Percifeer followed Ormander around the orphanage and was utterly dumbfounded with how much had changed in so few years. She was delighted to see that Ormander was doing so well...but... What could be so important to collect such a group when he was clearly taking care of things here? The thought was quickly erased from her head when Ormander turned back to his office and she saw another of her childhood friends.

"Alexandro!!" She shrieked reaching her open hand into the air. She hadn't been big on 'hand slaps' since she left the orphanage, but it had always been her way of saying 'hi' to Alexandro and it was habitual when she did it.

Ormander’s Orphanage
West Gutterfallstreet
Drefast, Drannon
After a while of conversing amongst each other in Ormander’s office, the old man set down his cup of tea and stood up slowly, the effort putting his face in suppressed pain.

“Alright, I think it is time I tell you all why I have called for you, Children. I was expecting more of you, but you seem to be the only ones that came.”

He straightened his back and grunted.

“I am getting old, too old to deal with all the problems of this orphanage. I’ve raised it from a low dust-hole to a good environment for children. I have had to fight for some of the privileges that we now perceive. Nowadays I only seem to be able to do battle with words.”

He paused for a moment, nodding his head in regretful mesmerization. Looking at the kettle with boiling water, he continued.

“But something has come up in which I stand powerless. The orphanage has been accused of stealing from the Drefast Courthouse. An emerald statue, from the vault of Councillor Eordan Velch is missing, a thief was pursuited, and lost a leather band with a silver coin. On that coin was the symbol of our Orphanage: the outstretched hand of Falloes revealing the Ram of Drannon.”

He turned to look at them all.

“Normally we are left alone, but it is unwise to steal from one close to the Golden Throne. Nobody in this orphanage has committed this act. We have done in days past what was necessary to survive, but theft is something I do not promote any longer.”

The old man’s face was turning reddish in a mix of anger and dismay.

“This was a set-up, and I have called you to find out who was responsible for this. Please do this in my stead, for I have not the strength to right this myself.”

After knocking three or four times on the office’s thin door Alexandro paused, were Ormander inside he would surely have heard already and, knowing full well the flimsy make of much of the surrounding building he had no desire to put its further resilience to the test. Turning back to recline against the far wall he settled to wait, arms folded over his mud-spattered breastplate, not wanting to move on and miss his former benefactor once he arrived.

Little more than a minute later Ormander turned the corner, in the company of four of his former foundlings. “Alexandro?” the old man called out. “Good to see you’ve arrived as well. I was just showing your brothers and sister around the house.” Judging from his tight breath and stooped back the years were finally beginning to catch up with the orphanage’s custodian, but what had Alexandro expected? It had been maybe a year since he was here last, for though his childhood had been pleasant enough, he had no particular desire to confront his past. Feeling a twinge of guilt for not having done more to seek the old man out and spared him the journey the warlord’s mark took his hand firmly. “It’s good to see you as well, Ormander” he replied, before turning to the rest of the old man’s companions to offer his greetings. “Alexandro!” Percifeer shouted, raising her hand in welcome and, though it must have been years since they had last spoken, her childhood friend instinctively returned it with a resounding clap. “Pio, how was the road?”, “Athur, how’s life been treating you?”, “Kastor, good to see you again,” he barked, greeting each in turn with a grin and a solid handshake.

