"Okay, okay... Too many things are happening too fast here. Lets get back to Henrietta's house and get our bearings.", Fetch said as he surveyed the carnage.
Surry shrugged, she knew exactly what was happening, but sensed an ulterior motive to Fetch's statement. She agreed and the rest followed her lead and made their way to the small elf's house.
Fetch watched as they entered, and scrutinized Dietrch's wounds. He wasn't the best healer in the world, he relied mostly on magic . Even with his lack of skill with anatomy he still knew the warrior suffered way less damage then he should have. He knew that magic could have been the cause, but he knew Dietrch only had a magic blade. Something else was going on. Could he be a demon in disguise, or a devil? Maybe a were wolf, Fetch heard that they had incredibly resistant skin. Whatever it was he would finesse the information out of him.
Dietrch had served the group well , despite their brief association with him. He did not want to start off ranting and raving and demanding answers. He would give him the benefit of the doubt and let him explain.
"Ok guys. You all saw what happened out there, and you saw the big demon escape. I'm sure we'll be up to our necks in demon baboons or elven demons or elven baboons soon. ", said Fetch with a feigned look of worry.
The rest of the group agreed, and listened to the cleric as he continued. " Here's the thing, besides Surry , Trip , Tyris and myself. I don't know what you guys are capable of in combat. Its hard for me to formulate a plan when I don't know what assets we have to work with. I think we should just lay it on the table right now ."
"He formulates plans?", whispered Surry to Trip.
Fetch ignored the half elf's statement and smiled as he awaited Dietrch to reply. The warrior began to speak , but Henrietta interrupted him, "You can say that again, like that was really scary back there, you just walked into the room , and guys started to implode...Like what are you?"
The small elf was literally shaking in her chair as she asked. Vanna stood close to her, and she found comfort in her maid's presence but stared fearfully at Fetch.
Fetch sighed, he did not expect to reveal his powers to this group. He was normally quite modest about his skill set, and didn't like to talk about it with others. He knew he started this discussion so he was obliged to speak," Errr I'm the high priest of Rawk. I won the title by defeating Konrad the traitor at the tent of the Champions of the north. Curiously, after I defeated him, I was assaulted by a horde of demons as well, maybe its a right of passage for high priests to be attacked by demons, Well anyways I'm also known as the Warmaster and I can do the divine prayer stuff."
"That was divine magic? I didn't know you can make multiple creatures die like that.", asked Henrietta , suddenly feeling really small an impotent.
Fetch nodded, then looked at Dietrch ,"Next?"
"Ok, I'll play this game.", said Baalphzon," I'm an ex member of the Dark Eight , the ruling council of pitfiends in Baator . We answer only to the Archfiend himself. The archdukes can curry our favor but we don't take direct orders from them. I was cursed and casted from my position for being too efficient, a terrible side effect of hell's magnificent bureaucracy, and was transformed to a mindless bloated blob. After untold years, maybe even centuries, I was promoted to this form and through sheer willpower I regained a large portion of my memory. I follow Fetch here, in the hopes I can regain my former form."
Fetch was surprised at how much information his familiar told. He was curious of why the imp told everyone his past and not his powers . He still wasn't sure if Baalphzon was telling the truth or not though. The thought of the imp being simply insane crossed his mind many times.
"I can assure you , I am quite sane .", spoke Baalphzon in his mind.
Surry smiled and continued where Baalphzon left off, "My real name is Syr Axeldottir, I'm the daughter of Brita the infamous Mistress of the Lionblade. She's also the last princess of the ice elves. So that makes me the Heir apparent , which is a pretty empty title since my people are scattered to the 4 winds now. I'm primarily a fire mage , yes i know an ice elf princess a fire mage, what irony. I spent a few years as a lowly ranger, so I'm better then average with the bow. I can summon the legendary Pixietrampler. The horse of SIr Hildraxel. Yes , THAT Sir Hildraxel, the big bad boogeyman of the north, who is also my grandfather. "
Trip continued with the strange bragging contest,"I am TR-1P12. I was created for the Truffleulgar Regiment...first platoon. I fought in the great war , mostly as a sniper . I could not adjust to regular halfling life after the war, so I ventured into the world and enlisted into foreign militaries. I served briefly with several armies but left when there wasn't enough action. I finally joined the 3rd army and I consider myself the body guard of Captain Fetch. Things don't get boring around him. I'm good with almost all forms of thrown and missile weaponry. I excel at guerrilla warfare. "
Fetch already knew all this, he wanted to hear from Dietrch . He didn't feel comfortable with everyone of his allies revealing their past and abilities .
