Luca walked with the girl upstairs observing his surroundings, he had never been to a place like this. Against what he thought this place was bright and somewhat glamorous at least at his eyes. When they reached the main bedroom he was fascinated, this room was more luxurious than the one he had at his house, and his was pretty good. Luca staid up and when the girl was about to leave he answered her question asking for just a glass of water.

When the girl left he took a look at his son, and there he was asleep, like this no one could notice that they baby had magic, and for a moment Luca thought all of it was just a nightmare. He reach for a chair and sat carefully not to wake his son.

"Sleep well Ember, everything will be okay soon." said Luca whispering to his son while he waited for someone to come back to the room.

Rose completely ignores the slave and thanks Velta for the tea, she holds the cup with both hands, as if warming them, before taking a sip.
"Good to hear that your father is well. As for my costumers, you know that all kinds of interesting people go to the Garden, they also appreciate our discretion. You should come by, drinks on me." She takes another sip of the tea. "How's business?"

Smiles as if she heard a good joke, and allows herself a small sound of amusement. " I can drink fine on my own, and the business is booming, did you know that the yellow tone is very in at the moment in the higher houses? I think it's due to the small birds they like to much. Apparently the slaves should match." She adds as if offering advice " You should dress your girls and boys up in yellow. "

Shortly after leaving the same girl who had lead him upstairs to Madame Rose's office returned with a jug of water and ceramic cup, and was followed into the room by an armed bouncer who nodded in greeting towards Luca. The girl placed the jug and cup on Madame Rose's desk, offered Luca a parting farwell and curtsied before making her way back out again "I hope monsieur is satisfied, if that's all I shall leave and send Madame Rose up as soon as she returns." closing the door behind her.

Once the serving girl leaves, the burly bouncer introduces himself with a gruff voice and deep chuckle. He was a tall man, but by no means prodigiously so, heavily muscled and wearing a sleeveless leather jerkin and linen pantaloons, with a bald head and a horseshoe moustache and was armed with a steel-studded wooden blackjack. "Me being here's just a precaution, monsieur, you know how things are in the city these days and Madam Rose doesn't much like her office being left unguarded. Name's Henry by the way."

Emmy caught herself roughly with both hands as she tumbled forward with a loud "oof!" Immediately after, she heard the snap of branches, and glanced up just in time to see Davian getting slapped in the face by a vengeful tree, which caused her to burst out laughing, despite the sharp bolt of pain beginning to throb in her ankle. Pulling her foot carefully free of the hole, and pausing on her knees while she tried to catch her breath, she chuckled, "Aye, aye. I'm all right!" She braced one hand against her knee, and wrapped the other around his offered fingers, stumbling to her feet while still snickering under her breath.

"Ah, 'twas worth the twisted ankle just to see the look on your face!" she quipped, grinning widely as she brushed off her skirt, wincing as she tested her weight on her right foot.

Davian helps Emirien stand by offering her his hand, but doesn't pull her to her feet. He still occasionally rubs his throbbing eye with his free hand and frantically blinks the ache away whenever he isn't rubbing it. "Never mind vicious grouse, it's the trees and soil we need to watch out for." he says, exhaling sharply from his nose as he sniggers. He moves so that he is stood with his back to the brnach which just hit him and turns to face Emirien, briefly eyeing her. "Best not to hunt with a wounded ankle, but you seem alright. 'Reckon we should keep going or do you want to go back?" His body language betrays him despite his words, however, and as he half turns and brushes the twigs aside once more while keeping his eyes on Emirien it is obvious that he would prefer to continue onwards into the woods.

---

The next morning promised fairer weather. The rain from the day before had passed during the night and though the city streets were still damp the sun had been shining since it rose with only a few clouds in the sky. Unfortunately for Ryker, this meant that the city had gotten busier earlier as he made his way to the Rugged Fish. On the other hand, Rykers appearance and the presence of his sword seemed to dissuade thieves from taking advantage of his encumbered, and he made it to his destination unmolested.

