One or two blocks away from the square you are able to hear the sounds of arguments and discussions, with shouts about "thief" among them.
"Is that it? That's all we need to do. Well, that was easy money then. There is money as reward, right?"
Cimri shrugs. "Well, I think so... According to Razelago we needed only to attend the sermon... I think we achieve our goal with astonishing success! Oh, yes, there is money for sure!"
________________________________"How do I look?" Her voice rings slightly hollow from the inside of the helmet. "If you go out later Cimri and draw attention to the act that this is missing I imagine Allamar will lose even more face!" She pops the helmet off and grins "Get it? Face!"
Cimri laughs at Ahreni joke. "You have spirit girl! I think there will be no need to actually return there... I think Allamar will think twice before trying another speech like this..."
As the party leaves, Melani takes a moment to congratulate Anarxos,"Somehow you struck the exact right note - sir. That was unforgettable. But I'm beginning to think there is more to Allamar and the tannery. The connection almost proved our undoing. But we made no mistakes and must continue this success. Or they will twist our actions into good and evil. That is where Iomedae revels. I hate that broom stuck up their backsides. We have just become their target so what would a "holy warrior" do to us?"
Like Cimri, she is happy enough for the distraction that Ahreni offers. slowly she folds away the sash before they reach the home of Razelago.
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Anarxos's confidence rises sky-high as praises abound. With narrowed eyes and his chin high, he nods at every compliment about his speech, proud as a peacock.
"I appreciate the compliment, and that was just the first taste of what these Iomedaeans will get if they attempt to rise against our interests again. Did you see the Sword Knight's face? She was as pale as death, and didn't dare - or maybe wasn't able to - respond to my arguments."
A frown adorns his eyes as he continues. "However, we cannot count on her remaining quiet and tame like she should be. Allara's bound to stir up rebellion one way or another. If the people won't follow her, then all she has left is to strike the first blow herself" analyzes the mastermind. "My guess is that she may strike directly against the Archbaron, or perhaps the Asmodean faith. We shall celebrate our success indeed, but also prepare for her next move. The game has begun."
Following Melani's move, Anarxos also folds the sash before disappearing in the streets.
*****
Arriving at the Ash house he cannot help but smile at Ahreni's joke.
"Well done about the helmet, girl. You know the power of symbols, and without one the Sword Knight will have a hard time mustering would be holy warriors. Stealing it was a masterly deed. Well done! In any case, where's Marcellus? He seemed somehow dismayed at the speech."
Arriving at the Ash house he cannot help but smile at Ahreni's joke.
"Well done about the helmet, girl. You know the power of symbols, and without one the Sword Knight will have a hard time mustering would be holy warriors. Stealing it was a masterly deed. Well done!"
Vicenzo smiles, "Yeah, Very good job on the pilfer. I hadn't noticed. I was too busy trying to get away from the old lady with the stick."
The witch was in a good mood and proceeded to partake in some of the wine and foodstuff left from yesterday. He needed something to fill his stomach with.
With a mouth full of cheese, he added, "So is Razelago here? Should we go see him now?"
Cimri nods to Vicenzo and leads you to the upper floor once more and after Cimri reports your accomplishments, Razelago takes the lead. "That's a more dramatic move than I'd expect from a country priestess... I'm impressed. Tileavia Allamar might be more interesting than I'd thought. It's the helmet and this Angel Knight I'm curious about, though. I've heard rumors of the Glorious Reclamation. An overzealous mob of Iomedaean fanatics calling for a nationwide revolution, as if there was any hope of that. Still, Archbaron Fex might find this information valuable."
"In any case, you've done well and even exceeded my expectations. You'll find your payment in the parlor. I shouldn't have any more work for you today, but I suspect that might change tomorrow. I'll send word."
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Cimri leads you back downstairs where, again, you find your payment waiting in the parlor, this time without food and drink. It's still early in the evening. In the chest there are 200 crowns for each one.
Like Vicenzo when he arrived, Cimri eats some of the leftovers while sitting in one of the couches. "So... we still have a lot of free time... what you all want to do? I think I owe you a couple answers, right? Anarxos? Melani?"
"In any case, you've done well and even exceeded my expectations. You'll find your payment in the parlor. I shouldn't have any more work for you today, but I suspect that might change tomorrow. I'll send word."
Vicenzo cleared his throat and asked, "Can you tell us more about this rebellion? Its strengths, location, anything that might be useful later when dealing with Tileavia?"
