"I second what Bran said.
If not tonight, then we'll see each other in the morning."
I am sure we can make a makeshift divider, with kendras permission of course Maia turns to Bran,
I don't mean to offend, but you are a mighty big man, I think it may be best for you to have your own room my friend!
She then starts off but stops and turns back to kendra.
is there anything else we need to know? Or something I could do for you?
Narah slightly shifts in her seat as the others start to move.
"There is... something I would like to have a look at and might need your help for." She glances to Kendra on 'something' as if she didn't want to elaborate because of her.
"But it would be interesting to know what exactly your father was investigating... who knows, maybe we could honour him by finishing his work under your guidance." she adds, this time directly to Kendra.
Kendra's eyes wander from Maia to Bran and back to Maia again, a quizzical look forming within them. "I'm sure I could find a curtain or a tapestry to hang up between the beds, if you think it's necessary to keep such a close watch on these books. Noone has tried to steal from us before, to my knowledge, and I'm sure everyone in town will quickly learn that you're staying here and think twice about trying now."
She frowns, considering Narah's question. "My father didn't share such details with me. I think he sought to protect me from the corruptive influences of such books as these." She indicates the chest. "I'm sure you'll find his journal more useful than me, in this regard."
Is better to be safe than sorry ken, do you mind if I call you Ken? or keny? or kena?
She says lightheartedly as she can to kendra and then turns towards Narah.
I will be reading over this soon, I will let you know anything I find.
"Thank you, beautiful; I was just wondering whether the five of us should sit down in private and read it together. It took me a bit by surprise that Kendra was not informed on her father's studies; it may be of importance to read it at once. Maybe it was just an accident. But maybe the same evil that Professor Lorrimor had to face is still on to us. And we are bound in honour and respect to protect his daughter."
Narah, squirms a bit uncomfortable in her chair now and looks a bit uncomfortable to Kendra every now then and smoothes her black velvet dress with her white fingers even though it already is perfectly smooth.
Finally she finds a little smile within her though. "I like the sound of 'Kendra' actually. Has something wild and martial, but still deeply feminine. While I am sure it really isn't it makes me think of Azlanti."
"Ken.. Keny.. Kena.." Kendra lets each shortened version of her name play on her lips, tasting them one by one, then shakes her head. "I'm not sure. I don't think I mind, and maybe one of those would grow on me, but they feel strange.. Nobody has called me anything other than 'Kendra' before."
She smiles, nodding, when Narah defends her name. "I like that description! I don't know of the name's origin, but I'm sure it could be Azlanti. If my father was studying their culture when I was born, that might have influenced the choice."
For a moment Narah's eyes rest on Kendra and she smiles the strange, somehow knowing smile. 'My, she is a charm. I have one month to convince her to discard shame and learn a bit of the ways of Calistria... she could bring so much bliss to this dark place.'
"So... shall we go, make a small mystery circle in candle light and dip into the secrets of Professor Lorrimor? Who knows, maybe it mentions Kendra's name."
She points with her nose to where Maia has the journal.
***
It quickly becomes apparent that reading the entirety of the Professor's journal will take a long, long time, as the earliest entries go back decades. However, even a quick leafing through the book reveals that several entries have been circled. A more thorough investigation reveals a total of six such circled passages; the earliest one from nearly ten years ago, while the last five were all written during the past couple of months; the first of those five a few days before the last update of the will, while the last entry is from the day of the Professor's death.
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might. Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.
It is as I had feared. The Way is interested in something here in Ravengro. But what could it be?
Whatever the Way seeks, I am now convinced their goal is connected to Harrowstone. In retrospect, I suppose it all makes sense — the stories they tell about the ruins in town are certainly chilling enough. It may be time to investigate the ruins, but with everyone in town already being so worked up about them, I'd rather not let the others know about my curiosity — there's plenty of folks hereabouts who already think I'm a demonologist or a witch or something. Ignorant fools.
It is confirmed. The Way seems quite interested in something — no, strike that — someone who was held in Harrowstone. But who, specifically, is the Way after? I need a list of everyone who died the night of the fire. Everyone. The Temple of Pharasma must have such a list.
