Dimmerdale

The half elf and humans had an audience with the queen, to which the Troubleshooters Praetors were not a party. The upshot was that the family Tomotor had volunteered to entertain the 'guests' for the following evening. The Praetors were to protect them in enemy territory; fortunately, they were certain that no one was left to recognize them from their previous visit. Afterwards, Trudolf tried to make friends with his guards - Vilinia by playing cards. Vilinia did not discover any hidden agenda for the party's visit to Dimmerdale, but she was left with the impression that Trudolf was very stupid to be a mage, and that he was in great favor of some god...

Meanwhile, in the dojo of the Luminous Orchid, Granite was approached by a mysterious half-elf. The woman claimed to be an acquaintence of her mother, who wanted her to 'deal' with one 'Trudolf Elfwise'. The elf promised to set up a meeting with Trudolf, if Granite would arrange a meeting with someone at a party that evening. Granite accepted the offer, and was soon fitted with suitable attire to be a waitress at the party.

The guests were routinely searched, and made aware that their hidden weapons and magics were noted. Dagobert brought along his tools of the trade, as his form of party entertainment was due to come back into style any decade. It soon became obvious that this party would not be a trend setter. Granite, dressed as a waitress, let Vilinia know that a friend of Marlana wanted to speak to her. Vilinia told Granite that she would be at the orchid garden, near the palace, at 7 in the morning tomorrow. If her contact did not show she would be there the next day as well.

Elesar Tomotor, the hunter, asked Hiro to introduce him to Vilinia. Hiro and Dagobert amused themself at his expense for a while. By the time Hiro made the introduction, he was exceedingly nervous. After a very brief exchange, Elesar left the Kommisar's presence, and then fled the party. His faux pas, and speculation as to what would happen to him the next day, enlivened the event somewhat.

As Katrina experimented with a women's power in Drow society, and Hiro quizzed Granite about any interesting conversations she may have overheard, Dagobert followed Elesar to see why he fled. Elesar kept saying that 'she must be very powerful, to be here with only two bodyguards'. He felt his only option was to flee. Dagobert gave him a note to take to the police infirmary.

The Praetors and their charges decided it was time to leave when the rumor that Trudolf was using the 'trade expedition' as cover to scout out for a Wood Elf invasion began to circulate. Dagobert immediately went to the infirmary to see if his new 'client' had arrived, and found that he had not. He met with Tomotor Guards who had also heard that Elesar might be there. There was a brief, cordial, discussion, then Dagobert retired for the evening.

Granite skipped out on the post party clean up, and met with the mysterious half-elf woman. She conveyed the Kommisar's message, and led her to the orchid garden. There they observed a duel between two monks, and Granite dozed off rather than leaving while waiting for Vilinia to show up.

Vilinia spoke to Marlana's messenger, there was 'someone' heading towards Dimmerdale, and she, and others who 'should be saved' had best get at least a couple of miles out of town. Then the half breed left, and Vilinia found Granite, and decided she had best come with her...

To be continued...