Rin! Is going to hold their position for the moment and make another attack with the hand crossbow! Which they miss the shit out of with a crit fail.
[d4, r: odds; The hand crossbow misfires, but seems to be in working order still.]
Rin takes their movement and attempts to use their bonus action to hide.
[STEALTH: 2; with disadv]
<.>
Rin attempts to hide sort of behind a chair? Just kinda. Half. Hid. He can see you, Rin.
So we're to Fae, who is going to try to take another stab at this asshole here. He will not go, and in fact will miss spectacularly, with an 8. He can't move but he can summon the wolf as a bonus action.
Mr. One Remaining Hit Point Dildo makes his saving throw with a nat 20 and takes no damage from wolf’s summoning.
Sen is up, Fae is mad.
Sen's going to come around the corner and shoot the guy again. Crits for 17 points of damage. While the thug is turning to look at Rin and starts to open his mouth to say something about their stealth, an arrow hits square in the eye. And down he goes.
And he's going to move towards Rin from there.
Onto the thugs. Rin's focus has been on the guy at the "bar", so they didn't quite notice this guy about to rush them. He's taking a swing at Rin with his mace, hits for 5 points bludgeoning damage.
[note: Rin is going to point at this motherfucker and cast Hellish Rebuke. Dude saves, takes 8 points fire damage.]
Mr. One Point Wonder has been too busy to shout, but #11 there comes up and sees a goddamn flaming wolf and starts shouting, "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! READY YOURSELVES!" Bringing the others converging towards Fae and Dima.
Sen has been spotted by #6, who is going to fire off a light crossbow. The bolt goes whizzing past Sen's ear, causing him to belatedly duck and shout, "HEY!"
And #4 is going to make the same attempt on Fae, which hits at 17. Fae takes a crossbow bolt to the shoulder and jerks backward with a shout of alarm and pain; he taaakes 5 points of piercing damage.
[note: Dima fucking shouting 'FAE' thanks. ;.;]
And last attacker is One Point Wonder. He's going to try and stab Fae in the side, and misses.
So we're at the Golems and Nerys; the golems need to move, so they'll be doing that. That one's going to jump down into that recesses area with a THUMP and start towards Dima. F R I END ?
Nerys is back in stealth, so he's going to try and start towards 11.
<.>
Dima's going to go for the one-hit wonder with Chill Touch— And misses.
Liv is going to use this stealth advantage while she has it and move to make an attack with talons onnnn the one that tried to hit Sen. She’ll multi-attack, going beak attack for the first, then she'll hit with talons. Beak hits for 10 points. Talons hit for 11 points.
[dm: Liv. How do you want to do this? You deserve a Moment because you literally took out a guy ALONE. ...while fae, dima, and the wolf wrestled with some asshole.]
Liviana’s divebombing out of nowheRe to jam her beak into the guy's left eye. And while giving a twist in that eye socket, takes her talons to his neck in a sharp slash. She is angry also.
[dm: The thug screams, the sound turning into a sort of choked, wet, gurgling noise as he falls.
Sen is shouting "WHAT THE FUCK SORT OF BIRD IS THAT?!”]
Liv takes off overhead.
<.>
Rin’s going to attempt Mind Sliver on the jerk who attacked them. Said jerk saves, and Rin is real ready to start biting people. They're going to very, very loudly curse in Infernal, use bonus action to Disengage, and move.
And Curio is going to pull the Curio trick that Rin has I believe never yet seen. They go full-size Jerbeen mode, and take a shot with their hand crossbow, hitting for 11 points.
[note: All right; 10's still up but looking pretty rough. And everyone is very unclear what happened.
Sen over here all what is this, pet show day?]
Curio would actually like to just try to bonus action Hide behind Rin— They do not roll well for this, and so Curio literally does what Rin just did. They are HALF standing behind Rin. Tail and back half clearly discernible.
<.>
Fae is mad he keeps missing his weapon attacks and is just going to try and break this fucker's neck. Rolls a 19.
Fae drops his rapier in disgust, grabs the thug by the sides of the head, and twists until there's an audible crack. He gives the body a shove out of the way, picks up his rapier again, and just as a not really anything, is spitting on the corpse.