Like Vicenzo when he arrived, Cimri eats some of the leftovers while sitting in one of the couches. "So... we still have a lot of free time... what you all want to do? I think I owe you a couple answers, right? Anarxos? Melani?"
Vicenzo counted his gold and added it to his mounting pile. He'd never had this much gold... ever. He sat back and fed his white rat some of the cheese he was having while he listened.
He smiled, "Oh, is this a story or just gossip? C'mon, out with it."
Vicenzo cleared his throat and asked, "Can you tell us more about this rebellion? Its strengths, location, anything that might be useful later when dealing with Tileavia?"
"Very little. They seem to all be followers of Iomedae... priests, mostly, and a handful of knights, who are convinced that optimism and a few outraged peasants can bring down House Thrune. It would be laughable if they weren't so fanatical and well armed. From what I've heard, they're mostly operating in the mountains along the Isgeri border. In truth, I'm a bit surprised their zealotry has stretched this far."
Cimri just smiles, waiting for Anarxos and 'Melani' reaction.
Again Ahreni says nothing while in Razelgo's study. She stays close to the door and is the first one out of the room again. She certainly doesnt seem comfortable in there.
Back downstairs she curls up on what remains of the sofa, clutching her new helmet like a slightly possessive kitten. She makes a money pouch disappear with a practised motion and watches with wide eyes as Cimri sets out to antagonise the others in the room.
In truth, Marcellus heard little of the Sword-Knight's speech. He was fixated on another damning sight - his wife, chatting happily with that conniving braggart Kels. He had warned her to stay away from the man. That layabout had one thing on his mind, and Marcellus was sure he wanted to do with his wife what he'd done to so many other ladies in town, if rumors were to be believed.
He was on a mission, though, and fought the urge to go over and knock the man senseless where he stood. Eventually he realized the priestess's sermon had begun, and all eyes had turned to her. He tried to parse her words, but all he heard was his blood rushing in his ears. He saw red.
When Anarxos gave his counter-speech, he could see Kels frowning in disagreement. He's a rebel sympathizer! Marcellus was certain. Of course that bastard would march right off to support the hypocrite goddess and her deceitful followers. He barely registered that his wife's expression mirrored her companion's.
---
Marcellus arrived late to the Ash House, just in time to join the others in their discussion with Razelago. He said nothing, not ready for conversation with these others just yet. He stowed his share of the coins in his pack without even opening the bag, made an unenthusiastic goodbye, and marched off, wandering outside the town, to the clearing where he often worked on his training.
What the hell am I going to do about my wife? he thought in his daze.
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Anarxos just strokes his goatee as Razelago tells them more about these Iomedaeans. Obviously this new phenomenon has caught his attention and got him thinking.
"These zealots, as you say, are clearly overstepping. The way I see it, there are two ways about it - either crush the rebellion in its early stages, before it becomes widespread - or allow it to expand and crush it with overwhelming force. While the second one is more risky, it also discourages further attempts of rebellion, as the bitterness of defeat and the harshness of the example made are great ways to prevent the seditious feelings to seed once again. However, I for one think that the game is not worth it if it can be avoided, so we should take steps in order to ascertain that this foolishness doesn't spread. We should be proactive in this, and try to know more about these zealots, don't you think? Information is paramount for the stability of a state or a city. Hence, I'm suggesting we investigate more on that matter - if you'll agree, that is. I think it would be in our best interest, as well as in the Archbaron's."
Grabbing a loaf of bread, some cheese and a glass of wine, Anarxos spends the next few minutes in silence, pondering the new elements at hand and oblivious of Cimri's inference. Cimri's words draw him away from his thoughts and back to reality.
"You do, Cimri. I'm glad to see that you're honoring your part of the bargain. So, what do you know about the special someone I'm looking for?"
Vicenzo merely nods his agreement when Anarxos describes the Iomedaens. This was his experience with them as well. Zealots that killed his father and chased a young Vicenzo and his mother out of town.
Downstairs, he continued eating while casually feeding and playing with his pet rat. The rat had obviously seen better days. It was a dirty gray with spots without any fur. One of its eyes was bigger than the other and it had a large scar across its belly. A mascot much like its master.
Vicenzo made himself comfortable and prepared to spend another night in the Ash House. "Anyone else staying?"
The woman sits up at Cimri's words then lets out a fake laugh. She also waits until the others have spoken after all she can show patience for once. "Perhaps Cimri - you would prefer to discuss these matters with us individually. I did not ask them yet to help me and I would not wish them into great danger."