I see now just how ill prepared I was when I last set out for the Harrowstone. I am lucky to have returned at all. The ghosts, if indeed they were ghosts (for I did not find it prudent to investigate further) prevented me from transcribing the strange symbols I found etched along the foundation — hopefully on my next visit I will be more prepared. Thankfully, the necessary tools to defend against spirits are already here in Ravengro. I know that the church of Pharasma used to store them in a false crypt in the Restlands at the intersection between Eversleep and the Black Path. I am not certain if the current clergy even know of what their predecessors have hidden down below. If my luck holds, I should be able to slip in and out with a few borrowed items.
This evening I return to the prison. It is imperative the Way does not finish. My caution has already cost me too much time. I am not sure what will happen if I am too late, but if my theory is right, the entire town could be at risk. I don't have time to update my will, so I'll leave this in the chest where it'll be sure to be found, should the worst come to pass.
A: Town Square
B: Posting Poles
C: "The Laughing Demon"
D: Ravengro Town Hall
E: Temple of Pharasma
F: Ravengro General Store
G: Ravengro Forge
H: Jominda's Apothecary
I: Ravengro Jail
J: "The Silk Purse"
K: "The Outward Inn"
L: "The Unfurling Scroll"
M: Council Members' homes
N: Kendra's house
O: Harrowstone Memorial
P: The Restlands
R: Harrowstone
[Ooc] sorry finals week and all [ooc]
Narah leans back and thinks about the words from the journal for a moment. "Father Grimburrow told me that Professor Lorrimor's body had been found smashed under a Gargoyle in the said prison. And that the place was rumored to be haunted."
Narah sighs. "If we are to find out what is behind his death, protect Kendra and this town - however boorish some of the people may be - and drive back the restless we should speak with Grimburrow. Hopefully he has at least an idea which this crypt may be, even if he doesn't know. I'll pray for a spell to bless some water tomorrow. Calistria isn't exactly one of the good girls among the golds, but she's certainly not fond of such an abomination of life beyond lust; I'll need to consider carefully what to pray for if we are to face ghosts and evil cultists."
She runs a finger from her yaw down her back as she considers. "What do you think?" she adds to Morthos. "Any ideas what this might be? Did your order ever come across this Whispering Way before?" She folds her thighs and turns to present herself better to him, even though she her thoughts seem to be elsewhere and she sounds deeply concerned.
Narah looks for a window and to get an impression how late it is and whether there is still a chance to meet the father today or whether she should better go look for an inn.
Narah looks for a window and to get an impression how late it is and whether there is still a chance to meet the father today or whether she should better go look for an inn.
***
You can recall having read about The Whispering Way in your studies. It's a sinister organization of necromancers that has been active in the Inner Sea region for thousands of years, and their agents often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way's most notorious member was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society is said to have existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
Beyond simply an organization, The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers — the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about.
As she ponders on her past studies her face runs pale.
oh... oh my, I fear we could be in great danger. I have read of this organization, it is a long existing, and powerful order created long long ago, even before my grandfather had passed away. It is an organization of necromancers, if that wasn't apparent, but this is the same group that Tar-Baphon, or the Whispering Tyrant, a great powerful, evil lich. I doubt that we drew to much of their gaze, or even the professor, but I fear what the late professor may have drawn.
after a bit she manages a smile and looks around
No need to worry though! I am sure I can handle a silly old necromancer or two!
She pumps her fist to emphasize her point.
mmmm I also agree, perhaps we still have time? Though I believe it would be prudent to leave someone here to guard the house. I myself will go to search the library here to see If I may dig up anything else!
Daniel folds his arms and slight sarcasm can be noticed.
"Sure, despite their power they would fear the charms of a young woman.
Joke aside, i think it unlikely, but a society that is so secretive would have spies wouldn't they? If they were indirectly involved in the professor's death, wouldn't they keep tabs on anyone who'd investigate the late professor's death?
Call me overly cautious on this, but i'll tag along to the library."
Maia glances around the room
You know I can take care of myself... But thank you, knowing someone is watching your back is always nice. Right val?
she looks to bran.