[note: Dima having a moment nbd nbd nbd]
And he's going to start for #11, Stopping there letting the fucker come to him.
The wolf is also going to attack 11. The wolf from a spot beside and hovering near Fae is going to make a ranged Flame Seed attack, hits for 7 points.
Sen’s up! Going for the hat trick and shooting 10 with his shortbow. Hits for 4 points, which eliminates 10 from the board, thank you everyone who was instrumental in what the fucking that guy.
Thugs are up. Thug 4 is coming at Sen with a shortsword, hits for 3 points. 11 is going to make for Fae and multiattack with shortsword and dagger, fucks his roll. He swings at Fae, who kind of :/ at him and leans back out of range as the sword swishes by harmlessly and embeds itself in the crumbling masonry. 11 will be trying to pull that free now.
Golems take their movement.
<.>
Nerys! Is going to go for the one between Dima and the golem. Hits for 21 points.
And down goes the thug.
Dima's going to cast Mind Spike on 11 over there. 11 saves, takes 8 points.
[dm: The thug's still standing, but he releases his stuck sword and grasps his head with a cry of pain, falling backward from Dima, Fae, and the Wolf. Not retreating - just stumbled.]
Dima trying very hard not to just. Gaze. At Fae tbh.
And Liv's going to get in on this guy. Talons hit for 9.
[dm: And that'll be him out.]
Rin's taking a crossbow shot, hits for 8 points.
Curio is going to follow Rin's lead 100% here, readying their crossbow—
<.>
Sen calling out while trying to hold 4 at arm's length, “IS THAT THING ON OUR SIDE?”
<.>
Rin shouting back 'SEN THIS IS CURIO! :D!' Absolutely BEAMING at Curio right now. they have no idea what's happening but they're here for it?
<.>
Sen: "...Growth spurt?"
<.>
Curio takes their crossbow shot, hits for 12 points.
[dm: Curio. How do you want to do this?]
Curio is going to hop up on a table, aim the crossbow, and call to (or Message?) Sen, "Kind of :D!"
And, "Watch out though!"
Before shooting a bolt into the guy's ribcage right between the ribs.
<.>
4, who was likewise pretty baffled by this entity, barely has time to react to tthe bolt coming his way; he jerks away from Sen, but this only exposes his chest further to the oncoming attack, and it rips through him, through the open doorway, past Nerys, and embeds in the far wall.
The thug falls to his knees, still staring at Curio, then slumps over.
I believe Fae is going to suggest everyone regroup in the tavern area; the golems can guard the two "back" stairways and they'll see anyone coming through the "front" two. Maybe barricade one to bottleneck them.
<.>
As soon as the final guy in the current area died, Rin and Curio kind of jumped at one another. Rin holding Curio, Curio hanging on Rin's neck. Both saying hello to each other just :D!!!
Before Curio presumably shrunk back to jerboa size and needs their nap.
Rin's so excited Curio's so excited!
And! Also of course! After, Rin turned to leap hug Sen.
<.>
Sen is going to hang on tight
Fae is going to slump down against a wall and pull the bolt out of his shoulder. The wolf will hang out around him.
<.>
Dima absolutely running over, kneeling besides him, hand on his good shoulder. And Liv's going to fly down to Dima's shoulder and would like to Healing Word Fae thanks.
<.>
Fae's going to wave that off; save it for when he's hurt bad.
<.>
Dima and Liv both giving him a look oh hmmmmm.
But. They will accept this. Only because they know this shit's not over.
<.>
Fae leans his head back against the wall, then lolls it to look at Dima with a complicated smile. "Want to play doctor?"
Then, "Could just bandage me up if you're worried."
<.>
Dima. Might. Have blushed just a little. (It doesn't help that he is absolutely replaying that necksnap.)
He's also going to tear a piece off his old cloak and use it to bandage Fae's wound thank yoU.
Not not lingering a little on every touch.
[MED, d: 19]
Meanwhile, Rin is going to bandage Sen.
<.>
RIN HOLD STILL LET SEN CHECK THAT CONCUSSION.
And Fae regains 2 hp.
