Gwen looks to Phineas, who appears to shrugs his little shoulders before returning to his nap. "I guess I'll accompany you as well. There's nothing like a "Girls Day Out", correct? Kendra, would you care to join us?" Gwen quirked her lips and looked at Kendra.
Kendra smiled for a moment, "I... I think I would." She looked to the males in attendance, "Do you need anything before I go? Feel free to make yourselves at home. If a book strikes your fancy, please, feel free to read it if you like. Father would want his books to be used and enjoyed."
If those staying (for now at least) don't need anything, she is gathering a few things before being ready to go out. If they do, she'll take care of that before she becomes prepared to leave for a bit. "After we send your posts, where would you like to head first?" She asked as they headed out the door.
"I want for nothing here, and I would not intrude upon the ladies' day for the world," Kazallin says with a small smile. "Enjoy yourself, child. We shall be fine here."
Arabeth smiles in response to Kendra's question, though she looks to Guinevere and Odessa first before answering,
"Well..other than some things from the general store, what other places are there in town?" She asks as the group walks.
Zevran nods gratefully to Arabeth, and moves to sit at the table, quickly penning a letter to his university briefly explaining the situation. With hot wax he affixes his seal to it, and hands it to her.
Surprise crosses his face when Kendra says that she is going out with the other girls, but it quickly changes to pleasure. It will be good for her to get out of the house, and do something relaxing. 'Besides,' he thinks, 'Perhaps Petros has left more clues within these walls.'
"There are a few other shops in town, most are located near the town square. The Silk Purse has a few gems and jewelry for sale right now. Their inventory depends on what they took as collateral. Jominda’s Apothecary has a collection of healing and alchemical things. North of town, is The Unfurling Scroll. They have scrolls, and a few books, and sometimes other magic items. There is also the Forge, Jorfa is really a talented blacksmith." Kendra explained as the walked towards town. "You should go to The Laughing Demon at least once before you go. Its a bit... different." She giggled some at her discription of The Laughing Demon.
As you approach the town square you can see a simple wooden gazebo at the center of a grassy circular plaza, you remember seeing this as you passed through town the first time. Though this time, as you get closer, you can see a large shape in the center. It's brown and furry, and looks to be lying down.
The villagers seem to be whispering as they see you to one another, casting glances at the group when they don't think they are being seen. But none approach, choosing to whisper amongst themselves instead.
There's little chance that On Verified Madness slips past Teflin's notice.
"Aberrations! In space!" Though of little use for his own studies, Teflin copies the choicest bits into his own notes, a collection of papers beyond any mortal organization system.
"It's amazing to think how this information was gathered." He muses to no one in particular, though he wonders if Zevran will broach the topic of the Professor's journal. He seemed the type, but Teflin couldn't quite peg him.
Arabeth smiles and laughs along with Kendra. At the noticing of the 'Shaggy thing' in the town square, Arabeth would try and adjust the group's course for a coursory investigation of said thing of pkssible interest.
Upon noticing the locals 'Looking and whispering' Arabeth will nod and smile in silent pleasantries and greetings in return.
Odessa looks at the buildings and the people as they pass, with only half an ear to Kendra. She laughs a little to herself at hearing the odd names for some the shops.'The Silk Purse sounds awfully dirty for such a town.'
When she sees the furry brown shape her brow furrows and she turns towards it, picking up her pace towards the fuzzy thing, not hearing Arabeth as she moves twards it.
Once the women have left, Zevran turns immediately to Teflin and Kazallin. "Gentlemen." he begins, clearing his throat. "I do not wish to alarm the Lady Kendra any more than she already is. I am fairly confident, and you may be as well, that Petros's death was no accident."
He pauses here for a moment, before beginning to explain the contents of the journal to Kazallin, who had not yet read them. "Petros's journal has several entries dealing with The Whispering Way, a necromantic cult." Unlike most people, Zevran's voice does not betray any emotion when speaking of the cult's type. He is a scholar, and if he believes in the magic of necromancy, it's with a scientist's curiosity, rather than any kind of judgment. "According to the journal, the cult was interested in someone who was held, and possibly died, in the prison at Harrowstone." The older man paces back and forth, slowly, as he describes the situation. "Petros was investigating when he had his, ahem, 'accident'."