"Well then now might be a good time to ask." Ahreni interjects from her curled up position on the sofa. "Not knowing can be just as dangerous as knowing too much so if you really don't want us in danger you should inform us about what IS going on." She stares at Satin until the woman speaks again.
You might be right, Anarxos, but I'm not quite sure about this course of action. I see these crusaders like bees: for the most part of the time they are just buzzing around but if you smash one of them, soon their companions will appear, doubling the buzzing and the inconvenience. Also, I think you know what happens to someone who pokes a honeycomb with a short stick. I'll think about this matter and will inform you if needed. His tone was final, even hinting that your presence was no longer appreciated. To emphasize this, the earless cat (Vicenzo knows it is actually a krenshar) yawns.
"You do, Cimri. I'm glad to see that you're honoring your part of the bargain. So, what do you know about the special someone I'm looking for?"
Cimri smiles once more. "Well, actually I know about three 'someones', since there is no way for I to have completely sure if they are indeed the ones you are looking for...
"First, there is Tealan Ruckleer, our local retired wizard... he claims that he has completely retired from his 'magic time' but you know how wizards are, always after some new knowledge..."
"Then, there is Miss Nisra Wilmore, the crazy cat lady from that is as old as the time itself... I never trusted the old crone. I suspect she is also in this arcane business..."
"And finally there is Mrs. Ilmerri Unero, from Longacre Historical Society. She is completely clueless about what is currently happening around here but for sure knows everything that happened a couple decades ago... even if she is not the one you are looking for, I'm confident that she'll know him or her!"
The woman sits up at Cimri's words then lets out a fake laugh. She also waits until the others have spoken after all she can show patience for once. "Perhaps Cimri - you would prefer to discuss these matters with us individually. I did not ask them yet to help me and I would not wish them into great danger."
"As you prefer... guys, put your fingers inside your ears. Me and Satin have a secret to talk about!" She smirks once more, completely oblivious that amid her joke she actually mentioned "Satin".
Vicenzo made himself comfortable and prepared to spend another night in the Ash House. "Anyone else staying?"
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Anarxos writes down the names in his journal, while a large grin appears on his face. After the ink has dried, he claps the notebook to a close.
"It looks like I have some work ahead. So that everyone is clear on what I do and my reasons for coming to Longacre, allow me to explain. I work for the Ministry of Historical Accuracy in Egorian, and I am here to hunt down a dangerous revisionist of our glorious Empire's history. It may or may not be one of the three Cimri has just mentioned, but in any case help would definitely be welcome if I am to actually catch the criminal. The investigation won't be a problem, but I expect them to resist. Should you choose to aid me, a likewise aid in return is of course to be expected." offers the Historian with a confident tone.
Anarxos, once again, is too focused on his own issues to pay any attention about Cimri's slip. He turns to Vicenzo with an amenable look.
"With what happened today, hiding here would be a mistake for me. I may have swayed a good deal of the townspeople earlier, so disappearing would only show cowardice or fear from the crusaders. They need to see that the supporters of the Archbaron are proud and fearless. I thank you for the offer though. In a few days, I could see myself move here if Razelago keeps on calling to us. I'll leave you for now."
Anarxos writes down the names in his journal, while a large grin appears on his face. After the ink has dried, he claps the notebook to a close.
"It looks like I have some work ahead. So that everyone is clear on what I do and my reasons for coming to Longacre, allow me to explain. I work for the Ministry of Historical Accuracy in Egorian, and I am here to hunt down a dangerous revisionist of our glorious Empire's history. It may or may not be one of the three Cimri has just mentioned, but in any case help would definitely be welcome if I am to actually catch the criminal. The investigation won't be a problem, but I expect them to resist. Should you choose to aid me, a likewise aid in return is of course to be expected." offers the Historian with a confident tone.
Vicenzo smiles, "Why not? I could help as it seems this lines up with what I'm currently doing, which is keeping the Empire in its right place."
He nodded, "I will help you Anarxos as long as I'm not working for our common patron."
________________
The witch notices Cimri's slip but decides not to press the matter. Satin? I wonder what that is.
"I would like to help, Anarxos.You did say catch the criminal?" As to the rest of Cimri's efforts, the woman ignores her joke and slip.
"Then perhaps you can help me too afterwards."