Fae is currently blushing himself, and Dima has managed to elicit a soft, puzzled smile.
<.>
Oh.
Well.
Shit.
Dima has the smallest, smallest version of the trashman doofy, stricken smile right now. Feels like he's done more good with that bandage than with anything else tbh ;.;
Meanwhile, Sen checked Rin’s head very well, and they’ve regained 4 hp. Rin is going to wrap a bandage around Sen’s slash wound, and then put a kiss on their palm, put their palm to the bandage— Then kiss Sen on the cheek.
<.>
Sen regains 4 hp!
And. If Dima's going to remain with him, Fae's going to give him a little tug to sit beside him.
[note: Dima absolutely going to take that sit thank you ;.;]
Nerys, meanwhile, is cleaning gore off his rapier and ignoring all of this.
Nerys eventually comments, "I think I may suggest a permanent installation here. We're going to all the trouble of fighting off a small mob, there's no sense in abandoning the property, is there?"
<.>
Dima, who is absolutely holding Faolan's hand at this point, is going to look over, curious. "You might draw more of this— Particular variant of onlooker. Though I expect you have ways to plan for that."
<.>
"I'm sure something can be arranged. A likewise permanent ward deterring violence." He smiles his youthful, blithe smile, and continues, "The question is, what manner of person would be interested in being tethered to this place. Not permanently, but oh, in a managerial sense. Personally, I'm fond of my position as adjudicator, and there is the issue many of our host have: they are bound by the dark moon. No, we would need someone alive, I think."
If a palpable silence follows, he looks around and sheathes his rapier. "It could be a very nice tavern with some elbow grease. Nice taverns bring nice shops. A little undead haven in the woods."
<.>
Dima is not precisely sure where Nerys might be going with this, and he throws a slightly puzzled look to Faolan, then a longer look at Sen.
Then, clearing his throat, "You are aiming toward a point, yes? Given present circumstances, directness might not go amiss."
Rin, who is currently very likely sitting on Sen's lap, is looking around, thinking, then looking at Nerys with cautious interest. "I don't know; I like the sound of it." A little haven, yeah; like a little home for the undead, or anyone out here in the middle of 'people don't much care for your ilk' country.
<.>
Faolan has been listening quietly while staring at Dmitri's hand in his own. (Or rather, at the rings.) Before Nerys can reply, he says softly, "He's offering you a place here."
As though the word's strange to him, he amends, "Us. He's offering - us. A place."
Nerys clasps his hands behind his back and smiles approvingly. "There you are. Obviously, nothing's assured until we clear out the vermin, but think on it. If not you, then I'll look for other takers -"
Sen, who is holding Rin on his lap and pleased with this situation's occurence despite recent revelations about himself and who hears Rin's approval, interrupts with, "We'll take it."
Nerys turns an unimpressed look on him. "'Vermin' includes Moloch, Seddum."
<.>
The glance Dmitri shoots Nerys is wary; not certain why the offer's been extended; feeling as though he's missed some crucial point. It's not the worst idea; it's also not a viable idea, not for Dima; he can only keep away from Morovsk for so long, and every day he's absent means a further piling up of duties.
But.
But wouldn't Dima like it? To have some role connected to the Market?
To— Whatever may or may not come out of this month, to have at least this connection to Faolan; to have this with Faolan?
Looking at Faolan, Dima's expression turns toward approval, appreciation. Letting the way Faolan said 'us' settle into his chest; letting himself think maybe, maybe, there could be a life here, as well as in Morovsk. And he's smiling again at Faolan, running the fingers of his free hand slowly, light along Faolan's unwounded shoulder.
Softly, to Faolan: "It's a wonderful idea."
And to Nerys: "Forgive my momentary obtuseness. Of course we will."
Rin's smiling at Sen, tracing their forefinger along his jaw and humming to themself, thinking how much fun it could be, and how they've never really, really had one place to return to, to think of like a home, and if Sen's in it with them, isn't it just— Maybe, actually perfect?
Except there's that last thing Nerys said.
Except there's been all of this kind of sort of sideways talk about 'Moloch' and about Seddum, and Seddum's Sen of course Rin understands that, it's just... Everything else that's cloudy.
