Delroy shrugged a shoulder, "Rochardan seemed to like me. A lot… He has invited me to his home, in fact. I should be able to get him to tell me if he is not yet dead. I must go be sure the rumors of the ability to kill with a touch have not been enhanced… I would come with you to visit Nonna, but a Life does hang in the balance, potentially. Do be well, so I may see you again soon."
Once Luigi had said his peace, and farewell-for-nows, he runs off for the Illiar estate, hoping the invitation to visit will be honored. A shame though, he likes Luigi's Nonna.
Having made his farewells to his fellow officers, Delroy walks out of the Constabulary alongside Luigi, mulling over all that had happened within. "Well, Luigi, I am quite worried for your family; Who might be involved with the Illair Lions? Until I understand the spell of Locating, I must do this the hard way… But those that helped me make that arrest…" Pausing, Delroy chuckled a little, "Have probably taken care of that assassin by now, actually… I do hope so. The interrogation took far too long… Would you like to come with me to see Rochaurdan? He might know enough to narrow down the list of potential targets."
Delroy listened carefully to the lesson given by Nicuşor, "It almost sounds as if the matter is entirely out of my hands… I might not be called to Witness? Perhaps Lady Ivanova then? Her quarrel is more with dear Maddy anyway. Your impropriety before Lady Rosza Juette de Vieuxpont, now…" Delroy shrugged, "I will study the Order's law books, and see if I may have to make traveling plans."
"You are strange, Sir Zvonomir. So crass before, defiant… And rude. Until now. I must confess I am even now tempted to believe it is a ruse. That you have something yet to gain and you are trying to deceive me into facilitating that end. All your emotion may have well been an attempt to manipulate me."
Delroy nodded to the Bat, slowly, lifting his hand a little as a polite request to be allowed to continue. His tone was contemplative, rather than accusatory.
"It would be wrong for me to allow that initial impression to sway me. Just remember one thing, I had a secondary reason to request you be separated from Maddy. Her influence on you, negative to yourself or others being the first, But also to keep you two from planning something together." He looks askance at Jackrum with a bit of a smirk.
"I should hope you have not been trying to outsmart me when I really wanted to help you. It was the dignity you now show that makes me voice my doubts… If your turn is true, Sir, I will never have been more honoured to be proven wrong." With that, Del bowed properly, then just shrugged and chuckled a little, "I will not forget this case as long as I should live, I think."
Delroy smirked faintly, Not because The Bat was so despondent, but because he had a possible solution, "Who cares what they say. They do not know the ways of the Order. They were not here to see what the dastardly Golden Raccoon had to do to you." Again, The raccoon smiled, "For that you would be in my debt, surviving to tell your family such stories about me. 'T'would take the blame away… For that your debt to me would be to live your life anew. Do not allow me to catch you at such deviltry again. I will speak to the court on your behalf, against some of my better judgement." He turns to Alejandro, and nods, 'we're done here.' "I do so hate regret." He then nodded to Jackrum, "Do you have a spare cell? If so, let us make good on our first bargain. Give him the peace he will need to beseech the Light."
Delroy looked to Alejandro for confirmation when Nicuşor despaired of his freedom. He was going to have to polish up on his Barrister's Lore.
"It is strange that we captured her for use of Unholy magics when she may have got away with Murder." He then rubs his face from top down, quite ambivalent on the entire matter at that point.
'Maddy' is quite dangerous and it will be good that she may soon be no more. But why could she have not been found for her other crimes… Yes, Delroy was having a 'why me?' moment.
"Thank you, Sir. I am sorry this has befallen you, and I hope to be able to sway the Court's opinion. I do believe we can separate you from her for at least some small measure of peace until the trial, We should have more than enough to justify one."
Delroy nods in understanding, "Would you like some tea, Sir? It really was careless of the Guardsman to put you together, was it not? A warm drink might help your nerves."
Delroy waited for Nicuşor's answer, and any possible fetching of tea after telling the Captain, "I am certain we can trust him with a cup."
"I have spoken to Marsilio, as you know. What he has told me has made me understand the unbearable conditions of your detainment, something no nobleman deserves. Perhaps we can work something out?"
