"He may have the rank of captain of the gaurd, but is he currently mentally fit for it, as the loss of a family member can make even the most fit mind crumble."
Xander winces a bit. "He's just distraugt. Anyone would be."
Staring at Xander and Tess as they speak, Lucian begins to calm slightly, though he does not make much more sense. Share what I - yes, yes. Olya...she's gone, gone from our home, disappeared, poof! Must have been fetchlings, always fetchlings, tallowthroat's their fault, the Baron's shadow-born servants, they brought the sickness...three less fetchlings is three less killers on the loose...reason we keep 'em in Shade Row, they don't need to stay among our kind...distraught...distraught...help, you said help with tracking? As he speaks, he becomes visibly more pliant, as if his will against the fetchlings is beginning to crumble.
Xander nodded. "Why don't we meet at your office to discuss my case? If you'll ask the crowd to disperse, we can meet with you as soon as we find lodging."
Shogunto accompanied the diplomats, but kept a certain distance behind. He'd assume that half-Orcs are common enough to not raise suspicions, but kept his hood covering his head anyway, and tried to stay in the shadows. No point in threatening a well conducted agreement - but he preferred staying close to his pathfinders just in case they need his help.
Vandrare watched Xander and Tess with newfound respect. In mere moments they had managed to calm this situation down. There was hope now.
"It just goes to show that we aren't safe in making any assumptions. Something is amiss here, this place feels...wrong." he replies to Kinvara.
Vandrare pulls his own hood up over his face, keeping his gaze on the unfolding scene.
Xander nodded. "Why don't we meet at your office to discuss my case? If you'll ask the crowd to disperse, we can meet with you as soon as we find lodging."
Meeting...disperse? Help me find Olya? With the calming effect Xander and Tess have had, the wind seems to have gone out of Lucian's sails a bit, and he turns to the crowd. Strangers're gonna help sort all this out. Find my girl, find who got her. Go home...strangers'll help.
At Lucian's direction, the crowd begins to disperse. A few shoot dirty looks back at the platform, but none seem willing to press the issue without Lucian guiding them into hostility. As they walk past, you hear whispers bouncing back and forth.
They'll probably just find out it was the fetchlings anyway...
They're the ones who brought the tallowthroat among us - my cousin passed from it not two days ago!
Don't know what His Lordship was ever thinking, keeping so many of those creatures as his staff...
As the square empties, the fetchlings on the platform watch with growing relief. When most of the crowd has left, they step carefully from the platform, the little girl clutching to the man's leg. They approach Xander and Tess where they have rejoined the others.
I can't...I can't thank you enough. You've got my gratitude - and the gratitude of all of us. I'm Sergei, and this is my son Marius and my little girl Delia, he says, gesturing to each child in turn. You said you were in need of lodging? If you'd like, you and your companions can come across the river to Shade Row. He points to the south-west, where another knot of buildings can be seen on the river's opposite bank. We'd gladly put you up in the inn over there, and make sure you're fed, too, as long as you're in town.
Of course, if you folks want to stay over here with your own, it's fine too...I'd offer to pay for your stay in the inn here - He jerks his head to the right, indicating the inn bordering the town square. But you've just seen how it is right now. I don't even know if they'd take my money at this point. We wouldn't have even come over this way, except we needed some winter wheat seed and the only seed supplier's over this side of town...
Anyway - remember my offer. My brother's the innkeeper, runs a tight place, and his wife makes some of the best mead this side of the Usk. I'm thankful for your help, and the others would be glad to have you as company as well. You're the first humans in an awfully long time to stick their necks out for us. Just go to the inn on the other side of the river, tell them you're Sergei's new friends. I'll be telling the story, mark my words.
"I wouldn't take your money either, Sergei. You need it. You've got two kids to feed." Xander said with a smile, shaking the man's hand.
"We'll follow you to Shade Row though. Whatever is going on, people seem to think it has to do with your people. It makes sense for us to be there while we try to figure it out."
"Why don't you take us to your brother's Inn, and tell us what you can about what's going on here in town while we walk?"
As the crowd begins to disperse, Vandrare makes his way down towards Tess and Xander.