Henrietta nodded at Trip and looked down cast at the table, "I'm Henrietta...I'm a wizard that specializes in constructs...I'm not an artificer though, I never studied that art. I'm...I'm a gnome...I feel I'm an elf inside, but the secret is out. I'm a lowly gnome."
Fetch rolled his eyes, wow big secret.
Surry comforted the little gnome, "That's alright. Don't cry. Hey I'll tell you what. Look I have a leaf from the Tree of life . Here I'll sprinkle some dust on you...and voila ...you're officially an elf now!"
The gnome looked deeply into Surry's eyes. "Really? Just like that? I don't look any different..."
Surry looked thoughtful at the gnome "I'm the elven Treekeeper, if I say your an elf, your an elf. Besides,its what matter here that counts.". The wizard pressed her hand onto Henrietta's chest.
Fetch almost gagged at this sight. He began to say something, but Surry silenced him with a withering glare. She gave him the " I'll fireball you in the nuts look", and the cleric respectfully remained silent.
Henrietta nodded at Vanna, and the big elf held up her damaged arm. Fetch had been unable to heal it, and she showed the table the metal underneath. "I am Vanna , the 20th and most advanced automaton Henrietta has created. I am an advanced miniature iron golem with shield golem properties and awaken sentience. "
Fetch hadn't expected that or understood it, but by the looks of his companions they all knew already. He tried to act unsurprised, and gave a rude exaggerated yawn to compensate.
"What? I already knew that.", explained Fetch as everyone stared at him.
"As his familiar , I can assure everyone here that Fetch was completely unaware of Vanna's nature.", cackled Baalphzon before he fled behind the golem.
Fetch grew red, but thankfully Tyris began to speak, " My full name is Tyrisvellir, I was a rogue for awhile, but that didn't suit me, so I became a bard. I use to have a real nice magical sword. I was really attached to it but Fetch took it away."
Fetch didn't realize Tyris's full name was Tyrisvellir till now. He felt kind of ashamed he didn't know more about her. He suddenly realized people were staring at him.
"Look...the sword was real dangerous. Its not like I'm using it OK. I'm just trying to find a good way to get rid of it.", explained Fetch to the unsavory glares he was getting.
"Get rid of it for the most coin probably.", scoffed Surry. Fetch grew mad and embarrassed, Surry was one of the few people here that actually knew the history and power of the sword, and she was inciting the crowd against him.
Yasmina began to speak, Fetch forgot he was here, but glad of his presence. He hoped his story would distract the angry stares from him," I'm Yasmina , I'm from the sands of Ylarrum. Its far away but I came here with my husband ."
Fetch didn't need to hear that. He suspected the man with the womanly voice did not favor the company of women, but didn't realize he would speak about it so plainly.
Yasmina continued," At first it seemed like a grand adventure , but he disappeared while adventuring with the Order of the Baboon. I assume he's dead , I've heard no word of him or the Order . I thought about returning to the sands, but news of my brothers death has me worried. He was working for the Fire Lord Imix, and his death means either Imix will punish one of my family for his failure or whoever slew him would hunt me down next. I'm not sure of the likely hood of either event, but I am not a warrior so I stayed here till word is sent that its safe. Since that time, I've grown attached to this wild chaotic city , and doubt I would return to my homeland. "
Tyris stopped and curiously sniffed lightly at Yasmina. She turned to the man and spoke, "I am sorry but I slew your brother in self defense. He and three other creatures of the inferno drew me into the plane of fire and attempted to kill me on orders from Imix. I defeated them with the help of Fetch . I seek no retribution if that is what troubles you."
