Thanks. Looks like Rodrik was getting involved in something before he was killed. Maybe his family members, Brinya, they might have some idea what he was doing that stirred up trouble. By the sound of it he's writing to someone out of town, and is probably a foreigner himself. Grok pauses, considering what is to be done. What's this work he talks about? Once our work is done? In the midst of all this? Whatever it is, it's not something we want here, not if it's killing a good man like Rodrik.
Grok looks over at Maurie, hearing her words. I wasn't here when he told you all to stay. If something bad happens to Brinya, or someone else, and we could've prevented it... Grok shakes his head and takes a few steps towards the door, then stops.
Listen, I don't think it's a bad idea to stay here. Like you said, Kurst's as like as not to know something useful. Grok sits down, though his legs stay tense. His shoulders relax for a moment, and he looks at Maurie straight in the eyes. I'm not too smart and I make a lot of mistakes, but I know I would always make the same mistake over and over again, because to me it's a good thing. His shoulders begin to tense now, his neck stiffening and rising, and his eyes becoming focused. Because if I can protect this Brinya, Rodrik's beloved...he was a good man. He gave me a shot to prove myself, gave all of us a shot, so if something bad happens to Brinya that I could have prevented, that would be truly terrible. And if she knows something, something that could help, and we use that and stop someone else from dying. Grok pauses briefly, looking around, taking in his surroundings. That'd be worth disobeying Kurst, worth more than anything I could ever be, too.
Grok stands back up, slowly, for a moment looking taller than usual, his back straight and his eyes focused and clear. He looks commanding. Then he cracks his knuckles, and his shoulders and neck slump imperceptibly, and he is again that same confused and unsure person that he always is. Besides, he adds, you all can stay here and wait for Kurst just fine without me.
Maurie steps between Grok and the door.
"First, if Brinya was targeted by the same man he has had ample time to already kill her. Second, this town is known for its lack of love for those of your heritage, as you know. If they are out for blood, or a scapegoat, they might choose you if they run into you alone. Third, even assuming the first two are not true, do you really think that you should be the one to break the news of Rodrik's death to her? Her brother, for all of his exterior gruffness, is both more likely to be believed and less likely to cause inadvertent grief, I'd wager. Though, to be fair, it we really wanted her to have the news presented gently Brin would probably be the best candidate for that unpleasant job."
Maurie nods to the traveling musician with a slight smile.
"At any rate, a few more moments here will likely either be non essential to her defense or too late by an already passed amount. Stay with us. Please."
While her tone is civil, Maurie's demeanor and stance leave no room for doubt as to whether she is making a suggestion.
Brin chuckles.
"That's one lass I wouldn't want to tumble with. Making suggestions to Half-orcs doesn't just happen to be at the top of halfling behavior choices."
Grok growls and his lips curl back, exposing his teeth. They look sharp and deadly, his tusks probably capable of tearing out a person's throat. Then he stops. His hand uncurls from around his sword, and the fire in his eyes dies. He walks over to the window and looks out, wondering how it got cracked. He looks at the corpse on the bed, looks all around the room, then puts his hand on the wall and pushes gently. He sits back down again, before glancing up at Maurie.
Probably can't get by without hurting you, I don't want to do that at all. Sorry for growling at you. Grok sits, looking resigned. I don't think it would do much good at all if we waited, but it's not more harm then fighting you. Grok tries to crack his knuckles again, but there's no noise, so he just sits with his hands on his legs for a moment.
Breakfast was a good idea. He pauses, rubbing his stomach. Maybe we can ask around and see if anyone here saw that man last night. Someone who can give us a bit more about what he looks like, something like that.
Grok looks over at Zove any more magic that might come in handy here?
He looks like he's about to stand up, but then decides against it, staying seated on the floor, clearly uncomfortable. Finally he asks what sort of lass would you want to tumble with?