"I would like to help, Anarxos.You did say catch the criminal?" As to the rest of Cimri's efforts, the woman ignores her joke and slip.
"Then perhaps you can help me too afterwards."
Everyone seemed to have their own tasks, except Vicenzo. Well, unless his task was to take down his hometown church of Iomedae but that was something beyond his grasp.
He asked Melani, "So what is it that you need help with?"
"Still light out. Anyone wanna hang out by one the town's tavern. I'd love to hear news of what happened this afternoon."
"Let us help Anarxos first. Mine can wait," The priestess answers warmly to Vicenzo. "Anyone else?"
"I'm in." Ahreni says with a grin. "I want to hear what happened when they noticed the helmet was gone. Now we've got it, we might be able to open up some counter-propaganda. Have one of us be the 'Angel Knight' at key times might convince people that she's not as good as she seems."
Ahreni makes a point of washing thoroughly before she comes out, removing all traces of the various paints she used to make her disguise. Thoroughly washed she looks remarkably young, and seems to have lost ten years as she steps out with the rest of the group, whistling in a jaunty fashion. The bulges in the back of her dress remain, although less prominent when not seen from sideways on.
Vicenzo pets his scraggly rat, "Crazy cat lady? I don't particularly care for cats..."
The rat squeaks and the witch answers, "Yes, yes I know. There are too many cats in the world..."
You leave the Ash House behind and walks east , entering the north gate by Cimri's suggestion since it is not watched as the Castle Gate... in the long run it could be useful since a sudden transit to the old ruins could become suspicious.
To avoid the church square, you walk along the Green Street that connects all the residences close to the north and east wall, finally reaching the Willmore House . As you come closer you see a strange red colored smoke coming from her chimney and Vicenzo can feel that Kitah is restless.
When you come to ten feet from the house you hear a meow. With each step closer, a slightly different meow, probably pertaining to a different cat. When you are about to knock the door, a really old and small woman opens it and smiles to you. She has many missing teeth and a bit more facial hair that would be expected but she still looks charming. Behind her, you see more than two dozen cats, all white and identical, sit and intently watching you. "How can I help you today, my dears?"
Doing his best to keep his mangy, grey rat from bolting at the unnatural sight of so many near identical cats, Vicenzo observed his surroundings trying to look for hidden danger that this old lady might pose.
He kept his mouth shut and waited for Anarxos to take the lead.
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Before leaving the Ash house, Anarxos fills his companions in on his mission.
"The person I'm hunting down is in possession of very controversial - and thus dangerous - manuscripts. Should they fall within the grasp of enemies of House Thrune, the Thrice-Damned house would undoubtedly see their position weakened. You understand, of course, that these Iomedaeans could very well fit the bill. We have to find these scrolls."
The investigator frowns as the cats meow and the old lady opens.
Curses! So much for a stealthy approach and spying. Nevermind that.
"Greetings, Miss Wilmore. I wish to speak with you about arcane matters of some sort, for which I believe you could lend us your expertise. May we come in to discuss things further?"
The old lady smiles once more, moving aside from the door and gesturing you to enter. As the moves to the left, all the cats' tails also move to the left. "Please! Come in, come in, I'll gladly talk to you pretty people about magics... are you interest in my famous mole removing tonics? Come in... I'll make you some tea in a moment..."
She doesn't wait for you to enter before turning your back to you and moving slowly towards the kitchen. After a couple slow steps one of the cats jumps at her slightly hunched back and stays immobile, still watching you. While walking she starts to hum.
The room is not big but have ample space for everyone who wish to enter. For obvious reasons the place has a lot of white cat hair covering the floral sofa and armchairs as well as the numerous embroidered pillows. It is also quite dusty and with little illumination thanks to the heavy brown curtains on the windows. It is almost impossible not to sneeze.
Vincenzo does his best to not vomit on the floor. He keeps petting his rat and hiding it in his clothes and sneers at any cat that shows an interest.
He looks at Anarxos, "What could this old lady have?"
The priestess enters last and tries to hold her breath. Eventually she has to snuffle with her nose raised high, "would you like some help, madam? I am a dab hand with a kettle."
Unable to find a seat without all those cat hairs, Melani eventually sits on an arm of a chair and waits for a response.
The old woman doesn't turn back to answer Melani and keeps walking, slowly. "Do not bother, my dear... I'll be back in a couple minutes."
