Kiara feels Stella grab her arm then she feels her guts being pulled out both ends. Darkness covers you for an eternity, then gray, then bright light. You feel your guts catching up and you throw up in your mouth. Looking around, head still aching and gut still wrenching, you see you’re on a street in a city. Stella helps you keep your balance and the nausea passes. She hands you a handkerchief to wipe your mouth with. “Well kid, you did better than I on my first trip. I puked my guts out all over. When you’re ready, we have things to do.” Stella walks slowly forward, allowing you time to get your stomach, head, and feet under control. You are pretty sure you’re in the gear district, but not the exact location. Stella talks to a few messenger boys that always seem to be around, giving them instructions on food supplies to be sent to Herr Dugans, payment upon delivery. Another lad is sent to the painted man for delivery of backpacks. Then she leads you up to a large manor with 3 forges and knocks on the front door. An older Dwarf opens the door. Lady Stella! It’s so good to see you. Please come in, Herr Dugan is busy at the moment, but I’m sure he’ll be finished momentarily. And who is this dashing, dangerous beauty you have with you?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:33, Tue 14 Apr 2020.

Taking only a brief moment to get her wits about her, Kiara suppresses the nausea as best as she can and nods her ready to Stella. "If that is to become our main mode of transportation, I hope I get used to it quickly. And Stella, thank you, really. I don't think we were much of a match for that thing. I just hope the others fair well and got the hell out of there." Listening as best she can to the goings on around her, Kiara's eyes are always on the look out for something amiss.

As the dwarf addresses her, Kiara smiles and nods. "Kiara, Sir"
Hummm, dashing and dangerous he says, what does he know about me? I must do a better job of looking harmless. I would hate to raise anyone's suspicions.
I don't know him, and I am not all that trusting, sense motive?

“Well Kiara, it is good to have you here. I hope to see you more in the future.”

He smiles, his eyes measuring and weighing you, at first you think maybe he’s checking you out, then you realize he’s measuring your size. Maybe he’s a tailor. But more likely an armor smith.

He walks you down a main hallway, turning into the last door on the left. A sitting room, well appointed, with soft leather chairs and dark mahogany furniture.

“Would my ladies desire any refreshments?” Torin asks.

Surveying the room, Kiara finds the plushest of chairs and sits. Still not trusting her guts, she politely declines refreshments.

Stella requests bread and water for both, and a bowl of water with washcloth.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Wed 15 Apr 2020.

Torin nods politely and leaves the room.  Several minutes later a dwarven maid enters, she wears a maids clothing and is carrying a wash bowl and washcloth. She sets them down on the small table and smiles, “I’ll be back with your refreshments and a towel to dry with.” True to her word, she returns quickly with bread, water and two hand towels. A moment washing and some water to rinse your mouth and suddenly the bread smells and tastes wonderful. Warm and buttered, it cleans your palette and settles your stomach.
Just as you feel comfortable, Torin steps in again. “Herr Dugan will see you now. Please come this way.” He leads you straight across the hall to a large office dominated by a large desk, a tapestry behind it, and four chairs with a table to the side. An older dwarf with white hair, broad shoulders and a big smile is standing in front of the desk. “Stella! What a pleasant surprise. Come here girl.” Stella smiles and steps forward and hugs Dugan, obviously they know one another. “You old forge dog you, you’re not surprised at all that I’m here. I’m surprised you didn’t come find me once you learned I was in town. “ Dugan grins, “I heard you’d been saved by a group of intrepid adventurers.” He turns to Kiara and offers a hand, “I assume this is one of them? Dugan Kegdrainer,” His hand is large,scarred, and strong.

Kiara savors the warm butter on the delightful snack. Upon entering the room Kieara waits to be addressed. Stepping up to shake his hand, she keeps it simple as not not intrude on their time.  "Kiara Sir, my pleasure."

