Poorman (Arnetta) MitWD Session 0 w/ Whisp

The date is Eleint 7, 1107.
It is midday in the city of Riverside, Arnetta is on her way to the Alchemist's Shop, also known as the Abracapothecary. She's just about to enter through the door, when she hears a loud bang and swear from within.

Arnetta Grayfort: Raising an eyebrow, Arnetta rather promptly heads towards the back of the shop, the sound of her high-heels announcing her presence.

Going through the alley beside the shop, a small amount distaste in your mouth and rising discontent at the state of it with the large degree of refuse strewn about, didn't you sweep this out just a couple day ago? Nonetheless there doesn't appear to be anyone lurking within according to your immediate observations, nor anything overtly out of place. The backdoor to the shop is there, it's plain, wooden presence looks the same as ever. You feel the key to it in your pocket, having your own spare as it should be locked at all times.

Arnetta Grayfort: "Thief." Arnetta mutters under her breath, before grabbing a vial off one of the tables, concocting a potion, and moving through the shop to find whoever might be here.

Sliding the key out of your pocket and turning it silently into the lock, you open the backdoor and creep inside. You tiptoe, light on your feet without the rustling of scale mail that would otherwise likely make a minor amount of noise. In the storage room of the Abracapothecary, shelves are filled to the brim with a wide array of glowing vials and philters that you've become all too accustomed to, able to identify them easily. That orange, bubbling one being a potion of fire breath, that deep red one with heart shaped bubbles being a philter of love, you never learned if those actually work. Either way, noone seems to be in here, but the door to the sales area where the main counter is seems to be just slightly ajar, a small amount of light leaking through. You can hear a small voice near the counter's area muttering something, a bit too far out of earshot to make out.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta ,wielding a potentially deadly concoction, approaches the area she hears the noise, slowly walking forward as she readies herself to hurl a glass bottle at the thief, should she need to.

Nearing the ajar door, you come near enough to make out the small mutters in a slightly familiar voice. "Twenty two... twenty tree... No time- need to...!" A clinking noise, and the rapid drumming of fingers on a counter.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta, realizing what the thief might be after, quickly moves towards the shop's safe, intent on stopping the thief dead in his tracks.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta, realizing what the thief might be after, quickly moves towards the shop's safe, intent on stopping the thief dead in his tracks.

You slip through the cracked door, potion in hand and swiftly scan the voice's origin for the perpetrator. Your sudden and silent appearance is met by the sight of the culprit. At the sight of their green skin, colorfully dyed clothes and ears longer than an elves', you instantly recognize the race of the perpetrator as a goblin. Lowering your guard, you feel a small amount of relief at the sight of your mentor in all things Alchemical, Gizigik Loosevolt.

Gizigik Loosevolt appears to have not noticed your presence, currently seated in his high chair made specifically to let him reach the counter, several rolled up cases of coins are lined before him, the safe below his is open and empty, as he seems to be quite absorbed in his meticulous counting of money.
Gizigik Loosevolt: "Twenty four... twenty five... Damn it..."

Arnetta Grayfort: A quick sigh exits Arnetta's mouth. "The state of the shop worried me. I was ready to make a poor thief's day rather unfortunate." Arnetta sets the volatile concoction on the counter, before folding her arms. "Any reason you're so intently counting the coins?"

Gizigik Loosevolt unresponsive at first to your voice, the moment you set the vial on the counter Gizigik suddenly shoots up. He loses his balance on his high chair, falling with it backwards and to the ground, rolling a small distance away with a tremendous bang! He slams into a display shelf, the volatile substances set within it shake precariously- he looks up at them in fear, shielding his head as they... don't tip over, thankfully.

Gizigik Loosevolt peeks through his fingers, letting out a sigh, before looking at you. "A-... Arnetta, bloody hell, you nearly killed me sneaking around like that! Guh..." He rubs the back of his head painfully, crawling to his feet and walking back to the counter as he rights the fallen chair. "What are you doing here anyway, is it time to open already?"

