Breya did not resist Bellinha, if Bell wanted to try it, Breya would go along with it.

The mouthy warrior from before stops crying wolf and grins at you Bellinha.

"Course not.  I'm sure it was all just a big ol' misunderstanding.  We have some business to take care a'.  But I'll be happy to buy you ladies a round of drinks tonight if you're still in town.

"So please excuse us."

He gives you a mock bow Bellinha...and a clear smirk...then turns away, motioning for the other two to follow.  They seem to be heading to the east side of town.

Following?

Skeeter waits for the men to pass and signals to the ladies to hold back and wait as he pursues the men silently and stealthily.

Stealth: 29 Ninja style, GO.

Jack offers his hand to shake as he pockets his share of the winnings. "Good game, thanks". he says because after all it's only manners.

In reply to Jack Ketch (msg # 139):

Kamatar smiles pleasantly as he accepts his part of the winnings and adds, "No, I believe that we are finished here. Thank you for the game."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Fri 26 Apr.

"Of course, that would be lovely."  Bellinha replied with a pleasant smile of her own.  It was a well practiced smile, born from years of pretending to be friendly to those who do not deserve it.  She gave a little farewell wave with her fingers.

Giving a subtle nod back at Skeeter in acknowledgement, Bell turned to Breya.  "Let's give Skeeter a head start and then we'll follow.  Those guys are up to something and we need more proof before we hit them with the fist of Breya."  Bellinha gave Breya a playful punch, though more of a tap, while trying to look serious.

 Cassandre was not quite sure whether this little game had bought the team enough time for the heist...
  "Wait, let us buy you a drink at least... it's only fair."

 She suggested they spent a few coins on a bottle and carried on the conversation with the merchants.
  "You boys can go if you got better things to do though!" she added for Jack and Kamatar, not knowing whether their assistance may be needed anywhere...

"They are up to something!"  Breya protested.  Part of her wanted to sprint, but she stayed put because that's what Bellinha wanted.

"I know.  I know."  Bellinha took one of Breyas hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.  "But we need more to go on than something that we overheard that might have been out of context.  It could be just like they said, and next thing you know you'd be in trouble with the town guards."

The two merchants shrug and wave at Lori to order a round of drinks.  One of them glances at you two Jack and Kamatar. "Joining us?"

I will say that all three of you saw Breya, Bell, and Skeet following those three guys out of the place earlier.  So it wouldn't be far fetched for any or all of you to pursue.  Your call

---

The three continue on ahead Bellinha and Breya. You soon lose sight of them as they round the fish market.  Though Skeeter seems to be in pursuit.

Skeeter...

Jack nods. "Yes.  I will at least."

What in the world are these guys doing? Skeeter wonders, squinting at the package exchange and knowing there's no way of determining what's in the pouch without more hands-on research. While the rough with the prissy fellow might have more information from further conversations, it would be easier to pick the pocket of the fellow on his own, so Skeeter peeled right in pursuit of the lone ruffian, telling himself that his recent experience with a fancylad being more than he bargained for has nothing to do with his current decision.

Stealth: 27 keeping nice and steady high. Let me know if/when I'm close enough to lift that pouch.

Lori Grats brings over some beers.

One of the merchants offers a toast to new friends and then wipes foam off his beard.

"You folks aren't local to Salt Lick I take it?  You seem more the mercenary type.  Would you be interested in some security work?"

---

Skeeter, you start after the loan mouthy warrior.

You learn at least one of the contents of the pouch he was given.  The man steps into some shadows near the corner of the Widow's house, and after a quick glance around (you don't think he's spotted you yet), he pulls a small vial out of the pouch and quickly drinks the contents.

He disappears.

Jack frowns.  "I was born and bred in Salt Lick and I'm a highly skilled tailor."

_{"Son of a..."} Skeeter mutters as he scampers closer, trying to listen for any footfalls that could give away the thug's position.

Stealth: 23
Perception: 21

Breya and Bell?  You guys trying to catch up?

Skeeter, your keen ferret-like ears pick up the sounds of footfalls heading off to the northwest.  Almost like someone is heading in the direction of the Coombs place.

