Closed Scaring the locals. [Pulren and S'Essy]

[Pulren Marsh]

So it seemed that the Knight had found his man. Pulren was more or less pleased that it hadn't been a call for violence, especially with the lady present. This sense of decorum was odd for a man who only found love at Loveless, but nevertheless, he felt that women deserved some modicum of respect. Once the promised beers were unleashed on the crowd, the bar came alive and the swarm hit the wood. He waited for Markus and S'Essy to leave with the man, following shortly after. There was no need to continue the ruse of backup, drunks were sated.

The bottom had fallen out once they passed the threshold. Pulren could see Markus moving the man along in a manner that was reminiscent of his own interrogations. Of course, Knights probably interrogated better, as well. The Wave Guard's sour grapes sweetened when he had the form of the Konti escort to accompany him as they brought up the rear. Outside of his admiration of her beauty, though, Pulren would never try to push harder. It was clear that there was love between the two from their shared glances and he was not going to do anything to threaten that. He smiled when appropriate, remaining friendly as S'Essy was clearly unnerved by something, speaking some foreign mantra as they continued behind the pair.

Since she confirmed that they were staying at the Grotto, Pulren knew that Markus was making a sort of line toward the establishment. He didn't think Knights hated rain so much. Surely battlefields came wet on occasion. The Konti spoke to him of the similarities of Knights and Guards, which Pulren appreciated. It brought him back to the present situation of mud underfoot and rain on his face. "Well, duty is duty wherever you go, I guess. When someone takes up the mantle of protector, it is that same oath that carries you into places you may not want to go." His mind lingered over the name of Riverfall, as it was the destination at the end of the Kabrin, then went straight to the bloated corpses of Guards, snuffed out by Reimancy.

A quick turn by Markus put the suspect into an alley. Pulren's eyebrows raised as much in anticipation as concern. The man was the Knight's prisoner and problem, so why not observe Syliran questioning tactics? Pulren watched, aware that S'Essy was gripping his arm fiercely, the look of concern on her face growing. The drunk was already scared, probably having soiled himself at the sight of the man mountain. Didn't take much pushing on the Knight's part. The release on his arm did bring another observation. Healers were definitely lighter souls than the rest of the world. He had seen Aoren in action and now this one lifted the drunken suspect and helped him to his feet. It was interesting, to say the least.

The investigation fruitful and the quarry scurried, Pulren stepped up to the couple as S'Essy spoke of Sunberth. "A lawless city, S'Essy. No place for a lady like you, though I bet you are probably going. Can I accompany the two of you back to the Grotto?" He was going to anyway, but always nice to ask.

[Markus Andres]

Despicable scum. This was the first time Markus had ever gotten his hands on a piece of shyke who had had a hand in slavery inside the confines of a city. In Syliras his fate would have been sealed, but here in a much different Zeltiva he did not know what fate awaited him. If he could line the right pockets and get away scot free. Each rasped breath through the lips of the bastard angered the knight. He felt the deep rooted desire to place his foot upon his throat and cease the life of the useless piece of shyke. He looked so pitiful there on the ground. In a heap of clothes and already building puddle of water. It would be to do the world a service to remove him from the equation. Markus was about to lift his foot and deliver a kick to the man for his part in the enslavement of his family, but S'Essy moved in. Her voice cut through the anger and she knelt by the man. Watched as she helped the man back up on his feet. Markus never ceased to be amazed by S'Essy and how she looked past their crimes. Help them regardless of what they had done. Markus stepped back and let S'Essy help the man up on her own. Markus threw a glance at Pulren and wondered what the law of the city would do with this confession. Kick his teeth in like Markus had wanted to? Or ignore it as it had not happened in his city? Markus gaze returned to S'Essy and Simonsen.

The man, understandably, seemed less than thrilled to stick around even with a wonderful woman like S'Essy that close to him. But there was something that compelled him to stick around. Even through the fear and guilt he felt and Markus was surprised it took him several long ticks before he understood what the man was sticking around for. Markus instinctively reached into his pocket and fished out five gold coins. For once in his life Markus was very careful about the amount of gold he paid a man. He reached out with the gold and the man gingerly took the gold. Markus grasped his hand tightly as he glared into his deceptive eyes.

"A promise is a promise - but here is another one... If anything has happened to my family, I will find you and I will end you." Markus voice dripped with venom as he gave a squeeze and pressed the golden coins into his hand. The man, to his credit, did not cry out and instead nodded and Markus released his hand. "Now get out of here, unless you have anything you want to do with him, mr Marsh?" Markus remembered as an afterthought. Pulren was a good man, helpful. Markus waited for Pulren to do what he wanted with the man before addressing S'Essy.

"He is right, it is not a place for ladies like you."