Cromwin stands by and uncomfortably watches the showdown between Grok and Maurie, then walks over and puts his hand on the half-orc's shoulder. "She might be right, Grok. The guards are probably going to want to question us, and we do have important information for them. If we go chasing after Kurst, it might actually end up making it worse if they find us suspiciously missing here. I'm sure Brinya will be alright." Cromwin's stomach growls, right on cue. "Breakfast actually does sound good. I'm going to go get my gear, then lets see if we can get some food. I have a feeling that this is going to be a long day."
Cromwin will head back to the shared room, get his armor put on and weapons, then return.
Recovering herself somewhat Cham pushes herself up on to her feet, "Breakfast was it? I've some ham and cheese pasties you should be able to eat up here just fine I'll have Kaella heat them up and bring them," she says, voice full of brittle cheer.
Outside you hear raised voices for a couple of minutes followed by a loud thud and crash. Then the door swings open and Kurst ascends the stairs again, one eye swollen and red,
"I do not believe that, and nor should you Father. I will take care of this, after Mother I cannot let you go through it again, Trunau needs its Patrol Leader."
"You cannot let me you spineless waste of flesh? If you were half the man your Brother was you might be able to stop me!"
"I am not the man Rodrik was, but I will not let you pass."
*Thud, crash*
"Kurst... I am sorry my boy... I will, yes, yes, you handle this."
“Right now, the official cause of death is suicide, but I just can’t believe that - especially since it was not his knife. Something else has to be going on. Unfortunately, Rodrik was the best investigator in Trunau; if he were on the case, solving the mystery of his death wouldn’t take long, but with just me left, we might never know what really happened.” Kurst sighs heavily.
“I simply can’t handle the investigation and tend to my family duties at the same time. I may be a patrol captain, but right now, I feel my responsibilities as a brother outweigh my other duties. Still, I can’t just let this lie. I’m afraid I’ve exhausted all my other options — the members of Trunau’s militia are competent defenders during siege times, but they’re not sleuths by any means. I need your help. Will you investigate my brother’s death?”
Maurie does not flinch or visibly move at Groks snarl, though her hand inches a hair closer toward the chain around her waist. When Grok sits and apologises, however, it quickly moves away. She walks to the half-orc and nods.
"Yes, breakfast is a wise thing. And I understand the impulse to want to rush off and do something... had Kurst not asked us to wait here I would be right behind you on the way there." Maurie nods thanks to Cromwin, and again to Cham.
Maurie winces at the nascent black eye forming on Kurst, but apart from a knowing look she does not comment on it.
"Of course we will aid you in this. In fact, to an extent, we already have."
Maurie turns to Grok, Zove, and Cromwin expectantly.
Cromwin winces at the sounds coming from below, but looks relieved when Kurst returns quickly.
"None of us believe for a moment Rodrik did this to himself, Kurst. Cham mentioned there was a suspicious looking anonymous man who checked in last night and was gone this morning. Grok and I checked the room over and found this." Cromwin unfolds the note, handing it to him. "I think he was stumbling onto something that someone didn't want discovered, and they had him killed. Zove, tell him about what you found out about the death."
Kurst examines the note, "My thanks for your aid. Do any of you know who this Melira is? What could they be looking for? In any case I shall leave the matter in your hands, I will be arranging Rodrik's funeral..." he pauses and stares up at the ceiling for a moment before speaking again, voice a little ragged, "for tomorrow, if you can find his hopeknife, the tradition is to burn it with him on the pyre..."
"We will try, presumably it is with this man. Please, alert the gate guard of his description. It isn't much to go on, but it might be useful." Maurie bows respectfully. "Grok and Brin are concerned about the safety of his... beloved. Have you checked on her yet?"
Thanks. Grok says to Cham, looking over at her vaguely. He stays sitting the whole time noise comes from below, looking down at his hands and occasionally shaking his head. He doesn't seem to mind the noise much, maybe he doesn't even notice it at all, it's hard to tell.
He is standing as soon as Kurst walks in, More than that, Grok adds, I think she might be able to shed some light on what Rodrik was doing before he got killed. Maybe that will give us a good shot at finding whoever did this before he leaves town.
Kurst sighs and shakes his head, "No, she likely does not even know yet... I should not be the one to tell her, we, well we don't talk much any more. If any of you feel you can deliver the message tactfully I would be grateful, otherwise perhaps I should ask Halgra to deliver the news?"
