Carede had been lazily enjoying the smoky atmosphere. He didn't smoke himself, perhaps out of some residual desire to live the "clean life", not to mention that when your next meal is by no means certain you don't want to waste time or money on other substances. Still, he quite enjoyed the effects, even if after a while he could no longer quite recall how his cards had been marked, and had to pack it in, only a little ahead of what he'd owned when he came in.
Sedge had woken up sometime during he night, and was scampering about from table to table, pursuing the little monkey. For what reason Carede never knew, nor what happened when and if Sedge ever caught it.

Still he laughed and listened and even bought a round of drinks once. He was well rewarded for it. Teppic the salt merchant had just made a very successful sale, and was looking to invest. A young man by the name of Haragem had just come into an inheritance, and it was widely agreed that the fool of a man had no idea how to properly manage money. He grinned into his cup. A few days more to set up a few contacts, a wash and shave, some fake spectacles, maybe grow a pretentious little mustache and he'd be Jallas Millerson, a well-thought of representative of the Ankhly Brothers Co., Salt Mines Division, who would be more than glad to aid the fine Sir Teppic in his wise choice to invest in the mines, in exchange for a favored customer agreement. The fact that there were no Ankhly Brothers to Carede's knowledge wasn't likely to stop him. A little midnight trip to someplace that produced fine stationary, and a few palms greased to vouch for him would see to that.
As for that Haragem fellow...Carede grinned, easy money really.

Then the shouting came, and drifting in he heard the word "Anathema". Something inside him suddenly shriveled up and froze. No longer was the tap room bright and cheerful, but rather seemed harshly lit, the wafting smoke choking.

The door in the back, jinking it down the alley, up the wall, keeping low across the roof, dropping down into the street and legging it up to the corner, sidestep into the nearest stables, pat a little dust on himself and start brushing down a horse, nothing to set himself apart from any other stable hand across the city. Work it an hour or two until his head and eyes were clear and make it back to the inn.

All this reeled across his mind's eye at the speed of flight, and he was already standing, somewhat unsteadily when his brain caught up with him.
You think no one will notice I left as soon the word Anathema came up? the thought managed to blindside him, impossible as that should be, and he merely stood stock still at his stable.

After a moment or two he threaded his way to the front door and stepped out, leaning against the wall of the tavern, breathing in the cool night air in an attempt to clear his head. He looked down the street at the Terrestrials, and prayed they wouldn't take too much notice of one man just taking in the night. Standing not ar from the door lamp, he strained his ears to hear their words.

In response to the harsh accusation, the man on the roof whose attitude is oddly addicting spins about and hangs dangerously from the roof by his legs. "Well, of course, me. " He retorts gleefully. "And all matters of the area I entertain are my concern and thus 'in my league'" He said with a mocking tone in imitation of the Terrestrial. He crossed his arms and scowled playfully at the Dragon-bloods, raising a single index finger. "Although, as a performer, I cannot simply tell you in base and plain tongue, for something of this grand, heroic caliber needs a proper medium! And that MEDIUM...." He suddenly flipped up out of your vision onto the rooftop. "Is MUSIC!!" Shortly, you hear a melody that sounds as if it comes from a flute or other such instrument. He began tapping out a slow beat with his foot. A few seconds later, a sweet, high voice carries over the street, capturing the attention and interest of everybody that can hear. The song bespoke of high adventure and the allure of reaching the destination.

Grunting in annoyance at his presumption to delay them, the Dragonlings walk closer to listen. The one in exquisite crimson armor that had spoken before and was harshly interrogating the peasants looks away, obviously not amused at the antics and impatient to continue. Another wearing a light blue tunic adorned with intricate swirls of gold seems enraptured by the performance, listening intently to the words as they are sung. The others, one in a deep emerald armor and the last owning a breastplate similar to the first in both color and design, simply listen to the music as it drifts throughout the neighborhood. They aren't particularly interested, but they don't look bothered by it. All the villagers are standing around listening, thoroughly enjoying it.

As the song continues, you feel that something isn't right. You feel your will and determination being drained and broken down slowly as if nothing is important other than listening to the song. You're not sure how or why, but you're certain that it isn't natural and if you continue to listen, you may find yourself listening despite your wishes. Though, you could simply be playing tricks on yourself what with being intoxicated and all. And besides, maybe the song is supposed to make people want to listen. Aren't most songs designed to make people want to listen? Maybe nothing really is wrong. Anyway, you find the performance to be enjoyable and feel content to stand and listen for the moment.

1w drained. Spend 1w to resist the performance and do anything significant other than listen.

Carede listened happily to the music, it was...enchanting. Something about that thought seemed off. He found himself swaying back and forth on his heels for a moment before he realized what he was doing. He looked at the Dragon-Blooded at the street, and frowned. Were they doing this? No, more likely the ma-that really was a catchy tune, he'd have to see if the player could teach him later, it seemed to swoop and swing erratically, yet somehow maintained a smooth dignity.

