Sarianna quickly pulls a hanging pint glass down and fills it with mead behind the counter, putting it down in front of Freija before finding a more delicate glass to put some wine for Sofia into, placing it down before her much more delicately. "Already in town long enough to have caught my name?" she asks, something friendly in her voice as she shifted her pose a little bit, interested by where this is going. At least, until mention of Harrowstone, at which point her expression falters just a little bit. "I see," she says, her voice dropping lower. "I don't know why anyone would want to know about a tragedy like that. But certainly, dear.
"I know I'm up in my years, but I didn't retire here long enough ago to be here for Harrowstone. I've gleamed the story over the years, but Ravengro had a prison called Harrowstone. A big one, and if I remember correctly lots of nasty sorts from all over Ustalav. In 4661, so that would be around fifty years, give or take some months, there was a tragic fire. Burned the place out, and most of the guards perished too, cost a lot of people their loved ones that day. It's a sore spot for a lot of the folk old enough to remember it, and that ruin looming up over the hill has a lot of people pretty unhappy. I guess if you needed more, though... Hm. Alendru Ghoroven up the road might have something. He runs a school and magic shop called The Unfurling Scroll. He's told me a little about the prison before, he'd probably be your best chance at learning about it.
"But why the interest in old local tragedies?"
"Yeah, Gibs is not on my list of most popular people at the moment. At least we managed to talk him down. I'll have a glass of wine too please, Sarianna."
---------------------
She listens with interest as Sarianna tells them about Harrowstone, trying to sense what might have caused her to falter.
When she finishes Elisa says, "Kendra told us your name up at the house and mentioned how helpful you've been, especially with how some of the other villagers view the Professor, so thank you for that. I should've asked for your name myself when I came in but I was distracted, with the funeral and all." She shrugs and then looks back at Sarianna, "As to our curiosity about Harrowstone. We were told that's where the Professor passed away and a lot of the locals had strange reactions when it was mentioned. I suppose it makes sense now that you've explained what happened there."
Christoph takes a seat at the bar alongside the others. "Appreciate the thought, ma'am. Hard to believe Gibs'd interrupt a funeral to spew his nonsense. I'd have thought he'd have more respect for the Lady of Graves." The young man's glower is echoed by the tinge of anger in his voice. He clears his throat in a vain effort to disguise his frustration. After a moment, he continues in a more cordial tone, "Anyhow, we paid the Professor our respects so it ended alright."
He listens, with interest, as Sarianna relays the tale of Harrowstone prison. A fire, is it? And the professor described ghosts there. Some lost and haunted souls still lingering after their death? Shivering, he breaks the momentary silence, "I don't suppose you have some tea or maybe some hot mulled cider? Hearing such a harrowing tale on a day like this puts a bit of a chill in you. Got 'ta agree that it makes a lot more sense with the townfolk and their reaction. That'd be enough to set anyone on edge."
Christoph trails off a moment, then continues hesitantly, "If you don't mind me asking, do you know what the place is like now? I'd guess it hasn't been rebuilt, but is it not been torn down and turned into a memorial? Let me know if these questions are too much. It's just hard... with the Professor gone. I'd like to try to make some sense of what's happened."
Sarianna gives Elisa and Christoph their drinks, happily plying them with something to soothe them after the rough morning they must have had seeing an old friend to the ground. "They never touched the place again after what happened. Kids tell ghost stories about it, but few are ever brave enough to try and find out how true they might. They built a memorial by the river for it; nobody wanted to touch the ruins as they stood, afraid of what might happen if they did. I've heard some mutter about the idea that the prison is still holding in the spirits of the prisoners there, but that sounds like some fanciful nonsense to me. They put a statue up for the warden to overlook the river, and plates list the names of everyone who died. Any kids looking to play around dangerously and tell ghost stories will usually do it at the memorial instead.
"It's no trouble at all to me if you sort want to go chasing ghost stories, but after what you've just been through, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Get some rest, have a nice meal or two, and you can be on your way without having to worry about a quaint little town and its past anymore."
"Ghosts in the old prison?" Freija shrugs, speaking between swallows of mead, a guarded look on her face. "Likely it's all foolish superstition, but I've seen enough of the dead in Saggorak to not discount the idea entirely."
