"And as i have told, I am committed to our citizens and city. I maintain my plan to elevate our South District. Far too long has crime allowed to run rampant. Shady deals and nefarious plans manufactured right within our city! Our city, that we treasure as our home! I am to wrong these rights, grant our south district safety, as any village, town or city should! We are a glorious assembly of individuals, but we can only shine when we don't fear starvation, daily suffering or oppressions!"
Edwin takes a deep breath with a glint in his eyes.
"So please, I stand with you as I hope you will stand with me, for all of us together!"
The crowd erupts in cheering. Edwin's last sentence repeated many times in echoing clamor. He steps back from his small stage and waves to the crowd. 2 of his personal guards stand by his sides, left and right, as Edwin lands his feet on common cobblestones again. The security seems to be politely waving people out of the way of Murdik as he starts to walk towards the gate of his mansion.
Local architecture seems to have quite the detail compared to those slums way back.
"Ahh--Where was I? Hmmm...Where's everybody?
"I should really regain my focus and head to where all that cheering is happening."
The bard says to himself out loud.
He then takes a little jog towards the crowd and tries to get more towards the front and right side of the stage.
Quickly the long-haired instrumentalist spots Edwin Murdik getting off stage as the crowd is cheering loudly.
"Ahh! I bet the rest is close!"
"hmm, let me see."
Vaelron climbs on top of a woodenbox close to the lively folk and scans the crowd over back and forth.
A guard meets your gaze. He turns back to Edwin for a moment, who in turn, faces you. He shows a gentle smile and gives a wave. The line of protection doesn't seem on edge by you being here. You seem to have a moment here, if you so chose.
"Let's do that less clumsy than that time in the tavern..." He thinks to himself.
nudging in between a couple more people and then soon he finds himself standing next to Vylreene.
"Nys sal Wutheh va. Sen kar va linta?" (Sister I have found you. What are you seeing?)
"Mr. Murdik, my name is Vylreene, this is one of my colleagues, Vaelron, we're here to support your fine security outfit. The rest of our group is nearby and ready to join us if this is an opportune time for you."
She quickly shows the briefing letter, highlighting the seal with her finger.
"Greetings. Name's Vitor, I'm one of the hired Muscle. Your current outfit seems to be fairly capable though..."
Vitor breaks his gaze from Murdik's at the end of this throwaway line and glances at his guards briefly before resting it on Vylreene as he waits for her to continue.
”Ah good, seems they have this covered..”
He stays a distance from the group trying to blend in with the crowd. Circling to the flank of where they currently are, but within reach to help should anything happen
Edwin Murdik turns himself fully towards Vylreene with a growing smile. He makes a small welcoming gesture to Vaelron and Vitor in the form of a short bow.
Edwin giggles a bit to himself. His formal guise seems to have dropped. His motions are less exaggerated, but more fluid, more wavy. He collects himself and straightens his face.
"My apologies, I'm sure you're in no mood for my small jokes or sayings. Again, thank you for being here. Please, follow me to the house. We have a few things to discuss that I would rather not spit out in the open."
Edwin extends one arm towards his mansion and flourishes it with a swirling hand. The security guards around you seem a bit relieved with your presence. They step aside for a moment to allow you to pass and follow Edwin. Some even give you a small smirk and a nod in your direction.
Ah, I see we’ve been introduced then!
Kál says with a smile to Vylreene once he’s within earshot, making a subtle ‘I’m unarmed’ motion to the guards on approach.
As you start walking forward, the security team closes the gate behind you. Edwin waves and passes gentle smiles to the crowd as he slowly backs up and turns to the small road leading to the front door.
The Murdik Mansion seems a bit smaller compared to some of the more luxurious estates surrounding it. While it is kept in a pristine state, it's building materials are rougher. Large, gray, rectangle stone blocks line it's outside. Windows adorned with wooden frames equally dot themselves all over the house. Most of the buildings around favor flat roofs which themselves are decorated behind high fences. Edwin's Manor would more resemble an overblown house. Triangle roofs with windvaynes crown the top of his estate and make way for a small steeple peering out from it's center.
On the road leading to the large 2-doored entryway is along a lush and green path. Shrubberies leaden with berries, flowers in bloom carefully separate the flat, stone walkway from the vibrant, emerald garden.
