The trip to Ravengro has been a rather bleak one for everyone involved. The seemingly perpetual dull gray sky notwithstanding, the reason for the trip would be enough to dampen most anyone's spirit. Though all of the travelers knew the professor in different ways, all were touched in some measure by his generosity and good will. Perhaps that is the explanation for the weather, the world just seems a bit darker without his bright light.
The town of Ravengro itself is nothing out of the ordinary. Certainly no different than any other small town in Ustalav, save for the almost palpable oppression of the ruined prison to the south of the town. The burned out building leers over the hamlet like a malevolent gargoyle. The people are fairly typical for Ustalav. Which is to say suspicious and gossiping. More than a few looks follow the travelers as they make their way through to the graveyard located just outside the town on the north side.
It is here that you find yourselves assembling. Few others have taken the time to gather. A small group consisting of two rather self-important men, another younger man with his son, and a young woman stand apart from the wagon that contains the casket. Standing closer to the casket, obviously waiting for any other guests to arrive (or perhaps specific guests), is a woman of not more than twenty five year. She is dressed in morning clothes, and her face makes it obvious that the grief is more than just external. Still, she is obviously trying to keep herself together and present a more stolid front for the guests. You have heard that the professor had a daughter. This must be her.
Walks up observing those assembled and approaches the young woman offering her his hand. "May Sarenrae's healing be with you during this time of grief. I wish I had known the professor longer he was an amazing man." pauses for a moment and proceeds to the side of the casket and while holding on to Sarenrae's angel, prays a short silent prayer for the departed before turning to observe the gathering.
Ionacu approaches the woman. "The Professor helped my sister and I get on our own two feet, and as long as I live, I shall be indebted to his descendants." He then makes is way to the casket, offers a moment of silence, and then goes back to stand next to Lilyana.
Lilyana follows her brother, offering her own soft condolances to the woman before going towards the casket. There she lays a hand on the lid, saying her own prayer to Pharasma. She stays there for some time before reluctantly stepping away to join her brother.
Looking around, she seems to just notice the other people standing about, particularly Tiberious. She gives him a small, almost timid, smile as their eyes briefly meet, then looks back to her brother.
Ionacu puts an arm around his sister and smiles briefly at her, trying to give some small comfort. He also keeps looking around periodically, as though nervous.
Perception
The last to arrive for the funeral is a young woman, about five and a half feet tall, wearing a long dark cloak that would almost be a cliche for 'mysterious stranger' if not for the setting and circumstance. Underneath, you can see a darker blue outfit, with a green vest and leggings. A pair of black leather gloves and boots completes the ensemble.
When she arrives she nods to everyone, as if afraid to look anyone in the eyes for too long. "Hello. My name's Dariyia. I assume this is...well...."
"Dariyia, yes, my father spoke well of you," the young woman answers softly with that same brave smile. "My name is Kendra. Thank you very much for coming."
She looks about at those assembled and, taking a deep breath, addresses them all. "I thank all of you for coming. It is now time to carry the body of my father through the Restlands to the place where his body will be given back to the earth. Who here would do him the honor of bearing him upon this last journey?"
Ionacu steps forward. "It would be my honor to render this last service to the Professor." He walks to his position by the casket, and turns to look at the others assembled.
Dariyia looks about for a moment before quietly taking up a spot, looking a little awkward.
Steps up to take a place beside the casket "I too would be deeply honored to be of service"
Lily comes forward as well, taking up a spot at the foot of the casket across from Dariyia. Dispite the fact that she really does feel it an honor to help, she does look a bit awkward as well.
With a soft count by Ionacu, the four pallbearers heft the casket and begin the long slow march up the path towards the gravesite. Kendra walks in front, her black dress billowing slightly in the fitfull breeze and her head bowed to the ground. Behind come the small group of mourners from the town, following along in a rough group with the more important looking people in front.
The somber procession passes through the ranks of gravestones, up a small hill. As it passes over the top and begins down the other side, another group of people can be seen down below, where the path joins another to run off to the right. This group, however, do not appear to be mourners. Comprised of about six or seven locals from the town, and led by an older and rather dirty looking man, they hold sticks and other makeshift weapons and have a very obvious look of a group intent to stop something.
While the others hold back, their leader steps forward. Kendra stops, as does the procession behind her, and scowls. "What do you want, Gibs Hephenus."
The man, Gibs apparently, only scowls right back, taking courage from the cronies behind him. "That’s far enough. We been talking, and we don’t want Lorrimor buried in the Restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want, but he ain’t goin’ in the ground here!”
Ionacu looks back at Gibs. "What could this man have possibly done to warrant this treatment?
