Some of the other hooded figures at the table lock eyes with you for a moment, most just give a polite nod or a small raising of their drink. One in particular eyes you for a while with a slight puzzled look. He shakes his head a returns to his drink. His expression remains a little strange and he mumbles a bit to himself before returning his eyes to the muscial performace.
 
One of the bartenders turns to you and with a slight annoyed look he exclaims. "Is he with you? Look, I'm not that impressed, but my boss here doesn't like uninvited performers sweeping the pockets of our patrons. You might want to remind him of where he is." He looks back at the Bard for a moment and then to you again. In a hushed tone he says: "People have been gutted for less."
Vylreene Vylreene smiles towards the cloaked group.
"We've only just met, and he certainly seems very... confident."

She looks towards the Half-Orc.
"Some people like it..."
She shifts her eyes to the Half-Elf woman.
"...but it seems most people around here..." she countinues as she quickly glances around her "...don't."
"Thanks for pointing me towards your colleague, enjoy your drinks."

Vylreene turns away from the table, maintains her smile and says to Kál:
"Upstairs, simple as that apparently."

She moves towards the staircase, gets halfway up and leans over the railing to try and signal the other two to follow her upstairs.

  
Kál
Kál takes notice of the stranger that seemed recognise him in some form, trying to remember himself if he has ever seen or recognises this figure from before...
 
 
You eye the Gnome in the dark clothing over. His dark green hair gently touching his shoulders , slight wrinkles here and there over a wide face with glinty eyes shining above a short , but pointy nose. While he stares off to avoid eye contact you still notice him sometimes mumbeling to himself. You are quite sure you have never seen this person before.
  
Vaelron
the bardic semi-elf scans the audience and picks up all kinds of social cues. As his song is coming to an end he then swiftly moves his lute back on its place. He turns around and walks to the bar and calls for the bartender.
* "Excuses me! The tables I bumped in earlier. Can you give them a round on my costs." * Vaelron then waits for a moment.
 
Kál
Kál takes a mental note of the somewhat familiar stranger gazing at him, however makes the decision to walk towards the stairs to continue with the mission for now.

Smiling at Vylreene, he says: "Straight to the point, I like it...."

He pauses for a slight moment to take an eye to where the other members of the group are situated and the gauge the general atmosphere towards them as he turns back to Vylreene and motions towards the stairs, and with a charming grin while offering his elbow saying: "...Shall we?"

 
 
Vitor
Vitor snatches Vaelron by his collar lest the bartender slay him dead with his gaze alone.

"Time to work, drinks can wait..."

Trodding along and pulling with him the bodacious Bard. Vitor makes his way to others not intending to stop till he reaches his contact.

  
 
Vitor
While walking he pushes Vaelron to his front and keeps him at half an arms length.

"Tender' says you should be mindful of where you are, way they sees' it you're robbing them of income..." Vitor stops talking as he mean-mugs a Patron staring at him.

Once the patron passes he continues "Robbing from people like this is like playing chicken with a bull, be mindful of that."

  
As you reunite on the stairs leading up, the stares and vicious looks disspear between the bannisters and chandeliers blocking your view here and there.

The 1st floor of the Rusted Rat Tavern is a bit calmer than the ground floor. Dim candle lights and softspoken drinkers line the few tables and benches. A tired and haggard man sits in the corner under a small collection of light, gently strumming his lute to the gloomy patrons.

Close to the centre of this floor sits a robed man by a lone table littered with paper work. He meets your eyes for a moment and his stoic face turns into a warm smile.

"Ah, welcome, I see you were able to find me no problem. Please, have a seat, we have a few things to discuss together. But, for the sake of the Contractors Guild, please show me your writs for this mission."

As he extends 1 hand to wave over the table and the seats, his other removes his cloak. The greying man gives a smile as his Guild Insignia shimmers for a moment with the candle lights reflection.

  
As you take your places around the table he leans in and begins after a short clearing of his throat.
"What is said at this table never leaves us, only in extreme cases could a higher up of the Guild request a report, but that doesn't happen that often."
He says with a faint laugh as he drags a certain piece of paper to the centre of the table.
  
"You are tasked with bodyguarding a certain noble. It is believed he can be the next ruling leader of Woodsedge. He has many plans to clean up the slums, lessen the threat to this city from both inside and out and has many of the same intrests as the Contractors Guild. Our benefactors and associates have been working hard to get him a foothold into this vicious political system and as he's grown more known and bold with his actions, he requires to be protected from those who would stop his leadership before it even began."
  
Callus taps the piece of paper on the middle of the table. It is a small picture of a man in his early 20's. Short black hair styled backwards, a bright, red vest and a braided beard are defining features.

"His name is Edwin Murdik, Human, born to a family that was able to just manage in this city. He was known as a bit of a trouble maker in his youg days, but grew to be more affarmitive and considerate in his actions. Some refer to him lovelingly as a rising hero from the slums. And proof that even in a den of decadance, men with good hearts can grow."

Callus takes a small sip of his wine and continues.

  
"Naturally, he is somewhat of a powerfull symbol for the people. But one can imagine that the current ruling bodies here don't take kindly to someone looking to topple their enterprises and schemes while having the people on his side. Hostilities are growing here and we've already gotten reports of hired muscle looking out for our dear friend Edwin. He is aware of this contract and knows you will join him shortly. You are to meet him at his small estate in the North District when possible."

"In 2 days, there is to be a vote held in the halls of the capital building. Edwin is in the lead with the people at his back and he must reach that voting event in 1 piece. His enemies will try whatever they can from the shadows so you must be prepared to never leave his side for the next 3 days and do everything in your power to keep him out of harms way."