He waited for a sign of interest from the Bat, looking contemplative.
"Now, if you tell me more about your sister, I might find reason enough to have you separated… Tell me the right things, and I may make sure you share one less thing than a cell. She blames you for this, you know? Help us make her charge of Necromantic Practice stick, and we will let you walk out of here free… Save for what debts you incurred for the damages caused to the Three Spears. For my part I will include in my reports the fact that you had to be hard pressed by the Finders, saving you any potential embarrassment in your family."
He let that sink in for a moment, sitting up quite straight with his best posture, "Do consider the difference between Generosity and Impotence, Sir, before you answer."
Delroy closed the door once everyone had entered, then he sat opposite the table from Nicuşor. "You look harrowed, Sir. I hope the Constables have been kind to you." He looked to the others in the room, patting his purse, "Who has a cigar? I am fresh out… Is there tea on?"
Delroy brushes his hands over his lapels, then smooths them out as he resumed eye contact with the Bat. He clears his throat, pauses for effect, (Gathering his thoughts, actually, but he looks good doing it.) "Now that we have Marsilio's testimony, Mădălena has a much greater chance of a gallows trip than before… Oh, thank you."
He nodded to the Constable with a cigarillo to spare, which he lights from the candle on the wall sconce. He removes his robes, exposing his wax boiled leather plates strapped about his body. With a shake of the robes, he then drapes them over his chair before sitting down once more. "Right now I see no reason not to charge you with aiding and abetting a Necromancer, which would leave you and her sharing a cell for the last of your days… I do not envy you that."
Delroy had leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbow upon the tabletop, thumb and forefinger cradling his chin in thought. "Although…" He stared Nicuşor in the eyes, his own shaded by the wide brim of the hat he wears, prominently displaying his badge.
As Delroy entered the Cell, he nodded to the captives within, "Mădălena? I hope you do not mind my requesting Nicuşor's company for a moment? Thank you so much." He smiled warmly, then turned to the questioning room, so he could have some time away from Mădălena, He watched Nicuşor closely, wondering if he sees this as a reprieve.
Del stood upright and strode from the wall, "We need to sweat him. I mean we could get him for aiding and abetting a known Necromancer, and he would share her fate. We have Marsilio and the Tiger likes the sound of his own voice. We let him know that and we let him sweat it for a bit. Test him, you see; It should be easy to know when to show him the carrot on our stick; The freedom he has just begun to mourn." Delroy looked damned proud of himself, as he nodded to Alejandro and Jackrum, making his way to the door leading to Nicuşor's 'cell'.
"We may as well offer him what he can already have, and come out on top regardless."
Delroy looks over to Alejandro, "You were right, Boss." He then nods to the Captain, "The carts were attacked by people wielding the Arts, Technically I am still on that case… Bring the witness in while I explain:" He walked over to a corner, leaning between the two walls, facing the crowd.
"Lady Zvonomir and an unknown accomplice attack Rouchardon's shipment on the Via Salutis. She returns to Triskellion and plays the part of a Fine Noble Lady. She uses her influence to make it into Rouchardon's party, and arranged to make a tradeoff. The item in the box I had recovered to stymie their plans had once contained a lock of Rinaldi fur. We may find out who's yet through questioning Nicusor. I am convinced he is innocent of all but his reckless use of Elementalism in the Three Spears. See, I heard a commotion while downstairs, and upon reaching the source, Lady Zvonomir was ransacking Rouchardan's hotel room, and keeping his Kaeva hostage. A Necromantic curse spell was clearly cast by Madelena during the struggle. You can not mistake the taint you feel when such energies are wrested." He then looks up, hoping to see the Witness walking in. "We can give Nicusur what fines are applicable for the damages he did under his Sister's direction. She had a very dominant relationship over her brother, and he may be glad to be rid of her. To testify against her out of spite." Del nods to himself, mostly, "I say we offer him an expunged record if he gives up the goods on his Sister. We'll have to ease into it of course."
"Uncle Adoulph taught me the branching mnemonic… Not some…" Delroy rubbed his forehead as he sat himself down.
