greenmarch Lord. "Did she? Fill me in? I'm afraid I don't know the particulars of the brawl. It all seems very mysterious..." she's saying to Alessandro as they arrive in the Commons.

Arriving practically on the heels of Alessandro and Monique are Rosalie and Coraline! Apparently they decided whatever the Greenmarches were up to, it was worth investigating! Rosalie looks to Coraline with a barely suppressed grin, stage-whispering, "This is my first -live- investigation! I'm so excited!!! Oh, I hope nobody was hurt, though..." Because of of course, when brawling in the Lowers, one always uses down pillows.

Cora already knew what had happened, or at least the aftermath of, and her eyes scan the area. Catching sight of Amantha she salutes, a silent everything good gesture follows, to Rosalie she says, "It is a little complicated, as far as what caused the brawl, they are still trying to figure it out, but those who did the brawling are ill, contained right now, but very very ill."

The woman who answers Caspian takes a moment to appreciate the Champion as one aught, looking delighted that the Grandmaster of the Champions is talking to *her*. "My oh my! Master Caspian Wild!" Yes, she says it loud enough to get attention and more and more of the locals are eyeballing Caspian with various degrees of amazement and avarice. "What was that you were asking, luv? Oh, the empty spot? That's Slick Rob's spot. Ain't no one taking it today. Not after what happened to Rob yesterday. Shame. It's prime. Like you." The woman practically coos, gaining more than a few scowls from her peers.

A rustle moves through the market at the arrival of a pack of nobility. A Princess, a former Prince, Monique -- well, there are more than a few winks cast towards the Minx. However, there is a sudden hush a few looks of suspicion cast towards the nobles. Not a lot, but some.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

Alessandro leans in to murmur something to Monique, perhaps the story of what happened, but mostly he stays in deference to where they are, and though there is a nod to those he knows -- Oriana, Coraline, and Rosalie in particular -- he stays mostly quiet to listen to the explanation that is given to Caspian.


There's a near imperceptible nod from Amantha in response, as she notes the arrival of Coraline. Though she does pointedly shift her eyes toward that empty spot amidst the stalls. Being of the Lowers herself, the Harrow doesn't warrant any looks askance from the commoners who mill about. And that seems to suit her just fine. She calmly observes the nobles who have apparently all decided today's the day to do their shopping in the finery of these surroundings. Won't the taverns be abuzz, this evening with a lot of 'you'll never guess who I saw's?

Merek seems to be taking the Inquisitor approach even thouh he is a Guard. In his cloak, he wishes not to be noted much, even if he does have his scarf on for protection. He then looks to some of the nobles, "We are in the Lowers, you should probably be... Less obvious, m'Lords, m'Ladies," he offers, then he notices Amantha, "Corps Officer Amantha, would you like to join my retinue in the investigation?" he asks, then he looks to the one who spoke of Rob, "What happened exactly, with Rob? To the detail?" he asks, as he moves to the Merchant area where he used to have his shop, "And please do be careful while here folk, we're not sure if it's," quietly, he offers a gesture that means 'spreading to others' where the borough-folk can't notice.

Yes, yes, it is Caspian Wild, and he gives a brilliant smile at those who turn their attention to him. He'd probably kiss your baby if you asked him! "And what happened to Slick Rob?" Asks Caspian back to the woman, tilting his head to her curiously. He looks to Merek, then to the pack of nobles that are here, a few of them he knows, and gives them a small wave.

Oriana's fixed glower lessens (slightly) at sight of Caspian, "Grandmaster Wild," she gestures at the blank area where goods were. Should be. Aren't. Oriana inclines her head to Coraline, "I'd heard as much. Strange that." She casts a look, her gaze falling over Lady Monique and Lord Alessandro, "Like bees to honey... Lady Monique. Lord Alessandro." She looks off east and north. At Merek's entrance her brow furrows again and her eyes widen, hands fluttering for a handkerchief to cover her nose and mouth. Whatever miasma exists beyond the Lower's usual 'perfume' she's not breathing it!

Eirene stands out. Black leather but with the shining white of a master physician over it. A loaded sword belt under the robes says she's more than just a doctor. Seeing the investigative party, Eirene strides her way over to Merek confidently. "So," she states. "Has there been any further symptoms seen?"

Merek motions to Amantha, who he asked to join him, then to Eirene, "Lady Malvici, our lead Nurse should know much better than me any specifics," he offers, with an incline of his head respectfully.

