Xing Shi Prologue:
"Gods? Don't you mean God? Are you some sort of heretic?" The man's eyes widen in alarm at your turn of phrase.
Xing Shi:
Excuse the slip of tongue your langue is still foreign to me and perhaps how it was said is not what I meant. Of course there is only one god.
She tries to make as cute a smile as possible batting her eyes.
So, enough questions about me, what line of business are you in?
Michael Santo & the Volkov's:
"Ah good, you are here, let us get going. Do we want to include Comrade Thesing on this?"
Michael Santo & the Volkov's:
Katriana smiles at Michael
Katriana smiles at Michael
"Good afternoon Michael, it is nice to see you again!"
Michael Santos + Volkovs:
Michael bows before Katriana "Good afternoon Ms. katriana." Michael looks towards Sergei and reaches to shake his hand. " Good afternoon Sergei. I am ready to get this over with but first I must speak with Fiona. If Gunther wish to tag along I am game. " runs off to tell Fiona of missed appt.
Michael Santo, Gunther Thesing, and Volkov Twins:
Francois looks to Sergei, "Should I wait here for the others to arrive or should I come with you?"
In the meantime Michael heads to the Thesing's front door and knocks impatiently awaiting an answer.
Gunther, you hear a knock at the door and Fiona turns to you, "Are you expecting someone Gunther?"
In the meantime Michael heads to the Thesing's front door and knocks impatiently awaiting an answer.
Gunther, you hear a knock at the door and Fiona turns to you, "Are you expecting someone Gunther?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
He settles down, "Yes of course,a slip of the tongue. I am a procurer, I help people who are vising the city find lodgings in the finest homes in the city. Many of our citizens travel the world and they rely on me to generate them income and look in on their homes while they are gone. I am waiting for a man to come meet me this morning. In fact he should be here soon. Tell me is there a place where I can come and find you later so we can get better acquainted?" He looks at you with undisguised lust in his eyes.
Michael Santo, Gunther Thesing, and Volkov Twins:
:
Puzzled, Gunther looks over at his wife.
No, just the boy and his family, but not at this hour.
He turns his attention towards the direction of the knock at the front door, wipes his hands on his apron before removing it, and answers the door.
"Michael. Good to see you. Umm, come on in. I am a little busy at the moment, but what can I do for you?"
No, just the boy and his family, but not at this hour.
He turns his attention towards the direction of the knock at the front door, wipes his hands on his apron before removing it, and answers the door.
"Michael. Good to see you. Umm, come on in. I am a little busy at the moment, but what can I do for you?"
The Volkov's:
"You can stay here Francois, seems we might have a bigger group."
Michael Santos + Gunther:
Michael stays at the entry way of the door "Sorry my friend I will not be staying long, just wanted to let you know that Anya wouldn't be able to join us today. She is still torn up by the loss of her brother." Michael Pause at the thought of how troubled she looked "However the Volkovs have taken quite an interest in this mystery did you wish to join us to see the doctor?"Michael eagerly awaits his response...
Xing Shi Prologue:
She pretends to not understand his meaning about getting together later.
She pretends to not understand his meaning about getting together later.
Of course, i'll be around the square (the place i saw miguels character go to on his way home) shopping around all day. I'm sure you will be able to find me there.
She stands and holds out her hand to him. After she dismisses her she will not leave but instead find a good spot to keep an eye on him.
Michael Santos + Gunther:
:
Standing at the door, feeling caught a bit off-guard.
"More disappointing news, Michael? Well, I will be sure to let the wife know."
"More disappointing news, Michael? Well, I will be sure to let the wife know."
He pauses a moment.
"And I really need to be here... I have a lot going on.... but then again I am very concerned for my family. I do want to know what we are up against."
Gunther looks back to see Fiona peeking around the corner with concern.
Looking back at Michael, he sighs heavily.
"How long will this take?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
He kisses your hand gently, Very well Signora I will find you when my business is concluded, I am Gino, what may I call you?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
You may call me Okami.
She bows slightly and fades into the crowds doing what I said earlier.
You may call me Okami.
She bows slightly and fades into the crowds doing what I said earlier.
