the group walks through the streets, there are  alot of  Imperial Navy  people walking around, and there  aren't too many  townsfolks, who are  r=either sleeping  or   drinking somewhere.

The Smell of the River is strong. it smells cleaner then the Strom River, but the Widow River  is a bit younger, with faster moving water, and less serpents.

we  will move through the streets, until we get a turn away from the  wharf, then we  turn right, we  want to find Gidlap's  Inn...

 A little  girl, dirty  and covered in a  shawl  come out into the  mud covered gravel street, She looks Up at Kree..A Copper?..perhaps Brass..anythign , Good  Sir Elf..

 Kree  Knelt  down, Ivy rolled his eyes. and sighed.

 well, Young Maid. If you would care to  help us  out.. I could give you coinm and you will join us  for a hot  Meal..what  would you say to that?

  The Girl  smiled  but her  eyes  were untrusting..

 Kree held up both hands,I am a crimson Arrow, you will not

She  says  quietly as she  pulls the battered cloth about her,You are...Edhel-o gurth...

 <DarkGreen>I have  never called myself that, but  others have...so?  Aye, this is true..

 what must i do for the Coin and food?

 Lead us to Gidlap's..

 But You Just said... Ivy's  arm  motioned  down the street

 Kree held his hand  up to quite   his cousin.

 The Girl said,I will do this? and You best not  lie, or harm me, the Gods  frown on those who harm little ones..

 Kree nods  as he stand ,If only they paid more attention.. lead  on, young waif...

 Ivy   side eyed  Kree, Kree just  gave him a half smile  as the followed  the  Young girl .

 She was  still skittish, of  course.  Kree   reached into his purse , handing her a silver. Her eyes  went  wide.Good  faith...aye? You'll still get payment and  meal  as our deal.. for  what ever  reason, Kree  made a flourish of the  coin as he  gave it to here, out of the darkness,  a grubby  small man  came out , the girls stiffened and  stepped behind kree  towards the rest of the arrows.

 Hey... Master Elf, That girl is  one mind, she is, that silver  is  mine...

 Ivy looked  down and  shook his  head,

 Kree looked at him,How mnay  waifs do you have, Good   Sir...

 Got me  6, they do  me  bidding an' i takes the coin, provides for them  i do..so's i need the coin..ain't that  Right  Tucca?

 The Girl hid behind   Kree...

 Call you others, we can use them all this  night..and we will give the  the deal we have  given  Tucca.

The Man's   eyes  widened   as he smiled  and  whistled, 5  kids   moved slolwy out of the  dark corners of shadows.

 2 Girls  , 3  boys.. one of the girls was a bit older, she looked worse for wear.No..you give me  my payment, an' i collect them all in the morning... you have  free  way them..

the Kids looked  down, the older  girl shuddered .Ivy, take this good fellow  into the alley there, and pay him, i would rather not  have people see our  coin counted on in the street..

 Ivy brightened ,Aye  Captain..lets  go  fellow.. we wil work out the   terms , so i can  catch up to them ...

 The Man was giddy...Right you are! Its nice  ta do business  , with thems  of  high morles ,,eh? By the way. Me  name Is  Trup..

 Ivy smiled..I don';t   care..right?..lets     get this coin thing  settled..

  Kree waved  folks   to move, the kids  reluctantly followed ..the oklder   girl had  a tear on her  cheek...

 Elandra...  walk with her, sooth her  fears... they handed gone 50 yards when  a short shriek was heard.

 Ivy came  Jogging  down the  street.

 Kree looked..well?

 he asked  for 5  Gold.. I gave it to him, but then there was  an accident...

 Tucca looked up... Well.. I  had  my dagger out, in case of  rats..i really hat rats.. well, my dagger   fell on him...

 one of the boys said..that don't  sound bad...

   Ivy  looked a bit embarrassed, It..um.. fell on him, 5  times.. Im faraid  he  is dead.. so i took all him coin...

 a coupe of the Kids   looked  happy, with widen eyes..

 ah..well..damn shame that? Ivy. you need to  stop that blade of yours  from falling all the  time..

  Ivy tilted his head back and forth..