The inside of the small quayside inn was quieter than it was yesterday with only the bartender present as Ryker entered. Regardless of how hard Ryker knocked on Alexandra's door no answer came. Perhaps she was a heavy sleeper and hadn't gotten up yet, or perhaps she had already left, and the innkeep didn't help much as he called to him: "Haven't seen her since last night, my man. Mayhaps she slipped out without me knowing it but I reckon she's the type who wants to be seen and heard wherever she goes, eh? So I doubt that. Want me to take a message, or get you a drink while you wait?"

Ryker stopped knocking and turned his attention to the innkeep. He furrowed his brows slightly before shifting away from the door. "I suppose I could leave a message..." He sighed as he walked over to the bar. "If you happen to see the Siren, let her know her companion stopped by and that I'm meeting with the mercenary captain." He eyed the drinks but had to pass. It was early and he had things to do.

He nodded at the man before heading back to the door. Upon exiting the quaint little inn, he paused to take in his surroundings. 'The Wayfarer Inn,' he recalled before heading east. His mind wandered, thinking of where this young lady could have gone without him. Perhaps something had come up. Perhaps she was deadly serious about this treasure. Either way, he would keep his guard up. He still needed to take this job whether she came with him or not as he was low on coin.

As he made his way down the city streets, he kept darting his eyes back and forth over the crowd. The man in the inn from the night before still on his mind. He hadn't liked the way he had looked at him. Perhaps that man had something to do with Alexandra's disappearance. Or perhaps Ryker had been a sellsword long enough that he had just become a bit too paranoid.

He came upon the Wayfarer Inn after a bit of walking and let himself inside. He wasn't sure which room this captain was staying in and he wasn't about the go around knocking on every door. He found an empty table, took a seat and waited.

The growth of the city, coupled with the growth of the nearby town of Averby caused the two to expand into one another, with the two separated only by the walls of Averine city and the river which surrounded them. Even after crossing the main drawbridge leading out of Averine and into Averby it never truly felt like Ryker had left the city. The Wayfairer's Wagon inn was in Averby and could be seen just east of the city gates. It was a short walk and though Averby was busy it was nowhere near as bustling as the city itself.

It was obvious how the inn had gotten its name, as upon Rykers approach he could see three seperate wagons parked besides and beside those a large stable suitable for many horses. One of the wagons had men working on it who seemed to be preparing to set off eastwards, they loaded and unloaded crates and barrels and joked among one another. The second wagon caught Ryker's eye, however, for it was a type of wagon he recognised. A modified war-wagon with crossed swords and a blue shield painted on the side. Atop the wagon was a huge, steel limbed ballista; the kind of ballista used to harpoon great monstrous beasts during hunting missions. The presence of this wagon indicated Ryker had certainly found the place he was looking for.

As he entered, Ryker found himself in a pleasant, rustic inn decorated with drapes of exotic fabrics, animal hides and trophies from various hunts, and opposite the counter was an open log fireplace filled with black ashes and soot. As the man put down his equipment and took a seat he was approached by a serving girl who offered him a small bowl of gruel and a cup of milk to drink for the humble price of four copper shards.

Sir Luca was nervous with the big guy around, he hoped that Ember wouldn't start crying, he wanted to speak only to the madame of the house, the least people knew that the baby was his the better. He didn't move from the chair he was sat on, his son was asleep and the less he moved the better.

"Yeah, we never know with who we are dealing with. Do you think Madam Rose will take long to arrive?"

"The offer is made anyway." Rose smiles and finishes her tea. "I didn't know you were so interested in colour trends and whore clothes. I should go now." She rests the cup on the desk. "The brothel doesn't run itself and I have to go to the market yet, if the rain lets me." She says as she stands up, giving the dress and quick fix with her hands. "It's always good to see you, Velta."