Before you a grand staircase leads up and spreads it walkways to your left, right and even curving behind you. Finely crafted wooden chairs and desks with slight metallic adorning's line your view. Paintings of finely clad armored warriors and fashionable nobles are spread through this lobby, lit by rough, iron chandeliers chained to the ceilings. Your boots are cushioned by a red carpet spreading all the way up the stairs.
He gracefully waves his hand up the staircase. He leads you up and through a large door. You are greeted by warm candle light in the corners of this room. Large windows peer over the back garden, the street and the estates behind Edwin's. Animal rugs, a freshly lit fireplace, tables with fruit and upholstered couches are spread through this large room. in it's middle a large, but low table finds it's place littered with indulgences and paperwork. Edwin lands on a large, cushioned chair as a woman enters the room. With a purposeful stride she makes her way to Edwin with a plate in hand. From the plate she instantly places a cup before him and pours from a large tankard. She straightens out and peers at all of you. She remains silent.
"Before we delve into our more serious manners, could I offer any of you any refreshments?"
Edwin looks at you one by one before returning his gaze to the human woman next to him. She is dressed in a dark blue tunic, adorned with small heraldry similar to Murdik. Many pockets filled with numerous small items are layered all over her clothing. She keeps a stern gaze as she stands ready.
"I'll join you in a cup of the same, Mr. Murdik, thank you. My compliments to the architect and designer, by the way, what a comfortable place to call home.
She turns around to face the room once more and looks at the woman in blue.
"I'm so sorry, I let myself get distracted by the view. Vylreene Magnorin, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Vylreene says as she slightly bows her head.
The servant delicately places a cup on the table and pours from the tankard. You identify the drink as a sweet tea with a slight earthy tone. A blend of tea currently a bit of a trend among the nobility. Silently she pushes it towards Vylreene and returns to her tense stance. Edwin himself delights himself in his hot drink as he adapts a more casual, comfortable position in his large chair. After a sip, a slight exhale and a clearing of his throat Edwin straightens his back and addresses you:
"Thank you Vylreene. The builders didn't enjoy handling such large amounts of glass, but they certainly didn't think the coin to greasy to hold."
"It's seems that our spokeswoman is doing the word. I'll let you talk about the details. I'll hear it on the go. Thank you so much, my nobel lord, for receiving us in your mansion of splendor. Yet if you excuse me..The bard in me has the greatest urge to play a tune in your grand voyer. The need to fill these reverberating halls with music is getting the best of me. Allow me to play the lute in the background as you speak."
Standing in the grand hall he gently plucks his strings. barely background music. Subtle. A minor chord strikes the beginning of the piece. He hasn't played this song often, yet he knows it by heart. (Song in OOC)
Vaelron sways to his music standing there in his own emotion.
Edwin takes a moment to muffle a small laugh.
"Oh, ha, oh, please. I mean it in no insulting way. I am in favor of proper unions and contracts for the builders of this great city. My father would moan and groan much about the absolute hostile workplaces in the younger days of Woodsedge. A master with ropes and pulley's they would call him. Ah, dear father."
Edwin's eyes lose focus for a moment as he stares down to his tea. In strong silence, he takes a quiet sip and swallows slowly.
"Ah, I forget myself. You've come to me at a turbulent time. I know that many people who rely on me are outside of these walls, waiting. Here I sit indulged in comfort while I must speak to you about the safety of my own life."
And so, I come to you in my time of uncertainty and need. Rabble and organized mobs would thread careful next to my uniformed guards. You are not marked by signs or regalia of this city, on the surface you seem like a mere traveling band passing through. You can feint a slight bit ignorance about the current happenings without raising an eyebrow. To the unknown eyes, you might even seem malleable enough to earn some trust among my violent opposition.
The South District would be the place to start. My guards report to have seen passing groups that match our robed, cloaked criteria passing through from there. We had asked some of the city guards for more information, but they seemed hesitant, proclaiming they couldn't perfectly remember the thousands of faces that pass by every day. Only special cases get memorized as they had told me. I'm sure it was my regalia that shone some bad light in their eyes and wallets.
But, before I truly forget. I have prepared accommodations for you. Both in my house and a few small locations I own. I wouldn't want to have people see you wander back and forth my yard for weeks. This is a small map of it. A slight bit cryptic to the unknown eye, but I'll elucidate that later.
