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The wizard observes Olav wandering around the shop and subtly casts prestidigitation on the objects he touches, removing any greasy finger marks, and mage hand to gently settle them back into their proper place.
I have a fine selection of scrolls, most penned by my own hand. Mage armor is most certainly within my repertoire and I am happy to say I have two in stock. Should you require more, I can be commissioned to scribe more on a daily basis.
He watches the young man with a practiced smile and pushes his thin spectacles back up his nose.
That particular item is an alembic, a tool used by alchemists to distill components. There is a scrying mirror, beautiful craftsmanship, a fine writing quill an ink set, all mounted in silver – just the thing for the discerning wizard to scribe his own scrolls.
You don’t look familiar, are you passing through town?
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Jon trudges through the persistent rain, keeping his hood down and coat wrapped tightly about him.
The events of the day run through his cluttered mind but he tries his best to push them aside and concentrate on retrieving his equipment. He is a man who has learnt to be cautious and a month is a long time.
He walks south out of town and eventually comes to a fork where the road leads south west and south east. At the fork is a large pole standing about 8 feet high with several drenched sheets of parchment pinned to it that cling wetly to it. He has a quick look and sees that it is a posting pole, with various snippets of news and messages attached to it. It appears there are also several people in town looking for help and they appear to post their requirements here. Some currently include;
Millie the baker is looking for day laborers to help build a new stone oven.
2 people needed for 1 day’s work. 2 silver pieces per person.
Zokar Elkarid has a delivery of ale arriving tomorrow but has injured his back. Looking for 1 person for 1 day’s work. 1 silver piece for the day.
2 x scythe, 1 x pitchfork, 1 x pack mule, 1 x wagon.
Contact Ernie Barrow at Barrow farm.
Over the sound of the rain drumming on his hood, Jon doesn’t hear the sound of approaching footsteps until the man growls behind him;
People round here ain’t going to forget what you lot did to Tam, you know. The Sheriff got that one slant-eyed bastard in stir but you lot should be in there with him.
Jon turns to see Gibbs standing behind him, about ten feet away. Up close he can see that the man has more of a look of a warrior about him than a farmer with his broad shoulders and flat belly although he does not appear armed. He would place Gibbs in his mid-forties although the rough stubble, darkly circled eyes and ruddy skin could make him appear older than he is. Noting the bleary eyes and dark veins that spiderweb in fine lines across his cheeks, Jon believes Gibbs is a fellow drinker.
Markus somewhat sedated from the food hadn't realised just how hungry he was after his long journey, finally comes too when Sebastian approaches him. "That sounds like a good idea i wanted to go meet Grimburrow again, if we're here for a month it might be best to get him on our side as a friend and company is always welcome." Markus then stands up, and pats Sebastian on the back. "I can tell you some glorious stories of Desna on the way."
"Very well,let us go then." Sebastian and Markus leave the house and step out into the brooding weather. As he leaves Sebastian calls over his shoulder to those that remain in the house studyig the Professor's books. "Keep an eye on things here. We should return within an hour. Make sure Kendra is safe."
As they slowly stroll down the path from the house Sebastian asks about Markus' religion. "Tell me about Desna my friend, that is not a deity with which I am familiar."
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Ikkaku is awoken by the sound of arguing coming from the adjacent office. He sits up and pulls himself to his feet from the cold stone floor and strains his ears to hear.
The other prisoners are still asleep, he can smell their night sweat and hear the soft snores.
One of the people shouting is the Sheriff, he is certain of that although he cannot make out what Caeller is saying.
The argument seems to go on for some time before it gradually dies down.
Eventually, the heavy iron door that links the cells to the office creaks open and Ikkaku can see the Sheriff silhouetted against the harsh light of several oil lamps burning within.
The heels of his long riding boots click on the stone flags as he approaches the cell where he regards Ikkaku coldly. He is dressed in a finely crafted suit of studded leather armor, Ikkaku can smell the oil on it it and see how well kept it is. He wears a pair of matching shortswords on his belt beside a ring thick with keys.
You must be blessed by Desna, Sir. he says as he slowly draws a key from the ring. Because she has granted you one hell of a slice of luck here. At least for now.
He unlocks the cell door and slides the bars across. Careful to keep the warrior in front of him at all times, he motions him out into the hallway and gestures for him to move ahead of him into the office.