Fetch interrupted,"What's this? I didn't go to no elemental plane of fire and beat up anyone's brother. Don't drag my name into this !"
Tyris looked at Fetch in surprise, "Don't you remember? I asked you for a glass of water and you made one for me. "
Fetch looked puzzled, he made her water many times and didn't remember an incident with fire creatures ,"You threw a glass of water and it killed 3 fire creatures and drowned Yasmina's brother?"
Tyris giggled, "No silly! I was thirsty. Really thirsty. It was really hot in there. The water hit the spot."
Fetch threw his frustrated hands up in the air.
Yasmina bowed at Tyris and continued, "I am still immature, but I have limited mastery over fire spells, can turn invisible , fly , turn to smoke, and know some illusions. The higher more ..signature..magic of my race still eludes me."
Fetch was impressed with his aides powers. He remembered him picking up a table and smashing a bubba demon with it. He would be useful in a fight with the proper training.
"Its Babau! Babau! Not Bubba demon! Stop thinking Bubba ! You've fought more demons then on most abysall planes and you still get their name wrong!", exclaimed Baalphzon audibly.
Fetch remained silent, he was getting accustomed to the barbs directed his way. He looked at Dietrch, and waited his reply.
Dietrch fumbled for words, "Err I'm Dietrch . I'm a knight of the Walrus. I have a magic sword and I kill stuff with it."
The group broke up after their little meet and greet was over with. Fetch was disappointed that Dietrch had not revealed anything relevant to him. He suffered the laughter from his friends for nothing it seems. Yasmina returned to his house in town, while Henrietta and Vanna continued with the repairs to her house. The rest of the companions went to the nearest inn, but Surry remained at her tree , motioning for the cleric to come.
Fetch told his friends he would catch up and went to speak with the elven wizard.
Surry saw Fetch and gave a laugh, "Sorry about that, but you were really funny back there. Bubba demon? Glass of water? Stealing your wife's sword? If you ever give up your high priest or captain gig, you can probably work as a jester."
"Very funny...but I want to speak to you alone.", said Fetch in a serious tone.
"Good , because I want to talk to you as well. You first though. ", motioned Surry with a simple curtsy.
Fetch tried to probe his mind to see if Baalphzon was near, but no answer was given. "Do you really trust these devils Baalphzon got you? I mean devils? Couldn't he gotten you something more manageable and less crafty. Like giants or even regular soldiers or something?"
Surry smiled, "Do you trust Baalphzon, 100% ?"
Fetch shook his head,"For the most part I do, but I sense he will betray me sooner or later. I keep him because he's useful though. I'll be ready when he tries anything though."
Surry nodded, "Well that's my answer. I sense these devils will betray me sooner or later , I keep them because they are useful. I'll be ready when they try anything though."
Fetch smirked at the overconfident wizard. "We're not talking about a delusional imp here, We're talking about a dozen warriors of Baator."
Surry smirked back," We're not talking about a dozen warriors of Baator, we're talking about one of the Dark Eight , one of the secret rulers of Hell."
Fetch bowed in defeat," Having said that, I've talked to Dahana, and she doesn't seem that bad, almost friendly even. I think it will work out. As long as you keep them hidden and not spook your elven worshipers or anything like that."
Surry agreed,"Yes I'm hiding them in Henrietta's for now. I'm hoping rumors of this will spread. It will deter random attacks against the grove. Now I want to share something with you."
Surry motioned Fetch to sit down on a tree stump. Fetch knew it must be something important.
"I told you I visited Hoaglie the arena master and discussed the nature of his elven gladiators. Well at the same time I worked out a deal for all of them to be released.", said Surry quietly.
"What? How did you afford that? Hoaglie was charging me 25k for just one.", exclaimed Fetch jubilantly.