Monique doesn't know how to be less obvious. There isn't a modest bone in the Minx's body, and the way she preens might give Caspian a run for his silver. "Lady Inverno," she greets Oriana with a grin. "How are you? Have you come to lend your considerable talents to this investigation?" There's a wave to the others she recognizes, before her green eyes are taking a good look around, careful of pickpockets. Terrible thing, thieves.

Rosalie is busily whispering back and forth with Coraline, the pair keeping their heads together and largely seeming to ignore the goings on around them. When Eirene speaks, Rosalie glances her way and seems keen for the response. When it comes, she looks back to Coraline and continues whispering.


Shifting her gaze to Merek, Amantha quirks a slight smile. Well, there goes a brief respite basking in the sunshine. Pushing off from the wall with a soft exhale of exertion, the tall redhead sets to a wander in Merek's direction. Not exactly a beeline - she strolls with a deliberate lack of haste in the vicinity of the market stalls, returning a few nods or 'hullos' from those commoners who recognise her. By the time she reaches her fellow Guard, there are a few others nearby, who warrant a thoughtful look. Namely Eirene, who gets a respectful nod after a moment. "Further symptoms.." she echoes, as if mulling the words over. She's not. The drift of her eyes over the merchants nearby quietly hints at not particularly wishing to cause a panic. So she opts for, "..the chap who attacked Rob was afflicted with a fever, of sorts. That seems to be the reason for his ah.. 'temper'." Looking back between Merek and Eirene, with a fleeting glance toward Coraline should she wish to interject - is she listening? - the redhead continues. "He and his companion were gravely malnourished. Though that's not necessarily unusual, in and of itself."

Speaking softly to those nearby Cora shakes her head, "There is no evidence it is something that is transmitted through breathing. It appears for now that is through biting, however cautious is never a bad thing." She says firmly to not let anyone get too freaked. She nods at Amantha's words, "As Guardswoman Amantha says, fever."

There is a slow shift, a press of people that start to crowd around Caspian. The man has fans! The woman he's talking to, deftly elbows a man trying to edge her out of the way as he approaches and maintains her prime spot directly in front of Caspian. "Well, Grandmaster Wild, y'see, yesterday when the market was closing down, right, these thugs charged in and started throwing people around. One of them almost hit ME, I mean, *really*." She shakes her head and continues, "They caused a huge mess and Slick Rob, well I figure he was givin' it to the big guy's missus. That's Slick Rob all over. Anyways, these three or four big brutes of men they came over and just started wailing on folk." The more she talks the more other people start chiming in with corroborating or conflicting details. The chatty bunch seem to be converging on Caspian, while the more reserved types are in retreat, focusing on setting up their stalls.

Eirene's entrance is noted, but accepted with less suspicion than the others of rank. Oriana's handkerchief trick, while effective in reducing the general funk of the place earns her deepening dirty looks.

Oriana has rolled a critical success!
Oriana checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Merek nods at the report that Amantha gives, then he turns to someone in the crowd, smiling politely, though sadly, "I don't suppose anyone noticed anything common amongst the assaulters, besides being malnourished?" he asks, as he tilts his head to the side in thought. He tries to be amiable, and succeeds. For a Guard he is pretty kind to the folk here.

Eirene nods sharply to Amantha and Cora. "If it was by breath then there would probably be a bigger outbreak. If they were starved I t's possible they weren't eating due to the condition." Condition. That's a good word. "And fever... could have the blood boiling which might cause the violence with the humors imbalanced like that." Science! She spares an ear for Caspian's audience, noting a few details.

is use to being croweded, such is the life of a champion! He shakes a few hands of those who want it, and turns back to the woman who is talking to him. "Do you know anyone who might know these thugs?" He wonders back to Reigna, "And did anything seem odd about these thugs? Other then they were wailing on folks?" He wonders to the fellow commoner. He looks over to Merek, obviously the two are on the same wavelength!


Pulling her flask from a deep pocket of her oversized robe, Amantha takes a few mouthfuls of whatever the contents are.. though the lack of discernible aroma suggests, rather boringly, that it's only water. Overhearing the discussion nearby surrounding the Champion, the redhead nods and gestures that way with her drink. "..that could well be what set him off. Most scuffles are over women, or coin." There's another nod of calm agreement following Eirene's words, too. For the most part, the Iron Mercy seems content to let the finer folks go about their investigations in their own way and keeps her peace unless there's a question directed her way.