Wait.

Teach him to play? The only thing he had ever played on before was false hopes, how on earth had he come to think of learning from this? The music was distracting him..he knew he shouldn't listen but...it was quite enticing. Leaning back for a moment more he enjoyed the gentle tunes before his eyes fell on the Dragon-Blooded in crimson, clearly impatient and almost...zealous? No, he needed his full attention here, or he rather suspected his full head would be on a pike later. Closing his eyes, he quietly distanced himself from his emotions, deadening the effect the music had upon him. He breathed in once or twice before opening his eyes. He could still hear the music but now it was just a part of the background, something there, but unimportant.

He briefly ran over his options. The Dragon-Blooded were here. There had been a Solar Exalt openly displaying his nature earlier. They were almost certainly dispatched here to deal with that. He however, wanted them to either be gone, or to keep a respectful distance from him. The best way he could think of to do that would be to instill fear in them.
What could a mortal, alone and unaided do to cause several...probably Dynasts to fear him, or at least have a healthy respect for him?
He thought of his own past for a moment. Right, absolutely nothing.
Ooookay...
Then, what could a mortal, with no visible aid, and some very powerful connections do?
Ah.

He wandered over to the impatient looking Dynast. He didn't face the man directly, his new persona wouldn't, and he didn't speak loudly, but he was quite sure his voice would make it to his ears.
"My lord, I am awed by you and your compatriots mighty presence, and most certainly unworthy of your august attentions." he said, slipping smoothly back into his native tongue "However I regrettably must ask that you and your compatriots withdraw from the immediate area for the time being, your personage's commanding presence, is having an untoward effect on a currently ongoing matter. Rest assured however that the matter will conclude shortly, and my compatriots and I will be more than happy to find the information you so clearly seek. Indeed dealing with such...rabble as this hardly suits persons such as yourselves. We however deal with information...often."

Carede now looked at the man out of the corner of his eyes, and drew out a handful of coins. Not much, but easily enough to buy a few rounds of good beer, or other entertainments, and casually rolled them about in one hand.

"In the meantime might I suggest The Stone and Shoe Inn someway back? The inn-keep keeps a fine taproom and the waitresses can be very affectionate, if one approaches them properly."

He hoped he wasn't sweating as much as he thought he was. Then again seeing as how the square wasn't a small lake he couldn't be. Most of him was terrified, posing as member of the Realm's secret police, lying straight to a Dragon-Blood's face, and deliberately interfering with a Wyld Hunt. Even ignoring the fact that he was a Sola- an Anathema, he had just earned the death penalty. About seven times over. The rest of him however was somehow...happy. Creation was where he ate and slept, but this is where he lived, making up the world as he went along, reaching into people's head and planting hopes, dreams, and thoughts. Now if he didn't get busted, and this Dragon-Blood was willing to bunk off for a night of revelry while loyal servants did his work for him, he might just get out of this alive.

((1 wp spent. And just to make it clear, native tongue=High Realm.))

You walk through the crowd of thoroughly captivated villagers toward the Terrestrials, directly to the most annoyed, unpleasant one with plan in mind, venturing toward your fears to be rid of them.

You begin speaking and he turns on his heels, glaring at you, but as your words continue, the indignation used upon the commoners fades into the composure of one listening at any number of the most formal of events. He visibly calms himself as he listens, considering your words carefully, then eying the coins first with a bit of disgust, then with nearly an acceptance. After a few moments of consideration he responds calmly though with a hint of irritation.

"Convincing though you may be, this is a personal matter. This is not merely a hunt for pride or glory, but for the preservation of my dignity." His face becomes a slight scowl, "Besides, I care not for what the Realm commissions or what it's Monks do. I care only for what happens to this Forsaken One as my honor rides upon it. Now, if you'll excuse me, we are listening and watching for information that can help us find our prey, not distractions from it."

At that, the taller man turned around to listen to the music as if it had suddenly gained importance to him.

That was a +2 die stunt whose roll succeeded and he ignored. The stunted outcome failed, so no motes or willpower were gained (if you'd had any to gain in the first place).

Carede frowned at the Dynast's response. In another time and place he would have been glad to walk away, but here and now he was...many things. Intrigued by the man playing the music that could twist minds so, angry at the Dynast, not for any particular reason, but with his life he didn't think he needed to be too specific anymore, and...tired, tired of running from city to city, tired of always looking over his shoulder, tired of always expecting his past to catch up to him, and finish the job it had started. For once he just wanted to win, rather than walking away with his tail between his legs.

He spoke again, and this time he could feel the power gifted him resonating in his words.

"Very well, a deal then. I have word of your quarry. Multiple sources cite him heading south south, towards Thorns. After listening to the music you shall leave, taking your companions with you, and not returning, nor interfering in my business again. Greater forces than you are prepared to stand against are involved."

