Odd Jobs: Chapter Fourteen

ODD JOBS


Chapter Fourteen

Sitting in one of the Sunken Treasure's huge bronze bathtubs, filled with hot water and bubblebath, had never felt so good. It was in fact their second bath and fourth wash.
     Upon arriving in the City of Doors from Torch, the companions had found the first transport they could, in this case a rickshaw, and made straight for the festhall. When they got there Jaalira was alarmed at the state of them. They were quickly hustled into the bathing room where they stripped themselves down to nothing. All their clothes were taken away to be burned; except for Ceraline's elven chain shirt and Garadun's magic duster. Those would be thoroughly scoured and cleansed. Their captured frogs were put in a barrel with straw at the bottom and air holes in the lid.
     While hot water was brought in, Ceraline, Garadun and Laurewen drank their remove disease potions as well as their neutralise poison potions, just to be sure. They had no idea what they might've picked up in the swamp. Ceraline gulped her healing potion to fix the injuries the ooze had done her, and Laurewen gave hers to Garadun.
     Standing in a pair of wooden stalls with drains in the floor, he in one and the girls in the other, they poured bucket after bucket of hot water over themselves and scrubbed and washed with the best soap the festhall had. After the girls had done helping each other get the worst of the muck off, Laurewen went to Garadun and assisted him. He and Ceraline weren't ready, not yet anyway, to see each other in the altogether. As with when she'd helped Ceraline get washed, kisses were exchanged. Despite the horrible day he'd had, his injuries and blood loss and exhaustion, she still got him hard. Her naked closeness in all its beauty, her touch, and his feelings for her made him forget the day. He wanted her. So instead he tried to focus on getting clean.
     Then they got into some big tin tubs and had an enveloping bath, often sinking below the water to get as much off as possible. When the bathwater was dirty, they got out of the tubs and returned to the stalls for another intense wash. Their skin raw from scrubbing and the girls' hair shampooed too many times to count, they finally retired to the bronze bathtubs for a restful soak in fresh hot water and bubblebath.
     "Even with gloves on, I got crud under my nails," Ceraline observed with a frown and reached for a nail file to work the stuff out.
     "Vile place, so glad to be gone from there," Abigail remarked from where she was lying on a table, cleaned and polished.
     "Sharess' soft ass, I ache," said Laurewen, stretching each leg in turn.
     "I'm happy to be off my feet," said Ceraline.
     "How about you, Garadun?" Laurewen asked. "Gar?"
     "Mmm?" he murmured, his head resting on the tub, his eyes closed.
     "How you doing? Aches, pains?"
     "Mmm."
     Ceraline smiled and looked past Laurewen to where he lay. "He's beat."
     "My hero," said Laurewen fondly. She looked at Ceraline. "And you."
     "You were very brave out there," said Ceraline proudly. "Very brave, my love. And we couldn't have caught all those damned frogs without you."
     "Tha's f'sure," Garadun muttered wearily.
     "You know, we make a great team, we three," said Laurewen.
     "The best," Ceraline agreed with a wide, if tired, grin. Garadun lifted his hand from the water and waved his washcloth like a flag. His friends giggled.
     While the girls recounted the day's events, including comments from Abigail now and then, he simply fell asleep. It had been a physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting experience, and the giant leech had taken a large amount of blood before it had been discovered and removed. The girls swore they never wanted to return to the Blood Marsh, or Torch for that matter, ever again.
     Garadun was eventually woken when it was time to leave, and Laurewen actually had to help him from his tub he was so weak and tired. Long, warm bathrobes and thick slippers were waiting for them. The girls retired to Laurewen's quarters to have a quiet meal with Jaalira, who wanted to hear their tale. Before that, however, Jaalira escorted Garadun to his own small room to make sure he didn't collapse on the way. She put him to bed and he was asleep in minutes.