Finishing the cup, she pushes across the counter toward Sarianna, "I'll have one more for the road, not a half bad brew, for human mead." With that she turns to her companions. "Mayhap we should at least go see this memorial near the place?"
Elisa takes a sip of wine and turns to Freija, "Yeah, I'd like to see the memorial as well, we can add it to our list of errands."
Elisa finishes her glass of wine with a sigh of pleasure, then turns to Sarianna. "Thank you for the wine Sarianna. We've to carry out a few errands for Kendra in town and then meet her back at her house. We're just going to get our stuff from the rooms first. Ellie and Mihaela are both back at the house helping Kendra so I'm going to get their things as well. Can I settle my bill for now?"
------------------------
Elisa would then wait until the others finished their drinks and they all went upstairs towards their rooms, waiting for a private location to talk to the others and checking to see if anyone was trying to listen in.
If she thought nobody was listening, she would turn to the others with her and say "I think our next move should be to talk to the Sheriff about the Professor's death. See if there was anything suspicious, if there was anything else on the body apart from what Kendra knew about and also find out who it was that found his body. We can head to the temple after that and ask if the priests there found anything unusual while preparing the body; wounds, items or the like. We have a couple of other things we could look into after that, like Alendru Ghoroven, who told Sarianna about Harrowstone and also the memorial for the fire there. Finally, it might be worth checking out the posting poles, for things that happened in the village recently that might reveal more information to us, and it could also be worth talking to Jominda Fallenbridge, who Kendra said was talking to the Councilman about strange happenings in the village. It's a long shot but it might be related. What do you all think? Any other suggestions?"
Sofia listened thoughtfully as the conversation progress, lending only the occasional nod while sipping her wine. She knew a fair deal about spirits, the astral entities that she channeled on a near-daily basis -- but undead haunts and lingering ghosts were not things she had extensive experience with.
"Thank you, for everything," she said to Sarianna, and place two gold pieces onto the counter along with her empty glass.
---------------
Upstairs, Sofia fetched her things from her room. She briefly checked her satchel to ensure everything was where she'd left it, then pulled on her coat and shouldered her bag, carrying her staff as a walking stick.
"It's a lot of leads, and a lot of ground to cover," Sofia said, after Elisa laid out their options. "It might not hurt to split up, in pairs, maybe? Get things done before the storm, and maybe not look as intimidating with all of us strolling into any one place."
Draining the rest of his tea, Christoph nods his thanks to the innkeep. Might be just fanciful talk, but the Professor seemed adamant in his journal. He reaches into a pathetically flat coin purse and pulls out the copper for his drink. He adds a few extra, looking apologetic, "Thank you, Sarianna. Even if it is nonsense, doing something while we're here in town is better then nothing. Can't say I like the idea of just sitting around."
---------------------
He gathers his things from his room, then makes his way to Elisa's room at her request. "It is a lot to be looking into... so splitting up to hurry it along may make some sense. Sofia and, you, Freija. Then Elisa and I, perhaps? I'm not much of one for charming information from folks, but I can probably help when we go to the Temple. Whoever's going to speak to the priest -Grimbarrow?- is who I should go along with. Depending what's where in town might be best to divvy up the rest based on what's nearest or on the way to the Temple."
Sarianna gives an understanding nod. "I see. Well, Kendra can certainly use the company, so I wish you well with that. Poor girl, losing her father so young. Don't worry about the bills though; it's on the house. You just remember me if you ever find yourselves in need of a drink, alright?" With a reassuring smile, she brushes your bills off.
If asked, Sarianna will happily give you directions around town to the different locations you ask about.
"Don't expect me to woo these backwoods folks with honeyed words, but I can certainly escort Sofia." Freija shrugs and shakes her head. "I'm fine doing whichever tasks suit us," she says with a resolute nod.
Elisa beams at Sarianna, "Thanks Sarianna! That drink certainly helped with the day I've been having so far. And don't worry, you'll be the first person I think of when I need another drink! I'll even get you one the next time.
