"It's not whether you're paranoid", mused Pieter thoughtfully, his mind on his past, "But whether you're paranoid enough"

After a moment, he nodded to himself, "Let's keep two of us here - I'm happy to take the first watch with you, Lukas - and let's consider moving those minks out of sight"

It is still relatively early in the evening so there probably is time for one or more person to go and buy food and other supplies and return before the job officially starts.

A careful examination by Fyodor reveals no obvious recent boot marks on the outer walls, though admittedly the angle of sight is limited.

"I can get food." Fyodor volunteers as he rejoins the others in the room.

“Let me take another look downstairs, first”, muttered Pieter, “As I mentioned, these folks move in certain circles and I’m not sure if the person lifting these has been taking them from outside, or moving them on from within….”

"We don't have to be bored." Klinka grinned as he rattled a pair of bone dice in his hand. "We can entertain ourselves with a game or a story. And some of us can rest - who said everyone is needed to guard this place?"

Nodding to Pieter's suggestion, he offered "I can get another lamp and some oil. Do you our employer would be willing to provide them?"

Lukas was glad Pieter offered to stay a while, even if it was for a bit of company to while away the boredom and he agreed it would be a good idea to make sure the pelts were both well hidden and a good look around the ground floor was undertaken.

Having never had anything worth stealing Lukas had never had a lock on the door of a place called home and if one kept an eye on their purse there was little else to worry about.  Now they'd been employed as night watchmen and he'd begun to think about it, he'd wracked his brains thinking about how people could get in, when they may try it and how they'd get out, or what ploys they may try.  It was amazing how much opportunity there was when one thought about it, and when one tried to think like a thief how many things became visible to him.

"I think the Mayers can stand us another lantern - they did say they'd provide or pay for reasonable equipment.  And I'll look forward to the dice game and food later."

He looked around the building again, and asked, "Is there anything else we need to think about here about how we keep this place safe tonight?"

A second search of the ground floor uncovers a crate of old boots (halfling or gnome size), a few bottles of ale (empty), a Tilean brass centesimo (minted in Remas) and a colony of mice (piebald) hiding beneath a barrel who make a break for it after Pieter shifts it.

---

OOC: Just to check who is going for supplies and who is staying?

OOC: Klinka will go to fetch another lamp and some oil.

(OOC: Lukas is staying)

OOC: Pieter is staying

OOC: Fyodor is leaving to pick up supplies.

Klinka and Fyodor both depart on their expedition to get supplies both edible and otherwise. It isn't far to the Mayer Brothers offices and knocking they find themselves greeted by the halfling Quillberry who looks as cheerful as ever.

"I'm afraid Herr Mayer and Herr Mayer have both gone home for the evening, may I help you gentlemen?" he intones in a voice like a lead coin dropping down an ancient well.

---

Settling in with what comfort they can among the clutter Pieter and Lukas wait, studying the cobwebs and counting the mice scurrying along the walls.

For a change, Klinka tried to look at least more cheerful than the halfling. "Hello Quillberry. We'll need a lantern and some oil to help us with our duties tonight. Some food would also be nice. Working always makes me hungry, not to mention Fyodor here. He is fierce warrior, but if you forget to feed him..." the dwarf shrugged at his own attempt to bring smile to Quillberry's face. "Anyway, we'll need supplies, that's all"

Stirring softly, Pieter raised a finger to his lips and tapped Lukas’ foot with his own. Gesturing to where he thought he heard the noise, he slowly slid his sword blade from its scabbard and stood
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

Lukas hadn't heard a thing!  He'd been having a moment of quiet and to be honest daydreaming of the outdoors and the Drakwald.  He was trying to adjust to big city life, but he still missed beyond the city walls.  He glanced over to Pieter and nodded, acknowledging the need for silence.  Seeing his friend draw his weapon, Lukas also gripped his hand axe.

His eyes followed to the where Pieter indicated, but Lukas couldn't see or hear anything.  Nevertheless, he stood, hoping his knees wouldn't crack.  Now alert, he watched for a sign of anything untoward.

"DA!" Fyodor grunted loud playing along with Klinka's game.

With both of them now alert, Pieter moved quietly towards the back of the warehouse, where he heard the sound. One hand beckoned for Lukas to follow

Lukas followed, itching to ask 'what have you heard,' but knowing silence was much better.  He listened keenly and watched closely, looking for any sign of movement.

Harkrin & Fyodor

Quillberry sighs softly at Harkrin's request. 'Oh don't mention food! It only reminds me of our lost coook...' For a moment he looks so doleful that the dwarf is half convinced he is about to bust into tears.

Nevertheless the halfling appears to have taken aboard the plea and vanishes back inside the door, returning a few moments later with a medium sized basket and an antique but functional looking lantern. 'Some bread and hard cheese and a bottle of ale.' Quillberry explains. 'Oh and some oil for the lantern.'

He hands the lantern to Harkrin and visibly hesitates for a moment before handing over the basket to the Kislevite, clearly worried Fyodor might just wolf it all down on the spot.

---

Meanwhile...

Scrabbling in the dark

"Thank you, Quillberry. I'm sure with us on board the brothers' fortunes will soon recover. And once it happens, I will be the first to suggest hiring that cook again. After all... no one wants Fyodor to go hungry." Klinka nodded to the halfling and added "We will see you in the morning."

With food and oil, they should now easily survive the night.

OOC: I think we are ready to go back.

Scrabbling, scritchity-scratch

The big man grunted and nodded to the halfling as the took the basket.

"Spasiba." he said and then turned to follow Klinka back to the warehouse.

Meanwhile, back at the warehouse...

  ]

Fyodor & Harkrin

En-route back to the warehouse the dwarf and the Kislevite walk through a small street market. Neither of them really pay much attention to the stalls, sellers or patrons but enroute Harkrin does overhear a snippet of a conversation between two humans.

"... that's right my friend, genuine Bugmans..."