Kendra leads you along the road through the western half of Ravengro, past the monumental Temple of Pharasma. You didn't have the opportunity to look closely at the structure before, but its elaborate detail and sheer size make the town's other buildings appear unquestionably dull. A stunning glass mural decorates the eastern facade.
As you come to a covered bridge spanning the rushing creek, Kendra looks down towards the churning water. "The rain has rarely ceased over the past few weeks. The creek looks like it might spill onto the shore at any moment. That we had some sun for my father's funeral is fortunate. I am thankful for the small blessings." You note that despite today's reasonably mild weather, it would seem that nearly every citizen of Ravengro is indoors; you've barely seen a soul.
Not far from your path, you notice a moss-covered stone statue that overlooks the creek. Though it is somewhat hard to discern from this distance, you can tell that the statue depicts a human man wielding a truncheon.
There is something ominous about the muscular stone figure. An eerie feeling tugs at you as you look upon it. For a half moment, his gaze almost seems to follow you.
"There." Kendra raises her arm and points. "There is our home." She indicates a large but plain house that looks to be but a minute's walk away. A haphazard collection of wood and stone, the building is larger than some you have seen, yet it is dwarfed by some of the pastoral manors you have passed, and certainly by the Pharsmin Temple.
Kendra unlocks the door, and ushers you in. A musty smell greets your nostrils as you enter, but the Lorrimor residence appears clean. An eclectic mix of couches and chairs from cultures across Golarion provides ample seating. All the same, the interior feels cramped due to the shelves and shelves of books. They cover every wall, and some are even stacked upon a few small tables. Kendra closes the door and slips past you, expertly navigating the labyrinthine furniture arrangement before disappearing around a corner.
You hear a minor clatter of pots and pans "Oh, Iovanna." Kendra's voice comes from another room. "I nearly forgot your generous offer. Come in here, and I'll show you where everything is. The rest of you, sit down. Make yourselves comfortable. I will join your conversation shortly."
Iovanna will attempt to follow after Kendra without bumping into things, looking around her as she goes at seemingly random collection of furniture and books. It certainly looks as if your father brought something back with him from every place he traveled to.
As the group trudges through the mud towards the house Rosanna stares upwards at the imposing buildings. Stopping in her tracks at the sight of the looming temple and glancing back at Aranca perched on the pony's saddle. And i thought the Goat's Bucket back at home was big! Look at the size of it! You could almost fit all of Ahlm into that space.
As they enter Kendra's house, having tied up the pony outside, she peers around the room, her eyes widening at the sight of the Proffesor's library. So many books all in one space Aranca. Who would have thought that so many could exist in all the world! Seeming almost hypnotised she carefully moves between the pieces of furniature, pulling back her hood and revealing her elegantly pointed ears and long braid of jet black hair running down her back. Peering closely at the titles on the covers, but carefully avoiding touching any of them, she seems to forget her wariness of the strangers surrounding her, lost in the sight before her.
Look Aranca, its Helpethim's "Incomplete Bestiary" and Saragomoor's "Pseudo-Mnemnomic Memoirs of Korvosa" and Theolin's "Insightful Ponderings" and Tarquin's "Extended Metahistory of the River Kingdoms" and Dawsins' "The Gods' Confusion" and Jubwil's "Imagined logic" and Reperaporthulm's "Unwise investigations" and is that? No, it can't be? Trollim's "Non-Visual Imperial Neosartorialism Explained?". The Professor spoke of all of these! How could one man read so many books? Its incredible!
Iovanna finds Kendra in the kitchen. The tiny space is at least as cluttered as front room. Copper pots are stacked high, and various utensils hang on randomly placed hooks. There are also shelves containing more books. Kendra points to a stack of wood in the corner. "The wood is here, and the fireplace back in the living room. You can fill this iron pot in the basin. The leaves can be found over here. And his tea set. My father loved tea. He couldn't get enough of it. You may know that already. I am sorry. I do go on."
Kendra smiles at Iovanna. "You are a paladin of Lastwall, are you not? I thought I heard you say that. He...my father, I mean...he spoke of a promising engineering student there. Perhaps that was you?"
Jaxus follows Iovanna to the stove, "I will start the fire if you want to start the tea." Jaxus gets to work building the fire, wierd to be here with out the Professor trying to talk my ear off.
Taking a seat in the parlor, Tetsuo is hit by a flood of memories. "How many times have been in this very room pourng over these tomes with the professor., he thinks to himself as takes in his friend's home. Picking up one of his favorites covering the ecology of zombies, a faint smile crosses his face. Flipping through the tome is like stepping back in time and the numerous undead he was able to put to rest due to this very work run through his mind.
