Byron frowns a bit at his reading. While some of it might be useful if they ended up facing and efreeti, none of it helped them find one... though perhaps it was good to know about facing one before finding one.
Tomas's words, however, bring a more energetic response. His head snaps up and he looks straight at the other elen. "Wait they said they've done enough damage already that seems to suggest they also suspect there's a connection between efreeti and the recent disturbances but the fact that they don't have full authority suggests they don't dare take their suspicions to the higher authorities in the Temple."
Tomas nods absently. "I suppose that may be the case. In defense of my colleagues, they seemed to have honorable intentions, but their methods were somewhat lacking in moral character. They walked away at that point, and I dared not follow for fear of being found out." He shrugs, and cringes slightly. "I didn't recognize the voices, so I have little to go on. I just knew destroying this knowledge would be wrong. Books can be used for good or ill - that's hardly a justification for burning them all."
After picking at his thumbnail for a moment, he looks up and says, "Are you all implying that...an efreeti is loose upon the streets?" He looks more confused than concerned.
---
You procure the slag box easily enough. Since slag is essentially scrap they are happy to offload, the price is negligible. However, this also means you are stuck with what they have lying around, and the smallest box is about six inches on each side and weighs about twenty pounds.
Before you have a chance to start making subtle inquiries about who might be sympatheric to your story, you get the strong feeling you are being watched. A sylph from across the room in the large Maker foyer is staring at you with large eyes and a sweaty brow. He looks away when he notices you glance over. He is at a table, alone, with a rolled-up piece of parchment next to him.
Is this the one Cob thought I should see, or is this a terrorist stooge? Only one way to find out. Well, only one quick way, which is all I have time for.
Just to be safe, Osric discretely scans the room again, checking to see if anyone is watching him and/or the mark. Assuming he doesn't notice anything, he goes over and sits down at the elen's table. "Sky's blessings, friend. You seem to be experiencing some distress. Anything I can help you with?
"That's part of what we're trying to find out. I'd like to say that I'll store any books you want to keep away from here, but my own home is hardly safe at the moment."
Byron hesitates a moment, but after Fi speaks, he decides he might as well add one thing. "We thought we saw someone with a ruby."
The sylph, staring at you with wide, intense eyes, sucks his lips in as if holding something back. Balling his hands into fists, he blurts, "It is you who should be feeling distress! Do you think you can spread such vicious slander and the Temple will hear nothing of it? I knew you would come here to this den of unbelief to find manure-headed fools to plant your seeds of sedition and hate!" His face convulses, somewhere between a sneer and a snarl. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
---
Tomas drops the book he was holding and rushes over to Byron. Grabbing the sylph's shoulders, he says, frantically, "A ruby? Volcano's heat! Why haven't you gone to the inquisitors? The Ember?" He lets go of Byron and paces the room. "How in Volcano's name did you survive such an ordeal?"
"Oh, I fully expect the Temple has heard some rumors, my good elen. How unfortunate for them. You can either persecute me for hate speech, or you might consider what you've heard. It's simple logic and evidence, which the people here order their lives by."
Osric raises his voice, both to escalate the conversation and to make it impossible for those around to not hear what he's saying.
"Suspend your dogma for a moment, and try it with me.
Fact: Corazón is burning down Hearth.
Fact: V'Manco works for the Temple.
Evidence: Three witnesses confirm Corazón is V'Manco.
Conclusion: Corazón works for the Temple.
Corollary:
Volc! This is either going to get me killed or save Hearth. Possibly both. I guess this might be where my two minutes start.
I suppose anything beyond that is supposition, but who can blame someone for wondering why our own beloved institutions are trying to destroy the town and blame it on us sylphs."
In a high-pitched voice, the sylph squeals, "He is employed by the Temple Guard! Go cast your ridiculous innuendos at the Guard, not the sacred Temple! Blasphemer!"
Staring at the piles of books, Odebie stood silent.
These people need to learn to tell stories.
At the librarian's lunge, though, he stepped forwards and layed a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Calm, please. We have only suspicions, suspicions we have come here to confirm. Many elen have tried to kill us in the last several days, and stranger things besides. We would like to know more before we do anything rash."
"Bah! That's a technicality and you know it. We both know who runs things around here. If the Temple has a problem with their own guard, I suggest they deal with it. I know they usually like to deal with these sorts of things a bit more discretely, but that option has been removed, more because the town is burning than anything I may or may not have done. Since discretion is off the table, might I suggest celerity instead?"