"Biting? How dreadful." Oriana looks steadfastly around the gathering, though perhaps notably not at Caspian. "Are you quite certain it's not-" she waves a hand in the air. With some trepidation, she lowers the cloth and sniffs. See? She's not afraid. Brow creased, "If they were starving and sick, perhaps it was something they ate?"

"Oh, they were huge, all of 'em. There were how many?" The woman turns to the others, and there are a chorus of voices that answer back, "Four!" "Three!" "Seven!" "There had to be a dozen!" The woman frowns at the different numbers and shrugs, "There was a passel of them. Uh. THey were pretty... ripe. Looked like they hadn't met Mangata in a while, if you ken."

The man Merek stops, peers up at the guardsmen for a moment, looking around before he answers, "Ain't nothing common 'bout that lot, cept their stink."

Merek checked intellect + medicine at difficulty 30, rolling 5 higher.

Cora waves off her guards to go far off then looks around and finds someone who is not being as loud and quietly moves over to ask with a kind smile, someone she recognizes from visits to the clinic, someone who won't be terribly intemidated by her for familiarity of nothing else and quietly asks, "Did you notice where these men came from by chance?" She will begin helping them set up.

Eirene nods to Oriana and points her finger. "Could be. Starving men eat weird shit-spoiled meats or moldy bread. But aren't there soup kitchens and shit out here for just that? Starving could be a cause or a symptom, unfortunately."

Alessandro checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

"Stink of what?" Is what Merek asks, as he shifts his cloak a bit, and ponders a moment. He lifts a hand to the stall and places a hand on it, thinking to himself a moment, "Aggression isn't common with fever. There've been past cases of such, but it's not at all common, I'd venture to even doubt it is ever to this extent," he mentions, with a motion of his hand. "There's more to this," he states, as he places a thumb out and his index finger to his cheek.

Oriana nods at Eirene, gray eyes incisive as she surveys the crowd and the area, looking for entrances, exits, alleys. There are more and many, to be sure. Addressed to no one and anyone, "Does any one know 'charged in' from where?"

Caspian just smiles at the various numbers. Witness testamony is so unreliable! "Did they say anything? Anything at all?" Though his eyes go over to Merek for a moment, tilting his head to him, muttering something like 'oh, didn't think of that'.


"They've appetite enough now, that's for certain.." Amantha mutters to herself, wandering off a ways from Merek, with a last call back over her shoulder as she moves. "..of filth. Believe me. Who do you think cleaned them up?" There's a good-natured smile, though, as she indicates both herself and Coraline, drifting in the direction of the Princess.

Alessandro continues to listen to the explanation, his expression sobering as all the different various parts. He murmurs something to Monique, looking around, and he spots a group of children looking on and murmuring amongst themselves -- probably about Caspian, let's be honest. The guy is cool AF. He smiles at then, squatting down so that he's closer to most of their heights, and lifts a hand in a wave. "I bet one of you saw something, yes?" he asks, his tone soft, and surprisingly soothing from his normally somewhat sharp-edged amusement. "Did you?"

Rosalie looks over towards Eirene and pipes up, "I thought I read somewhere that people who aren't eating tend to have terrible breath... something about stomach acids regurgitating or something? Could that be part of it?"

"It was mostly body oder, they hadn't bathed in a very long time clearly." Cora nods to the woman speaking to Caspian, "That is what she was saying they were dirty and smelled awful. But the violence was rather more prevalent then the smell."

At the mouth of one of the alleys a tall, slender man steps into view. Raymesin leans against the wall without stepping into the square, his arms folding across his chest as he watches, silent but visible.

Eirene checked wits + medicine at difficulty 15, rolling 49 higher.

Monique trails along behind Alessandro, her nose wrinkling down at the children. She leans in to murmur something Alessandro, but otherwise stays well back from the little humans.

The man Cora stops, finishes laying out his freshly baked bread, dusts off his hands and turns to look at Cora. She is looked up and down, a hint of recognition shows in his eyes and he looks moderately less defensive. "Which men? You mean the chap that attacked that idiot Rob?" The man shakes his head at the crowd fawning over Caspian and rolls his eyes before looking back to Cora. "There was just the one guy. Honestly, I couldn't tell where he came from. If I had to guess, it'd be that way." He points towards the docks, out where there are a number of warehouses in various states of repair. "But I couldn't tell you for sure. Sorry."

