Sigil: City of Doors

Darkness consumes him from all corners, all sides. The air is musky and dank as it penetrates his nostrils. A throbbing pain to the back of his head . One much worse aches to his left hand. He feels the hard, cold stone upon his knees. Or rather, his knees upon it. He begins to regain his faculties, his consciousness. Eyes fluttering open and try to adjust to the darkness about him. Four solid walls with one before him housing a rickety wooden door to a frame. He groans to the lingering pain and begins to stand from his settled position. Though it is then he realizes he is restrained.

His head turns to the right to look upon his wrist noticing a shackle about it. Anger begins to consume delirium. His right arm tenses as if to try and break free with a grunt and futility. The sound of footsteps and motion outside the door just as he starts to look upon his other limb. As the door open and faint torch light peers in with a man sized silhouette now standing before him. A half orc, looks to be snearing down at him within the threshold. A faint chuckle from the figure as his head turns outside the room and begins to speak.

"Rouse the cap'n, Slug. Lookin' like 'is cow's wakin' up!" Another hardy laugh bellowed from his snaggled jaw. The figured turned with a snear towards him just before stepping out of the room. As he watched the half orc vanish in the door way, everything began to fall into place as his head began to clear. He quickly looked again about the room in an instant to gain his barings. But there were none. It was, after all, just a room. Like a cell. The smell was familiar enough, though. About the time he began to recognize it another, slightly older figure stepped into the torch lit doorway. Hosting a grin as wide as his dry chapped lips would allow. A crooked smile down to him as the figured captured his attention and hateful gaze.

"If you have... even the slightest notion of what would be good for you..." He said and started to continue before being cut off. " Save it, Grail." The voice all too familiar to him now."Ya ain't so much a big boy barkin' orders now, are ye? " He recognized the man formally under his employ back on Toril. "Captain... Malone..." His head canted to one side as he looked up at the scurvied fellow. " Didn't I fire you?" The sea dog then growled down with anger in his throat. "Aye bastard, ye did. An' ye don' seem so snarky now, do ya, eh? Ye likin' yer new 'ccommodations I planned fer yer stay?" Xander's lip curled slightly with anger up to his host. " Still no account for taste I see, Malone..." His muscles tensed against the chains to the floor prepared to lunge at the man in the doorway, though to no avail as he remained prone to the ground on his knees. Seething with resent within, though his expression only giving slight indication of it.

"I'm going to give you one chance... to release me, Malone..." His mouth opened to continue. The pain about his body, his head nearly forgotten and replaced with focus and malicious intent. Yet again, the fellow cut him to the quick. "Ye don' seem te respect the gravity o' yer situation 'ere, Grail." The pirate scoffed to him. "Ye be in no particular position te be makin' any sort o' threats." The aasimar began to calm himself and smirked up to him. "Niether are you... you just... haven't figured that out yet." His remark ushered a swift blow to his chin as the man sprung forward with his fist flying. A painful groan and busted lip later the Xander caught himself staring to the cold stone again. A clenched fist gripping the top of his silver peppered hair and lifting his gaze up to his captor. " Ye don' know how long I's waited to do that. Always talkin' smart. Always thinkin' ye got th' upper hand." The man then spat upon the assimar's face as he held him up by the hair. "Looky where it gots ye now, mate."

Steel grey eyes peered up to the fellow with his splatter across his face. An unrelenting gaze of disgust up to man. Though he wasn't so foolish as to not know when someone had the upper hand. So he remained silent for the moment. His gaze seeming to say all he'd need to at the time anyway. "Good man, ye do know when te shut yer trap." The pirate then released his grip upon him and took a few steps away." Ye don' righ' well fer yerself 'ere, mate. " He said as he faced the door way again. " Gotta fancy roof an' a bonnie lass to warm ye bed with. Gotta say though, ne'er figured ye one te like th' darkies." Malone chuckled and glanced back to him. "Figure ye must be sittin' on quite th' lil nest in tha' fancy 'ome a yourn." Xander looked to him with a hiked brow.