It took him four days to fully recover from his blood loss, not to mention his pains. The healing potions he'd consumed had repaired his cuts, bruises, and torn and strained muscles, but did little for overall ache and nothing for blood loss. Had there been more leeches that size on him, they would've drained him dry.
     The dozen Torch frogs were delivered to the githzerai wizard R'vel Atos who, after seeing they were alive and well, nodded in satisfaction. But his remark of "I was hoping for more. Oh well," almost had Ceraline putting her fist in his face. Ungrateful sod. But he honoured their contract and paid them the additional 500 gold each for completing the assignment, along with 1200 for the frogs themselves.
     With some 1400 worth of hard jink as her share of the final fee, Ceraline decided to go shopping. Abigail needed a scabbard and there was only one person she trusted to make one worthy of her new blade: Master Braegen Mordurial of the Plane of Shadow. The elven weaponsmith was fascinated with the obsidian bastard sword and stated that not only had he never seen its like before, he'd never even heard of a blade with its set of abilities. He assured both her and Abigail that he'd make a scabbard worthy of the powerful weapon. The final piece would be made of lurker hide (the same material that was wrapped around the sword's grip) and capped on the ends with mithral.
     Jaalira kept her promise to Millani, and two days after she was sure of Garadun's recovery she left the Sunken Treasure to holiday in Ecstasy at Revelhome. She left Moreena in charge while she was away, confident that things were in good hands.
     Ceraline and Laurewen's relationship was in full swing, the experiences of the Blood Marsh having brought them even closer together. Their lovemaking had become still more passionate, and they were spending far more time with just each other than having threesomes or foursomes with the festhall's girls. Garadun was heartwarmed to see them so much in love and was glad it was Laurewen whom Ceraline had given her heart to. The feytouched girl was a good influence on her, making her a bit more grounded.
      For her part Laurewen had never been so deeply in love and thanked any gods that might've been listening (never knew if they were, which was actually kind of creepy) for Ceraline being in her life. She was also extremely grateful for Garadun, whom she loved very much. She had never had a stronger friendship with a man before, never been treated like a complete equal by a man before. His straightforward confidence in her and Ceraline, not only as friends but adventuring professionals, was reassuring. His unfailing love, loyalty and friendship gave her a great deal of comfort.

                                                                           *****

A month passed before Jaalira returned to the Sunken Treasure. She'd sent back weekly letters to assure them that everything was fine on her end and to get reports of same from the festhall, but she'd otherwise enjoyed her vacation in solitude.
     So it was a big surprise to everyone when she returned with Millani. The kind-hearted medusa hadn't been to Sigil in a long, long time and her lover's visit had spurred her into making a trip of her own. She was introduced to the entire staff, most of whom were shocked when she greeted Garadun with a hug. She was delighted to meet Ceraline and Laurewen, of whom he and Jaalira had spoken so tenderly. The girls were all thrilled to finally meet the great love of Jaalira's life. The beautiful mistress of the house had many lovers, but her heart belonged to the medusa.
     Jaalira also returned bearing a letter.
     "It's for you three," she told Ceraline, Garadun and Laurewen. The afternoon after her return she sat down with them at their usual table in the common room.
     "Us?" said Ceraline as she broke the seal.
     "Word of your success in the Blood Marsh has gotten around. Not many cutters go into that vile swamp and come out alive. And you completed your mission."
     "We haven't said much," said Laurewen as Ceraline unfolded the letter.
     "I told the story to Millani and others while I was in Ecstasy," said Jaalira. "I also gather that the githzerai wizard mentioned it to a colleague or two."
     "What's it say?" Garadun asked.
     Ceraline read the letter. It was written on paper and had unusual folds and creases in it. The penmanship was also odd, a bit scratchy although still legible. The most surprising thing was that it was written in Celestial. She reread it out loud in Common.

          Greetings to Ceraline Oceanus and friends,

          Your recent and successful foray into the Blood Marsh surrounding Torch has come to my attention. You kept your word, delivered what was asked, and did it very quickly. The fact that the three of you survived such a dangerous place says a lot about your skill and luck.
          I am a wizard who is trying to create a safe place for my friends to live. I have found a good set of ruins for this sanctuary, but it needs to be cleared of any dangerous threats. I will offer you a good price to clear it, plus anything you might find within is yours.
          If you are interested, seek me out at the purple and gold striped awning next to the broken statue of the unnamed lady, across the path from Varia the bariaur who sells cookware from the stone hut with the blue tent top.