Overhearing the fetchling's words, he draws his hood back from his face. "Don't be so quick to cast our lot in with the humans, friend. Some of us may have more in common with your folk than you think. I can't speak for everyone, but the promise of a hot meal and a cold mead sounds good to me. " he says, turning to gauge the reaction from the rest of the group.
Walking over to Xander and Tess, he murmurs I have never witnessed such a tactful approach to defusing an angry crowd. Very impressive." Clasping Xander on the shoulder briefly, his face shows an expression of admiration.
Xander shrugged. "I'm always in an angry crowd. I've had to get good at calming things down. It's the only way I get any sleep."
"I don't usually have help though. That was nice work, Tess. Thank you."
Though Milo, on occasion, can be charming enough-- he keeps his mouth shut, this time, and only listens keenly. The baron employs fetchlings? A number of them, it seems. And, for that matter, public sentiment is not particularly fond of the baron. These are useful things to know...
Milo watches the crowd sharply, trying to judge if anyone amid the townspeople are taking especial notice of them. He is-- always-- worried about Zon-Kuthon's servitors. (Blame a childhood of being told, by his father's wife, that the Umbral agents would take him while he was sleeping...)
Slinking over to the others at all the gratitude going on, Milo clears his throat. "Heartwarming as these offers of shelter are, should we not be accompanying the head of the guard, and finding out the details of his missing daughter? Seeing as we have just promised to locate her, and so forth?"
He gives the fetchlings a critical look. "Though I suppose if we can learn more from these charming local residents first..."
"I didn't actually promise that. I just said we might be here on a related issue. I told the captain we'd meet with him after we found lodging. I think we could all stand to shake off the road before getting to work."
"As I said, I can't speak for anyone else but Sergei's hospitality sounds much more appealing to me than facing the fat man's ire. I'm sure some of our group would agree that Shade Row sounds much better than standing out here kicking stones while we wait for the meeting with the guard captain to conclude. If you feel that the captain cannot wait, might I suggest we part ways for a while?" Vandrare replies to Milo. He didn't like the idea of standing out in the open waiting, especially with the heightened tension among the townsfolk.
"Yes, well, we'd better not dither," Milo says. "The man looked as steady as a drunken ogre; we don't want to give him too much time to forget your good advice and go back to whipping up a lynching... let's get squared away within the charming-sounding Shade Row, then."
Despite his grumpiness, Milo does give Xander a small nod of respect for the crowd-quelling.
Sergei falls in step with the group as they begin to walk toward the bridge spanning Dimar’s Way.
Some of us may have more in common with your folk than you may think.
Sergei is surprised for a moment when Vandrare pulls back his hood, but then he breaks into a pleasant grin. Not one of us, a kayal, but perhaps you do have some understanding of our plight. I’m pleased to meet you, and the rest of you as well. He gives a short bow to each party member in turn, meeting their eyes with a look of gratitude. Kinvara’s face gives him a moment of pause, but his look is one of concern and pity, not fear or disgust, and he meets Shogunto’s dark gimlet eyes with the same glow of thankfulness as everyone else. A curious group for sure; but help often comes in the form least expected.
...let's get squared away within the charming-sounding Shade Row, then."
The fetchling farmer flashes a small, slightly sad smile at Milo's comment. Shade Row's not the name we'd have chosen, either. But nearly a millennium ago, there was some kind of revolution by the kayal who lived here. All the shadowborn were arrested, sent away, something like that - but the next year, more were born, to families that had never consorted with shadows in living memory. And the next year, more were born. It won't surprise you that the humans panicked, figured my kind for bastards and abominations, and that mistrust's lasted to this day. They built a community where they could keep us apart - but it’s worked for Karpad. All my life, we’d not bothered them and they’d not bothered us beyond some sidelong glances. His Lordship even made a point of keeping several kayal on his staff - until a few weeks ago.
"Why don't you take us to your brother's Inn, and tell us what you can about what's going on here in town while we walk?"
Sergei lets out a long sigh. Well, a few weeks back, without warning, he let all of his kayal servants go but one, his houndsmaster Gavril, my cousin. No one expected it, especially when he made a speech to everyone after that, something like "the shadows won't take the town". Well, with someone who had been so strongly in our favor suddenly saying things like that, it's little surprise that everyone else turned on us also. And he's liked well, too, always been fair, and not too heavy-handed on the taxes. Much better than his father was, or his brothers would likely have been if they hadn't passed near the same time the father did.