1wp and 10m from personal pool spent to fuel a Hypnotic Tongue Technique

As you begin speaking, the tall warrior turns back toward you again, listening as he did before. He seems to be getting somewhat annoyed if the scowl on his face is any indication. After hearing your words and considering them for a moment, his scowl fades into ...anticipation?

"As long as you leave that bastard to me, I don't care what the heck you do."

With that, he turns back to the music, whispering a few things in the nearest Dragon-Blood's ear.

+1 Stunt bonus. Possible reward for the Stunt suspended pending their actions.

With a gentle smile and an agreeable murmur Carede wandered back into the crowds, taking a circuitous route back to the tavern, and once in, ascending the stairs trying to find a window that would let out onto the roof. How the blaze had the singer gotten up there anyway?

After walking through the crowd and out to where you could see the tavern entrance again, you notice that the musician had somehow descended from the roof without interrupting his music. He now stands in the tavern entrance, the smoke from inside billowing out around him. A tankard sits on the ground in front of him acting as a collection container for any donations the villagers wished to make.

Looking more closely, you notice, to your astonishment, that it is not the man that sings (he's too busy playing his flute), but the lemur that is sitting on his shoulder, bobbing back and forth in a manner that is so cute and adorable that you just want to go up and squeeze it.

Carede looked at the man and the monkey. He needed to stop their singing, but not be caught about it. To stop it, but not actually be seen or connected with it stopping.

He heard a little squeaking from his ankle and looked down. It seemed 'sedge had deigned to return to him, and so late at night the little blighter was rather active. Carede grinned. Reaching down he picked up the ferret and set it on his shoulders, murmuring instructions all the while. 'Sedge had barely been on his shoulder for 30 seconds before he slipped off again.
In the meantime Carede wandered about the crowd, trying to find a good place to watch his plan come together.

About a minute later he was rewarded by a most peculiar sight, that of a ferret suddenly leaping out of a cloud of smoke, in order to strike a lemur in a flying tackle.

You watch in amusement as 'sedge catapults from the ground behind the performer in a display of billowing smoke and blurred fur. He rams into the lemur, throwing them both onto the ground, immediately stopping the singing. Visibly annoyed, the musician quickly ends his song and walks toward the crowd, especially the Dragonblessed that you just left as the lemur pries 'sedge off of it and runs away.

The amusement of a man pulls huge handfuls of blunts seemingly out of nowhere from within his robes as he glides directly toward the most crowded area, dispensing them generously as he is giving some sort of speech in an obviously hurried manner. You are only able to understand a few words from his frantic performance... Anashot, Nexus, marijuana, etc...

Peering quickly into your mind, you seem to remember a business in Nexus named Anashot Greenery. Is this the man who runs the company? As he steps away from the Dragonborn and into the rest of the crowd, you notice they have taken a few blunts, stuffed them into their robes, and begin leaving. Apparently your little trick worked wonders on them.

The villagers lining the streets are now crowding around the performer, obviously praising him and asking for a repeat performance. Many who received some of his weed have lit it, creating the foundation for a second low hanging cloud in the street.

You notice 'sedge scampering up your leg as he comes back from his accomplished mission, obviously happy with himself. He seems to have found a few of the coins that were 'lost' by random people in the crowd.

Regain 4m or 1 wp for the successful +2 die Stunt.

Pocketing the coins with a smile, Carede wormed his way through the press of the crowd to come up beside the musician. Smiling broadly he clasped the mans' hand, leaving a coin his palm.

"Prelude to Third Movement, by Auspicious Verticies of Aethers wasn't it?" Carede asked with a twinkle in his eye. "A very difficult piece, and I've not heard it played better in my years." he said, playing up his Realm accent slightly.

With his free hand, he idly pulled out another handful of coins, mostly cheap currency, probably enough for a good meal, but not much more.
"The first was just a tip, but I DO feel sorry my little pet interrupted your performance." Carede grimaced "I really have no control over him, but alas he grew on me."

From his shoulder sedge twittered a little as Carede cast eyes on the man's own pet.

"You're furry friend however, is something special. I've never even heard of anything but a bird being trained to sing. Where on earth could you have gotten something like him...?"

regain 1wp

The performer and the lemur blinked slowly at you for a few moments, then looked at each other as though asking each other what you are talking about. Suddenly, he spoke, "Oh! Why...thank you." He said, his smile popping up into place quickly as he accepted the coinage and tucked it away in a sleeve. The lemur seemed to look more proud than the man did, as it was he that had sung and so was the one being praised.

The lemur's tail curled about the musician's neck securely as your gaze fell on him. The man smiled and reached up to pet the little lemur reassuringly. "Ah...well, I was out in the forest one day and Chikiboro here found me while I was playing my flute to pass some time..." he stated cheerily.

"Ah, a pity, not exactly charitable of me I know, but nonetheless such creatures would fetch astounding prices as pets." Carede sighed and smiled.

"Shame then that there's no real way to get more but go hunting in a forest, bit out of my budget. My thanks nonetheless, Mr. Anashot" Carede dropped the name, and prayed.