No offense big boy, but I feel you should go with Narah if Daniel is coming with me. The more we move as a large group the more attention we might draw, and this way we can get two things done this afternoon without risking to much. Mr. Angel here can stay and guard the house!
she looks around, quite pleased with her logical strategy. Val just ruffles his feathers a bit and shakes his head.
|
Bran scratches his reverse mohawked head, seems puzzled, then his eyes light up as he turns to Maia. "A-hah, yes I believe that would be a wiser plan. I will go with Narah to see what we can extract from Father Grimburrow. And, you're probably right.. I should have my own room as I will likely, yet unintentionally, encroach on your privacy. I'd prefer to stay at the house. I can sleep anywhere, I'm used to sleeping on the ground in the wilds of Varisia after all."
Narah looks between her new friends but has a bit of trouble following: "Library? What library? You mean here, in Kendra's mansion?" she breathes.
Maia's face blushes slightly,
Wait, your telling me this town DOESN'T have a local or town library? Not even in the town hall!! oh maaaaan.
she gives a slightly exasperated expression and closes her eyes as she thinks.
She then lets out a slight agitated
hmmmmmmmmmmmm before she opens her eyes with a smile.
well if that's the case I am going to go see If I can't dig up anything worthwhile on this Harrowstone. From people or from old books, I am sure there have to be some scrolls or books on it somewhere in town, I believe I will have to start at the town hall though. If nothing turns up I will ask permission for full use of the books here.
she then turns towards Val.
You have to help to mister. I know you can read, at least elvish.
Val lets out an exasperated sigh.
Maia, I feel your getting to worked up again, you have got a month after all.
Maia almost shouts.
NO, we don't know if those necromancers are still watching. We need to get as much info as possible.. Even if it means reading things we might shouldn't or asking things that upset some.
She turns back from the door and looks around.
I am going to the town hall to check for any record books or the like. then I will come back here. If I haven't found anything. Any objections?
Hearing all of this Morthos broods, deep in thought, the books he had heard of. He understood the need to know evil, know how to destroy it.
"These books and this cult trouble me, I have a unending hatred for the undead but the worldwound had seemed more pressing to me. Now I am a part of this, and I'll spare the liches to live. I stay with the books, if that means the room with Maia then that's what it means. You should all figure out what our next course is. I can gaurd these tomes."
Narah listened quietly for a moment. She didn't really like to wait and neither to leave her new friends. But she couldn't stay in this place and there were things for her to find out as well.
"If that's the case I better look for a quarter in the city and try to get in touch with the townsfolk. I am pretty sure my methods will lead to the one or the other interesting details regarding the Harrowstone. Let us not forget the hidden cache the professor mentions, though. We should best talk to Grimburrow tomorrow."
Maia will head out towards the town hall, upon reaching the building she will walk up to the first person she sees there that looks like an official and ask.
Hey! Hey you! Hi! umm I was wondering if you have any books on this towns history. Er, more precisely books containing anything about Harrow-stone.
She gives a playful smile at the end.
Daniel, who stands a bit behind her, nods.
"We'd very much appreciate it, Maia here wishes to do research that will help the town."
Should Maia look at him funny;
"Maybe they liked my eyes?"
Walking towards the town square and the buildings surrounding it, among them the Town Hall and The Outward Inn, you notice several locals watching your progression from their own windows. Some sniff and turn back to whatever they were doing, while others follow with thinly veiled curiosity until they can no longer see you.
Before entering the square itself, the sounds of children singing near the central gazebo trickle towards you, and once you're closer you see a group of five young girls playing a skipping rope game under the watchful eye of an old dog lying close by. The girls take turns jumping in the rope while singing two lines of a rather disturbing song, then skips out of the rope to let the next girl take up the next two lines.
There are a total of five repeating verses, going as follows:
"Put her body on the bed.
Take a knife and lop her head."
"Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe."
"Drops of red so sparkly bright.
Splatters spell her name just right."
"With a hammer killed his wife.
Now he wants to claim your life."
"Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die."
