There was something suspicious about Lavender. After Viera had told him about the rumors she heard from Ishani, Griffin decided that the best thing he could do was keep an eye on the business throughout the night. It was rare that he would have a chance to gather information as most of the group's previous work was time sensitive. The sooner they shut down the fake cures the better, but as it stood, Lavender wasn't actively murdering people.
Lavender was a well-known perfume shop and boutique among the packed shops of Summoning Street. By the time Griffin arrived, night had fallen and the shop was closed, but that didn't stop several people from camping outside the business. Disguised as Indigo, he kept watch of the building, patrolling around the perimeter every now and then by sticking to the shadows. It was during one of his patrols that he noticed two men in the back alleys behind Lavender along with a large barrel. He followed from a distance, watching them fill the barrel up at the Jeggare River before bringing it to a building behind the perfume shop. After seeing them leave with another barrel, Griffin had a good feeling that this was part of the fake cure operation. It wouldn't be enough evidence for the Korvosan Guard to take action but it would be a good starting point for him and his friends.
His late night work as Indigo left Griffin tired by the time he returned home and he was only able to sleep for a few hours before the sun rose. He had suggested that they meet early to beat any lines at Lavender and couldn't sleep in. Griffin hoped that the information he found would be useful to the group, but when he gave his report to Viera, the first of his friends to arrive, he couldn't help but notice her disappointed frown. He was taken by surprise by her harsh tone when they spoke outside his home, waiting for the others to arrive.
"That was very reckless of you, Griffin."
"Reckless?" Griffin questioned, recovering from his shock. "I knew what I was doing. I kept to the shadows and didn't try to get close to the men."
"And if they had spotted you and thought to rough you up, it would have been two against one," Viera pointed out. "You should have brought someone with you."
"That would have made it more likely for us to have been caught," Griffin argued. "I didn't get caught. I don't see what the problem is."
"The problem is we're supposed to work together," Viera said, crossing her arms. "You didn't even try consulting with me about this and I believe that no one else knew of your actions last night. Do you not trust us?"
"I do trust you but you have to realize that each of us have our own skills. Mine was best suited for scouting out Lavender without being discovered. We were all tired from fighting the wererats so I didn't have time to suggest my plan."
"If you didn't have time to talk it through with us, you shouldn't have gone," Viera told Griffin.
"Are you serious?" Griffin threw his hands up in the air. "Need I remind you that you went out of your way to lie to us when you were sick with blood veil because you wanted to help us search the shipwreck?"
"That was only because I thought that it would be you and Verik diving below, and even with Takota, that hag might have killed you!"
"And if you or anyone else had joined me last night, the men filling the barrels may have spotted us and decided that we had seen too much!"
Before their argument could escalate, Griffin and Viera saw Alexander and Ishani walking down the street in conversation with one another. Even though they were still furious at one another, Griffin couldn't risk Ishani learning that he was more than just a noble scion. He was thankful that Viera thought the same as she backed off, shaking her head. The matter between them was far from over, but for now, they could focus on the task at hand.
Alexander and Ishani approached the two with a wave with Griffin and Viera quickly smiling, although they were both still tense from their argument.
"Morning!" Alexander greeted with a smile but was quick to take notice of his friend's expressions. "Is everything okay?"
"I'm just tired," Griffin answered. "It's hard to sleep while Korvosa suffers from a plague."
"That it is," Viera nodded in agreement to the excuse. "Is Verik not joining us today?"
"He has to check in with the Temple of Sarenrae today," Alexander explained. "I only found out after I returned home. He's sorry that he couldn't come with us but thinks that there's very little chance of a fight breaking out at Lavender."
"Speaking of the Temple of Sarenrae, after we're done at Lavender, I'm going to visit and speak with the priests at the temple," Ishani revealed with Viera nodding, her smile becoming genuine.
"That's wonderful to hear!" Viera told Ishani. "You'll have to tell me about how the visit goes."
"I certainly will," Ishani said with a nod.
"What about Takota and Falenas?" Alexander asked before quickly continuing. "Or just Takota actually. I imagine that Falenas would want to focus on finding a cure."
"You're right about that, and as for Takota, we received a message this morning from the Sable Marine Company about where the marines would be staying," Griffin revealed. "Takota left a few minutes ago to report in and promised to check in on the rest of us when he's finished with his work."
"I'm glad to hear that the Sable Marine Company was swift in deciding on what to do," Alexander said. "I guess that means it'll be the four of us heading to Lavender."
"Oh, and before I forget, one of my servants was out by Lavender last night and he told me that he saw two men transport a barrel of water from the Jeggare River to the buildings behind Lavender," Griffin said, hoping that Alexander would catch the hint.