  H   waving them to walk  again, kree  says,seems we  owe you all a meal and a place to stay. and   we'll split the man's coin up among you.. we'll talk a bit. perhaps i can hire you for  real work, and we'll see what we can do  as far  as you having a  safe place to stay.

 when  they heard the man was  dead, the   older  girl cried  and   leaned against  Elandra.

Seeing the girl cry, Lysander walked up to her and handed her a gold coin. "Buy yourself something nice."

Farora hangs in the back, her face concentrated and then she approaches the smallest of the boys. Want to sit on my shoulders? I have the best view, yes? She is extremly gentle with the boy, it's obvious it comes naturally.

Krwyn is not surprised by the way Kree and Ivy handled the man. He would have done the same, would he had given the chance. He bristled by the thought what the children expected from their hire, as was clear by the tears of the oldest.
He takes one of the youngest by the hand: "Lead me to Gidlap's please", he said with his kindest voice.

 Elandra didnt have to be told twice she moved to the older girl an took her hand," We will restore your Peace, do not worry Amot will watch over us and you. When the girl cries Elandra tries to figure out exactly why she is crying.

" You are safe now I will help find you all a safe place ok, what is your name I am Elandra Priestess of Amot. He was a bad man wasnt he, with the blessing of Amot you will be safe now, all of you."  Elandra walks with the older girl and the others her demeanor sending peace to all the children.

 Elandra smiled at Lysander when he gave her a gold coin, Elandra smiled at the girl and held her close.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:20, Sat 21 Jan 2023.

  Reaching  Gidlap's, the  place was well lit. people sat on the porch with drinks  and  pipes, servers  worked the porch  of   tips and order.

  Tucca led them into the  place. there  was warmth from people and two fireplaces.. A skinny older, human man came from behidn the   group when he saw the Kids... he slowed  his Approach when he  saw the Firbog, with a kid  ridng on top.

  You cannot bring them here!..they are filthy.. the...

 Kree  Pulled back his hood and stared at the  man, he pointed  to , two  huamns sting   at a tab;e  with Muhd on thier  pants and Boots, thier faces have  not been washed in  days..at least.

 They are less   dirty  then these two.... Now, me and Mine   need rooms and  baths,  and I want the children to get  baths.. they will eat with us....and there will be a warm room for them...or? we can  take our coin and go elsewhere...

  The owner ( Gidlap) looked frustrated, but  the math  was adding up in his head for rooms, baths , food and  drink...well... I mean.. there Baths are  down that  halll,  Males on the left, females on the right.. there  are two tubs in each, and  a running water   standing . where   the water  will  pour on you..

 Kree looks around at the people in the  Building...most have stopped  talking  , to stare...

 ..Then.. we shall  take  our  baths first, please  have pleanty of  food  ready, drinks for us, and jucies or Milk for the children.... I need  one or two of your people to  get clothes for these  children..

 Gidlap  waved two of the older servers m, over.. Kree spoke to the two older  women, he gave them each a sliver..those are  for you,,, You see these children, three boys, three girls. I want  shoes  for them, pants, even for the  girls,  soft warm tunics, and  cloaks... You tell the store over  to  help you bring those here,, and I will treat him to   a meal and drink as i pay him...

 But , Master Elf..W...

 DO NOT.... the  words snapped out causing some folks  to flinch in their chairs..Call me Master.. I am an Elf... you  may call me Captain?.. or you may call me Kree... If the owner doesn't wish to come, then you look for another   store, , even if its  an shop for adventure folks.... I thank you for this, and you will each receive  another  silver , upon your return..

 The women nodded and  hurried off.   Gidlaf looked at  Kree, his  eyes   went to the Arrow displayed on the elf  and his comrades.

 What do I get out of all this...

 First and  formost, You get to  help  6  children...secondly, you will get more  cpoin from  this venture then you, most like, earned all day...beware, should i feel you are trying to cheat me. Just because we are helping  children, does not make  us daft..

 Kree turns to Elandra, Take  the girls  down, and you and the rest of  the Ladies   get a bath, or the  water  fall think he speaks of.... Make sure the Girls  get   warm and clean.. Lookign at the teenager,what  is your name, girl?

 S..S Semma...

 well, Seema, Your life  is changing this night..You   get good and clean,  and  we will have  as  much food  and drink as we can stuff into ourselves, then you will sleep in a  safe room. war and dry.... In the Morning  we will see what we  needs  do for  you

 Gidlap pointed to the  hall, That way...