"Damn it. Alejandro!" Del was steamed, though only at his own inability to have noticed the peculiarities of his own training. Self-chiding, the 'Coon hushed his voice, calmed down and let out a sigh. "Just as it says in the book, then." He nods to himself, "Sans the showmanship…" Del grinned, leaning back to watch the Master at Work.
Watching the magic unfold before him, Delroy kept one hand resting over his Boss's. The relaxed lean did not last long at all. Del ended up sitting bolt upright, his eyes still darting along the bloodline hovering just outside mundane sight, as the afterimages and the heart-beat pulse he doesn't quite hear as much as he feels undulating from the lines. Delroy had to shake his head to clear it.
"Perhaps some time away from his sister would do him good? If I have nothing more on him, I have nothing more against him than what he has done. I mean, I almost pity him now… It feels like I could expunge this charge from our records, if he'll allow us to rid him of his Sister's abuses… Light blind me, Alejandro…" Del's voice trailed off as if he were about to sneeze, and he stood up and shuddered visibly from top to tip, groaning in revulsion as the oddly unnatural sensation passed through him like an aftershock, "That was not normal, was it?" The 'coon's cool demeanor cracked along with his voice.
"I have a Rinaldi with me, Tiger. He heard you and he will do as he must to aid his family, with my help once this business is concluded." Delroy looks over to Luigi, "I am sure Alejandro will assign me to finding which of your kin is in danger." His risky little ploy backfired but it's hard to outsmart someone who understands mental and emotional manipulation on a supernatural level.
Or did it? He just wanted Marsilio to stop with the crazy grins, before he took it too far. So with one look back to Luigi with guilt written plain on his face, the 'coon follows Alejandro. "I thought he might be acting… Those little giggles of his…" Del took a look at the black fur, narrowing his eyes, I wonder if Marsilio is the one who controlled the one eyed Wolf? Uhm…" Delroy coughed into his hand, "I'll ask him when we're done here… I need to pay attention… As for the Locating… How do you resolve the final variables? I am still trying to learn that spell."
Delroy forced himself to listen, so he might still catch the advice and knowledge hidden within Marsilo's verbal jabs and evasions. He looked over to Luigi at the owner of the fur is revealed (Though not as specifically as he might like!)
"This is when he feigns madness and no longer cooperates… Though I am yet inexperienced and may well be wrong."
He was sure to let the Tiger hear him say that, "Never the less, I should still have enough left to find out who the owner was even if he truly has gone mad… Make ready the Headsman when the time comes, I think the guillotine is being greased… Whenever."
The 'coon was pushing his luck now and he knew it, but he kept going all the same. Everything is a game to these Spellbinders. He had to stack his deck, read his opponent, and bluff[/i]. [b]"I promised him he would not hang… But a madman would not know the difference between guillotine and an Axe…" He began to walk toward the door in a casual manner. Stepping too hard would give up the play. "It is time to speak to Magdalena now, I think. What she does not tell me will help with Her Brother. I'll just press him a little and he'll break. His sister will give me the very words I need to tear him down and have him implicate the both of them."
Delroy approached as the Tiger spoke, listening intently to each word, trying to gauge why it was chosen over any other. Hoping to unravel what enigmas their may be in this oddly masochistic feline.
"I could ask the broadest questions first but you would only regale us for hours with fascinating tales we have no true use for. You have been caught, but that need not mean you will make it too easy on me. I have yet to test my true metal, finding you via simplest whim of Entropy ad I did to your misfortune."
Delroy cleared his throat, "You were involved in the cargo heists upon the Saludis. Where is the take and loot hidden? Is there anyone held for ransom that needs finding? Next, if you please, I wish to know Nicusur's involvement in those thefts, the names of any co conspirators for my Friend here, and any information you may have gleaned from the Zvonomir's minds while you were with them. Purely for the order's records so we might uncover more of their wrongdoing. I know you want to see them suffer for what their meddlesome delays have cost you. For any leverage you may give us in their case, know that I will have more power to drive the nails of their coffin deeper. Whatever honor you have would not let you rest otherwise."
