Will and testament? Oh, right, right, that paper that longshanks use to say who gets their stuff after their dead. Not like when we die. The first and strongest keep your stuff. If Petroes was a goblin, they would have burnt him or fed him to the pigs. Unless they were hungry. I hope Kendra has pickles, I'm starving!
Upon hearing about the will, Ioann's expression changes ever so slightly, betraying a mix of hope and excitement to those perceptive enough to notice. With a slightly softened expression, he responds to Kendra's invitation:
"Acesta va fi o onoare să accepte ospitalitatea dumneavoastră. Plumb modul în care doamna mea."
Ravel reverts to her native tongue. "Desigur, am
va însoți acasă . Dacă este ceva ce pot face pentru tine , vă rugăm să nu ezitați să întrebați."
Ravel turns to the other pallbearers, speaking once more in heavily accented Common, "It seems you all had dealings with our good Professor. I am Ravel Sigrún, an oneiromancer. I knew Professor Lorrimor in my youth." She curtsies slightly.
"Ioann." absent mindedly responds the man to Ravel, barely turning his head toward her.
Kendra leads you to her modest home, the one she so recently shared with her father. Books of all sorts crowd the bookshelves that line the walls of most every room. The furniture is well used, but not worn through. A fire blazes in the fireplace. Kendra offers everyone a drink.
Gellius seems intrigued by the discussion in Varisian. "Trebuie să spun, este reconfortant să auzi Varisian se vorbește din nou. Acesta a fost un timp de când am avut de a utiliza limba mea maternă. Sunteți, de asemenea, de la țara de călători?"
He then turns to the rest of the assembled group. "Gellius. I am a guard for the Professor. I guarded him while he traveled."
After the burial
I would be honoured to accept the invitation. It might allow us to catch up a little further.
At her home.
Ravel, Gellius, Ioann obviously placing faces to names, I am Terrance of the Clan Foehammer. Honoured to meet you.
"A pleasure to meet you as well Terrance. A pleasure to meet you all. I am Ingrid van Der Geist, servant of Pharasma." Ingrid says meeting the gazes of the others.
Once inside, Ravel takes the bamboo cage off of her pack, setting it near her side. The bat within seems agitated, unaccustomed to such a busy day.
Ravel accepts a drink graciously. She nods at Gellius. "Eu vin din Varno în Est. Unde te sun acasă?"
Ravel glances over the collected works in passing, noting anything worthwhile or that catches her fancy (especially titles in Jotun/Giant).
In the Common tongue, Ravel inquires, "Terrance? Is that a fancy dwarven name for earth?"
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Honoured to meet you Ingrid, I follow Torag myself, long may he rule Terrance offers, and then has a look of shock at Ake.
Nay Ravel, just the name that my family saddled me with.
A goblin here? Relax, seems she knew the professor.
Speaking to Ravel, Gellius continues in Varisian, "Nu am avut un loc am sunat acasă. Am crescut pe caravana, rătăcind din loc in loc peste tot în Varisia. Wandering cu profesorul încă permiteți-mi să imite calea caravanei atunci când altfel devenit imposibil.
Varno, care este în Ustalav, da?"
Varno, that's in Ustalav, yes?"
Switching back to common for the moment, Gellius inquires of the aasimar, "Pharasma? The only time I've come across priests of Pharasma has been at funerals. What else do you guys do?"
A solemn look comes over Gellius face as he mumbles "Guess I still didn't break that trend..."
"I'm not a priestess actually. Mine is the path of War against the Undead. Very few are called to serve as Paladins for the Lady, but all who have felt her touch would like to see the undead menace quelled." Ingrid says calmly.
Smiling, "Da, ea este."
Turning towards Ingrid, "That level of dedication is admirable. Would you be so kind as to tell of this 'calling' you speak of?"
Kendra moves about the house bringing in drinks and trays with meat, cheese, bread, fruit, and even pickles. She stays with you for a few minutes at a time before moving off again, clearly restless and unsure of what to do with herself.
Quietly Terrance says to Kendra Lady Kendra, now is a time that you shoud sit, and take a drink in memory of your father. I am sure no one here will begrudge you the time for that.
Ravels takes some of the fruit offered and feeds her bat as she listens to the others, getting to know their stories, and hoping that there is more they can do for Kendra.
Kendra blushes slightly, but listens to Terrance and allows herself to be lead to a seat where she sips quietly at her drink and listens to the conversation around her.