Well, soon after he let his kayal servants go is when things started to go wrong. People started to disappear with a trace, like the Captain’s daughter, and others began to get sick with a strange disease. Word started to spread that it was His Lordship's released servants that were spreading the disease and snatching people, especially since none of us have gotten sick so far. There's little evidence to implicate the kayal, but with the disappearances and the disease, the town was dry tinder ready for a spark, and what you saw just now would have been the start of a blaze, if you hadn’t stepped in.
We just came into town for seed for our fields...but with Captain Groy's daughter gone, he wanted someone to blame, and we were the first likely targets he saw. Don't be fooled, this isn't normal. Folks are scared, and the baron's shut himself in, hasn't been seen by anyone since that speech. Haven't even seen much of the baroness, or her new son, and I've had little word from Gavril in that time, either. I don't think anything's happened to them - after all, their torches are still lit, and we see movement from time to time. They've just withdrawn for some reason, and who knows if we'll ever find out why?
...what can you tell us about this Tallowthroat? Is our Captain Groy sick with it?
I can’t tell you much - it’s confounded everyone here. It’s nothing that’s been seen before, at least not in my memory, but I can tell you almost with a certainty that the Captain’s been infected, and is likely in the advanced stages.
When someone gets sick, they’ll start to sweat by the bucketful; the moisture makes their skin look almost waxy. Then their throat will begin to swell, and with the sweat glistening and the squashy folds of the swelling, you can see how “tallowthroat” is a nice descriptive name. As their throat begins to swell, their will begins to fade. They’ll begin to lose focus, get irritable, almost hostile even to their kin. The madness worsens and worsens, and then one day - they’re gone. We find them with their throats wide open, not from weapons; that’s the first thing we checked, to see if there was foul play. It’s almost as if something had burst out from inside, and we’ve no idea what would cause such a thing.
Some people even claimed to see malevolent shadows near where a victim had died - but you’ve seen the town’s reactions right now. The shadows may just be born of fearful imaginations; there’s been rumors of shadow creatures around here for many years, but nothing’s ever come of any of those stories. It’s strange, though, that’s for certain. And even stranger is that we kayal seem to be immune - not a one of us has fallen sick yet. It’s where a lot of the accusations have sprung from, that tallowthroat is some kind of attack by us on the rest of the town.
-----------------------------
Sergei eyes everyone as the group stops in front of a slightly run-down but apparently lovingly tended inn. Well, we're here. I'll come inside with you and introduce you, help to get you settled in. He pauses for a moment. I hope I don’t presume, but what is it you’re here for? We don’t get many visitors, and certainly not adventurers like yourselves - horse ranchers driving herds toward Pangolais are usually the most exciting folk we’ll see all year. Why is it you’ve come to Karpad? I’m certain it wasn’t to rescue an unfortunate shadowborn family, he jokes with a smile. I know a couple people - might be I could help you do whatever it is you’re here to do.
Listening intently to Sergei as the companions made their way to the inn, Vandrare frowned. "Seems that there may be more to this investigation than any of us first thought. We'll have to tread lightly." He scowled, deep in thought.
Sergei frowns slightly, but does not press the matter further. Very well, then. Let's go inside and get you folks settled in. And then I believe you'd offered some aid to Captain Groy. It wouldn't do to keep him waiting; besides, his missing daughter concerns me as much as it does everyone else.
He pulls the bill of sale from the farmer's supply store out of his pocket and scribbles a few words on the back.
My Anna -
Had some trouble in town today - I'm sure the children will bring it up - but all of us are fine. I'll be along shortly - seeing to some new friends.
He hands the note to Marius, along with the bundles of goods he'd been carrying. Marius, take your sister along home now. And, ah...make sure your mother gets these. He kneels down to his children and gives each a kiss on the cheek and a firm embrace. Run along, now. I'll be there soon.
---------------
Standing, he turns toward the inn's open door and walks inside. Vitali! he calls out to a fetchling man repairing a table in the back corner. Oh, that old table leg can wait. Come here - I've some new guests for the next few nights. As the man walks over, Sergei throws his arm around his brother, speaking softly to him.