Dariyia tenses up quietly as the crowd seems to spontaneously form around them, then sighs. "I seriously doubt he has done anything of the kind. Please, leave this matter alone. It doesn't concern you."
Stands just a little straighter dispute the load he is sharing. "I ask for you to respect this mans passing and leave us in peace in Sarenrae's name. Whatever enmity you might have had in life let it be cleared now at his death." He glares in obvious disapproval at the dirty locals standing in the way of the funeral.
While Lilyana says nothing, perhaps figuring that her companions have said enough for her, Kendra fumes. It is fairly obvious that it is only because of the words of reason from the people behind her that she tempers her own words.
"I think that you should listen to them Gibs. This is not the time or place for this kind of nonsense."
THe man pauses, his bravado a little tempered, and glances behind him to his supporters who seem to be thinking twice about this whole affair and wondering if they can still escape without being picked out. Gibs hesitates for a minute, then with a gruff grunt he turns and heads off, collecting his lackeys behind him. "You haven't heard the last of this," he mutters.
Kendra gives a grateful glance behind her to the pallbearers and then continues to lead the procession to the grave site. The coffin is lowered into the grave and a wizened old priest of Pharasma, Father Grimburrow, gives a short sermon. Afterwards, he invites Kendra to come up and say a few words. Fighting back tears she briefly recounts a few of her father's more courageous exploits. Even without touching on any that relate to those present, she still seems to have plenty of material. Before sitting down, she invites anyone else who may wish to, to come and share any stories or remembrances that they wish to.
"I...would rather not say what I was doing at the time..." Dariyia decides to begin after a moment. "But it was a late night when I ran across the Professor. He seemed to be having a bit of trouble with some of the locals. I don't think they were expecting someone to try to interrupt bare handed, so when I came in it surprised them and they ran. To this day I don't know what that was about entirely, but he was grateful. We had dinner at one of the inns somewhere the next night and talked a bit. We didn't meet again after that, and I admit to being somewhat surprised to being summoned here. But I must have made an impression..." The girl shrugs helplessly, being very careful to make sure her eyes are concealed by the cloak, as if ashamed of her appearance.
Steps forward after a moments silence. "I had the pleasure of knowing Professor Lorrimor but a single day. He was waylaid by undead creatures and I happened to be passing and able to assist him in putting those creatures to a final rest. That evening camping after the fight the professor told a number of stories of his travels and I told him of my much more circumscribed life. He encouraged me to travel as it was one of the best ways to learn." pauses for a moment and sighs "He didn't know me but that single day and he remembered me, perhaps this trip to see him to his final resting place will begin some of that travel that he encouraged me to take. One day I hope to be able to widen the horizons of others just as the professor has done for me. I just wish I could have known him better." hesitates for a second and then steps back.
Ionacu steps up. "The Professor hired me to guide im through some ruins, he said they belonged to an ancient people who's name I won't attempt to pronounce. Though we ran into little trouble beyond some undead, I was paid handsomely, and I was able to feed my sister and I something better than berries and overcooked deer. He gave me a chance when others would not. He overlooked my... abnormality, and hired me for my ability, not my appearance. I will be forever indebted. Rest in peace Professor. May Pharasma judge you favorably." He bows his head, and steps back with his sister.
Lilyana is the last to step forward, standing silent for just a moment, perhaps fighting back tears, before speaking in an unsteady voice. "I was with my brother when he surved as a guard for the professor. Though I could do little to protect him, the professor saw more in me than anyone else ever had. And where I had been afraid of it, he encouraged me to persue my own abilities. He did what he could to help me, but it was his encouragement that really... stuck... with me. Thank you, professor. I will always strive to be the best person I can. As you always encouraged everyone else to be." She takes a deep, steadying breath, then goes back to stand by her brother, wraping one arm around his.
More people come forward, each telling of their own experainces with professor Lorrimar, and each story is the same. They tell of a man with a deep hunger for knowledge, and in the use of that knowledeg to help others. Widely traveled, and universaly respected, the professor's loss is felt keenly by everyone.
At last there are none left to speak, and the people disperse as, with slow shovels of dirt, the grave is filled. Kendra sighes deeply, as if trying to shed the sorrow from her shoulders, then walks up to the strangers in town. "I sincerly appreciate all of you coming, and for the things that you said. There is one more matter, the greater reason that you were asked to come. My father's will. It is specified that all of you be there when it is read. If you would come with me to my fath... to my home. I am sure we can get that taken care of within the hour."