Terrance then takes a dwarven ale off the tray that Kendra put on the table, and then listens to the others stories.
Still a little confused about the unknown language that was being tossed around.
As Ioann entered he was assailed by the familiar smells, sights and sounds of the house he had once lived in. For a moment, memories of his teenage years blotted the conversations going on around. As he walked around, breathing in the past, he absent mindedly bowed to each of the others as they presented themselves.
Yet, at the very moment Ingrid spoke the word "paladin", Ioann was dragged out of his reverie and stared for a short moment at the aasimar before sitting next to the tray of alcohol. Taking a glass of fortified wine in his hand, he addressed the the follower of Pharasma.
"A paladin, truly you must be the most pure hearted of us all. Tell us, how do you maintain such high ideals when the lady of the graves does not care about who lives and who dies? Or is it that your apparent ancestry is so pure that you cannot stray from the path of purity?" says Ioann in a dispassionate tone.
Awaiting the answer, he drinks his whole glass of wine in one swift motion.
[ooc]If anyone ever gets tired of the descriptions I give, just tell me, I will shorten my posts![/occ]
Right, must make introductions, polite people do that. I am polite. Pickles? MINE!!!! No, manners, must use manners!
Ake pulls back her hood and scarf as she sets Cuddles down.
Her visage revealed is a terrifying one. In addition to her goblin visage being fully revealed, her face shows the poorly healed scars of multiple burns. Her ears are only half as long as most goblins and her hair grows in patchy bits.
The cat sized scorpion investigates the room and people within, if any one looks friendly enough, she will sit next to or on them. She has a preference for height, so may end up on someones head!
Ake moves to each person in turn, repeating her greeting to each.
Good evening, I am Ake of the Stolen Soul, scholar and wizard.
Then, hunger overcoming her, the pickles die. In her mouth.
Ravel smiles at the goblin, "And whose soul are you said to have appropriated?" Her gaze follows the scorpion with interest. "And what is the name of your companion?"
Looking at the books while crunching on a pickle, Ake visible salivates at the collection. She shakes herself back to...normal at the question.
No, I did not steal a soul, it was mine that was stolen.
Or, so said my tribe.
Goblins, well...most goblins are illiterate, they believe writing or the act of writing steals souls.
They tend to burn everything they can, but books are often first.
We where attacked at Thistletop by a group of longsha...adventures.
They burnt us up quite well but retreated after a time.
One of them, a wizard I presume left a book behind in his haste.
I found it, but, instead of burning it, I open it and tried to puzzle it out.
It was magical, enrapturing, mesmerizing! So much so, I never noticed my tribe mates behind me.
They howled that my soul was stolen and I was cursed! Then they blamed the attack on me and enacted retribution for me bringing down this curse.
It involved fire, because, well, goblins.
At her last comment Ake runs her hand across her face.
That is my familiar, Cuddles. She likes to be up high and warm, I often wake with her in my bed, cuddling for warmth, hence her name.
Ingrid smiles at Ravel's question, and is about to reply when Ioann asks his own. A wry expression crossed her features, a touch of amusement, clearly no stranger to being challenged on her faith.
"Death is a part of life, a part of the natural flow of a person's existence. For some it may come too early, others in their correct time but everything that lives eventually dies. For centuries my family has fought in Pharasma's name to protect the living from that which seeks to circumvent the natural order...the undead."
She takes a sip of her wine. "The Lady of Graves saw fit to lay her touch upon me and grant me the natural abilities to lead the fight, to seek out that which perverts life and deliver final death to that which seeks to escape it."
Ravel raises her glass of wine. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you all. It seems you are all as varied as the Professor himself was."
Ravel toasts the other guests and their hostess.
"Stare de sănătate bună."
Orin takes his place amongst the gathered guests and notes the variety of people about truly. Yes, he'd seen them at the funeral, but here he was able to soak it in. The Professor knew so many people. They seem an amenable bunch, like him. But pity to his daughter...
He takes a bit of the meal offered by Kendra and smiles at her gently, listening in on the conversations about him. He finally rises and approaches the dwarf Terrance and offers him a hand. "An honor to meet, Sir Foehammer. I'm Orin Gabor, and it's a pleasure to meet you. So, you were a friend of the Professor as well?"