Delroy nodded curtly, "I have yet to study the law codes in depth, so I know not if I can bring Marsilo a quick merciful execution, and spare him the inquisitor's caress. If so, I will. Notice, Alejandro, I did not ask permission. I asked for advice and sanction if it were needed. I promise I will brush up my study of the barrister arts lest my use to you wane sufficiently that you tire of my lackluster personality."
His questions answered, Delroy, clasped Alejandro on his shoulder, "Did you not stumble in your first assignments? Given what I have accomplished thusfar I hope I can be forgiven this once. You've been a father to me… Maybe the older brother I should have had."
The 'coon smirks, then stretches his arms forward, laced fingers popping with palms out. "Which is why I ask for the night off after this. Gwenn has much to celebrate, and she has chosen to spend that time with me. So let's get this over with and hit the office?"
Delroy snorts to Alejandro, "If only to break the puritanical air the Order shrouds itself it to the public eye. I shall let my debauchery become legendary." He managed to suppress his grin long enough to hear the cat out, nodding excitedly at the end, "Damned right I do. My senses have confirmed the magics used by Nicuşor and Marsilo are similar to those used to attack the caravan. Marsilo no longer has any love for the Bat and it does seem that he will cooperate. Please… See to it he is given some good measure of mercy for this. I have made no promise of such myself, Alejandro, just as you told me." Del wrung his hands together, getting the jitters in a big way. His first real arrest under his own authority.
Thankfully, Luigi's question distracted him enough to allow his mind to regain some focus. "I found that within one of Rouchardons warehouses, while investigating a haunting. I fear it dates to the time of the tanner. That seal is found on some of the oldest governance buildings in this city. I would like access to them. In exchange, I will ask that my friends investigate your Nonna's 'visitor'." He takes his friend's hand in both of his, dipping his gaze, "I have never asked you for anything… Except that pastry… And I did your cyphering for a week to pay for it."
The arrival of Jackrum and the Lieutenant shook him from his commiserating (and hopefully shutting out Luigi's inevitable reminder of the arse-kicking the fox had saved him from that first day!) "Indeed, We may remove the gag, if he has one, just do not touch him, lest he has a direct sensory link to cast through. We will need him able to speak."
Del grinned to Jackrum, insinuating that magic can, indeed, do a lot.
"If we may, I would like Alejandro to have a moment of his time. In private, as he is offering eyewitness testimony. Constables. While he is doing that, I implore you send men to the dockyards, Marsillo himself will tell you of the dangerous assassin my friends now hunt there. I would go myself but my duty lies here. I am sure you will know where to find them soon."
Delroy, still confused as he was when he walked in, handed Luigi the amulet he found so his friend can be distracted long enough for him to take care of his business with Alejandro, "I am so glad you are here, Luigi. I need your testimony to my credibility to make an important arrest. Please say you'll help me? As for that:" He pointed to the amulet now in Luigi's hand, "That might have something to do with your Nonna, friend, let me know if you recognize it." Giving his friend a hug and a quick apologetic 'one moment please' smile, he then turned to Alejandro, "I certainly hope so. Lady Ivanova is furious, she may take it out on me if I fail in this."
"Natalia, Javiera, I can do this on my own, go help Quinn. I will alert the authorities once I get there." Del turned to go before he changed his mind, and ran after Jackrum, his hand atop his hat.
TDelroy has to weigh his Duty vs a murder about to happen, which is not what he's been invested to investigate. I think Del would ask Jackrum to try to stall the Bats until he can get back. He just does not want to know someone died and he could have done something. This isn't Duty be damned, this is just a young man's idealism.
We're kind of doing him a favour right now anyway… Del could say "What're you waiting for? There's a dangerous killer in the city! You go get him, I'll go deal with the ones in your cells like I'm supposed to." :P
"Of course, Captain. When may I come to make my examination of the Zvonomir? I should hope to return quite soon." He then asks Javiera, "You wished to tell me something? I think we should head to Old Town, speak on the way… I am suddenly worried for my friend Luigi… He lives there."
Del grunts in a perturbed manner due to Marsilio's attitude. A little creeped out, and taking it a little personally as well. "That is the other Wizard that attacked the caravans, Quinn. Nicuşor and Mădălena being the others." He then nodded to the Vixen, "Yes, Javiera?"