Kurst raises a brow, "Change the public story? We are not going to lie to people, trust is important in a place like Trunau, people need to know they can trust the Guard, and the Council. But I will tell people that Rodrik is dead, and that although it initially looked like suicide I believe it was murder. Hopefully you can find the true killer swiftly and people will not have a chance to but two and two together and make five. But I must go keep an eye on my father and begin the arrangements I leave the investigation in your hands. Please be careful, and tactful. Oh and if Rodrik really was "meddling" in something you might question Patrol Sergeant Omast Frum, he normally patrols with Rodrik so if anyone would know what was going on it would likely be him or Brinya - though I believe Rodrik had kept his relationship with Brinya hidden from him, he kept it hidden from most to tell the truth."
With that he nods to you all and heads back outside.
Before he can quite leave Maurie approaches closer and indicates he should bend down so she talk to him more privately.
She gives him a sympathetic smile and turns to the others after he has left.
"Well, now that we have eaten and have officially been commissioned to investigate this heinous deed, where shall we begin? Tracking the poison, talking to the soon to be grieving love interest, or tracking down the bottle Rodrik's partner has found for himself?"
Kurst shakes his head offering a tiny pained smile, "No, thank you for your concern, but I can handle my Father, there is just... Well he is a good man who hates orcs, and he does not cope well with loss. As for the eye, well, I need to stop by Sanctuary anyway I'll have Tyari take a look at it."
Maybe she can come and look at Rodrik too, try to figure out what kind of poison was used.
Grok looks around at the others. If we split up we can go to both Brinya and Omast at the same time. Let's say we meet back here in an hour? He begins to walk to the door.
Maurie considers this course of action, then nods.
"That might be wisest, but watch yourself. As Kurst said, eventually people will start drawing connections where there are none, in all likelihood influenced by prejudice. If you are going to Brinya's I would ask that you go with Brin or Cromwin, or both of them. Zove, you had further questions for your mother regarding the hopeknife and wanted to find someone regarding the poison, correct? I guess that leaves Omast to me. I will also seek out who had watch earlier to see if anyone matching our stranger's description left once the gates opened. I might need longer than an hour to do so, if I miss the rendezvous do not immediately worry."
Kurst shrugs, "I am not sure how identifying the poison would help, but I will ask her if she has a reliable method. Now forgive me, but I really must go."
He heads off moving briskly with purpose and leaving the group to contemplate their next move. As they do so a young halfling girl ascends with a tray of pastries the pleasant scents of warm dough, cheese, and ham mingling pleasingly in the air.
"Breakfast? Cham said to get you fed!"
"I'll go with you Maurie. Brin, why don't you go with Grok? That way we'll have two people following up each of the leads where we might need to question people, one might think to ask a question the other might miss."
Cromwin inhales deeply as the serving girl comes in with the pastries. "Thanks for the food. This looks delicious." Cromwin takes a bite as he heads out the door, turning his head over his shoulder. "Let me get my armor and weapons and saddle up Anvil, and we'll go see what Omast has to say. Sound reasonable to everyone?"
Maurie looks up at Cromwin, then shrugs. "I had hoped to pass unnoticed around the town, but perhaps having him with me will help."
"Fine with me, though I will have a hard enough time keeping pace with you on foot, let alone on horseback. Perhaps a casual stroll to the Longhouse will be a good start?" Taking a pastry from the young lady, she smiles to her.
Bowing her head to the serving girl, she turns to the others to see if anyone as objections for the arrangements.
Brin nods to Cromwell and then looks to Grok.
"Looks like it's you and me. Let's go find this Brinya."
Cromwin finishes strapping on his armor, tightening the straps and nestling the pieces into place so they don't chafe. I can't believe Rodrik was murdered...we're not short on death in Trunau, but its usually attacks from without, not within. Unless these mysterious 'white swords' are a secret orc plot, but they're usually not nearly this subtle. What else could it be? Who would want Rodrik dead? Hopefully Maurie and I will be able to get some answers from Omast before he gets too drunk to help. . With one final check of his weapons, Cromwin heads down to the stables, where he quickly saddles and armors Anvil before riding out to the front of the Ramblehouse to meet up with Maurie.