"How cliche..." He responded already putting together what it was all about. He knew there was a reason he was still alive. He was disappointed that he didn't piece it together sooner once he figured out who he was dealing with. "Hm... how much, Malone?" He asked with grunt. The pirate turned to him and gave a smirk of his own. "Well, by me own reckonin' and seein' 'ow you got that big ol' shack on th' hill there. I wager a fella wouldn't go amiss to say... a million? What for all tha' ye took from me, Grail."

"Took from you?" He replied. "You're a sorry excuse for a sea trader, Malone. I don't have time for tardiness and repeated pathetic excuses as to why deliveries aren't accurate."He nodded slowly to him" You got what was coming to you... " The pirate sneared again. "An turnin' me in made it square?!" Xander responded. "I didn't turn you in, you were sloppy, Malone. Always were...." The man pointed a finger at him "Ye cost meh, me ship an' me crew!" Xander smirked. "You cost me... my patience."

The pirate nodded slowly to his last smart remark and remembered who had the upper hand in the situation. "Well mate, reckon its gonna be costin' yerself now. By now me boy 'as already dropped off me deman's. An ye bes' be prayin' yer darkie comes up wit the coin, smart an' speedy." Xander rolled his eyes and looked back to the stone floor. He thought for a moment how unoriginal this fool was. Then considered despite how ignorant he was, how stupid he appeared to him, he was clever enough to have the right people in place as he returned to Sigil to put him in this precarious position. That he gained enough intel to learn of his wife, his house, his wealth. How exactly did this idiot make his way to the Cage in the firs tplace? He then bit his lip in frustration to himself about how careless he had been.

He then shook his head as he spoke again. "She is going to demand proof, you know Malone. She isn't a fool. Nor does she suffer one for long." His eyes then fixed back upon the pirate who seem to hold a smug grin. As if he'd been waiting for Xander to bring the topic up for discussion. "Oh, don' ye worry none 'bout that, mate. She'll know it be real. An' tha' we mean te get wha' we be askin' fer." The pirate chuckled and fixed his gaze from Xander's eyes down to his left hand.

Xander's gaze narrowed and followed his eyes down to whatever it was Malone was looking at. Then he saw it. He realized what that pain to his left hand was. Understanding now that it was the absence of his ring finger, recklessly removed by some edged instrument, renewed the anguish to his hand. Blood pooled at the ground near his leg as the sods didn't bother to even bandage the wound. Once the realization of the pain gripped him his teeth clenched as he hissed a breath. The pirated seeing his expression laughed heartily as he exited the room and slammed the creeking door shut behind him.

He wouldn't give his host the satisfaction of his suffering. He wouldn't cry out in the pain that his mind now fully recognized. He just clenched his fist and began to allow his body to heal itself in the unnatural way that it could. His nostrils flared, his lips quivered from anger and anguish. His eyes flashed from steel grey clouds to white hot coals in his sockets. He knew who he was in the city. What he was stationed to do to help preserve it and the law. But justice would find these fools in a different way. They wouldn't have the chance to find comfort in a long drawn due process. For now, it was time to plan and prepare. His eyes difted to the shackles at his wrist and the chains between it and the stone work.

(( I didnt the think to mention this, though I should have. This is just a small bit rp to explain why I'm not around ig due to computer issues. Anyone wishing to post here on topic is free to do so if they choose to.))

*To anyone not acquainted with the drowess, or the turmoil moving through her house it would have seemed as if someone had merely dropped off a package of little significance and been on their way. However, Deltana was not alone when she received the parcel, nor would she have been for long once she discovered the note and the finger within. She immediately tore the wedding band from the lifeless digit, stuck it in a pocket and sent out notes with a cloaked Hensley to several beings. All required to dress in an odd manner or else be invisible when they arrived. Once all were convened within she began to read the letter the box, now lidless being passed around so all could see it.