True to her word, Miss Wilmore returns in about five minutes holding a tray of tea and cookies. At each step, her trembling hands shake the whole tray, making it a miracle that she still has a full set of tea cups, which much like the rest of her house, is painted in floral motifs.
She rests the tray on the coffee table before taking a cup for herself and sitting in her rocking chair. As soon as she does so, half a dozen of her white cats jumps over her, quickly cuddling with the old woman. She doesn't touch the cookies though. "Go ahead, go ahead! I have not the teeth for my cookies anymore but they should still be quite good... I've baked them just earlier." The tea smells good, made from some flowers.
After sipping from her cup, she insists for you to drink before talking to you. "So, how my I help you, hum?"
Vicenzo passes on the cookies when the old lady didn't take any. Why would she make cookies if she doesn't eat them? I don't think she was expecting us.
In the same vein, he also didn't drink the tea but merely pretended to do so by tipping the cup to his mouth.
The witch would have been bored if not for all the cats in the house and his restless rat. he waited for Anarxos to take the lead in the conversation.
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As a well-educated man, Anarxos doesn't turn down the old lady's offer despite his suspicions. "Thank you." he simply says before accepting a cookie.
"Ma'am, I've come to you to ask for your guidance in matters of History. Somehow, you are recognized by Longacre's villagers as someone well-versed into this arcane topic, and I am here because I wanted to follow up on some leads of mine. I am a scholar myself, one longing for more truth than this country allows for. As you may tell from my manners and upbringing, I belong to a noble house, albeit one that has suffered the great rigors of the civil war. While seeking to establish my house's name, I am looking for documents that would allow me to assert of our origins, despite what the Thrunes would have us believe. Would you know of such documents, perchance? Your help would mean a lot to me."
The old lady frowns at Anarxos. "My young boy... how will I be able to help you if you lie to me?" She stops to drink her tea, eyeing you with caution. "Regarding documents, I think your leads are wrong... I've never learnt how to read so I have no use for them." With that being said, you notice that indeed apparently there isn't a single book in the house.
Anarxos was caught in a lie. Vincenzo smiled, That was pretty obvious there, noble.
The witch addressed the old woman, "Ma'am, is something bothering your cats? If it's me, I'll gladly step outside. Besides, I'm slightly allergic to cats anyway."
He waited for her response or for Anarxos to tell another lie. Hopefully, a much more believable lie this time.
Ahreni has spent the whole conversation close to the front door, something about the cats is putting her on edge and she spends the whole time trying her best to stay away from them occasionally jumping when one prowls closer.
She waves away tea or cookies, eyes fixed on the feline marauders prowling around.
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Slightly vexed to have been caught in a lie, but not acknowledging it either, Anarxos moves on.
"Truly? People say you have arcane talents of some sort - if I were to take a guess, I'd say your cats are a good display of what you can do. Surely it wouldn't hurt to speak about your secret... wouldn't it?"
The witch addressed the old woman, "Ma'am, is something bothering your cats? If it's me, I'll gladly step outside. Besides, I'm slightly allergic to cats anyway."
"They are only bothered by what bothers me... and I do not like children to lie to me. I'm old but quite smart!" She smiles once more, even if not as happily as before.
"Truly? People say you have arcane talents of some sort - if I were to take a guess, I'd say your cats are a good display of what you can do. Surely it wouldn't hurt to speak about your secret... wouldn't it?"
"People say? The people of Longacre is not able to tell the difference between a warm fart and a magic cantrip! I'm no wizard, no scholar, and no bookish fellow, I just do what I do... Minsy here whispers to me since I was a little girl and back in my time it was enough... now, is this a secret or just an old crazy lady who talks to her cats?" She laughs while petting one of her white cats, the only one that isn't completely white (it has a black ear). "I know nothing about any books or documents you seem so interested about... seek the bookish ones for that is my advice."
She watches the way that the others mind the food and drink and enjoys the byplay, wincing at the way a man able to calm a hundred gets tongue tied before one old lady.
"Anarxos realises how clever you are. Maybe the lack of books makes us make judgments we shouldn't. Especially with someone older and wiser. I apologise for disturbing you and thank you for your time."
The witch addressed the old woman, "Ma'am, is something bothering your cats? If it's me, I'll gladly step outside. Besides, I'm slightly allergic to cats anyway.""They are only bothered by what bothers me... and I do not like children to lie to me. I'm old but quite smart!" She smiles once more, even if not as happily as before.