 Kree   waved all the Ladies first, then the  men  followed them...Lads.. you first , get those  tubs and get  clean.. you have trouble, we'll have to call Elandra   in to chcke you over...

   as everyone  began to  get ready for the falling  water or Tubs,  Kree slammed  a   Dagger into the floor  by the doors.

 Elandra smiled at Kree and replied," Yes Captain, it will be my pleasure."

 She turns to Semma and the other two girls," Come girls lets get you cleaned up, the Goddess Amot will restore your Peace." Elandra then brought the girls into the female area.

 Elandra then got the girls ready to get clean and she got undressed as well and helped get the girls clean. She carefully hung up her clerical vestments, she also took off her leather armor and her undergarments as well. Elandra would take care of the girls, make sure they are cleaned, healthy and free of any visual wounds.

Lysander, knowing there would be a time before his bath, stood guard in the hallway, watching and listening.  He would allow no one through except those who brought the clothing for they youngsters.

Farora is eager to strip down and get a proper bath, it'd been a while. She alternates between helping Elandra with the children and detangling her own rat's nest of hair.

   a grumpy old  man with a  soft  hat on his  head, leggings and a coat, behind  him  came a  Lad   and a girl, both liked  sleepy., the two women  led them  down the  hall  where   Lysander stood, the Grumpy  fellow said.

 where's the jack ass who  wanted these clothes. I want to know   how he feels the need to wake honset folks up!

Krwyn is on his way to the men's baths when the grumpy man comes down the hall. He grins to Lysander. He turns to the man: "I'm not our leader but if I were you, I would not be so grumpy to earn quite some coin easily. If we had woken your competitor, you would have been even more upset to waken up tomorrow and learn about his profit." With these words, Krwyn turns his back to the man and walks on to the baths, clearly enjoying the chance to clean up. Over his shoulder he calls Lysander: "As soon as I'm ready, I'll take your position."

"Aye, lad.  Now, you can leave those with the ladies here and go take a seat in the inn.  When the Captain returns, he will come and make sure you are properly compensated.  As my friend said, I would highly recommend that you smile and realize that an attitude often meets with an unpleasant ending, as the Captain doesn't have time for whining.  Ladies, please take the clothes in the ladies side and help dress the children.  Thanks."

Lysander just grins as the man leaves to take a seat.  Kree might enjoy this meeting.

Moltke gave a fleeting look at the children before his mind wandered to other topics. He did not know why the captain would choose to aid these unfamiliar children, especially at this crucial moment when Yad could soon become a fiercely contested territory. But still, Moltke shrugged at this new situation. He had read in his studies that to aid others was a virtue but he had hoped that such a chance would come in less pressing circumstances.
Moltke sat down at an empty seat within Gidlap's and ordered a small meal as he waited for the others to finish bathing.

  Kree got the    boys  things  and  set about  fitting them , the  boots  were soft, at least, so they  would   fit better the more they wore.

  As he came outs   he carried  his  pack, and   leathers and his  tunic, his skin damp a bit.Get washed Up  Lysander. If there are  Ironwood  elves  about, you need to wash off the scent of where  we have been...

  almost as  soon as he stepped out of the  hall, Gadlip's Girls  were bringing  kettles of  stew,  slices of meat, loaves of fresh bread . Pitchers of  cold   deer, and  a few bottles of  wine, was well as water and Juices  for the kids.

 The  store owner and his  two helpers  were seated.Help yourself goodman... I will wait for the rest of my people and the Kids...

 15 gold for it all....

 Kree   put on his  tunic, a pair of scare shown briefly be for he  buttoned the  Forest green Tunic.Reely? 15  gold.   I am not a merchant..mr....

 Faff is the Name. I run the  Kron's equipment  in this  town, there are some smaller shops, but  we have  all the gear most folks need. 15 gold...

 Kree's   eyes  went from the boy to the girls, they took some food, but were more interested in deink.well.. Goodman Faff, we saw the roads were a might....busy..with  bandits  and the like, we managed to  thin the herd a bit, I can see  how you might hike up the price a bit...  Kree did pour Himself some wine, and  gave each of the  helpers kids a half  Glass..

 They aren't  to drink  wine  at my table...