The way the girls switch from skipping to passing the ends of the rope to eachother to keep the whole thing going is strikingly well-timed and well-choreographed.
***
The spacious building is almost deserted when you enter, but one familiar face remains within; that of Gharen Muricar, the other elderly Councilman who attended the Professor's burial .
"I was just about to close up," he begins, grimacing at the mention of Harrowstone, "and our records aren't open to visitors." Beginning to shuffle the two back outside, Daniel's words halt him. The old man takes a closer look at Maia, his gaze lingering uncomfortably long. "Does she, now? Weeell," he drawls, "I suppose I could let one have a look."
Maia will take note of the children,
ahh, a childhood I could never have had... though.. why would anyone teach there children such an awful Rhyme?
She takes note to repeat it to herself as she walks.
Oh, thank you good sir, you won't be disappointed! I promise! also, I don't mean to impose you even more than I have good sir but... is it possible if I could ask you a question or two?
Narah goes out to the inn to procure a room and maybe come to an arrangement with the host. She decided to be quite aggressively honest about what she intends to do there; if he throws her out she can at any time walk back to Kendra. There she would have to play nice, but be in very nice company as well.
She smiles as she watches the children play and tries to memorize the lines. While their superstition leads the people of this place to draw bad conclusions she cannot entirely ignore it either; usually there is something to it, even though not necessarily what people believe. The song makes little sense to her - first it asks to decapitate a woman, next it speaks of a man with a hammer, with which you can't decapitate anyone. Her "name" seems to be important but isn't specifically said. Narah nods her head for a moment and claps her hands in rhythm as she watches the girls play. "That's a strange song, but you play it very well, young ladies."
She moves on to "The Outword Inn" and walks inside, accompanied with the strange still breeze that always accompanies her when she enters a building, and tries to get an impression for it. She drops her baggage on the floor and looks around for a host. "Hello?"
The old man grins lecherously as he begins showing Maia towards the town hall's small library, staying closer to her than would be polite, yet seems somewhat gruff in his response. "Alright, but make it quick."
***
When Narah addresses them, the five girls immediately stop singing and skipping, and form up in a line where they stand quietly and nervously. Glancing among eachother, one eventually bows her head, murmuring "Thank you, lady, but my parents say I shouldn't talk to strangers."
***
Only a couple of tables in the rural, charming inn's dining area are filled when Narah enters, suggesting there's plenty of rooms to be had. "Just a moment!" someone shouts from behind an open door, and it doesn't take long for a woman in her early fifties, slightly heavyset and with a face bearing considerable hints at the beautiful girl she must have been in her youth, to appear and come up to Narah, quickly wiping her hands on an apron. "Welcome to the Outward Inn! I'm Sarianna Vai," she says, smiling, while taking in the baggage set on the floor. "I'm guessing you're looking for a room?"
maia jumps up and throws her arms around the mans neck. almost dangling though taking care not to injure the older man.
oh thank you! I just wanted to ask, why do the children here sing such a morbid, if well written, Rhyme? also, could you perchance, point me to any records involving Harrowstone? I understand it seems to be a sore subject and I apologize for bringing it up, but I fear it is of great importance.
she looks back and throws a quick wink and a smile at Daniel.
Prior to the "dirty old man" behavior
Daniel nods at her sign.
"Thank you sir. We'll make sure we research as much as possible to help this town."
When the old man starts to show his improper behavior, Daniel's eyes begin to shimmer/glimmer with disgust.
I may be a rookie in age, but i know you're being a dirty old man here."
While walking with them Daniel, towards Maia casually, shares a story from his time "abroad".
"I've heard a story of a man who satisfied himself with improper conduct. He was about 70 years old and "fancied" a 24 year old girl. It seems when he died his behavior got him a ticket to Avernus, where he was judged. He was spared torture, but was sentenced to keep the soldiers "company". A sentence of 200 years before they'd release his soul again. Oh i wouldn't want to be in his, well.... her shoes."
He looks to the man, "Wouldn't you agree sir?"