The look they throw Nerys is sharp, a silent 'how dare you speak to Sen like that >:o,' and a verbal, "Well we'll just take care of everything then!"
And, turning to Sen, voice quieter, uncertain, "What is it about Moloch?"
Dima, hearing all of this and offering what might almost, almost be a sympathetic glance, consults with Liviana, who flies upward to find a perch with the best vantage, to help the golems keep watch.
<.>
Faolan wants to believe in it. He wants to believe the smile Dmitri is giving him and the possibility of this could-be-home.
He could be happy with the undead; the living were never very enjoyable. He could be happy with Dmitri, with Rose and Thorn, with the thieves -
It's too much to hope for. (A month from now, he'll know what kind of man Dmitri Voronin is; he'll prove he's just like the rest -)
He caresses the backs of his fingers down Dima's cheek when Liviana has gone, then returns his attention to Nerys and the thieves.
Sen has an arm wrapped around Rin's waist and is giving Nerys an insolent little smirk. "Oh, Pretty Rin. What it is about Moloch is exactly what Nerys says: it's vermin.
"No, I'll amend that. It's a fucking parasite, and I'll wager you every gold piece I ever see that our good benefactor here knows it, don't you, Nerys? Trying to pawn it off on me so it stops eating you out of house and home?"
"Parasite it may be, but you agreed to a symbiotic relationship with it, and then you broke your contract -"
Sen leans forward abruptly, a finger out in emphasis and anger clear on his face; Nerys, though a good eight feet away, jumps back. Remembering he's holding Rin on his lap, Sen slowly leans back and settles his hand on their knee. Assuming a light tone, he replies, "I'm not debating this with you. When you produce my little "demon" -" air quotes with one hand "- we'll have it out at that time. Me, you, and the prevaricating little shit."
With a note of disgust in his voice, he echoes, “Contract.”
[PERC, liv: 22]
While the humanoids below are bickering or canoodling, Liv is able to see from her perch at least 10 life forms gathering into formation not that far away.
So. The party does not have the element of surprise, they have disadvantage on stealth rolls, and at least ten people are preparing to take them out.
no subject
[d4, r: odds; The hand crossbow misfires, but seems to be in working order still.]
Rin takes their movement and attempts to use their bonus action to hide.
[STEALTH: 2; with disadv]
<.>
Rin attempts to hide sort of behind a chair? Just kinda. Half. Hid. He can see you, Rin.
So we're to Fae, who is going to try to take another stab at this asshole here. He will not go, and in fact will miss spectacularly, with an 8. He can't move but he can summon the wolf as a bonus action.
Mr. One Remaining Hit Point Dildo makes his saving throw with a nat 20 and takes no damage from wolf’s summoning.
Sen is up, Fae is mad.
Sen's going to come around the corner and shoot the guy again. Crits for 17 points of damage. While the thug is turning to look at Rin and starts to open his mouth to say something about their stealth, an arrow hits square in the eye. And down he goes.
And he's going to move towards Rin from there.
Onto the thugs. Rin's focus has been on the guy at the "bar", so they didn't quite notice this guy about to rush them. He's taking a swing at Rin with his mace, hits for 5 points bludgeoning damage.
[note: Rin is going to point at this motherfucker and cast Hellish Rebuke. Dude saves, takes 8 points fire damage.]
Mr. One Point Wonder has been too busy to shout, but #11 there comes up and sees a goddamn flaming wolf and starts shouting, "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! READY YOURSELVES!" Bringing the others converging towards Fae and Dima.
Sen has been spotted by #6, who is going to fire off a light crossbow. The bolt goes whizzing past Sen's ear, causing him to belatedly duck and shout, "HEY!"
And #4 is going to make the same attempt on Fae, which hits at 17. Fae takes a crossbow bolt to the shoulder and jerks backward with a shout of alarm and pain; he taaakes 5 points of piercing damage.
[note: Dima fucking shouting 'FAE' thanks. ;.;]
And last attacker is One Point Wonder. He's going to try and stab Fae in the side, and misses.
So we're at the Golems and Nerys; the golems need to move, so they'll be doing that. That one's going to jump down into that recesses area with a THUMP and start towards Dima. F R I END ?