---

The other merchant gives you a smile Jack.  "Really?  Just a tailor?  I'm sure you're good at your trade.  And please excuse the assumption.  It's just that you seem like a man who knows his way around a blade.  And you're company is a skilled archer and...uhm..."

He turns his best smile on you Cassandre.  "An exotic beauty.  So the three of you strike us some folk who could help us out.  Word is that there's a new pirate crew operating in this area.  And we wanted some extra swords to keep our cargo safe is all."

Bellinha made a few steps to follow the three, but she abruptly stopped.  She looked down at her current attire and plucked at her skirt.

"If there is going to be a fight, I can't go along dressed like this.  I need to change."  she turned to Breya.  "Keep an eye on those three and Skeeter and I'll catch back up with you once I've donned some protective gear."

Bellinha gave Breya a quick kiss on the cheek and ran off towards her room.

Breya felt torn as she watched her beloved go, but after a split second she took off.  She wasn't sure if this was going to work out given Breya Stealth wasn't so good at disguise, but she was moving nonetheless.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 151):

Kamatar leans forward, looking quite interested. "Security work to prevent piracy, Right? Who would we be working for and what would we be keeping secure?"

Skeeter made for the Coomb's residence, keeping his ears open and his footfalls light waiting for the right opportunity to trip up his invisible quarry.

He just hoped the invisible thug didn't notice when an alley cat ran streaking out from behind a building and damn near scared him to death.

Stealth:16
Perception: 22

Breya, you galumph across the town, skulking like a clay golem with one foot stuck in a milk pail trying to sneak up on a giant ear.

You spot two of the three.  Prissy and the warrior who kept his mouth shut.  They seem to be heading towards the woods to the east of Orus' house, about to climb the small hill that borders Salt Lick on the north.  Maybe heading towards that pond the town named after Skeeter...before anybody here knew Skeeter existed.

You recall the town cemetery is beyond it.  But what are the odds these guys are necromancers?

Come on now Breya.  That's just crazy talk.

Skeeter...


Map! Updated!

---

Meanwhile, back in the tavern...

Cassandre, Jack, and Kamatar, you see Bellinha rush in and head up the stairs, moving like she just realized she was about to jump into a sword fight with a letter opener.

The merchants don't notice it.  They're too busy answering your question Kamatar.

"You'd be guarding us.  See..."  He glances around the room to make sure no one is eavesdropping.

He leans closer and whispers.  "We're on a bit of a mission you could say.  An operation of sorts.  Our last guard turned out to not be so reliable.  But you guys are the talk of the town.  I think we can trust you.  We just need you to watch our backs.  I can't say more until we know you are interested.  This is a delicate job in some ways.  The pay is good and it's for a good cause.  If you're interested, I need you to make an oath that you will not repeat what we are about to disclose."

He takes a small medalion out of his robe and lays it on the table.  "This is enchanted to glow blue when someone is being insincere.  I ask you put a hand on it, swear an oath that you'll keep this discussion confidential, and then we can talk business."

Jack took hold of the necklace and then opened his palm still touching it and looked into the merchant's eyes.  "That all depends on what you guys are doing.  I can think of times when I'd stab you in the back rather than watch it and I'm kind of suspicious given your reticence and the fact that most of the reasons I can think of for needing a bodyguard might be due more or less to your own nefariousness.  Come to think of it, I'd be more likely to stab you in the face.  And as for my tailoring skills I can honestly say that I'm in the top two in these parts."  He said alll this with all sincerity and even his smile at the end was sincere.  He handed back the necklace.

Breya, knowing she was beyond the reach of the aid of Breya Stealth, kept walking the path set before her.  She knew not what else to attempt at this point.

Kamatar listened to Jack's statement then looked at the merchant and asked, "Besides what you've already said, I haven't heard why we should subject ourselves to your magic, whatever it does, let alone taking this job. So, let me ask you directly, why should we take this job? Oh, and does this necklace work both ways?"

Boy it would be nice to be able to summon my friends with the power of thought, Skeeter thinks, continuing to follow the goons into what is certainly a bigger problem than he can handle on his own.

Stealth: 23 (Sorry, I swear I know how to use the die roller)
Perception: 12