"He 'ad no reason to trust us. Can't blame him, but at least he was honest." The dwarf shrugs. "There was not much to learn. We were barred access to the records we needed, though the Father confirmed Petros had looked at them. We have to hope he copied anything of interest in his own hand."
Tolvan seems to be checking things off mentally and then comments We can still try the town hall and the magic shop. What was that place called. I wrote it in my notebook.... He pauses, busily frisking himself for that elusive collection of thoughts.
Kendra also frowns at Kimberly's insistence about teddy waving and listening in, but doesn't let Kimberly see it. She smiles her approval at the young girl, "You did wonderfully Kimberly, thank you. The song isn't very pretty though, it sounds very sad actually." And in a quieter voice to Anna, "Just about the most morbid thing I've ever heard."
And in a quieter voice to Anna, "Just about the most morbid thing I've ever heard."
Anna nods vigorously, but says nothing. She begins pacing a bit, eagerly waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.
As the three of you head back towards Kendra's you notice Pyotr stopping and cocking his head several times, as if listening to something. Each time he seems to be more and more agitated as he is unable to pinpoint either the direction the sound is coming from. If you notice his antics and question him, just ignores you, either waving his hand dismissively or talking to himself, "Can't you hear them? What do they want?"
At one point he stands straight again, hearing something perceptible only to him, and he dashes off down an alley at full speed. At the end of the alley he looks both ways, then takes off to the left and out of sight. You turn a corner, maybe two, trying to follow, but the half-orcs speed is too great, and his direction too random. He is gone.
You all continue to chat mildly and sip at drinks as you wait for the others to arrive.
There is a knock on the front door. Before it can be answered, it is pushed open.
Before you a tall, lithe female warrior with raven hair stands. Her body is sheathed in black leather armor beneath a midnight blue cloak. She is apparently just from the road and bristling with weapons.
Bow, quiver, flail and a long blade across her back are what you notice.
"I am Andjela Daywalker. I've come to pay my respects and was told some mourners could be found here. My apologies for being late."
Kendra stands as she hears the knock, but before she can take a few steps the door is opened from the other side. Kendra recoils in shock and alarm, a state which only intensifies as she see an armed and armored figure in the door. She pauses however, as the stranger states her name, "Andjela... we sent an invitation to the funeral for you!" She takes a moment to compose herself and ushers you inside. "I had assumed you weren't coming, Father never spoke of you, but that seems to have happened several times anyways." She says this with a loud sigh, but pushes on, entering the sitting room which already contains the other women - Anna and Kimberly, "Andjela, this is Anna Dunsany, and this is Kimberly - former friends of the professor and now my friends. The funeral services were held yesterday as you know, You must be tired from the road, can I take your things?"
Umm, hi? Anna stammers as she sizes up the newcomer. The unexpected arrival has her on edge, and she can't help but note the sizes and types of weapons visible.
She recovers quickly. Nice to meet you. Quite the entrance you made. It's a good thing that matters aren't tense or anything. That would have been alarming.
Hi. Andjela replies to Anna.
Then returning her attention to Kendra, Yes please. It was rude to barge in armed to the... teeth.
Beginning to remove her weapons, she hands them to Kendra one by one, friendly end first where possible. The blade she leaves for last. An heirloom, I'm a little sentimental I'm afraid. Tradition and all. If you don't mind... I'd like to keep it in line of sight...
Sorry, such tactical terms have no place here... in a home. I'd like you to place it where I can see it. And, here's my pack and cloak.
I feel somewhat naked. It is not often I forego my weapons. But, I am among friends I suppose, thanks to professor. He was always good for that. And, apparently still is... My condolences, dear Kendra.
Diplomacy , Andjela trying to put people at ease.
Kimgald kneels down to retrieve a holy symbol from the mud. The dwarf rubs the item to clear the mud from it before peering down the alley, squinting as if attempting to push his vision beyond its limitations, but without success.
Removing his spectacles to massage the brisge of his nose once more, Kimgald turns to Tolvan. "One myst'ry after another, elf. What happened?"