Before long the group proceeded to Ormander’s office, Alexandro relieved to finally be able to since into a chair after his long journey. He listened patiently, hands folded together in a downward pointing “v” shape as the old man told his tale. If what Galios had to say was true, and of that Alexandro had little doubt, then both he and the orphanage would be in serious danger: having provoked the ire of a member of the Imperial Council. Ormander seemed adamant that he had been framed somehow and, as he sipped at the still steaming cup of tea the old man had poured for him, the veteran turned to contemplate the possibility. The orphanage building itself must be worth something now that it had been fixed up, the seal set on its wall perhaps even more and there was perhaps a hundred Guain of furnishings and weapons stowed about the place. He found it hard to believe that anyone would go to such trouble- crossing one of the Imperial Councillors no less- for such modest rewards however and the ornament that had been stolen must bear comparable value at least. Had the thief merely worn the strap to draw the blame away from whatever organisation he himself belonged to and distract the authorities, if so then the orphanage seemed a strange choice in comparison with any of the city’s many robber gangs. No, it seemed most likely, however unpleasant it might seem to admit it that it was indeed one of the orphanage’s charges, or more likely former charges, who had carried out the theft. Alexandro could remember that, along with magic and weapons training, Ormander had always encouraged his charges to take an interest in more thiefly pursuits- could recall from his own childhood the old man teaching another boy to pick a lock. Unpleasant as it seemed to admit it the most probable solution seemed that one of the others had perhaps taken the advice to heart a little too well and now the orphanage would pay the price. Choosing his words carefully, Alexandro set down the teacup and began to speak: “Ormander, I think you know that you can count on our help. But we need to know, are you certain that no one from the orphanage could have taken it? Has anyone left or gone missing since the theft?”

[OOC: Backposting a bit…]

[OOC: In Ormander’s office before going on the tour…]

“The children all seem to be doing well,” Pio commented as he sipped his tea. Looking at his “father”, the old man seemed to come out of his troubling thought, glad for a diversion, if only for a moment.

"Yes, they are doing well,” Ormander replied. “Though I'm sure they would do better if they heard some of the adventures you guys have been through."

Ormander smiled a familiar smile, warm and sincere, which remaindered Pio of the many times he had sat in his father’s office before. Years turned back to the time Ormander had told Pio that the lad was destined for something better than this poverty.

"Do you guys remember Goddfrey Morman?” the elder man asked. “He finally left the orphanage last month, and has now taken over the bakery at ..."

And so began a time of recounting the many shared memories of those within the room. For Pio, they were memories of faith, hope, and love. Memories of his adopted father’s stern yet relentless love; of his father’s hope for a better future for those under his care; of his father’s faith in those the nation – the world – had discarded, cast aside as junk. But Ormander had seen beauty in the junk, and those surrounding him now were his testaments.

After a time, Ormander suggested they continue their conversation by way of a tour through the orphanage. Nobody would deny the old man showing his pride of the building he maintained.

“Well then,” the old man said as he stood. “Let’s go.”

Even though Pio had been by the orphanage numerous times since his “leaving”, there was always something new. Ormander was not one to leave things the same. One must never stop changing, Pio, he remembered his father saying once. Life is change. When one stops changing, death is nearby.
As they came to the garden, Pio noted with a smile, “You have added a heifer since I was last here. Is little Marco still in charge of caring for the farm?”

“Did you not hear, my son?” Ormander’s faced darkened. “Marco died four moons ago now. A mugging on the way to the market.”

“I had not heard,” Pio said softly. Death was still near here.

A lad nearing adulthood walked past carrying water, nodding to Ormander as he went by. The old man returned the nod, smiled warmly, saying, “Guido, here, is the master caretaker of the beasts. Has a way with animals that will serve him well into the future.”


[OOC: Meeting up with Alexandro…]

When they were being lead through the labyrinth of corridors and chambers inside the building, Pio could hear a knocking. Ormander hastened his pace and rounded a corner, coming back to his office. Outside the office stood a man in breastplate armor, road hardened and firmly built.

“Alexandro?” Ormander called out. “Good to see you’ve arrived as well. I was just showing your brothers and sister around the house.”

Alexandro?! Pio had heard the warrior had taken up service with Bassanino to the north.


“Alexandro!” Percifeer shouted, raising her hand in welcome and, though it must have been years since they had last spoken, her childhood friend instinctively returned it with a resounding clap.

Pio followed close behind Percy to greet his “brother”.

Alexandro spoke first, “Pio, how was the road?”

“Good, my friend,” replied the knight, returning the firm handshake and clapping Alexandro on the shoulder. “It is good to see you.”

Alexandro continued his greeting to the rest of those gathered.


[OOC: Back up to speed, in Ormander’s office, hear the old man’s tale…]

After a while of conversing amongst each other in Ormander’s office, the old man set down his cup of tea and stood up slowly, the effort putting his face in suppressed pain.