To his surprise, Ikkaku sees his equipment neatly stacked in an open locker to one side.
The Councilman he briefly saw at the funeral is also present as is the ancient priest, Father Grimburrow. The councilman looks slick with sweat, from the heat of the lamps or from fear you cannot tell. The father is as stoic as ever, regarding Ikkaku with something like indifference.
The Councilman speaks up;
Mr Ikkaku. It was Professor Petros Lorrimor’s dying wish that you and the other beneficiaries of his will would serve as protectors for his daughter, Ms Kendra Lorrimor for a period of 30 days and nights…
Protection from what? the Sheriff mutters. G+#-d@*ned nonsense…
The councilman continues undeterred;
…he has further stipulations I believe you should consider in private. According to the law of this land, should you agree to carry out these final tasks you are bound by both law and honor to complete them. Once they are compete you will face judgement for the actions you took on the day of the funeral. Be assured, this is not a pardon, Mr Ikkaku, it is a stay of judgement.
He hands you a copy of the will he has hastily scribbled.
The choice is yours.
The Sheriff sighs and then speaks up;
If you do this, Mr Ikkaku. I insist on one of your party act as a chaperone. He will be responsible for you. He will go where you go. He will be culpable for any further offences you commit in this land. Father Grimburrow had more of a chance to get a sense of your companions and I trust his judgement implicitly. He has suggested the monk. If you agree to this you and the monk will appear in this office no later than noon tomorrow to sign the necessary paperwork. If you do not, you can return to your cell immediately until my investigation is complete and such time as I can escalate it to one of the magistrates in Caliphas or Lepistadt.
Is that all clear?
Sitting at the desk in the corner Davos starts to read the tomb The Umbral Leaves. After few hours of reading Davos makes a few notes then places the book back
"Well Cara that was bit different to what I usually read, what tomb you reading?"
No looks like I'm here to stay for a while, I'm an old friend of the professors who came to pay my respects. Ahh I've never been quiet able to master defensive spells like arcane armour myself so I rely on scrolls so I am envious of you. I do hope I have no need for more than two in my time here but if I do you shall be my first port of call. do you have any illusionary spells in stock there's a few people I may want to use them on if the month gets dull? There much to do in this town?
Olav starts to count out the 50 gold pieces required in to his hand he then drops the in a mess onto the counter
Markus goes to the coat rack and begins to put his robe back on."Yes please let Kendra know we've gone out, and we'll be back later."He then looks to his new friend a seemingly kindred spirit."Let's set off then my friend, i'm not sure where the church is but if we head to the graveyard i'm sure we'll see it. I think i'll start you off with a little prayer for Desna"
the homeward path, and all who make the journey.
Let each dream be a bright star in the night
sky of your mind, and let it light your path in the day.
Do not be troubled if your dream falters, for there
are countless stars in the sky and countless
dreams to experience—pick a new one and change your course."
Markus then goes quiet as he draws butterfly wings on his chest.
With a smile Markus bow's "That is a prayer said for all travelers, dreamers and those wishing good luck. Desna delights in freedom, discovery, and mystery. Those who follow Desna are eternally hopeful and always believe in a chance for success.." He then hesitates for a second Maybe that man deserves some hope. but continues up like nothing happened.
"She does not have grand temples, but there are a handful of smaller temples dedicated to her in the larger cities, although there are loads of shrines along roads where travelers can pray and ask for a blessing, you may have seen one on your travels here and not given it a second thought.
He then touches a symbol of a butterfly on his chest. "This is the symbol of Desna butterflies and moths. As a Priest of Desna she expects us to travel earning money by telling fortunes, providing entertainment, and interpreting dreams as messages from the goddess. We help people whenever we can, although we try to pass it off as luck, coincidence, or the blessings of their goddess." He taps his nose "We're not in it for the thanks"
"I was out on my travels when i was called back for the letter that Kendra sent me, it was a sad day indeed but it has brought me on another travel and presented me with an opportunity to meet new friends" He looks to Sabastian.
Markus then realises hes the only one talking throughout so so with a quick smile he turns to Sebastian. "I'm sorry for rambling i could talk all day, what of your order do you belive in a higher being?"
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Thank you. I have some illusionary spells in stock, though I'd be very cautious if I were you in their use. People around here are very superstitious and though you may pass it off as a simple joke, they may take it very much more seriously.