Anna watches the disarmament of Andjela with bemused interest, counting all the different weapons. Kendra's enthusiastic welcome has eased Anna's alarm.
That's quite an arsenal. The good Professor never mentioned going to war. Are you from Lastwall, perhaps? she asks with a wry amusement, trying to lighten things up and show she didn't take offense.
Kimberly looks at her Teddy and is about to speak when suddenly a new person enters the room.
Kimberly stops as the new person enters the room. she looks at her Teddy then again at the new person.
Kimberly makes the sign of Pharasma over her heart and she turns and hides behind Kendra. she whispers to Kendra
Teddy is worried. and I'm scared
Andjela looks back to Anna. Been there, done that I'm afraid... sad to say, I didn't see much action. Just pulled a lot of long boring night watches. Shouldn't complain.
In my line of work though, you find yourself alone a lot. And, every umm... how shall we say, situation could require a different... tool? A girl has to be prepared.
It's a symbol of Iomedae.
Kendra smiles accommodatingly, "I'm unused to people opening my door from the outside, but no harm done." She stows Andjela's things and returns quickly, "Thank you for the sentiment. So what was the nature of your business with my father?" She pats Kimberly reassuringly, and more than a little condescendingly as she waits for Andjela's answer.
Andjela removes her boots and pulls up her legs place them under her on the couch. Making herself comfortable.
"To put it simply, he saved my life. It was a while ago, I was only a child. And as fate would have it... I was able to return the favor. We didn't stay in contact. Just a letter here and there.
Traveling seems to have gotten old. Signature coffees, exotic teas... Would you have any milk? Warm with some sugar or honey? I can make it myself..."
Having to walk slow to not outpace the dwarf, tolvan finds himself still a few paces ahead backtracks slightly to see the holy symbol. We've lost him Kimgald, even with my elven eyes. Just too many places he might have gone. What's that you have there? A holy symbol?
Not sure I know it but I think I recall our Half Orc wearing something similar.
Yes, I am sure he was wearing that. Hmm. He would not have parted with it intentionally.
Lot of that going around. Saving the professor, getting saved by him. Some of the others had a similar story. Me, though, I was just a student. At the Bard's College, in Pitax. I don't know who suckered him there to lecture, but it wasn't for his expertise. I think it was just the status of it all. Most of the hacks there didn't understand what he was teaching, or care to.
As the memories come back, Anna gets a far-off look and an amused smile touches her face. You should have seen it; there he was, talking about the weaknesses of the common undead, and they're asking for makeup tips to get the most realistic look for stage productions! Ha! And I don't know how many times he had to tell them that vampires don't sparkle! He he.
She chuckles a bit more, then ponders for a moment. I think I just realized that's probably why he asked me here. I guess I saved him, simply by giving him someone to teach. He hated it there. Couldn't wait for his term to finish. Huh.
Kimgald shakes his head as he stares at the discarded holy symbol. "It's not a good sign, Elf. Not at all." Replacing his spectacles the dwarf turns away from the alley and begins walking to Kendra's home. He pauses every few steps as if to catch his balance, leaning heavily on his weapon each time and grumbling to himself.
"Need somethin' to drink. Strongest cider I can get. Shut it, all of ye!" He waves his hand in front of his face as if to scatter a swarm of insect before pushing on again.
You hear the front door open again, followed shortly thereafter by Kimgald. The dwarf appears to be arguing with himself as he moves to take an open seat in the corner. "Blast it, ye durned fools! If yer goin' to be makin' a rukus, at least be considerate enough t' use proper words. I 'eard o' goblin scavengers with better social graces than the lot o' ye." He nearly throws himself into the seat, though he remains on its edge and his face is locked in a perpetual scowl as Kimgald stares across the room at nothing in particular.
Tolvan tries to help support the handicapped dwarf, only to be waved off. He enters the house after Kimgald, a concerned look upon his face.
We had a bad time of in town. There was an... event. And now we have lost the Paladin. Damn half orc has either run off or been taken. I knew it was bad to split... He pauses abruptly, seeing the newcomer in the room. Oh, hello. all is well here? His hand goes instinctively to has sword.