Dugan brings your hand to his lips, giving it a brief kiss. “Any friend of Stella and my nephew is welcome here. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m starving, would you mind if we make this a dinner meeting?” He pulls a rope next to the tapestry behind the desk. Then returns his attention to Stella, “I have cleared a forge for your project, it will be started tonight, as soon as the plans and payment are cleared.” Stella looks at Kiara, then back to Dugan. She puts her backpack on the table, mutters something very quietly under her breath, then reaches into her pack. She pulls out a scroll case that is locked and wax sealed on the ends, she also pulls out a velvet bag tied close. Opening the bag, she pours out four diamonds the size of pigeon eggs, then hands them to Dugan. He pulls a monocle from his vest pocket and examines them. Finally nodding, he then accepts the scroll case that Stella unlocked while he was inspecting the diamonds. Breaking the wax seal, he pulls out several rolled up parchments, pocketing the diamonds as he does so. A serving maid enters, bearing a large platter of bread, smoked sausages and cheeses, places it on the table farthest from the discarded scroll case and leaves, returning with two steins of beer and a glass of wine, placing them next to the platter, then leaves. Dugan then spreads the plans out on the table, peering intently at what appears to be highly technical drawings. You get a good look at them, but other than noting it is a cylindrical object, you have no clue what it might be.

After a time, during which you can’t help but trying the food, which is delicious, Dugan looks up and smiles,“This will take some time, I’ll get my best journeyman on it. I will personally oversee the first casting. I estimate one week for the first, then three days after that.” Stella nods, I also desire a place rented for delivery. On Thera street between Adolph ave. and  Gretchen way. Possibly long term.“
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:48, Thu 16 Apr 2020.

Stella then relates to Dugan a brief version of the events that have taken place in the last few days.

Dugan asks a few questions about Silence, which is when you actually find out its name. “My master built that monstrosity for the Stross family under the understanding that it was to be a sparring instructor for the Stross children. “   Stella nods her understanding, “does Silence have any weaknesses?” Dugan thinks for a long time, finishing his stein of beer and ordering another round. While he is thinking, Torin enters the room, “Dugan, a porter has just delivered a keg of what appears to be Blackaxe Stout, delivery paid for by your nephew.” Dugan chuckles, looking pleased, “Better broach it then, I’m sure the lad will be thirsty by the time he gets here. Don’t forget to try it yourself first, of course.” Torin smiles, nods and exits. Dugan then picks up the fresh stein, looking deep into the cup before answering. “As a sparring partner Silence was programmed to ignore any other combatants. This was to teach the young nobles not to depend on retainers in case of assassins.” He frowns, But Silence was built to the highest standards, including combat skills. My Master should have seen what the Stross family was doing, the signs of duplicity were there. I will think more on this, whomever is controlling Silence is a threat to be wary of.” Dugan then looks at you, “Someone wants you dead very badly, you’re very lucky that you escaped. Silence doesn’t make many mistakes, I doubt you’ll survive if it finds you again. Tell me Kiara, what have you done to deserve the interest of a deadly assassin?”

Hearing the Stross name sends a shudder over Kiara's entire being. Taking a deep breath as if to order her hair to stand down, she makes a mental note to warm herself again. Looking at Dugan trying to sound as confident as possible she admits "Performing small favors for the painted man, with the best of intentions for my companions seems to have come back to haunt me. I am honestly not exactly sure what I got myself into, but the red tent in the black market area and some ghouls are the only things I can think of that may have put a mark on my head. Like I said, I am not sure what that means, but as knowledge is power, I think it is time I start seeking some."
Her eyes look almost pleading for answers as her thoughts go to the safety of Nic and her companions. What she wouldn't do to lift the mark and ensure their safety. Oh how she wishes they were here with her. As the ale seems to have arrived, she guesses it wont be long before they make an appearance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:05, Sun 19 Apr 2020.

Dugan looks at Stella, who shrugs as if to say, kids will be kids. Then Dugan says in a kinder tone to you, "lass, I hope to see you alive and well, I will help you as I can.  A few gifts to increase your chances." He pulls on the rope and when Torin appears, he tells him to bring the package for Ms. Luciana, he also speaks to him in a low voice then dismisses him. "Our time is short, your group will be here shortly, Silence may be following. Best if you're not here when they arrive. It's been a pleasure Kiara, be careful." Dugan then confers with Stella about delivery times and drop offs and other contingencies. Then Torin  returns and leads you back into the first room and hands you two packages.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Sat 18 Apr 2020.

Stella leads you out of the building, explaining her plan to keep you hidden from Silence, you're horrified but fascinated with the opportunity to see the "other side".