[[This post follows these events here]]
Many months ago...
Brynn.
I have become a target for an unknown assassin, their patron unknown. Some days ago, I was ambushed in Thanalan and nearly killed once more. It has become clear that as long as I remain in Ul’dah… I, and those I keep close, will be under constant threat. Whoever is behind this, whatever the reason may be, I cannot allow my failings to bring harm upon you.
If my only means of protecting you is keep you safe from the demons I have brought upon myself, then I must accept my duty.
Please allow me a final redundancy.
Take care of yourself. Thank you for everything.
-G.N.
Brynnalia had to read the letter twice. To say that she found the contents of the missive unexpected was a gross understatement.
Of all the men she had known in the past, she could count Gideon North to be one of the most unflappable person she’d known. That was why she often enjoyed teasing him so, her flirtations always daring him to answer her in kind.
So for him to suddenly announce his departure in such a way, Brynn had to believe that the valet had deemed the situation grim and saw no other recourse than to run. To drop everything and flee. As if nothing else mattered.
….Or mayhap because it did matter. Foolish man of a butler.
Obviously she couldn’t let that stand. Brynnalia never did understand the whole attraction of martyrdom. Too many people seemed so willing to take all the troubles upon themselves and expect others to be just fine with it. Didn’t Gideon not hear one word of the message she was trying to entice him with all this time? To be selfish, to seek pleasures and happiness for oneself, to dare to reach for the forbidden treasures… had he not considered any of it?
Her first stop was Drybone. She had received word that he had been treated at the infirmary there after he was attacked for the second time.
The man attracts trouble like honey attracts bears.
Brynn would never know it just by looking at him. Quiet, reserved, and polite to a fault, none would think him burdened with a troubled past. But he had told her of his murdered former masters and his burning hatred for those responsible. And now with Taeros also having met an uncertain end, the valet was once again without employment. And for a second time in almost as many moons, an attempt was made on Gideon’s life as well.
Someone was either looking to specifically end North’s life or lives of those connected closely to her former employer. Considering the deaths of the other three Monetarist nobles, Brynn was guessing the latter. Either way, Brynnalia was not going to let that mystery go unsolved and let North disappear into the wind.
The valet was easy enough to track. Even though he had left Drybone without a word of his destination, she found a guard at Highbridge that described a man passing through, dressed in a suit beneath a plain cloak. What he was best remembered for however, was how well he had cleaned the guard’s armor, and the lunch he had shared--a very tasty pair of finger sandwiches.
Brynnalia followed the road east, to find sisters near Thal’s Respite who recalled a polite and well-spoken man that cleaned their cabin for a night of lodging and cooked a delicious meal for them before moving on. They recalled a unique spice of mun-tuy that he had added to the dish. At least that gave the bard an idea of where his destination might be.
It was indeed at the Mun-Tuy Cellars in South Shroud where she found him bent over crushing beans, tamping and grinding them with a mortar. Wilhelm, his faithful dodo fledgling companion, pattered about aimlessly, pecking at random bags of beans. Gideon did not seem to notice her when she approached.
“Wilhelm,†the bard called out to the bird, clucking her tongue. The fledgling waddled toward her, and as she gave its head a scratch, she marveled at how the bird had grown since she had given North that egg as an apology gift after the Starlight card game.
“Geoffery, start the churner.†Gideon quietly instructed the other hyur in the room, sending him away. “I think we’ll need a bit of a warm-up.†He then slowly rose as the young man left the room.
“I could trace yer trail o’ meals and cleaned armor all the way from Drybone.†Brynn ascended the stairs to the platform where he stood.
“And what do you intend to do now?†The valet kept his head bowed, his cowl hanging low over his eyes.
“Do I have tae have a plan?†She canted her head, trying to regard the man beneath the hood. “I just wanted tae talk tae ye.â€
“Even that may be dangerous, Mistress.†He kept his gaze low, his eyes focused on her chin rather than her eyes. Still, Brynnalia took a measure of his face.
“Halone’s frozen ass… did ye get yerself looked at?†She stepped closer to him, drawing the hood away from his face as she began to spy the bruises. His face bore more scars when the cover was lifted, and his left eye had a healing wound across it; his iris was slightly opaque. “Ye never mentioned how bad ye were hurt…†she murmured.
