Group:
Keildrithe was in the middle of whispering to Pharris why they suspected the imp from the Valley of the Snails might be at work on the monastery grounds, then bites his tongue as a result of Alton's warning. He slows his pace and tries to move carefully, attempting to spot the watcher.
Nicolai: ** spoiler omitted **
Church:
Nicholai nods to the last of the monks as they exit, and turns to the Abbott and Brother Horatio as they approach. He smirks at the Abbott's observations of church attendees.
"If it confession time already Abbott, I fear that I must humbly beg forgiveness for that very trespass myself. On multiple occasions. Although, in my defense, the services were not nearly as beautiful." The dandy intones contritely in mock-confession.
"I have been in grand cathedrals and humble chapels, but I have never heard the prayers sung before. At least not like that. It was truly inspiring. I must confess that despite my weariness, I am glad that I stayed up." He adds sincerely.
The dandy adds his thanks to brother Horatio, adding that he hopes to have the chance to talk more with the monk on the morrow, and falls in step with the Abbott as the priest takes a candle and steps outside.
Nicholai gives an unfeigned shiver as the evening air hits him, and nods in response to the Abbott's statement. (Idly noting that it was a statement, not a question.)
"This is true. The good Padre and I were in seminary together and found in each other a mind cast in a similar mold. We spent many a late night in, er, 'intense discussions' regarding religion, philosophy and politics. Usually over a bottle of wine. Whether we were supposed to have access to the wine cellar I do not recall,..." He smirks wanly with a sideways glance at the Abbott.
"Which is to say, we both liked to argue. Particularly with each other. But it was refreshing to have honest, serious debate with one who took nothing personally, and did not declaim you as 'demonspawn' simply because you did not agree with his particular interpretation of a verse!" Nicholai explains with a raised eyebrow.
"But I digress. The last news I had heard of Stephan was that he was taking a sabbatical to study in a monastery. When our travels brought us this way, I confess I discovered that I missed Stephan and our talks, and hoped for the chance to see him again."
Kajetan eats in silence, the building and monks reminding him of his youth.
He is glad when Nicolai makes an excuse for him to miss prayers.
Later on the walk way, Kajetan strains his eyes to see who is watching them, but the poor light and his short sightedness conspire to prevent him seeing anything.
Nicolai:
By this stage you have made a half circuit of the cloister, and stand outside a door that must lead back into the chapter house.
“I am a trusting man by nature,” Brother Anselm continues, having stopped walking but lingering outside the door, his hands tucked into the long sleeves of his robe to keep them warm, “but you will find that I take the protection of the monks here under my care, as well as any who seek sanctuary, very seriously. And I do not make promises lightly. So as I said, I must ponder your request. In the interest of honesty, I should also tell you something else – perhaps I should have been up front earlier. I have posted someone to watch the dormitory that you are staying in, both because I do not know you and your companions enough to be certain that there are none amongst them who might bring trouble with them, and also to see that none of my monks – a few of them who have more curiosity than sense – do not unduly disturb your rest.”
Walking with the Abbott;
Nicholai's breath catches as he realizes that the Abbott has just stopped short of actually saying that Stephan is still there at the monastery. The dandy gives a wan half smile.
"Well, curiosity is many things, but it's hardly a sin. Unless the church's official view on that has changed since I was in seminary?" Nicholai asks with a raised eyebrow and a tiny smirk.
"I thank you for your precautions. But I think I can safely say that you can allow your monks the freedom to speak with us, without fear of our trying to tempt them away to a life of adventure. I assure you, a simple recounting of some of our more, harrowing, experiences would send most intelligent people running TO the monastery, not away from it!" The dandy says wryly.
Nicholai places his hands inside his own sleeves, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the dandy's face that make him look haunted. He pauses a moment, but before the silence lingers long enough for the Abbott to say goodnight, Nicholai continues, his usual flamboyance temporarily replaced with quiet intensity.
"Brother Anselm, I assure you that none of us mean any harm. To anyone. We travel together for various reasons, not the least of which is that we have become friends. But, and perhaps I should have been more honest with you, our coming here was not, entirely, a random chance of travel or the fleeting fancy of an old classmate. I have been trying to find Stephan for several weeks now."
Nicholai purses his lips, rapidly deciding how much to say. He quickly and quietly forges ahead. "I also have been, much troubled by matters lately, and set out to find the one man I thought might be able to make sense of things. My friend, Stephan."
Nicholai reaches out a hand, but stops just short of actually touching the Abbott's sleeve. When he speaks, it is so soft it is almost a whisper. "Please, tell Stephan that I am here, and that I need to talk to him. Urgently. Please?"