"I hope that you and Tiran have warned the servant that it's dangerous to be alone at night, especially when dealing with a possible criminal scheme," Viera quickly added, maintaining her smile while shooting a glance at Griffin.
"I'm sure that we can trust my servant to do what he thought was best," Griffin said, tapping his cane on the ground as he made his point.
"Right…" Alexander glanced back and forth between his friends, aware that something had happened but decided to focus on the task ahead. "We should get to Laveder's."
"Yes, we should," Viera said, walking past Alexander and Ishani. "No time to waste."
"That sounds like a wonderful plan, Alexander," Griffin said, letting Viera get some space between them before stepping after her.
Alexander and Ishani looked at each other confused, and with the former shrugging, the two followed after their friends. Griffin cared for Viera but the outbreak of blood veil was bringing out the worst of them. He didn't believe he had made a mistake taking the chance to scout out Lavender the night before and he hoped that the priestess would realize that after the city returned to normal. He was going to do his part to help combat blood veil, and as the current leader of the group, he didn't think he had to run through every plan to the rest of the group when he could take action himself.
Griffin hoped that someone would find a way to end blood veil before the bond he and Viera shared was shattered permanently. He wasn't sure if it would come to that, but if it did, he wasn't sure what he would do next.
There was already a long line leading to Lavender by the time the group arrived at the perfume shop, stretching back several blocks. They took their spots in line with Griffin in front while Alexander and Ishani stood between him and Viera. Griffin noted that while many in line were healthy, there were some with red sores on their face. He was careful not to touch anyone in line and understood why many people believed in Lavender miracle cure. So many were sick from the deadly plague and the citizens of Korvosa wanted life to return to normal. Unfortunately, it would take more than river water to put an end to blood veil.
After half an hour, the group was finally able to enter Lavender. Griffin took a sniff of the air and was nearly overwhelmed by the many sweet scents in the air from the various perfume products that were lined up across different lines of shelves and tables adorned with lavender ribbons. A display of perfumes was set up by the front window to lure customers in but the big draw was the cure for blood veil. The line led to a counter where two young and beautiful women sold clay vials of the miracle cure. Griffin took a moment to look throughout the room and was quick to pick out two security guards with clubs on their belts. At least it explained why a mob hadn't sacked the perfume shop.
Griffin stepped aside to look at the various perfume bottles, letting his companions proceed through the line. He wasn't interested in the perfume but rather anyone who wasn't in line. He hoped that he could pick out the men that were responsible for filling the barrels with river water but wasn't able to find them. Instead, Griffin took note of the other patrons not interested in the cure. There was no telling how many people were in on the scheme and he wanted to be alert for any trouble. As it so happened, there was only one other man looking at the perfume selection. Griffin stood close by to his friends, listening in on their conversation with the women at the counter.
"Welcome to Lavender," one of the shopkeepers greeted with a wide smile. "How can I help you?"
"I was hoping to buy a dose of the cure for blood veil," Ishani said in a friendly tone. "How much would it cost?"
"That would be two gold for Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment, sir."
"Excellent," Ishani reached into a belt pouch he kept on him. "Worry not, my friends. I can pay the price."
"Thank you," Alexander said.
"Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment only works for one person," the shopkeeper explained and took two gold coins from Ishani. "You won't be able to share with your friends, sir."
"Alexander, what do you think?" Viera asked while Ishani accepted a vial from the shopkeeper. "Do you think two gold is worth the price?"
"Well, if it's made out of water from the Jeggare River, I'd think you would be lucky to sell it for a single copper," Alexander said, keeping his gaze on the shopkeeper. "That's what I heard, at least."
The shopkeeper frowned and looked over her shoulder. "Miss Loaggri!"
Griffin smirked to himself, seeing how his friends were able to lure the mastermind of the scheme out in the open. A woman with short black hair emerged from the backrooms, dressed in a bright yellow shirt, brown pants, and a blue headband. She crossed her arms and looked over Alexander and Viera. For his part, Ishani stepped to the side and held onto the vial he bought tightly. Griffin nodded in approval, knowing that the contents of the vial could bring Lavender down.
"I take it your the owner of this business," Alexander said toward the woman.
"Indeed I am. Please, call me Vendra. Do you and your wife have a problem with my product?"
"We're not married!" Viera gasped, stepping back while blushing. "We're just friends, that's all."
"Oh, so your friend is single," Vendra said, looking over at Alexander. "I'm sure I can address the complaints I've heard from a handsome man such as yourself."
Griffin could tell that Vendra was playing with the two, and while Viera had backed down in embarrassment, Alexander held his ground with a neutral expression. "I'm sorry but I'm not interested in a liar such as yourself."