“Alright,” he began. “I think it is time I tell you all why I have called for you, Children. I was expecting more of you, but you seem to be the only ones that came.”

The old man straightened his back and grunted.

“I am getting old, too old to deal with all the problems of this orphanage. I’ve raised it from a low dust-hole to a good environment for children. I have had to fight for some of the privileges that we now perceive. Nowadays I only seem to be able to do battle with words.”

Ormander paused for a moment, looking at the kettle with boiling water, before he continued.

“But something has come up in which I stand powerless. The orphanage has been accused of stealing from the Drefast Courthouse. An emerald statue, from the vault of Councillor Eordan Velch is missing. A thief was pursued, and lost a leather band with a silver coin. On that coin was the symbol of our Orphanage: the outstretched hand of Falloes revealing the Ram of Drannon.”

Looking at those he had gathered, Ormander pressed on, “Normally we are left alone, but it is unwise to steal from one close to the Golden Throne. Nobody in this orphanage has committed this act. We have done in days past what was necessary to survive, but theft is something I do not promote any longer.”

The old man’s face was turning reddish in a mix of anger and dismay.

“This was a set-up, and I have called you to find out who was responsible for this. Please do this in my stead, for I have not the strength to right this myself.”

Pio looked around to room to judge the reaction of those present. The knight already knew where he stood, but was curious to see how the others would repay their debts to their adopted father.

Alexandro was the first to speak, “Ormander, I think you know that you can count on our help. But we need to know, are you certain that no one from the orphanage could have taken it? Has anyone left or gone missing since the theft?”

Pio waited for Ormander’s before asking his own questions.
[OOC: Insert Ormander’s response…]

Pio then asked, “Who has accused you, father? Councillor Velch himself? Has he threatened you? Have those in authority”

[OOC: Insert Ormander’s response…]

Pio continued with his questions, “How much time do you think we have, Father, before they look to seek justice against the orphanage?”

Percifeer heard Ormander reference the bracelet and looked down at her wrist. It was still there, even after all this time. Her left hand grasped it, massaging the skin under the aged leather band, running her thumb across the silver impression of her father's house. She had forgotten it...never even thought to take it off. It was her home. Everywhere else she went, well that was just travels. This was her home, the place she grew up, the place she could count on anyone, no matter what she had done through all those years of stupidity and youth. This was her home, and there were authorities threatening it.

But what of this...She looked up, listening to the questions the others asked. When Ormander had finished answering them ((this assumes he hasn't repeatedly said "NO IT'S NOT ONE OF US")) she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out at first. His eyes scanned the group, much like he had when asking for admission of guilt in her childhood, and came to rest on her with her mouth still open, she closed it, and lifted her bracelet hand, wiping it across her lips, though they were frightfully dry to the touch. She inhaled deeply and spoke.

"Father, there would be no need for you to hide from us if one of the children had taken it. Whether that is the issue, or it is truly a plot against you, the group sitting here with me," She looked around at the rather elaborate assortment of weapons and armor that surrounded her in the form of skilled warriors, "either would be a cause within our power to deal with. But if we are to pursue the cause, then we me must be certain, of which all we truly need is your word Father, that this is a set up, and not a streak of stupidity on the part of one of our brethren." She took a sip of her tea, before finishing her statement. "If that is the case, then we will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect our home, of this I have no doubts."

"I shan't have it no-one will disgrace my father." Kastor stands and raises his voice more

and says "Just tell me where to start looking and i will not rest until these low-life scum is found."

As Kaastor sat back down his colour went into a deeper red than when he was standing. He has just one more thing to say "This is worse, worse evn than the invasion of Chakran."

Ormander’s Orphanage
West Gutterfallstreet
Drefast, Drannon
Alexandro was the first one to respond.

“Ormander, I think you know that you can count on our help. But we need to know, are you certain that no one from the orphanage could have taken it? Has anyone left or gone missing since the theft?”

The old man nodded.

“Of course you have questions, and I’m glad that you agree to help me. I have already asked… no, interrogated any of the orphans who could be capable of doing such a deed, but I am certain none of them are involved. And yes, people leave, we’ve said goodbye to several children before the accusation. I don’t believe they would be involved either.”