"The infirmary's staff were well-equipped for their job, and I saw to myself with what arcana I could muster when I left their care. Acceptable damages. I have been dealing with them.†His tone remained placid.
Brynn let out a sigh, softening her voice as to hide the misgivings in them. “And what do ye plan tae do now?â€
“I intend to remain at a safe distance, and make myself useful to those who give me sanctuary.†His eyes flitted to the fledgling who was now pecking at his feet. “Wilhelm. Bed.†The valet clicked his tongue and the fledgling waddled into the other room.
The bard half watched the bird’s exit with a patient exhale. “Ye did hear of the other nobles. Our employer’s acquaintances? They too were killed. Someone was cuttin’ off Taeros’ ties with wealth and repute... and mayhaps the attack upon ye was a part o’ that.â€
“A possibility, Miss.†The valet still did not meet her gaze.
“There suddenly be a lot o’ violence goin’ on Ul’dah and it be sweepin’ everyone up along with it.†She crossed her arms. “Ye not goin’ tae take the responsibility fer all o’ that now are ye?â€
"As long as I cannot confirm the source of my assault, Miss, the possibility remains that I am a liability to my southern associates." He paused as he finally looked at her, expression flat and wry. “This includes you. I would sooner see your face remain unmarred."
Brynn snorted. “Well, I not be some helpless damsel in distress who gets no say in the matter.â€
“I am sure, but…â€
“And ye runnin’ away only leaves me with a mystery I can’t solve. I’ve come across some people and facts and I need tae puzzle these pieces together.â€
“I see,†Gideon pondered quietly. “Is that what Miss has come in pursuit of?â€
Brynn shrugged. “Mayhaps I just wanted tae see ye breathin’ and all,†she admitted quietly. She could not help but curl a wry grin when she was promptly met with a calm stare, where the man before her inhaled and exhaled exaggeratedly. “Good.â€
The bard regarded him for a moment before she continued. “The Aerstorn grave. Was that ye?†When he only answered with a downward glance and silence, she sighed. “Mm. I thought so.â€
“I had... intended to find the young master, and remove him from Ul'dah along with myself." Gideon’s expression was one of disgust.
Brynnalia frowned. Gideon had given voice to his plan before, one where he had hoped to return his dead young master somehow, back to life. She had given not much thought to it then; in truth, she did not think it was possible. But he had such glimmer of hope in his eyes then that she let it be, lest she crush what optimism he held for such an implausible future. She was hesitant to dash his hopes even still but…
“Where are ye even keeping him?†She looked around suspiciously.
“The young master was absent, Miss.â€
The bard cocked a brow. “He wasn’t in his own casket?â€
“It would appear not, Miss.â€
Brynn knitted her brows in thought. “Well, stranger things have happened in Ul’dah. Stranger than grave robbing, anyroad.â€
“I am sure miss is doubly familiar with them,†the valet said flatly.
“So ye think someone else robbed him from his casket then?â€
“I cannot think of any other possibility, Miss.â€
“Hmph,†Brynn hummed to herself. She had researched Gideon’s former masters when he had been hired by Taeros. It was her job to vett those that came under the employee of the Monetarist noble. Especially after she had discovered the curious link between North, Stormchild, and Lazarov, she had to make certain that the valet’s past posed no threat to Taeros. She discovered that the elder Aerstorns were killed at sea by pirates and the young master that Gideon was personally responsible for was poisoned to death. But now the body of the young Sea Wolf noble was missing.
She could not shake the memory of Banquo, an enigmatic speculator and a Roegadyn with a hidden past that had emerged from nowhere and expressed a keen interest in the valet. The odd thing about the Roegadyn was that he was constantly imbibing potions, to stave off some effects of poison he had suffered early in his life. This much Banquo admitted to her when she prodded him for details, so that he would get her to trust his motives where Gideon was concerned. Brynn still did not trust him, but he seemed truthful about his physical maladies at least. Now if the connections being made in her mind were even remotely possible…
“What are you pursuing?†Gideon was now watching her oddly.