Responding to Kendra: Yes, my superiors had sent me to a number of his lectures. At the time my duty was to assist with rebuilding some of our defensive fortifications that had taken damage in previous battles and it was decided that you father might have some ideas that could help them be rebuilt better. At first I resented being sent away from the front lines, but your father's love of learning was infectious and I found myself enjoying what I first though of as a chore. Iovanna smiles fondly at the memories of those lectures.
Iovanna was so distracted by those memories that she failed to notice Jaxus come up behind her and appeared a bit startled by his appearance and offer of help. That was careless of me, in battle I would be dead from such a mistake. Thank you, I will go back and get the kettle and water then. Glancing back at him, He seems nice enough I suppose, though a bit creepy.
"You speak truthfully. His love of learning was nothing if not infectious, Iovanna."
Kendra turns and nods at Jaxus. "And you. Have we met in years past? There is something familiar about you, but many of my father's friends and colleagues have visited here, and I must confess that I can scarcely remember them all."
Jaxus looks up from the fire, "No we never officially met. I lived on the out skirts of town several years ago and I had seen you from a distance as we passed in town but I have been away for the last of couple years." Jaxus adds a little more tinder to the flame. "I spent time with your father when he first brought me to Ravengro and then I tried to visit him when I could when our paths crossed. I learned a lot from him about myself and some of the monsters that plague this land. I will miss his trust and friendship.
"While my trust and friendship cannot fill the void he has left, I offer them anyway, Jaxus Deverou. I am pleased to know you." Kendra looks from Jaxus to Iovanna. "Thank you for managing the tea, you two. I will head to the other room and find a seat. I suddenly feel faint."
Kendra leaves the kitchen and heads to the front room where Hayashi and Rosanna look over Professor Lorrimor's vast collection of books. She sits gingerly on an armchair of Chelaxian make and lets out a deep sigh. "I hope you are content to wait for Vashian. I am sure he will arrive before too much longer."
Iovanna looks over to Jaxus after Kendra leaves the room and speaks quietly to him so that those in the other room will not hear. "Please understand that I ask this out of concern for Kendra." Pausing moment as she best figures out how to phrase this. "If you've lived near here for several years after Professor Lorrimar brought you to Ravengro, why is it that he never saw fit to introduce you to his daughter?"
Jaxus continues to stare at the fire, "He wanted to but I avoided it. I only stayed a little less than year just outside of town about five years ago. I have failed some important people in my life and it ended badly so I have avoided that situation ever since."
If he allows it, Iovanna lays her hand upon his shoulder and appears thoughtful as she sighs and still quietly says: "By now you must think I'm trying to insult you, but it sounds as if you chose the cowards way out. The road to redemption lies in facing your demons and defeating them. Not by running in fear or avoiding them. Somehow, I get the feeling that Professor Lorrimar tried to tell you something similar." Iovanna will then take the kettle of the stove and begin to head to other room as she say: "Forgive me thinking that perhaps the Professor thought you too dangerous to introduce to Kendra." Poor thing, he must have lost someone close to him to still be so upset over it.
When he felt the hand on his shoulder the dark side deep down in Jaxus's soul snapped awake. The hunger he had pushed way down rushed forward and he gritted his teeth and pushed back. Iovanna's words drifted through the rush and he grabbed onto them listening and as she walked out of the room the darkness fleed as well.
Jaxus kneeled in from of the stove and clenched his shaking hands,Holy savoring sting, that hasn't happened in a long time. Jaxus looks over his shoulder at Iovanna as she passed through the door he shook his head and stood up.
She is right I do need to confront many things and maybe now is the time. He followed her out into the sitting room and settled into a seat in the corner and waited. He kept help sneaking small glances Iovanna's way and thinking about the past and feeling that haven't surfaced in a long time.
Hrolf sits in awe of the house, fascinated by the endless lore within. He listens carefully to the conversations taking place.
Kendra's eyes wander around the room, a look of peace on her face. It is easy to see her admiration as her gaze falls upon Hrolf. "It moves me how you honored my father, Hrolf. He would have been delighted to see you offer the sword..." Kendra shifts in her chair. She looks away for a moment. "I have been combing my memory, and I cannot recall him making any mention of you, Hrolf Steinholf. I am glad though, that you were among the handful to receive notices of his death, and that you came." She meets the Ulfen's eyes again and smiles.
Hrolf shrugs, not at all offended that he wasn't mentioned.
I was always hired help, but we grew closer over the past couple of years.
"He hired much help in his life, but few were invited to honor his death. There must be something special about you." Kendra tilts her head back and rests her eyes. "I am so pleased to have you as company, my friends. It has brought me some ease on this melancholy day."
Iovanna will bring the kettle and cups into the room where Kendra is and attempt to find a safe place to set them without damaging any book or paper that is laying about. Once Kendra has her tea, she will attempt to find a place to sit down and patiently wait for the reason for their summons to be made known.