Pio was quick to continue the questions after Ormander paused.

“Who has accused you, father? Councillor Velch himself? Has he threatened you? Have those in authority”

“Well, threatened….” It was clear that Ormander didn’t like that word, “I have been summoned by a representative for the Councillor, and he was very clear. Velch has set his mind to believe the Orphanage is responsible. He desires we repay him for the trouble, and of course for the lost statue. I have six days left to gather 20.000 Guain, or they will send me to jail for a number of days equal to the amount left to pay.”

He suddenly grew white, and tears started forming in his eyes. Trembling, he sat down and stared at them all.

Percifeer now spoke, and it was

"Father, there would be no need for you to hide from us if one of the children had taken it. Whether that is the issue, or it is truly a plot against you, the group sitting here with me, either would be a cause within our power to deal with. But if we are to pursue the cause, then we me must be certain, of which all we truly need is your word Father, that this is a set up, and not a streak of stupidity on the part of one of our brethren." She took a sip of her tea, before finishing her statement. "If that is the case, then we will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect our home, of this I have no doubts."

Ormander smiled, but it was a forced bending of his lips, and his voice followed in incompetence.

“I do not know. I try to give every orphan here a better childhood than the streets could offer. Never has anyone left on bad terms. IF this is not a set up, but simply an unfortunate event by one of my older children, then we are still facing the same consequences.”

At that point Kastor got up from his seat to cry out: “I shan't have it no-one will disgrace my father. Just tell me where to start looking and i will not rest until these low-life scum is found.”

“Thanks for your enthusiasm, Kastor. I am glad you came to my aid. Is there ANYthing else I can do for you all?”

Kastor had a ponderous look upon his face, which is unusual for a hardened Khord like him. But he did say, "Well... where can we start looking, Velch! could he help us?"

Kastor's face soured when he realised what he was going to say he knew he would be rejected but to him it sounded like a good plan it would buy them time and they could always buy it back. "The statue!" Kastor cried, "Why don't we sell it for as much as we can get our hands on?"

Ormander looked at Kastor in confusion and alarm. For a moment it seemed the keeper of the Orphanage was going to lose his temper, but he simply sighed and sank back in his chair again.

"Yes, Kastor. That would've been a great idea, if we HAD the statue. But as I explained, we were not responsible for the theft. We are being framed, set up, or perhaps unfortunately drawn into this. Pay attention, will you?"

He looked at them appologetically, but it was clear to them that he was struggling with the situation. And who could blame him for feeling edgy?

Kastor had a hurtful expression on his face but he had realised that ormander was the one in the wrong. "sorry to alarm you ormander but i did not mean that statue i meant the silver crest at the front of the orphanage." Kastor put up his hands to apoligize.

It was quick, quicker than most people could conceive of drawing a weapon. Moreover,since it was unexpected, it seemed even quicker (i.e. surprise round). Percifeer's eyes widened as Kastor spoke and she drew a wand from her pant leg...or belt...or....where was she keeping that thing? In any case, the wand was in Kastor's face as she leapt from her chair. She glared at him and spoke.

"Shut up before I kill you, imbecile."

((that would be quick draw, move action, standard action so that's a round. If no one reacts further, she will continue to talk, but I don't remember how many words a standard action is *I know a free action is only 6, but a standard action is longer*))

Athur had stood there through the conversations. Every time he thought of a question it was asked and answered so he had no real need to ask the questions. He liked this group of people it showed they thought like him so they would get along well enough. When Kastor asked about selling the statue he wondered if he had lost his mind they orphanage didn’t have it unless he was talking about another secret statue that only he and Ormander knew about. They it turned out that were a mistake. Then he asked about selling the Silver Crest and it took everything he had to keep from killing the dwarf where he stood. That was the symbol of the orphanage and no true person raised in it would ever think of it as an option in the least. He wanted to take action but he also wasn’t willing to kill in Ormander’s office that would be some trouble he wouldn’t want having to one clean the office once more in his life and seem like being a kid again and two having to explain that to the local authorities. It seemed that Percifeer had it well in hand and if she missed at that range he always drag the dwarf out of town and take care of all lose ends there.