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When Christoph mentions splitting up, a worried frown appears on Elisa's face. "I see your point Christoph, it would definitely speed up gathering information. My only worry is what would happen if we got ambushed by the Way. They may be watching our movements and wondering what we're up to and it's a lot easier to ambush two people than four! Maybe I'm being a bit paranoid but, the Professor, while he got himself into trouble a lot, was usually pretty capable of getting himself back out of trouble too. It worries me that the Way might have managed to get the drop on him. If you all agree to split up, I'll go along with it, but I'd prefer to be cautious and stick together." She shrugs at the others and waits to hear what they say.
Sofia nodded her assent to Christoph's comments, but canted her head slightly when Elisa raised her concerns about The Way. "That is a good point," she said. "But today we're just asking some questions. I would hope they wouldn't bother attacking us in town, and this early in our investigation... I think Freija and I should be fine."
Christoph considers Elisa's words for a moment, then shrugs and says, "I'm hoping this Way group wouldn't attack in broad daylight in a village." With a small shudder, he continues, "The Professor was rushing to complete his task -whatever it was- and we might want to do the same. Bit of a balance here to be struck, between caution and haste. I'm fair either way though, if you've got something nagging at you. You learn to trust your instincts, as a Voice."
"Hmmm...you're probably right. A secret organisation wouldn't be able to attack in the middle of town in broad daylight..." she pauses remembering the dull and overcast weather outside, "...well, dull and dreary daylight anyway, and still remain secret".
She looks back at the others and asks, "So myself and Christoph go to the temple and Sofia and Freija to the sheriff? We can meet back here afterwards to let each other know what we found out and plan on where we go next." She looks to the others for confirmation.
As you head out of the inn with your possessions, the sky cracks with another looming threat of the incoming storm. You take your leave and split off to your respective goals.
"Greetings," the acolyte says, sounding like a very young man, perhaps just a faint bit too young for service, nodding slowly as he makes his way toward you, and there is a noticeable limp in his gait. "You are the guests from the professor's funeral, I believe? I heard mention one of them was a Voice." He extends a hand toward both of you, Elisa first then Christoph, to shake. "My name is Aldous. Is there anything I can help you with? Father Grimburrow tasked me to wash off the walls, but it seems we have a storm coming our way and that will likely do much of the work for me."
He looks up at you from his paperwork, and quickly straightens his posture out a little bit. "Ladies," he says, nodding politely and rising up to meet you. "Hello, I am Sheriff Benjan Caeller. What can I help you with?" He circles around front from his table to come closer toward you.
Ellie gives a half-laugh, half-sob in reply to Kendra: "So, you could never figure out his filing system either? Never mind, we're here for thirty days so it's good to have something to do."
Keen to make a start, she looks at the notes she has so far assembled, wondering how to proceed next.
Without really looking up from the manuscript she's started to read, Mihaela says to Kendra and Ellie, "I'm not even sure there is a system here. Petros might just have memorised where the books are on the shelves." She looks at the two other women. "That's how I file my books and manuscripts. An organised chaos, if you will."
Remembering how awful she herself felt after her husband's death, Mihaela looks more closely at Kendra as she walks over to the desk to pour some tea for everyone. "How do you feel, my dear? We really meant what we said, when we told you not to hesistate if there were anything we could do for you." With that, she hands cups of tea to the others and goes back to her seat.
The study is full of books, and given the sensitive nature of the topic it's more than likely he would have kept any books about the whispering way secret and in his office, as you begin to burn through the many tomes and hefty volumes awaiting you. Petros's cluttered personal library is not only disorganized but it is hefty, providing a myriad of options and red herrings that don't seem too easy to avoid. Still, there are many books that need only a quick skim or a push through to realize they wouldn't provide any help; it is matters of cults and secret societies that draw your eyes, and the two of you work together to work through books, theses, essays, and even some journals that the professor has from others in pursuit of the information you seen.
Elisa smiles at the young acolyte saying, "Indeed we are. I'm Elisa, nice to meet you, Aldous." She looks up at the storm clouds and nods, "I imagine it will!"