Being a man of few words as it only clutters his mind distracting fromt the serenity of enlightenment,Hayashi takes in his new companions in thoughtful silence. After a time he ask, "Miss Kendra, is there anything any of us might do for you to ease the burdens you now carry?"
Kendra leads you along the road through the western half of Ravengro, past the monumental Temple of Pharasma. You didn't have the opportunity to look closely at the structure before, but its elaborate detail and sheer size make the town's other buildings appear unquestionably dull. A stunning glass mural decorates the eastern facade.
"Thank you for the tea, Iovanna. And Jaxus." Kendra holds the cup under her nose, breathing in the steam. She looks up to Hayashi. "None that I would ask, Tetsuo Hayashi, but I appreciate the thought."
At that moment, a sharp rapping on the door catches the attention of everybody in the room. Kendra pulls herself to her feet, gracefully and without hesitation, and crosses to answer it. She opens the door to reveal Councilman Vashian Hearthmout. He glances around the room nervously as he enters, though he seems to have regained a bit of color since you last saw him.
"I apologize for earlier." He says, looking none of you in the eye.
Kendra grimaces. "It is all right, Vashian. Would you like some tea?"
"No, thank you. I'm afraid I must be prompt." Councilman Vashian produces a scroll case, and wordlessly indicates Professor Lorrimor's personal, unbroken seal. "Let us begin then." He breaks the wax and opens the case. As he does, a small iron key falls out of the tube, clattering noisily onto the table in front of him. Undaunted by the key, the councilman begins to read:
“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.”
Councilman Hearthmount seems short of breath as he finishes. "That is it then. Any questions?"
Kendra wipes a tear from her cheek as she glances around at all of you.
"My offer stands, Miss Kendra. I am sure the others, having all been touched by your father's life, too, will stand by it.
At the knocking Rosanna, jerks slightly, glancing apprehensively at the door before taking a final glance at the books and pulling her hood back up above her head. As the councilman enters she moves silently to the far side of the room, reminding you of nothing so much as a nervous rabbit.
As the councilman reads through the will she looks up, her almond-shaped eyes widening and seeming to glow strangely in the dancing light of the fireplace. At the mention of the money she gasps in shocked surprise, raising her hand unconsciously to mouth.
"But that's impossible, she gasps, forgetting her wariness for a moment. "what help could I possibly offer? And so much money, surely there's been some mistake?"
Iovanna sits quietly through the reading of the will, though her face shows a great deal of surprise at the amount of money being given to them. I have no idea what to do with that much money. Surely there must be some sort of mistake?
After the reading of the will is complete, Iovanna will rise from her seat and kneel before Kendra. Miss Kendra, I hereby pledge my service to you for the next month. I would hope that you would do us all the honor of accepting our help so that we may fulfil your father's last request. Iovanna seems to take it for granted that no one would even think of refusing to honor the Professor's last request.
After all that is said, Iovanna does have one last stray thought: I wonder where we will all sleep for the next month?
Jaxus listens in the corner and raises an eyebrow are the amount of money each of them get. Jaxus looks over at Rosanna, "Don't worry I think even a little 'changling' like you will have plenty to other" he says with a smile.
"Kendra it looks like you will have your own personal enterouge of ruffians for a while."
Iovanna raises an eyebrow at Jaxus's last comment. I don't think I would consider myself a "ruffian". Looking Jaxus up and down, Well perhaps some us do look a bit ruffian like, though I bet he'd clean up well. Looking over towards Kendra, Besides companionship during this tough time, what else can we do for you Kendra? Are there any repairs to your house we could assist with? Wood to chop for the stove?
Jaxus grins at the Iovanna's apparent disagreement about his last comment. This should be a very interesting month, he thinks to himself. "Yes very interesting", said a deep voice in the back of Jaxus's mind and his grin quickly evaporated.
Damn it is starting again. Jaxus grits his teeth and pushes his Dark Shadow deeper down and returns his attention back to the group.
When she she sees Jaxus's grin disappear, she looks briefly concerned and offers him a smile. *sigh* I hope he didn't actually take offense to that remark. I never did have much of a sense of humor.
I will honour Lorrimor's last wishes... Although I must also profess surprise at the sheer amount of coin we have been left. Hrolf picks up and examines the key that the Professor left them carefully.
Kendra blinks. Though she was clearly affected by the will, her expression is blank. After looking around the room, she stares forward, not responding to your comments.
Vashian Hearthmount is growing visibly more uncomfortable, and he can no longer contain it. "If there are no questions for me, I will excuse myself. With your leave, Kendra. Kendra?"
Kendra blinks again, and seems once again present. "Yes...of course, Vashian. Thank you."
"You are sure you'll be all right with...nevermind." Councilman Hearthmount gives a minor, awkward bow, and then leaves, slamming the door surprisingly hard behind him.