Oriana's question earns her a few looks, a few snide remarks muttered barely audibly under their breaths. The ones over by Caspian start shouting out various answers, most of which are contradictory, each one wanting to appear 'helpful'.

One of the children, short and tousled of blondish hair with big green eyes and a face full of freckles, but indeterminate of gender, peers at Alessandro and decides to head his way, despite the crows and warning of their friends. "What's in it for me, if I did?"

Eirene isn't wearing the robes of a master physician for nothing. She starts listing all the signs of starvation and related sicknesses, mostly dehydration and fatigue. "Fevers aren't associated with a starvation though. Neither is increased rage. Some illnesses make it harder to eat- lock jaw, swollen throat..."

Cora gives the man a grateful smile, "Thank you, I appreciate your help. I thought it was just the one but wondered if I had missed anything." She passes him over coin and indicates one of his loaves, "If I may buy some lunch for later, I have some docks to look at." She looks over at the rest, and should the man sell her the bread she will carefully tuck it into her backpack before giving him one more grateful nod then heading in the direction he indicated.


Half stepping into Coraline's path, Amantha leans in to murmur something to the Princess in passing; not seeking to stop her, merely offering a few words. Her eyes continue to wander the market, expression calm and composed.

Alessandro has to chuckle at whatever Monique's said to him, and he nods in acknowledgement, before he turns back to the child who approaches him. "Have you heard of Lottie's Place?" he asks, tipping his head to the side as he surveys the blond-headed waif. "She has sweets and cakes so delicious that I can't even describe them. I was just there yesterday, and I know she has new things there today, too. I think you would like them. I could bring some back for you." He reaches into his pocket for several pieces of silver, as well, holding them out to the child. "And maybe you want to buy something to share with your friends."

Playing the part of silk to the hilt, Oriana huffs and gestures her guard over. He leaves off his boggling and leans to hear her murmured command. He nods and salutes before heading off north.

"Okay, settle down, settle down," Caspian says, holding up his hands with a little laugh given to the group. He looks over to Coraline as she heads off towards the docks, then starts to try and squeeze past the crowd. "Excuse me a moment, I gotta get going," he says back to the crowd, trying to make his way towards her, to see where she's goin'!

1 Inverno novice guards have been dismissed.

Having been musing to herself, Rosalie barely looks up in time to notice Coraline's disappearance from her side. Glancing around, she locates the one person she actually knows and heads in her direction.

Merek motions to his secretary, and hands her a voucher, "I'll be having 10,000 silver distributed between the families of those affected on all sides, we promise to find what happened and to make sure those still around are alright, we will make sure it gets to the right people, fret not, and we will do our absolute best to save Slick Rob and Fairchild," he seems to hope they will be well-fed from that at least, and to help others. Because who else is going to hand out 10,000 silver like it's a casual lunch meal? Apparently the man with bad business sense.


For her part, the redheaded guardswoman seems content to remain in the market, clasping her hands behind her back as she takes to a stroll once more about the stalls, browsing the wares on offer. She's not having those she lives by and watches over thinking she has anything to do with this excitement, no sir. Pausing by a bolt of faded purple linen, Amantha initiates a pleasant discussion with one of the stallholders.

Keen ears and eyes catch the shift of folk to the south. She nods once, and smartly, at Merek's announcement before falling in step with Caspian, "Hells of a thing." She's minding her step carefully, Springtime in the Lowers means muddier than usual streets.

Keen ears and eyes catch the shift of folk to the south. Oriana nods once, and smartly, at Merek's announcement before falling in step with Caspian, "Hells of a thing." She's minding her step carefully, Springtime in the Lowers means muddier than usual streets. (RE: NOW WITH NAME)

Caspian offers a small smile when Oriana steps next to him, giving her a nod of his head. "Hell of a thing indeed," he agrees with her, moving to catch up with Coraline. "Shit just gets weirder and weirder, it seems."

Eirene shakes her head. "Doesn't Follow Anything I've seen before," she comments aloud. "And fuck me with a rusty scalpel if I haven't seen a lot." Casually said. "I'd have to look to the men to know more. Might be worth leeching then to try to draw out the bad humors and see if it helps cool the fevered blood."