These folks got me, Marius, and Delia out of a bad spot a little earlier. Things boiled over a bit - the hanging tree in the square was about to get some use. But they spoke up and defused the crowd, got them to give it up. Let everyone know that leaving the Row's probably not the best idea for the next few days, so things have a chance to blow over some. And tell them to afford these folks every courtesy - they're good people.
---------------
Vitali nods, then speaks to the group with a warm smile. Any friend of Sergei's is a friend of mine. Let's get you upstairs - my wife's just finished the cleaning, I believe, so rooms should be ready for you. I'm afraid we don't have enough space for each of you to have your own room - I hope one room for each two of you will suffice. And then some lunch, if you'll have it, and some rest from the road. You look as if you've travelled some fair way.
He leads the group up the stairs and points out three doors. Behind each door is a cozy room with two small beds, worn but well-tended blankets atop them and a small footlocker at the foot of each. It's not much, but I hope it'll do. Once you've settled in, come downstairs and my wife will have some bread, cheese, and watered wine ready for your dinner. He starts to turn, then checks the motion and turns back to the group. Sergei told me of what you did; I'm truly thankful for you protecting my brother.
"Two to a room is fine. Any chance of getting rooms adjacent or across from each other?" Xander said shaking the innkeeper's hand.
"I'm Xander, and this is Milo. The tall lady is Tess, the scarred chap is Shogunto. and the two pale ones are Vandrare and Kinvara. Pleased to meet you."
"I know we'll be staying for at least a few days. Maybe more like a week. I'm happy to pay in advance to make sure we retain our lodging."
"A meal will be appreciated. We've been eating nothing but road food for days now."
"Your hospitality is thanks enough Vitali. We couldn't stand by and let injustice be suffered." Vandrare remarks. "A meal does sound good, and a pipe if you've any tobacco."
At the sight of lodging Vandrare visibly relaxes. A good nights sleep in a modest bed has been long overdue.
Milo resembles the proverbial cat in a room full of rocking chairs as they enter, first Shade Row, and then the inn itself-- he is constantly looking over his shoulder, back towards the better part of town, and pays only half-an-ear to the discussion as they go.
When they reach the safety of four walls around them, even if slightly shabby walls, Milo relaxes a fraction, and offers a faint, tight smile to Vitali, the innkeeper, accompanied by a small bow from the waist.
He is content to let Xander do the pleasantries, acknowledging his own jumpiness won't help things. With that out of the way, though...
"Your hospitality is appreciated. Can you tell us anything of what's going on with the baron? Your brother spoke of him recently releasing all of your people but one from his service... no doubt quite the shock to your community."
Shogunto follows in silence, paying absolute attention to what's being talked. He wasn't much of a talker. He thanked Vitali cordially, with a smile and a bow, but still trying to keep to himself the most he could.
When Kinvara asks Xander if some people should stay behind - instead of going to talk to Groy - he approached. He knew his appearance could be unsettling some times but, after all, he was a pathfinder from a common race. He imagined that - without knowing much more about what the witch could do - he wouldn't raise too many alarms.
Tess replies to Vitali
"Your hospitality is most welcome."
Tess replies to Kinvara
"That is a good question, though it can also cause problems pending the choice.
If we put all the faces into one group, the other won't have a face to defend with should trouble come a knocking.
If the whole group goes it could sour a view one has when interacting with the group."
Tess asks Vitali
"Is there anything you could tell us about; the baron, his wife, and the happens here?"
"I'm really not sure, Kinvara. I'm inclined to say come along just to see what would happen. People are going to notice you sooner or later. It's just a matter of which we prefer. Sooner gets it out of the way and gives us a measure of how xenophobic these people really are. Later buys us time to establish credibility."
"Milo, what do you think?"
He turned to the Innkeep and his brother. "What about you two? You're locals. How bad is it likely to get when people start to notice our Orc and two Dhampir?"
Vitali smiles as everyone comes back downstairs having settles into their rooms. We've got a pipe or two I think will do just perfectly - Vandrare, was it? I'll go and get one. He motions to a woman behind the bar, and she bustles over to the table where the group gathers. I'm Elena, Vitali's wife; what was it you were needing?