Kendra suddenly laughs. "He is wily, even in death. Only my father would use a will to ensnare his friends in service. I am sorry. I don't entirely know what to make of your presence. Yet, you seem determined. If you will honor his request, I have rooms for you. Upstairs, there is his bedroom, my own, and then several other rooms, any of which might have been a study. As you can see, though, the entire house is a study."
A smile comes to Kendra's face. "I am so rude. It will be wonderful to have you here for some time. Before the reading, I sat and wondered about how I would begin my life alone. That can wait, for now, it seems. I am glad for your company."
Jaxus glares at the door for a second and then turns to Kendra, "I am sorry and if you are to tired to answer some questions that's fine." Jaxus looks some what uncomfortable but continues, "Do you have any idea what that necromancer crap was about? There had to be something that triggered that reaction from the towns folk."
I confess that I am also curious as to why those townsfolk were so convinced that your father was a necromancer that they did not even want him buried in the towns cemetery. Not that we would ever believe such things of him of course. That last bit was said in an attempt to comfort Kendra.
As the councilman leaves the room Rosanna once again lowers her hood, tilting her head as she listens to the others.
"Could it be that someone found out about these books that are mentioned in his will. I Know of no magic that would be considered dangerous and evil than death-magic.?"
As the councilman leaves the room Rosanna once again lowers her hood, tilting her head as she listens to the others.
"Could it be that someone found out about these books that are mentioned in his will. I Know of no magic that would be considered dangerous and evil than death-magic.?"
Jaxus slowly shakes his head,m "Maybe but those people didn't look like they could read much less even now what a necro book would look like."
Looking back to Kendra, Is there perhaps someone who stood to gain by making false claims that your father practiced dark magics? What of someone who felt wronged in someway by him and would make up such things to get even?
Simple ignorance, no doubt. I myself have been called a Necromancer in my time by suspicious common folk.
Kendra speaks with contempt. "A combination of alcohol and idiocy, I suspect. Gibs Hephenus has nothing to gain from such claims, save an excuse to drink, and he has never required that before." She sighs. "Hrolf has it. It is ignorance. Nothing more. Yes, the will mentions tomes that deal with such things, but remember...he clarified that those were only for study...never for use. He would never employ dark magic. Never." Kendra's brow furrows. "They are locked away. The books. But I know of his hiding place. Shall I retrieve the chest that contains them?"
** spoiler omitted **
Kendra speaks with contempt. Shall I retrieve the chest that contains them?"
Jaxus nodes, "Yeah that would be great."
"Very well. I will bring it to you on the condition that we end this talk of necromancy. I know you are not accusing my father of anything and that you ask with only the best intentions, but there is nothing to the rumor but foolery and mistruth. Of that, I am sure." Before any of you can from an answer, Kendra stands. "I am perhaps being overly dramatic. I ask you to humor me regardless."
She walks to the narrow staircase in the corner of the room and ascends. You hear some rustling upstairs, and shortly thereafter, she returns carrying a sizable chest.
"Was there a key contained with his final wishes? I cannot find the one he once hid in the drawer."
My apologies lady Kendra, says Rosanna, seeming to shrink backwards from embarrassment. I did not mean to suggest that the professor would be engaging in death-magic, just that the books might provide some clue. I'm sure that he would only have used such things, as he said in his will, in order to combat those who might use them. But, she pauses for a moment if someone did find out what the books were about they might not think the same? In any case I could of course be completely wrong. We won't know unless we see these tombs for ourselves.
Responding to Kendra, Yes, I believe a key fell out of the scroll case when the Councilman opened it. I don't see it there now though, did someone pick it up? Iovanna has a look of distaste on her face as she regards the box. It is fairly clear that she does not like the thought of even looking at such books.
Hrolf moves over to the chest and opens it with the key he had been examining, passing the key back to Kendra with an apologetic shrug.
This should be interesting...
Moving to Kendra's side, Hayashi places a light hand upon her shoulder and givesher a reassuring look and they watch the others open the chest. The hand upon Kendra's shoulder serves the purpose of both comfort and safety should he need to toss her from harm's path, but his cool grace only reveals the kind gesture.
Iovanna stands near the table to watch as the box is opened. Quite clearly curious as to what strange tomes it contains.
As Hrolf Steinholf's large hand pulls back the lid of the polished oak chest, the hinge squeaks ever so slightly. The tomes within are not perfectly stacked, and those on the bottom have their edges visible. It is hard to take immediate account of any but the book that rests on top, however, as that one bears the phrase “Read me now!” scratched into its leather cover.
Giving out a little laugh, "I guess we should do as the book says? Professor Lorrimor must have left further instructions inside it regarding the care of these books." Unless someone else moves first, Iovanna will pick up the book and begin reading it out loud to the group. (Assuming of course it is in a language she knows.)