She pauses for a moment and her smile fades. "Would you be able to tell us who prepared the Professor's body? We just had a few questions about him. We were all quite close you see and it's difficult to accept he's gone, just like that. We hope the questions might help provide some closure," she says despondently.
After a wearying day, the sight of the Pharasmin temple coming into view as they make their trudging way through the mud is a balm for Christoph's frayed nerves. It's in fine condition. Might be the folks in the graveyard were just talked up to their fool interruption by the Gibbs fellow. They seem to have too much respect for the Lady of Graves for anything else to make sense.
"As Miss Elisa said, we are two of the guests, yes. And yes, I'm a Voice. Christoph Metzger-" Christoph extends his hand to the young acolyte in a friendly greeting. "-is my name, and it's nice to meet you, Aldous." Christoph watches the young acolyte as he answers Elisa's questions. Reminds me of my own time as a ward of the Church. Chores and all...
[b]"And if it's not so much trouble, we'd like to speak with Father Grimburrow as well. There are certain records that the Church would keep that might help us as well."
"I understand you have questions for me," the old man says as he walks forward, the acolyte limping on behind him. "I prepared the professor's body. There was not much that could be done for him with his face in the state it was. For closed casket ceremonies like that, I simply keep them under a gentle repose spell and keep them in a cold room in the basement, to ensure they are whole when they are put into the ground."
"Greetings Sheriff. We just want to ask you a few things about our departed acquaintance Professor Lorrimor." Freija extends her hand to shake the man's hand as she speaks. "Mostly whether there was anything odd or suspicious about the circumstances. That sort o' thing." The dwarf realizes she's probably being overly direct, but has no idea how to fix the problem, her tongue more lead than silver.
As Aldous brings Father Grimburrow over to them Elisa turns to him saying, "Thank you for your help, Aldous. We appreciate it!"
She listens as the Father explains how he dealt with the body, "Of course, Father Grimburrow. Thank you for meeting with us and we're sure you handled him as best as could be done under the circumstances. We were told that a stone that had fallen from the ruins was what caused his death. In your opinion, was that the case? The Professor also mentioned having some items on his person in his last journal entry, shortly before he left for the ruins, did he have any items on his person when he arrived here?"
Sofia took in the sounds and smells of the jailhouse, and the Sheriff as well. She held out her hand in quiet greeting as he came around the desk and introduced himself. "Sofia," she said, by way of her own introduction. "And this Freija." She stayed quiet while Freija spoke, but offered a curt nod afterwards. "We were here for the Professor's funeral. I know it's a grim topic, but is there anything you can tell us about how he was found? Such as who found him, or anything he had with him when he was found?"
"As far as his death, I was sent out to toward the old ruins by someone bringing a tip to me. I can't remember her face at all, I don't think she was local. Said she was passing through and wanted to look at the famous ruins, and found him lying there, head crushed under some stone. I brought a couple deputies, and we found him lying there. It was a horrible sight. The head of an old gargoyle statue had fallen off, must have been about thirty feet high, and it came down onto his head. Just an absolute horror. One of my deputies threw up, the poor boy. We never see anything so bad around here usually. We moved the stone as best we could and brought him to the church to be given last rites. Didn't look through his pockets at all; it was an accident, and the dead don't need that kind of disrespect." He offers a weary sigh. "It's not much help, I know that, but I believe your friend went quickly. It's tragic, but he wouldn't have felt anything."
Despite everything - her grief and general weariness - Ellie manages to conjure up a slight smile as she surveys her notes. "OK, it looks like we're making progress! Now, let's see where that next book might lead us to..."
It's not entirely clear if she's talking to Mihaela and Kendra, or to herself, or just thinking out loud. It could be a combination of these.
Christoph nods respectfully to the Church elder, saying, "Thank you for seeing us, Father Grimburrow." He listens in contemplative silence as Elisas asks her question and the priest answers. His face grows stony, as the father continues, and he draws a deep breath to steady his nerves. That poor old man... he got himself into too much. No accident that, though it would have been a convenient excuse.
"We appreciate your help, Father. Did the Professor visit the temple shortly before his death? In one of his journals, he expressed interest in learning the names of all of those who died in the fire at the Harrowstone." He pauses a moment, thinking, then continues, "And it occurs to me, do you recall who brought him here? Or who found him?"