Michael Santos + Gunther Thesing:
"Shouldn't take long, if the autopsy is done then we should be able to waltz in and get some answers. I still don't understand what the Volkovs were getting at but I guess we will know more when we see the body. If you want to come we can go if you are busy here I can check it out and inform you on our way back "Michael waits for Gunther's Response
Michael Santos + Gunther Thesing:
:
"I have important dinner plans with my family this evening, my friend. We are expecting company, so if I were come along, you will owe me... big time, especially if I am not back in time... or miss it entirely."
He sighs again and shakes his head, knowing the heat he is going to get from his wife when he gives her the news.
"Fiona?, he calls out. "Come here a moment. I have something to discuss with you."
Michael Santos + Gunther Thesing:
Michael throws his hands up in front of him shaking his head to Gunther signaling its not necessary to change his plans... "By all means if you have plans do not change them on account of this. I just came by to let you know Anya wasnt going to make it today. I figured that if you had nothing planned that you would be interested in seeing the conclusion of this story unfold."Michael Jokes"If Fiona finds out that your ditching her dinner plans I may have another mystery on our hands." Michael see Fiona and slowly starts to inch away waving and smiling
Michael Santos + Gunther Thesing:
:
Gunther takes a large step forwards, reaches out, and grabs Michael by his shirt collar.
"Ohhhhh, no, pal. You ain't goin' nowhere. First off, explain to the Mrs. 'bout Anya... then you can explain to her about the business you need me to accompany you on... and how you will make certain that I am back in time for our dinner guests."
With a smug expression upon his face, Gunther smiles at Michael.
Michael Santos + Thesing's:
Michael Smiles while scratching his head"FIONA, Georgoue as usual, I was wondering if Gunther can come out to play." Michael jokes "I have somewhat of a pressing matter with a former employee that needs to be looked into and could use an alternative perspecive of such matters." pointing to Gunther I will have him back well before dinner."Michael waits for an exploisive response... oooh an I wanted to come by just to let you know that Anya a friend of mine who happens to be down on her luck these days, was looking for employment and mention that she has culinary and maintenance skills that may be beneficial to your establishment. i know that it is sudden but she is Alone in a City that she does not know, without a to her name. I was going to bring her by today but she wasnt able to make I and I didnt want to miss an appointment without informing you that she wouldnt be coming."
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All:
Just an FYI...
Michael Santo & Gunther Thesing:
Fiona smiles and laughs at Michael's comment. "So long as you have him home before dinner time that is fine. I can finish the rest of the preparations myself my love. Remember before dinner, Guntehr has to be here with enough time to look presentable". With that Fiona gives Gunther a kiss on the cheek with a you owe me look then heads back into the kitchen.
Michael Santo & Gunther Thesing:
Fiona smiles and laughs at Michael's comment. "So long as you have him home before dinner time that is fine. I can finish the rest of the preparations myself my love. Remember before dinner, Guntehr has to be here with enough time to look presentable". With that Fiona gives Gunther a kiss on the cheek with a you owe me look then heads back into the kitchen.
The Volkov Twins:
"Very well. In any case it is daylight so there should be little trouble encountered. If this lead takes us somewhere any idea how you want to proceed?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
You easily blend into the crowd as it is picking up as the minutes go by and the sun rises. After another hour a man arrives at the table of Gino. The man is clearly a foreigner as his skin is of a lighter tone than the people of this city though he has adopted the fashion of the locals. From your vantage point it is hard to determine what they are talking about.
Xing Shi Prologue:
Perception + Larceny
Perception + Larceny
Michael Santo & Gunther Thesing:
:
Gunther gives his wife a kiss on her cheek.
"I will return shortly, love."
He turns to Michael.
"Alright, my friend, lead the way... and let's be quick about it, we're burning daylight."
Fiona stands at the doorway and watches them take their leave.
Gunther gives his wife a kiss on her cheek.
"I will return shortly, love."
He turns to Michael.
"Alright, my friend, lead the way... and let's be quick about it, we're burning daylight."
Fiona stands at the doorway and watches them take their leave.
The Volkov's, Gunther Thesing & Michael Santo Prologue:
Gunther and Michael enter Greetings and see the Volkov's and Francois sitting alone in the large empty tavern with the exception of Gunther's barkeep employee, Cosimo. Francois gives Michael a curt nod then heads upstairs, leaving the group to themselves.
Cosimo hails Gunther, "Gunther. These people will be out by late afternoon after that the place will be empty and I will lock up. Tomorrow I and a few of the other employees would like to discuss a few matters with you. Please let me know when a good time would be".