Anna's head spins as Tolvan and Kimgald arrive. Wait. What? She looks between them, and seeing that the dwarf is muttering to himself, she turns to the elf for answers.
This is apparently Andjela. What do you mean you lost the Paladin? Who's a Paladin? Pyotr? Did the mob from last night turn on him?
She stands up, fury evident on her face. A little blood on a statue and this town loses its mind. Tolvan, remember we learned where that Gibs liked to hang out. Let's go have a chat about 'overreactions' with him.
Looking over the rim of the mug she drinks from, the new black clad beauty quips... Everything seemed peaceful enough until you reached for your blade, Master Elf.
I am Andjela as Anna says, a friend of the Professor's. I encountered some delay as I endeavored to reach here. Iomedae keep us.
A paladin you say? Interesting... it is not a claim to make lightly... Tell me of this individual, why would anyone in their right mind... accost them?
She seems unnervingly calm, not in a distant "this is beneath me, I don't care" way... But, rather defiant, self-assured and supremely confident.
Later, you must tell me what you know of undead around here. I do remember the professor discussing the subject. I know what you mean, Anna... he was a true teacher.
Kimberly sits quietly on the chair playing with her teddy
Put her body on the bed.
Take a knife and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe.
Drops of red so sparkly bright.
Splatters .... spell ... her name ... just ... right.
not even finishing the song before she dozes off to sleep curled up with her little stuffed bear.
Still scowling, Kimgald seems to have picked up enough of the conversation to know what is being talked about. He tosses Pyotr's holy symbol on the table, the room's light glinting off the sword of Iomedae. "The half-orc seemed ta lose 'is wits. Started chasin' shadows down one alley after the next. The bauble's the all we found of 'im."
Iomedae's Blade!
Anna pauses, her anger deflating with Kimgald's words. She shuts her eyes, trying to get a picture of what happened. So was there a mob or wasn't there? Shouldn't we go looking for him?
A look of understanding and embarrassment crosses the elf's face as he sees that Kendra is at ease with Andjela's presence. Of course, it makes total sense that some of the professor's friends might be delayed on such a back road as we had to take to get here. Please forgive me Andjela. I am Tolan, archer and mage, and student of the late professor. With Kendra's leave I will fill you in on all we know of this town, the professor's mission here, and his untimely murder. Yes, I do believe it a murder and not some accident Kendra, but I have no proof as of yet.[/b]
Before Tolvan can hardly begin he is interrupted by Kimberly's sing song, and he pauses, both stunned and intrigued. What a dark and sinister dirge. The elf comments to the room. To Kimberly he asks Those verses, is that all of them, or do you know more? I feel they are important. And then to the others he asks Do they refer to one event or multiple? We have a splattering of blood spelling a single letter, a "V"...
What is the meaning of this? A dear friend possibly murdered, a Paladin of Iomedae vanished?
From around her neck, Andjela tugs at some necklace. Producing the charm and letting it hang over her leather armor. The design is similar, the Sword of Iomedae.
The warrior rises and purposefully takes steps toward the holy symbol. Reaching, she takes it up into her hand and looks around the room, meeting each person's gaze in turn.
I claim this by irrevocable right to possess and duty to bear. I had felt guilty to put aside my ordeals to attend to the passing of a cherished friend. I was torn, but the memory needed honoring.
But, this mark. This holy symbol is a sign. Fate, Iomedae and perhaps the good professor himself have drawn me here, to this place at this very time. If a Paladin has fallen, or been spirited away for good or ill... I shall take up their charge without reservation.
This is Covenant.
Andjela had been making eye contact with each of you, one by one as she spoke. As is prescribed, I must ask... Are there any, one or many... who challenge my claim, as Paladin of Iomedae, Divine Hunter and Warrior of the Holy Light?
Her gaze is stern, unflinching.
Kendra is shocked by the news of Pyotr's disappearance, looking just as concerned and confused as Anna, "So he ran off? or someone ran him off?" She looks taken aback as Andjela takes up the abandoned symbol and makes her claim, and she eyes the newcomer nervously, "Aren't we being a little premature before we assume he's been taken? Maybe he's sick or lost?"