 Kree   all but slammed the  bottled  onto the table, causing folks  near them to  jump a bit..This is  ..MY...Table tonight.. I am allowing them  the drink. how you abuse your  apprentices  is not my concern, except  for now... They earned a bit of eat and drink, their beds are as  empty as yours, at the Moment..

 The Lad  grabbed the  wine   and took a big drink, the girl, embolden, did the same.
 je left his  cloak and leather on his   pack, but he belted on his weapon  belt. When Kree  sat down, as he waited on the others. Kree looked at  Faff in the eyes..

 do you know a man named  Truf...

 the Boy and Girl looked worried.I do..dispicable  creature..he  grabs  loose  kids and has them do his bedding  for coin..not all the things they do, are well looked upon.

 ..and yet? he was  able to keep forcing them.

 This isn't  Ironmound, Captain. troops and The Watch, have more to worry  about, then  some stray children... we have pirates, and salvers..

 trup was a slaver, in every sense of the  word.

 was?

 aye, he had  an accident  in an alley, he tripped and fell on my Cousin's blade....5 times. Terrible? It was right after   he   allowed us the use of  the children he  keeps . Now... I need to find  a place  for these children to go,where they can be safe and  happy

 The man and his helpers started to eat, Ivy came around the corner with the freshly clean and nicely  dressed  lads.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:38, Sat 28 Jan 2023.

 Elandra had come out only wearing a wrapped large towel around herself tightly covering everything easily," Hello Lysander can you hand me the girls clothes, you may look I am covered."

 Elandra was covered but her hair was washed and down, and she looked a lot different out of her armor and vestment. Once she got the clothes, she helped the girls get dressed, Farora helped out a lot and Elandra helped her with her tangled hair, gave her some lotions to help her hair as well.

 Elandra only put on simple pants and a tunic, and then her vestment, she carried her gear and her leather armor. " Kree the girls are all clean and all checked out, were the boys checked for wounds while they were cleaning up." Elandra placed her armor on a chair and said," May Peace be with you all, barkeep do you have any Elven wine?"

Farora acted a little surprised at Elandra's help but was grateful for it, making sure to return the favour. She came out of the bath a much cleaner version of herself and had a very content expression on her face. She was doing her best to entertain the children and make them comfortable before settling to eat her own meal. It is clear that she loves kids.

Lysander waited until everyone else was bathed then went and took his turn.  He turned and thanked Elandra and Farora for taking care of the kids and was taken aback at how different they looked when cleaned up, then cursed his age quietly.

Scrubbing off the grime of the road and the activities that brought about, Lysander felt 10 pounds lighter coming out of the bath.  He had a 2nd set of clothes, and inquired with the staff at the inn if they would clean what he wore.  He felt different, if for only one night, but he only carried his dwarven axe for now.  It was too special to leave off.

He had ensured he cleaned his weapons off in the bath, as they were as much a part of him as his own beard.  Setting them to the floor at the table, he felt almost naked without them, but he knew that he was safe here, at least for now.

"So, everything good?"

Ya, for me anyways. You? Farora is quite perky since having come in contact with water.

"Better than I deserve, my friend."  Lysander tries to smile.

 As people sat down to eat,  Kree  asked  Faff.Are there places  These  children can go?

 Fiff looked around the table.not  much  for them to  do here in  yad.. the older ones  might find jobs at the  docks. The little ones  would have  a harder time, since most folks  can barely take care of their own..

 Kree Nodded,Indeed, then.  Children  I think your  future Lie s in the Balck Timber, there are  other  children who have  went there  , some even went on to Ironmound, and  found places there. That will be your  choice, But  for now,  You'll enjoy the safety of the  Timber, until you can decide.

 he looks to Molke,after the eating  is  done, and we go to  take  our  rest, I need you to use  an Item i have..

 Fiff   asked,..and  My  Coin?

 once   we are finished here.

 I am almost done....

 your , apprencies  are not. It is time you remembered  that you are not a slave  lord, but  merely  aan apprentcie  master. Now, should i think you are more  slave  lord  then merchant, i may have to act upon it.

 Fiff  glared at kree. But chose  nto to reply, the Bob and Girl went back to , happily eating.