"I managed that, because I'm not stupid. Like really, you haggle with some dwarves at your trading post, and you think you can negotiate in the big city. I told him if he didn't sell them back to me at what he paid for them, I would tell my "flock" to avoid his place of buisness. Since elves are mostly low income workers and make up a large demographic of the arena's patrons, he reluctantly agreed.", replied Surry.
"Which brings me to the next part. I found out you were going to pay 25k for one of the slaves, and I inquired who she was. Seems like she didn't just volunteer for sacrifice, she was in a lot of debt and was going to have to "sell" herself anyways. It just happened to coincide with that witch Talia's demand for sacrifices. I'm sure she told you a grand tale though, didn't she. " , Surry said with cold indifference.
Fetch felt uncomfortable at the way this conversation was going.
Surry continued, "I talked to her, woman to woman. Very cute even for an elf. She didn't say so directly but she's the one you left the plateau for isn't she? You still have feelings for her."
The half elf let that statement hang in the air. She watched Fetch nervously squirm , but she displayed none of her trademark arrogance while doing so. "I can't believe you would jeopardize your relationship with Tyris . You're everything to her, and this is how you repay her? Spending all your money on a girl behind her back. A girl that only sees you as someone to use and manipulate . Of course I could be wrong. She could have deep feeling for you as well. So I offered her 5 grand, if she left town right away, never to return . If I ever see her face again , I'll simply take the money back, or if she spent it already, throw her ass back into the arena."
Fetch didn't need to know what Nara's answer was. He already knew.
"Little bitch took the money and left. Didn't even leave a note I was told. Apparently the harbour master is a half elf, and the only elf of importance in the whole town. She told me she booked passage on a boat and left for Grom City. Good Riddance.", Surry said coolly.
He knew her assessment of the situation was correct. If he raised the money then what? Nara would have been freed, and then what would they do? Would he court her? Would he continue to keep Nara a secret from Tyris? He cursed himself for the lack of foresight on his part. Nara had abandoned him so many times in the past , without a word. His heart was torn between Tyris and the elf . He was ashamed at his feelings. He wanted to help her, but wasn't sure of his true feelings for her. Was that the extent of his involvement with her? Did he secretly desire more? Would he have abandoned Tyris for her? Again the thought crept to his mind and felt ashamed to even acknowledge the possibility.
"Why did you do all this? ", asked Fetch meekly.
Surry sighed,"Because I like Tyris. I don't call her step mum just because I want to irritate you, although that is a nice perk. Its strange , but I regard her as a true friend. I've made my peace with Brita. Despite all the mystery and strangeness about her, she's someone I can count on , and someone I don't want to see hurt. Also, I like you too Fetch. I didn't want to see you destroy your life and that of Tyris's for this passing fling. I know you're still a young punk , and you feel the need to sow your seeds or whatever. Gawds this is awkward. Giving advice on women to my father...but if you want to chase other women, do the right thing and break off your relationship with the one you're with first. You might end up losing everything, but you owe it to them, and yourself ."
Fetch considered her words and sat silently and sullenly on the trunk.
The week went rather quickly after the battle of Grove.
Word spread quickly of the demonic battle. Even though most of the bodies dissolved into ichor some of the demon corpses remained as evidence of the battle. News spread quickly of Captain Fetch and his "gang" defeating these invaders. Stories of the Captain's evil eye , that can implode an opponent, began to circulate.
Suffice to say , Fetch's first few patrols went very smoothly. Malik assigned him easy routes so he could adjust . A patrol through the docks, and a patrol through the local towns. He thought the worst that could happen would be a few local bullies or bandits might challenge the new captain . Instead all signs of trouble disappeared when Fetch came around. His reputation kept law and order as well any Grommish club.
It was getting to be late fall and almost winter. Malik wanted the local garrisons reinforced and resupplied before the chilling winter came. The patrol was boring but after the last couple of days Fetch welcomed the monotony. The first war plans from Olive came, and Fetch studied them and remarked on them diligently. They were abstract plans for invading 2 different port cities. One which has a port that froze over the winter, and was lightly defended. The other had a ice free port year round, that was a foreign capital, ruled by a deadly magical creature.