Markus knew where the investigation would go to next. To the hive of scum known as Sunberth. He couldn't bring S'Essy to such a place. But he couldn't leave her again even if for her own safety.

"And it is not a place for a knight either. They'd probably string me up if they found out." Markus sighed a little and shrugged. "Yes, I would be honoured, Pulren, if you would accompany us. I, sorry, we could use your help. You've been invaluable thus far and I hate asking you to do more for us, if you need any compensation at all, just ask. But... Well. You know the city better than us and procuring provisions and securing passage to Sunberth..." Markus voice was grateful, but with a hard edge of a man who was being pressured into a place he didn't want to go. But he had to go, it was his family and they needed him. His expression softened a little as he looked away from Pulren to his lover in the falling rain. "What do you say we get out of the rain and get dry? Want to come in for... I would say coffee or tea, but I don't know what the Grotto has to offer at this bell." Markus offered as he started to walk slowly towards their temporary home at the Grotto.

[S'Essy]

She looked funny when the man didn't go. He was just standing there next to her and was waiting for something. Then the Konti's attention went to Markus as he was pulling out some gold coins from his pocket, giving it to the drunk man. The Knight grabbed Simonsen's hand and squeezed it before releasing. She was worrying that her lover would do something stupid. But he didn't, he just gave a warning to him. He had the right but it was still scary. Although the question went to the Guard, she snapped out. "AND MR. MARSH will let him go, Ser. I'm sorry Pulren, but as HIS healer I will let him go. He is just drunk and... obviously dumb. Let's just assume he'll do what I asked him to do. Going home and rest.

Her expressions were serious, not accepting any complain. She patted the man's back to go and hurry. "And yes I have my goddess authority to do this. If he would cause any more trouble again he'll pay. I won't protect him next time." She was surprised herself that she would be that serious, she didn't want to snap out like this. But she was sensitive towards violence. She had to learn how to handle these things but she could also show what she could do. She also raised her eyebrows. Ladies like her?

"I might be fragile but not that much." Her eyes were moving to one to another. Then it stick at Markus when he mentioned it wouldn't be a place for him as a Knight. He also answered for the Guard's question instead of her. She was more worrying about the place they would go. Not to mention she had to travel again but Sunberth was not a safe place it seemed. She wondered what did they mean but she could find out that later. The rains was just falling and falling it didn't want to stop. She looked up at the sky.

Someone was also crying huh? Surely not, it just sounded stupid even for her. The Konti's eyes met with Markus. Her face also eased up, and she closed her eyes. Took a deep breath and blew it out. A smile was gracing her face then, and looked at him. "Let's just go. We can get cold. But I can treat you both if you feel so, just please tell me. It would be important." She was following Markus and Pulren. Grabbed both of their arms, pulling them a bit close. "So what kind of Lady am I?" She was grinning and trying to cheer them up, making them forget a bit about this whole thing.

[Pulren Marsh]

Frankly, Pulren was glad for the interrogation to be over. As he watched S'Essy do her best to smooth over the tumultuous waters of the moment, he thought on the matter. Was it really necessary to kick the guy over? Pulren didn't shy away from violence or force, especially in the scope of an interrogation. In this case, though, the man was obviously outclassed, drunk and plied with gold. It made him wonder if all of the Knights were so violent. His family was involved, however, so maybe it was different because Pulren didn't have any horrible tragedies in his past.

"Well, let's get out of this rain, shall we?" The trio made their way to the Grotto, though they were all now thoroughly soaked. As they entered, Pulren waited for S'Essy to enter first and then her beau. Once inside, he nodded to the barkeep and walked over, placing his trident and shield behind the bar. "Greetings, Sir. Do you think we could get some food and ale over by the fire? Had a bit of a soaking while working and want to treat my guests." While he was merely a Guardsman, the suit and the pin carried enough weight to bring a nod back and a call to the servers. Pulren smiled in thanks as he removed his chain shirt, happy to have the cold weight relieved.

Nodding toward a table near the fire, he had Markus help him move a table closer to it, so the group could dry out and warm up. The servers would protest if it wasn't a Wave Guard, but they knew that when patrons got out of hand, the Guards would be the ones breaking it up and protecting the business. Once S'Essy was seated, Pulren joined them at the table and knocked on its wood. "You've spent enough for one day, Ser. I will be paying for this meal." It felt good to take a load off anyway.