She listens and nods, then returns behind the counter. Over the next several minutes, she returns with everyone's requests - a small pouch of tobacco to join the pipe Vitali brings, a striking black teapot filled with steaming water, a tray filled with bread and cheese and another with glasses of water and watered wine. The bread is coarse but hearty, and the cheese is soft and spreadable, with a bit of honey swirled throughout.
While Elena returns to the kitchens to oversee preparations for the evening, Vitali and Sergei join the group at the table.
Can you tell us anything of what's going on with the baron? Your brother spoke of him recently releasing all of your people but one from his service... no doubt quite the shock to your community.
Is there anything you could tell us about; the baron, his wife, and the happens here?
You're right there - it was a bit of a shock. Vitali responds with a shake of his head. I wish I knew any more to tell you, but no one's seen His Lordship since he let his servants go. Our cousin's still the houndsmaster up there, though. I assume the Baron and Baroness are still all right, or Gavril would have returned from the manor. He turns his head toward a window, where the Boroi manor can be seen.
Sergei follows. Perhaps a visit from you is in order? He's not forbidden callers; it's just, between the sickness and the bad feelings around, we kayal have been avoiding leaving the Row if at all possible, and the humans have been scared of the plague, especially with the rumors that it somehow started in the manor. He apparently wishes not to be disturbed, and none of us has felt like pressing the issue.
If you do go up there - a favor, perhaps? Ask after Gavril. We've heard nothing from him in some time, I assume because the manor is short-staffed and can't spare message-takers. Could you make sure he's all right?
Xander, should we all go together to visit Captain Groy? Or do you feel that some of us should remain here?
How bad is it likely to get when people start to notice our Orc and two Dhampir?
The orc's not likely to be a problem, Vitali replies. We haven't got the problem with Belkzen raiders that they've got further north, and the horse drivers from the Atteran Ranches often have a couple orc-blooded with them, those that have escaped or been run off from the Hold. He'll get a couple stares at first, but no more than any other newcomer would get.
The vampire-kin... Vitali and Sergei carefully assess Vandrare and Kinvara. When you get a good look, it's clear they're not kayal. You can see, their skin has a definite bluish tone to it, almost bruise-like, and the eyes are completely different. Kinvara looks sick, but it's most certainly not tallowthroat. He gives Kinvara a reassuring grin to accompany the jest.
All in all, I believe they should be fine, especially if they're traveling with the rest of you. Xander and Tess made quite an impact in the square earlier, and that should afford some protection. Kinvara at least should probably keep her hood up, and perhaps Vandrare as well, but I don't think you're in any danger. And I presume you are both here for a reason; you shouldn't deprive the others of your skills for the sake of a couple of dirty looks.
As Elena presents the tray of refreshments, Vandrare nods in thanks. He ravenously devours a slice of the bread with honeyed cheese, washing it down with a few large gulps of watered wine. Then, taking up the pipe, he begins to carefully fill the bowl with tobacco.
"Absolutely, Kinvara. There is still plenty of light left in the day, we should have enough time to make our appointment with the good captain and at least make arrangements to meet with the baron." He says without taking his eyes off the delicate task at hand.
"We'll keep an eye out for Gavril, what does he look like? How long ago did you last see him? he asks Sergei as he brings the pipe to his lips. He strikes a match, lowering it into the bowl and with a few sharp puffs the tobacco catches alight.
As they spoke the room became noticeably colder. A window shutter banged closed loudly. Xander sighed as it all started but ignored it until an uncomfortable slow screech started as a fire poker slowly dragged itself across the brick, digging in and leaving a scratch.
"Knock that off." Xander said angrily with a glance around the room. The strange things stopped immediately.
Xander looked sheepish. "Sorry."
Vitali echoes Vandrare's motions with his own pipe; soon, twin trails of blue smoke spiral upwards from the table. Well, I'll not say I'm upset to hear your condition's not catching, miss. I trusted you wouldn't be traveling if it was, but it doesn't look to be too enjoya- He cuts off suddenly at the loud screech of the poker and Xander's sharp rebuke, looking momentarily flabbergasted. Ah...what - wait, do I even want to know?
He soon recovers his composure and goes back to drawing on his pipe. I'll not lie, you're an odd bunch. But you've shown yourselves willing to step in and help when you've got no obligation to, both us and Captain Groy; you're all right by me. If there's anything we can do to aid you while you're here, just name it. He can't help but eye the poker warily for another moment, though.