Anvil rides out into the mid morning sun, prancing lightly and tossing his head, Cromwin riding comfortably on his back. "Ready Maurie? Let's go see what Omast has to say."
Maurie looks up at Cromwin, and shakes her head. "What is it with already tall people wanting to be taller?" "Go ahead, I will only slow you down greatly, and we need the man sober enough to remember things. On that score we may already be too late, but perhaps you can do some damage control while I catch up. See you when I get there." Setting off at her own pace Maurie pays attention to the people around her, listening as best as she can to the passers by as she walks.
Indeed. Any idea where she lives? Grok takes a handful of pastry, thanks the girl, and heads out, making sure Brin is in tow.
"If you're sure Maurie, alright. I'll try and get to Omast before he gets too far gone. See you at the longhouse. Hya!". At Cromwin's command, Anvil breaks into a canter heading in the direction of the Longhouse.
"Noph, Ey Oomph" Brin replies with a face full of sweetmeats.
He takes a big swallow after a few long moments of chewing and holding up his finger in the "hold a minute" gesture.
"Let's go speak with the guard, there are a few who may be willing to help."
Sounds like a good idea, you mind doing most of the talking? Grok walks slightly faster than Brin, taking small bites of pastry as he does.
The halfling girl nodss, "Not sure she would want that. Um, are you leaving the, um, Rodrik here? There are a couple of guards outside waiting to take him to Sanctuary once you are done?"
It is not hard to get directions to Brinya's residence at the boardinghouse and the woman herself sits upon a porch working busily at a loom.
"I understand. I believe we have learned what we can from him, but please have the guards ask those at the Sanctuary to examine him for poison. We have reason to believe that one was used, but we are having trouble pinning down exactly which one and why."
Brin stops to take another big swallow of the sweet rolls he's gathered in his hands. Sugary smear marks are a bit visible on his scaled armor. He sees the guards standing outside of the Ramblehouse.
"Aye, you gentlemen, do you know where I can find Gellam?"
A tall narrow fellow with a particularly neat uniform responds, "Gellam? He was on the night Watch I think, after the festivities, be a bed now I should think. Why are you wanting to buy moonshine? His wife, Mebbie, ought to be up to sell you some, but I'd keep the noise down."
Cromwin arrives at the Longhouse a few minutes later, having left Maurie behind. He dismounts, stroking Anvil gently once on the mane as the horse stamps his foot on the ground, invigorated by the brief run and ready to play. "Stay here boy. We'll go for a longer run later today, I promise." Cromwin will enter the Longhouse, peering around inside. "Hey, has anyone here seen Omast? I was hoping to ask him some questions."
Maurie arrives at the longhouse minutes later, having gleaned what she could from the passers by on the way.
Noting Anvil tied to the post, Maurie calls up to the horse on her way past. "Be good, Anvil. I will check to make sure your master hasn't gotten into any fights inside."
Walking past the guards with a respectful nod, she walks inside to rejoin Cromwin.
No, we're looking for a woman. Brinya, a half orc, do you know where she lives? Grok takes the last bite of food, having finished surprisingly quickly, wiping his hands on his pants.
"Brinya? She runs the Boarding House, its just west of the Commons."
Maurie tries to gauge the mood of the citizenship, but finds it to generally be surly by way of hungover. There are far fewer people in the streets than the same time on days prior to the ceremony, and most of those that are are about their business rather than chatting.
The Longhouse is full of somber looking guards in conversation, looking up as Cromwin enters a bearded man with heavy bags under his eyes shakes his head, "He should have been back here to go to his bed, but I've not seen him pass. He was close to the Captain, might be he has taken to the drink again, he was always a devil for it - though he hasn't touched a drop these last two years."
As Maurie enters the Longhouse a small girl approaches Anvil wide eyed clutching an apple in both hands. Gingerly she approaches and extends the apple up towards the horse deferentially.
