As Ganthanor and Adriena sit congratulating Barak, they hear a familiar orcish voice, "Wench, what are you doing sitting down? Bring me and my woman some ale before I break you like a twig!"

Their heads instantly snapping to the door, they see Garth walking in, the female orc trailing him at the customary orcish distance.

Garth plops down at a table and motions for the other orc to sit, and with a grin that ruins the effect of his words he continues, "What are you gawking at woman?!? Bring us a drink!"

The few other patrons look at the vocal orc but with only a passing interest, they return to their own food and conversation.

Adriena gives a start at the sight of Garth, certainly not expecting to see him here. She fumbles her way out of the chair and hurries to his table, "And what exactly would you like to drink?" then she whispers, "Did you know we were here? It's so good to see you!"

Garth smiles an orc tusk smile and says, "I said 'Ale'!! What are you daft?" In a quieter voice he says, "We followed the large bungler over there," indicating Barak.

Adriena says louder again, "I'll be right back with that order."

Garth smacks Adriena flat in the rump as she turns away, "Be quick about it!"

Barak looks at the two orcs and notices that they are the same two orcs that he followed last night but the third is no where in sight. It takes a few moments but Barak finally realizes that they must have known he was following them and then followed him in return, leading them back to the tavern. It is a good thing that these were friends and not enemies...

Adriena gets the drinks and gives them to Garth and the female orc with him asking, "Is there anything else, sir?"

Garth reaches out with an arm and pulls Adriena in his lap saying, "Yeah! All I've had is this wench here for the past few days, I am looking forward to someone a bit softer," other patrons look over for a second and give a roar of approval before turning to their own business.

Garth's hands roam about Adriena's person as his lips and tusks move towards Adriena's ears bringing a dual emotion of pleasure tinged with disgust, and whispers, "Sorry, have to be keep up appearances," though to Adriena's ears it doesn't sound like Garth is sorry at all, "Aanparon will be here soon. Where is Malis? You found the General yet? What are you doing here"

Adriena bites back a scathing remark, but can't sit still to Garth's groping. With a smile that appears only on her lips, she leans to his ear and whispers through clinched teeth, "Keep your 'appearances' to yourself and kindly send me for food."

Ganthanor moves up quickly next to Garth and removes his hands from Adriena's body. His wife will not be touched that way, customer or not! Saying nothing, he makes it very clear, holding his big club, what might happen to the new customer should he try that again....

Ganth gives Adriena the break she needs and she wriggles free of Garth's groping paws and says a little louder, "Perhaps later, hum? Is there anything _else_ you would like to order?"

Garth emmits a loud and wet belch and after scatching himself in a very orclike manner says, "Yeah, some food and be quick about it this time!"

As Adriena walks by Barak and Ganth, they see her mood is cloudy and confused, but Ganth catches her eye and he sees something that he only suspected before - adoration. Adriena quickly passes, giving no-one a chance to speak to her...

Adriena gives the orc girl a glance before turning away, trying to guess her position and reaction to all of this. When she passes Ganth and Barak they see her mood is cloudy and a little confused. She soon returns from the kitchen with a bowl of soup and some bread. As she is placing it in front of Garth, she whispers, "no general, no malis, no spellbook, no talk here." Then a little louder, "My husband and I are about to go on our break, perhaps you and your woman would like to 'get together'." She tries to put some suggestive tones in her voice, but it comes out rather muttled, like she tastes something bad.

The woman seated with Garth glares at the little rodent with undisguised annoyance. She does not speak, but her eyes and body language suggest that she might have a few words to say later.

Adriena is pleased to note the woman's reaction to Garth's actions. 'Thank the gods, she has a mind of her own,' she thinks. But it only brings her more confusion. Who is this girl?

Garth picks up the bowl and slurps down the contents in a single gulp, soup spilling out of his mouth and running down his jerkin. Dropping the bowl on the table, he picks up the bread and uses it to wipe his jerkin and then eats the bread with relish, "Why doesn't Thumper stay here," indicating Ganthanor with a flick of his hand. Standing up, Garth grabs the front of his breeches and says, leering at Adriena and Kira, "I have more than enough for both of you."