Vendra gasped softly and held a hand over her chest. "You wound me with your words, sir. I assure you that my business and everything I sell is legitimate."
"I've heard rumors that your cure is made from river water," Alexander said in an accusing manner as several people in line started to turn to him. "I won't stand for anyone taking advantage of the good people of this city."
"You should know that Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment does work," Vendra told Alexander and looked at the rest of the room. "Surely, one of my customers can vouch for its success."
The man Griffin spotted looking over the perfume looked to the counter and held his hand up in the air. "I can! Since I took Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment, not only was I cured of blood veil, but my bad leg has been feeling a lot better!"
Several customers in line started to clap while Vendra smiled, believing that she won the debate. Griffin had to give her credit that she at least thought ahead to people calling her product out as a scam. If only her shill was more discreet with his act. Griffin stepped forward, tapping his cane across the wood floor twice so that everyone turned to him.
"Sir, I'm curious as to why you're here if you've taken the cure already," Griffin said with a hint of a smirk. "Surely if Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment is as foolproof as we're led to believe, you wouldn't come back unless you're interested in the perfume."
"Uh," the man staggered, taken aback. "I mean, it does smell nice."
Viera turned to the man with a harsh look. "Sir, if you would tell the truth, it would be best for you and the others in line."
"Well, my leg actually does feel a little better," the man said with an awkward chuckle followed by a sigh. "Okay, fine. Vendra paid me. There, I said it."
Vendra's eyes went wide as she noticed the mutterings of the crowd, which was turning against her. Griffin took a step away from the perfume stands, making his way to the door. Vendra turned to Alexander and Viera with a scowl.
"Get out before I have my guards kick you out!" Vendra told the two before addressing the crowd. "I'm pleased to announce a special sale starting now. Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment is free for the next hour!"
Despite Vendra's attempts, many of the customers waiting in line made their way to the door, not hiding their anger at having been almost swindled. With no reason to stay, Alexander and Viera made for the door after Griffin with Ishani slipping away. They made good progress putting an end to Vendra's fake cure but not everyone would hear about what happened and others who wouldn't believe. Fortunately, Ishani carried in his hands the key to putting an end to Vendra and her operation once and for all. Once outside, Griffin turned to face his companions.
"That went well."
"That it did," Alexander nodded in agreement. "What now?"
"We head to my home," Griffin explained and looked at Ishani. "Now that we have a sample of Vendra's product, we can finally prove that Lavender's Luxuriant Liniment doesn't cure blood veil."
"Of course it doesn't cure blood veil. Anyone with common sense can see that."
"We need you to prove that it isn't a cure," Griffin told Falenas, who remained absorbed in his work at his makeshift lab. "That way, we can turn it in as evidence to the Korvosan Guard and-"
"-arrest her when there are likely a dozen other merchants peddling fake cures," Falenas said, shaking his head. "If I stop my work for one fake cure, then I'll have set a precedent to do that again in the future."
"People are going to die thinking that this foolish cure will work, Falenas," Griffin pointed out. "You are one of the most talented alchemists I know. I need you to do this."
"As it so happens, breaking up the regents of the cure is a simple procedure that several other alchemists could perform," Falenas said, reaching for a bowl of various herbs. "People are already dying. The only way we stop the deaths and these greedy merchants is to come up with a cure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I received a shipment this morning and have high hopes that these herbs may very well be what I need for a breakthrough."
Griffin threw his hands up in defeat at Falenas' explanation and turned to look at Ishani. The priest shrugged and offered a reassuring smile while holding onto the fake cure. Falenas started to ground up the herbs when he should be working with the group in stopping Vendra's scheme. The alchemist was so absorbed in his work that Griffin was worried that his obsession with finding the cure was becoming unhealthy. He wished that Alexander and Viera were with him but they were talking quietly in the hallway outside, leaving him to think of a way to get the evidence that they needed.
Fortunately, as Falenas pointed out, there were other alchemists Griffin could go to with one coming to mind.
"Do you think that you'll be able to prove that Vendra's cure is only river water?" Griffin asked, turning to Ishani. "When we first met, you were working on a way to heal Brienna without magic. Surely you know enough about alchemy for this task."
"Me?" Ishani blinked in surprise. "I know more about putting regents together than separating them but I suppose I could give it a try."
"You've got this," Griffin assured him. "Feel free to make use of anything in Falenas' lab. I'm sure there's enough space for you to get the job done."
"I didn't agree to that," Falenas muttered while setting the bowl of crushed herbs back on the table.
"It's my house, not yours," Griffin told Falenas firmly.