Ah yes, the professor. A good customer and a very interesting man. A tragic, tragic accident...
As for entertainment, the Outward Inn and Laughing Demon both hold various events throughout the week and if you're looking for work whilst you're in town you should check the posting poles around the place.
Thank you again. Tell your friends about Alendru Ghorvan and the Unfurling Scroll!
Olav looks at the man counting the gold and gives a slight look of shock when he says he is 6gp short
They were 25 gold pieces in the town not two days away about a week ago why the rise in price here? Business .....
The man interrupts him with his hurried speech before he can finish his question so Olav counts out the extra 6 gold pieces and leaves
This jobs board maybe I should check it out could do with the extra money
Olav then sets off into town to see if he can the job board Alendru told him about
Interesting choice of jobs here the others maybe interested too but they can look them selves if they want them
Olav takes a mental note of the job he is interested in and heads back to kendras
Sebastian is silent as he listens intently to Markus. When asked about his own beleifs he talks quietly.
"My Order do not worship a deity as such, though we respect Irori and the teachings of our Order resemble those in some respects. My order is one founded on the journey to enlightenment. We beleive in reincarnation of the soul and that if one lives his life well he will be reincarnated on a higher plane in his next incarnation. "
"My Order has several basic findamental tennets, which are broadly about respecting life, nature and one's self; gaining understanding and wisdom through meditation and physical hardship; martial practice and the honing of one's body and mind to a point where one has total control over both."
He looks around at the building they pass, and up at the bruised sky. He shivers inwardly and shrugs his shoulders.
"It is interesting what you say about your faith being founded on hope. That differs greatly from our teachings in that we tend to be fatalists. We believe that fate, or Karma, is both earned in this life and actions of the previous life are paid for. For example, if one was bad in a past life, their life now would be fraught with hardship and poor luck. By striving to overcome these disabilities and doing good no matter what, the person would thus gain rewards in their next incarnation."
He pauses again for a while as he regards a tree nearby, its branches almost bare and seeming skeletal. He ponders the tree for some time then continues.
"We revere those who founded our Order and tales of their experiences are told and meditated upon to understand the truth behind them. It is not about whether or not one discovers the answer, but rather the exercise is about gaining wisdom throught he contemplation of the tale."
"One such tale is this: "While Rikko, a high government official of the Vudran dynasty, had a talk with his Sifu Nansen (a founder member of my Order). The official quoted a saying of Sonajo, a noted esoteric scholar of an earlier dynasty: 'Heaven and earth and I are of the same root,The ten-thousand things and I are of one substance'. He continued, 'Is not this a most remarkable statement?' Nansen called the attention of the visitor to the flowering plant in the garden and said, 'People of the world look at these flowers as if they were in a dream.'"
"If one were to meditate on this tale for long enough one attains great Wisdom."
Sebastian smiles at Markus as the near the graveyard.
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my actions would be meaningless were I not prepared to suffer the consequences, I know it may have not been what you wanted but I could not allow them to sully your good name any longer it was more than I could bear. I wish you were here professor I know you would understand
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You cross the square from the store to the nearest posting pole. After reading all of the available jobs you make note of a few that interest you and, seeing that time has got away from you and dusk is approaching, make your way back to the house.
On the way you are surprised to see Ikkaku emerging from the Ravengro Jail. Fully armed and equipped no less.
Olav wanders over towards the samurai
Oh Ikkaka! Let you out have they? Well you better come with me quickly we should get you off the street before the people of this town loser their heads... No pun intended well it was but still
Olav laughs to him self then smiles at Ikkaku only getting a stern look in response
Well this way then
He then proceeds to escorts the samurai back to kendras house
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As Ikkaku emerges from the doorway of the jail he feels the rain beat down in his face, it is cold but refreshing. He notices Olav approach and as he speaks Ikkaku thinks to himself grief certainly does do strange things to people, this almost seems like a different person from yesterday
"it's Ikkaku, Madarame Ikkaku, forgive me for not formally introducing myself until now. In my culture it is considered extremely rude, what is your name?"