Tolvan is unconvinced. He said not a word to us; only ran off in pursuit of some unknown antagonist. If he is only lost or sick he shall make his way back to us here, but I do not expect it.
Turning to Andjela, he concludes. I for one accept your claim, partially because I feel our need is great, and partially because of the god both you and Pyotr follow. It seems Iomedae means to be a part of this, whatever this is.
The wizard sits by Andjela and begins to tell then entire tale to date, showing her the books and leaving out no detail. At the end he asks Kimberly Can you sing the song one more time, and sing all you know.
Anna watches Andjela's oath with something near disbelief.
Here's an idea. Why don't we go look for him? While there's still daylight? Unless strange disappearances are usual things for Paladins of Iomedae?
As Tolvan starts to go over the events of the last two days, Anna turns to Kendra and Kimgald. While he's explaining everything, why don't we go see if we can pick up the orc's trail? Kendra, you know the town better. Kimgald, can you at least lead us to where you last saw -- ahem -- where he last was?
Kendra looks nervous for a moment about leaving the house, but agrees to help if that's what everyone decides to do. She frets as she waits for the group to decide. Outside the windows the shadows grow long and long, the sun making its way to rest.
There was no challenge. But, if it makes any of you feel better... this is not a way to write someone off. It is meant to ensure their good work gets carried through to completion. When we find them, certainly I shall return his holy symbol to them.
I will be needing my things. And, we should go before we lose the light.
Re-equipping herself, crossbow, quiver, flail, dagger, long blade... and backpack. Fixing the clasp on her midnight blue cloak, she is ready.
Kimgald leads the group through the maze of alleys, finally coming to a stop and kicking the mud. "We lost 'im here. Don't know which way he ran off."
Right then. Let's take a look.
Kendra looks around with them, the falling sun sinking quickly in the evening sky. Anna is barely able to discern footprints where the others said Pyotr went, and she follows them in an erratic pattern through more alleys. There seems to be an overall direction to the steps, but it's hard to follow them far enough to know for sure.
The elf examines the area in the fading light, his eyes more sensitive in this twilight than a human's. I found nothing before but I am happy to look again.
Still I can find nothing.
Unless someone woke her up Kimberly remained asleep back at Kendra's house.
Still grumpy, having not tasted a drop of cider during the brief stop at Kendra's home, Kimgald nonetheless takes the time to poke around in the alley's muck.
Survival, untrained
Perception, untrained
Low-light & Darkvision (not that anyone knows).
Between the efforts of Andjela and Anna they see that the tracks lead through town and towards... the Restlands. Kendra looks more uncomfortable as the sun now completely drifts past the horizon, "Does anyone have a light-source? I didn't bring anything with me..." She looks quite uncomfortable. The coming night has a particular chill to it, a stillness that highlights the startling lack of sound. Your breathing sounds unnaturally loud in your ears, and no one seems to be out an about anymore -the streets deserted.
Tolvan casts a light spell for Kendra. He will cast it onto a used potion bottle and hand it to her. My lady. I am pleased to be of service.
Great, now we can see, but everyone can see us, too, Anna mutters under her breath.
She surveys the surroundings, looking for any night watchmen, or other figures that might be about.
Andjela, did you happen to see any other tracks? Anything that he might have been chasing? Or chasing him?
Andjela winced a bit at the new light source, turning a bit to avoid the glare. Sorry, Anna... No. I've pointed out all that caught my eye. I wish I could be more help.
Well, then. Maybe Pyotr felt the need to go looking for the stash of weapons in here. Kimgald, did you and he get permission to get them from the Pharasmins?
They don't know us and are not likely to give permission to us to go rummaging around in one of their burial vaults even if they are unaware of that stash the professor knew about. Hells, they will not even allow us to look at the church records! Tolvan exclaims in frustration. The end justifies our means. We are out, and its a dark enough night. We know our motives are pure. We must save this town partially from itself it seems. That may be where Pyotr is headed. I propose we sneak into there now.