The man had remained quiet, and was glancing about the room idly when Luca addressed him. He looked up towards Luca in response "Not a clue, monsieur, but she's a dutiful woman who doesn't much like being gone for long." He pauses and moves to the door, opening it, poking his head out to peer around before closing it again and turning to look back at Luca. "She didn't say where she was going, nor did she take any guards along with her."

Velta inclined her head as the other woman left the room. She was going to have to have a talk with the slave outside, for letting just anyone into her office unannounced. Though Rose was an old friend, despite it all, Velta was a busy woman.
She once more turned her attention back to the letter she was writing and yawned. This was not something she was used to, her clientes, although sometimes very wealthy, were generally not nobility. Gareth Nolani was known for working for a noble house though and this one in particular was rather fond of Dredg, to the point that she even campained for freeing them. Which would mean the end of the Burr Family's business. On the other hand, an estate could generate quite a lot of money all on it's own, and she was not the only slaver in the city.
So she wrote the only thing she could think of.

" Esteemed Gareth Nolani,
I must say I am honoured to hear from you, but a little surprised aswell. I believe I have exactly what you ask for, but would none the less like to meet in person to discuss the finer details of this arrangement. I am after all a business woman and feel I can not simply strike a deal without first feeling the handshake of my client. Send the curire back with a reply whenever you are ready, do not worry about feeding it, I will make sure it's well watered already. "

She signed and sealed the letter, pressing the styalised dredge stamp into the hot wax with a frown creasing her brow. This would need a human curier, just to be sure. Finding one shouldn't be too hard. She dressed herself in the latest yellow cape, the thick whool would certainly keep out the rain, but the colour was really not good for her and stept outside into the rainy street.

As she exits the office, Rose looks up and frowns as the rain falls on her face. Maybe it's a better idea to leave the slave shopping for another day. She peers at the ships on the docks, looking for familiar slavers, that might trade in young girls. She would make a mental note on that, so she can come later, or send someone.
She turns from the wharf and starts making her way back to the Delucian District, in a quick pace, asking herself why the hell she didn't think of bringing a cloak.

Rose had not been in Velta's office for long, the weather and the state of the docks both remained unchanged from when Rose came from the Delucian district save for one thing she noticed: The massive battleship she saw on her way in had made port and the crew had begun to disembark and unload whatever cargo the ship was carrying. The people of Averine city continued on with their lives, and most didn't even notice the presence of the House Sauvage battleship.

The rain didn't let up for a moment as Rose made her way northwards back towards the Delucian district. As she walked she noticed the opposite effect to when she made her way southwards, the houses slowly became more expensive looking and the telltale shacks and hovels of the quayside became a rarer sight, soon after the smell of salt and fish too had disappeared. Once again, Madame Rose passed by the Siren's Pride inn and found her way back to the Delucian district, indeed quite soaked by now.



As Velta stepped out of her office and into the street outside she noticed an unmistakeable silhouette and well know, easily recognisable face of a famous denizen of Avertine city. The man was Sir Obirrin Cheem, a Knight of house Delucia who strode proudly up the street with a second younger man walking beside him.

The Knight was old but no less fearsome and powerful. He was tall, straight backed and stood with an air of pride and command about him, he a bald head and impressive grey mutton-chop whiskers covering his upper lip and cheeks. He wore a black cloak and hood which were pinned closed with a pin baring the seal of House Sauvage, a silver embroidered crimson doublet and a pair of practical black pantaloons. The man beside him was far younger, barely a man at all. This stranger who bore the typical features and olive skin of a Velucian, with his commoner's clothes, shaven face and short straight dark brown hair could have been mistaken for some servant or perhaps at a stretch Sir Cheem's Squire, if not for the fact that he carried with him a shield and matching badge from the renowned Academy of the Silver Shield.

The pair would have drawn the eye in any of the districts of Averine city, even more so in the docks. From where Velta stood she could see some of the looks townspeople gave them as they passed. Some looked on with jealousy and scorn, others with admiration, some perhaps fancied their chances taking the pair down to steal and sell the spoils. Sir Obirrin paid the townsfolk no more heed than necessary, though he wasn't above a nod or greeting whenever he made eye contact. He looked at Velta as he passed by, nodded, and continued on up the street.