“Ah, just a theory.†She flashed him her easy smile. “I’ll have tae look more intae it.†She paused, regarding him. “But the name Banquo does not ring any bells fer ye? Not that I think that be his real name. Ye can call yerself anythin’ if’n ye got enough gil. Were there any Sea Wolf nobles yer former masters worked with that may be so keen on ye?â€
“None, Miss.†Gideon shook his head. “The only Sea Wolves I believe my previous masters funded would be Guldraetsyn, Wheistymmthota, and Zoerbhirsyn.â€
Bloody Sea Wolf names... Brynn crossed her eyes as she tried to commit them to memory. “Did any of them have sons that were about yer young master’s age?â€
"Few of them had children present at the dealings, Miss... and those that did, were quite grown.†The valet closed his eyes, thinking intently. “The only one that comes to mind with children of viable age, would be Ms. Blind Sparrow. But she was a Hellsquard, as Miss may surmise.â€
Brynn pursed her lips as she studied him, but said nothing. No sense in giving voice to wild theories as yet, at least not until she had some threads of proof. “Well, while Taeros is… indisposed, I got meself a contract with this Banquo.â€
To this Gideon opened his eyes, giving her a pointed look.
"Ye know fer what he be payin' me? Tae insure yer safety." She held up one finger. "And tae find out who ye were dealin' with." She held up a second finger. "It's like he be payin' me tae do what I was thinkin' o' doin' anyroad."
“Very… convenient, Miss.†He did not sound reassured.
“I thought so.†The bard shrugged. “But I not be foolish enough tae turn down easy gil.†She flashed him another easy grin. “‘Sides, that would only arouse suspicion.â€
“I suppose. Miss must be sure to ensure her own safety.†Gideon paused as a distant thunder rumbled outside the cellars.
“This Banquo is someone else.†Brynn narrowed her eyes, her words sharp despite the nonchalant expression that still lingered. “And he is very interested in ye. If he be the one that be gettin’ ye in danger…â€
“...then Miss must take care not to allow this danger to reach herself.†He finished for her, his words firm and his gaze intent.
The bard rolled her shoulders in a relaxed shrug. “He finds me useful, at least fer now. I am not worried, not yet anyroad.†Her grin turned a shade cooler. “Keepin’ them close and keepin’ meself useful and valuable usually lets me know when I’m safe or... when I should make meself scarce. If it not be ye only they be targetin’ then I best know what be comin’ eh?â€
“I suppose, Miss. It would be remiss of me to doubt your instincts of self-preservation.â€
She flashed him a confident grin. “Ye gone too long already that ye've forgotten that?"
Gideon shook his head. "I may still endeavor to place you in the best circumstances to get what you want."
Brynnalia slid closer to him, her eyes roaming over those bruises and scars that now marred his face. “And if it is just ye they be after and this Banquo be behind it…†Her tone took a serious turn. “Well, mayhap we can do somethin’ about that too.â€
His eyes followed hers steadily. “No unnecessary risks, Miss. Please.â€
The bard’s lips turned crooked even though they still held onto her usual mirth. “Don’ underestimate me, North. I got my reasons.†When he cocked his head at her with an unspoken question, she rolled her eyes. “I miss… yer food.â€
She placed her hands on her hips, feigning a frown. “Ye be goin’ about feedin’ everyone else on the countryside.†She shook her head. “Not right.â€
“You are welcome to stay for dinner,†Gideon replied with a half-smile.
“Mm. After all that ridin’, that is the least ye can do.†Her smile turned toothy. “Besides, I don’t fancy meself gettin’ wet on the road just yet.â€
“Of course.†He exhaled quietly through his nose before he added quietly, “...thank you, Brynn.â€
“Fer what?â€
“For utterly disregarding everything I had to say.†He was staring at her flatly, but she could tell he was quieting a smile. “...I’m glad to see you.â€
The bard answered with a beaming smile. “Well, mayhap next time I track ye down across the states, I bring ye a handsome eyepatch.â€
"It is not entirely nonfunctional, Miss. I can still perceive you, albeit as a somewhat distant blur."
“Ah, is that so.†She leaned in toward his left cheek to whisper in his ear. “Then ye just be lookin’ dangerous, I suppose.â€
In that moment, Gideon too tilted his head slightly, his jawline brushing hers just for a moment before she pulled away. "Always looking on the bright side," he murmured. “Now. Shall I see you to your seat?"
Brynn clapped him on the shoulder, one hand tapping her belly. "Aye. I am starvin'!"
"I hope Miss can handle some spice,†the butler said over his shoulder as he led her down the wooden stairs to the other room.
The bard snorted loudly. "Let's see what ye judge as spicy then!"