Dariyia bites her lip nervously. "I am sorry for your loss, sincerely. But...I have to admit I am hoping that it will be settled as quickly as you say." Without another word, she follows.
Ionacu silently follows, periodically looking over his shoulder.
Follows as well and after a few moments of walking in silence moves up to walk nearly beside Kendra."Aaaa If it is not too much to ask, I don't wish to intrude on your grieving. But what was the issue with the rabble on the way to the funeral. I can't imagine how someone could so dislike the professor to try to pull such a stunt." his words slow to a stop as if unsure of what else to say or perhaps embarrassed at his own forwardness then he completes his question in a rush of words. "They wouldn't pose any danger to you would they?"
Lily walks beside her brother, but seems to be listening to the conversation in front of her as well, no less curious as to the answer.
Kendra scoffs softly. "Just a group of superstitious men. My father was known for some... unconventional research. He was never afraid to learn about the darker forces in the world, in order to better fight them. My guess would be something along those lines." She sighs deeply then looks over to the cleric with a brave smile, then back at everyone else, "Thank you again for your words. I would have hated to see my father's funeral marred by actual fighting. Your tact is well appreciated. I think maybe I can see what my father saw in you."
It is not a long walk to the home of the Lorrimar's and before long Kendra is opening to the door to a modest dwelling on the edge of town. She lets everyone in, offers to take coats and puts them as well as her own black shawl in a nearby closet. She then escorts everyone to a sitting room with enough chairs pulled in for everyone. "Please, take a seat. Is there anything that I can get for you? Something to drink perhaps?"
Dariyia walks along a bit behind, blushing faintly at the praise. "It was nothing, really," she tries, but it sounds a little flat even to her own ears.
Once they reach the house, the pale girl finally pulls off her cloak enough that her features can be seen. Almost impossibly pale, there's an almost elf-like quality to her that hints of some otherworldly ancestry, although she is more than close enough to human to pass for such. Pale blonde hair falls back a bit past her shoulders as she shakes it out a bit, and at the last her eyes are revealed - one being a normal pale blue shade, but the other a deep, unnatural purple. She passes her cloak as quickly as possible, murmuring "I wouldn't mind whatever you have available," to the offer of a drink.
Lily lets Kendra take her cloak as well, letting her own stark white hair fall down around her shoulders to frame pale blue eyes. She thanks Kendra with a barely audible word, then walks into the sitting room to have a seat. The room almost seems to darken around her as she does so, but that's probably just your imagination.
As Dairyia comes in, she gives her a timid smile. "Did you have to travel far?" she ventures, trying to break the silence with a rather lame attempt at conversation.
"Only from Caliphas," Dariyia explains, glancing around. "Of course, I imagine the trip is a bit less intimidating if you know the way,"
"Thank you, water would be wonderful if you could." He smiles politely and takes a chair in the corner looking around the room and at the others. He reaches up occasionally and touches the symbol of Sarenrae the hangs down over his travel garments on his chest.
"I'm sure it is," is all Lily can manage to respond with, though she looks like she wishes she could find mroe to say.
With Ilarian's help, Kendra goes about getting some drinks for everyone. A wave of her hand over them cools or heats them as nessessary and soon she is walking back into the sitting room with the tray, along with a wedge of cheese and some bread. She distributes the drinks, then sets the tray down on a table and takes a seat herself, holding but barely sipping a glass of wine.
The silence fills the room for a moment, giving everyone a chance to look around the room. It is, in fact the whole house is, filled with books. Shelves on the walls are crowded with them, and more are scattered across tables. A cursory glance shows topics ranging from the properties of rocks, to theories on the dark tapestry, and everything in between. Eventually, everyone notices the scroll case laid by itself on a larger table to one side. To which Kendra's eeys periodicly flit.
"So," she states after a while, breaking the silence with a firm clear voice. "I gather that none of you have ever met? Barring Ionacu and his sister of course." A bit of a smile. "My name is Kendra, as I said before, and for my own part, I must admit that I don't remember my father speaking directly of any of you. He had many friends and aquantances though. Actually... The very fact that he so specificly called for each of you says quite a bit to me."
Ionacu blinks in suprise. "I'm confused. Why, with all these friends the Professor had, would he call for us? I was just a hired sword."
Kendra gives a small smile and shrugs, "I was actually hoping that you all could tell me that. But my father did have his own ways of doing thngs, as you all no doubt know. Conventional thinking was never his way. Whatever the reasons, I'm sure they were sound to him. Still... Are you sure that there is nothing else that binds you togeather?"
Dariyia shrugs rather helplessly. "I'm afraid not. I've hardly ever left Caliphas in my life before now."
