At some point during the conversation Dragomir comes downstairs himself. Walking past the table to the kitchen.
" Let me help you Kendra. " he says taking a knife and slicing some bread. " Yesterday's bread, toasted with some cheese melted on top... should do nicely, thank you. "
He sets about toasting the bread over the fire and listens to the others.
" Well, why don't those who wish to, perhaps Alana and Ishara, investigate the books while Arthorius and Nasrin talk to Father Grimburrow... I suppose if he doesn't know anything about the hidden cache it still might peak his interest enough to let us investigate, and if he doesn't we can always go back during the midnight hours and break in. "
" Daviana and I could take Nicodemous for a walk and try to track down that spilt blood. "
" Or we could all work together, though I've always found books to be a chore... "
The front door opens, and you hear Daviana's voice chastise, "Paws, mutt. No tracking mud." A few seconds later Nicodemus pads unto the room, followed shortly by Daviana.
"Good Morn. Rains stopped for now, but it is a bit muddy out there."
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Alana can't help but roll her eyes at the suggestion of asking for permission to loot a gravesite. She always felt it was better to ask for forgiveness than for permission when it came to exploring. But she keeps her mouth shut, resolving to not be a part of that conversation so she could conveniently "misinterpret" what she felt would most likely be a denial of the request.
Alana shrugs nonchalantly when Dragomir suggests she and Ishara work through the professor's books. She secretly really wanted a chance to peruse his papers, and this would be a perfect opportunity. Plus, she loved delving through old books -- there were always clues about interesting finds if you knew in which tomes to look. Besides this business with Harrowstone, she wondered if the professor knew anything about last night's mystery crypt.
While breakfast is being made, she begins perusing the titles, absent-mindedly humming a tune.
"Do we have any plan for today?" Daviana will inquire. "And I know we had a few questions for you too Kendra. If you are up for it."
"I'm up for going to the church, although perhaps someone more skilled than me with words should come along. I've been known to be abrasive from time to time."
As the party discusses their options at length, Kendra sits down at the table with a soft sigh. Sipping her coffee, she listens to the exchanges regarding their next step. "Well, you are welcome to explore Father's... I mean, my... library, as well as those books he entrusted to you - just be careful with them. As for around town, I don't know what you are hoping to find, so a place to start isn't very clear."
Taking a chunk of dried meat, she bites half before offering the rest to Nicodemus, who scarfs it down happily. "As kindly as he spoke yesterday, I would recommend caution regarding Father Grimburrow. No, he is not one of the overly superstitious locals, but remember that yesterday he was fulfilling his duty as a clergyman, rather than sharing his personal feelings for my Father. I know when Father bought this home and brought me here first ten years ago, he tried to build a relationship with with Grimburrow, but the priest remained distant and uninterested in my father's research into the dark and dangerous. He has mentioned more than a few times around town that my father's work would stir up trouble."
Having a sip of her coffee, Kendra continues, "As for those who would share my father's confidence at times, well, there is Jominda Fallenbridge, the town Apothecary, and old Alendru Ghoroven, who is something of a teacher, magical theorist, and purveyor of arcane trinkets. Beyond the two of them, really, there was only the Sheriff, Benjan Caeller, who was friendly with my father. The rest generally viewed him the same way the mob yesterday did."
Refilling her coffee, Kendra turns to Daviana, "Now, Lady Soldavaso, you have some questions for me?"
"So far, we've encountered two strange locks, one on something we found last night, the other being one of those books your father had in the trunk. Have you happened to see any strange keys anywhere?"
Daviana will pause to eat a few bites while Kendra ponders that question before asking the other. "We were also wanting to know what you could tell us about Harrowstone, local rumors, legends, etc. We've been trying to piece together what someone could want with, or out of, the old place. Since your father's diary didn't have much details on the place itself."
Obstructive clergy, eh? I've met with some. Speaking for a deity brings one to self-righteousness, intolerance. Worst case scenario, he's not who he says to be. And yet, I wouldn't like to be thought a necromancer, snooping around the graveyard at night."
"Anyway, if we think it best to keep Grimburrow in the dark, should we speak with Ghoroven? A theorist and teacher might have helpful information." And perhaps some nice books.
" mm, maybe we should try the other tomb that Alana found last night before speaking to Grimburrow then. "
Drago says, nodding at Nasri's suggestion to speak with those around town that were friendly with Lorrimor. Then he falls silent, waiting for Kendra's answer to Daviana's question.