          Peace to you,
          Sassafras of Faunel

     "Faunel?" said Laurewen, raising her delicate eyebrows. "Never been there."
     "Neither have I," said Ceraline.
     "I've been there once or twice," said Jaalira.
     "Gate town, right?" said Garadun.
     "Yes, it lies between Ecstasy and Sylvania," said Ceraline and Jaalira nodded. "It's the gate to the Beastlands. The majority of the inhabitants are petitioners from that Plane. The rest are humans, elves, halflings, bariaur, a few aasimars and others."
     "Is it true the city's one giant ruin?" Laurewen asked.
     "Indeed it is," said Jaalira, nodding. "According to legend, the ruins all come from different Prime worlds. No-one knows how. More get discovered all the time."
     "Sounds fascinating!"
     "What do you think, Gar?" said Ceraline.
     "I'm always willing to visit someplace new," he said. "Especially if I'm getting paid to do it. Monster clearing, eh? Sounds like a challenge."
     "We're agreed, then."
     "Be sure to dress for hot and humid," Jaalira advised them. "It also rains frequently, throughout the day and night."
     "Great, another place to get wet," he muttered.
     "It's not like the marsh, is it?" said Laurewen apprehensively.
     "Oh no, not at all," she assured them. "It's a tropical rainforest."
     "Guess that isn't so bad."
     "After that infernal swamp I don't care," said Ceraline. "Besides, I've always wanted to visit Faunel. Now I get to do it with my best friends."
     "I suppose I better put some gear together," Garadun remarked and got up from the table. "See you girls later."
     "Hot weather, huh?" said Laurewen and grinned. "I can dress for that."

