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With a slight, formal bow, Rysalius addresses the Captain with the utmost respect.
Well-met, Captain Demrick. I am Rysalius Starnon, and we are of the Pathfinder Society, here to investigate the matter of young Thalia Andares's disappearance and possible abduction.
Please understand that we do not wish to step on your investigation, but merely to help and ensure that the girl is found safe and sound. We would certainly like to speak with you about that matter for any information you may provide will prove invaluable, I'm sure. We're also looking for Consul Andares's mansion, since we are expected to fulfill basic formalities with this person. But I must say there are many questions that are burning my very lips to ask: Why would anyone kidnap poor Thalia? Has the Consul gained enemities in his career? Why now?
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"Well, if her father is the man your Col. says, I would think that list would be long in deed."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Demrick looks from one to the other, not sure whom to adress now after that many introductions. He seems honest though.
Ah you are here because of that Andares girl. I see. I can bring you to the Andares Manor and lead you around here a little bit. Would be my pleasure.
Demrick makes sure you all follow him through the rain as he points out different landmarks in Sauerton you on the way to the Andares Manor.
You see a lot of vineyards surrounding the town, several inns where mostly Sauerton Red is sold, several shops offering wide array of goods, some administration buildings nowadays common in the young republic of Andor before you finaly stand in front of the Manor. The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars.
Ah how nice it will be to get inside and out of the weather! I trust you find your way from here. I have to go back. Enjoy your stay in Sauerton and i hope you find the girl!
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"We thank you, Captain, and we shall remember your kindness to outsiders in the days to come."
Once the Halfling has gone his way, the son of Asgard will make his way towards the mansions doors, commenting on the place's beauty, but in what seems to be more of a criticism on its form over function.
"[/b]I do wonder, Would it be better to firsf search the place she was taken from before we become involved with the family politics.[b]"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Ah well, Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, you know, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems. I think he is a good fellow, brings a lot of business here. Who knows how we would do without him? A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton though say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town. But that´s only the talking of some wierdos and outsiders here. I think they are mostly sauer because Andares is doing better than them and they would like to live in his house. Else i don´t know if he made some enemies. I mean if you are rich and in a position like Andares, surely some people want your money and your position. Even in good Andor. There weren´t any public incidents though and i don´t know of anything else.
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"Speak for yourselves. The son of Asgard cares not for the politics of men, and if he needs persuaded to help fight the legions of Hel's Abyss, norhing we say can awaken his warrior's soul."
-Posted with Wayfinder
A thin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held in a tight bun answers the door after you knocked.
Good day ladies and gentleman. Ah Captain Demrick. What is your request at the Andares Manor?
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Rysalius naturally steps forward to ensure making the best first impression.
Greetings, good maid. We are sent by the Pathfinder Society to help in the investigation of young Thalia's disappearance, and would like to speak to your master. Please announce us. he says in a dominant tone that reminds people of the opera singer's past.
Actually the master is not to be disturbed, he is in a very important meeting. the hook nose woman tells you, eyeing all of you up and down.
It seems the matter on hand is important enough though to inquire him. And you seem kind of trustworthy and official, which speaks for you. Please come in. I am Dorabeth, housekeeper of master Andares.
The woman waives you inn, holding the door open for you and then gestures to the attire, where you can put your wet and dripping coats and capes.
After you stored them there, she leads you to the parlor, where she serves some hot water spiced with local herbs. You notice that the captain of the local guard, Demrick, followed all along and placed himself on an armchair with a cup of the tea, seemingly pleased to be out of the rain and in the warmth.
Meanwhile Dorabeth waits for you to sit down.
It might still take some time, so please make yourself comfortable. Do you already have any hints what might have happened to poor Thalia? I have some theories there! Most probably some Kyonin elves crossed the boarder, abducting the unlucky girl to sacrifice her to one of their horrible forest gods. Who knows what those savages are able to do and what happens in those forests, far away from any rightful civilization!
Demrick nods with a grave look in his eyes, his forehead showing wrinkles of sorrow.
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"I quarrel with the elfkin often. Trickery, deception, and sorcery are their cowardly weapons. That sounds about right. Are you certain our affectz shall not be meddled with?" placing his weapons there as well.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Since we must wait young lass, perhaps you would join me for a drink and you could expound upon this theory of the elves. Asgardian Mead, guaranteed to make you feel immortal, but this Dwarven is a great substitute."
-Posted with Wayfinder
When adressed to drink, Dorabeth raises an eyebrow.
Despite your stand with those forest savages, it is not in my position to drink with you. Anyway a good housekeeper does not drink, especially not while working and having guests in the house.