The silent she-orc continues to glare at Garth. She appears to hear everything, but those at the table begin to notice that while she's obviously annoyed with Garth, she doesn't really seem to understand just what's being said.

Revolted by Garth's display, Adriena sneers, "You'll have to get used to doing that. Now, pay up before Ganth gets angery. That'll be one silver for the food, one for the drink, and Two for the grope." She puts her hands on her hips and makes an mean face. Her eyes dart from Garth to the tavern door (' Where's Aan?' ) to the girl... who doesn't seem to understand what's being said vocally, at least. Still, Garth makes himself pretty plain. Curiouser and curiouser...

The she-orc looks at Adriena with a puzzled expression and shrugs her shoulders slightly. Adriena if left not knowing if the she-orc didn't understand the question or if the she-orc didn't know about Aan.

Looking to Adriena, Ganthanor gives her a glare designed to say I need to talk with you. He returns to his work of sweeping the floor in between keeping an eye on the customers. A huge club is strapped to his back, dirty with the hair and blood of many a customer that got out of line.

Garth laughs and drops silvers onto the table, Adriena quickly scoops them up and sees that there are two orcish silvers and each of them have some sort blackish-brown material crusted on them in small droplets, saying in a loud orcish taunt, "That's for the food and I don't have any bent copper, which is all you are worth!"

The common room bursts into laughter and mugs are beaten against table tops to show the approval of the other patrons.

Amongst the laughter, Adriena's eyes go wide as she finally notices what has been bugging her about Garth; his tusks are more pronounced and his hair seems thicker. There are only subtle differences, but Garth appears more orc-like than he had the last time Adriena laid eyes on him.

Slightly flustered and confused by her recent discovery, Adriena walks to the kitchen and is intercepted by Ganthanor. Ganthanor Whispers in her ear and giving her a kiss on the cheek, "I'm sick of this... let's gather everyone up and leave tonight. We get your book and find this human prisoner."

Adriena looks worried, "Let's get everyone together before we decide to cut out. We need to have a plan before we act. Patience. Maybe Aan can shed some light."

Ganthanor grunts and walks away looking unsure if that would be the right thing to do but tired of being around orcs... all but one of them anyway.

As Adriena is in the kitchens another orc enters the establishment. Ganthanor immediately recognizes Aanparon. Aanparon steps to a nearby table and makes eyecontact with Garth and Kira. Garth nods, his face flushed with drink and laughter. Kira looks a bit relieved to see Aan.

Ganthanor notices the new comer as well but does not display any outward and undue attention towards him. He continues his tasks and tries to finish them up accordingly. He waits the groups actions, himself being in a hurry to get out of here as soon as possible.

Kira sits quietly, waiting for an opportunity to speak in private. She flashes the occasional "if looks could kill" glare at Garth, who appears to be enjoying the situation immensely.

Barak watches Ganth leave and then turns to see the third orc he followed ... Barak decideds to stay back and wait until he is introduced to the others.

Adriena takes a minute or two in the kitchen to compose herself. The laughter of the patrons doesn't bother her half as much as her confusion over Garth's behavior, because she hates being confused. She lays the dishes in the wash basin and then heads back into the common room.

Upon entering the dinning area and seeing Aan, Adriena's hope is rekindled. She notices that he is sitting away from the other two and decides to use a different tact. She walks right up to Aan's table smiling broadly and speaking in Orcish, "Oh! It is so good to see you again. We've been out of touch since our house burnt down the other day." Adriena continues, her voice intended only for Aan, "We've had a rough time, Ganth and I. Now that you've found us things are looking better. We've made a new friend since we were last together." Adriena indicates Barak sitting across the room. "How have you been?"

Aan strolls in, recognizes the nod from Garth and makes eye contact with Kira, heads to a table by himself in the corner. His voice is kept low the entire time he talks to Adriena, in Orcish. "Bring me something to drink. Then figure out where we can talk, and when. It must be soon. I don't trust Garth anymore. He's gone over." As she leaves Aanparon surveys the rest of the room, looking for any and all he recognizes. He recognizes the big orc that was following them as well as Kira, Garth and Ganthanor. There are several other orcs in the common room but he doesn't seem to recognize any of them.