Ikakku bows towards Olav briefly before following him back to the house
Jon reads a few of the sheets pinned to the post before he hears the voice behind him, turning around he sees the coward Gibbs
son of a b#@+!, I didn't hear him! I'm lucky he didn't stick a knife in me, a mistake he will regret if he pushes me too far
Jon looks into Gibbs eyes, taking the measure of the man and pulling himself up to his full height he smiles coldly.
Gibbs! We didn't have time to finish our little chat this morning, you were too busy high tailing it out of the cemetery. taking his flask from inside his jacket Jon takes a swig how many drinks did it take for you to drum up the courage to form your pathetic little posse? Oh i can guess Gibbs I can see you have a love for the bottle, us drunks can smell our own. Difference between you and I though is I don't find courage at the bottom of a bottle , just a little bit of sanity!
Now I am not having one of my good days Gibbs , so I am giving you this chance, get away from me and stay away or I will put you away , for good.
Sitting at the desk in the corner Davos starts to read the tomb The Umbral Leaves. After few hours of reading Davos makes a few notes then places the book back
"Well Cara that was bit different to what I usually read, what tomb you reading?"
Lifting her eyes. and stretching her arms as she closes the book, Caradwens' eyes have an unusual brightness to them - "Serving Your hunger..." - she answers Davos - "I have taken some notes - it is interesting reading, as unsettling as the theme may be, but after these hours I have to admit Davos - I found nothing particularly suggestive or out of the ordinary, all things considered..."
Standing up and tidying up her clothes, Caradwen adds - "You know what? Lets go into town - I've been wanting to do some sightseeing anyway, and we need to clear our head a bit from these gloom matters, wouldn't you agree?" - she smiles.
"I would suggest we start with the inns - doesn't matter where one goes, there is no place like the local inn to gather information on the comings and goings - The Outward Inn seems just mi kind of place - What say you?"
Gathering her gear, she finishes - "Lets go" - and moves out the door.
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Gibbs chews his lip for a moment, clearly taking a measure of the man and perhaps not liking what he's sees.
Big words. Empty air. You'll all soon learn us good folks ain't afraid o' the likes o' you.
For the first time Jon notices the large skinning knife on the man's belt.
Suddenly there is a low growl from right beside Jon and the sound near makes him jump out of his skin. For the second time in as many minutes something creeps up behind him.
He looks down to see a large dog, easily standing to Jon's thigh and perhaps made to look even bigger by its bedragged grey hair that gathers in wet clumps about its thickly muscled shoulders and rear legs. It is low and poised, as if ready to leap but it isn't looking at the oracle. It bares its big yellow teeth at Gibbs and issues a warning bark like a crack of thunder.
Gibbs smiles, but nervously now.
Heh. Makes sense you dogs would stick together, strays and curs alike. I'm done with ya..!
He spits and turns into the darkening evening, muttering as he goes.
The dog continues to growl as it watches the man disappear into the rain but then, seemingly content with its work, looks up at Jon, its teeth no longer bared, its tongue lolling dumbly to one side.
He can see that the dog has lost an eye at some point and half an ear has been chewed off too. One of his back legs looks slightly smaller than the other as if it had been broken at one time and never healed properly. Nevertheless, that big pink tongue licks at Jon's fingers and the one working eye looks up at him expectantly.
Woof!
Jons heart beat slows back down to normal as he looks down in wonder at the ragged beast beside him where the hell did you spring from? By the inheritor you are an ugly brute
Kneeling down beside the dog he roughly scratches his head just behind the stump of his ear and pats his broad back, running his hands over the old scars.
good boy! good boy! guess you don't like Gibbs any more than I do eh fella?
Looking over his old wounds John whistles quietly
you have seen some action haven't you old fella, bit of a fighter I recon. Yessir one tough son of a b#$++, Gibbs better not mess with you eh
Reaching into the pocket of his jacket John pulls out a few strips of jerked beef and holds them out to the grizzly old dog.
As they near the graveyard, a sense of gloom descends on Sebastian. Returning here so soon after the funeral does not feel right. I still fear that this task the Professor has set us will be more taxing than we think."
He looks across the gloomy scene, lent a sinister character by the darkening sky, and shivers. There is no temple here.
"Well Markus, it looks like we have taken the wrong turn. I suggest we try another path. Lets go that way."
Unwittingly they now stroll along the correct path and soon come to the Temple.
"I don't know about you, but I'd like to get in out of this infernal rain."
They step forward to enter the Temple.