Many months ago...
Brynn.
I have become a target for an unknown assassin, their patron unknown. Some days ago, I was ambushed in Thanalan and nearly killed once more. It has become clear that as long as I remain in Ul’dah… I, and those I keep close, will be under constant threat. Whoever is behind this, whatever the reason may be, I cannot allow my failings to bring harm upon you.
If my only means of protecting you is keep you safe from the demons I have brought upon myself, then I must accept my duty.
Please allow me a final redundancy.
Take care of yourself. Thank you for everything.
-G.N.
Brynnalia had to read the letter twice. To say that she found the contents of the missive unexpected was a gross understatement.
Of all the men she had known in the past, she could count Gideon North to be one of the most unflappable person she’d known. That was why she often enjoyed teasing him so, her flirtations always daring him to answer her in kind.
So for him to suddenly announce his departure in such a way, Brynn had to believe that the valet had deemed the situation grim and saw no other recourse than to run. To drop everything and flee. As if nothing else mattered.
….Or mayhap because it did matter. Foolish man of a butler.
Obviously she couldn’t let that stand. Brynnalia never did understand the whole attraction of martyrdom. Too many people seemed so willing to take all the troubles upon themselves and expect others to be just fine with it. Didn’t Gideon not hear one word of the message she was trying to entice him with all this time? To be selfish, to seek pleasures and happiness for oneself, to dare to reach for the forbidden treasures… had he not considered any of it?
Her first stop was Drybone. She had received word that he had been treated at the infirmary there after he was attacked for the second time.
The man attracts trouble like honey attracts bears.
Brynn would never know it just by looking at him. Quiet, reserved, and polite to a fault, none would think him burdened with a troubled past. But he had told her of his murdered former masters and his burning hatred for those responsible. And now with Taeros also having met an uncertain end, the valet was once again without employment. And for a second time in almost as many moons, an attempt was made on Gideon’s life as well.
Someone was either looking to specifically end North’s life or lives of those connected closely to her former employer. Considering the deaths of the other three Monetarist nobles, Brynn was guessing the latter. Either way, Brynnalia was not going to let that mystery go unsolved and let North disappear into the wind.
The valet was easy enough to track. Even though he had left Drybone without a word of his destination, she found a guard at Highbridge that described a man passing through, dressed in a suit beneath a plain cloak. What he was best remembered for however, was how well he had cleaned the guard’s armor, and the lunch he had shared--a very tasty pair of finger sandwiches.
Brynnalia followed the road east, to find sisters near Thal’s Respite who recalled a polite and well-spoken man that cleaned their cabin for a night of lodging and cooked a delicious meal for them before moving on. They recalled a unique spice of mun-tuy that he had added to the dish. At least that gave the bard an idea of where his destination might be.
It was indeed at the Mun-Tuy Cellars in South Shroud where she found him bent over crushing beans, tamping and grinding them with a mortar. Wilhelm, his faithful dodo fledgling companion, pattered about aimlessly, pecking at random bags of beans. Gideon did not seem to notice her when she approached.
“Wilhelm,†the bard called out to the bird, clucking her tongue. The fledgling waddled toward her, and as she gave its head a scratch, she marveled at how the bird had grown since she had given North that egg as an apology gift after the Starlight card game.
“Geoffery, start the churner.†Gideon quietly instructed the other hyur in the room, sending him away. “I think we’ll need a bit of a warm-up.†He then slowly rose as the young man left the room.
“I could trace yer trail o’ meals and cleaned armor all the way from Drybone.†Brynn ascended the stairs to the platform where he stood.
“And what do you intend to do now?†The valet kept his head bowed, his cowl hanging low over his eyes.
“Do I have tae have a plan?†She canted her head, trying to regard the man beneath the hood. “I just wanted tae talk tae ye.â€
“Even that may be dangerous, Mistress.†He kept his gaze low, his eyes focused on her chin rather than her eyes. Still, Brynnalia took a measure of his face.
“Halone’s frozen ass… did ye get yerself looked at?†She stepped closer to him, drawing the hood away from his face as she began to spy the bruises. His face bore more scars when the cover was lifted, and his left eye had a healing wound across it; his iris was slightly opaque. “Ye never mentioned how bad ye were hurt…†she murmured.