Arnetta Grayfort: "I enjoy being punctual." Arnetta replies rather simply, a smirk adorning her face as she runs yawns and runs her hand through her hair. "What is it you're so frantic about? Were we robbed?"
"Shall I alert the guards?"

Gizigik Loosevolt shakes his hands rapidly, "No, no, no, nothing like that. Thankfully." He collects himself, straightening his robes, clearing his throat as he gets back on his chair to put away the gold. He doesn't respond for some time, before breaking the silence. "...Arnetta, I came upon a realization yesterday. Something that could change our lives."

Arnetta Grayfort: Raising an eyebrow, Arnetta speaks up once more. "Please, don't keep me in suspense."

Gizigik Loosevolt drums his fingers along the desk. "Surely you saw it, yes? The light in the sky, it was like the night suddenly turned to day. A star fell to the earth."

Arnetta Grayfort: "And what of it?" Arnetta leans in towards the Goblin, listening a bit more intently.

Gizigik Loosevolt: "Legends tell of this all the time, artifacts that fall the heavens, made of unknown materials, heralding an revolution... Right now, one of these artifacts just landed, right in our backyard... If we can get our hands on it, how much do you think would someone pay for such a thing? Thousands? Millions?"

Arnetta Grayfort: "And how are you so certain it hasn't been picked over yet, even if your assumptions are true?"

Gizigik Loosevolt nods, "It's quite possible, it hasn't even been twelve hours, but others may have made a move already. We need to strike now, before they get there. Few people are closer to it than us, so we have the advantage in distance. Nations far away would be hard pressed to get there in time."

Gizigik Loosevolt slicks his hair back, leaning his elbow into the counter. "But... I'm unable to leave this shop, I need to maintain the business, that's why... I'm sorry but- I must beg, can you go in my place? Not for me no, but... for your family. If this lead turns out the way I think it will, we'll never have to work again."

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta begins to smile. "I'll go in your stead, no worries."
"I can make arrangements for travel, perhaps a bodyguard."
From a satchel she had been carrying on her shoulder, Arnetta removes a small purple bag. "I only require a moment to don my travelling gear."

Gizigik Loosevolt blinks, a hand moving to his chest and his shoulders sag, as if a great weight has been lifted off of them. "Oh- words can't even begin to explain my than-. Ahem, right... A bodyguard would be recommended, yes. Hold on..." He swings his legs out, hopping to the ground. He moves his way past you, into the back room.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta follows her mentor into the backroom.

Gizigik Loosevolt within the backroom, he looks about, his skin lit up in the dark by the lumiescent glow of the vast array of supplies surrounding him. He moves to a particular shelf, near the bottom of it as he holds a finger up, select a row of bottles. Pulling them out vial by clinking vial, he obtains a pair of small, seemingly empty vials. He sets them aside, putting the rest of the removed potions back in their place and gently cradles the empty pair of philters. "These are... a hefty investment. Traveling to the star's fall would take perhaps a month, there is no way we have such time. With a bodyguard you can trust, drink these and you will be able to arrive there much faster, hopefully before others make their moves." He turns around, offering them to you.

Arnetta Grayfort: "Hmm." Arnetta, takes the potion, looking over its contents. It's been quite a while since she'd learned to stop asking about how they might taste, but the texture of the liquid inside this vial looked rather unique, likely due to the high quality Loosevolt spoke of. "Is there anything else on hand you might offer me?" She smirks, leaning in a bit further. "Any potions you might be holding onto? We are talking about massive riches, aren't we?"

Gizigik Loosevolt brushes back his hair, despite it already being slicked back. "Very well, very well. Always eager for the extras, yes." He reaches into his robes, retrieving a small coinpurse. Reaching inside, he pulls out a large core, the side of his head. The thing couldn't have possibly fit inside such a tiny coinpurse, but he offers it to you nonetheless. "That golem you've been working on, you perform superb work, it may even rival my own soon enough. Before you finish it, use this core for its power source, I believe it'll work splendidly." The core in question, a glimmering scarlet crystalline orb pulsates with energy.