The young man in tow glanced around in a combination of awe and nervousness, as if he'd never been to Averine city before. If that was the case then his reaction to it all was understandable, for it was well known that no larger, more active city existed in the Empire or beyond. He too spared Velta a fleeting glance and nervous smile as he passed by before continuing up along the northwards road after Sir Obirrin.

Arriving at the Delucian District, soaking wet, and in a growing bad mood, due to this, Rose makes her way to her brothel, holding her dress with both hands to allow for a quick pace. If no one interrupts this, she will soon be at the doors of the Garden, get out of this clothes and have a hot bath. She smiles to herself at the thought of a hot water perfumed bath, as she walks.

The moment Rose opens the doors and enters her Garden she is greeted by the almost overpowering smell of perfumes and incense, a far cry from the smell of the docks but not so dissimilar to the scents of perfumes and flowers in the Delucian district. Not a moment later she is simultaneously greeted by her Bouncer who bows his head and approached by one of her girls.

A slim girl from the city of Avelyerian descent with the eye-catching raven hair and almost-as-black eyes of a Delucian. She curtseys and comes to a stop in front of Rose. "Welcome back ma'am." she murmurs politely before quickly adding "There's someone here to see you, a gloomy looking gentleman in a black cloak. We put him in your office while he waited ma'am, Trevor's watching him to make sure there's no funny business." She pauses again, briefly eyes Rose up and down, forces a smile and then adds "Should I fetch you some new clothes, ma'am?"

Rose nods at the bouncer before turning to the girl as she starts to speak. "Who? In my office?!" Rose raises an eyebrow to the girl, both inquisitively and with disapproval. She rolls her eyes and sighs. "Fetch me hot water. I need a bath." She gestures the girl to go.
The Madame takes a moment to close her eyes and deeply inhales the scents of the Garden. She opens her eyes and the warming smile is again on her lips. Despite being soaked she calmly crosses the room and goes up the stairs keeping her poise. As she reaches her door, Rose opens it and enter the office. "So, who is this gloomy gentleman that wants to see me?"

"Yes ma'am." Says the girl obediently before she scurries off to do as she is told. Once Rose had ascended the stairs, made her way across the balcony and entered her room, the guard who had been waiting within and watching over Sir Luca bowed his head towards her in a respectful greeting. "Ma'am, the monsieur here. He says he needs to discuss some matters of importance with you." He pauses and quickly adds, standing up straight and stuttering somewhat. "T-That is only with you, ma'am. Won't tell anyone what he wants but he's been following the rules so far." The uneasy bouncer then steps aside and leans against the wall by the door with his arms folded across his chest. For a moment it is as if he intends to stick around until he speaks again. "Am I dismissed, ma'am? Or will you be needing me to hang about?"

Velta watched the older Knight and the boy walk past, gracing them both with a nod. Her gaze trailed them as they moved through the crowd and when they seemed to be just far enough away she set out after them. Perhaps it was just a coincident, but as she weaved her way through the crowd she seemed to be moving a little faster than normal, as if she intended to catch up.
She was not dressed for spying, and her fine cloak stood out like a painful sore against the dreary clothes of the pooerer citicents of the docks. A different woman might be worried over her obvious wealth drawing attention, but not Velta Burr, she'd grown up on these docks. She knew the thugs, and the desperate, and above all they knew her brothers.

She drew nearer to the Knight, and might not be paying attention to the street aswell as she should, brothers or not.

The Madame, soaked wet from the rain, turns her gaze to the unknown man, raises an eyebrow, noticing he is somehow unsettled. "You can go, Trevor. If the gentleman waited to see me, and only me, I imagine he wants to speak alone. Stay at the door and I'll you if needed."
Rose walks the room, starting to unfasten her wet dress, without looking at the man, and goes behind a folding screen to change clothes. She says nothing, waiting for the man to introduce himself.