Put your ear to the ground

Your business with Tobias done for now, you think to survey the area to see if anyone has seen or heard of the missing children. You hope that even if you don't find a lead immediately, word will quickly spread and something will eventually come up as people start to keep a look out for something suspicious. Stopping people on the street seems counter-intuitive, most are far too busy trying to get to wherever they're going to give you enough time to explain your story. You choose a change in tactics, and visit a nearby tavern. Some folks may be pestered for being bothered while they eat, but you'll at least improve odds of someone actually listening to you, which is an improvement. Moreso, you haven't eaten anything since you woke up at dawn, and could use some sustenance yourself. Doing so, you quickly realize the enormity of the task before you.

The attitude of the establishment once you enter is palpable and hostile, with every set of eyes upon you immediately. No sooner than you take a seat to rest to your feet, you are accosted by a loathsome, pudgy woman in dirty clothes; the owner of the building, you surmise.

"I don't suppose you have a reason for being here, young miss?" Thrusting her hands onto her broad hips

Deaf to the implications to the question, you answer pleasantly enough

"Yes ma'am. I'm actually looking for some help in finding someone. Well, a group of someone's, who has gone missing. I was also hoping I could bother you for some fruit, if you have any."

"Hmph!" she responds, her arms crossed in front of her chest as she listens "You won't be finding what you're looking for here. Anyone being searched for by a demon-spawn is better off not being found." The owner is not mincing her words, and not hiding her anger, speaking loudly enough for the entire tavern to hear. You haven't experienced this kind of open faced bias before, and it's hard for you to understand at first. You think maybe if you can explain yourself, she can put those feelings off to the side

"I beg your pardon ma'am, but this is urgent. I'm a Phoenican Sister of the Cathedral of the Lost. Someone kidnapped every child in our orphanage last night, and it is very important that I find them, and soon. They are precious to me"

"Now you listen good. No heathen cult that takes a succubus like you and leaves them responsible for dealing with kids is worth a single tear or a moment of my time. Bet it wouldn't be too long before you get them back before you use one as a sacrifice! Now get out!" In the moment, neither you or the tavern keeper were aware of their environment. In the blink of an eye, a gray blur hurls towards her, punching the woman square in the face and bringing her low. The blur became a woman; human, with dark skin and short curled hair, in the uniformed armor indicative of either an army, or a mercenary.

"What is wrong with you!" The pugnacious dark skinned woman bellowed as she stood over the tavern owner "These are children that are missing! They need help!" She turned to you and raised her hand to help you out of your seat. Her subtle head bob towards the door indicated she wanted to leave with you. Agreeing, you follow her lead. On her way out, the warrior makes a final swipe at the tavern owner, still getting back on her feet "May the Gods help pull your head out of the trough you feed from, swine"

The two of you linger in the street. Knowing little else to say, you start small "Thank you, for that."

"You're welcome, and I'm sorry you had to hear all of that. You don't get out of the Cathedral much, do you?" You shake your head no in response "Figures. I hate to be the one to say this, but you'll encounter a fair number of people like her. People aren't going to like you, just because of who you are. Gretchen especially" As she points back at the tavern

"The swine, you mean" You respond, to clarify

"Ya, her. Her husband ran off with some young Elvish harlot and most of their money, and now she's out for anyone who isn't human. Especially a soft pretty thing like you."

You reflexively blush at the compliment, though your new friend doesn't appear that much older than you. "Name's Demetria, by the way"

"Brigid" She responds as she shakes your hand "And I might be able to help you out."

"Really! Have you seen any of the kidnapped children?"

"No.." Brigid moved her hands downward as a sign to calm yourself "But....I have in my head someone despicable enough to steal a group of orphans."

"Older guy, noble, skinflint, only concerned about himself and his family? Incredibly petty"

"Ya, but that describes all nobility. Guy I'm thinking about is a foreigner, lives here as an ambassador. An old war veteran, cold hearted and vicious. His title is Baron Von Badghalvastia. Most just come him Baron Von Badass. I'll bet he has something to do with this, and I'll help fix this, if you'll have me"

"Of course, thank you so very much!"

"You're welcome" As she reaches into a pouch on the side of her belt, and hands you a fresh blood orange "Breakfast. Now, let's get humping"