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Yes, elf are chaotic creatures but not bad one. Why would they go so far from their forest kidnapping a girl ? It's a nonsense.
Thank you Dorabeth you are a perfect hostess. But can I ask you with whom your master is ? May be - as us - they want to save poor Thalia and we will merge our forces with them ?
The last question seems to throw her off completely.
Excuse me? Of course Tercio Andares is my master and the master of this house. You did come to see him, didn´t you?
Just then, Demrick chimes in.
Tercio Andares is the mayor of Sauerton. We will have a new election soon but he has received a huge surge in popularity, turning what was going to be a rough election into what looks to be a landslide. His rivals in the People’s Council had been criticizing his failure to
keep the countryside and town’s perimeter safe from wildlife dangers coming out from the Verduran Forest, but nobody is willing to entertain their criticism of a man whose daughter is missing.
leaning back again in the armchair he states:
It’s funny. Anytime things seem to go badly for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events.
Upon that Dorabeth continues.
Well of course Master Andares does good work, of course he is popular. And his family is here for a long time already. But all of this has nothing to do with poor Thalia. Even a chelish spy could have stolen her away secretly with some devilish tricks and hidden her in a wine barrel somewhere, perhaps even in our own cellar?
Ah you wanted to know what the master is doing? Well, he has a meeting with another consul, Master Bryton...
Just in this moment, the drawing door room gets opened from inside by an gracefully aged man with curly, graying black hair:
I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the Eagle Knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia’s safety in such a bold manner.
He pauses upon noticing you, greets the captain of the guard, Demrick, and with a hint of quickly suppressed exasperation he says:
Well, i see we have visitors? And you might you be?
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Wayting for a longtime Maxime jump when the door opened.
She bowed to the man called Sander then to their host.
It's an honor and a pleasure to meet you Sir. I'm Maxime Chanteclerc and we all are member of the Pathfinder Society.
We are here to help you recover your daughter safely as non affiliated agents.
Then wait for the other.
Tercio Andares takes the letter from you and reads it.
I see, Venture-Captain Brackett send you. In that case i offer you my warmest welcome to Sauerton! I hope Dorabeth provided you with everything you needed. Surely you already heard of the many great things that come out of Sauerton, like our good wine. Might i serve you some for a tasting? I hope you can enjoy you stay here and have a good time. I fear your try at helping me on the matter with poor Thalia will be in vain though. I received a letter from her captors which threaten Thalia´s life should i help any investigators. I beg pardon, but i hope you understand that i cannot help you in any way because of this. I really don´t want to do anything endangering my daughter more than she already is. You can rest assured though that the house Andares can handle this matter alone.
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My respects, Lord Mayor. I understand full well that you may be under pressure from Thalia's captors, but I ask you not to give in to fear and to allow yourself to trust us in this affair. We are efficient Pathfinders, and our help may well be decisive in recovering your daughter. If you insist on turning down our offer, though, we will accept your choice and work on our own, not resting before Thalia is safe and sound.
As for that glass of local wine, both courtesy and personal curiosiry dictate to accept, and I will gladly do so. says the opera singer with a smug smile on his face.
any suggestions of the sort.
Well of course i am not your master and this is a free country, so you can do as you wish. But i am in no place to endanger my own blood and i really will not. The captors made it clear that i am not to help and investigators else my daughters life will be due. I also don´t know what means they have at their disposal to find out about that. So having you here and chatting with you might actually already be on the frontier, who knows how those people or creatures see it. And then you should not forget who you are talking to. My house run it´s affairs successfully over some generations already and i am a consul of Andor. I am very well able to handle this family matter myself. i really don´t need neither the help of the Pathfinder Society nor that of the Eagle Knights. With that remark he looks from you to Bryton, who is seemingly not pleased by that. If you would excuse me, as you are surely aware, i have important affairs to look after. Not only running my business and the upcoming election, but also the case of my missing daughter. Ladies and gentleman, please stay and enjoy my hospitality some more, i am sure Dorabeth can bring you some more tea - also wine if you wish - and cookies, but i am afraid i have to leave you now. With this words he turns leaving into the drawing room and closing the doors behind him, giving a friendly nod to Bryton, Demrick and you. Bryton sighs loudly as the door closes.
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He knows more than he lets on, but speaks the truth, I think. whispers Rysalius to his companions.
Turning his attention to the Eagle Knight, the Chelaxian bows slightly. We haven't been introduced, Sir. I am Rysalius Starnon, of the Pathfinder Society. My companions and I are here to help on the matter of Thalia. What about you? If you do, might we join forces and share information since we act in a common interest?