"The infirmary's staff were well-equipped for their job, and I saw to myself with what arcana I could muster when I left their care. Acceptable damages. I have been dealing with them.†His tone remained placid.
Brynn let out a sigh, softening her voice as to hide the misgivings in them. “And what do ye plan tae do now?â€
“I intend to remain at a safe distance, and make myself useful to those who give me sanctuary.†His eyes flitted to the fledgling who was now pecking at his feet. “Wilhelm. Bed.†The valet clicked his tongue and the fledgling waddled into the other room.
The bard half watched the bird’s exit with a patient exhale. “Ye did hear of the other nobles. Our employer’s acquaintances? They too were killed. Someone was cuttin’ off Taeros’ ties with wealth and repute... and mayhaps the attack upon ye was a part o’ that.â€
“A possibility, Miss.†The valet still did not meet her gaze.
“There suddenly be a lot o’ violence goin’ on Ul’dah and it be sweepin’ everyone up along with it.†She crossed her arms. “Ye not goin’ tae take the responsibility fer all o’ that now are ye?â€
"As long as I cannot confirm the source of my assault, Miss, the possibility remains that I am a liability to my southern associates." He paused as he finally looked at her, expression flat and wry. “This includes you. I would sooner see your face remain unmarred."
Brynn snorted. “Well, I not be some helpless damsel in distress who gets no say in the matter.â€
“I am sure, but…â€
“And ye runnin’ away only leaves me with a mystery I can’t solve. I’ve come across some people and facts and I need tae puzzle these pieces together.â€
“I see,†Gideon pondered quietly. “Is that what Miss has come in pursuit of?â€
Brynn shrugged. “Mayhaps I just wanted tae see ye breathin’ and all,†she admitted quietly. She could not help but curl a wry grin when she was promptly met with a calm stare, where the man before her inhaled and exhaled exaggeratedly. “Good.â€
The bard regarded him for a moment before she continued. “The Aerstorn grave. Was that ye?†When he only answered with a downward glance and silence, she sighed. “Mm. I thought so.â€
“I had... intended to find the young master, and remove him from Ul'dah along with myself." Gideon’s expression was one of disgust.
Brynnalia frowned. Gideon had given voice to his plan before, one where he had hoped to return his dead young master somehow, back to life. She had given not much thought to it then; in truth, she did not think it was possible. But he had such glimmer of hope in his eyes then that she let it be, lest she crush what optimism he held for such an implausible future. She was hesitant to dash his hopes even still but…
“Where are ye even keeping him?†She looked around suspiciously.
“The young master was absent, Miss.â€
The bard cocked a brow. “He wasn’t in his own casket?â€
“It would appear not, Miss.â€
Brynn knitted her brows in thought. “Well, stranger things have happened in Ul’dah. Stranger than grave robbing, anyroad.â€
“I am sure miss is doubly familiar with them,†the valet said flatly.
“So ye think someone else robbed him from his casket then?â€
“I cannot think of any other possibility, Miss.â€
“Hmph,†Brynn hummed to herself. She had researched Gideon’s former masters when he had been hired by Taeros. It was her job to vett those that came under the employee of the Monetarist noble. Especially after she had discovered the curious link between North, Stormchild, and Lazarov, she had to make certain that the valet’s past posed no threat to Taeros. She discovered that the elder Aerstorns were killed at sea by pirates and the young master that Gideon was personally responsible for was poisoned to death. But now the body of the young Sea Wolf noble was missing.
She could not shake the memory of Banquo, an enigmatic speculator and a Roegadyn with a hidden past that had emerged from nowhere and expressed a keen interest in the valet. The odd thing about the Roegadyn was that he was constantly imbibing potions, to stave off some effects of poison he had suffered early in his life. This much Banquo admitted to her when she prodded him for details, so that he would get her to trust his motives where Gideon was concerned. Brynn still did not trust him, but he seemed truthful about his physical maladies at least. Now if the connections being made in her mind were even remotely possible…
“What are you pursuing?†Gideon was now watching her oddly.