(Athur is thinking of actions and taking none at moment. Stryke you need to remember the crest means a lot to the members of the orphanage so you don’t need to worry just about us when talking about actions with the crest but also those there now and past members of the orphanage. So basically the crest is one of the most important things in our lives and this is not best course of action. Yes it would still be same orphanage without but we wouldn’t want it to be without. Think about it this is a poor part of town but something like that remains untouched. It might now be important to you but some of us maybe fanatical about it.)

Pio listened further as Percy asked Ormander if it was possible that one of their “brothers” or “sisters” had actually stolen it. Even as she spoken the words, Pio knew how they would sting their father. Still, the question did need to be asked…
Kastor’s oath to bring down his wrath on the perpetrators was heartening… though, perhaps a bit premature. There are some problems a sword cannot solve, Pio, he heard the words of Ormander from long ago. Some are solved with our hands, yes… but some are solved with our heads, and others with our hearts.
Ideas were beginning to form in Pio’s head about how to help. Six days will pass soon, he thought grimly.

Kastor interrupted the momentary silence with a thought that at first seemed ridiculous, “"The statue! Why don't we sell it for as much as we can get our hands on?"

Ormander reprimanded the khord, his voice gentle yet edgy, “Yes, Kastor. That would've been a great idea, if we HAD the statue. But as I explained, we were not responsible for the theft. We are being framed, set up, or perhaps unfortunately drawn into this. Pay attention, will you?"

But Kastor, apologetic, continued his ‘only-a-khord-could-think-of-that’ thought, “Sorry to alarm you, Ormander, but I did not mean that statue. I meant the silver crest at the front of the orphanage."

Pio could feel the tension boil in the room. Like an altar in the temple of Lysora was the silver crest to the orphanage. One could not put a value on such a thing, at least those who grew up in this place could not. The crest was sacred… but the khord’s thought did open up some other ideas for Pio…

…which were interrupted when Percy leapt to her feet and took aim at Kastor with a wand, and blasted khord with her words, “Shut up before I kill you, imbecile."

Still as feisty as ever.
Pio leapt to his feet and looked to step in between Percy and Kastor, shielding the khord, and holding his hands out to the woman. He spoke gently, yet firmly “Easy, Percy! We may not like Kastor’s idea, but he is our brother. Your brother.”

Speaking to the whole group, “There are many things that one can do that deserve death. But thinking is not one of them, even if it is out loud.”

He paused to let his words sink in.

“Kastor has put forth an idea… maybe not the best idea, but an idea none-the-less. And, if nothing else, the khord is at least thinking like the Councilor and speaking his language. Councilor Velch is only counting gold and cares nothing for what we hold dear. In six days, he will easily take the silver crest and so much more… and violence against one another will not solve this problem. If we do not think Kastor’s idea is a good one, let us come together as one, and think of some others.”

He paused again to be sure he still had everyone. “And I would suggest we do this somewhere else. I am sure, Father, you have business to attend to here. Perhaps, there is a meeting room we can use here to discuss our plans further?”

[OOC: Tag Almerin]

He turned to the rest of the group, “Are we agreed? Will “family” be the bond that can hold us together, even over our differences?”

[OOC: Tag Everyone]

Before the group left, Pio asked Ormander one last question, “Father, do you have the name of the representative of Councilor Velch? The one who came and saw you? And do you know where we might find him?”

[OOC: Tag Almerin]

=============================

[OOC: Sui and Stryker (and anyone else, I suppose) my apologies if you feel like I'm railroading this. It is not my intent. Please feel free to interrupt my post and insert comments along the way. I can always edit if something doesn't work out right. {i.e. Percy does not back down or Kastor decides to try and strike the woman.} Thanks for the roleplay opportunity, Sui! And, good idea, Stryker... maybe giving Velch something to hold as a deposit might buy us some more time!]