KP 6: Agents of the Whispering Way 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 itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
KP 3: 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.
KP 0: Exact details on the society are difficult to discern, but chief among the Whispering Way’s goals are discovering formulae for creating liches and engineering the release of the Whispering Tyrant. Agents often travel to remote sites or areas plagued by notorious haunts or undead menaces to perform field research or even to capture unique monsters. Their symbol is a gagged skull, and those who learn too many of the Way’s secrets are often murdered, and their mouths mutilated to prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via speak with dead.
"Well, thank you for your time Sheriff." She nods to the man and begins to lead Sofia out of the building. Once outside she says, "Seems like a dead end here, but I suppose we could go look at the notice board as we discussed earlier, unless you have another idea?"
Sofia's expression soured as the Sheriff filled in the details of Petros' death, and the state of his corpse. "I...understand. Thank you," she said, and took a moment to gather her thoughts. Even as Freija thanked him and prepared to leave, Sofia tried to puzzle out a few missing pieces and didn't budge. "Sheriff..?" she asked hesitantly, and chose her words carefully. "Is there anything you recall about the woman? Accent, hair color, manner of dress, where she might be going next, anything at all? We should probably thank her for letting you know about the Professor."
Elisa listens as the priest answers their questions, trying to sense if he's telling the truth, omitting details or even outright lying.
"I had travelled with the Professor previously and he had an amazing ability to avoid traps and similar dangers. It's just so hard to believe a simple piece of falling stone got the better of him; something so...mundane. I suppose many mourners find it hard to accept the loss of someone they cared about," she says with an air of sadness.
When the priest mentions how the Professor spent time there studying records, she says "You had no way of knowing he would go to the ruins afterwards and, knowing the Professor, even if you did stop him from looking at the records, he would have found some other way to get the information. He was remarkably stubborn when something captured his interest."
She sighs and shakes her head, then turns back to Father Grimburrow. "I don't suppose you'd let us look at what he was studying before he went to the ruins? I'd like to see what made him go to such a place, and alone at that...An understanding of why he went might make it easier to accept the Professor's loss." She looks at the priest with hopeful eyes.
Christoph nods his agreement with his companion, "As Miss Elisa says, Father, the professor knew there was something of interest to be found at those old ruins. He wasn't one to go chasing after any old random idea. If he went to Harrowstone himself, there was something important there. And given what he devoted his life to... it can't be good for this town."
He shrugs uncomfortably, then continues, "We don't know exactly what he found there, but he thought there was something worth looking at. I'd be remiss in my duty as a Voice if I didn't at least try and look into it, Father. We both'd appreciate your help with that."
Ellie's mouth sets in a firm line as she re-reads the notes she has managed to put together. Those who learn too many of the Way’s secrets are often murdered, and their mouths mutilated to prevent their bodies from divulging secrets via speak with dead. Didn't Kendra say that Professor Lorrimor's head was crushed in? That fits with the Way's methods.
And as for the subjects of their research... she shivers. Liches are bad enough, but releasing the Whispering Tyrant would be- actually, she's not sure she has a word that describes how bad that would be if they succeeded.
She shares her findings with Mihaela. "But what were the Way doing here in this town? The Professor said something about them being interested in the prison, but he never found out why. I hope the others find out what's so special about that place."
Elisa measures the professor's demeanor, which seemed fairly relaxed and genuine until Christoph's remark, at which point something in that unnerves him greatly. He doesn't seem to be lying, but certainly bothered by something and not being entirely forthcoming about his feelings.
With an apologetic sigh, Aldous begins to lead you out of the temple, the limping boy waiting until Father Grimburrow has stormed off before sighing, "I'm sorry. I don't know why he gets like that sometimes. It would be best not to push, he is a very stubborn man."
Mihaela's mind strays to the Whispering Tyrant. If Tar-Baphon were to escape his prison … I'm not sure we would be able to stop him this time." She suppresses a shudder and replies to Ellie. "That is an extremely good question. For them to have a presence in Ravengro, there must something they hope to find here. And as you said, our best bet would be that it's got something to do with the prison. I hope that the others are on the lookout for trouble and don't do anything too rash."