Nerys is back in stealth, so he's going to try and start towards 11.
<.>
Dima's going to go for the one-hit wonder with Chill Touch— And misses.
Liv is going to use this stealth advantage while she has it and move to make an attack with talons onnnn the one that tried to hit Sen. She’ll multi-attack, going beak attack for the first, then she'll hit with talons. Beak hits for 10 points. Talons hit for 11 points.
[dm: Liv. How do you want to do this? You deserve a Moment because you literally took out a guy ALONE. ...while fae, dima, and the wolf wrestled with some asshole.]
Liviana’s divebombing out of nowheRe to jam her beak into the guy's left eye. And while giving a twist in that eye socket, takes her talons to his neck in a sharp slash. She is angry also.
[dm: The thug screams, the sound turning into a sort of choked, wet, gurgling noise as he falls.
Sen is shouting "WHAT THE FUCK SORT OF BIRD IS THAT?!”]
Liv takes off overhead.
<.>
Rin’s going to attempt Mind Sliver on the jerk who attacked them. Said jerk saves, and Rin is real ready to start biting people. They're going to very, very loudly curse in Infernal, use bonus action to Disengage, and move.
And Curio is going to pull the Curio trick that Rin has I believe never yet seen. They go full-size Jerbeen mode, and take a shot with their hand crossbow, hitting for 11 points.
[note: All right; 10's still up but looking pretty rough. And everyone is very unclear what happened.
Sen over here all what is this, pet show day?]
Curio would actually like to just try to bonus action Hide behind Rin— They do not roll well for this, and so Curio literally does what Rin just did. They are HALF standing behind Rin. Tail and back half clearly discernible.
<.>
Fae is mad he keeps missing his weapon attacks and is just going to try and break this fucker's neck. Rolls a 19.
Fae drops his rapier in disgust, grabs the thug by the sides of the head, and twists until there's an audible crack. He gives the body a shove out of the way, picks up his rapier again, and just as a not really anything, is spitting on the corpse.
[note: Dima having a moment nbd nbd nbd]
And he's going to start for #11, Stopping there letting the fucker come to him.
The wolf is also going to attack 11. The wolf from a spot beside and hovering near Fae is going to make a ranged Flame Seed attack, hits for 7 points.
Sen’s up! Going for the hat trick and shooting 10 with his shortbow. Hits for 4 points, which eliminates 10 from the board, thank you everyone who was instrumental in what the fucking that guy.
Thugs are up. Thug 4 is coming at Sen with a shortsword, hits for 3 points. 11 is going to make for Fae and multiattack with shortsword and dagger, fucks his roll. He swings at Fae, who kind of :/ at him and leans back out of range as the sword swishes by harmlessly and embeds itself in the crumbling masonry. 11 will be trying to pull that free now.
Golems take their movement.
<.>
Nerys! Is going to go for the one between Dima and the golem. Hits for 21 points.
And down goes the thug.
Dima's going to cast Mind Spike on 11 over there. 11 saves, takes 8 points.
[dm: The thug's still standing, but he releases his stuck sword and grasps his head with a cry of pain, falling backward from Dima, Fae, and the Wolf. Not retreating - just stumbled.]
Dima trying very hard not to just. Gaze. At Fae tbh.
And Liv's going to get in on this guy. Talons hit for 9.
[dm: And that'll be him out.]
Rin's taking a crossbow shot, hits for 8 points.
Curio is going to follow Rin's lead 100% here, readying their crossbow—
<.>
Sen calling out while trying to hold 4 at arm's length, “IS THAT THING ON OUR SIDE?”
<.>
Rin shouting back 'SEN THIS IS CURIO! :D!' Absolutely BEAMING at Curio right now. they have no idea what's happening but they're here for it?
<.>
Sen: "...Growth spurt?"
<.>
Curio takes their crossbow shot, hits for 12 points.
[dm: Curio. How do you want to do this?]
Curio is going to hop up on a table, aim the crossbow, and call to (or Message?) Sen, "Kind of :D!"
And, "Watch out though!"