Markus nods along as Sebastian tells him of his own beliefs and that of his orders. "That's fascinating Sebastian, interesting thing is we clearly differ but it seems some of our foundations are shared. Thank you for teaching me to learn is to expand one's understanding of the world." He then notices it's taking them awhile to get to the temple and he too is getting cold. "It seems you're right, maybe you should try and lead the way this time.""After a while they finally spot the temple."It will be nice to get out of this rain."He follows Sebastian in."Now let's try and dry off and find the father."
Olav helverson, now lets try stay low and out of sight I do not want to attract the attention of any more mobs
Olav stays low and tries to sneak through the street
Lets stay low and out of sight
Olav starts dashing round the streets doing over dramatic dives and pressing him self flat against walls while humming a dramatic tune
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The temple is easily the most impressive building you have seen in Ravengro, built of huge grey bricks and decorated with frescos of the Lady of Bones.
You push open the double oak doors and step into the dry and warm. Rows of pews line the hall which is illuminated with hundreds of candles.
After a while an acolyte sees you and asks if you require anything. She explains he Father isn't in residence at the moment, he stated he has business at the Jail.
Markus bows to the acolyte. "Thank you for your help, Pharasma must surely be pleased with you keeping this temple so well tended. I suppose we could seek him out at the jail if you would let use get a little warm before we head out in that again." He then looks to Sebastian "Looks like he must be dealing with that man in the jail."
"Of course lets head out could go to the inn be nice to get a drink and see what the locals are like"
Davos grabs hos cost out from the hallway and follows caradwen to the inn
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The acolyte nods politely and says;
You may stay as long as you wish, Desnan, the doors to Pharasma's waiting room never close.
You watch as she busies herself lighting several candles that blew out as you came in.
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@Jon
The hound snaffles up the dry rations and licks his chops. He stands watching you carefully in case there are any more but isn't too disheartened when they aren't forthcoming.
He pads along more or less beside you on the trip back to the caravan, looking up optimistically every now and then.
On the way back to town he starts to trot back toward the centre of town, looking back once.
Woof!
After a while Sebastian says."it. Is a shame that we
Missed the father and the hour is getting late. Perhaps we should return to the professor's house to check up on Kendra. We can find father Grimburrow tomorrow. What do you think Markus?"
"Let's head back to Kendra, there does seem to be a few.. characters in that house she might need saving from them." He says with a smile as he stands up and readies himself for the rain. "It was not all a waste we got to have a nice discussion."
Olav and ikkaku arrive back at the house,
One minute I better go in and explain to the others your out and coming in
Olav wanders about the house looking for people but can't seem to find anyone
Hello, anybody?
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Olav helverson, now lets try stay low and out of sight I do not want to attract the attention of any more mobs Olav stays low and tries to sneak through the street Stealth: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 4 = 7 Lets stay low and out of sight Olav starts dashing round the streets doing over dramatic dives and pressing him self flat against walls while humming a dramatic tune I gave my self -4 because of this
" it is good to meet you Olav Helverson"
Ikkaku continues to follow Olav and watches on in bewilderment as the odd man rolls about and shimmies along next to wallshe must fancy himself a ninja
As they return to the house Ikkaku patiently waits outside while Olav goes in
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Olav, Ikkaku, Jon, Sebastian and Markus arrive back at the Lorrimor house within about 15 minutes of eachother, the priest and monk unable to locate Grimburrow this evening but still glad to have had the chance to begin to get to know eachother.
You find Kendra preparing a dinner of thick cut pork steaks, potatos and green beans. She welcomes you all and when she sees the samurai says;
Mr Ikkaku. there is little emotion in her voice. I set you a place.. In case you could join us.
Dusk had fallen by the time Jon walked back into town, his new companion on the road hadnt said much but was a comforting presence nonetheless.
Hefting his large bag into a more manageable position he stops and watches the dog trot off toward the centre of town. As he looks back and barks Jon smiles broadly
see you around boy ! he calls out and raises his hand in farewell.
turning aside Jon hefts his pack and moves once more towards the cemetery.
The cemetery has taken on a somber brooding feel as night falls, Jon begins to feel the raw edge of his grief gnaw at him as he approaches the freshly filled in grave.
The several hours he spent trudging back to the caravan had given him more than enough time to think.