Group:
As the group moves to a point where they would be lost to the watcher’s sight by the dark bulk of the church, Alton sees the figure withdraw completely behind the wall of the cloister. Not even the sharp eyed halfling can see through walls, so it is unclear what the figure is doing, whether it may still be lurking within the cloister, or whether it has moved somewhere else.
Meanwhile, the others reach a point where another covered walkway joins this one at a right angle – this walkway leads towards the back of the church (and the belltower). The original walkway continues, leading to the doorways of two joined buildings ahead, which must be the library and the scriptorium.
Mothman
Alton hurries from his hidding spot accross the yard over to the walkway where the hooded figure was lurking, before trying once again to blend with the shadows and move silently. He moves to the corner of the building and peers around, trying to spot the figure again. [ooc] perception stealth
The group
Looking back towards the church and dormitory, the group spot Alton moving quickly accross the grass section towards the shadows of the walkway where the hooded figure lurked, before he melts into the shadows once more
Group:
"I wonder if our mysterious watcher is the person that tried so hard not to be seen when we first arrived," murmurs Keildrithe, "and hope they aren't an agent of the Inquisition."
Keildrithe groans as Alton disappears in pursuit of the lurker, but lacking the halfling's sharp eyes, the bard heads straight for the scriptorium doors, listens for sounds of activity within and watches for hints of light or movement, and then gently tries the handle to see if the door is locked.
"I hope Alton knows what he's doing, that he'll be alright, and able to keep things quiet," mutters Keildrithe over his shoulder to Pharris.
"Maybe I should go with him?" she murmurs back to the group.
Group:
Alton:
At first you cannot see the figure – but then you spot him or it, a dark robed figure moving away from you, over the other side of the cloister, towards a gap where the wall of the church to the west does not quite meet the wall of the building containing the dining hall to the north. The figure slips through the gap, exiting the cloister to the north ... in the general direction of the scriptorium and library.
Nicolai:
“So far as trusting you; I feel that I can. It seems to me that you are a good man Nicolai, from what I have seen of you. But I have been accused in the past of being too trusting; being too willing to see the good in people and ignore the bad. But even if I am right in my assessment of you, it would be irresponsible in my position as head of this monastery to trust you all unreservedly. If you were in my position, and a group including two men who dress and speak as traditionally minded Karands, two women (in a monastery filled with celibate men), a stranger from the northern isles where magic is commonplace, and one of the short-folk came to your door ... how might you react brother Nicolai? Not just in considering the reactions of your guests, but also the reactions of those under your care?”
Group:
"Maybe I should go with him?" she murmurs back to the group.
Laithe nods in agreement. "Follow him if you can; we'll head onto the scriptorium, meet us there ifyou get the opportunity, otherwise we'll see you back at the rooms."
The Group
Moth
Alton ghosts after the figure, moving up to the small gap and peering through. He peers through the gap, also trying to pick up any detail he can.
Alton:
From the gap, another covered walkway leads past the back of the church and joins up to the walkway that your friends are walking along towards the library and scriptorium. It takes you a moment to spot your quarry, but then you see him, lurking in the shadow of the church’s bell tower, peering around the corner towards where your companions are walking quietly along the walkway. He would be almost completely out of sight to them, but you can see him easily enough.
Just then, behind you, you hear a door creak open, and the sounds of singing from within the church suddenly get louder. It seems that someone has opened the door that leads out from the church into the cloister – if someone is exiting the church they could see you here.
Do you want to try to hide in the shadows within the cloister (but risk your quarry moving on and out of your sight), move through the gap closer to the person you have been following (possibly still trying to stay hidden) or something else?
Group:
Beside it (and seemingly connected by some kind of annex) is a lower building – probably one story, although with a high ceiling and large windows high up in the wall. The roof eaves are about twelve feet above the ground, and like the library this building has a tiled roof. This scriptorium also has a securely locked front door.
On the northern side of the building a tall wooden ladder lies on the ground beside the wall. Past the scriptorium, the monastery’s outer wall curves around to form the northern boundary of the monastery grounds. Several other buildings loom out in the darkness along the northern wall – these were pointed out earlier to those who visited the bath house as a slaughterhouse, pig sty and other functional structures.
moth
Alton will try to slip through the gap, closer to the figure, pressed to the shadows. Also listen to try to pick up where the person exiting the church is going, so I can possibly move back to my original position once there gone (if all that makes sense)
stealth perception
Group:
Keildrithe grumbles as he tries the locked scriptorium door and scans the building exterior. "Should've known... Without Alton here, getting in without being noticed will be next to impossible... We may need to reconsider this course of action and return to our cells if our little friend does not turn up soon... Unless someone else has some method that would allow us to enter quietly without breaking the lock, the door, or a window?"