Cosimo hails Gunther, "Gunther. These people will be out by late afternoon after that the place will be empty and I will lock up. Tomorrow I and a few of the other employees would like to discuss a few matters with you. Please let me know when a good time would be".
Xing Shi Prologue:
Xing Shi's eyes are able to register the other man's words. He is looking for lodging for a number of companions for at least a few weeks time. He has access to enough ducats to secure a comfortable place but wants to tour multiple locations before deciding on one.
After about 30 minutes of talking the men stand up and head to the canal and hail down a gondola.
After about 30 minutes of talking the men stand up and head to the canal and hail down a gondola.
Michael Santos + Gunther + Volkovs:
Michael Strolls in the place casually "Cheers!!! everyone glad you all could make it, whos ready to get some answers" Michael stops and bows to Katriana and smiles warmly at her. "First I will need a shot of your finest, Barkeep." Michael thinking to himself
The Volkov Twins:
"If things seem off then we will have to warn everyone, maybe tonight. Let us see what happens, I have a bad feeling."
Santos, Thesing, Vokovs:
"Hi Michael, always good to see you!"
Santos, Thesing, Volkovs:
"Ah good, we can go. Will you be coming Gunther? I pray that this is fast and normal. Sadly I do not think such will be the case. "
Santos, Thesing, Volkovs:
:
With arms folded, Gunther stands just inside the doorway to his tavern leaning against its frame and looks about at all of those present.
"Aye, Count me in. I, too, am very concerned as to what we shall all learn of these dreadful and bizarre circumstances. I worry for my family, and by God if there is something I can do to prevent any harm from coming to them, then by God I will do so... or at the very least learn how I can protect them."
With arms folded, Gunther stands just inside the doorway to his tavern leaning against its frame and looks about at all of those present.
"Aye, Count me in. I, too, am very concerned as to what we shall all learn of these dreadful and bizarre circumstances. I worry for my family, and by God if there is something I can do to prevent any harm from coming to them, then by God I will do so... or at the very least learn how I can protect them."
"Cosimo, when I return we can all sit down together and address your concerns."
Xing Shi:
I will attempt to tail them as best as possible to see where they are headed and if they lead me to my mark.
I will attempt to tail them as best as possible to see where they are headed and if they lead me to my mark.
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santo, and Gunther Thesing:
Michael downs his alcohol and smiles at the collective gathered at Greetings. He gestures outside and the group heads out to his gondola. It is early afternoon and the weather is cool with a constant breeze coming off the Mediteranean Sea.
The trip to Dr. Arrigino's home is longer than the Volkov's remember, there is a great deal of traffic in the canal though consternation covers the faces of many of the passers by.
The reason for this is not clear though Michael does mention that there are issues between the Doge and the Pope which are gripping the city. Finally the gondola arrives at Dr. Arrigino's home. Michael knocks on the door and waits for a response. A few moments later the Dr. Answers.
" Good afternoon Signore Santo, please come in", his eyes glance up and he sees the Volkov's and Gunther. "Are they here with you?" he sighs and before Michael can answer he states, "Very well come on in"
The group walks into a main seating area where another man is seated.
"I do recognize some of you but I do not know your names, I am Dr. Arrigino this is my colleague Dr. Cappelli, he is assisting me with the examination of Hans. Now who are all of you and why are you here with Mr. Santo?"
The trip to Dr. Arrigino's home is longer than the Volkov's remember, there is a great deal of traffic in the canal though consternation covers the faces of many of the passers by.
The reason for this is not clear though Michael does mention that there are issues between the Doge and the Pope which are gripping the city. Finally the gondola arrives at Dr. Arrigino's home. Michael knocks on the door and waits for a response. A few moments later the Dr. Answers.
" Good afternoon Signore Santo, please come in", his eyes glance up and he sees the Volkov's and Gunther. "Are they here with you?" he sighs and before Michael can answer he states, "Very well come on in"
The group walks into a main seating area where another man is seated.
"I do recognize some of you but I do not know your names, I am Dr. Arrigino this is my colleague Dr. Cappelli, he is assisting me with the examination of Hans. Now who are all of you and why are you here with Mr. Santo?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
It will be difficult to follow without a gondola.
Michele Querini Prologue:
As you and the Captain make idle small talk about the beauty of the Meditaranean Sea footsteps are heard coming down the stairs. "Captain we have been spotted by a Venetian warship and they are hailing us".