Although he didn't need to fight for Hoaglie anymore to raise enough funds to free Nara, Fetch had still signed up for the championship round for the week. He felt obliged to make an appearance. The champion fights were more fierce , but still posed no challenge to the cleric. The crowd roared at the sight of the terrible Insector. Fetch gave his winnings to Baalphzon to donate again. He didn't want anything to do with the dirty money.
The tenants at his manor inside the city vacated sooner then Fetch had anticipated. Fetch and Tyris moved in promptly. Although their stay at the inns were free due to Hoaglie, Fetch felt he needed something more permanent for him to feel truly home. The vacated building was decorated sparsely except for its library and did not have that much furniture, but Yasmina proved quite useful once again . His aide had the place quickly decorated and furnished in "high Grommish style with a hint of northern decorative arts". Fetch didn't care for the name but he felt comfortable in it. He was worried about paying for the furnishings but Tyris apparently had some funds left.
Trip and Surry stayed with the pair. They kept the renters at the estate in the country side, but dismissed the staff at the manor. Fetch felt it was too dangerous for commoners to serve him, and he also dreaded keeping unnecessary staff he had to pay. Luckily Trip did most of the organizing and maintenance of Fetch's properties. Surry really enjoyed her new role as high priestess . Fetch knew she enjoyed the power it gave her over the people who use to look down on her.
Baalphzon released Dietrch from his service, after the battle. He shared some of Fetch's sentiments and did not fully trust the walrus knight. Dietrch was fully trusting of them however. He pledged he would assist them if they ever needed another sword arm.
"You wore the wrong undershirt. Take everything off and try again.", instructed Tyris.
Fetch was annoyed he didn't seek violence out but he really needed to beat up something right now. "Why are we doing this again? Its just a party. Can't we say we're sick or something?"
Tyris laughed as she sat casually on their bed, " Its the fall festival. Knight Commander Governor Kerr wants you there specifically. Most likely to show his "subjects" what good friends and allies you two are. If you don't show up, then all sorts of rumors will start, you'll be on the governor's bad side, he will assault you with an army of bureaucrats, you'll fight back, we'll end up burning the city , and then we'll have to find to journey back to Mammoth Keep. Its almost winter...I don't want to walk all the way back when the ports up north freeze."
Fetch smiled, Tyris had been in a real good mood lately. She seldom joked like this.
He eventually dressed himself in the festival garb to Tyris's approval. It was similar to his captain uniform , but was mainly black and seemed both more formal and relaxed at the same time. Fetch was never big on matters of dress, but he felt really important and stylish in his garb as he gazed upon himself in the mirror.
He was about to comment that Tyris should get dressed as well, but suddenly she had her black dress on and accessorized when he turned away. Fetch was dazzled by her changed appearance. She normally never wore make up , but she obviously took pains to prepare for this important social meeting. Her plain face was transformed and it took Fetch awhile to fully believe it was Tyris before him. As he gazed upon her he noticed the jewelry she wore.
"Where did you get those?", he asked . He wondered if she changed her mind and borrowed some from Yasmina.
"Oh , these are from Roland. I never had a chance to wear them till now. They look kind of tacky in a dungeon or at a bar. ", she said casually.
Fetch remembered her old liege, and regretted asking the question as the pair left their room.
They saw Trip , he was in a much more informal green festive tunic. He was not invited to the Governor's ball, but there were many other parties and festivals going around in the city. The normally cool and stoic Trip seemed apprehensive and nervous .
"Do I look ok? Does this tunic make me look fat? Should I wear a hat?", stammered the Warforged Scout.
Tyris produced a yellow handkerchief from thin air, and stuffed it into his front pocket. "There, that splash of color pulls it all together. You and Henrietta have fun ok."
Trip nodded and scurried away.