Ormander’s Orphanage
West Gutterfallstreet
Drefast, Drannon
The old patron’s head shot up as Kastor mentioned selling the silver seal of the orphanage, but anger was instantly replaced by hesitative thoughts. Percifeer however, would not so easily forgive the Khord for his proposal. She was not the only one, for the others were also fixed on the source of such a blasphemous idea.

But before things could get out of hand, Pio spoke up, in an effort to calm the tension. Ormander was glad to see the knight take control of the situation. It was what he had hoped would happen.

“I know how upset you all are, for the symbol of this orphanage is symbol of hope to all of us. But what good is clinging to a symbol of hope if hope lies within the symbol itself? Perhaps Kastor is right, but I don’t think Councillor Velch will put much value in the silver crest, perhaps a thousand Guain at the most? It doesn’t add up to the damage that has been done.”

They were words of defeat, but the orphans were not willing to give up so easily. The old man stood up again and walked over to the door leading outside his office.

“Yes, I will ask the orphans to clear the temple upstairs. I can’t think of a place of better inspiration.”
Liveliness was slowly returning to Ormander’s voice as he continued.
“The representative that brought me the message…. he was a herald of some sorts, in service of Velch… his name… I can’t remember. Something like Ogutau …. Molbian… Molsion… I’m sure you can find it in the Archive in the Courthouse. Which is probably where he has his office as well.”

(OOC: if conversation is done, he will leave his office, and head upstairs, where the children are asked to leave the temple to Falloes so you can talk in privacy. Ormander will leave you there, to attend to other business in the orphanage.)

**The following is posted in close collaboration with Stryke. Much of it is his words.**

As soon as Percifeer had spoken, Pio leapt to his feet. “Easy, Percy! We may not like Kastor’s idea, but he is our brother. Your brother.”

Kastor sat back down, why does this always happen to him all his ideas are crushed by people with a higher authority. "Look, I know it is the most important thing about the orphanage aprt from ormander himself but it would buy us time to rectify OUR fathers name." kastor put on his cold face betraying no emotion but deep down he was hurt and a little annoyed with this women who dares to rise above himself.

Pio still stood between her and the dwarf. Had he not always been her authority here in the orphanage, she might have pushed past him to continue to blast him. Instead, as he continued to speak, she sheathed her wand (against the skin under the wasteband of her trousers), her face still red. "I don't care about your excuses! Statements like that are going to hurt everything we do to help. If you can keep your mouth shut, I can ignore this faux pas. Otherwise, we can fight and die in this room."

Kastor mumbled "fine the get ormander killed" just so pio could hear it. He knew this might effect her also said to her "you are the one who would die in this room, but i shall let you lot figure out some ideas while you order me to do the doing not the thinking."

She paused, her brow furrowed and her eyelids were nearly closed as she peered at the face behind the beard. She surely was not the first to be confused by a dwarf's speech patterns, and she probably would not be the last, but after a few blinks of her eyes it was clear she was no longer interested in attacking the short thing. Her lips curled into a smile and her eyes narrowed on Kastor. "Good, little man. I think if you can keep your mouth shut the rest of us may well be able to get things done." Her mind might normally have taken her to a much worse place of spells flying about the room, but for some reason, she shrugged it off. It may have been nostalgia, or simply a ressurection of Pio's authority from so long ago. In either case, she sat back down (though on the arm of the chair furthest from Kastor this time) and allowed the rest the opportunity to speak.

And speak he did...“Kastor has put forth an idea… maybe not the best idea, but an idea none-the-less. And, if nothing else, the khord is at least thinking like the Councilor and speaking his language. Councilor Velch is only counting gold and cares nothing for what we hold dear. In six days, he will easily take the silver crest and so much more… and violence against one another will not solve this problem. If we do not think Kastor’s idea is a good one, let us come together as one, and think of some others.” After a brief pause he continued on to the important part of the discussion. "And I would suggest we do this somewhere else. I am sure, Father, you have business to attend to here. Perhaps, there is a meeting room we can use here to discuss our plans further?”

Ormander had a quick reply, “Yes, I will ask the orphans to clear the temple upstairs. I can’t think of a place of better inspiration.”

As soon as Percifeer heard the words, she smiled and stood, grabbing her pack and readying herself to leave.