“Ah, just a theory.†She flashed him her easy smile. “I’ll have tae look more intae it.†She paused, regarding him. “But the name Banquo does not ring any bells fer ye? Not that I think that be his real name. Ye can call yerself anythin’ if’n ye got enough gil. Were there any Sea Wolf nobles yer former masters worked with that may be so keen on ye?â€
“None, Miss.†Gideon shook his head. “The only Sea Wolves I believe my previous masters funded would be Guldraetsyn, Wheistymmthota, and Zoerbhirsyn.â€
Bloody Sea Wolf names... Brynn crossed her eyes as she tried to commit them to memory. “Did any of them have sons that were about yer young master’s age?â€
"Few of them had children present at the dealings, Miss... and those that did, were quite grown.†The valet closed his eyes, thinking intently. “The only one that comes to mind with children of viable age, would be Ms. Blind Sparrow. But she was a Hellsquard, as Miss may surmise.â€
Brynn pursed her lips as she studied him, but said nothing. No sense in giving voice to wild theories as yet, at least not until she had some threads of proof. “Well, while Taeros is… indisposed, I got meself a contract with this Banquo.â€
To this Gideon opened his eyes, giving her a pointed look.
"Ye know fer what he be payin' me? Tae insure yer safety." She held up one finger. "And tae find out who ye were dealin' with." She held up a second finger. "It's like he be payin' me tae do what I was thinkin' o' doin' anyroad."
“Very… convenient, Miss.†He did not sound reassured.
“I thought so.†The bard shrugged. “But I not be foolish enough tae turn down easy gil.†She flashed him another easy grin. “‘Sides, that would only arouse suspicion.â€
“I suppose. Miss must be sure to ensure her own safety.†Gideon paused as a distant thunder rumbled outside the cellars.
“This Banquo is someone else.†Brynn narrowed her eyes, her words sharp despite the nonchalant expression that still lingered. “And he is very interested in ye. If he be the one that be gettin’ ye in danger…â€
“...then Miss must take care not to allow this danger to reach herself.†He finished for her, his words firm and his gaze intent.
The bard rolled her shoulders in a relaxed shrug. “He finds me useful, at least fer now. I am not worried, not yet anyroad.†Her grin turned a shade cooler. “Keepin’ them close and keepin’ meself useful and valuable usually lets me know when I’m safe or... when I should make meself scarce. If it not be ye only they be targetin’ then I best know what be comin’ eh?â€
“I suppose, Miss. It would be remiss of me to doubt your instincts of self-preservation.â€
She flashed him a confident grin. “Ye gone too long already that ye've forgotten that?"
Gideon shook his head. "I may still endeavor to place you in the best circumstances to get what you want."
Brynnalia slid closer to him, her eyes roaming over those bruises and scars that now marred his face. “And if it is just ye they be after and this Banquo be behind it…†Her tone took a serious turn. “Well, mayhap we can do somethin’ about that too.â€
His eyes followed hers steadily. “No unnecessary risks, Miss. Please.â€
The bard’s lips turned crooked even though they still held onto her usual mirth. “Don’ underestimate me, North. I got my reasons.†When he cocked his head at her with an unspoken question, she rolled her eyes. “I miss… yer food.â€
She placed her hands on her hips, feigning a frown. “Ye be goin’ about feedin’ everyone else on the countryside.†She shook her head. “Not right.â€
“You are welcome to stay for dinner,†Gideon replied with a half-smile.
“Mm. After all that ridin’, that is the least ye can do.†Her smile turned toothy. “Besides, I don’t fancy meself gettin’ wet on the road just yet.â€
“Of course.†He exhaled quietly through his nose before he added quietly, “...thank you, Brynn.â€
“Fer what?â€
“For utterly disregarding everything I had to say.†He was staring at her flatly, but she could tell he was quieting a smile. “...I’m glad to see you.â€
The bard answered with a beaming smile. “Well, mayhap next time I track ye down across the states, I bring ye a handsome eyepatch.â€
"It is not entirely nonfunctional, Miss. I can still perceive you, albeit as a somewhat distant blur."
“Ah, is that so.†She leaned in toward his left cheek to whisper in his ear. “Then ye just be lookin’ dangerous, I suppose.â€
In that moment, Gideon too tilted his head slightly, his jawline brushing hers just for a moment before she pulled away. "Always looking on the bright side," he murmured. “Now. Shall I see you to your seat?"
Brynn clapped him on the shoulder, one hand tapping her belly. "Aye. I am starvin'!"
"I hope Miss can handle some spice,†the butler said over his shoulder as he led her down the wooden stairs to the other room.
The bard snorted loudly. "Let's see what ye judge as spicy then!"