Now, what I require. I have to ask you to find your way into my civil opponents and see where their commands and orders come from. The city is not shy in political discussion in it's shadowy taverns and good ears could land you knowledge to get an in.
That being said; I'm sure you have questions. Please, go ahead.
Edwin leans back in his chair. A slight elated expression comes over him. He slumps his shoulders like a weight still leans on them as he quietly raises his cup to his lips. The servant rests her hand on his shoulder as Edwin softly exhales.
"No questions. And thank you, tomorrow we'll..." He says whilst reaching for the map in Murdik's hand.
As if catching himself with an insult Vitor straightens his posture somewhat and clears his throat.
"I apologise I mean no disrespect Ser, I've already accepted this contract and am ready for the job. Asking questions isn't part of it."
His eyes squinting slightly, rolling back and forth ever so slightly.
"But regardless Ser, trust that I take my job serious. Any help or information that could be considered relevant would be very much appreciated."
He says quite monotonous but sincere and without jest.
"I would like a shift in your midnighters bodyguard Ser, just to be sure it's done well. Me and my fellow Contractors will converge for our first move come dawn."
After his say Vitor's dull eyes remain affixed to Murdik's and his usual calm and fugue state glazes over. His shoulders slightly shrugged betray a certain level of uncomfortableness or maybe just genuine irritation.
"Do you have some Ginseng Tea by chance?"
Watching the Bard leave and hearing musical tones from outside the door, Kál scratches his head in bewilderment and says to himself
"Time and a place I suppose?"
He then watches on at the conversation Murdok is having with the other two party members. Instinctively paying close attention to the finer details of the conversation.
"Master Murdik, You said that more uniformed groups started to show up.. Do you know who these groups are? And what did these uniforms look like exactly?"
He says questioningly, while smiling trying not to insult the man of power.
"Yes, the head of my security detail would certainly want to speak with you all. Anything we can do to shift our opponents expectations is welcome. Thank you sir Vitor."
Edwin gives you an understanding nod. He senses the slight tension and attempts to sit up straight, but less dreary. While his eyes still shine a small light of a tried man, he sinks himself into his cup again.
"Certainly! I will have it ready for you in a moment sir."
As the servant leaves, Edwin turns to you and speaks:
"At first, we would see some emblems with some of the more... scummy looking ones. I was told they were metal pins with an winged sword pointing upwards. This is imagery used by a local band that operate from the South slums. They have used the name "Liberty's Edge" in the past.
The Liberty's Edge is an old remains from Absalom's People's Revolt. The original organization was dedicated to expunge corruptions in political systems. Now, my first thought is that we merely saw pretenders or they came by to determine if I was a problem.
While I do not know if these groups are connected, I hope this information helps in any way."
"It seems a bit stuffy in there and I just like to get straight to the case, my fine lads. For some reason these big building also cause me to be less at ease. To much room to wander in the dark unnoticed. I was wondering, not in any means to harm your watertight security detail, yet have you seen anything unusual around or in the building itself? I've seen lords and lady struck down in their very own, cozy beds no matter how safe they felt."
"Well, we did see a confused dandelion eater prowl around, but we've kept watch quite well. Ha!"
"Interesting. What makes the hired music so curious to these things?"
By the end of his sentence, the blonde man's laughter is replaced by a suspicious look at you. The dark-haired man has stepped a few feet away from you and also eyes you up and down. He turns for a moment to a 3rd guard, one by the door where Edwin Murdik and the rest of your team is. As he makes eye contact with the guard he points to you, sticks 1 finger out vertically and then makes a fist before lowering his hand and looking at you again.
The 3rd guard starts to walk to a neighboring door and opens it. He's speaking to some one.
He then turns his head for a moment to the room where they're all in.
"Yet I have a feeling me being in that room and say anything will just raise tensions.. Which naught to be useful in dire times like these."
The bard shows the contract from the Rusted Rat Tavern.
"So please be at ease, gentlemen."
"If yer here for the job to be lord Murdik bodyguard, ya might want to listen to him at least. Go on dandelion, walking away from the boss on the first day is a bit of poor form, even for a freelancer."
The dark haired man points to the door you exited from. The blonde haired man returns to his post in the lobby while stifling a laugh and the 3rd guard approaches the door leading to Murdik's large room. He hold his hand on the handle as he watches you.