"I am going to investigate as much of the house as I can before the ladies return. You are both free to assist, if you'd like. If, of course, you don't trust me, you may well observe my actions. I have no intention of stealing or damaging anything. My only request is that, regardless of your feelings, please say nothing to the Lady Kendra. She is going through enough already without thinking about what may be hidden here, or contained in these hundreds of books."
Zevran was already beginning to look through the different titles, searching for anything which may be hidden, which may be out of place. He was opening drawers and cabinets, checking under furniture, moving quickly but not leaving anything unchecked.
"Tomorrow I will begin a full investigation into what happened. I know not where it will take me, but it must be done. Make no mistake, gentlemen" he stands up and looks at the two, his eyes taking on a strange darkness. "Our friend was murdered."
Kazallin nods, slowly and gravely, as he takes in Zevran's words. "I have no suspicion of you, Master Zevran," he says quietly, "And from what you say, I suspect that your analysis is correct. We shall perhaps have to investigate Harrowstone as well, as soon as we are able. But let us begin here." The Desnan shakes his head, a cold fury growing in him. "Necromancers. They are the scourge of Ustalav...I would destroy this cult, given half a chance."
He joins Zevran in the search through the house.
"What are you hoping to find that could be more revealing than his personal diary?" Teflin muses.
The gnome doesn't join the search, as he would just make a mess of cabinets, but neither does he keep an eye on you. Instead he meanders into the kitchen to help himself to a post-tea snack.
When their group ventures toward the "shaggy-fuzzy-furry thing", her interest is piqued. The last time something like this happened, she made a new friend for life. She ventures closer with the group, trying to feign a little disinterest.
, the brow furry thing shifts to look your way, sniffing in your direction. The closer you get, you spot a bit of greying around it's muzzle. It seems to be an old hound dog.
, as you approach the shaggy-fuzzy-furry thing behind Odessa who seems very focused on it, you notice it sniff in your direction. It appears to be an old hound dog. It seems to be sniffing more towards Odessa though.
, the kitchen is well stocked and you can easily find something to make a nice snack.
Her own exuberance and 'gushing' is completely oblivious to Arabeth as she happily looks inquisitively about the town. Eagerly peering in to shop windows as if this is her first time abroad. (Which, in a way, it is)
"There are, however, two ends which may require further examination." he continued. "First, Petros's journal spoke of the Church of Pharasma having housed some, ah, "tools" to be used against evil spirits. It's possible that speaking to the clerics may tell us more about the items, or about what Petros found."
"The second," he continued, his brow furrowing, "Is that fellow Gibs, who attempted to stop the funeral earlier. While I ordinarily would not indulge such people, I confess that I am rather curious why he thought Petros himself might be a necromancer. It is possible that he saw something, as well."
She continues on, stretching out her hand towards the dog, feeling the most at ease since she entered this town,"Would you like to come with me for a little while? They are not so bad,"She glances back to the others approaching, before smiling slightly, "and I am sure I can obtain for you some meat from a fatted cow."
"But upon finding him I'm sure you'll find trouble too. I'd rather talk with the Pharasmasans than get into another scuffle with some loony farmers" He takes a bite.
, he's old but healthy and uninjured. He gives you a good sniff before giving your hand kisses. His tail starts wagging at the sound of something to eat.
Arabeth moves to the other women in the group and indicates/questions which place they should head off to first? Arabeth hints that the 'The Silk Purse' might be an interesting place to visit? (^_~)
Dessa stands back up, confident (and admittedly a little happy) that the dog will follow her back to the others. Introductions are made and, at Arabeth's suggestion, Dessa laughs quietly. 'The Silk Purse' did indeed sound interesting, let's go see it shall we?
At Dessa's remarks, Arabeth nods and looks to Kendra and Guinevere for an idea as to their thoughts. She moves closer to Lady Kendra,
"The song the girl's were/are singing? Do you have ideas as to what it is about?" She asks openly inquisitive about the customs here.