Osric takes a deep breath and goes through a quick prayer ritual to Sky to center himself. "Be that as it may, I doubt you came here to debate theology or civics." He glances at the still rolled-up parchment. "Is your purpose here to watch me, arrest me, threaten me, or deliver a message?"
"It was rather touch-and-go at times admittedly but we managed to escape with our lives unfortunately that meant missing out on just who was behind all of this and so we are left uncertain of who to trust," Byron states. "Hence why we wish to learn more ourselves in case we face this danger again since it seems like whoever it is has been hunting us."
"It involved a large amount of running away, we don't know who we can trust. I hope we can trust you not to get others involved. Given the way things have gone the last few days I'm going on hope that we're not putting you in danger as is." Fi cuts off, as she's meandering down a path that may but a fear into Tomas that helps no-one.
"Since we're being direct. Do you know, or can you help us find out what powers are ascribed to Efreet or Rubies? trying to seperate fact from myth and legend is going to be a sticking point - but the temple must have some reliable records?"
At this point, everyone in the airy, high-ceiling foyer has stopped their conversation to look toward the two of you. Breathing heavily, the sylph licks his lips and yells, "Take back your slander now or you will be arrested for sedition against the Temple! Everyone here knows that mad sylph is rotting in the Watch right now for his part in burning down the arena! No filthy alchemist is employed by the Temple - there is no need for such excrement when one serves Volcano!" He stands up, visibly shaking with anger.
---
Tomas' brow creases as he thinks. Staring at the floor, he ticks off his points on his fingers. "Efreeti certainly have power over fire, and fire elementals. As for for rubies, they have more nebulous abilities concerning substances associated with Volcano, such as steam, coal, and li-"
A loud knock comes from the door. An amused male voice says, "Crosso, old boy! I was wondering if you would be so kind as to share a word with me?"
The librarian's face becomes several shades paler, drained of ifrit red. He whispers something that sounds like, "Key La..."
"Yes, there is an incarcerated sylph at the Watch. Twice now we've foiled attempts made on his life to silence him. Why is so much effort going into silencing one pathetic traitorous gasper? What does he know, and who is afraid of what he might say? Who has the reach to make it happen?"
Osric leans over the table and grins in the elen's face. "I'm not saying it's the Temple, but if you arrest me, you're admitting you have something to hide." He leans back and stretches out his old bones, looking at all the people watching them. "Quashing sedition is one thing, and I can respect that. Think of the optics, though, good sir. Won't arresting me, an old investigator, look much worse for the 'beneficent' Temple than doing a little introspection and cleansing the rot from within?"
The sylph's beady black eyes bulge at your words. His breathing quickens, and his sour sweat runs down his face in greasy rivulets. Shaking for a moment, he reaches into his loose off-white shirt and pulls out a small red triangle that hangs from his neck. He clutches the symbol so tightly his knuckles whiten, and a drop of blood streaks down his forearm and gently plops to the smooth stone floor.
He looks around at the crowd of alchemists that are intently watching him. Smiling a wide, false smile, he croaks, "As long as you admit it may not be the Temple behind these foul deeds, then I believe we have no quarrel. It is all well and good to debate the hypothetical in a place such as...this, but stating slander as facts is never a wise thing to do. Good day."
The sylph rises jerkily, nearly upending the small table, and heads for the door. He glares at you over his shoulder once before he leaves.
A pinch-faced old sylph woman approaches you. "That was...interesting, sir, but I wonder if your words might send the anger of the Temple at us, as well as yourself." She does not seem angry, necessarily, more cautious.
---
The three of you hide behind Fi's illusion. Tomas seems relieved, and goes to answer the door. Tomas says, "Inquisitor Ky La! A pleasure, Your Mercy! To what-"
A smug voice says, "Prattling on in such an obfuscating manner is clearly a cry for help from a guilty conscience, Crosso. Have you anything to feel guilty about?"
Tomas stutters, "N-no Inquisitor, I-"
You hear books being picked up, flipped through, and put down. "I observe your cell is rather untidy at the moment, Crosso. And the reason for that is...?"
"Well, you see, that is-"
The smug voice is uncomfortably close to you now. You imagine the inquisitor is strolling around the room, arms behind his back, as he speaks to Tomas. "I count five words that you have just spoken, yet you have conveyed literally no meaning. I will tell you the only two possible reasons for so much efreeti literature to be unceremoniously crammed into your living quarters. One: you were part of the conspiracy to destroy said literature. Two: you took it into your head to protect said literature."