He began to walk off, gesturing that the Paladin should follow.
"Marsillo hired Nicusur and possibly convinced him he has a sister. The Order can find no official record of her. They were used to attack shipments that would hurt Rochardon's father, He has a personal vendetta, and feels that Lion is quite dangerous. Illaire seems estranged from his father, however. That all is my conjecture alone. He and Nucusur left a box that once contained a lock of fur in the Spear's pump room for some reason that Gwenn and I found, Nicusur blamed Marsillo, and attacked Kaeva. Another of Marsillo's puppets, Gang Fei, escaped his control and took his revenge, and here we stand."
The raccoon ticked each point off his fingers, then turned to ask Marsillo, "How much of that was correct?" and upon hearing his answer, he nods to Natalia, "I think we need to ensure that Nicusor stays in Jail, and learn what we can of what was done at the Spears. I have my own reasons to speak to Luigi. I do not think it would hurt to bring him along, so he might know what happens in his family's City. I guess I could have him found. I am not certain where he might be… today. I have not seen him since I took my oath." Not so long ago…
The young Finder nods to Javiera, "Believe me, I was just waiting to get everyone together, lest I have to repeat myself and bore those who've heard it before. That includes our adventure in the Warehouse, and what we'll be doing about that as well as this Gang Fei of the Lin Kuei. I have seen too much innocent death and the day is still young."
Delroy nods, "Which one was Gang Fei? I think my friends will be glad to avenge Kaeva for you. Your warnings are most appreciated. I am sure your cooperation will be taken into account by the court. As for the box, your comment has me wondering what Gang Fei would do with the remnants of a ribbon tied lock of fur. I ask because he might have gotten into the box and we need to know who his target is."
"We will find out who started this fire, and they will pay for their crimes… And I suppose you will only tell me who Gang Fei is after I make my divulgence?" He then nodded to Jackrum, "Allow me some time with the scene, unless Marsilo has more he knows? I will be at the Constabulary as soon as possible."
Now if only his friends haven't possibly tangled the energies of this place into knots… He would soon find out if he could hear the fainter hum of old magic, against the soul-thrumming sensations of raw power being harnessed nearby.
1d8 ⇒ 21d12 ⇒ 121d6 ⇒ 5 Mind, Supernatural, Supernatural
Was the fire set by wizardly arts?
Del had found himself growing impatient when the Tiger left his veil active, until it was dispelled and everyone began to crowd around. He now had a lot to chew on, to separate meat from gristle. "Worry not for me, I knew of the dangers of this job when I took the Oath."
The Tiger's request for knowledge caught Delroy's interest. What would Marsilo stand to gain knowing this? It seems he has reason to… Gloat?
"I will tell you what you wish to know, but only at the Constabulary."There you go, Delroy, the safest course. You need time to think.
Delroy then addresses the officers, "This Tiger is a potent Spellbinder, be on your guard. But I doubt he will give us any trouble, is that indeed correct, Marsilo?" He looked over to Natalia, not shifting from his readied posture, "He is Nicusur's accomplice from the Pump room." Dell then slowly turned his attention back to Marsilo as he said; "They did not get along…" His tone suggested Marsilo might get along famously with Natalia…
Delroy stepped forward, dismissing his light back to wherever 'out' is for such things. The Tiger's speech caught him a little off guard, though Alejandro had told him that this is the worst part of the job, when they're caught and they start talking to you. Never really with you.
"What I want is for you to drop the spells, and for you to offer your aid in prosecuting Nicusur and his so called sister. The court will look favorably upon that. So drop them now, or I will drop them from you."
He leveled his rod, settled into a sidelong stance, well aware of the fact he's negotiation with someone who is unseen by nearly everyone around.
But he's a Finder. They do stuff like that.
"But I would rather not have to, given your recent loss. The Silence is violently jarring to the victim. I would rather you remained able to speak. I want you to tell me why you risked so much."
Delroy conjured forth the little light at his command, sending it forth as far as he can to extend his sight through the smoke. "Congratulations, Wiseass, you only have one more loose end. Too bad for you it's me." Del pointed with his rod, directing the whisp-light to illuminate his new friend.