Dropping his pack to the muddy ground he sinks to his knees beside the professors grave
I owe you more than I can ever repay my friend, I wish I knew why you asked us to look after kendra. I know your work took you to some dark places and you must have had enemies, i just hope there isn't anything more to this than your concern for her being left alone.
Gods I am not ready for this responsibility! I am not ready for what is to come but I will be! I vow to you my friend I will protect her or give up my life trying!
Jon bows his head in silence for a long moment dnd then takes a deep breath.
Reaching into his pocket he pulls out his well used hip flask.
Leaning over the grave he pushes it deep into the earth.
I have had my last drink my friend , that demon has claimed me for the last time! Kendra will be well looked after
Olavs face lights up at the meal
Mmmm this food looks amazing Kendra I can not wait to dig in. By the way guys Mr Ikangaroo was let out for some reason I haven't asked him why yet but I assume it was to do with the will and that local law with the churchest. Well he can explain anyway.
Olav starts to lay the food out on his plate and then begins to wolf it down
I don't think I have ever eaten this good.
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Mr Ikkaku. there is little emotion in her voice. I set you a place.. In case you could join us.
"allow me to formally introduce myself I am madarame Ikkaku"
He bows"I know you do not trust me....but rest assured I would die before not honoring the professor's last request, as a Ronin I chose my own edicts, you may think of them as a moral code, one of mine is to never allow a companion to come to harm. If I were to break this edict I would be left with no choice but to commit seppuku for my shame. What that means for you is you need not fear me, I do not expect you to like me but know I pose you no threat and will protect you with my life"
He raises his head and smiles he then takes a place at the table
Markus finally returning back to Kendra's house finally starts to feel the day ware on him. This has been quite an eventful day, sleep will be a blessing tonight." He waves to everyone as he makes his way into the dining room to eat. "This looks amazing Kendra, thank you for doing this." He then finally sees Ikkaku sitting down. He is out then And ignores the man, only having the energy to eat.
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once everyone has sat down Ikkaku stands up and bows,
"to those of you I have not formally introduced myself to till now, forgive me, my name is Maderame Ikkaku, you are all most likely wondering why I am not still rotting in a jail cell".
"I have been granted a stay of judgment, until I have completed the professor's last request, then I will return to the sheriff to face judgment for my actions".
"there was one condition, that I be assigned a chaperone to keep an eye on me during this stay, Father Grimburrow has chosen Sebastian for this task"
he turns towards Sebastian,
"if you accept this responsibility we are to meet with the sheriff and Father Grimburrow at noon tomorrow to sign the necessary paperwork"
He sits back down and awaits a response....
Jon walks away from his friends grave for the second time that day and returns to the house. Walking inside he can smell the home cooking coming from the kit hen and finds suddenly he is ravenous.
hanging his soaked hat and coat he lugs his bag up to one of the rooms upstairs.
stripping off his sodden clothing he washes up, scrubbing himself as clean as he can, donning a fresh shirt, trews and a clean pair of boots he returns downstairs just as kendra is bringing out the food.
Noticing for the first time that maderame has been freed from jail he nods his head toward him in greeting and takes a seat next to him .
this smells wonderful kendra, thank you. offering his hand to ikakku he says
Jon Moulton, he introduces himself they let you out then? The councilman said they would have to. I take it they told you about the professors will?
Jon reaches for some bread and butter. Tearing into it he chews thoughtfully.
I think they were referring to the professors books . He has some rare books he asked us to return for him. I don't really know what they are I admit my mind was preoccupied by that point and I wasn't really taking it in.
Jon finishes his bread and turns to Caradwen
Caradwen , you seemed very interested in the professors books. Have you had a chance to look them over? Can you tell us a bit more about them?
Sebastian, upon entering the house removes his wet coat and hat and hangs them up. Beneath he wears a simple and loose fitting sleeveless shirt of a dark colour. He also removes his wet boots and then joins the others.
He sees Ikkaku sitting with the others and frowns. "Hello Ikkaku, I see you have been released. Welcome." He says with a neutral tone.
As he listens to the conversation and the conditions of Ikkaku's release he wonders. It is strange that the conditions of a will would overule the laws of this place, but ever the law is a srange thing. Why choose me as his chaperone? I do not like him, the way he over reacted to that incident was reckless.
