Calabria Adventures

The caravan didn't get much sleep that night - the musician playing song after song, while the drunken soldiers sang and danced along. For that one evening of repose, the guardsmen of Mordechai Rinaldi did not have their usual austere aura, but one of community and brotherhood. The campfires burnt late into the night, and midnight had long passed before all had retired to bed.

Suddenly, the camp was shaken awake by the blast of a horn, blown by a seemingly tireless Meira. The sun had just begun to rise over the hills, painting the sky a brilliant display of pink and orange. Heads still throbbing and heavy, the staff pulled themselves from their beds. Wordlessly, they began to dismantle the tents, feed the beasts, and pack the caravans again. Fruit and dried fish were offered as a breakfast, but very few ate.

The caravan departed shortly. Due to the fight the day before they were behind schedule and despite the early start, it would be impossible for them to reach the city as early as planned. The guards were on their toes - the previous two days of travel had brought conflict, and they were ready for more. Fortunately, the day of travel was peaceful. The hungover and exhausted guards would've suffered greatly if 'bandits' had decided to strike once again.

Their surroundings changed, from empty hills, to increasingly frequent farms and travellers. Late in the afternoon, the caravan reached the peak of the tallest hill. Below, the city of Triskellian spread out before them. Far to the east, the large homes of the wealthy and affluent lined the beautiful coastline. The largest of all these, a huge walled off estate was well known to belong to the Rinaldi. Even from the distance, its lush green gardens were a stark contrast to the rest of the city... especially the dirty merchant docks, and slums of the west.

After a moment to take in the sight of home, the caravan continued down the road toward the city gates.

The boar, as usual, is impossible to miss. Ever since the sun rose, he all but vanished underneath his wide brimmed hat and thick robes, presumably so his eyes and ears wouldn't have to be assaulted by the noises and lights a night of very heavy drinking and very little sleep had left him incapable of handling.

The cat excluded herself from the few, taking the offer to stuff herself and become a toy for whoever wanted to roll her from place to place. At least the weather's change had her coat thinning out again. Having been denied the opportunity to find anyone of threat, she would try again--after bloating herself. At least she knew she could lie her way out, though she wouldn't be trying her luck on any soldiers this time around. What a better way to look innocent by being so immobile you couldn't have possibly done anything bad?

Mauricio was ruminating on the events of the day before as he followed along, he had not heard back from Vix yet which might mean she was still working or perhaps had forgotten. Whatever the case the inquisitor despite his calm demeanor kept a close eye on everyone within his field of vision.

He was naturally suspicious of everyone. Sin, hedonistic behaviour and blasphemy were a fashion these days. An inquisitor had no lack of cases to pursue if he kept an eye on people, although at least most were smart enough not to perform such acts when a man in his garb was nearby. It might not even register with people that he was watching them as sternly as he was, just an inquisitor thing.

((Posting via the fone))

The recently self-proclaimed holy knight did not spend the evening in the most pious of ways. He drank along with Mordechai's soldiers and had an equally difficult time waking up. Strangely enough the night of boozing did nothing to his appetite. Au contraire, he ate more than ever. Perhaps this had to do with the tasteless broth he got served at the farm.

During the walk to the city he remained ever vigilant, but when it became apparent no danger would be met, the frog became rather casual about his patrols. Soon they reached the city and Vallaine would be the first in line to reach the gates. He had never been here before and was eager to see what life in the big city was like.

As they approached the gates, a gloved hand taps Mauricio on the shoulder. He will discover that it's one of the guards sent to aid him during the mission at the plantation. "Sir," he began, his eyes drifting to the inquisitor's crossbow "We're approaching the city. You and your comrades should probably put your weapons in one of the caravans. "

“My comrades will do so, however my weapons should be brought to the church and stored there for the duration of our stay…” Began Mauricio as he undid his crossbow and took his mace. “Of course, if our stay is not lengthy it might be less of a hassle to keep them in the caravan.”

His whip and other delightful ‘interrogation tools’ were in a chest in the caravan that was at least partially for him, he would store his weapons there as well.

Flint looks at the back of his robes, where he strapped his cypress rod. He mutters something about it not being a weapon but a walking aid.

With the inquisitor's weapons safely out of view, the caravan entered the city gates. With the setting sun, half the merchants were shutting shop, while others were opening their doors to public. Children played in the streets, while their mothers called from the windows. Everybody stared warily at the armed guards marching through the town.

The walls of the estate drew near, and guards armed with bow and sword saluted as the party passed them by. The gates opened, and several noble foxes and high ranked officials came out to meet the travellers. Mordechai and his family could be seen embracing their relatives.

Meira approached the mercenaries, "I believe our contract is completed," she began. "I thank you all for aid," and she passed each member - excluding Maur and Johan - a small bag of coin. "3 Denarii, as we agreed."

He boar peeks from under his hat, and offers a toothy grin. "Thank ye kindly, ma'am.", he says and tips his hat. The denarii vanish into one of his three bajillion pockets almost immediately.

Johan kept walking with the group until they reached the estate. There he witnessed a lovely family moment, but he decided it would not do introduce himself. Perhaps when the witch is dealt with will Johannes be able to get more acquainted with the Rinaldis. They were his ticket to getting his family's rank up after all.

The cat, as quiet as ever, nods and stows the money into her own pockets.

(no mind no!)

After a moment, the caravan and guards begin to enter the grounds. You notice that the two coyote musicians and the other few travellers have all gathered their belongings and mingling outside the wall.

As everybody is shoving their hard-earned coin into their various hidden pockets, they are approached by Mordechai and another grey fox. He appears to be in his late life - his silver fur streaked with white, jewels on every finger, and wearing a red-silken tunic approaches.

"Inquisitor, I am glad to see you have returned safely. We have much to discuss." He began, glancing the strangers up and down. "I hear you performed tasks beyond what we asked of you, I assure you, the church will be compensated for your troubles."

Mauricio was not surprised by him not getting a bag of money, he’d requested a donation to the church as his own payment after all. He walked over to Johan who was also left empty web-handed. Before he could speak to the knight however the richly dressed fox approached. “You have heard correctly, milord.” The inquisitor answered. “That is a kind gesture. S’Allumer ensured our safe return and she smiles upon charity…” It were learned words, Mauricio had his own opinions on the matter which he would never discuss outside clerical circles.

Well, this guy's definitely rich. No idea who he is, though. Still, she was paid and she's happy, so there's no real complaints. In fact, she actually just wants to go back to the coyotes. She could leave, right? Her eyes flicker back from the shiny guy and the outer wall before the cat quickly dips her head and slinks out. She'd have to explain that she got nowhere with her mental probing later.

Or she could continue... but not just yet. Time to talk to the pair first.

Johan recognized the the person with Mordechai and took a deep bow."I don't doubt the church will, Lord Emmanuel." The frog spoke as he raised again, standing besides Maur like a statue.

The coyotes wave as their cat friend approaches. Both of them appeared exhausted - likely they were the centre of the revelry and hardly got a moment's sleep.

"So, where you headed to now," the woman asked with a smile.