QUIET MOUNDS - STEF HEART

[abardacttofollow]

You find yourself in a stone room that looks like some sort of medieval dungeon. There are (thankfully), no torture instruments, but there is a man strung up here. One large manacle is around his neck, chaining him stiffly to the door. His hands are free, but each foot is manacled to the matching bottom corner of the doorframe. There is a visible lock on each of the three manacles.

It's Stefen, and there's a knife in his chest. Despite that, he's alive, apparently alert, and doesn't look to be in pain, perhaps due to the lulling, sense-dulling music that seems to be coming from nowhere at all—in fact, if you were in pain before you entered, it's gone here. His wound is bleeding, but only a little, and he smiles his usual bright smile at you.

Behind him, but in front of the closed door he's bound to, you can see three double sets of strings running vertically. Where they meet the floor, they are fastened, and then each runs across the floor to the three doors on the opposite wall, then under them.

There is nothing else in this room.

((OOC: Here's how this will work! Since we're doing individual runs, rather than me putting up individual top levels for areas, just jump the post itself, and I'll run everything for you within your one thread. If you're wanting to do a run with someone else, just stay in the same thread together.))

Comments

[mindinthegittern]

Well, it's a lot better than leaving him here. I recommend explaining to him that "Valdemar" isn't the name of a procurer, though.

Stef...?

[taking a look around for him]

[abardacttofollow]

[He's not out here. You'll have to go back if you want to get him]

[mindinthegittern]

[well all right heading back to the previous room, being quiet about it]

Stef...?

[abardacttofollow]

He looks up and nods at you, quietly counting coins he's fetching out of his rags.

[mindinthegittern]

[crouching down again, out of arm's reach but close enough to whisper]

You made a bit of money today, huh? Did you like that song I taught you?

[abardacttofollow]

He nods shyly. "Don't tell Berte. I took some coins so I can eat."

[mindinthegittern]

I won't tell. You could make a lot more like that, though, you know, if you got some proper training.

[abardacttofollow]

Stef gives him a look like he knows a scam when he sees one. "No I couldn't."

[mindinthegittern]

You could so. How do you think I make my living?

[abardacttofollow]

"That's different. I'm from here."

[mindinthegittern]

You've got a Gift for music, though, Stef, and that's a thing in demand. I'm not saying it'll be easy, mind.

[abardacttofollow]

"Nothing's easy."

[mindinthegittern]

Well, then. Do you want to stay here or do you want to come learn to be a Bard?

[abardacttofollow]

Stef hesitates, then gets up stiffly.

[mindinthegittern]

[oh good. okay heading for the door with him.]

There's a lady outside, Bard Lynnell. You're to go with her. She's not very good at explaining things, but she won't hurt you, and she'll take you where you need to go.

[abardacttofollow]

"Okay," Stef whispers. He lets you lead him through the door. Lynn looks pleased as soon as she sees you two.

[mindinthegittern]

Bard Lynnell, this is Stefen. Stefen, this is Bard Lynnell.

[abardacttofollow]

"Hello, Stefen," Lynn says severely. "Do you want to go to your duty now?"

Stefen looks dubious, but comes forward. "I want to not be here?"

Lynn holds one hand out to Stefen, and the key out to Medren. A fair exchange.

[mindinthegittern]

[takes the key, nodding to Stef]

You'll be alright.

[abardacttofollow]

"Okay," he mumbles. Lynn starts to lead him away, into the set piece.

[mindinthegittern]

[phew okay! walking back out to the Heart's Guard]

[abardacttofollow]

He's still here! "Welcome back. I imagine that one was pretty easy for you."

[mindinthegittern]

Hah. Well, I appreciate your confidence, anyway.

[waves the key]

Want to get a foot free?

[abardacttofollow]

Please.

[mindinthegittern]

This one?

[trying the manacle closest to the door he just came out of]