Adriena can barely hide her shock at Aan's opinion of Garth. "Gone over? You mean he wants to rat us out? How.. Why? No, you're right - not here. Ganth and I are working here. Started yesterday. I'll be right back." She leaves to get a drink for Aan. While in the kitchen, she asks Bamholder, "Master Innkeeper, a friend has found us here and I am asking, sir, if we may take our break to speak with him for a while."

Baumholder waves a hand in dismissal, not looking up from what he is doing, and says, "You have 10 minutes."

Adriena returns to the dinning area and whispers in Ganth's ear, "Aan says Garth is bad news. We need to do something about him. Let's take Aan and Barak up to our room and talk. Aan can talk to the girl later. We have ten minutes." The mage goes to Aan and says, "We have a short break. Let's go up to my room and talk." She leads the way and stops by Barak's table, "This is Barak, our new friend. Barak, this is Aan. Would you mind joining us for a few minutes? We have something very important to discuss." Adriena leads the way upstairs, deliberately avoiding Garth's and the girl's gaze.

Aanparon follows Adriena, signalling Garth and Kira to wait. If Barak offers a hand when introduced, I shake it, otherwise I nod and follow the group wherever they lead me. I walk last in the line, and take a look back at Garth and Kira to make sure they're ok.

Garth pauses in midstep and returns to his table.

Kira glares at the departing Aan. She is, quite obviously, maaaaad!

Adriena breaths a sigh of relief when she gets Aan, Barak, Ganth, and herself up to the bedroom without Garth. She speaks first, not giving anyone else a chance. She speaks in common, "Before we do anything, Barak, there are some things you should know about us; me, in particular. It may certainly affect the way you think of us." She looks at Ganthanor and Aanparon, then continues, "We are Agents of Honshar, here to free a caturped prisoner and retrieve a magical device that the orcs have stolen. I am a Mage. Ganthanor is a Cavalier. Aan... I'm not sure what you are, Aan.

Aan interjects, "I'm a survivor."

Adriena continues, "You see Barak, we have only recently met, ourselves, but our dedication to our mission is common ground. Do you still wish to be our friend?"

Aan lets out a slight scoff, "Sorry, go on." as he tenses watching Barak for any signs of hostility after Adriena gives out their identities.

Aan gets a bit of Ganth's attention after the scoff. However, Ganth recognizes the severity of Adriena's words too. He ever so slightly shifts his weight forward towards Barak in preparation to subdue him should he bolt or fight.

"Now, Aan, tell us what is wrong with Garth." Adriena sits nervously, watching Barak and the door.

Aanparon replies, "I don't know for sure what's wrong with Garth. When I realized what was happening I almost turned around and left. But I couldn't bring myself to leave you guys here. Mostly you, Adriena, and Malis. Ganth is a big boy, I'm sure he can take care of himself." Look over at Ganthanor. "No disrespect intended."

Ganthanor replies, "Of course not Aan... my friend's words rarely, if at all, offend me."

Aanparon sits down on a small chair, "Garth appears to be an orc. Completely. He can no longer speak common. He still understands it, though, so we have to be careful. I fear his orcish nature. Nothing personal, Barak, but I don't trust orcs. For that matter, I don't trust humans either. Present company excepted. Anyway, Garth has no reason right now to turn on us, but I'm afraid he'll sell us out if the opportunity should present itself."

Ganthanor interjects, "I would like to say we should then take no chances but I'm not willing to kill him outright on the 'chance' he might actually be an Orc now. Let's take him with us and keep an eye on him. But let's do it quickly then since the same thing can happen to us I would imagine."

Aanparon continues, "Problem is, I don't know that for a fact, so I can't bring myself to lose him. It's possible the Lady can still restore his old self, so I'm keeping an eye on him but have yet to try to rid myself of him. Then there's Kira. She's the female with Garth right now. She's another fighter type. She better be damn good, too, cuz I told the Lady we needed more help and Kira is all I got." Aan glances at Adriena, "Uh, sorry. It slipped. And Kira is going to be furious with me for leaving her out there like this. I could see it in her eyes. Enough about my half, what's happened to you? Where's Malis? And do you guys have any clue where this guy is we're supposed to be saving? Last question, do you still want to try and save him, or should we just find Malis and get the hell out of here? Sorry, slipped again. This being an orc is really starting to get old."