[Markus Andres]

The knight didn't say much more after responding to Pulren. There wasn't much he could say. Ask useless questions for Pulren until they returned. But he was not in the mood for further questions now. Instead he moved in silence. Enjoyed his always cheerful lover gripping to his arm. Confident enough in their relationship not to be bothered by her holding on to Pulren. Markus paused with Pulren and let the creature best adapted to cascades of water enter the building first, he caught a gesture or a hint from Pulren that he wanted Markus to go first. Markus gave a curt nod and went inside and out of the rain that only seemed to pick up in strength. Which annoyed the knight, but there was not much he could do other than pray for better weather. Markus gave the barkeep another curt nod. The man seemed professional enough and Markus was not the type to snub people just because he was having an extremely foul day. For a few ticks he zoned out, forgot about the present and tried to remember what he could of Sunberth. He had been there once. Seen the horrible state of the city. What had followed had been worse. Dead knights. War. Monsters beyond imagination and strength tearing apart their fleet like it was made of toothpicks. Markus felt the chill of a realization come over him. They would have to sail if they were to make it in time. Which meant open bodies of water. He felt another chill. He would have to go into the open water. Surrounded on all sides. He could already feel the dread rise up in him.

A long inhale and Pulren drew him back to the surrounding world. A small "Hmm? Oh yes." And he helped move the table over so they could all be placed closer to the fire. Markus moved to remove his own cloak and placed it over the backside of a chair and then offered to help S'Essy do likewise. He wasn't sure if she wanted to get out of her cloak or not. Wasn't sure if Konti even felt the cold like humans did. They were meant for extended stays in waters colder than this. Mura was not a warm place he remembered. But it would be S'Essy's decision, he'd do as he had his own cloak, before placing himself down in a seat. Nodding gratefully to Pulren when he offered the pay for the food. Undoubtedly the man had some stern words to say to him about his treatment of one of their citizens. Stern, but polite out of respect for his profession. The knight would listen and he would nod. If necessary apologize for his rude behaviour, but the man had deserved everything Markus had done and more so.

[S'Essy]

Even though she tried to cheer them up, her attempt was not that successful. They both were walking in silence. The rain also gave a little mood to it. She released their arms from her hold and she was walking by after them, only thinking. How she hated that, her thoughts could only spin around the recent events. First in the tavern then Markus' interrogation. It just affected her more than she thought it would. But she had to get used to it. Dark times were just about to come if they were right about Sunberth.

They arrived to the Grotto and Pulren already asked for food and drink. The Healer tried to forget about the murder which happened here and was grateful that she was somewhere safer. And warmer. She accepted Markus offer and he placed her cloak for her too. S'Essy sat down and there was just only silence, only nods. "Thanks Pulren. We appreciate it." She took look at Markus. No she couldn't expect him anything now.

The Konti was just looking at both of them. One of the server already brought them the ale Pulren asked for. "Okay so after this information gathering, I assume we are going to.. erm..What was its name? No matter so to that place." She waited till somebody told her again and she continued."But when? Not now, let's wait till rain stops. And I'm tired of moving and moving and moving. Give me just a few days please! " She asked again looking at Markus briefly. "You need those days as well, believe it or not. To think clearly."

[Pulren Marsh]

The pair was such a loving couple. It was really strange in a way to think that they had just come from such a brief and sudden interrogation and now all sat about sipping ale and awaiting food in an inn. Pulren scratched at his scruffy neck, enjoying the warmth of the fire. "I have to admit," he said to Markus,"I never expected that sort of interrogation from a Syliran. I understand your family is concerned, which makes it palatable, but was it rally necessary to pay him and beat him?" He smiled a bit and looked over to S'Essy, already cooing in her maternal way over her man mountain.

Sipping the ale and smacking his lips slightly, he continued, "Not that I would really be able to conceive of how your organization does anything, though maybe you can fill me in on this trip. I just need enough time to put my affairs in order and notify the Guard of my absence. Don't really have anything tying me to Zeltiva." Of course, that wasn't entirely true at all. There was the Mark, but Pulren enjoyed the idea of screwing Nuit over. A nice change of scenery for the ways of man and corpse. Another long swig and it was decided in his own mind that he would no longer push Markus about the interrogation. He had helped and it was done. It could have been much worse had the man just entered the Kelp Bar and started shoving folk, after all.

Maybe it was the ale. "You two make a really nice couple. I admit, I know little to nothing about Konti, much like my knowledge of Knights. Nevertheless, it really feels like you two love each other and that should weather any trips to any nasty places." Maybe one more good sip.

