"You're quite welcome," said Cassius with a bow, "and thank you for sharing your wisdom with me." He went back into the atrium with Story and his companions.
Lucius was distracted looking at a pretty serving girl instead of where he was going, and he walked into a column. Fortunately, nothing was hurt but his pride. The girl covered her mouth with a hand strategically, to hide what was obviously a smile.
Story,[b]Story[/b] noticed that [b]Senator Scaevola[/b] was no longer among [b]Servilia[/b]'s guests.
"Ouch!" Confused and blushed, Lucius made apologies and left the house. Outside he sighed deply and looked at his companions.
"Well, what next? Time is passing fast, and we need to act accordingly. I suspect that not Queen Cleopatra, but her bodyservant Nefertiri could be the link to the Brotherhood we are seeking. And also I think someone should stay here to watch after house and Cassius guests, and follow them. Some of them, if not all, should be the conspirators, and I think they might do some preparations tonight. So, I suggest we should split. I can stay here, who else?"
Story shakes his head and smiles upon seeing Lucius bump into the column.
Once they've left the house and gotten a little distance away he says, "Hmmm... I'm not sure if any of your noticed but Senator Scaevola was no longer there. It may be nothing, however he could be the brotherhood connection." To Lucius' question he responds, "Watch the house you say? While that may not be a bad idea, we can't afford to be discovered."
Elizabeth rolls Spot Hidden (stat 48%)
[dice]0[/dice]
"Yes I was wondering if there are any other obvious conspirators who we could talk to, who weren't here," says Elizabeth, turning to the others. "I agree that Nefertiri sounds like a possible connection, and I like Lucius's suggestion of watching this house and Cassius's guests as they leave. Though I'm not keen on splitting up, four of us watching this house would definitely draw attention, in a bad way! So what about two people stay here to watch, and two go to talk to one more person, maybe Story's suggestion of Senator Scaevola?"
Lucius nodded at Elisabeth' words. "Yes, it's what I mean: two of us could watch the house without drawing suspicions, while the rest might meet with Nefertiri, or make visit to Scaevola. Or, on the other hand, IF Scaevola already left the house, AND there aren't any other crucial conspirators inside, then watching after them could be totally pointless." Lucius made helpless gesture. "Anyway we should decide fast"
After standing around for a bit Story says, "Very well. Lucius, you and Elizabeth watch the house. Brook and I will look for Senator Scaevola. Whether we find him or not we will return to Nefertiri's abode. Perhaps we can meet back up there?"
"Absolutely, let's find good spot for watching." Answered Lucius, nodding and looking around for a good place, where from he and Elisabeth could see as much as possible and not attract unnecessary attention.
Story looks at Elizabeth and Lucius and says, "Good luck my friends." He then turns to Brook, "Let's go find the good Senator Scaevola. I'd expect it shouldn't be that hard."