Ganthanor replies, "Aan, that is a long story... summed up as briefly as possible...we stayed with that Orc patrol until we ended up in this city. That Orc bastard impregnated Malis and sent her and us to his home. We were under guard and watched closely at all times (although we didn't know it at the time). Malis finally awoke (she was drugged by that *%$#$) and of course she lost her mind when she realized what had happened to her. We were beaten up badly and thrown out into some alley. Out of desperation (mainly hunger) we asked for jobs here at this tavern. We've been here a few days now. We don't know where this keep is or this man we're supposed to be looking for." Ganthanor steps back and leans against the wall... he looks up at the ceiling and rubs the back of his neck, "I want out of here so badly...." Shaking his head... "but alas, I've made a commitment... I will see it through..." Ganthanor says the words but it's obvious his heart isn't in them. They sound almost ritual... devoid of emotion.

Adriena walks over to Ganthanor and lays her hand on his arm and looks him in the eyes, "_We'll_ see it through, no matter what it takes." She turns to the others, "But it gets worse. Haratai's Number One not only stole Malis, she stole my spellbook. I have a few spells memorized, but once they are cast that's it. I haven't been able to get a good day's sleep for fretting." Red anger and frustration creep into her face. She moves closer to Ganthanor and seems to relax, "So, you see, Barak, we might not be the best friends a guy could have. I will say this to you and it is the truth - I care nothing about where you come from. It is who you are that I have the liking for. I hope we can still be friends."

Ganthanor reaches up and massages Adriena's shoulders without thinking. He starts to stop but thinks better of it, "Same here Barak. Join us. I understand you don't like it here anyway."

Aanparon says, "Adriena, would you know where to find Malis? I'd like to try to help her if we could. Also, any ideas on where to find Lord Whosit? I'm not fond of the idea, but I do respect you guys for your code of honor. I think in this case a ball and chain on your ankle would be a lesser problem, but I respect you just the same. So we'll go in, save Malis and this Lord, then we go home and the entire world makes us heroes, right? Except for these damned orcs. Sorry, milady."

Adriena smiles wryly, "You needn't be concerned for my modesty, Aan. I grew up with sailers and six brothers. As for Malis," Adriena shakes her head sadly, "I can find Haratai's house again if we start at the city gates, but I don't know what kind of condition she will be in. The place is run by a she-orc called 'Number One'. She has my spellbook, too. The front door is heavily guarded with traps and then there is a room with a statue. Number One whispered a word before entering, but I could not hear it. After that there is a stairway leading up and down. Go up and you come to the rooms that we were in. Go down and you come to two large doors. I was alone when I was there and didn't have the nerve to go beyond them."

Adriena looks a bit sheepish, but continues, "I didn't want to be away from the others for too long. There at least two big bruisers under her command, as well. Anyway, I think a good plan would be for you guys to go and scope out the Keep where Lord Hepron is held. I was planning on gathering information from the locals. We might hear something useful. Tonight, we can all return to Haratai's to see what we can do about that situation. Malis is progressing in her pregnancy very rapidly. Whatever Haratai did to her, it isn't natural. I'm very worried about it. Our break time is about over. We had better return, Ganth. Aan, don't do anything rash where Garth is concerned. You might just talk with him frankly and see where he stands. If he is willing to co-operate then maybe there is hope for him."

Aanparon asks Adriena for directions to the house.

Adriena gives the directions as she knows them. "As far as meeting later, Ganth and I will be busy until late tonight. It seems to be busiest around midnight and one. After that we are let go. Barak can take us to your inn. That would be best, since we know of no other place. Let's say around two a.m.?"

Aanparon nods and then heads downstairs.

Adriena says good-bye before returning downstairs. Once the are back, she immediately returns to work clearing some of the tables and taking the dishes and trash to the kitchen.

Aanparon returns to his table and sees that his mug of ale is now empty. Looking over, he sees Kira at her table, chin propped up on her hands. Boredom and annoyance warred for dominance on her face and Garth, smiling in a disgusting Orcish manner. Aanparon signs for the two to meet him outside and then leaves.