Once the letter had been read and the contents discussed until there was really nothing further to speak about she looked to each member of the small grouping before speaking* "I think it goes without saying that I will not pay the ransom, though I am also perfectly willing to pretend like I am. I will not have our house suddenly the target of kidnappers just because once we paid one. Now, help me come up with a plan."

Tess's alchemy lab burns to life for the first time in a while. Unseen servants and mage hands working around the clock to stir, simmer, clean, and organize. An old chest, well worn and magical, is added to the table. Its contents known only to practitioners of the art who've taken it to the level of alchemy not unheard of. While the concoctions simmer in preparation of the final components, yet to be found in the suspects, wards are renewed around the house as odd bracelets are handed to the informed individuals. Often she can be heard in her room, a mystic tune on her lips.

Three hairs
Thrice braided
Three drops of blood.
White Lotus
Naked Lady
Lets make you bud.

*Having heard nothing so far making it appear as though the house and its members are being watched, Deltana begins to relax just a little but only a little. She calls a house meeting, though one or two not actually within the circle of membership have come to attend as well. A discussion ensues, first on the agenda are topics of no real importance to the grander scheme of things, but slowly as everything winds down and those who don't need to be in on the specific topic meander off Deltana turns the tide of the discussion to her missing husband.

Hours pass as the five discuss what needs to be done and how to begin. But finally, a plan is reached, timetables are set, and an agreement to begin immediately is reached. The only question that seems to be on everyone's mind is, is there enough time?*

Already packed for a prime trip, just a few more nick nacks and last minute enchanted rings for those who need them (With Fielwen's help with spells), and the initial trek through the portal chain will begin. Best to start in the day, up until the prime is reached. The trip isn't dangerous, but only because the trip has been recently made. Maps for each pair, detailing where to avoid, when to avoid, and known safe areas.
Ragewind receives word to watch, to tail, and to extract to the shadow plane and lead back to the desert's edge should the unfortunate occur.
Kriegan is left unaware except to be available should Deltana need anything.

Thirst and hunger began to take its toll on the guvner. His host didn't seem to care too much for him being unspoiled when returned to his family. Given the token delivered to his house as proof of his incarceration and now the lack of concern to feed him.

Though when the opportunity arose during one of the good Captain's visits to taunt Xander, he cordially reminded him there would be no payment for a corpse. Only retribution. Malone scoffed at his threat but was smart enough to understand the truth behind it. A few half eaten, weevil ridden tacks and a rusted stien with a few swallows of discolored water was presented to him. He couldn't be too picky. He'd easily dropped several pounds by now. It was honestly the best meal he had in days, despite the feel of the crawling vermin to his tongue as he chewed. He knew he needed what small bit of nutrition the weevils would provide.His eyes narrowed while he took to focus on the stone ground while consuming the tack, dipping it to the stien. He was thankful and suprised it didn't reek of the filth he half expected. Grateful as he was it did nothing to stow any plot of escape he tried to fabricate in his mind. Or for that matter the wrath that was sure to follow.

While he dined on sodded sailor cuisine some small bit of commotion caught his attention outside the door. His captors were talking not far, though most all of the voices were muffled. Save for captain himself who apparently only had one set volume to his tone.

"So wha' if he got spooked an' buggered off?! Less o' a share for 'im when the darkie delivers. We find 'im again we gut th' sod... Simple as tha'. He make th' drop?" Asked Malone as a few more hushed words followed. Then a faint grunt of satisfaction to his men then another monologue. "He didn' know nothin' anyways." A brief pause from the captain as another voice echoed in the darkness. "Qui' pissin' yer knickers, Slug! The red blokes don' ne'er come down 'ere. Got narry juris-me-dicktion 'bout!" A hardy laugh bellowed, then became abrupt. "So shut it!"

