I for one always run straight toward a mob.
"A closer listen, then, perhaps, only getting as close as we need."
Ulfric will wait and watch the crowd, listening in as well.
As you stand there waiting and listening, you get the general idea. This group of locals is convinced that some fellow - this "Lelwyn" is the person who seems to be making these hideous charcoal drawings. They're calling for him to come out and "fess up." You note that none of them say they actually so them do it, though. Lelwyn, perhaps wisely, does not seem to be coming out.
"We should do something before this gets out of hand." Ulfric says to the group. "Our reputation likely won't let us act as mediators, but we can try to keep too much violence from breaking out. Let's go around the back of the house and see if there is a way in. We can talk to him and see if he can give us any information about the witch or what is happening at the asylum. In return we can help keep the mob in check."
Ulfric stands and begins to walk over to rear of the building the crowd is out front of.
The "studio" is a small cottage with a front door and windows with draperies shut. Around the back of it, there's another door that leads out, but it's currently closed and locked.
T'eron follows Ulfric to the back of the house. Once there and discovering the door locked, he knocks on the door, sees the bearded man in the window, and (before he closes the drapes) tries to gesture to let him know that he is meant no harm and that we would just like to talk.
This is the least crazy thing I've seen in a while, to be honest, T'eron.
Not trusting gestures to carry their intent, Ulfric knocks again and speaks, "We just want to talk. We need some information about goings on around here and if you can help us I at least am willing to help you with the people out front."
The man doesn't respond to T'eron's summons, but Ulfric's words summon him back to the door. He seems slightly taken aback when he sees a half-orc before him, but the offer of help seems to convince him. He opens the door slightly and, not seeing you instantly attack him, opens it further and ushers you inside, then shuts it quickly after.
You enter a small, two-room building cluttered with canvases, supplies, and partially completed paintings. This half-elf man is wearing a paint stained apron, and seems more than a little frightened.
Please, you have to help. Those people outside...they think I've been painting these hideous murals everywhere! I didn't do it!
"I want to help. Can you tell us what you know of the drawings, if anything? We are looking into some strange happenings in the area and any information is useful." Ulfric says.
Why do they think you were the one drawing them?
I...I only know they're hideous! I'd never paint something like that; I was commissioned to paint a mural in New Chapel, that's it. I'm relatively new here, and the only artist, as far as I know...that must be why this backwater lot has seen fit to blame me!
Ulfric thinks he's telling the truth, and can sense a bit of a superiority complex in this guy.
Well... that's not actually all that useful...
"If you were commissioned to paint a mural, will no one there speak to your good character and put the other's at ease? In the mean time we can look into who is creating the murals around town/"
Who ever it is... Maybe they have nightmares that are trying to get out...
"I know it's a strange question, but is there any chance that you could have painted the murals with no recollection of doing so? There seems to be a lot of that sort of thing going around."
The fellow sighs, and puts out a hand to shake. Thank you...my name is Lelwyn Hasok. No, unfortunately, I'm pretty new to town. And, well... He looks a bit sheepish. -truth is that I don't get out much...people seem to think I'm a bit of a hermit.
Um...well, I guess? He screws up his face as he thinks, then shakes his head. Well, no...those murals - they're usually done in charcoal, right? He rushes over to a table and sweeps his arm at his paints. You can see what I've got here - I haven't done charcoal work in years. I...
Lelwyn pauses, looking at one of his easels...at the painting on it. Wait, I... He looks to T'eron, then back to the painting, then back. Can't be... He turns the easel slightly, to show a nearly finished painting that is the spitting image of one T'eron Klah.
Looking about the room, you see other portraits...of you.
I should be surprised... but for some reason I am not...
Ulfric centers himself around... some sort of faith in his purpose and seems eerily calm regarding the paintings.
"What has compelled you to paint these portraits of us?"
Well, I... His mouth works slowly but no sound comes out, as he tries to work this one out. ...I saw these..well, your...faces, in my dreams! I found I couldn't completely finish them.
Indeed, as you look closer, you can see that minor details of your faces are left undone. In each of the portraits' backgrounds are three different cities flowing seamlessly into one another under a yellowish sky.
I often feel it's important to paint what I dream, or see...one never knows what one can discover about his mind's meanderings.
"This is... concerning." Ulfric thinks for a moment. "I think we should keep you with us while we search for whoever is creating the charcoal drawings, they are likely having dreams as well. Have you seen anything else in your dreams?"
Lelwyn stops and thinks for a second, then shakes his head. I...no...nothing else. But, I feel as if I have to finish these! Maybe then I'll understand. Please, if you can get those out front to go away, I can finish these, now that I see you. I can pay you...I have... He starts frantically rummaging through drawers. ...this! He pulls out a bag and holds it up in triumph. This bag holds a great deal of items in it...it's much bigger inside than it is outside...if that makes sense. His face contorts as he thinks about how that doesn't make sense.
Please, just make them go away and sit for a bit while I finish these. Then, I can give you this! I have a place for you to stay, as well, if it takes too long.
"I will go see what I can do." Ulfric says, walking out to the front.
Opening the front door, Ulfric looks out at the people gathered there. "Hello everyone. Please let me have a moment of your time!"