Tyris and Fetch reached the main hall of their manor and were greeted by Surry . Fetch smiled at his daughter, their recent conversation seemed a thing of the distant past. Tonight was meant for celebration not brooding. Surry was in a billowing blue dress that strangely accentuated her overly thin figure. Even though she grew up in poverty, she was raised as a noble and knew how to dress and act appropriately.
"Trip, just left. You're kind of over dressed for the harvest festival aren't you?", asked Fetch.
"Oh please...you're not the only one with an invitation you know. I'm the Treekeeper? High priestess of the elves. ", she said indignantly.
"Oh...who are you going with? Dietrch?", Fetch queried.
"Sadly, someone already asked him before I did. I'm going with Dahana.", she smiled. Reveling at Fetch's discomfort. "Oh please, don't look at me like that. Its just , fun and partying , a girl's night out."
Fetch was about to protest, when the carriage Yasmina had chartered arrived. It was driven by a small coachman, who wore odd festive orange make up. Unlike most carriages which were pulled by troglodytes or elves like some form of rickshaw, this one used horses. The horses were oddly calm, Fetch assumed there was an enchantment on them that made them docile, not crazy like regular animals in the city. Dahana was already inside. She didn't attempt to disguise herself, Her large black wings dominated the interior . Her form fitting red dress and generous curves made Fetch uncomfortable . He spent the entire trip on the carriage attempting not to stare at her.
When they reached the ball room, most of the guests had already arrived. As expected and calculated, Surry and her "date" made quite a stir and they were the center of attention.
Knight Commander Governor Kerr greeted Fetch. He smiled and laughed ," Only been here for barely a week, and you manage to be a hero battling demons, defeat my attack dog Zahzon, become an arena champion, installed your daughter as high priest of the elves, recruited a band of baator assassins, taken over half of the guard, and I even heard you ran out the local assassin guild. How long will it take before you set your sights on my job?"
Some of the guests close to Kerr laughed, not full understanding or appreciating the extent of the governors statements.
After the initial tense moments with Kerr, Fetch remained at the governors side and greeted guests. He secretly thanked Tyris for pointing out his true role at the party. He was to show everyone he was a firm ally of the Knight Commander. Kerr's attitude relaxed as the pair greeted important merchants, land owners, and nobles together.
The pair even managed to share a few drinks and laughs. A few inappropriate lewd jokes about General Olive and governor Nils widow seemed to break the ice between the two. The more Kerr spent with Fetch the more he realized he was a victim of circumstance and not a master political manipulator.
Afterwards Fetch wandered the party looking for Tyris . He was amazed at the opulence of the ball room and the gardens. He was glad he dressed appropriately .
"Hey Fetch.", said a detached voice.
The cleric turned and saw Dietrch . Next to him with Yasmina. They were both dressed in complimenting blue formal garb. Fetch suppressed a laugh as he realized Dietrch's date was his aide.
Yasmina greeted the cleric before going to get some more drinks for his partner.
Dietrch rolled his eyes,"Ha Ha ...laugh it up...I'm doing this as part of my quest. I needed to get into this party."
Fetch calmed himself and asked, "Really why?"
Dietrch shrugged,"Just a tip or a hunch I guess. All my inquires had told me that the grand champion Ulla is the princess I seek. Well like I said, my Ulla is like my age , and was never good with a sword. The grandchampion is some young , warrior princess in her 20s. I knew they can't be the same, but I had to confirm it personally. I couldn't just wait at the arena, since well ... you guys wear masks and stuff. I heard she was coming here so I had to find out ."
Fetch nodded at the man's determination. Although he still didn't fully trust the secretive knight he admired the fact he would go out in public with Yasmina just to further his quest. The thought made him laugh inside.
Yasmina returned and giggled at the two. Fetch was not his date, but he still found it unsettling. He returned with drinks for all 3, and then pointed out an old man in the corner of the room to Fetch.