If the smell didn't give truth to his location, the half conversation cleared it up from there. "Under... Sigil". Xander muttered to himself and took another dipped bite of the tack. He then nodded as he thought to himself on the lack of suprise. They were nothing if not unoriginal. Still the question lingered in his mind as it had done so for days. How did this fool captain get here? There must be another angle. A hidden factor in the equation. He certainly hoped he'd find out before the corsair captain drew his last breath.

Shortly after heavy steps lead up to the cell door as Malone barges in, slamming the door against the wall with a thud. "Tha' piece o' calico o' yourn don' rightfully like te listen too well!" Xander smirked up to the man." You have... no idea... You should try living with her... On second thought... that might not be the healthiest thi...ugh!! " His remark then cut off by the business end of a boot heal to his chest. A ragged cough and a short, stiffled laugh as he stares to the ground with a pant. "You... you're not going to get it, Malone.... The only thing that waits for you... is pain." Another attempt draw a weak breath, his body then slumping to the ground head first.

Some boisterous rant from chapped lips above showers down upon him, then begins to fade into silent darkness. The comfort of unconsciousness envelopes him completely as his body tries to find rest in its weariness.

((Neethanial, please identify where you are headed on Toril and who, if anyone, is accompanying you. Thanks!))

*She walks out of her house the very next morning, knowing that she's quite alone for the next couple of days and in her absence of mind nearly tramples the scroll that rests on her doorstep. She stops just short of stepping on it and a small sigh can be heard from the drowess as she bends down to pick it up. Not caring who sees her and indeed seeming content to be watched by whatever loathsome idiot has been tasked with the job she removes the twin holding it together and opens it, beginning to read. Anyone close enough would be able to hear her mutter*

"Kings tears... any deviation... put his pieces back together..." *She looks up as she finishes reading and a small smirk stretches her lips.* Well at any rate he'll still be missing a ring finger. *Perhaps she says this in the hopes that the mindless halfwit watching her hears her, or perhaps she has lost all concern for her husband, though the later would be a bit difficult for any to believe. However, as she finally starts walking again it isn't to the Court or even to the Harmonium Barracks, instead her path winds toward the bazaar. Much like every other morning she walks up to Khazeet and orders herself a cup of coffee, she then takes the note and cup and heads off to a table where she pulls out a fresh sheet of parchment and a quill and starts going over the document with a fine tooth comb, making little notes on the new sheet as she does. As she continues her eyes widen for a moment and then that small smirk turns into a grin, though she says nothing it would appear as if her expression has turned a little triumphant.*

Melissa began to prepare herself for the long trip ahead. She sighed a bit as she began to remove some of the more powerful relics from her bags. Toril was not ready for most of them, so she began to enchant lesser items. There were only a few items she refused to part with, chief among them the amulet Lady Firehair had granted unto her. She began packing traveling essentials. Clothes were a given, ranging from the most mundane to the extravagant, depending on which role she would have to play. She checked items off the list. Bedroll, rations, a waterskin, rope, oil, torches, a crowbar, and flint and steel. She remembered well her time traveling the Sword Coast, and loathed to be unprepared, even with her arsenal of spells. Finally she forged a signet ring. The power of being recognized as nobility was not to be underestimated, she thought.

Once she received her items from Tess, she tested them out. The Greater Hat of Disguise was as impressive as it was depressing. As she activated it, her wings indeed were absorbed by her body, and her supernatural beauty faded away. Unfortunately, those were two of the traits she was proud of. Still, she couldn't help but keep her breasts as lovely as ever. At least they would be covered, she thought. The Ring of Nondetection worked perfectly as well. She suspected a few outsiders might still notice her aura, but it was better than loudly announcing her presence to every berk on Toril.

She began preparing a similar package of supplies for Jenavee as well. She couldn't really tell if she was underestimating or overestimating the succubus' familiarity with Prime travel, but, well. At least she would be there to provide aid. Finally, she met up with the others to set off.

(( The party is Melissa, Jenavee, Tess, and Moras. Melissa and Jenavee are headed to Neverwinter, Tess and Moras will be headed to Skullport. ))