Christoph is caught off guard the sudden vehemence of the priest's reply. He splutters, trying to explain, "But... -what?- Father, I apolog-" but isn't able to articulate a coherent though before he is stomping away. Bewildered, he allows himself to be led away even as he finds a small surge of anger blooming. This is no playing matter. I am a Voice, not a ghost hunter. I fulfill one of Pharasma's holy duties just as he does. Tamping down on his anger before it can take hold, he replies to the acolyte, "It's no problem. I suppose I wasn't as tactful as I could have been. I don't understand what upset him though. What we're about IS important... I don't suppose you have any idea, Aldous?"
His anger at the priest fades, only to be replaced by self-recrimination. Fool! The archives are critical to understanding what the Professor was looking to do and you've just aggravated the only man who can tell us more.
Elisa raises an eyebrow at the Priest's rather extreme reaction. He's hiding something. Something about those ruins makes everyone in town very uncomfortable. We need to find out more about them.
She frowns as she turns towards Aldous, "That was rather rude of the Father, Aldous. Why would he have such an extreme reaction to investigating some old ruins? Especially when it's part of Christoph's duties as a Voice, a member of your own faith, to investigate any potential sources of the undead. Even if there's nothing there it doesn't hurt to be sure, right? And if there is something there, at least Christoph can warn the townsfolk of the danger. Both are positive outcomes for both the Father and his congregation."
"Thank ya for the offer about Gibbs, I think the fool won't do a thing without a crowd behin' im but, well thanks." The dwarf waits in the doorway for Sofia, content with either choice the woman makes, be it more questions or to leave.
Elisa smiles warmly at the acolyte, "Thank you, Aldous! It's not your fault he's so rude and we appreciate you listening out for us. You're a credit to your order!"
She turns to Christoph and whispers, "I think we should meet back up with the others and let them know what we've found out. What do you think?"
When Elisa and Christoph begin moving away from the temple, Elisa quickly checks the Posting Pole beside it for any information that may give her an idea of what happened in the village over the last few weeks. In particular, she's looking for anything linked with the undead, strange happenings, the professor or Harrowstone.
"I'd appreciate it, Aldous. I don't mean to upset Father Grimburrow, but if there's something amiss..." Christoph shrugs, leaving the rest of the thought unsaid. "Thank you again. May the Lady of Graves judge you justly."
As they leave the temple, Christoph listens to Elisa's whispered suggestion and nods, "That makes sense to me. Not sure why the good Father was so upset by what I asked. Might be the others have learned something to tell us why."
As Elisa stops to look over the postings, Christoph joins her, his eyes scanning the notes for anything of interest. "What are you looking for, exactly?"
She turns back to Christoph, "Just anything strange that might have happened in the last couple of weeks leading up to the Professor's death or a few weeks afterwards. There could be some sign of what happened; people disappearing, magic, restless undead, lights in the ruins, that sort of thing. There might be a post about it here that might shed some light."
Sofia nodded along with the Sheriff's description, keeping in mind to listen for any foreign accents in their travels...though it sounded like this woman was already gone. "Thank you for your help, Sheriff Caeller," she said, but offered only a noncommittal shrug on his offer to speak with Gibbs on their behalf. "If you think it would help, but I understand his wariness about us. He may be rude, but I don't want to get him any trouble."
Sofia offered another thank you on the way out. "You had mentioned the notice boards earlier, right?" She asked Freija. "I think that's a good idea. Afterwards, we may wish to head back and see what the others have uncovered. There's something about the foreign woman... Keep your eyes open for anyone matching her description."
Nothing on the posting poles today looks to be of much interest: there's a paper advertising someone being in the market for new pitchforks and being open to price offers, another message in different handwriting seeking help for a part-time farm hand twice a week, and a crude message writen in a hastily scrawn message accusing a woman named Tanis Danrel of promiscuity. Sofia and Frejia find the exact same listings, nothing of interest there at all helping to illustrate any meaningful information.