Arnetta Grayfort: "Astounding." Arnetta glares at the object, before stowing it away into her small purple bag, the form of the object sort of vanishing underneath the purple velvet material. "I suppose I'll be off, then."
"I shall send word to you as soon as I am able."

Gizigik Loosevolt nods, "I see. Well, I'm sure you're well aware of how Adventurers and Mercenaries ailke tend to gather at Inns. The nearest one is the Lustrous Pearl. You know where it is. And..." His voice trails off, the small goblin lowering his head. "Be safe on your travels, Arnetta." His words carry a genuine request.

Arnetta Grayfort: "I shall." She responds, before heading out of the shop, and into the world, her sights set on the Lustrous Pearl.

Leaving the shop, you walk the streets for some time before eventually finding your destination. The Lustrous Pearl's rickety sign hangs off its stand, threatening to fall at any moment. The entrance to the Inn appears to be open, less sound than one would expect can be heard. There doesn't seem like to be much going on inside, at least from what you can tell by the sound of only a single lute playing a simple tune and just the chattering among the occupants.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta, with baited breath, enters the establishment after straightening out the thigh-length skirt on her dress, wondering if she could really find someone trustworthy in a place such as this. She scans the establishment, trying to take note of everyone notable in the inn.

Entering the Inn, you see quite a wide variety of individuals. Half orcs nursing mugs of ale, a half elf playing a lute, a lizardman crouched in a corner, a young boy nearby a couple barrels, and even a dwarf in an armwrestling match against a dragonborn. There doesn't seem to be any mysterious hooded figures, nor bar fights breaking out. The innkeep, a heavyset man is quietly tending to his business as it appears to be a lazy day today. With all these options spread out before you, what do you do?
Approaching the brutal looking woman, she appears to be tearing into a leg of mutton. She's completely lacking in clothes save for some furs covering her chest, armguards, some more going to just below her knees and a pair of hide boots. Despite being so scantily clad, the surrounding patrons appear to give her a wide berth as she continues stuffing herself to her heart's content. As you near, she suddenly sniffs, her eyes darting towards you and watching you closely.

Arnetta Grayfort: After a moment of consideration, Arnetta approaches the woman. "I bid you greetings."

The woman frowns, "What you want?" She hasn't stopped eating, one of her feet propped up on the stool she's in.

Arnetta Grayfort: "Well, I was looking for someone who might offer me protection. However, this matter is rather delicate. I am unsure if such a task would suit you."

Thrug Brunkclunk sneers, pointing her mutton chop at you. "Nobody better at protect than Thrug. I crush before things try. You have money?"

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta smiles. "I do not doubt your ability, but the truth is, this is a rather discrete matter. Were the job more suited for your abilities, I'd employ you without hesitation."

Thrug Brunkclunk narrows her eyes. "Secret job. I see, If you not hiring then go, no time for sneaking like mouse." She turns away.
You approach the pointy eared woman, who appears to be relaxing in the evening sun filtering through the windows. Against her lone table rests a longbow.

Arnetta Grayfort: "Hmm. One who appears as elegant and graceful as you might be the one I seek."
The woman opens one eye slightly, just barely enough to see you. She responds with a "Hmm? Is there something I can help you with?"

Arnetta Grayfort: "Well, I am seeking to hire someone such as yourself. One who could provide me with protection, whilst also maintaining somewhat of a lower profile."
"Judging by your appearance, you seem a likely candidate to suit my needs."

Cecilia Hallenheart smiles, "Ah. In that case, I'm Cecilia. Cecilia Hallenheart. A pleasure to meet you. What is it exactly you had in mind? Just protection?"

Arnetta Grayfort: "At the very least, yes."
"I require someone I can trust, as well."
"I will gladly pay you a fair fee should you fall under my employ."

Cecilia Hallenheart crosses her fingers, "A job paid for is one I do well."
Cecilia Hallenheart smiles.

Arnetta Grayfort: Arnetta extends her hand, returning a smile. "We must be off as soon as we can."

Cecilia Hallenheart takes your hand, standing up taller than you. "Let us be off then, shall we?" She gathers her meager amount of belongings, prepared to go out.

End session.