Raymesin lurks quietly in his alleyway, making the most of his vantage point above the crowd, his pale gaze flicking from interloper to interloper to interloper. Someone, it seems, is paying attention. And when Coraline and a few of the others start moving southwards, he vanishes into the alley whose mouth he has been standing in.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.


It seems Amantha has taken a liking to Eirene's logical method. Or maybe she's just a habitual eavesdropper. Regardless, without looking up from the relatively plain cloth she's admiring, she replies to the physician calmly. "Good luck getting near them.. we had to chain them in the cells, for their own safety." Belatedly, she casts a glance toward the woman, along with a smile, despite the ominous statement. "..and it's a man and a woman. We managed to get some sustenance into them, once they were sedated." Sedated sedated or knocked out with a timely right hook?

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice have been dismissed.

Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette have been dismissed.

Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman have been dismissed.

The child seems woefully disinterested in the hyped up sweets, but when Alessandro is producing, and offering silver? The coins are snatched out of his hand with lightning speed. "Big guy came in from the warehouse district. Quick footed lady was following from the shadows, splashing through puddles and such. Big guy had a girl thrown over his shoulder, but when he came across the market he went out of his mind. Threw the girl down and started picking on Slick Rob. Bye." And zooooom, the urchin is in retreat, heading back to their friends, strutting at having gotten easy silver.

Merek's announcement is MORE than enough to have Caspian's former admirers surging like a tide around the Champion, only one or two devoted hangers on, hanging on. The people swarm around the poor valet, demanding their fair share of that cash prize each claiming damages, ranging from lost products to bodily injuries that they just now are showing off. Lots of sprained wrists and wrenched ankles all of a sudden.

Cora's gentleman accepts the coin with dignity and gives her a loaf of the bread. Then he gets back to business because bakers are serious business.


Almost as an afterthought, Amantha questions the woman with the fabric, before she too, likely, heads off into the moshpit around Merek. "..what exactly does Rob sell?"

Cora pauses at the new information from the child and looks in the direction of the warehous district, near the docks so close enough, and alters her course to head to the wearhouse district. She has informed her guards to follow discreetly and not to be obvious as she heads that way.

Merek holds up his hands, then he motions to Aneka, "She will take your names, and you will all have your share," he knows not to combat their desires to claim. He put in enough that those there can each get a good amount, and well he is used to donations, so he does add, "Please calm yourselves a bit as well, and in addition to your claim, please provide anything you know about the situation, the people involved, and remember to be there for your fellow man." Perhaps part of that isn't heard because SILVER WOO, however he hopes it provides within the sea of people at least one testimony of things they don't already know.

Despite her aloof and distant manner, when the crowds press in on Caspian, her bearing shifts, to one wary and ready - and capable - of defending herself and Caspian, though he scarcely needs it... but it is rather a lot of people. "Heavens!"

Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

The alacrity with which the child grabs the silver gets another little chuckle, but Alessandro schools his expression a moment later, listening seriously to the reply, and when it comes, his eyebrows raise. "Thank you," he says, though the child has already rushed off and probably didn't even hear him! Oh well, he got the info. He straightens up, turning toward Monique to debrief. "The warehouse district," he murmurs. "Should we go that way as well?" A glance off to Coraline as she's already starting that way, then back to Monique.

Rosalie checked intellect + alchemy at difficulty 25, rolling 16 higher.

Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

The woman Amantha speaks to looks up and mmms. "Slick Rob? Oh, he sells all sorts of things. Trinkets, useful tools. Now that I think of it, he'd brought a big cauldron of stew yesterday. Said he'd made more than he could eat and was gonna sell it by the bowl. He got more dirty looks than business he did."

Merek is thankful he is hooded, only some will recognize him perhaps. He's also glad that Aneka is taking on some of the work. The Admiral moves to the side and starts to examine the stall, as he rubs his chin a little bit, and begins looking along it, then he hears something about a warehouse, and moves to the person moving that way.


For some reason, this seems to make perfect sense to Amantha. After an 'ah' of understanding, she nods. "I'll wager he did. Thank you. Can I take a length of this..?2 she gestures at the purple fabric, rummaging in her coinpurse. It's nowhere near as heavy as some of the others around here, but it's something.