Delroy did shrivel. Quite a bit actually, "I doubt it, Lady Ivanova… I believe it was they who attacked the shipments. I witnessed similar magical sounds…" Del's voice wanders someplace far away for a moment, trying to describe his sense of the Supernatural. "Unique as voices, The older stuff like an echo, you see. I am sure he and his Tiger friend were involved in the destruction of the caravan. As for a patron, why not my old friend Luigi Christofaro De Rinaldi? I think I remember the address… So, shall we go to the Constabulary afterward… Perhaps I should see to it on my own?" Natalia's glare was still unnerving him, and he was hedging his bets on it's source having to do with her appointment with the Constabulary.
Upon seeing his friends emerge from the Crowd, Delroy jogs up with his usual nerd-run, his clothing still wet, just no longer on the wrong side of dripping wet. "I thought I would have to go clear across the City to find you! I hope your time was as productive as mine?" He seemed in good spirits, as he strode up to meet the Ladies, "I have learned some interesting things."
Definitely going after the Zvonimir. It's what Alejandro would want, unless someone changes Delroy's mind.
Delroy bowed respectfully low, stepping back as he rose. He was bid to leave, and that he does, though he walks (more) slowly (than usual), knowing that Javiera will likely not be far behind.
I thought we were seeing the bookseller? Then again, letting Rochardan know the bats might be the responsible parties in the shipping thefts should be of interest to him. And the Constabulary.
Delroy nods slowly, "Maester Rouchardon owns the property and requested I do this for him; That I should investigate the problems, their causes, and discover how to end the problem. I have investigated, Your holiness… My part was to do what I have done, then report to Rouchardon; I think that coin will be a clue to help those that wish to right what wrongs kept those poor folk here after their horrid, untimely deaths…"
Whilst speaking, Delroy held his hand out to receive his medalion. "I am glad for the time you have given me to attempt to do what I feel is the Will of the Martyr. That all souls may know peace… And none be destroyed needlessly. That is the Sin that damns the Necromancer."
Delroy bowed his head, then, his right hand on his chest, "It is true that before We were called 'Finders' our Order did many horrible things to many innocent souls. I will not allow myself to follow the roads those before me trod so smooth. In fact, that is part of the revised Vow We take. I speak this so you may know when I promise to you that I will do the right thing, that you understand what it means to me."
Immediately Delroy swept his hat off and bowed as deeply as he could manage. The last time he saw the Pontiff was behind a screen as part of his final tests to gain the church's sanction for his knowledge and moral aptitude. A hell of an interview full of creative answers. "I must admit I was eager to take the job rather than refer my client your way because he should have known better and I wanted to play along and learn what his interest in the order, or myself, was. I brought Javiera because I knew I could not do the work alone. I am no exorcist and that I fully admit, Your holiness. I needed a friend I could trust. Someone also in the grip of the Rich Promise, with the steel to present evidence rather than continue 'gathering evidence'." As he spoke of evidence he made the universal gesture for 'put money in my hand. Now.'
The raccoon then strode an and took a knee, laying his staff behind him. "I hope for forgiveness, your Holiness. And your blessing…" As he genuflects, the raccoon lifts the amulet in presentation, over his bowed head.
Delroy could not help but chuckle for a moment while his new friend gushes his excitement. "You should not be eager for danger… I should hope for an Exorcist's advice… Let us both hope we prosper. I am lucky to be living still! I climbed a winch chain to get above me, and on that pile of crates, ahead of me, a child in nought but short pants climbed off of the cargo plateau with the ease of youth. In attempting to follow I tripped and fell off of the whole mess! I called for Javiera, who rescued my in short order. Shall I leave it to her to finish this tale?"
The fact being spoken that his canine groupie might feel he had something to gain by association with the Raccoon tells said raccoon to pay attention to why. Likely it is all very innocent, but still… Delroy paused at the door, to let the Sexton make their presence known.
I'd like an inquiry roll to see if the Sexton is just excited about ghost hunting and having a fanboy spaz, or if he's trying to 'climb Delroy's shoulders' somehow. Trying to figure that based on 'tells' rather than direct questions.