A few moments later the two get up from their table and leave as well. Aanparon quickly relays the previous conversation and asks Garth to check into rumours about the Lord and to meet the two of them back at their room a little after 1 am.

Garth nods absently as his gaze and attention keep moving and returning to Kira's chest. Finally Garth grins and says, "I'll see you when I see you.. Hey Aan.. Maybe we can share her?" indicating Kira. Laughing to himself, Garth slips off into the rapidly growing stream of people on the street.

Aanparon and Kira head to Haratai's house. They examine it from every angle but do not discover much. All of the windows are shuttered and the outside walls are very smooth. Aanparon doesn't see any visable guards, neither does Kira.

Kira may not have been able to understand Garth's words, but she had no trouble understanding his actions. Outside, after looking around to ensure no one could see them, Kira began to rant. "Ah'm gonna kill him," she said through clenched teeth. She hrumphed and flipped her hair with a toss of her head, a gesture that doubtless looked quite cute in her own body, but was somewhat ludicrous with an orc's body. "Ah'm sure," she added, "Artemis would fo'give me if Ah killed him." She smiled sweetly at Aan. "Don't you think so?" The smile vanished as quickly as it had come. "Y'all had best keep that pig away from me," she warned. "Ah jus' know Ah'm gonna slap his obnoxious little face if he leers at me one mo' time. And Ah don't think that would be... advantageous at this time."

At the Bar: Barak returns downstairs and sits at a table and drinks ale slowly.

During the remaining hours of work Adriena tries to listen intently at the conversations. She quickly learns that Orcs apparently think and talk about only two things: Killing Humans and Sex. Adriena has to stop into the kitchen a few times to let the blush from her cheeks fade. However, she does put together that the higher the circle, the greater the power, she doesn't hear much more of use though.

Ganth stays busy too. In fact, at one point during the night around midnight, Ganth observes two irate customers, one of them a regular, get into a heated argument. Ganth can barely remember his name as it's an Orc name but it goes something like Doltsh. Although Ganth can't understand them the emotional element is quite recognizable. They are arguing over a girl Orc.

Ganth kept an eye on them after they got started yelling but only minutes later, the new comer pulls a dagger from his sleeve and ends up putting a deep cut into Doltsh's arm. Doltsh fell back as he stood to defend himself and ended up falling right into the middle of the table behind him. It crumbled under his weight while the new comer moved to stand over him. He drew his dagger back but Ganth was able to come up behind him with his Customer Club.

Ganth was feeling pretty good since he was about to club another scum bag Orc but over confidence got the best of him. The new comer must have seen him and whirled to bury the dagger right into Ganth's heart. Ganth froze for a second as he realized just where the dagger hit but feeling no pain, his club continued along it's path right into the left side of the new comer's face. He hit the floor an instant later.

Ganth dropped the club and grabbed at the dagger still in his chest. His shock receding, Ganth whistled loudly and then turned to smile at the fast approaching Adriena. It seems Ganth was totally unhurt as the armor, although in bad shape, had stopped the dagger from reaching him. He didn't even get a scratch. Ganth cleaned up the room and went back to work.

The evening finally begins to wind down and Adriena slumps wearily in a chair. She looks across the room at Ganthanor helping with the cleaning as she places the evenings tips, all three coppers, into a pouch. Her smile reaches her eyes, but she turns her head away selfconciously. 'This is hardly the right environment or situation to let your guard down, girl,' she tells herself. With effort, she gets out of the chair and goes to Ganth, "Let's get going before I decide I don't have the energy. If you will collect our things, I'll let Bamholder know we are going out."

Stretching aching muscles, Ganthanor hears someone approach. He turns and sees Adriena. He notices she is quite tired but there's still that fire in her eyes so he relaxes a little knowing she's alright.

He nods at her and finishes up quickly, maybe to quickly... then heads upstairs, gets their things and meets her out front. He's glad to be away from the tavern... in the back of his mind he tells himself he won't be back.

Minutes later, the two meet Barak outside the back door and head towards the Inn, carefull to keep an eye out for Enforcers and the like.

Back to Trouble in Honhar