Lilyana shrugs as well. "And Ionacu and I have never been there. I really don't see how we could have anything in common other than our knowing the Professor... Your father," she adds in an attempt to be a bit more personable.
Kendra sighs deeply. "I suppose we will need to just wait and see. Perhaps we will find out soon enough." Her eyes look meaningfully at the scroll case sitting on the desk.
An hour passes, filled with considerable silence punctuated by the occasional intrusion of fitful conversation. At last there is a knock at the front door that seems to be followed by a nearly universal release of breath as the soft tension is broken. Kendra stands to answer and you can hear soft conversation as she escorts the visitor into the room. You recognize the man from the funeral, one of those who walked behind you looking rather important, and he sweeps all the strangers with a glance that is neither trustful, nor approving, but resigned.
He walks to the desk and, without much in the way of ceremony, picks up the scroll case, opening the seal, and pouring out a tightly rolled parchment. Another items comes out as well, a key that jangles loudly onto the desk. Barely glancing at the key, the barrister opens the scroll and begins to read.
Pulls himself up straight in the chair and leans forward obviously eager to hear the reason they were all called together.
Dariyia looks over at the newcomer somewhat warily, reaching up to pull her cloak a bit tighter before she realizes she doesn't have it. She eventually settles for looking as unobtrusive as she can.
Ionacu sits up to listen.
The man clears his throat, then begins reading in a clear voice.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child. “Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.
“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, hereby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4711.”
Dariyia listens politely as the whole of the will is read. At each portion she tries to keep her features neutral, but a small frown does show by the end. Guess the old man wasn't as naive as he looked, she thought, though she was careful to keep it to herself.
To Kendra, she says "I am sorry for your loss, and to have to impose during such a difficult time. If there's anything I can do, let me know, at least."
Nods "It is little more than my duty to help ensure those tomes are correctly cared for. I would be honored to help fulfill his last request." shrugs his shoulders and continues "I know you said that rabble was not dangerous but they may be indicative of a bigger issue. If the professor was concerned perhaps we can help in some way."
"I will be more than happy to se this, the Professor's last wish to the end. Since we will be in town for some time, how can I be of assistance Kendra?"
As Councilman Vashian finishes, he puts down the scroll and looks to Kendra who politely dismisses him. He gives a small huff, spares one more glare across the foreigners and makes his way out the front door. After hearing it close behind him, Kendra takes a deep breath and puts on her bravest face.
"I will need a few weeks at least to decide if I want to remain here, or sell this home and move to somewhere with fewer memories. In the meantime, please consider yourselves welcome and stay here for the month stipulated in the will." She pauses, her gaze falling on the key. "Ah, yes. Please let me retrieve the chest my father spoke of." She then takes the key, disappearing down the hall leaving the group of strangers to ponder the words of the will among themselves.
Lilyana clears her throat a bit as Kendra leaves. "A month surrounded by suspicious people who seem as intent on attacking us as talking to us. I fear we may need to find something to occupy our time. At least what time that she does not need us," she adds hurriedly.
"Myself I would like to know why anyone would be so against the professor that they would intrude on a funeral. They may keep it more interesting than we really would like." shakes his head, "Not to mention anyone that might try to get a hold of the professors books. He was obviously concerned, and I wonder if there are individuals already with an unhealthy interest in those books. Perhaps we should try to find out what the the gossips about town are talking about."
Dariyia nods to Tiberious' addition. "I could go to the tavern this evening to try to find things out," she mentions. "Uhh, this town would have one, right? I didn't see it."
She just sighs after that. "I'm not sure we'll find much though. I mean, there are bullies like that all over the place. They may have just taken a crazy idea into their heads because the Professor didn't want to bore them with research on slugs that no one but a few academics would care about."
Lilyana nods to Dariyia. "I think that we will definitely need to get any information that we can. There may be nothing to worry about, but at the same time, I'd rather be sure if we're going to be staying."
It is then that Kendra returns. The chest is a relatively small object of oak and iron and Kendra sets it upon the table with care. She picks up the key gingerly, but then holds it out to the others with a tentative smile. "I don't know that my father would want me to see. He obviously wanted to protect me from whatever the books were." The key passed off, she withdraws several steps to allow everyone else to see what is inside.
Steps forward when the key is offered and accepts it. "I believe we should know what it is we are protecting, It could tell us a lot about who might be interested in it." turns the key and starts to open the chest before turning back to Kendra "If you truly don't wish to know what the chest contains you may wish to step out for a moment while we check and possibly discuss the contents." Tiberious waits momentarily for her to decide and then opens the chest and takes out the contents reading each title in turn.