Gwen smiles at the old dog, and lets him sniff her hand as well. She really hopes he doesn't bite it or something. "The Silk Purse sounds fine to me, let's be off." Gwen kind of wants to get back to Phineas, the little rascal had decided to stay back and sleep in the study.
"Yeah, what's the worst he could do, vandalize the place while we're gone? ...Did someone lock the door?"
"It's one of the songs the young girls around here like to skip rope too, I believe that particular one is about having a secret and three monkeys. They have several they like to sing around here. Some are about sweethearts, and there is another about bluebirds but I haven't heard that one in a while."
Old River, as you know know the dog is called, gives each hand present to him a sniff wagging his tail the whole time.
, you get a brief feeling of something from your link with Phineas. It's the feeling of happy thoughts of continuing his nap in peace and aloneness.
"The Silk Purse is this way." Kendra started walking towards a building to the south of town square, near the road you came in. The door gives a small ring of a bell as the door opens, and a woman is sitting at a desk, and a man come out from the back.
"Welcome, how can we help you?" The man ask as everyone enters.
Upon entering the store, as soon as Arabeth is shown greetings by the owners/workers her demeanor shifts. Her posture becoming more 'regal' as her shoulders square and her back straightens. Even her cape of feathers seems to 'ruffle' and 'fluff', presenting her 'best' side to these folk.
She glances around at what ever stock the store has on offer to garner an idea as to what exactly the establishment caters for.
She smiles at the fellow and the woman, even as she steps inside/to one-side to allow her companions to enter.
(^_^)
Zevran nonchalantly glanced around the temple while Kazallin spoke to the acolyte, prepared to jump into the conversation if he needed to.
Dessa begins to roam the store, curiously looking at the displayed wares of jewels and baubles, not finding anything she really needs, but still looking for something that might catch her eye.
"Perhaps I can interest you in some of our newest additions to the store." The man directs your attention to a ring showcased in the case. "That particular piece is a Ring of Feather falling." He then motions to a delicate silver necklace with a clear stone with a blue-white sheen. "This piece is a particularly well crafted piece, a silver necklace with a moonstone. We also have a few gems for sale on their own, such as the smokey quartz." There are about four other gems there for sale, along with two more rings, a pair of earrings and one more necklace.
She is also more than happy to help the other girl's at assisting in 'Trying pieces on'.
Should any of the 'cheaper' pieces catch one of the other ladies eyes Arabeth would lean close and whisper that she'd be more than happy to offer some coin to the piece's purchase.
She herself seems more interested in the necklace or maybe ankle chains.
(^_^)
The library is not huge, but it is well kept. There is another Acolyte here, returning books stacked on a table to their places on the shelves. Turning to pick up another book he noticed his visitors. He drew a spiral over his heart. "Greetings. Is there something I can assist you with?"
Silver necklace with Moonstone: 130 gp
Shorter Silver Chain: 10 gp
Longer Silver Chain: 11 gp
Gold Chain with Locket: 52 gp
Gold Chain with Red Stone: 450 gp
Giving honest, cheerful opinions about which item would suit what sort of dress, occasion etc.
She also cheerfully offers up to 100 Gp gift to any of the other women who would seek to by something, but who do not immediately have the amount of coin to purchase such.
For herself, she'll purchase the silver chains, preferably with some sort of small locks/clasps to go with them. Shortening the long length in such a way as to be worn about the ankle. Another length to be worn as a bracelet. To go with the length to be worn as a necklace(^_^)
After a brief discussion with the shop keep to haggle the price down,
she purchases the necklace and puts it on.
Arabeth does compliment Odessa on her choice of purchase. She offers to help the others try on any of the wears.
(^_^)
Odessa nods her head and thanks Arabeth, complimenting her choice as well, dimpling slightly. "It suits you."
She looks to the others, curious to see if they've picked something as well.
, while you make a good effort, you are no match for the negotiating skills of the man. The price stays at 52 gp.
Kendra does not purchase anything. Old River rejoins you as you leave the shop and head towards the general store where you can purchase the items on your list.
"The Whispering Way, vile group, their name and actions appear in some of the books here. As for those items, we have holy water and the like that we sell here, but nothing special. I have never heard anything about any special items housed here. You are sure it was here that they are housed?"