Terrance looks up at Orin, Aye, I was a friend of the professors, and he was a friend of mine. Since my group was attacked near the 5 kings mountains.
He then stands and takes Orins hand and carefully so as to not crush fingers, gives a firm handshake.
And yourself?
Orin smiles and nods. "Same. He came to the village I was staying in with my family because of some rumors about a tree. Nearly died during that little episode, but he has... Had tried to help me with the mystery of my birth village. See, the entire town save my family disappeared in one night."
He shudders as he remembers the empty town, no signs of struggle or anything. "I traveled the countryside asking around for any leads, he hit the big cities and poured over tomes and such. No luck, sadly. But we stayed in contact until recently. And that was when..."
Lowering his head he frowns some before he looks at Terrance with a small smile. "Let's not get down. A good man deserves to have his memory cherished with a smile, yes?"
You're right muses Terrance A gathering like this should be celebrating his life, and accomplishments. Not getting depressed and down.
In a loud and ringing voice and lifting his glass high. To the Professor, may he find his home in the halls of the honoured ancestors.
Ingrid raises her glass with a smile, "To the Professor."
Lifting up his own glass, Orin smiles before following Terrance's example. "To the Professor."
A knock at the door draws Kendra to the foyer. You hear her open the door and some quiet conversation before she leads Councilman Hearthmount into the sitting room. "Evening, ladies, gentlemen. I'm Councilman Vashian Hearthmount, I was with you earlier at the funeral. It's my duty to read to you Petros Lorrimor's last will and testament. First let me confirm the identity of everyone present..."
The councilman lists off each of you by name and waits for confirmation. Finally, he takes a seat and shuffles through some papers before he begins reading aloud:
”I, Petros Lorrimor, being of sound mind, do hereby commit to this parchment my last will and testament. Let it be known that, with the exception of the specific details below, I leave my home and personal belongings entire to my daughter Kendra. Use them or sell them as you see fit, my child.
“Yet beyond the bequeathing of my personal effects, this document must serve other needs. I have arranged for the reading of this document to be delayed until all principals can be in attendance, for I have more than mere inheritance to apportion. I have two final favors to ask.
“To my old friends, I hate to impose upon you all, but there are few others who are capable of appreciating the true significance of what it is I have to ask. As some of you know, I have devoted many of my studies to all manner of evil, that I might know the enemy and inform those better positioned to stand against it. For knowledge of one’s enemy is the surest path to victory over its plans.
“And so, over the course of my lifetime, I have seen fit to acquire a significant collection of valuable but dangerous tomes, any one of which in the wrong circumstances could have led to an awkward legal situation. While the majority of these tomes remain safe under lock and key at the Lepidstadt University, I fear that a few I have borrowed remain in a trunk in my Ravengro home. While invaluable for my work in life, in death, I would prefer not to burden my daughter with the darker side of my profession, or worse still, the danger of possessing these tomes herself. As such, I am entrusting my chest of tomes to you, posthumously. I ask that you please deliver the collection to my colleagues at the University of Lepidstadt, who will put them to good use for the betterment of the cause.
“Yet before you leave for Lepidstadt, there is the matter of another favor—please delay your journey one month and spend that period of time here in Ravengro to ensure that my daughter is safe and sound. She has no one to count on now that I am gone, and if you would aid her in setting things in order for whatever she desires over the course of this month, you would have my eternal gratitude. From my savings, I have also willed to each of you a sum of one hundred platinum coins. For safekeeping, I have left these funds with Embreth Daramid, one of my most trusted friends in Lepidstadt—she has been instructed to issue this payment upon the safe delivery of the borrowed tomes no sooner than one month after the date of the reading of this will.
“I, Petros Lorrimor, herby sign this will in Ravengro on this first day of Calistril, in the year 4712.”
Well, I have no where pressing to be within the month. Terrance looks around the group.
I guess we will have to find rooms at the inn for the month
Ingrid listens silently, nodding occasionally as the will is read. As Councilman Hearthmount finishes she turns to look at Kendra. "Of course I'll stay for as long as you need." she says with a comforting smile.
Shaken due the the presence of a goblin (which no does not seem to be bothering anyone), Ioann is truly unbalanced once the will is read: great disappointment pierces his mask of anger.
He did not know... hopes... shattered. No, wait, his colleagues know about these evil. They might help. Perfect, I shall do honor his memory and then meet them. I might even look through his books for an answer.