Anvil accepts the apple happily and as he chomps away at it watches with interest as the small girl attempts to clamber up onto his saddle, surprising herself with a sudden lunge that takes her up. Twisting in place she carefully removes Anvil's reins freeing him from the post shushing him all the while...
Blast, he isn't here. He must of gone to a tavern, or an inn or somewhere with drink. He isn't at the Ramblehouse; think Cromwin,is there a Tavern in town? I think so, but where was it and what was it called again?
Hm, can't think of the name. Maybe the guards have an idea.
"I think you might be right, he didn't look good when he was leaving the Ramblehouse. He was saying something kind of incoherent, that Rodrik was asking him about the white swords that won't come off the walls. Do you know what he might have been talking about, or where he might have gone to drink?"
"He did not look too well before he started drinking truthfully, but then he did get a bit of a shock. Anyway, before we go hunting him down I was wondering if the guards who opened the gates this morning had been relieved from watch yet? We have a description of a man that might have more information on the death, but he was not in his room this morning."
Maurie smiles at the guardsmen and Cromwin.
"Well Grok, it appears we'll have our search cut out for us. Let's be on our way. Thank you gentlemen!"
Brin walks alongside Grok, seemingly as if he hadn't seen a dead body that morning. He even gives a passing smile to the townspeople as he passes them.
Best not to seem too sullen with the events. These people have enough to wonder and worry about.
Our search cut out for us? We were just at the Commons yesterday, all we have to do is go there and head west. Grok also would look out of place at a funeral, though perhaps more because he is used to tragedy than because he is putting on a brave face.
When they get to Brinya's, Grok looks at her for a moment, cracking his knuckles awkwardly as they walk up to her. He wants something to do with his hands, to look busy when her expectant gaze falls on him, so that he doesn't have to deliver the news. Grok looks over at Brin
It does not take long to navigation Trunau and Grok and Brin are soon approaching the boarding house. The building is surrounded by a wrap around porch, with heavy fold back shutters currently open to reveal three women working at looms. The central woman appears to be Brinya, a pretty red headed half orc, and two elderly women, one of whom is missing a leg.
The guards shrug collectively, "Probably the Ramblehouse, its the best of Trunaus Inn, hur, hur, hur."
To Maurie's question a thickset bearded man who could very well be a particularly tall dwarf growls, "They'll be a bed, prefer not to wake them, most of them here." From his insignia he seems to be a Sergeant.
Maurie nods, thoughtfully. "I can appreciate that, and truthfully if they saw this man leaving already then it is a bit late to track him down. That said, if you could ask them upon their rising if they saw a man with brown hair and average human height and weight leaving upon the gates being opened I would appreciate it. Also, if you could have the guard keep an eye out for anyone matching that description. He would be a stranger in the sense that folks like Cham wouldn't recognize him by face, but likely to have been through town before once or twice."
The halfling smiles apologetically before continuing, "I know it isn't a lot to go on, and I am sorry for that. The Judge of the Gods as my witness, I wish we had some tattoo or scar or distinguishing feature we could give you to help pick him out of a crowd, but it is mostly chance that we even have this much to go on. And, as I indicated, we strongly feel he knows something about what happened to Rodrik. So not looking for him at all merely because we have so little information would be wasteful. Thank you, sergeant, for your assistance." Maurie bows, and turns to Cromwin. "Shall we try back at the Ramblehouse again? I don't remember seeing him on our way out, but then I wasn't specifically looking for him there either."
"I'll put the word out, but as you say if he has already passed through that is not much of a description. You want anyone who we don't know who fits that description detained?" The Sergeant asks.
Maurie considers this, before nodding. "Yes, though quietly and only if it appears that they are trying to leave Trunau. The last thing we want is to have to make an expedition to 'Freedom' Town to extradite them." "What an misnomer of a name that. True freedom comes from embracing the laws of civilization, not escaping them for selfish reasons." "Thank you again. My name is Maurie, by the way. I did not catch your name Sergeant, perhaps I was just a little late to the conversation." The smile on the halfling woman's lips indicates that she used the word little there deliberately.