Though she had asked Daviana for her questions, Kendra seems to drift off into her thoughts for a bit even as she is asked. As Nasrin and Drago offer follow up thoughts, Kendra's eyes wander to the window, as though looking out into the yard beyond...perhaps expecting someone to arrive.
"Sorry, umm, keys you say? Father was more of the scholarly type, with a curiosity for knowledge, artefacts, and the arcane. Tinkering was never a passion of sorts. He had a few keys, they are in his office off the study... but nothing overly elaborate. Father did have a friend though, back in his years at Lepidstadt, that had a knack for the mechanical. He made me a metal bird, a present for my twelfth birthday.... not sure what happened to it."
Kendra takes another sip of her coffee as a streak of sunlight cuts through the window and across her face. It reveals dark, ashen circles beneath her eyes, suggesting that sleep has been elusive for more than a few nights. "I never knew he was so interested in the ruins of Harrowstone, truth be told. When we first came here a decade ago and Father purchased this home, it was under the context that he was going to be retiring from Lepidstadt, only lecturing occasionally in addition to his travels and research, and he wanted a quiet place to compile his notes and work on his texts. I haven't really dug through his notes in his office, nor many of the texts held in the study, so he may have more scattered information on it hidden within."
"As for Harrowstone itself, it was a sizeable prison built about one hundred twenty years ago to house the worst prisoners in Ustalav, most awaiting execution. Ravengro was founded to support the prison, providing house for guards and the like, but evolved into a farming community after the prison was mostly destroyed in a massive fire about fifty years ago. Now, it is mostly a source of local superstition, childhood ghost stories, and adolescent dares."
Daviana will nod in acknowledgement when Kendra gives her brief history of Harrowstone, but refrains from making any mention about the few memories it sparks, as not to reveal age.
"Was there any investigation into your father's death? In looking for a way to approach the sheriff to ask questions about Harrowstone, I wouldn't want to insult him by thinking we were questioning his skills. At least not until we have good reason to." Daviana says that last line with a bit of a smirk.
A despondent look grows across Kendra's face, "An investigation? I went to the sheriff after I realized Father was missing and after a quick few questions around town, he traced my father to the ruins of Harrowstone. It was there that he found him beneath a fallen wall, crushed, his climbing gear having dislodged the aging stones. It seemed very clear, and so there it ended. Or, so we thought." Tears begin to well up in Kendra's eyes as she finishes her words.
Alana's heart sinks as she hears about the circumstances of the Professor's death. She was all-too familiar with the hazards of exploring ruins. She couldn't count the number of times a rotted floor gave way, or a crumbling ceiling collapsed, mere moments after she had crossed it.
"So did you explore around the prison any? How far inside did he get?" Alana pipes up, turning her thoughts to what the professor may have discovered before he was killed.
Nasrin is quick to hug Kendra as her eyes become wet. "It's going to be all right. We're here for you. I'll give you something to help you feel better."
Moving to the pots, she heats up a cup of water.
While the water is warming up, she speaks to the others, counting on her fingers. "To sum it up, we may: talk to Grimburrow; try to break into the other crypt; talk to the apothecary, the teacher and the sheriff; ask around for any rumours; trace the spilled blood; look into the Professor's notes. We could also survey the Harrowstone, but it might be dangerous."
"Alana, you seem to be good for words, you might be the best one to ask around. But let's go in pairs, it'll be safer. Ishara, perhaps you may go with her? If Drago and Daviana go looking for the traces of blood, I and Arthorius could look into the notes."
Taking the cup from the fire, she adds three pinches from a bundle that was in her backpack and passes it to Kendra. "Chamomile, cardamom, and cinnamon, to warm you up and help you rest. Careful, it's hot."
I believe we should probably stick together, as something evil is brewing here. As in, together more than in pairs. - said Arthorius, completing Nasrin's thoughts - As much as the multiple groups would gain us time, I fear we shouldn't split anymore. And, considering the tasks at hand, maybe we should start by talking to the priest.
"I'm all for trying to trace the blood, I do not like the way Nicodemus reacted, it agitated him. But I think at least an introduction to the sherrif before I go poking around for that. Maybe even see if it's something he's already found. I don't want to find something then have some townsfolk stumble upon me while I'm hovering around. That's how one gets arrested or worse."
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Alana walks back into the room, carrying a stack of books she had selected from the shelves.