Regaining is composure, Ioann addresses Kendra.
"Așa cum a voit-o tatăl tău , voi sta aici pentru o lună."
"I would gladly spend many months in repayment of his kindness. Yes, I will stay."
Speaking to Kendra, "Dacă ai nevoie de ceva, va trebui însă să ceară."
Dangerous tomes? What subjects could bear such trepidation?
Turning to Ioann, "Sunteți bine, domnule?"
"Well, that answers the question of 'What do I do next?' Absolutely.
"Although to be fully honest, I'm not 100% up on what cause the Professor was actually doing. Anyone have any idea about what kinds of books he left?"
I don't think anyone knows what the professor was actually doing. However, I think discussions like this are better left until after the will reading. comments Terrance.
Gorin listens intently. The money issued to them was of little concern to him. The other requests were.
He turns and approaches Lady Lorrimor and bows to her. "By my honor, ma'am, I shall see his final requests seen through. Until the end of the month I am yours to use as you see fit."
His minds, though, stay on his other request. Dangerous tomes, huh? I guessed the professor had some skeletons perhaps, but this is a bit much. But regaining his composure he turns to Gellius and Terrance. "I have little clue beyond the assistance the Professor rendered onto me what he was studying. Perhaps a look at the tomes is in order? And a watch on them as well, if the Professor truly feared that they may fall into the wrong hands."
Deadly books? What were you up to Petroes? Stay, help, yes, of course.
I will stay, if you will have me Kendra. I will help.
Kendra looks up at the mention of an inn and says aghast, "No, I wouldn't hear of it, you are all more than welcome to stay here with me. There is more than enough room here for us all, and you have no need to worry about paying anything, truly, I insist."
She thanks each of you who has vowed to stay and offered her your assistance.
When questions start being asked about what the Professor was up to and what type of books the will references, Kendra speaks up again, "I know what he's speaking of, I shall go fetch them... Perhaps one of you gentlemen would be willing to help me carry the chest?"
Meanwhile, Councilman Hearthmount watches you all warily and it is quite clear that he does not approve of strangers being here, let alone being involved in such private matters. He fiddles with an iron key that was attached to the will while he waits for Kendra's return.
Terrance says I will come with you to carry the chest
He then follows Kendra where ever he has to go.
Kendra leads Terrance into her father's study where she moves some stuff around to reveal a small oak and iron chest, one that Terrance can easily carry by himself and truth be told, Kendra probably could have as well. The two carry the chest back into the sitting room, where Kendra looks a bit surprised to see that the councilman hasn't left yet. She smiles at him and extends her hand to accept the key he holds. The councilman passes it over to her and with another wary look at everyone around he bids farewell and leaves.
As the councilman leaves, "Not much for warm welcomes, is he?"
Looking towards Terrance as he sets down the chest. "My my, Master Foehammer, aren't we helpful?" She chuckles and winks.
The least that I can do to assist comments Terrance. As I am sure this is not the last that we will do to help Kendra over the coming month.
Busy waving Ravel's concern with a soft grunt "As well as someone can be." and a wave of the hand, Ioann missed Kendra`s demand for help. However, when Terrance and miss Lorrimor come back with the chest, the information fully registers. Excitement almost breaking through his façade, Ioann approaches the chest and helps Terrance put it down.
"I agree with mr. Orin. Knowing what professor Lorrimor was studying will surely help us guard these books." he says, forgetting that this is a day of mourning when such things should not be investigated.
What have you hidden away my friend?
Orin smiles at Lady Lorrimor. "If you insist, ma'am. And staying here will allow us to better see to your father's final wishes."
He approaches Ake with a bit of a smile, hesitant a bit though. He'd encountered Goblins before, though only once, and hoped that this confrontation would not be as fiery. "Ake, is it? Please don't take this wrong, but we don't get many Goblins who, for lack of better words, are able to restrain themselves. But restrain you have shown, and I thank you for that."
He rxtends a hand towards the goblin. "A friend of the Professors is a friend of mine."
Smiles her best (likely, terrifying) smile and reaches up on tippy toes to grasp Orins hand.
Thank you! I hope all of Petroes's friends can be friends! The people in the University were less congenial than you. I appreciate you not trying to kill me, or throw tomatoes at me, or knives, or books, and spells! It means a lot!
Terrance up from the chest. The books will be safe, but I think opening this chest should wait until morning.