"That's Father Ferdinand. He's the priest of Taranta here in town. He's also the richest man in Northern Grom, richer then Kerr, or even that merchant Clovis . Quite a feat considering this is Grom and the money some of the people accumulated here. They say he's an oracle of some sort. His prophecies are never wrong. He has requested a meeting with the famous Warmaster.", said Yasmina while smiling at Dietrch.
"Err Taranta...remind me again...that's the god...of...", asked Fetch slyly . His lack of knowledge of religion was appalling considering his position.
"Goddess...of construction...of the hearth and the home...One of the fallen gods that doesn't grant her worshipers any spells , except oddly enough to Ferdinand and those in his temple.", replied Yasmina.
Fetch nodded and left the pair. He had a big grin at the thought of the discomfort of the Walrus knight, but composed himself before he met the priest.
Before he reached the old priest. A tall stunningly beautiful woman in a simple but elegant black gown intercepted him. She had shoulder length blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Fetch guessed she was in her 30s or early 40s but she was easily one of the most beautiful women in the room. A true classic beauty. She seemed flustered at meeting the cleric.
"You must be the new Captain in town! My name is Elanor Wayland. I am the priestess of Koryis in town , and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The money you donated to the Tiefling orphanage will give many of them a new chance at life. You've shown them that people care , and I'm sure many will change their lives because of it. ", the priestess gushed.
Fetch gave her a dumb look, but then he remembered the money that he told Baalphzon to donate. He was glad that he actually followed his command and did not keep any for himself. Or at least not all of it. He obviously donated enough to make this priestess happy. The only thing he knew about Tieflings were they often fought him, and they looked funny.
"Errr...Anything for the kids...", was all Fetch could think of to reply.
"So modest, I'll be expecting you first thing tomorrow.", Elanor said with a smile , while waving at someone in the crowd.
"Wait..wait...expecting me?",asked Fetch.
"Oh, you're not coming? Patrol duty I guess? I would have guessed you would accompany your wife if you are going to be adopting a child , but I understand . Today's modern families can be quite busy, especially in this city. ", the priestess tone then changed and her voice lowered. A glint of menace shone in her eyes, " Look , even if its a political ploy your playing, I don't care. I'm not ignorant of what's going on . You have ambitions for a bigger role in this city, and adopting and supporting an orphanage is a good start. I don't care what your ultimate goals are but I do thank you for your donations. I really mean it when I said it will make a difference. I don't care if you treat this child at arms length, anything is better then the life that awaits him or her without your intervention. I heard this money came from the arena. If it is indeed dirty blood money at least it will do some good in the end. Just do me a favor , and don't treat this as a joke ok? Do whatever or say whatever it takes to maintain this illusion of philanthropy. These kids need it more then you know. "
Fetch wasn't sure what to say. He nodded and Elanor gave him a smile before mingling with others in the crowd.
Fetch scratched his head and wondered what that was about, before he finally made it to Father Ferdinand. The old priest looked...old. He was simply dressed and would not look out of place in a park , feeding pigeons. He looked over Fetch and smiled.
"Hi there, Yasmina said you wanted to meet me?", asked Fetch.
The old man cackled and cough,"Damn this party is too cold. Winter's almost here, and its gonna be a bad one. Yes I wanted to meet you. I wanted to see the Fate's chosen. "
Fetch thought this man started to sound like a certain god of Trickery."Excuse me?"
"Don't give me that. You know what I'm talking about. I can read the futures of anyone in the room, but not yours. Watch this. See that merchant over there, the fat one? He's gonna choke on hors d'oeuvres before the end of the night. Over there by the garden, that woman with the green dress will win Lord Kerr's secret gift draw. See your friend Dietrch...he's gonna have sex with Yasmina there,...and he's gonna really enjoy it. Believe it or not, I can see the future with uncanny acumen, however yours is unreadable to me. Someone is manipulating and attempting to change your fate so much its just a mess to unravel. That's especially unsettling because you're one of the very rare people that can alter the fate of millions.", gasped the old priest.