"Thank you, Sexton. Now pardon me for saying 'Damn right a true haunting'. Javiera and I went deeper into the Warehouse, and I heard a voice on my way up the crates." He cleared his throat, and then croaked out on a low growling exhale, ""… L… desp… …ie." Lads, I felt that voice as I approached the crates. Chilled the bones, it did. Javiera did not seem to hear it and I was so spooked I could not bring myself to speak of it. I know not what made Javiera pause, but I found us separated… Friends, Those spirits gave me a hellish vision! I pray you feel no need to Purify me, after I tell you this: A voice, the same voice, told me "Leave the desperate to die, my son. They will not be missed"… I saw myself within the basement of a docktown shanty, holding a torch, An ancient withered hag of a woman bade me to do ill; I dropped the torch I held... Lads, I thought to myself even as the vision faded 'The extra oil I added was indeed a mercy.' Those screams, I can recall them even now." Details? By the light he would give all sorts of detail. It helped him keep the situation straight in his memory.
Even after Delroy's cold douse, he was still just drunk enough to actively enjoy being the center of attention. "Now comes the good bit… I came back to shortly, and climbed the boxes to the next floor after I had myself a moment to collect my wits…"
Del couldn't help but smile to himself after what had seemed such a disappointing beginning. "Well, Sexton…" The 'coon tapped his chin in thought, "Over a hundred? Light, it is a long story, and I have to find the needle in the straw pile…"Bad analogy, Delroy, you're wearing a magnet."I could tell you the tale if you came with me to the Sanctuary Hall… Javiera would know more, you see, though I can give you such details as I may be allowed by my Patron."
Delroy cleared his throat, then strode forth toward the Hall. "Said Patron would prefer to keep his name out of this business, though this matter is known in the Dockyard, as the Warehouse was being refurbished when the disturbances began…" Delroy began to give what details he could, and those details were detailed in detail. He needed the story to last. "Javiera has come here to report it, so the Exorcists may learn of it soon… I may call upon their knowledge to right what wrongs caused the souls to linger in anger… After hearing of an 'Old Daylen' who might know a few things, we entered the warehouse, confronted with what seemed to be a barricade of shipping crates, as if the workers had tried a last stand against the ghastly presence farther back. There was such a wreckage to describe to me panic and chaos before the final abandonment. Truly a frightening tale and not one that folks wished to discuss with a Finder. More is the pity, friend, So we had to press on and see for ourselves."
Delroy never let his stride pause while he spoke, If the Dog wanted to listen, he was going to have to help…
Delroy had a skip in his step until he got near the front doors, where he schooled himself into a more professional bearing so he might seek out one of the Sextons to speak to. gesturing to one politely, he approaches, lifting his hat from his head, to hold over his heart. "I hope you might be able to help me. I seek a Red Fox of the Right Hand, her name is Javiera. I am investigating a haunting with her… And I need an expert to help me find just where to go." I figure this could be a Leadership roll, if rolls are rolled. IE: Going right for the Morale, aka Ego.
Delroy was still gaping even as he rose to go find Javiera, "Lewdster indeed!"
A mild curse slipped past Del's tongue amid his stammered frustration when Gwenn took off before he could deliver the punchline. The jog to follow Gwenn cleared his head and shook a good bit of water from his robes. "Right then. Meet you out here?" The terse response was spoken with an icy serenity. It might be a difficult, nasty business, but it is the right thing to do.
Upon Gwenn's answer, Delroy entered the Cathedrale to begin his search for Javiera.