That was enough for Vicenzo whose rat was panicking. He quickly excuses himself from his new-found companions, "Er... I'll be outside. Yell if you need anything."
He then tipped an imaginary to the old lady and stepped out of the house.
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Anarxos nods, and makes excuses to take his leave. "Sorry for bothering you, Madam, it appears my information was wrong indeed. Thank you for your tea." With those words, he follows Vicenzo out of the house.
"Obviously she wasn't the one. Mind if we try another suspect? Mrs. Ilmerri Unero, from Longacre Historical Society, is likely to know something. She might be worth a visit."
You all leave the Wilmore house and, looking at the sky, realizes that there are still a couple hours until dark so walking north along the Green Street once more, reaching the Longacre Historical Society just a couple feet before the street turns west.
The building is really small and you soon realize that it is too small to serve both as a library and a house so Mrs. Unero must live somewhere else. The door is closed but there is a bronze door bell to the right of the door, just bellow a small place with 'Longacre Historical Society' written on it.
It takes almost five minutes for the door to open after you ring the bell, even if someone inside constantly yelled. "Just a minute..." The small woman that opens the door is clearly above the appropriate weight, wearing round glasses that makes her small eyes even smaller, and crumpled clothes. She has black eyes and hair, kept in a bun even if clearly oily. "Yes? Oh... h...how can I help you?" She gives you a shy smile.
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The Historian, still frustrated by his encounter with the crazy cat lady, eyes the Longacre Historical Society's building thoroughly, studying its finest features. The Chelaxian's eyes grow restless, a tad excited perhaps, at the sight of something more civilized than what they've just left behind.
Once the woman appears Anarxos can't help but act every bit impressive as much as he can, though this word doesn't bear its usual intimidating meaning... for now. There is a certain panache in Anarxos's demeanor, a clear intent to impress. And perhaps hide his slight amusement at the situation?
Fool of a woman. You know you can't resist me.
Words pour out of the historian's mouth like a flood of delicious - but decidedly sticky - honey. "Ah, there you are! My friends were wondering where you might have been, yet I didn't harbor any doubts as I know a historian's work is never done. Allow me to introduce myself - Anarxos of House Voralius, dedicated scholar and historian, hailing from Westcrown." He stops for a split-second, allowing the former capital's name sink in, and perhaps conjure mental images of Cheliax's former, pre-Thrune glory.
"You must be Mrs. Ilmerri Unero, from the Longacre Historical Society? I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. I was hoping we could meet and discuss our common interest in Chelish history together."
"Madam, would you like to discuss the matters with Anarxos...in private, perhaps?" offers the priestess."Or do we need to provide a chaparone for the tender yet single Anarxos?"
"Melani" smiles down at the little lady and adds, "of course people in Westcrown have heard of this talented Society and Mrs Unero."
"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Mr. Vorallius..." Torn between the idea of talking with the man alone and perhaps a hidden reason not to do so, Mrs. Unero shakes her head quickly. "Oh, sorry for my lack of good manners... please, come in, let's talk inside the library." She then gives you room to enter the small building.
With a quick glance to Anarxos, the small and round woman continues. "I'm always eager to discus our history! How may I help you? Is there any topic that have in mind?"
Ahreni follows along at the back of the group, smiling politely and slipping through the door just before it is closed. This not being either her scene or particularly her quest she chooses to stay quiet and simply observe, now that there are no cats to distract her.
Now with a lot more calmer rat, the witch also relaxes a bit after leaving behind the old lady and her cats.
Vicenzo follows the group inside and remains attentive to Anarxos and the lady from the historical society.
When he gets a chance away from the lady, he asks his other companions, "Do any of you know what Anarxos is looking for?"
"Some sort of heretic I think... something to do with this 'Ministry of Historical Accuracy' he works for." Ahreni whispers back with a shrug. "We're just here for muscle at this point..."
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"The pleasure is mine." half-lies Anarxos, indeed glad to be in that position of emotional dominance he so thoroughly relishes. "You see, Mrs. Unero - may I call you Ilmeri? - I am particularly interested in old pre-civil war manuscripts revealing the importance of a Chelish noble house now extinct - or almost so. I would like to bring to light these important documents, for they represent a very singular perspective in the history of our nation. Sadly, this house was wiped out during the Chelish civil war. However, things are different now and the Westcrown historical society, who is as you may know very eager to enlighten the Chelish people about the pre-Thrune era, would like to see these archives documented, or at the very least their existance attested. Would you know anything about these documents?"