Fetch had heard all of this before, and still didn't believe it. "Is there anything you want to talk to me about?"
Ferdinand nodded, "I can't read your future, but I wanted to give you some advice. Whatever you do, try to do the right thing and don't be idle . "
Fetch nodded, and found the priests advice more insightful then he had hoped. He continued his search for Tyris when he spotted a strange sight.
He saw 2 Hoaglies conversing with 2 women. The Hoaglies both looked similar , they both had that warrior quality about them , and both wore an elaborate blue breech coat. . Fetch could tell " his " Hoaglie from the other due to his piercings and facial tattoos. The other Hoaglie wore a golden holy symbol of a hammer, and seemed more well groomed, and less "rough around the edges". The women looked similar to each other, but had drastic differences between them. Both were tall , except one had a strange animilastic beauty. She had strange wide blank eyes, and a pointed nose as well as some feathers and scales. Fetch guessed she was a tiefling of some sort and had a sorrowful look to her. The other had more normal but still blank eyes, and seemed almost angelic. An assimar or celestial of some sort, the cleric assumed. Despite their varied appearance they had a sisterly quality about them. It was easily apparent as the assimar seemed to be comforting the distressed tiefling.
The tattooed Hoaglie waved at Fetch and beckoned him onwards. "Hey Fetch! I want you to meet Hoaglie, and this is Lady Nayra and also Lady Nayra. "
It should have surprised Fetch, but the cleric took it in stride. He already met Frank, Hank , and Frank. Twins with same names didn't surprise him. "Glad to meet you. Twins I take it?"
The tattooed Hoaglie laughed, "No, no, these 2 were caught in an alternate dimension, and were pulled and trapped here . A wizard I hired to rectify this told me this city is built on elven runes which employed many powerful magical rituals. Well I guess all that magic weakened the magic fabric of this place, and sometimes "accidents " happen. Things like rifts to other dimensions or even those northern mists are the results I guess. We're not really brothers, and those 2 aren't really sisters but its kind of hard to explain..."
Before Hoaglie could explain, Governor Kerr raised his glass. "Greetings my friends, colleagues, and subjects. It has been another eventful year. Our dream of becoming a glorious capital for northern Grom is getting nearer and nearer. We even proved our selves in battle for all to see. The Darkriver Horde broke and fled from McDunnalds when news of our might armies were nearing them. Our goal to make Lower Lueders the jewel of the north is almost realized. Having said that , we still face many challenges. The animal attacks, the mysterious black carriage. Lower class riots, and of course the baboon demons. I am confident we will overcome such obstacles though. Here's to a mild winter and a productive spring!"
Cheers broke out from the crowd. One of the revelers was cheering too much and fell into a choking fit. A waiter patted him heavily on the back, and a small sausage wrap fell out. Many masked attendants then came and gave out mysterious gifts to the guests after Kerr's speech. They varied in value from simple jewels to apparently a full furnished river front house. A woman in a green dressed cheered merrily when her gift was the grand prize of a dream house.
Fetch lost track of the Hoaglies and the Nayras during the speech and celebration. He wandered the party still looking for his wife. Eventually he found her sitting in a gazebo in the garden , enjoying the cool autumn air. There were many children playing around the gazebo and she was assisting Kerr's servants in taking care of them. She motioned Fetch to sit next to her.
Fetch though she looked beautiful. They didn't talk much or did much together outside of killing and love making. He enjoyed her company , but these times of quiet and peace seemed so awkward. They were such different people. He tried to put their differences aside and smiled as he walked towards her.
She seemed nervous as the cleric approach, "Remember what we use to talk about in Mammoth Keep? Moving to Lower Lueders, claiming your estate...", the last part clung to her throat . Fetch saw her clearly in the starry night. Her reddish brown hair,her clear yellow eyes, and her soft golden skin. She had suffered through so much.
Fetch smiled, he was glad he met the lady Wayland earlier and the odd conversation they had, "Yes I remember." He hoped the orphan they picked wouldn't look too weird.