                                                                           *****

From his time on the world of Great Ocean, Garadun knew that his tiefling body wasn't bothered much by tropical weather. He could feel the heat of course, but he didn't sweat and suffer the way he did when he was human. Although the island hadn't been too hot in any case. Being stuck out in the middle of a scorching desert might be another story. Humidity, on the other hand, was still humidity and it still effected him. He'd always hated it when it got humid during the summer.
     But the job was the job, and as he'd told Ceraline this was now his life, how he made a living. Tropical or temperate or arctic, he'd have to deal with it all. He'd been in most climates in his day and could handle them. But griping about it was normal. Like a soldier, it was his right to complain.
     He hired a rickshaw to take him to the Market Ward so he could pick up some gear and supplies. If they were going to be exploring ruins, he figured they needed a couple more everburning torches, some rope, backpacks, rations, a crowbar and hammer, some empty sacks, a notebook, some pens and charcoal sticks, a hand mirror and a few other things that'd be useful which he hadn't thought of just yet.
     Although he loved her dearly, Ceraline was one of the least practical people he knew. Laurewen was more sensible but she was just getting the hang of all this. All right, he was no great seasoned adventurer himself, but he was twice their age and had done a lot of travel and spent a lot of time in the outdoors in his day. He was the closest they had to an expert and he took his responsibilities seriously.
     It took about four hours of shopping in the Great Bazaar to get all the things he could think of and wouldn't weight them down. His adventurer's coat was dead useful in this regard but its capacity was limited. His task complete, he decided to stop for a rest, maybe get a bite to eat. He was passing a tavern called the Splintered Eye when he came to a sudden stop and listened. It couldn't be.
     Garadun made for the tavern, the music coming from its open windows getting clearer. He opened the door and went inside. The place had a beaten limestone floor and the tavern itself was made from a mix of wood, brick and cut blocks of volcanic rock. The roof was covered in sheets of bronze, almost black with age and grime. But that was typical of the City of Doors: folks built with what they could get their hands on.
     But what had caught his attention was the music. He pushed his way to the end of the bar where he could get a good view of the tavern's small stage. On the wooden deck were four musicians: one with a set of drums, another with some type of keyboard, and two with, well, guitar was the only word he could think of. All the instruments had that distinctive Sigil style to them and were very likely magical. The drummer and guitarists were male, the keyboard player female. One of the guitarists was an elf of some kind, the others planetouched.
     Yet what had drawn him in was their music.
     It was his music. From Earth.
     These people were playing Vision Thing by the Sisters of Mercy. Garadun knew the song well. He listened, fascinated. He'd shown up with the band about halfway through, and when they finished they barely paused before breaking into Doctor Jeep by the same band. Their instruments (had to be magical, he was sure) did a solid imitation of the electronic ones back on ole Terra Firma. The singer, one of the guitarists, had a voice that fit the Sisters of Mercy's style. They followed with More and the girl's voice was marvellous for the chorus – she could've sat in on recording sessions.
     They finally came to a halt to a great deal of applause from the crowd, which he noticed was definitely on the edgier side of things. He was by no means the only tiefling in the room. There was nothing resembling a bouncer or guards or anything. A couple of tavern-goers were calling out praise.
     "You guys were brilliant," said Garadun, stepping up to the band.
     "Thanks, cutter," said one of the guitarists, a fire genasai.
     "No, I mean it," Garadun insisted. "The way you sang Doctor Jeep was amazing. Are you gonna play Lucretia My Reflection later? Because I love that tune."
     Each of them stopped what they were doing and stared at him.
     "How d'y know tha'?" said the elf. "Where–"
     "Where do I know Lucretia My Reflection?" said Garadun, grinning. "And Temple of Love? Under the Gun? Same place as all the rest: my homeworld, Earth. You're playing songs by the Sisters of Mercy. Very good versions, too."
     "Get away," said the keyboardist. "Yer tiefling, same as me."
     "Used to be human. Got reincarnated. How'd you come across the Sisters?"
     "Th' dark of tha' is fer us, fer now," said the elf, but had a slight grin. "You are?"
     "Garadun," he said, offering his hand.
     The elf took it. "I'm Skatch. This 'ere's Dis," he said, indicating the fire genasai. He gestured to their drummer. "Jozzel. An' this 'ere's Fraan," he said and the keyboardist put a knuckle to her eyebrow, which was pierced.
     "Nice to meet you. Let me buy you a round."
     "Free bub, I'm for tha'. Cheers," said Dis and slapped him on the shoulder. They had a table to themselves, so Garadun dragged a chair over and called a waitress to order the round. Bub was Sigil slang for cheap booze, and he surprised the band when he told the waitress to bring the best the tavern had, whatever they wanted. With Ceraline as his friend he'd become far more careful with his cash than he normally was, to compensate in case she went broke. Which she'd nearly done. He hadn't had any real disposable cash until now. He felt he deserved to splurge a bit.
     Skatch, Dis, Jozzel and Fraan called themselves Limbo's Order, which was a nice contradiction in terms because Limbo was the Plane of utter chaos. But it was a good name for a band that played the kind of music they liked. They were fascinated with their host, who at first they didn't really believe was from Earth. But the talk around the table, his dancing to the music and lip-syncing during their second set and chatting again over dinner (on him) afterwards convinced them. The band was thrilled.
     "You guys ever play the Sunken Treasure?" Garadun asked.
     "Tuh!" said Dis, gnawing on a pork rib. "Tha's high-up case, tha' is."
     "We'd never get in there," said Skatch, shaking his head.
     "Be golden, though," said Jozzel. "One o' th' best fests in th' Cage. Good jink, too."
     "I could probably get you in," said Garadun, leaning back in his chair. Once more he had the band's full attention. "Jaalira's a very good friend of mine."
     "Get away!" said Fraan. "Yer tryin' to peel us."
     "I live there," said Garadun, his face serious. "I help out if she needs me. I'm serious. Me and my friends live there. I bet I could get you in."
     Garadun put a gold coin on the table and pushed it forward. "I bet you."
     Skatch leaned on the table and studied the cutter across from him. You didn't survive long as a musician (or as anything else for that matter) in most of the places he'd played in the Cage if you couldn't read folks and keep your wits. His instincts said this tiefling was playing it straight. And if he was…the Sunken Treasure! Playing that festhall could make Limbo's Order, put them in the nod of the high-ups. Fame. Money.
     Skatch took out his last gold piece and put it on top of Garadun's.
     "I'll take that bet."
     Garadun grinned. "It'll be the best gold piece you ever lost."