Eirene calls out to the crowd in her commander's voice. "ANYONE CLAIMING INJURY ANSWERS TO ME." She wears the robes, may as well flaunt the position. "If your injury is valid, I'll make sure your claim is taken down." She shoots Aneka a 'this work for you?' Glance.

Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Aneka shrugs a bit, not minding at all the work, but she nods to Eirene, then speaks with her feminine voice, "It seems your friendly neighborhood Physician has spoken! The money will still be handed out to whomever qualifies however."

At Eirene's call the numbers of claimants declaring injury mysteriously diminish, but hey, free money is still going to be claimed.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Eirene waves the others along. She'll catch up once she's done dealing with "injured parties". She's not the most gentle either.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

The Warehouse district is just that. Blocky, nondescript buildings spread in all directions. The ones closes to the main thoroughfare are in the best repair and busiest, and also happen to be the ones with the most 'legitimate' products on display. The further along the twisting cobbled roads, paths and alleyways one goes, the rougher, grimier and more dilapidated the buildings get. There is a LOT of ground to cover and a lot of winding, confusing roads and walkways. It is a veritable urban maze. For a number of reasons. So. Where to begin?

a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, Q, a very tall man with a very short name, a very average man, Kit, the grey fox, 1 Greenmarch Guard leave, following Monique.

Rodrigo, Monique leave, following Alessandro.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

Merek has his whole group with him once more, Aneka, Meeka, and now three Guards who also assist, as he then motions to his Guards, "One of you to each noble," he mentions, knowing the area's reputation. He tries to also stay with anyone going, while he does so.

Cora begins looking around to see if there is anyone to speak to who looks like they won't either lie to her or try and steal from her. She is not having her guards tailing her right now and is dressed down as far as a noble can be.

Rosalie hurries to catch up to Coraline, tugging at her sleeve lightly and murmuring, "Perhaps towards the, um, worse end? It seems like the nicer ones would have their own guards, or at least see too much traffic to be used for such purposes?"

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

And Oriana just sent her guard away. How convenient. "My thanks," Oriana nods to Merek. ORIANA (not forgetting this time!) likewise hustles to survey the area, it's one she knows well. She's looking for any of the foremen or porters or beggars, folk she's slipped coin to from time to time for information or special care for Inverno's goods.

Lite, a little blue canary arrives, delivering a message to Rosalie before departing.

The little group of interlopers is being watched, not always by the same people, but watched all the same. But one of the watchers does keep cropping up - the tall man with the pale blue eyes. Raymesin's there again now, in the mouth of an alley, lurking. Watching.

erek's instincts are good. The further away they get from more gentrified area of Commons Square, the more the nobles get lingering looks. Even Cora, in her dressed down look -- silk is silk. And those emerald earrings? The rubicund longsword? More than a few fingers are twitching as she passes by.

Oriana's presence is more well known here and most folk turn a blind eye to her presence.

Merek's fireweave is the subject of some sincere study as well. Rosalie's hairpins with umbra? You better believe people are taking note. Each person likely has that uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

Merek's instincts are good. The further away they get from more gentrified area of Commons Square, the more the nobles get lingering looks. Even Cora, in her dressed down look -- silk is silk. And those emerald earrings? The rubicund longsword? More than a few fingers are twitching as she passes by.

Oriana's presence is more well known here and most folk turn a blind eye to her presence.

Merek's fireweave is the subject of some sincere study as well. Rosalie's hairpins with umbra? You better believe people are taking note. Each person likely has that uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

Cora pauses and begins to look around more intently, taking note of who watches them and how. She frowns but doesn't make overt gestures of agression or defensiveness however it is clear she is now focused on the immediate surroundings rather than just looking for the trail. As Rosalie catches up, Cora nods, "Yes but I think we need to have a care here, the further we go." She nods to the guard who adds to the protection, not without a slight sigh but hey, she can roll. Waving her own guards back to their usual position she goes looking to see who has a little too much interest in their group. "I wouldn't put it past those who are truly responsible to keep an eye on us, they might know we are here."

Triage, a blue smoke devon rex have been dismissed.

Merek looks then from beneath his hood, and when he can he moves to take the scarf and tuck it around him beneath the cloak instead, and then nods a bit satisfied. He seems to be casual as he walks along, trying not to be out of place, which is a /bit/ easier for a Guard than a Noble, but not as much. Swagger.

