The Four Treasures

I pocketed the pouch as I glanced down at the bullwug. "If you don't mind, I prefer to keep a little collateral, just in case you have set me up," I said lightly, implying a threat in my words, even if my tone did not.

"The Boss, you say? I thought these were merely friends? Lied to me, then? Unwise."

I turned to his "boss," without listening to his reply.

"I am Seraph Belfast, Templar of Falthyr, God of Justice and Retribution. I'm sure you already knew that, and more. I'm at a disadvantage, though, for I know nothing of you."

I held out my still gloved hand to him. At his apprehension and suspicious gaze, I said "A sign of good faith, nothing more."

I got my bearing back and looked outside and realized i had been tricked, i sat down took a drink and listined to the chat between the new arrival.

Valin Norovir:
I was off, and I quickly got into the alleyway, far behind where the "eyes" were. They were eyes, but thanks to my night vision (all elves can see in the dark), I saw that rather than being a large creature, it was two, very small creatures...part demon, part human. I sniggered. Then one of em jumped onto the halfblood, and the other stood there making a fuss, and both looked wholly demonish.

"Oh great," I said. "I thought I'd actually get to fight or kill somethign. But now I just get to be a common bully"

I walked silently to where they were standing, and Alex the half-blood didnt notice me at all. I kicked one in the back of the head, and sent him flying. The other one, the one on top of the Half-Bloods head turned and stared at me.
"What? You think you can attack people with out being hurt? Fat chance. You little demon child, I have half a mind to kill you on the spot!" I pulled out a knife, and he saw that I meant business. Instead of killing him, however, I just scared him a lot, and kicked him in the face. He wouldn't do that again.

I went back in the tavern to meet Seraph.

Amused at Spud and Sop's antics, Dan glanced over at the knight, apparently covering up his temporary lack of judgment. He took Seraph's hand and shook it firmly.

"I'm just the unofficial leader, not a real boss," Dan said, smiling slightly. I am Daniel Van Ulden, a simple orphaned boy like ole Croak here. What do you want to know?"

Meanwhile, Sop and Spud got back up, massaging their wounds. They hadn't been expecting some elf to come and ruin their fun.

"We weren't even attackin' 'im!" Sop said indignantly. Spud just shrugged. Both went in to see what Dan and Croak were up to, being sure to keep their distance from the elf.

~Thaden Ma'lar~

"Why did you take such an interest in our group? Or do you just spy on every newcomer?" The man was big, but he was only a man. The frogman had come as a shock, but I wasn't going to let his weirdness influence me. Valin, on the other hand, seemed to be taking it personally.

When Valin walked in with his hood still pulled up and his face covered, I made noindication that I knew him. I hoped he would take the hint and not join Alexanta and me.

"Well met, Daniel. I'm sure you understand my caution when dealing with you," I said to him, referring to the paladin behind me, the gryphon next to me, and the Mark on Croak's palm.

"How did you come to know about my companions and I meeting at the Stag's Antler?" I asked him now that the pleasantries were out of the way. I rested a hand on Ma'Lar's shoulder, silently pleading for him to let me handle the rogue.

Valin Norovir:
When I walked into the tavern, Seraph made no indication that he knew me. Thus, I knew it was my job to do the same.

I walked up to the bar, and ordered a tall one. And then I ordered some meat, and sat down at a table far enough from Belfast to not seem odd, but yet, still within earshot. I began to drink, and listen.

"Nothing big, really," Dan replied coolly, as if brushing off a small detail, "me 'n' the gang jus' saw the gryphon over there an' wondered what was up. Then we saw the rest o' ya and thought such a strange gathering must mean somethin' important--maybe treasure, or glory, or somethin'. Croak 'ere's usually the best at being silent, so we sent him to listen in. Guess I forgot how creaky and weak this building is, eh?"

Sop and Spud plopped down next to Dan. Croak sat down, as well.

"So, then," Dan continued, "Since you made me bother to come out here and bail my bud 'ere," he motioned to Croak, "Wouldja mind telling us what's the big deal?"

I stood my ground.

"Forgive me for causing any problems, but my father was murdered recently. I'm here to find out why, who they are, and when I can kill them.

I unbuckled my left gauntlet and pulled the glove off. The Mark of Retribution gleamed in the dim light of the Stag's Antler.

"Give me your hand, Croak."

At that question, I turned my head, ever so slightly to Seraph, to see if he wanted me to acknowledge this, and come and join the "party". He didn't, and so I sat and waited for my food to arrive.

Hoping he knew what he was doing, Croak gave Seraph his other hand.

Dan spoke to Seraph, "Well, I guess this means our little meeting is over. I hate murderers, so if you ever need help, just send Croak and we'll lend you whatever we've got." Spud and Sop smiled sharply and nodded. Then the three turned and walked out.

~Thaden Ma'lar~

I growled my disapproval at the whole thing. The wound was still sharp, but the pain was fading, much faster than it should have. I left the bar and whistled. A bird came.
"I want you find out everything you can about the present whereabouts of Sira Ha'dra. Ask if any of your kin have seen her in the last 24 hours. There is a hole in the top floor, downstairs there is a bar. I'll be there. Let me know of any news." The bird understood the gryphon tongue and flew off.

I removed my "Mark," then turned away from Croak.

"You're free to go, unless my companions have questions for you." I sent them a look that implied they shouldn't.

I left the table and sat down with the Sellsword.

"I don't like this at all, Valin."

I joined the two in the bar.
"I've asked a couple of friends to make some inquiries as to my feather. I can get some others to look into your own losses, I only need a name and land." The bartender gave me a nasty look. I tossed a couple of gold coins onto the tavern.
"That's for your windows," I said before dropping another coin. "And this is for a drink. I need a honeybrew."

"I hail from the Bloodplains....Bloodfire Keep." I told the gryphon. "Though I doubt one of your kind could reach it...there are no updrafts to glide on, and the distance is great on every side...it is literally in the middle of nowhere...battles and wars have been fought on my homesoil...more blood spilled than in any other place in the land. I would not have you risk the lives of one of your own to beter my knowlege."