He takes a deep breath, centering himself. But did Sifu not say 'water that is too pure has no fish'. Perhaps this warrior will demonstrate a more enlightened spirit with a little encouragement.
He says. "I will consider this request." He then turns to Kendra and smiles warmly. "I thank you for this meal."
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The Outward Inn is a recommendable ten-bedroomed inn located in the Town Square. As you enter the building you see a large reception desk in a lobby, nicely decorated with local artwork.
The lady behind the desk doesn’t look up from her newspaper as you enter but the sound of music coming from below leads you to realize the lower floor is the actual tavener.
You find your way down a wide staircase and push open the door at the bottom. Although by no means full, most of the tables are occupied by locals and a bard plies his trade on stage, singing traditional Ustlavian songs in a rich voice.
Almost everyone turns to look at you as you enter, their conversations stopping, mugs pausing halfway to lips. The bard’s tones drift into the silence for a moment before he realizes silence has descended and he too stops to look at the strangers.
...that one was there when Tam was killed...
one whispers.
...aye, I heard they done drunk his blood an’ all...
I’m paying you to sing Sacha, not gawp! the lady behind the bar yells. An’ the rest of you. Mind your manners now.
Turning to the pair standing in the doorway she says;
Come on in. Now, what can I get you?
She is a handsome Ustlavian woman, probably just touching forty although with the bright eyes and ringlet chestnut hair of a woman half her age.
the other part of the will was a request for us to return some some books the professor had in his possession, I did not pay much attention to what they were , my mind was elsewhere at the time. We will have to ask Davos and Caradwen if they have learned more about them, they seemed keen to let their hands on them
Markus continues to eat, not joining in on everyone explaining what was requested of them from the will reading.
Davos walks into the pub and greets the woman with a smile
Doesn't seem to friendly
"Good afternoon, can I get a bottle of your house wine please"
Sebastian finishes eating and washes his food down with water. He clears his throat and turns to Kendra. "There is something that has been playing on my mind throughout the day, but I have not felt comfortable broaching the subject. I know this is not the best time to ask, and I understand completely if you do not wish to speak of it, but what happened to the Professor? How did he pass?"
The Outward Inn is a recommendable ten-bedroomed inn located in the Town Square. As you enter the building you see a large reception desk in a lobby, nicely decorated with local artwork.
The lady behind the desk doesn’t look up from her newspaper as you enter but the sound of music coming from below leads you to realize the lower floor is the actual tavener.
You find your way down a wide staircase and push open the door at the bottom. Although by no means full, most of the tables are occupied by locals and a bard plies his trade on stage, singing traditional Ustlavian songs in a rich voice.
Almost everyone turns to look at you as you enter, their conversations stopping, mugs pausing halfway to lips. The bard’s tones drift into the silence for a moment before he realizes silence has descended and he too stops to look at the strangers.
...that one was there when Tam was killed...
one whispers....aye, I heard they done drunk his blood an’ all...
I’m paying you to sing Sacha, not gawp! the lady behind the bar yells. An’ the rest of you. Mind your manners now.
Turning to the pair standing in the doorway she says;
Come on in. Now, what can I get you?
She is a handsome Ustlavian woman, probably just touching forty although with the bright eyes and ringlet chestnut hair of a woman half her age.
Caradwen nods slightly at Davos' request for wine, more intent on watching the surroundings - "Agreed, let us taste some of the local wine - are there available tables?"
Once they arrange for a table, Caradwen sips on the wine, trying to ascertain its quality and origin, while watching the cultural activities around them - "I believe I heard singing just before we came in..." - she comments to her companion, but then continues - "So, tell me... What exactly happened during the funeral? I heard some hushed conversations about it, but you were there, right?"
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Kendra takes a long swallow of wine.
That's fine Sebastian. You were all his friends so it is right that you should ask how he passed.
She laces her fingers beneath her chin in an almost prayer like fashion.
He was up at the old Harrowstone Prison, on the hill overlooking town. He was spending more and more time there, became fascinated with its history. The building is old and unstable from the fire that burnt through it.
She sighs.
Some masonry, probably a gargoyle, collapsed on him whilst he was in the grounds. It was a tragic, needless accident. That was three months ago. Father Grimburrow has kindly kept his body preserved under the effects of a gentle repose spell until I could reach you all.
Benjen, the sheriff, found his body.