Before shooting a bolt into the guy's ribcage right between the ribs.
<.>
4, who was likewise pretty baffled by this entity, barely has time to react to tthe bolt coming his way; he jerks away from Sen, but this only exposes his chest further to the oncoming attack, and it rips through him, through the open doorway, past Nerys, and embeds in the far wall.
The thug falls to his knees, still staring at Curio, then slumps over.
I believe Fae is going to suggest everyone regroup in the tavern area; the golems can guard the two "back" stairways and they'll see anyone coming through the "front" two. Maybe barricade one to bottleneck them.
<.>
As soon as the final guy in the current area died, Rin and Curio kind of jumped at one another. Rin holding Curio, Curio hanging on Rin's neck. Both saying hello to each other just :D!!!
Before Curio presumably shrunk back to jerboa size and needs their nap.
Rin's so excited Curio's so excited!
And! Also of course! After, Rin turned to leap hug Sen.
<.>
Sen is going to hang on tight
Fae is going to slump down against a wall and pull the bolt out of his shoulder. The wolf will hang out around him.
<.>
Dima absolutely running over, kneeling besides him, hand on his good shoulder. And Liv's going to fly down to Dima's shoulder and would like to Healing Word Fae thanks.
<.>
Fae's going to wave that off; save it for when he's hurt bad.
<.>
Dima and Liv both giving him a look oh hmmmmm.
But. They will accept this. Only because they know this shit's not over.
<.>
Fae leans his head back against the wall, then lolls it to look at Dima with a complicated smile. "Want to play doctor?"
Then, "Could just bandage me up if you're worried."
<.>
Dima. Might. Have blushed just a little. (It doesn't help that he is absolutely replaying that necksnap.)
He's also going to tear a piece off his old cloak and use it to bandage Fae's wound thank yoU.
Not not lingering a little on every touch.
[MED, d: 19]
Meanwhile, Rin is going to bandage Sen.
<.>
RIN HOLD STILL LET SEN CHECK THAT CONCUSSION.
And Fae regains 2 hp.
Fae is currently blushing himself, and Dima has managed to elicit a soft, puzzled smile.
<.>
Oh.
Well.
Shit.
Dima has the smallest, smallest version of the trashman doofy, stricken smile right now. Feels like he's done more good with that bandage than with anything else tbh ;.;
Meanwhile, Sen checked Rin’s head very well, and they’ve regained 4 hp. Rin is going to wrap a bandage around Sen’s slash wound, and then put a kiss on their palm, put their palm to the bandage— Then kiss Sen on the cheek.
<.>
Sen regains 4 hp!
And. If Dima's going to remain with him, Fae's going to give him a little tug to sit beside him.
[note: Dima absolutely going to take that sit thank you ;.;]
Nerys, meanwhile, is cleaning gore off his rapier and ignoring all of this.
Nerys eventually comments, "I think I may suggest a permanent installation here. We're going to all the trouble of fighting off a small mob, there's no sense in abandoning the property, is there?"
<.>
Dima, who is absolutely holding Faolan's hand at this point, is going to look over, curious. "You might draw more of this— Particular variant of onlooker. Though I expect you have ways to plan for that."
<.>
"I'm sure something can be arranged. A likewise permanent ward deterring violence." He smiles his youthful, blithe smile, and continues, "The question is, what manner of person would be interested in being tethered to this place. Not permanently, but oh, in a managerial sense. Personally, I'm fond of my position as adjudicator, and there is the issue many of our host have: they are bound by the dark moon. No, we would need someone alive, I think."
If a palpable silence follows, he looks around and sheathes his rapier. "It could be a very nice tavern with some elbow grease. Nice taverns bring nice shops. A little undead haven in the woods."
<.>
Dima is not precisely sure where Nerys might be going with this, and he throws a slightly puzzled look to Faolan, then a longer look at Sen.
Then, clearing his throat, "You are aiming toward a point, yes? Given present circumstances, directness might not go amiss."
Rin, who is currently very likely sitting on Sen's lap, is looking around, thinking, then looking at Nerys with cautious interest. "I don't know; I like the sound of it." A little haven, yeah; like a little home for the undead, or anyone out here in the middle of 'people don't much care for your ilk' country.
