DoT: Aftermath, part three

Mother Lardner was walking beside Derlina, and while there were other Greycloaks on the street they all seemed to be going about ordinary business: strolling down the street, or pausing in a doorway to look at goods, or stopping at one of the local carts. There were more on the rooftops; Vallista was peripherally aware of them and had no doubt that Mother Lardner was too. Still, that was a message in itself: her people were showing admirable restraint around the leader of the gang who controlled the territory where her father's murder had taken place. Their presence and behavior warned their fellows off. 

Talmos was watching from one rooftop; he nodded when he knew he was in her peripheral vision, and disappeared again. That was good; he was the oldest of her father's lieutenants, and a restraining influence on the rest; his skill with a dagger in the dark was legendary. He also had a well-established reputation for having no patience whatsoever with anyone causing unnecessary trouble. 

Diggs was the next one to show himself, but he was following Talmos' lead and disappeared almost immediately. The message was clear: I have my people here and we're ready to help, but Derlina has taken the lead and I won't try to cut in. It was a solid play, within the politics of the gang: showing loyalty and solidarity. Likely Diggs was grinding his teeth at the missed opportunity, but he was using it to the best advantage that he could. 

Vallista Greycloak paused at the corner, judging timing. Mother Lardner and Derlina were talking, casual and relaxed, and if there were any of the Beggars in the area they were keeping an extremely low profile. Likely there weren't; Mother Lardner might have pulled some independent security, but she wouldn't have brought any of her own people if she had any sense at all... and if there was one thing she was known for, it was good sense. The Beggars were, above all other things, practical. 

There. Vallista started out from beside the building, stepping onto the street and angling towards Derlina and Mother Lardner. If everyone kept to the same pace, they'd meet each other just outside The Copper Pot, where Vallista could invite her inside for a meal that would actually be a meeting. The food in The Copper Pot was basic but filling; the beer was decent, and the wines and brandies excellent. They also had a surprisingly tasty tea, a black tea blended with a touch of hemleaf.

Mother Lardner smiled when she caught sight of Vallista, and said something to Derlina that made her chuckle as well. The whole exchange looked cautiously friendly, though Derlina was very obviously keeping an eye on her people even as they walked along in apparent companionship. 

They came to a stop as Vallista reached them, and Derlina offered discreet bow of her head. I brought her here and sent for you, it said. I hope that's good enough. 

Yes, Derlina definitely had potential. Vallista Greycloak filed that away; now was the time to deal with Mother Lardner.