Chapter Text
“The Start of a Brew-tiful Friendship”
(during episode 71)
The Beer Forge
It was a light morning, only a few people slowly trickling in for an early lunch or a very late breakfast. Ivy heard a slight huff and looked up to see a familiar Elven woman with dark brown hair slip up to the bar and lean on it heavily. “Morning, Ivy.” She mumbled in a light brogue.
“One large coffee coming up.” Ivy said, already motioning to one of the other dwarves behind her. “Rough day already, Kel? You look like you had a night.”
Narqelion shrugged vaguely. “You know I’m always a hot mess before coffee.”
“And you’re so much better after?” Ivy teased.
“Well, I'm a wide awake hot mess, so there’s that.” Narqelion said with a light laugh. Gold and orange flecks lit up in her grey eyes as Ivy passed her the coffee.
Ivy shook her head as she counted out the coins. “Still paying forward? You know, you could just invite this person for coffee. Maybe even, I don’t know, talk. That is what you do for a living.”
Narqelion spluttered, coughing. “I was told to discreetly keep a finger on the pulse of the city, and specifically not interact with their group.”
Ivy laughed, “Says the rule-breaker. Zreet told me about the “recruitment poster” fiasco, she’s been laughing about it all week.”
“Oh come on, it would work! If Aldion started a guild, with that poster we’d have people lining up in the streets to join in minutes.” She glanced around before pulling out her notebook and flipping through it. “Look at this picture and tell me I’m wrong.” She said, turning it around to show Ivy.
“Sure, but would they want to join the guild, or just Aldion?” Ivy asked, taking the notebook and looking it over.
Narqelion brushed this away dismissively. “Semantics. Get them in the door first, then win them over with a stirring speech on heroics and the good of the city, or whatever.”
“And in spite of that amazing pitch, he still said no? I’m shocked. Truly.” Ivy retorted, flipping through the book slowly and looking over the other pictures.
“It would work! The best place to hide is in plain sight. Besides, it’s not like that man doesn’t stand out.” Narqelion pointed out, sipping her coffee.
Ivy paused on a page, raising her eyebrows. “I see you’ve taken an interest in the new city guard, or at least one of them. Now I’m positive I know who the coffee’s for.” Ivy turned the notebook back around, pointing at the picture. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean for you to watch them that closely.”
Narqelion blushed, small tongues of flame appearing in her hair. “First of all, I am a painter, and painting various subjects while they’re at work is perfectly normal and makes for a good cover as to why I’m watching people. And second, I was never told not to watch the training of the city guard. I think it’s pretty important. It should be documented for posterity as part of the city’s rebuilding process.”
“Uh huh, and that’s why the pictures of “the guard” training all center on one individual.”
“There are other people in some of them!” Narqelion said defensively, reaching for her notebook.
“Yeah, in the background.” Ivy laughed, handing it back. “Seriously, you should just talk to him. You talk to Cyl.”
“Cyl is a fellow artist who now owns a gallery. Talking to her makes perfect sense for my cover.”
Ivy nodded to the rapier at Kel’s hip. “And that doesn’t give you an excuse to visit the Chalice?”
“It’s not about having an excuse, it’s about having a legitimate reason. And I’m definitely not the “guard type”. Rule breaker, remember?” She lifted her cup and then looked down at it sadly. “Now I need more coffee.”
“Coffee isn't the answer to everything, you know.” Ivy said, taking her mug.
“You’re right. Coffee is the question, yes is the answer!”
Ivy rolled her eyes, refilling the drink herself. “So, how much trouble did you get into for the poster idea?”
Narqelion scrunched up her nose. “I was given some considerably less pleasant extra assignments this week. Thus my looking terrible this morning.”
“Honestly, I don’t know how you manage not to get in more trouble for the stunts you pull.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m a delight.” Narqelion replied, placing a hand on her chest in mock indignation.
“You’re something.” Retorted Ivy, handing her another coffee. She glanced over Kel’s shoulder. “You’ve got company and I’ve got other customers, we’ll talk later. Remember what I said, okay? Morning Zreet.”
Narqelion made a face at her, closing her sketchbook as an Aarakocra with white and grey plumage came up next to her. “Good morning, Zreet.”
“Is it? Because you look terrible. Good morning, Ivy.” Zreet said, eying Kel’s mussed hair and the light bruise on her cheek. “I take it things didn’t go well?”
Narqelion grinned. “You should see the other guys. Honestly though, the bruise is from a few nights ago, before that little “errand”. I just got caught up in a bar fight, nothing serious.”
“And you didn’t heal it...because? I mean you do know that spell.”
“I was busy.” Kel said defensively. “It’s just a bruise. I’ve had worse.”
“And would this perhaps be a bar fight that I’ve heard about, Kel? Or maybe read about?” Asked Zreet meaningfully.