After a shake of his head, neck, trunk, then arse that left a vivid ring of loud wet pops and snaps as his bones resettled back from where they'd gone loose. His tail followed through like a towel whip as he stepped over the edge of the fountain back onto previously dry flagstones. "Precisely why I dunked you, dear." Delroy sputtered, and pulled off his robes, trying to wring them out. Thankfully they're built to be weather proof. They cost as much as they do for a reason. "You can tell them that I was given an unknown drink by Alejandro, as what must have been a lesson of his after I tried being too witty for my own good. I ordered one for you when you arrived unexpectedly and he must have thought the result would benefit the both us us, thus he left without a word. Realizing my mistake I dunked us in the fountain. Which part would you like to alter? Perhaps I was the one coming on to you about going upstairs... I shall admit I put that idea firmly in your head. And firmly in mine…" He clears his throat, "Regardless, I will take the fall if you tell me to. You can be the hero. Even to Caellach and the Ladies." Del smiles shyly now, lifting his shoulders and hands, palm up. Surrender? It is not that Delroy is unaware of the rumors that follow those most famous of his Order. It is that rumor also follows the Orchomene. The public's opinion of the Witch 'Finders' is not destroyed by Delroy being a naughty boy He can afford it.
Delroy was blushing vividly at that point, unable to look away from the water. His voice goes quiet, as he looks into Gwenn's eyes, gently holding her shoulders. "I want two things, You to join your Order, and to celebrate… Us. Whatever it is we have, this strange and wonderful thing… To congratulate you and me. And Us. And because of that I'm not going to let us jam a spear between our own spokes." He chuckles ruefully, his voice rising back to conversational level. "You're funny when you're drunk, Do you know that? I love it… I hate myself for tossing you in there. Do forgive me?" Del then unclasped Gwenn's shoulders and spread his arms wide. "For wanting to grab your pew press just now."
Delroy tipped his hat to the Tavern as he slid out the door on feet with minds of their own. Once out in the sun, the Raccoon tried to steady himself. People were watching! People who wouldn't think him as funny as those he just left inside.
"Diff'rint oath, luv…" His cheeks verily shone orange with blush. Thankfully, the hat hid that evidence. Del walked with care to the fountain, guiding Gwenn in that direction and trying to monopolize her attention span, lest she wander off. "I swore an oath to do me job…"
With that he say himself on the fountain's edge, splaying the tails of his robe aside to give his friend a dry place to sit. Once she had settled in, Del leaned close, so he might attempt another whisper. "I promiced meself I'd be sober if we were tae 'go upstairs'." He placed his hand on Gwenn's chest, over her heart as he spoke. "Tonight, luv."
And after a kiss to seal the deal, he leans himself to the side, pitching the both of them into the fountain together as he calls "Yes, I see the light!"
The wavering Raccoon took a delicate sniff of his remaining beverage. "In for an Ori, in for a Ari." Delroy was well aware that he was about to make or break it in this critical moment, which may very well lead to a definitive 'Never to be lived down' incident.
Step One: Finish the drinking.
Done in one series of gulps, the now empty flagon was put down over a Denar coin near the edge of the table.
Step 2: Be smooth.
Rising to his feet as best as he could, Delroy was trying to remember how many tankardfulls he had imbibed. He kept ticking off his fingers and muttering absently even while more important matters were at hand. "Gwennnnn… Gwenn? We're Drunk. We are." He held his finger up as if swearing by the Light. "Thish is your firsht less-tion in not showing your weaknesh…" He puts a second Denar down, trying to place Gwenn's tankard over it while fighting her interfering swats. The 'fight' made for a fine distraction, allowing Del to lean close enough to whisper to her.
Step C: Communication.
"I took an oath, and we're drunk and I am so tempted to take you upstairs right now… We could clear up an' 'ave some fun… But I done tol' m'self, Sober th' first time… So we're goin' on th' job, drunk as we are. We're goin' t'… do things. Roit. Do things. C'mon, le'ss go."
Part IV: Blather. Rinse. Repeat.
The whisper-that-really-was-not hung in the air for a moment as Del collected his thoughts. He had never been this drunk before. But he was still aware of his debilitation. Mostly. Alcohol alters one's volume control. "Let's go to th' Fountain, first." And with that, he staggered to the door to collect his staff so he could lean on it and still hold the door for his friend.
"Light, Gwenn…" Del turns his gaze to the Barkeep, himself starting to feel the drinks. "Goodman, what are we drinking?" He held nothing back from his concern and confusion. "I am not yet Alejandro's equal. Allow me time to prove my badge." He then giggles "Despite my closeness to this student of the Orchomene."