Moltke looks up from his meal Understood, I will join you shortly, and answered the captain. The meal was a simple yet hearty combination of potato stew and savory bread; it was pleasantly mild to the taste. Finishing up the last handful of bread, Moltke rises up from the table, pays the tab, and makes his way towards Kree.

Tyri was glad for a bath though she did help out where it was needed, not one to just turn a blind eye to the task at hand. Any instructions given to her, she followed and made it a point to check for any bruising, cuts (both healing or old) and things along that nature. Man it felt good to get clean though she would have rather joined Ivy in the process as well…

She came out, taking her long honey blond tresses and braiding them quickly before pinning them in a circular bun at the back of her head. Her body moved with each step she took, dancing to a music that was in her mind before she finally settled in a seat, her stomach growling loudly when she looked upon the meal. With a grin, she got herself some and ate.

Riven bathed and changed her clothing before joining the others for a meal. She was quiet which was rather typical though her hood and mask were down, showing off the mop of wheat colored hair that had been fairly short at one point and several scars upon her face. Whereas some of the others seemed rather…jovial…she, herself, was feeling rather subdued. Maybe those forced marches and such were catching up to her and a good night’s sleep was in order.

  Faff  was sipping  wine, he  had a  bit of pie,. Kree nodded tohis  kids to  take some as well. Faff did not miss what Kree was about. and he said,are you trying to spoil my apprentices?

 I never  worked  at anything,  save  for  how to swing a sword and shoot a bow. I help  set fences, put on rooves and thatch,  and helped buit  stone walls, Some times  i got a few coins, some times  a got a free meal, and sometiems, I recived thanks. The thanks always feklt  better, the  coin and  and food  was never truned  down, if  for no other reason, then as  not  to offedn those who offered.. You and yours came out her   at this late  hour, and  I appreciate that.. yu got food  and  drink and I will pay you for the goods...

 he   dumped   a purse on the  table,   his   deft fingers   flicking through the coins  , like a street shell game  stall.

 three  stacks of  5 Goin coins  were  pushed to  faff., 2 silvers each  to the   apprentices..those silvers  are yours,...we all know the  15 gold is  a tad high, but i am willing to pay that for the good of these strays. And...If your   master tries to take it, or  takes away from your pay..you send out word..in any bar, inn or docks,  and I will be back one  day , to set things right.

Faff  gave a grunt of a laugh..

 You Laugh, Goodman Faff. But there are people out there, who are still looking over thier shoulders, and man....many more..that didn't look long enough. The  three  rose,  kree  grasped  forearms with   them, the lad and Lass  seemed  happier at that moment, and they left.

   people  moved  around more  since there was more  room.

  One of the  women  stopped by the table.we set up rooms.  For th  children, there will be  2..one for the lads, and one for the lasses. Got  cots and Blankets and the fire places will keep them  warm.The rest of you?  two to a room. In cludign the ..um..tall wench?

 Thank you.   have the  doors   closed  with just a  crack, we will sort out , who is going where

 she smiled  and went off.

 all right kids... we have some thigns to talk about while you enjoy your pie  and fruits.... In Ironmoiund, there is  a Beggars  Guild, is there  such here?

The oldest boy   shook his head....there was. But they were wiped out , by the people over the mountain. They come in pretty regular, hunting   down new  folks

 Kree shook his head,and there you have the Balance. we  killed a few hargenites  on the way here

 since there is no beggars  guild,  you will  all be sent to The Black Timber. we lost some  children to Slavers   long back, so  we allow in humans who we thing will help   The Timber thrive. if you do not like the Forest, we  can get you to  Ironmound. There you can seek apprentice ship, or join the Beggars  Guild there. They are aligned  with the Crimson Arrows   and  the  Golden Horn thieves  guild. But you have   time to think that over

 what can you tell us  about the 'over the  mountain' people.

 the   'scared' girl was feeling better, being cleaned , healed  and  warm  with  good food  didn't hurt.they mstly come for  food and drink,. and hunt  down new people..they  killed  a fee mercs , and pressured the rest to Joined them, and they would leave  with some supplies. They also  would send  some of their own down river

 Tuuca  looks up with some berry juice  from the pie on her lips...They  stop at the Alpower  temple    when they come in and when the leave..

Lysander follows Faff and his apprentices out the door to see them on their way.  He also takes a look up and down the street to see if anyone is watching the inn.