"I assure you I won't get in your way," Ishani bowed his head and took his place at a spare table, setting the fake cure down. "Let's see what I can do…"
With Ishani getting to work, Griffin knew that there wasn't much more he could do but wait. He thought it was best to inform Alexander and Viera of their progress and stepped out of the room to the hallway they were in. The two were speaking quietly with Griffin unable to hear their conversation, and by the time he approached them, they ended their conversation to turn to face the half-elf.
"Ishani is working to prove that Vendra's cure is fake," Griffin told his friends. "Did I miss anything important?"
"I was catching Alexander up on how you discovered what Vendra's men were up to," Viera said, her tone stern.
"What's done is done," Griffin said, shaking his head. "It worked out in the end, did it not?"
"You still should have consulted us," Viera reminded Griffin.
"Much like how you should have been open about having blood veil," Griffin shot back.
"That's enough!" Alexander said, his tone harsh. "You're both being ridiculous. If we're going to be a team, we can't bicker like children like you two have been doing all day."
Viera was taken aback by Alexander's words with Griffin trying to speak up. "But-"
"But nothing!" Alexander interrupted Griffin, although after a moment, he started to speak in a calm tone. "I understand that you both want to help out in these trying times, and it goes without saying that you're both great friends to the point that you worry about each other. Rather than working against each other, you need to work with one another."
Griffin looked down, slightly ashamed to realize how right Alexander was. Viera likely thought the same given that she looked away from the warrior. The conversation served to remind him how well Alexander was when it came to a leader. He didn't let any personal feelings cloud his judgment and was quick to find a compromise whenever there was a problem. Griffin couldn't help but feel that he wasn't good enough of a leader seeing as how apart the group seemed to be.
Viera could look out for herself and Griffin knew that. However, he couldn't help but worry that some of his methods as Indigo weren't something she approved of as a follower of Iomedae. They were fortunate enough to spend most of their time working with the Korvosan Guard's backing, but even though Cressida wanted them to help deal with blood veil, they had to be more mindful of following the law. So far, Vendra was able to hide her crimes and Griffin wasn't sure if Viera would be up to breaking and entering into her store, even if it meant that they could find the evidence they needed.
The silence was broken with glass shattering from Falenas' makeshift word. The trio quickly went in with no word needed to express their distress. Although the elven alchemist was still at work, Ishani backed away from the shattered clay vial that held the fake cure.
"I'm so sorry," Ishani quickly said as the others arrived. "I thought I poured something that would separate the river water from the sweet perfume Vendra used, but nothing here is labeled! What I thought would get the job done but the vial started to crack and…"
"It's alright," Viera told Ishani. "You tried your best and that's all we could ask for."
"Seriously, Falenas?" Alexander looked to the elf with a frown. "I'm no alchemist but if you're going to have all these herbs and potions out, you'd want to know what they are."
"I can tell what they are with a glance," Falenas said with a shrug.
"We still have options," Griffin said, trying to come up with a plan. "Vendra likely won't let us in Lavender after that stunt we pulled today."
"She doesn't know about Takota," Viera pointed out. "If we send him to buy a vial, she won't know any better."
"Good thinking," Alexander nodded in agreement. "It worked with All the World's Meats, it'll work now."
"I'll be sure to let him know," Viera said.
"I'm afraid that I might not be able to find the evidence we need," Ishani admitted. "My knowledge in alchemy may not be good enough for the task."
"There has to be another alchemist we could turn to for help," Alexander turned to face Falenas. "You have to know someone that can show the cure is fake."
"Any alchemist in this city will be busy trying to find a cure for blood veil or treating anyone with blood veil," Falenas told Alexander. "There's little that can be done."
"I can see if there's anyone we can hire," Griffin said with a loud yawn. "I'm sorry but I couldn't sleep. I could honestly use a nap."
"Go and get some rest," Viera said, although she didn't look in Griffin's direction. "We'll decide what to do once Takota has the cure."
Griffin nodded quietly and made his way out of the room without another word. He knew that he needed a nap because he was going to be out again at night. With Falenas too absorbed in his work and Ishani not skilled enough, they were going to need a more direct approach to finding the evidence they needed. Alexander, Viera, and Ishani likely wouldn't approve of the plan but it needed to be done.
It was just a matter of waiting for Vendra's thugs to leave to collect river water a second time. Then, he would sneak into where it's stored and try to find anything incriminating that he could tip the Korvsoan Guard off to. If he played his cards right and kept his plan a secret, his companions wouldn't even have to worry about him acting on his own again.
A/N: I'm glad to get back to this story after taking so long with the last chapter. With Shadow in the Sky almost done and the fact I'm about to shift back to writing Pathfinder fanfic as a main priority by getting back to Burnt Offerings, I have high hopes that progress will continue to pick up.
Until next time.