As the party ponders their next move, Keildrithe quietly resumes his explanation for the group's belief that the imp from the Valley of the Snails may be in the vicinity of the monastery. "To make a long story short, Brother Horatio told us that a young and well-liked monk allegedly committed suicide by throwing himself from the roof of the scriptorium. It was his grave that we walked by near the entrance to the monastery. In the weeks prior to his death, he had apparently started having heated discussions with himself, or with someone or something that was unseen... as if he were going mad, or under the effects demonic possession. The imp had the ability to turn invisible, it set fire to the cathedral in Lichford, and would most certainly have delighted in tormenting a young monk... A monastery is as likely a target as a cathedral... At this point it's just a theory, but a highly plausible one..."
Alton:
Behind you, from the cloister, you hear the sound of singing dull again, as though the door has been closed, but listening closely for several minutes you hear no sounds of further movement. Perhaps whoever opened the door did not come out; perhaps they did, but are staying nearby and not moving; perhaps they are moving very quietly.
Group:
Alton:
Moth
Alton curses very softly to himself, now wondering if he is stuck between two monks. He decides theres not much point in warning his friends that they are being watched, so tries to slip back quietly and peek back around the gap in the building the other way, to see if he can see who has emerged. He does so looking for anyone looking around the gap in his direction, ready to freeze in the shadows.
Alton:
Group:
"So we can't get in without causing a commotion, and our best climber has disappeared, making it difficult to check the roof... Does anyone else think they can get up there safely and quietly? I don't trust myself..."
Group:
Group:
"Shall we chance the ladder?"
Moth
Alton will settle back into the shadows on this side of the gap, keeping watch on the initial figure. But keeping an ear out for movement on the other side of the gap.
Alton:
Ahead, you can make out one of your companions poking around at the side of the scriptorium building. The other watcher continues to stay still, watching.
Group:
Once he is sure the ladder is secure, he climbs steadily and stealthily up to the roof and looks around.
All those spoilers are hurting my head.
Group:
Kajetan watches the others with the ladder and wonders how he went from a scholar to a burglar in such a short time. "Have we considered just telling the Abbott what we think we is going on here?" he asks out loud.
Talking with the Abbott;
Nicholai gives the Abbott a wan smile.
"I would not consider being too trusting to be a bad thing. While there is always someone willing to take advantage of that, I would still rather be too trusting than be like brother sour-face, and see deceit in all you meet." He smirks, referring to their original meeting.
"Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Karands, in general? After all, being a Karand who follows the old beliefs is not against the law. If frowned upon by the church." Nicholai asks.
The dandy sighs, perhaps just a bit theatrically.
"I understand Sir. I admit I'm not happy, but I do understand. All I can do is assure you that we mean well, and that I have questions I am hoping that Stephan can help me answer. I know that you must take your vows of silence, and solitude, etc, very seriously, but may I ask what you meant when you said it wasn't that easy to speak to Stephan?"
Nichlai looks into the Abbott's eyes, and grins.
"I don't know if it's a feeling of trust, or simply the excitement of a new audience, but I DO like you. I wish I could tell you more. But alas, As you noted we are a diverse group, and while I, like all men, have my secrets, not all of our secrets are mine to share." He shrugs apologetically.
"Would you at least be willing to tell me if Stephan is here? Can you give him a message from me?" He asks, looking like a kid hoping for a piece of candy,...
Group:
Keildrithe holds the base of the ladder, as requested by Laithe.
In response to Kajetan's question, he answers: "No, we haven't... Truth is, the imp is just a theory, and if something else is going on, then the abbot and some of the other monks may be involved... Best to keep our suspicions to ourselves for now, until we find stronger evidence one way or the other... Say, weren't you supposed to keep an eye out near our cells? Hopefully Ana has that covered..."
Kajetan, Keildrithe, Laithe, Pharris:
Laithe:
There is a three foot gap or so between the edge of the roof and the outer wall (which is at about the same height). You would think that if someone did stumble and fall from here (not an impossibility), they would more likely end up falling down into the gap than right over the wall – not so if they leapt or were pushed. You can see no real signs of a struggle (loose or broken tiles, torn clothing etc).
When you look back towards the bell tower to assess what the view from those windows would be like, you happen to catch a slight movement at the edge of your vision. You can’t quite tell what it is, but you think something just moved in the shadows where a covered walkway runs past the back of the church and the base of the connected belltower.
Alton:
The other watcher seems to have lost sight of Laithe too, because you see him move out from behind the corner of the belltower to the edge of the walkway, looking upward, obviously trying to keep Laithe within his sight.