“I’m sure I wouldn’t presume to know what knowledge you may or may not have of the goings on in this city Zreet.” Narqelion replied innocently.
“Did they see you?”
“Not directly.” Narqelion said, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. “Look, I didn’t step in for the first one. I just wanted to make sure everyone got out and got home okay. That’s all. Nothing wrong with a good bar fight now and then.”
“Mmhmm.”
Narqelion cleared her throat. “Anyway...what’s been going on while I was out?”
“Report first, idle gossip second. Did you get it?” Zreet asked.
“Of course I got it, what do you take me for?” Kel scoffed.
Ivy’s work pulled her too far away to hear the rest of their conversation, as more patron trailed in. It was some time later when she heard Kel’s voice cry “He sent them where?!” And turned around in time to see her run out the door, leaving behind an exasperated Zreet.
__________________
The Chalice.
The sounds of weapons crashing and the grunts of people who didn't manage to block in time filled the air of the practice grounds.
Owen sat on the bench, slowly removing the bandages around his knuckles. “You’re gettin’ better, Nathan.”
“Don’t humor me, Owen.” Nathan complained tiredly, sitting next to him.
“I mean it. You still need a lot of practice, but you’re improving.”
“Too slowly.” Nathan muttered, rolling his shoulders. “Does this get any easier?”
“With time. You’re too impatient with yourself, you need to practice, just like with your art.” Owen said, his eyes searching the yard as he spoke.
“I know you’re right, but that doesn’t make it any easier.” Nathan looked up, and followed his gaze. “What’s wrong?”
“Possibly nothin’...do you see a tabby cat around here?”
Nathan’s gaze shifted around the semi-crowded arena for a moment. “No...should I?”
“It’s been showing up here near every morning. And I think it followed me home from the bar the other night. This is the first time I haven't seen it in weeks.” Owen
“You think someone’s watching you? Any idea who?” Nathan asked.
“Hard to say really. But there's definitely something going on with that cat. I think-”
He broke off suddenly as an Elven woman burst into the courtyard. Her dark hair was tumbled down behind her, and she was breathing heavily as she searched the courtyard. When she saw Owen and Nathan, she froze in place. A blush spread across her face and she quickly turned around and ran back out the door.
“What was that about?” Asked Nathan, staring after her.
“I have no idea.” Owen said slowly. “Am I seein’ things, or was her hair...on fire?”
“No, I saw it too.” Nathan said standing up. “Have you ever seen her here before?”
“I haven’t, but I think we should find out what’s goin on here.”
There was no sign of her outside, and after several minutes of searching, they were forced to give up.
“Well whoever she is she’s definitely fast.” Said Owen. “C’mon, we’d better head out, I’ve got work to do and you’ll be late for lunch if you don’t hurry. I’ll keep an eye out, and you see if the others have seen anything suspicious. Well, besides the usual I mean.”
“I’ll be sure to ask.” Said Nathan, still frowning at the street. “Thanks for the lesson Owen. Same time tomorrow?”
“I’ll be here.” Owen acknowledged with a wave as he headed back inside for his pack.
Owen collected his things and went to check in with Holly and the hospital. He kept an eye out but didn’t see the woman or the cat again.
As he was talking a short break later, however, an exasperated-looking Holly walked up to him and handed him a mug. “This came for you. Please tell your friends to stop using me as a messenger service.”
“Sorry about that. Who left it?” Owen asked, taking the mug.
“I have no idea. She left this letter with it. Tell her to bring it herself next time.”
Owen glanced at the coffee and unfolded the letter.
“Roses are red.
Life is hard.
I’m not a poet.
Coffee.
“PS. Please bring the empty mug to the practice yard tomorrow, or return it to the Beer Forge. -A Friend.”
Owen stared at it in confusion and glanced at the coffee. That didn’t sound quite like any of the group he knew, and he couldn’t imagine Aldion or Zreet sending him coffee, let alone a ridiculous poem. There was definitely something strange going on here.
____________
(during episode 72)
The Chalice.
Owen looked around the yard warily, but nothing looked out of place. There were recruits around, but all were familiar faces. He worked with them for a while, alternately supervising and sparring with them himself. Nathan showed up after a while and he took some time to help him, and it was during the end of their match that he saw the tabby cat again.
Nathan almost got in a good hit while he was distracted. Owen just managed to block it, reacting instinctively and flipping Nathan on to his back. He looked up quickly, but the cat was gone. “All right, something is definitely going on.” Said Owen, panting slightly.
“Ow. I know I said don’t go easy on me Owen, but that kind of hurt.” Nathan objected, sitting up.
“Sorry about that. I was distracted.” Owen offered him a hand and helped up. “I saw that cat again.”
“Where?” Nathan turned to look as well.
“On the other side of that fighting half-elf pair, opposite the door.”