Oh, you'd asked about Gavril. He shouldn't be hard to spot - he's the only kayal left on His Lordship's staff. Getting on in years a bit, although his hair was grey to begin with. He works as houndsmaster, some light groundskeeping as well if I remember correctly. Favors dressing pretty simply because of it, not terribly formal like the house staff tend to be. Any of the staff would know him; just ask and I imagine they'd be able to point him out.
"Nothing to worry about. Call it a family curse." Xander shrugged. "They won't hurt anyone and I'll pay for anything they break."
Vandrare sits in contemplative silence, taking a particularly long draw on his pipe. His eyes dart to the wayward poker as whatever spirits plague Xander begin their mischief, and he raises one eyebrow quizzically.
"We'll ask after your friend; surely one of the staff have seen him." he exhales, the bitter smoke clouding around his head. "We may be an unusual group, but it would seem that this town is no stranger to 'unusual' happenings. Is there anything else we should be wary of? Any local laws which could cause the less human members of our group any grief?" he asks.
Nothing too strange, I wouldn’t think. But I think lack of timeliness breaks the laws of good taste wherever you go. He breaks into an impish grin and begins to collect the empty cups and plates, stacking them into a haphazard pile. Now that you’ve had a chance to refresh yourselves a bit, Captain Groy’s troubles should be seen to. The sooner you begin, the sooner Olya will be found, if the Midnight Lord wills.
Captain Groy’s home is just east of the square, across the street from the tavern, and he keeps his office from there as well. That’s where you’ll want to go; if I understood right in the square, the girl was playing in the home’s yard when she disappeared.
We’ll be expecting your return tonight - my Elena’s venison stew alone is enough to make your journey to Karpad worth it, I think you’ll find. With a friendly wink, he lifts the pile of dishes and starts toward the kitchen, turning back for a moment as you stand. Is there anything else you need before you go?
------------------------
Smoke begins to curl from chimneys as the midday begins to fade toward afternoon, joining the plumes sent up by the torches and bonfires still blazing. Captain Groy’s home is one of the larger homes in town, and to the side is what looks like a fairly recent addition, an extra room added to the home. A sign hangs next to the extra room’s door - Captain Lucian Groy, Karpad town watch. Visiting hours by appointment.
The guard captain sits inside, hunched over a large desk covered in ledgers and warrants. As the door opens, he looks up at everyone; his expression looks vaguely confused for a moment, but then sudden recognition flashes into his eyes, and he seems, at least for the moment, far more lucid than during his tirade in the square. You’ve made it. Thank you, strangers.
Xander extended his hand. "Thank you for meeting with us. I am Xander. You remember Tess, I'm sure. The rest of our company are Milo, Vandrare, Kinvara and Shogunto." he said gesturing to each in turn.
"May we come in?"
Of course, of course, come in. Unless you'd rather go to the house instead - I'm afraid there's not much I can share in here that would aid your search. She was in the yard playing while my wife finished our evening meal and I worked in here...then my Anastai called to her to come in and - and - He begins to weep. We heard nothing...maybe some conversation in the street, but I don't even know if my Olya was the one talking...no struggle, no signs of what happened at all...
"Show me where she was." Xander said gently. "When did she vanish?"
Milo continues to be UNUSUALLY QUIET for him during the discussion of Gavril, and merely snorts at the appearance of Xander's... family curse; he's gotten used to it over the months he's traveled with the other agent.
He nervously looks over his shoulder for their whole passage back through town, to Groy's office, and only relaxes a little when there's four walls around them again.
"How old is your little girl?" Milo asks, not unkindly. "What does she look like, and what was she wearing when you last saw her? I assume you've already asked your neighbors if they saw anything...
"Could you tell us, also, if you've seen any newcomers in town of late? Besides us, obviously. But perhaps... visitors to the baron's castle, that sort of thing? From what I hear, your baron seems to have changed his ways, recently... I am certainly not accusing him of anything to do with your daughter's vanishing," Milo hastens to add, "but if some new, malign influence in town is causing things to happen, it's possible that they started with your lord."