                                                                           *****

Jaalira looked at the four musicians Garadun had brought into her festhall, sitting there in the common room with a round of drinks, and wasn't sure what to do. They definitely weren't the usual sort that entertained her patrons.
     "Look, I know they need some polish," he said, seeing her expression. "I'll buy them some new clothes myself. Make sure they get a proper wash, hair fixed, all that stuff. I know the Sunken Treasure has standards. But they can play."
     Jaalira didn't want to seem like a snob. "You're sure?"
     "They're really good," he said, nodding. "I don't know where they learned songs from Earth, but they learned them well."
     "What sort of music again?"
     Garadun thought about it. How to describe Goth, industrial and alternative? "It's intense, loud, metallic – very…tiefling, almost. It can be fast, driving. The right kind of person will want to dance to it, and dance wild. It's…primal. It can also be beautiful."
     "I don't think I've ever heard music described that way."
     "What they play…well, I think the best way is for you to simply hear them," he suggested. "After closing, let them on stage and do a small set. Please?"
     "This means a lot to you, doesn't it?" she said, taking his hand.
     "It's my music, Jaalira. Here. In Sigil. I know I'm never going home, but…"
     In all the time she had known this man, this man of so many layers, she had never once seen him homesick. From all she had learned of him, he had adapted to the reality of the Planes with astonishing ability. Most Primes who came to Sigil and the Outlands were called Clueless by the locals. It wasn't just a matter of knowledge, but attitude. He was anything but Clueless. He fit in here. He'd made a home. Now she saw part of him that missed his old life.
     "All right, I'll give them an audition," she said and he grinned.
     "Thank you," said Garadun, hugging her. She squeezed back and gave him a kiss. He let go and strolled over to the band, who were in open awe of the festhall.
     "Okay, Skatch, I win," he said, looking round the table. "I got you an audition. When the festhall closes for the day, you're on."
     "Get away!" said Fraan, almost spilling her Arborean ale.
     Garadun leaned his hands on the table, meeting their eyes. "I told Jaalira you lot are good. That you can play. What you play may or may not be to her taste, but she's as much a businesswoman as any in the Cage. If you can entertain the people that come here, then that's all that matters. So give it your best."
     The band members were attentive, serious.
     "If you get this gig, I'll buy you all a new set of clothes. Your style, but new. Let's be clear: this is the Sunken Treasure, not a rat hole."
     Dis opened his mouth but Skatch silenced him with a look. "We understand."
     "You better. You cutters got a lot of potential and I love the music. I got you in here and got you an audition. But the rest, win or lose, is up to you."
     Skatch stood. "I knows when I'm bein' cut a break. This could make us."
     "Yeah, it could."
     Jozzel got up and offered his hand. "You're solid blood, Gar."
     "Thanks."
     "But why?" asked Fraan. "Why us? Wha's innit fer you?"
     "I get to listen to you play," he said, smiling, and went back to Jaalira.
     "Somethin' peery 'bout all this," said Dis suspiciously.
     "Bar tha'," said Skatch. "Don't be a leatherhead. I bin waitin' m'whole life fer this chance, to play fer th' high-ups an' thems with jink. I ain't tossin' th' luck."
     "So what d'we do?" said Fraan.
     "We gets our gear an' have a clean, puts on our best fer th' lady," said Skatch, self-consciously running a hand through his long, manky hair. "Sod this fer a game o' soldiers if we lose th' best stage we ever 'ad just cuz we weren't spit an' polish."
     "Right, let's be quick," said Jozzel, and giving a nod to Garadun, the band hurried out to make themselves presentable.
     This was the Big Chance they'd been waiting for.