Still no sounds of movement behind you.
Nicolai:
“As for Padre Stefan, I meant that I am not in a position to speak to him right now. Nor can I pass on a message right now. And that is all I am willing or able to tell you ... right now,” he adds a little sternly. “Patience is a virtue my friend.[/i]
DM/Abbott
"Ah. Yes. Patience." Nicholai murmurs, barely hiding a smirk.
"Sadly Brother, Patience is not my, strongest, virtue. As Stephan could attest too. I suppose I should take advantage of this golden Arton-given opportunity to practice it, yes?" He smiles. Then looks at the Abbott appraisingly.
"I must say, I find your open-mindedness, refreshing. Not only because I travel with two Karands whom I have come to respect, but because I have found some of the more strict interpretations of the verses to be,... stifling. Like the rumors I heard about a priest in a small town, what was it, Barg? If the stories are even half true, he seems a most unpleasant fellow." Nicholai ventures, then shrugs.
"Or did you think that the only reason I never took vows was the dreadful fashion sense? No offense!" The dandy quips with a wink, fluffing the few ruffles of his shirt that manage to poke up above the borrowed robes neckline.
"Although I must confess that the possibility of living the rest of my life in seclusion, without the company of females, even without a vow of chastity, very daunting indeed." Nicholai continues confidentially.
"Ah. Truth. We had many a talk about that very subject. Sadly, it seems that too often nowadays the truth is decided by men who think that the 'Golden Rule' is 'He who has the Gold makes the Rules'." Nicholai raises his own eyebrow.
"I would agree with you in that it hardly behooves anyone to force others into the same way of thinking. Or worshiping. And besides, if EVERYone were to follow Arton, then half of the clergy would be out of a job!" The dandy smiles at the Abbot.
Moth
If the figure was to come back through the gap, would Alton be likely to remain hidden? Also, now that his sticking out a little more, would the others be likely to see him if there attention was drawn to this area.
Group:
"There's not much to see up there, unfortunately. There's no sign of a struggle or anything; Brother Horatio's assessment of the rooftop appears correct; there is no obvious reason to be up there, and had he slipped he is unlikely to have ended up outside the wall. Which means he either jumped, or was pushed, thrown or dropped over. However, I have a feeling someone is taking an interest in our activities, cause I thought I caught a glimpse of movement over near the base of the belltower. Perhaps we should return to our rooms and discuss more there? Any sign of Alton?"
Nicolai:
Alton:
As you are wondering about attracting some attention over this way, you see Laithe climb back down from the roof, and the figure you are watching slinks further back into the shadows.
Group:
"There's not much to see up there, unfortunately. There's no sign of a struggle or anything; Brother Horatio's assessment of the rooftop appears correct; there is no obvious reason to be up there, and had he slipped he is unlikely to have ended up outside the wall. Which means he either jumped, or was pushed, thrown or dropped over. However, I have a feeling someone is taking an interest in our activities, cause I thought I caught a glimpse of movement over near the base of the belltower. Perhaps we should return to our rooms and discuss more there? Any sign of Alton?"
"No, no sign of Alton... I must admit that I am getting worried. Should we try to find him, or head back to our rooms, as you suggest? Should we split up or stay together? I am torn...
Nicolai: ** spoiler omitted **
DM,
Nicholai smiles at the Abbott.
"Now you sound like Stephan. I must say it's comforting to hear that familiar viewpoint. Of course, this is where I would usually play Demon's Advocate and argue the opposing side. But that was mainly just to see him get worked up. He looks funny when his face turns red." Nicholai grins.
The dandy taps himself lightly on the forehead and shakes his head in dismay as the Abbot excuses himself.
"Of course, of course! How rude of me! Keeping you out in the cold talking. Thank you once again for the service, it was beautiful. And for the conversation. Perhaps we can continue it again later, when your schedule permits? Maybe next time inside, and over a glass of your famous beer?" Nicholai asks with a hopeful grin, and bows respectfully to the Abbott as he goes inside.
Once alone, the dandy hugs himself again for warmth, and turns to reorientate himself with the path. Peering about in the darkness, he also looks for anyone watching.
:
But it is dark, and Wij'kan has long since found a warm nook to nest in for the night. The dandy sniffs, hopes he hasn't caught a cold, and wanders back along what he hopes is the most direct route to the rooms they have been given. As he shuffles along as a leisurely pace, he whistles, more or less on key, one of the prayers that he heard sung earlier. Despite the cold, he maintains his casual pace and alternates between whistling and humming, both to attract attention, and to let his companions know that he is heading back.
'I hope that was enough time guys.' he thinks as he walks.