"Your parents are wise people" says Narah to the girls with a friendly, somewhat devious smile. "Should they ask who that stranger was you may tell them it Narah, priestess of Calistria from the far Katapesh, here to visit Professor Lorrimor's funeral as well as fulfill his last will." she barely swallows a 'Calistria's blessings over you', for the girls are a bit too young for that. She nods to the girls leaves.
----
In the inn:
She tries her most winning smile, knowing how delicate her request is in a backwater town like this. It is helpful that her host is a woman, though. Nonchalantly she speaks a forumala in Celestial and sways her hand along with it, as though it was some kind of greeting. Acutally she speaks a spell, enhanced diplomacy. "A wonderful day, good woman. I am Narah an'Aras from Katapesh and I am indeed looking for a room, but not just for a night, it seems I will be busy here in Ravengro for a month; actually as guest of Kendra Lorrimor, but..." Narah smirks and angles her head slightly: "As a priestess of Calistria I should prefer a lodging that would allow me to maintain some discretion over who comes and leaves. Would such a room be available here? I can assure you it will only be to your advantage." Her entire posture is an example of traditional feminine coyness and elegance. Only the somewhat sly half smile and her words relativise it.
|
|
-With the children-
Bran smiles a toothy smile to the children, all but one of them seem terrified. The lone brave girl smiles back and points to Bran's hair. "I was given that haircut by a Goblin in the wilds of Varisia.. it was the last thing that little bugger ever cut." Bran looks proudly at the little girl. The little girls eyes filled with wonder, she asks to touch his hair. Bran obliges, smiling another toothy grin, and the other children seem to have a more calm attitude toward him.
-At the Outward Inn-
Bran smiles and nods, seeing to it that Narah is taken care of before making his way to the local butcher.
:(
maia jumps up and throws her arms around the mans neck. almost dangling though taking care not to injure the older man.
oh thank you! I just wanted to ask, why do the children here sing such a morbid, if well written, Rhyme? also, could you perchance, point me to any records involving Harrowstone? I understand it seems to be a sore subject and I apologize for bringing it up, but I fear it is of great importance.
she looks back and throws a quick wink and a smile at Daniel.
The Councilman gets a euphoric expression all over his face as Maia throws herself around him, although as soon as she relases him he quickly attempts to conjure an expression of awkward embarrassment instead. This attempt mostly falls flat, however, as he's entirely unable to wipe his smile away.
"The children's rhyme? Yes, it is fairly morbid, isn't it?" He considers the question, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't know its origin. They've been singing that song for as long as I can remember."
Gharen again grimaces at the mention of Harrowstone, then nods towards one of the doors they're coming up towards. "The town records are in here. Whatever information we have on the place should be there." Pulling a keychain from one pocket, he opens the door wide and steps aside, revealing a small room stacked with packed shelves, nearly void of space for anyone to move about. "Stay where I can see you, now," he says, somewhat disappointed at the lack of room.
When the old man starts to show his improper behavior, Daniel's eyes begin to shimmer/glimmer with disgust.
I may be a rookie in age, but i know you're being a dirty old man here."While walking with them Daniel, towards Maia casually, shares a story from his time "abroad".
"I've heard a story of a man who satisfied himself with improper conduct. He was about 70 years old and "fancied" a 24 year old girl. It seems when he died his behavior got him a ticket to Avernus, where he was judged. He was spared torture, but was sentenced to keep the soldiers "company". A sentence of 200 years before they'd release his soul again. Oh i wouldn't want to be in his, well.... her shoes."He looks to the man, "Wouldn't you agree sir?"
Lost in his own thoughts, the Councilman doesn't immediately realize he's being addressed. He makes a noncommittal, quizzical sound, then an "Ohh!" as he replays the last several sentences in his mind. Turning to Daniel, taking his eyes off Maia with some difficulty, he defensively crosses his arms over his chest. "Why, yes. That sounds like a most dreadful fate. One wouldn't wish such a thing upon even one's worst enemy, I should think."
The man does, however, seem considerably deflated afterwards, and he gives Maia a good deal less attention than before.
Daniel's eyes didn't shimmer anymore, his words hit the mark and a corner of his mouth turned upwards briefly as the man stopped looking at him.