Which leads you soon to to Kendra's home once more. Kendra has prepared tea, and insists you all gather in the living room to discuss matters comfortably, starting to dote on her new guests and be as good and proper a hostess as she can. "The last thing we need is for anybody to go without a moment of rest. There is much to do, much to do." She even takes coats and cloaks, doing her best to try and tend to you as best she can, never staying still.
With fresh cups of tea in front of you, as well as more jam and bread, you finally reconvene to discuss what you have discovered.
"Our trip to see the Sheriff and the posting board was fruitless. Not a whit of anythin' we hadn' already heard." Freija shrugs and tosses her head, obviously annoyed. "You lot have any luck?"
Sofia settled in on the sofa with a cup of tea, grateful to be back inside before the weather worsened. She nearly spilled some mid-sip as Freija described their endeavor -- they hadn't talked much in public, but Sofia had some of her own thoughts on what the Sheriff had said. Or hadn't said. "I wouldn't call it fruitless," she said. "The Sheriff did claim they never went through Petros' pockets. As for the tip on where to find him; the Sheriff said a woman came to him with that information. He says he doesn't remember her face, but described in pretty excruciating detail the...well, scene." Her own stomach turned at thought of Petros' body.
"The Sheriff said she wore travelers clothes, was dark-skinned with a foreign accent, and claimed she was just passing through and wanted to see the ruins when she found the Professor." Sofia shook her head, with a sour expression. "There was just something odd about how he spoke of this woman. Very dismissive. I would think anyone interested in the ruins would garner some suspicion among the locals, but the Sheriff seemed t recall more detail about his deputy's vomit. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, I suppose..."
Elisa smiles thankfully at Kendra saying "Thank you for the refreshments Kendra, you're a wonderful host!" Her smile fading, she says "You might not want to be here for the discussion though, it could head to uncomfortable topics. I'm finding it tough to talk about it myself. I can only imagine how difficult it might be for you to sit through this."
Elisa listens as Sofia and Freija explain what they found out. "Interesting coincidence that a foreigner, just passing through, found the body," she says tapping her lip with a finger. "We didn't fare much better, unfortunately. The important bits were that there was nothing unusual on the Professor's body when the father examined him, the father thought the falling stone was the cause of the Professor's gruesome death, the Professor spent some time at the temple researching the prisoner records for Harrowmount before going to the ruins and, finally, the father got very irritated when Christoph mentioned investigating the ruins. He went as far as to have us escorted out of the temple."
She frowns saying, "I don't think he was lying about anything he said, but he was bothered when Christoph mentioned investigating the ruins and wasn't very forthcoming about why that was the case. He mentioned not wanting to be involved and then had us escorted from the temple. We also had a look at the Posting Pole outside the temple on the way out and didn't find anything of much interest." She turns to Christoph and asks "Did I miss anything?"
"Much thanks, Miss Lorrimor. Tea is something I'll always welcome gladly." Taking a biscuit and slathering in jam, he listens as Freija and Sofia relate their tale. He nods along in agreement with Elisa as she shares what they'd learn. He contemplates her question a moment, running a hand through his unruly beard for a moment before saying, "I think you got the gist of it, Elisa. Think I'd say the Father was downright hostile. His mention of 'ghost hunters' seemed odd to me as well. We Voices are undead hunters, so ghosts are within our purview. But generally that'd be a ghoul or an animated skeleton lingering in the wilds or the like. Ghosts... seems a strange place to jump unless he knows what the Professor was on about in his journal. Might be worth asking around the rest of the town to see what kind of stories they have about that place."
He takes a long swallow of tea, then continues, "It also struck me, listening to Miss Sofia and Miss Freija relate their story that the Professor's pockets were only cleared out when the Father had a look at them. Might well have been cleaned out before the Sheriff got there, at that. If it was this traveler woman or someone else, we'd have no good way of knowing unless we can track them down. The Professor was looking to get something from that crypt in the Restlands. If there's something missing from there, maybe we can figure out what he had on him that way?"
"This traveler woman seems a might suspicious." Freija scratches her head, pausing a moment before continuing, her accent particularly thick. "Might be she's one o' those Whispering Way tha' Lorrimor wen' on abou'. Then again, migh' be she's naugh' bu' wha' the sherriff and such say she is."