Taking another sip and letting out a small exhale, he scans all your expressions. With a small chuckle he places 4 small bags on the table infront of you.

  
"Now, lets get our more formal dealing out of the way. As per our contract, here is your first payment. I will also stamp your writs to show that we have had this briefing. Spend it as you wish."

He takes a moment to exhale as if reeling from a speech; "Any questions I can aid you with before we set off on our duties?"

 
Your writs have been stamped at the bottom with half of the Contractors Guild Insignia and Callus his name is wrtten underneath. Each of you is given a pouch of money with 300 Gold in it.

  
Vaelron The bard now has a pondering expression upon his face. His eyes beaming with disappointment and indignity as he was standing by the table trying to listen to Callus.
The words of Vitor echoing in his mind.
The bard steps forward and speaks with a serious tone as if he suddenly was able to speak with a more lower pitch voice.. The joyful bard is gone

"Callus. Are there any gangs we should keep an eye out for that might be a threat to Mr. Murdik? If so any color or sigil to recognize could prevent his death."
 
Callus looks at you as you ask your questions. "Gangs? Oh no my friend, we're dealing with hired assassins and such contracted by the shady nobility of Woodsedge. Bandits with a little club house and no guile at all would be mowed down instantly and easily by guards were they to try anything. A regular john with an axe can't be as discrete as they would want. No, you need not worry about gangs."

He taps the bronze Contracters Guild Insignia on the chest of his cloak and raises his eyebrow.

"It would also be bad form to make your alliance known so harshly. The people trying to get rid of Edwin want him dead, but with no traces to them. A sigil or marking on the killers would doom their entire plan they have been working on in the shadows. I'm sorry to say you are not going to be dealing with amateurs here."

  
"His main pursuers are some of the people already in power or allied with those while working from the shadows. Perhaps you all know a bit about the goverment in Woodsedge?"
  
Vaelron
Vaelron contemplates for a second if he knows something about the local powers in this region..

He remains silent.

  
Vylreene
"I'm not sure about the rest, but I'm as green as can be in this town, so any information you have for us would be very useful."
  
Callus gives a small smile.
"It's alright, in this constantly changing political climate, it can be hard to keep track of all the new faces and the heads dropped in the basket by the Final Blade."

"Currently," He continues. "There is a council in place in Woodsedge. It is headed by 4 members chosen by the people, or at the very least, on paper they have multitudes of support. The sensitive political system has many loopholes they have profited from in their rise to the top."

"While it is clear none of the current members need a "goody two-shoes" in their mids, it's still unclear if it is a combined action to remove dear Edwin or a single member acting in this matter."

Callus lays out some flyers with faces on them.

"Alright, stay with me now;"

  
Callus first points to a picture of a meek looking young human man.
"This is Pairac, born and raised on the outskirts of Galt. His campaign was about uniting the country and standing strong with eachother. He pulled in alot of war veterans who were left scared by the war, much like the widows and orphans he vowed to protect."
The second picture he points at is of a middle-aged Halfling woman with dark hazel hair.
"Ah, fair Idesu. She was born in Vigil to poor circumstances. her campaign thrived on attracting scholars and preaching the glory of making all of Galt 'high society'."
He then whips a 3rd flyers out of his small pile of paperwork. Pictured is an Elfen woman with sleek features and long black hair.
"Idaedas is a bit of an outsider to Galt. From a neighbouring country she arrived here at a young age with no hope. She lived among the commoners in hiding until some one or some thing catapulted her on the road to joining the council. I suppose her main draw for her campaigns was 'polite and decent hedonism'. She preached about allowing her people to feel free and it hit many tender souls right in the heart."
Callus closely taps a 4th picture with a slightly older, slightly scarred woman on it with tied up gold blonde hair.
"Poor Shaessif, she's a relic from the Red War and some one who still carries alot of hate. However, she always phrased it as being cautious, prepared and not afraid of those who would threaten her or Galt. By mixture of the respect she earned during the war and the soldiers lusting for more combat, she easily found a spot on the council. "
"Your information is very clear and detailed, Callus, my compliments. It certainly sounds like the council has "good" reason to get rid of Mr. Murdik, we'll do our best to keep him safe."

Vylreene points at the four pictures.

"Can we take these? I'll have no problem remembering your briefing, but faces are a different story."

  
Callus slides the pictures across the table to you.
"Just be careful with these. If people find you with this on you, you can imagine bells will start to ring. Get any supplies you need and find your way to Ewdin Murdik's manor in the North District please. Watch yourself and your backs. "

Callus starts to fold and sort his paperwork remaining on the table and prepares to leave the tavern.

  
"Thank you for your time, Callus, we'll be on our way to Mr. Murdik as soon as possible."
She looks around to her companions.
"Shall we be off then? Any of you need any supplies?"
  
"Good to take off any moment." says Vaelron
 
"Then let's get to work." Vylreene says with a smile, and walks downstairs to leave the tavern.
  
Callus stands with his papers sorted and shakes all your hands as he passes. He mutters a 'good luck & until we meet again' He disapears down the stairs, into the crowd.
  
Vylreene descends the stairs and goes straight to the door, as she opens it, she says:

"North District, it is."

She starts making her way to Murdik's manor.

 
 
Vitor takes a moment to adjust his armor after a long sit down and gives a quick nod. Quickly following in Vylreene's stead.
  
Vaelron slowly steps towards the door and hums a traveling song in pentatonic scale. He walks along with Vylreene right when she left the perimeters.
  
 
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