<.>
Faolan has been listening quietly while staring at Dmitri's hand in his own. (Or rather, at the rings.) Before Nerys can reply, he says softly, "He's offering you a place here."
As though the word's strange to him, he amends, "Us. He's offering - us. A place."
Nerys clasps his hands behind his back and smiles approvingly. "There you are. Obviously, nothing's assured until we clear out the vermin, but think on it. If not you, then I'll look for other takers -"
Sen, who is holding Rin on his lap and pleased with this situation's occurence despite recent revelations about himself and who hears Rin's approval, interrupts with, "We'll take it."
Nerys turns an unimpressed look on him. "'Vermin' includes Moloch, Seddum."
<.>
The glance Dmitri shoots Nerys is wary; not certain why the offer's been extended; feeling as though he's missed some crucial point. It's not the worst idea; it's also not a viable idea, not for Dima; he can only keep away from Morovsk for so long, and every day he's absent means a further piling up of duties.
But.
But wouldn't Dima like it? To have some role connected to the Market?
To— Whatever may or may not come out of this month, to have at least this connection to Faolan; to have this with Faolan?
Looking at Faolan, Dima's expression turns toward approval, appreciation. Letting the way Faolan said 'us' settle into his chest; letting himself think maybe, maybe, there could be a life here, as well as in Morovsk. And he's smiling again at Faolan, running the fingers of his free hand slowly, light along Faolan's unwounded shoulder.
Softly, to Faolan: "It's a wonderful idea."
And to Nerys: "Forgive my momentary obtuseness. Of course we will."
Rin's smiling at Sen, tracing their forefinger along his jaw and humming to themself, thinking how much fun it could be, and how they've never really, really had one place to return to, to think of like a home, and if Sen's in it with them, isn't it just— Maybe, actually perfect?
Except there's that last thing Nerys said.
Except there's been all of this kind of sort of sideways talk about 'Moloch' and about Seddum, and Seddum's Sen of course Rin understands that, it's just... Everything else that's cloudy.
The look they throw Nerys is sharp, a silent 'how dare you speak to Sen like that >:o,' and a verbal, "Well we'll just take care of everything then!"
And, turning to Sen, voice quieter, uncertain, "What is it about Moloch?"
Dima, hearing all of this and offering what might almost, almost be a sympathetic glance, consults with Liviana, who flies upward to find a perch with the best vantage, to help the golems keep watch.
<.>
Faolan wants to believe in it. He wants to believe the smile Dmitri is giving him and the possibility of this could-be-home.
He could be happy with the undead; the living were never very enjoyable. He could be happy with Dmitri, with Rose and Thorn, with the thieves -
It's too much to hope for. (A month from now, he'll know what kind of man Dmitri Voronin is; he'll prove he's just like the rest -)
He caresses the backs of his fingers down Dima's cheek when Liviana has gone, then returns his attention to Nerys and the thieves.
Sen has an arm wrapped around Rin's waist and is giving Nerys an insolent little smirk. "Oh, Pretty Rin. What it is about Moloch is exactly what Nerys says: it's vermin.
"No, I'll amend that. It's a fucking parasite, and I'll wager you every gold piece I ever see that our good benefactor here knows it, don't you, Nerys? Trying to pawn it off on me so it stops eating you out of house and home?"
"Parasite it may be, but you agreed to a symbiotic relationship with it, and then you broke your contract -"
Sen leans forward abruptly, a finger out in emphasis and anger clear on his face; Nerys, though a good eight feet away, jumps back. Remembering he's holding Rin on his lap, Sen slowly leans back and settles his hand on their knee. Assuming a light tone, he replies, "I'm not debating this with you. When you produce my little "demon" -" air quotes with one hand "- we'll have it out at that time. Me, you, and the prevaricating little shit."
With a note of disgust in his voice, he echoes, “Contract.”
[PERC, liv: 22]
While the humanoids below are bickering or canoodling, Liv is able to see from her perch at least 10 life forms gathering into formation not that far away.
So. The party does not have the element of surprise, they have disadvantage on stealth rolls, and at least ten people are preparing to take them out.
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