"If you're worried about that, I could take Nicodemus around looking for it. I doubt I'd be suspected if I found it." With that, she draws in a gasp and goes wide-eyed, dropping the books and clamping her hands over her mouth in a show of fright.
"I could add a scream for good measure," she says with a smirk after the performance is over.
Nasrin is quick to hug Kendra as her eyes become wet. "It's going to be all right. We're here for you. I'll give you something to help you feel better."
Moving to the pots, she heats up a cup of water.
Drago turns away as the tears well in Kendra's eyes. " Only time dulls the pain of such wounds, but never heals them completely... " he whispers to himself.
He's quiet for a few heartbeats before rejoining the conversation.
" Going about in a group of six seems a little paranoid, but then again a little paranoia can be healthy and mobs a little unhealthy. "
" I'd rather leave talking to Grimburrow till tomorrow, after we have a chance to check out the other likely tomb Alana found in the restlands, also I don't think we should go to Harrostone till we are properly equipped, if the place is haunted, we'll need the items in that false crypt the professor spoke of in his letter. "
-------
Drago leaps to his feat as Alana drops the book and gasps, then as she smirks he sits back down eyes narrowed.
-------
After breakfast Dragomir stands from the table, offers a short, awkward brotherly hug to Kendra, then he belts on his Great Uncle's sword, throws his heavy black overcoat onto his shoulders and pulls his hat down low.
" Well, I am going out, to the sheriff first I think, he may know what happened last night and if not we may be able to offer our services. Then we'll have a good excuse to go poking around town. If you'd like to accompany me Alana I'm sure you could put those acting skills to good use... Anyone else who'd like to come is, of course, welcome to. "
Alana finishes collecting the books she dropped and nods to Dragomir. "Sure, I'll come along. Lady Soldavaso, do you wish to join us?"
She sets the stack of books on the table, then goes to get ready for venturing out.
Ishara picks up the topmost book from the stack Alana places on the table and opens the cover as she sends a reprimanding look at the girl's back. Her look changes to one of sympathy as she offers a slight smile across the table to Kendra. "Thank you, Kendra. I'm sure I speak for us all in saying that we will treat your father's effects with respect they deserve."
As those intending to go into town prepare to take their leave, Ishara spares them no glance, but wishes them well in her own way. "Take care with what you tell the sheriff and how you approach him. Three strangers showing up to inquire about an event they ought not to have any awareness of will look suspicious to the least paranoid of people."
"Yes, Nicodemus could use the nice long walk and I really want to know what he was sensing last night." Daviana grabs her hat and cane back from where she just laid them down and heads out with Alana and Dragomir.
Alana leaves her bow and quiver of arrows behind, along with her backpack of gear. She draws her fur-lined cloak over her shoulders and makes sure her rapier and coiled whip are not easily visible, though they both hang off her hips. Before they step out, she speaks a word of magic and gestures over her garments. The spell quickly cleans off any trace of cobwebs and dust that might still remain on her travel clothes that may indicate their trip into the crypt last night. She also checks out the Lady Soldavaso and Dragomir for similar incriminating evidence, and uses the same magic on them if necessary.
"Just in case we meet someone especially observant," she explains with a twist of a smile on her mouth. "Let's go.
Alana lopes along with the others, keeping more of an eye on the wolf than the other two she's with. She also takes in the village of Ravengro with a bit more interest, knowing that she'll be staying for a bit longer than she'd originally intended.
As the three most social members go on adventuring, Nasrin dives into the library, taking care to Detect Magic coming from anyone before opening, and steering clear of the black book that almost killed her.
Good morning, lady Nasrin. - says Arthorius, entering the library as well - Do you care for some company in your researches?
The Dhampir is visibly tired, even after waking up, as if he'd spent good part of the night thinking about the current events.
As those intending to go into town prepare to take their leave, Ishara spares them no glance, but wishes them well in her own way. "Take care with what you tell the sheriff and how you approach him. Three strangers showing up to inquire about an event they ought not to have any awareness of will look suspicious to the least paranoid of people."
"Good point, we'll be careful."
After Alana cleans of the groups clothes Dragomir inspects his overcoat, " Good thinking, it pays to be cautious, and thank you I don't think my coat has been so clean since I bought it three years ago. "
Nasrin smiles at Arthorius from behind a small pile of books. "Oh, I'm no lady, just a wandering agent of the Dawnflower. But of course I'd enjoy some company!"