Lifting a shrug towards Coraline, Rosalie offers a faint and wry smile, "If they're already watching us, they know well enough who we are and where to find us. Its not like the nobility can exactly hide where we live. We might as well start where there's the best chance of finding something, then branch out from there." Logic, thy name is Rosalie. For now.

Merek has rolled a critical success!
Merek checked wits + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Rosalie checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 13 higher.

Oriana checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 31 lower.

Coraline checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 32 lower.

Raymesin checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 21 lower.

Merek checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 8 lower.

Merek checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 1 higher.

Rosalie checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Raymesin checked luck at difficulty 10, rolling 7 higher.

Coraline checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Oriana checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 15 lower.

Oriana checked intellect + streetwise at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Rosalie checked intellect + streetwise at difficulty 25, rolling 5 lower.

Eirene checked perception + investigation at difficulty 45, rolling 15 higher.

Eirene checked luck at difficulty 35, rolling 12 lower.

Eirene checked luck at difficulty 25, rolling 6 lower.

Eirene catches up eventually. Not that it's hard with a group like theirs. She's used to ruling out the normal and spotting the unusual, but there's no concealing her noble and medical status.

The search for the warehouses is... a little unorganized. Cora is watching those watching her and heads to the opposite side of the main thoroughfare, starting to pick her way through the worst areas of the slums. She is met with passive resistance everywhere. Hard glares, resentment obvious. She has Merek's guard with her and that keeps them from outright assaulting her, but there is more than one that gets a brushby in. These are not particularly light bumps either. There is a message being sent with these bumps. And, when she checks her pockets later, she finds a number of missing valuables.

Raymesin... what is he looking for? Is he people watching? Well the nobles seem to be scattering in different directions and he loses sight of them. Damn.

Merek is able to move through the twisty streets and alleys but he too is getting ogled as the fineness of that umbra becomes noticed. He does not, however, get any of those bumps.

Oriana gets the worst of it. She has Merek's guard with her, so she doesn't get HURT, but a trio of ruffians do approach and do their best to make her feel as uncomfortable and as unwelcome as they can, just shy of physical harm. They do attempt to shake her down, but she is able to talk her way out of it.

It is Lady Rosalie Redtyde that has the most success when she heads off towards the worst section of the district, traveling far afield from the others, unable to really see the docks where she ends up. She *somehow* manages to avoid those who would be actively malicious towards her. In fact... this area is almost silent. Far, far away from the others, there is almost no people, the buildings here are beyond run-down and are likely in the 'abandoned and left to collapse' section. It is so quiet, that it is actually a little unnerving. There is a building, in a little better repair than most, a host of carcasses dumped in a pile near a rusted door. Now. How to get back to the others? Rosalie, as she attempts to find her way back, discovers, she is rather lost.

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe arrives, following Rinel.

Eirene is definitely able to locate the others -- in fact as Cora, Oriana and Merek find themselves returning to the main thoroughfare, Eirene spots them, even as some toughs are starting to heckle the Physician. It is Eirene's sharp eyes that actually catch a glimpse of the lost Rosalie moving along a parallel street, looking completely lost.

The bumps are recieved with increasing scowls from Cora and she will seek to make it rather uncomfortable to bump her should it continue, with a more than solid bump back for the next one who tries. However she soon realizes she is missing Rosalie and goes in search of her, should anyone else attempt to get into her personal space they will find themselves in a hurtbox.

Merek looks around with a casual grace as he moves along, and keeps with the nobles he can. When Eirene catches up and all, he moves that way and nods to the others, wanting to make sure everyone stays together. It's good Eirene might have a clue where Rosalie is, because he seems to be looking around with a frown. Good thing he brought his guards either way.

Oriana thanks the guard at her side, sniffing as she returns to the assemblage, cheeks red. "Oh good eye, Eirene, I'd hate for another person to go missing mysteriously down here." She clears her throat mildly, "It's bad for business."

Eirene shakes her head in dry amusement. She mostly ignored the catcalls or murmured comments and motions for Rosalie to join her, leading their way back to the others. "No shit," she says to Oriana. "Lost my lover and my nephew to bad shit down here. Seems that Stahlben Countess found something too."

Raymesin lost the silks. How on earth does a Lowers man lose silks? Best to try and find them again, and see what they've found.

Rosalie offers a bright smile when she catches sight of Eirene, lifting a hand overhead to wave at her, then points back the way she came. Timmy's in the well, Doctor! Come see!