The Captain looks at you and responds to him, Outrun it, if we can't make it we will throw our guest off, hopefully that will slow them down. Tell me Signore do you swim well?"
The Captain looks at you and responds to him, Outrun it, if we can't make it we will throw our guest off, hopefully that will slow them down. Tell me Signore do you swim well?"
Xing Shi Prologue:
I will then head back to his house and find out if he is home yet.
I will then head back to his house and find out if he is home yet.
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santo, and Gunther Thesing:
The man introduced as Dr. Cappelli rises from his chair as the others enter the room. His bearing is one that certainly comes from money, but his utilitarian dark garb betrays that fact. His fair skin tells you that this is not a man of common labor and that much of his time is spent inside.
"Greetings. I would hope that you could tell me a bit more about Hans, and the circumstances, if not your own theories on the cause of his death. I have conducted my own autopsy on the body, but there are a few confusing matters that I would hope a bit more information would clear up."
Storyteller Shadow:
With as straight of a face as I can I say "Not entirely. I would prefer you "ransom" me and Sadir can recoup my families loss if you can't outrun them."
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santos, and Gunther Thesing:
:
Standing towards the back of the room behind the rest of the group with his brawny arms folded across his chest, a rather intimidating-looking man listens quietly before taking a couple of steps forward to introduce himself.
Standing towards the back of the room behind the rest of the group with his brawny arms folded across his chest, a rather intimidating-looking man listens quietly before taking a couple of steps forward to introduce himself.
"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Arrigino. My name is Gunther Thesing. I'm a long-time friend of Michael's."
He extends his hand in a polite gesture. If his 6'2 stature or massive frame aren't enough to make you feel slightly uneasy, then the scar across his milky-white left eye certainly will.
With short chestnut-brown hair, along with a full mustache and beard to match, Gunther appears gruff and comes off as a take-no-nonsense sort of man, but when he speaks you immediately get the impression he's the strong, silent type.
"I own and run a tavern and inn not far from here, right along the canal, called 'Greetings'... you may have heard of it. Anyway, Mr. Santos and I often do business together. Knowing that the circumstances of this tragic event would eventually affect me, both professionally and personally, he asked me to accompany him. Perhaps I can be of some help?"
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santos, and Gunther Thesing:
She shyly moves to the nearest corner, and stands behind her brother
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santos, and Gunther Thesing:
"Mr. Cappelli, my name is Sergei Volkov, and this young recluse behind me is my sister Katriana. I assume you must have a lot going on and are somewhat confused by your findings so I won't beat around the bush. I just have one question for you. Was there any blood in Hans' body?
"Mr. Cappelli, my name is Sergei Volkov, and this young recluse behind me is my sister Katriana. I assume you must have a lot going on and are somewhat confused by your findings so I won't beat around the bush. I just have one question for you. Was there any blood in Hans' body?
Xing Shi Prologue:
You return to the house to wait for your mark, it seems dead still and no one answers when you knock on the door. You look around the side of the house and you notice that the window you broke is still broken.
Michele Querini Prologue:
The Captain laughs, "Good answer. I like you, you have spirit and ingenuity! Don't worry I would not still be here if I could not outrun them. Consider that a test". The Captain pours you more wine and head out to the deck. "Try not to wander around too muc, I will return when we have left your fellow countrymen behind".
Xing Shi Prologue:
I will carefully go in through the window when no one is looking and try to find out whatever I can about this man.
I will carefully go in through the window when no one is looking and try to find out whatever I can about this man.
Xing Shi Prologue:
You are able to sneak in without incident this time around. His house is very organized and is larger on the inside than it appears on the outside, there are four bedrooms and one room which appears to be an office with a great deal of paperwork in it. He has fine clothing and fine jewelry in his room. The rest of the rooms are quite empty with the exception of furniture.
Storyteller Shadow:
As I think, what have I gotten into, I smile and raise my glass. "I will await your return as I get lost in this cup." I will wait here and not leave.
Lorenzo Cappelli, Katriana and Sergei Volkov, Michael Santos, and Gunther Thesing:
Somewhat taken aback by the frankness of Sergei response, Lorenzo answers. "From my observations, the body was completely exsanguinated. The lack of obvious wounds to to cause that level of bleeding is what really caught my attention. Obviously you know something more about the situation, Signore Volkov, perhaps you would care to enlighten the rest of us?"