Carys told Dalen he needed to meet with Jovie, A member of the Order, usually found at the Bearded Lady Tavern all the way by the docks. Dalen hated traversing through the alley ways after dark. He loved the night but the truly dangerous thieves were usually hiding in the alley ways. However the fastest way to the tavern was by alleys or sewers. Alleys stank less. A Little. Luck seemed to be on his side, however. The only person he met on his way was his favorite one legged prostitute. The tavern was brightly lit, like a ray of hope in the darkness. The difference being this was more of a ray for the drunkards, beggars, prostitutes, and general low lives of the city. And tonight, Dalen was one of them. He hoped Jovie was a man who could help him, or at the very least, not get him killed. He was partially right. After asking for Jovie at the bar of the tavern, he was led to the back room, a room most could never afford. Seated at the table, was a tall slender woman. She was looking down, a scarlet red hood covering her face. She had dark hair, which stood out against the hood. Her soft lips her sucking on a wooden pipe, the smoke seductively encircling her. Dalen looked at the bartender, who smirked and walked away.
“You are looking for Jovie, are you not?” came the raspy voice beneath the hood. Dalen nodded. The woman motioned for him to sit. As Dalen sank into the chair facing the woman she looked up and Dalen saw the whitest eyes he had ever seen. The woman was blind.
“Griem informs me, that Carys sent you. Which means you are important to her and are in need of my protective services. What can I do for you?” She smiled slightly as she spoke. Dalen just stared in disbelief. Carys sent him to ask for help from a blind woman. That clinched it. She wanted him dead. It was worse than he feared.
“You doubt my abilities? Perhaps an exhibition should set your mind at ease.” Dalen did a double take, realizing she must have read his thoughts.
“Is this woman a witch? Do I have to deal with more unnatural powers?” he thought, forgetting he had realized she could read his thoughts. Jovie laughed.
“Unnatural powers? Debateable. A Witch? No. I have been a mind reader since birth. It is just another trait of my race.” She lowered her hood and brushed back her curls, revealing her ear which was pointed with a slight curve. Dalen gasped. He had heard tales of elves but they were considered just another myth. Apparently this was the day for discovering that myths were actually true.
“Now I will help, and believe me I can. I already know the details. However, until the right moment, we must never be seen together. That would be too dangerous. Just know that as long as I am able, you will not be harmed. What you must do, instead of seeking out the chalice for Casius, you must return it to the Order. Casius is far too dangerous without it. We cannot risk it falling into his hands. If you need help, speak with Carys and she will let me know. I will do what I can to aid your investigation. When the time comes we may need to assemble a team but for now, it is best you work alone. From what I have heard, that’s the way you prefer it anyhow.” Jovie chuckled and Dalen turned beet red. Damn Carys and her mouth. Jovie continued.
“I will give you your first bit of help. The Order did indeed have the chalice and it was hidden in the North District. However three days ago it vanished. While under heavy guard. We have already launched an investigation to root out any moles. The last person known to have had access to it was a man named Julian. He is a trustworthy man but he also made have seen something he is not currently willing to share with us. Another avenue I will open for you will be to allow you access to the last place the chalice was seen. Maybe you will see more than we have.” Jovie smiled, like she knew something else. It made Dalen shiver. She motioned for the door.
“Until next we meet. I will inform Carys when you will have ample opportunity to view the vault. Farewell.” Dalen stood and bowed before turning and quickly walking out. He tried to figure out how he got into all this. In a matter of one day His life was threatened, he learned magic was real, was forced to speak with one of his (many) exes, learned elves were real, and was drawn into one big conspiracy. Things had to turn around for him. They couldn’t possibly get any worse, could they?
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