An Opera, a Farewell, and a Job

We attended the opera. It was amusing, seeing the others dressed up in noble garb. It wasn't as amusing seeing a bunch of self-important rich assholes gathering for the opera. It's cause of one to wonder: do they come for the opera, or do they come so that the others think that they came for the opera? Anyway, with all the aristocrats exchanging pleasantries around me, I went to the bar in the lobby for a drink. I bragged to the barkeep about my gutbuster exploits (I intend to tell everyone I meet from now til the time I die) and then he poured me a healthy glass of stout absinthe. Stouter than the regular stuff. Looking at it, I could have sworn that it glowed faintly. The others ordered refreshments, as well.
 
While we were waiting for the doors to open, Zardoz Zord of the Sea Maiden's Faire Carnival was announced. He was a striking man with a similarly striking entourage. As he passed me, he winked. At least I think he did. I asked the others about it, and they seemed to agree. I was curious to see what these people might have wanted with me, but it would have to wait. We entered the auditorium and took in the first act of the opera. Operatic performances aren't usually my thing, but Scorch used a spell to comprehend the giant language and I could actually follow the plot, so that was neat.
 
During the intermission, we made our way to Mert the Moneylender's private box. He extended us an invitation to the Harpers, an organization promoting egalitarianism and condemning tyranny. I felt that I had the unique temperament and skillset that fit well into the organization, so I agreed to join. It did help that Daara was in their ranks. We watched the rest of the opera from the premium balcony seating.
 
After the show, I tried to shadow Zardoz and his crew as they left the theater. I followed them a little ways, but making my way through the crowds on the street level in my new fancy duds wasn't exactly optimal for my pursuit. I gave up when I saw them turn off towards the Dock Ward. I returned to the others and we took a stagecoach back to the Brass Dragon.
 
I felt a lot better once I was back in my leather adventuring gear. I felt worst when I talked to Leif. I made some crack about being glad that he was dead. He got offended and fucked off. After all the abuse we hurled at each other, he gets offended by that? No matter how old I get, people (and also the undead I guess) will never make complete sense.
 
When we woke the next day, Marlaia was nowhere to be found. She left us all farewell letters. Her sudden disappearance is somewhat puzzling. Maybe the pressure of our insane exploits was too much for her. Maybe the rest of us smell funny. Maybe she really does have some personal things she needs to attend to. Whatever befalls her, I wish her the best. (Now that I think of it, if I ever have need to disturb Marlaia, I can probably write her a quick note on a paper bird and follow it to her location.)
 
The next day, Mr. Trench showed up at the Dragon. He offered us a job that he was too busy for. It turns out Baron Renette's wife is missing. I was quick to take the job. After my recent fumbles (making a ghost sad, nearly dying of alcohol poisoning, getting intimidated by halflings, failing to retrieve a treasure, and failing to climb a shortish building to name a few) I needed a win. The rest of the coterie was eager to get involved once news of a cash reward reached their ears.
 
We took a coach out of the city to the Baron's hold. I questioned him. He took offense to my line of questioning. If the nobility needs someone to be pissed off at it might as well be me. Long story short and assuming that the baron's alibi is solid, all signs point to Moldavia Keep.
 
A goliath scout going by the name of Toraleth helped to guide us to the keep. As night fell, we came close to the keep and set up camp. I took second watch with Toraleth. We talked a little bit about our line of work (and also I told them about the gutbuster thing) but we were interrupted by zombies.