“I don’t see-wait, there! It’s headed toward the back of the building.” Nathan said, starting after it immediately.
Owen followed, and they’d gone nearly across the whole courtyard when they caught up with it. The cat sat calmly watching them. “Careful, said Owen.” As they drew closer.
The cat blinked up at him calmly and started purring.
Nathan knelt down to get a better look at it. “Maybe it’s-”
The cat disappeared. Right in front of them.
“Ok, no you’re right that’s definitely not a normal cat.” Said Nathan.
“But why lead us-” Owen broke off, cursing slightly as he ran back to the bench where they’d left their packs. He’d been so distracted he hadn’t even thought of it.
Next to his pack was a mug of coffee and a letter.
He opened it carefully.
“May your coffee be stronger than the challenges you may face today. But if it’s not, remember, don’t throw your mug at anyone, you need that for refills.”
“PS. Next time, leave the mug on the bench please. I didn’t take anything else from your pack. -A Friend.”
“Alright, this is getting ridiculous.” Owen muttered.
“What is?” Nathan asked, coming up behind him. “Where did that come from?”
“That is exactly what I’d like to know. This is the second coffee and letter I’ve received in as many days, and I have no idea who they’re from.” Said Owen, showing him the letter.
Nathan looked it over. “I don’t recognize the handwriting. What did the other one say?”
“Roses are red, life is hard. I’m not a poet. Coffee. And then it asked me to bring the mug here this morning, or to the Beer Forge.” Owen replied, double checking his pack.
“Poetry?” Nathan asked, grinning. “Sounds like you’ve got an admirer. A secret admirer even.” He teased.
“Very funny.” Owen retorted, taking the letter back. “I’m glad you’re amused.”
“Well if the coffee came from the Beer Forge, you should try asking Ivy. I’m sure she’ll want to know about her mugs disappearing.” He frowned. “Come to think of it I’m not sure I’ve never heard of her letting someone leave with one before.”
“That’s where I planned on taking that mug later.” Owen said with a tired sigh.
“Well, now you can take this one back. I assume you didn’t just drink it?” Nathan added, collecting his things.
“I had it checked out. Plain old coffee, same as I always order it.” Owen said, shaking his head.
“Well I’m headed there now, if you want me to check it out.”
Owen shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll handle it. I’ll check in with Ivy later this afternoon.”
Nathan looked back at the coffee, pausing for a moment. “All jokes aside, whoever is doing this, they clearly know your schedule. Take care, all right?”
“I always do.”
Nathan raised an eyebrow at him. “Right, of course you do. Seriously, if you need help with this-”
“I’ll let you know.” Owen assured him. “And thank you.”
“Any time.” Said Nathan, glancing at the folded letter once more before heading out to meet up with the others.
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The Beer Forge
The forge was fairly busy when Owen walked in later that afternoon. The others had long since headed out by the time he finished his work for the day, their table sat empty and he didn’t see any familiar faces about.
He sauntered up to the bar, waving to catch Ivy’s attention and waiting until she had a minute to spare.
“Hello Owen, what can I get you?” She asked somewhat briskly.
“Afternoon Ivy. I was hopin’ you might be able to help me answer a couple of questions.” He set the mug on the counter. “Someone’s been bringin’ these by-”
“Is that where they went?” Ivy shook her head, looking both less annoyed and less surprised than he’d expected. “That explains things.”
“For one of us, apparently. Do you know the person who’s been leaving them?” Owen asked.
“Wait. You mean you didn’t see her?”
“I didn’t see anybody. Holly didn’t recognize them, and all I ever saw were these notes.” He said, holding them out.
Ivy looked at them briefly and shook her head. “Yeah, I know her.”
“Would you care to enlighten me a bit?” Asked Owen, when she didn’t continue.
She considered. “I wasn’t instructed not to, but I’m not really supposed to. I won’t give you her name, but she’s...on the same side, if you will. Also,” she pulled something out from under the counter and slid it across to him. “She’s the same person who left this. Pass it on to Pip next time you see him.” She glanced behind him, “I’m afraid that’s all I can tell you, so if there’s nothing else? I really need to get back to work.”
“Thank you.” Owen said politely, though he didn’t think this was particularly helpful. “You’re sure she’s not a threat, then?”
“To you?” Ivy laughed. “No. Definitely not.”
“Well, that’s a help at least. Have a good evening.” He accepted the package with some trepidation. It was a thick, carefully wrapped package with a small note that said simply “For Pip.” Inside was a simple but fairly well-crafted book.
Owen opened it and glanced inside. There, in elegant script, were Pip's notes on flirting. Meticulously copied from the first book.
Well this was great. Whoever was sending him coffee and leaving these notes was not only with the resistance, they’d at some point had access to the books that his cell had been using to communicate. Now he had even less idea what was going on. At least Pip would be happy.