As the sun begins to set, The members of Sol Invictus are gathered in an alleyway by The Barrel. Alexander and Nullthara are wearing their leather armor while the others are in common clothing with cloaks. The smell of freshly cooked meals fill the air, and people of all sorts sing along to the jaunty tune of bards.
Alexander: "Remember your mission, head in, enjoy your time, and point out Alderna. Do you copy?"
Therra/Torin/Falkas: "Roger that."
Therra wraps her arms over the two men pulling them down to her level as they make their way into The Barrel.
Nullthara: "Awe, how cute, they're all grown up."
Alexander: "Yes, who knew that it only takes two days to go from slaves to a tavern drunkards."
Nullthara: "Ha, so what do you wanna do while we're just standing around?"
Alexander: "How about Hot Hands?"
Nullthara: "Ugghh! Alexander, you know I never win at that game!"
Alexander: "Fine, I'll give you the advantage. My hands will be on top first."
Nullthara: "My, my, what a gentleman, don't blame me when your pride is your downfall."
Upon entering The Barrel a halfling bard in bright red clothing plays an upbeat Malefician jig on a fiddle. The smell of barley permeates the room as the entering guests all order their own brews. Walking towards the back of the room, Falkas and Therra grab a table in clear view of the entrance. Torin receives some sideways glances from the bartender as he approaches the counter.
Bartender: "What do you want here, knife ear?
Torin: "Come my good man, no need for hostilities in this lovely establishment."
Torin places a gold piece on the bar, subsequently waving a hand towards Falkas and Therra.
"Might my associates and I have a couple of beers along with a bowl of hunter's stew?"
The bartender's face goes from disgust to a grin paired with narrowed eyes.
Bartender: "Thanks for the gold, for you it'll be six silver for the meals with beer."
Torin: "Here you go sir. Thank you for your tolerance."
The bartender takes the silver from Torin's hand, then shoos him to his table.
Therra: "How was the humans service? I bet he was delightful."
Torin: "Peachy, as always."
Falkas: "At least he didn't spit in your face or try to kick us out."
Torin: "That, my very large redheaded friend, is true."
Falkas: "Ahhhh, I'm glad we're already friends."
Torin: "Yes bestest friends, don't you agree Therra?"
Therra: "Oh ya, of course. We're so close, people will consider us triplets. Now both of you keep your eyes sharp."
A blond half-elf waitress wearing a partlet brings over their food and beverages. She runs her hand down Falkas' arm while giving him a wink before walking away. Falkas begins to blush until he looks down, spotting a fresh slave brand on the back of her calf.
Therra: "Easy there lover boy, don't get distracted by the staff."
Falkas: "How can you say that. We could have been in her position not too long ago."
Torin: "But we aren't. There's nothing you can do for her now, maybe in 30 years or so."
Therra: "Remember it's up to the strong to take the first step. Look at her and tell me if you think she could handle what we go through?"
Falkas takes a closer look at the woman. Her arms lack any muscle tone, her hands are soft, never having seen a day of hard labor, and her skin is fair like snow.
Falkas: "No. No, I don't think she could handle it. I just look forward to the day when we have resources to spare on people like her."
Torin: "Well it might not be as long as you think. Although she doesn't have the build for battle, she definitely could make a man spill his guts without a blade, if you catch my meaning."
Falkas' mood brightens a little.
Falkas: "You're right, all I need to do is wait."
Therra: "Speaking of waiting, I think that the man of the hour is on his way in."
A man matching the description of Alderna walks into the bar, greeting many of the patriots along with giving the bartender a hug. Therra waves down the waitress from earlier bringing her in close.
"Do you happen to know the name of that man that walked in like he owns the place?"
Waitress: "Ya, sadly I've had to greet him multiple times in the short period that I've worked here. It's Viscono Alderna."
Therra: "Thanks for quenching my curiosity, now for my thirst. How much for another round?
Waitress: "I was told for you three that I'd have to charge 3 silver. I'm sorry about the price."
Torin sets five silvers on the table.
Torin: "It's not a problem. Take all five, and let the barkeep know that the extra is due to you being a wonderful conversationalist."
The trio clank their drinks together signaling Alexander and Nullthara that they found their man. Now that their part is over they start to relax as their next round comes to the table. Over the next 30 min of sipping on their beers, they notice Alderna paying extra attention to the half-elven waitress. Every once in a while he makes a little grab or tug at the woman's clothes.
Nullthara: (English) "The guy doesn't seem like he's aware of the hit the way he's acting. This job isn't even gonna be fair."
Alexander: "That's good, an easy job is just free coin for us. Now, when we are trailing him make sure to look for good ambush points along the way. I also wanna see where he lives so we can get a little more gold."
Nullthara: "What about gaining information on any family he has."
Alexander: "You saw his face. It looks like the craters on the moons, combined with the volcanic acne of a pubescent teen that uses grease as a face mask. If a baby carrot with red leaves came to life, that would be him. So I really don't think we'll have to worry about a family. If he somehow has a family, we'll have to rethink looting his home."
Nullthara: "Fair point…. Ahh, there go our youngins back home from their first day of work…. Wanna play meteor, weave, bladesman?"
After a couple of hours Alderna stumbles out of the bar heading on a southern route towards his home.
Alexander: "Finally."