[Markus Andres]

Kelp. Gods knew Markus did not enjoy the taste of the brew. But it was rude to push the drink away. Besides, the good gods also knew he had tasted far far worse and lived through it. He could use something horrible to draw his mind from the problems of the future. To draw his mind away from Sunberth. He gave S'Essy a long stare as she said that they needed a rest. Not her. But him as well. If not for the rain he could be out of the door in a tick or two and be on a ship to Sunberth, but he would not be prepared for what was on the other side of the peninsula. To his surprise it was not only S'Essy who was digging in. It seemed the good guard also had some hard questions for the knight. He felt like barring his teeth and retreat for the day. He had only just found out his family was in the Hai called Sunberth. Kenash, to their limited credit, had a better reputation and control over their slave-trade. He wanted to work. Get something done. Worst part was he knew there was nothing he could do, but sit on his ass and wait for time to pass before the opportunity would present itself. It chipped away at his patience that was already limited since coming to Zeltiva. Emerald eyes focused on the

"I despise slavery." Markus said in a low tone. "Anyone involved in or condoning slavery deserve much worse than what I gave that man." Markus said in a firm voice as eyes switched to S'Essy for a moment. Her race in particular was well sought by slavers. "I find it infuriating he is out there free while my family..." He cut himself off before he got himself worked into too much of a fury. Mug raised and he drank greedily. "Slavery is outlawed in Syliras - as it should be everywhere." Markus wouldn't apologize for his behaviour. The man had deserved every bit that had come to him. "But I should have let you handle it. Your city - your rules. It was rude and disrespectful of me to take over like that." That was the apology he would get, but it was sincere. Pulren needed time, S'Essy needed time - and she in no uncertain terms demanded that he also took time off. The knight could find no objections against Pulren needing time to get his affairs in order. The weather outside also seemed to be getting worse. At least the warmth of the fireplace kept away the cold.

"Well. Looks like S'Essy and I will be having some downtime while we prepare for the trip. Just tell me when you're ready to go. But don't take more than a tenday, I'd rather get this foul business over with." Markus had a lot to organize. Amongst things a letter for the order explaining why he was going to Sunberth rather than coming back home to Syliras. Part of him knew he was stretching the boundary of his absence by leaving for Sunberth before he had clear orders allowing him to. But he could not wait here for sixty days waiting for orders to carry on. The blush that suddenly came on his cheeks from the very unexpected compliment from the guard. He felt a bit of shyness come over his cheeks as he averted his gaze to meet S'Essy's. Was their love so obvious? He had not told her that yet. Not this time around at least. He was quite fond of the girl. Glad to have her back in his life again.

[S'Essy]

Markus didn't seem to agree, but she knew she was right. They both needed rest, he wasn't thinking clearly. She didn't start to argue, though he didn't say she wasn't right but inside she felt he might think that way. S'Essy looked away, only staring at the wall, pondering. This whole thing would just things even more difficult. She wasn't planning that much of travelling. Her Call seemed to urge her at the last moment, she was really needed. Still they had time, she had an uneasy feeling about this whole trip. She was tired already of it. Although at least they would go with ship which was calming for her. How nice.

Her attention went back at Pulren and Markus when he asked about his interrogation tactic. She was also curious if it was necessary. But she had to admit, it was pretty personal for Markus, she couldn't imagine how much power it was needed to stop himself from hurting that man. And he explained what she already know. He hated slavery with all of his heart. Not like she was fan of it herself. "We will free them. She said with a slight smile.

And he gave them 10 days for prepare. More than enough for her to fill up a bit and to make things clear. She has to sleep and rest a lot. Unfortunately she couldn't swim much to gain some fitness but rain would hopefully stop. Then her eyes widened when Pulren mentioned their relationship. The Konti's eyes wandered to Markus, he didn't want to look at her. And he was.. blushing? "Thanks Pulren!" She said as her smile turned into mischievous. "And be proud, not everyone can make him so embarrassed. Right Ser? " She was teasing him again, changing topics. Tried to enjoy the rest of the night with them at a dinner.

[Pulren Marsh]

Ten days. In that space of tiem, Pulren would relate to the Wave Guard his intentions to go to Sunberth, though he would wish to return at an unknown date in the future. Perhaps with his aid in Syliran affairs it would go through without any problems. He wished he could take his gear, but he suspected that such a den of cutthroats wouldn't take well to shining armors and weapons. Or they would take to it and take it. "Ten days it is. I look forward to the voyage."

Wanting to make his remarks crystalline for the Knight, he added some thoughts about the interrogation. "Don't get me wrong, Markus. I understand that it was a family affair and maybe you got carried away. I do not speak for the whole of Zeltiva. The city has many of her own problems and perhaps when I return I will be better suited to deal with them." He hoped he had smoothed any bumps over with his brash talk, choosing to take another sip of the kelp instead. He found it pleasing and amusing to see the man blush and it only made their pairing that much more endearing.

It was probably the alcohol, but Pulren was genuinely hoping that he would make some friends in these two when they made this journey together. He raised his glass to them and toasted. "To new friends and successful ventures." He finished his drink and the trio enjoyed the rest of their evening. Eventually he took his leave and returned to the Headquarters to make his own preparations.