Vandrare listens intently as the conversation takes place. He gives a slight nod as the questions of Olya's age, appearance and how long she has been missing are asked. "Exactly the information I would have asked. Now if I could just take a look at where she was last seen I may be able to find some clue." he thinks to himself, not wanting to speak out and risk agitating Captain Groy into his previous hysterical state.
With a shuddering sob, Lucian stands from his desk and begins to lead the group to the home's back lawn, explaining as he walks. For now he seems to be maintaining lucidity, although his answers are quickly becoming more terse between sobs. Six years old. *sniff* She wore...a dress, blue dress, I think. Neighbors didn't - *sniff* - see anything, nothing loud to draw their gaze.
Other...other newcomers. None, you're the first except the usual trade caravans. Last of those was about two months back, before things went sour. No one will stop here now. Disappearan - *sniff* - ces, there have been some - five, six? Olya, butcher's son, farmer named Zane. Durvik the weaver and his wife. Lumber camp said a couple of theirs didn't return from - *sniff* - resupplying in town.
Irini the baker's wife, but if you ask me, husband got fed up with her affair, wanted to know who and why and got too angry. And a couple - *sniff* - of the sick, Fane and Oana, except I've heard some say they've seen them around and others say they're dead and family just can't accept...
His eyes start to glaze over some and he grows visibly more distracted, but he continues to speak.
Disappearances all in the last week, two weeks? Tallowthroat started - *sniff* - a month ago, or five weeks? Maybe twenty dead so far, several others sick now? They say I'm sick, say I don't have long now...few days at most...may never see my girl again...why? Why would shadowborn take - *sniff* - her? Never hurt anyone, but now gone...used her to get to me, got me sick...
And with that he dissolves into uncontrollable sobs and nonsensical ranting again, waving his hand half-heartedly at the yard you've arrived at and going inside to sit heavily at a small table. In the yard, a swing hangs from a sturdy tree with several small clay teacups set ceremoniously upon its seat, and a croquet set sprawls across the small space. The balls are scattered haphazardly around the wickets, and several of the mallets are attended by a cloth doll "holding" each. It looks as if the girl had been playing at a croquet match and tea party with her collection of dolls, but something caused her to abandon the game midway.
Shogunto was so focused he didn't notice anything else happening. His mind traveled, trying to picture everything and put the pieces together.
Vandrare approaches the delicately placed dolls, drawing back his hood as he kneels down to inspect the scene. He reaches down with a gloved hand, wiping the handle of one of the mallets as he notices the strange substance coating it. Rubbing his fingers together to test its consistency,, he brings his hand to his nose and gives it a few short sniffs. His eyes seems to follow a trail, and he stops to fix his gaze on the chandlery. Turning to Kinvara, he nods as she speaks. "Yes, the more we know about these other disappearances the better picture we can paint of what has happened."
Milo notices the mallets, but it's the others who spot the trail going further. Frowning thoughtfully, Milo takes his leave of the sobbing captain with an awkward 'buck up' pat to the man's shoulder.
"As the lady says. Stay here-- if any news of your daughter is forthcoming, it would certainly be brought here, to you, and you would want to be here to receive it, no? I give you my word we will do what we can to find your child."
...not that Milo has ever felt terribly bound by his own word, but... still.
Shrugging, Milo slips out of the Groy's house. "Let's see what's happening down the trail you've spotted, then," he says grimly. "Wax, you say? Ironic, given tallowthroat..."
Wait here...receive news... Lucian nods and goes inside the house, idly fidgeting with the edge of a cheery tablecloth covering the table. It looks as if he'll be staying, so you can continue your investigation unhindered.
The wax trail indeed leads straight to the front door of the chandlery. The building looks small and unassuming, with a single door and window leading into the storefront. The door is not locked. Looking in, you see that the store front's shelves are jammed full almost to the brim with candles, lamp wicks, and spare parts for lanterns. In the corner, next to a door leading to the back area of the building, stands a wax figure of what will presumably be a fairly handsome young man; it's clearly still a work in progress, though, still rough in outline.
(added +2 for track)
"This seems...off..." Vandrare grunts, pushing open the door to the chandlery. He takes a knee again, trying to pick up the trail of footsteps.
" Here." he motions toward the footprints in the wax. "These are recent, and the smaller ones indicate a child has passed through without footwear. How long ago did Groy say his daughter was taken?" he says grimly, turning to face his companions.