Pleading desperation fills Tomas' voice. "Inquisitor, you know that I-
"That you treasure books, yes, yes, to the point where you likely remain a virgin to this day. Being that you are not a priest, I surmise some issue of repression or weakness of character in you, but we can certainly save that for another day. The remaining question, then, is this: why have you not reported the destruction of Temple property to someone higher than yourself?"
"Your Mercy, please, I did not know-!"
There is a smile in the voice now. "Regardless of what you did now know, Crosso, you surely did know that such an oversight would be...frowned upon. Come. We have much to discuss."
In a strange tone, Tomas says, "May I take this red book of poetry with me, Your Mercy? It would give me great comfort to have something to read."
Laughter, and the sound of a book falling to the floor, is the only response. The door slams shut, and you are alone in Tomas' room.
Osric smiles at the newcomer. "Tell me, ma'am, what is the difference between being hunted by a corrupt member of the Temple guard and feeling the full wrath of the institution? As a wise friend told me earlier today, 'about two minutes'. V'Manco, or Corazón, take your pick, has been using sylphs to do his dirty work. Unless there are victims on his list that I don't know about, he's likely coming after the sylph community next anyway."
Osric stands up and prepares to depart, his work here done. "You can choose to be mad at me for revealing it, or you can use the time to prepare. Your choice."
Byron frowns, but remains hidden.
Fiordelise itches to step in, she hates bullies, but since Tomas doesn't seem to be in danger and intervening will draw suspicion she remains hidden.
As soon as they leave she steps through the illusion and picks up the book he drops.
Odebie's fist clench, but he forces himself to be patient. He had no authority here, much less against an Inquisitor. This kind of behavior... should not be tolerated. Would not, if they were anywhere but here.
Still, he forces himself to be patient, counting the breaths until he's certain they are long gone. He steps forwards as well to see the book.
Fi picks up the book. In gilt letters on the red cover is written Fiammetta and Her Lover. Skimming the pages, it is an epic poem concerning an ifrit princess from ancient times and the efreet who obsessively loved her.
"Fiordelise may I see that book it may well be for our benefit that he drew attention to it," Byron whispers, having enough sense to at least be quiet. "I hope he will be all right but I would rather leave just now as it seems likely that neither side of this little dispute would take a liking to us."
Fiordelise hands over the book, "What do you think, stay here, see if he comes back - or retreat back to relative safety?"
Even though he wasn't paying particular attention, Byron remembers the pattern of right and left turns that take the three of you back to the entrance. At one point, Odebie holds Byron and Fi back for a moment as two ifrit inquisitors turn down a far hall, avoiding their attention.
At the double-doors leading out of the library, a tired-looking priest holds the door open for Fi and the others. With a quick curtsy, Fi accidentally mumbles, "Vulcanus Vandalismo", the old vulgar phrase she and Enzo used to tease their parents with as children, rather than "Vulcanus Vobiscum".
The priest, however, is half-sleep, and the small amount of attention he does give seems to be focused on Fi's rear end. After descending the grand staircase, you are safely out of the Temple.
Osric didn't really expect to make it through the day without being arrested or assaulted, so he didn't really have a plan beyond reacting to whatever may have come up. With his freedom intact, he'll return to the Watch to learn if anything else has developed.
Odebie lengthens his stride as soon as he's out of the library, only to pause as he gets ahead of the others. "Walk quickly, please. We've overstayed our welcome. Back to the Watch, yes?"
Fi hurries along to keep up with Odebie's stride. "Yes, lets get back"
Byron mutters something under his breath, but follows.
While traveling down an alleyway a few blocks from the Watch, you spot a trio of oreads doing a mediocre job at hiding behind a pile of rubble. They are wearing scuffed, unmarked armor and have the brims of their hats pulled down to conceal their faces. Even from forty feet away, you smell the odor of sulfur coming from one of the oreads.
Osric keeps walking while he thinks, to not draw attention.
Hmm...It could just be random muggers, but this close to the watch, I doubt it. If it's a trap, the question is who laid it. V'Manco or the temple seems most likely, and as curious as I am, I'd rather not confront either in an alley like this. Run, hide, or evade?
Nowhere to hide, and running back might lead me into ambushers behind me. Oreads never think 'up'. Sky preserve me, I'm too old for this!
Osric picks a spot with as reasonable of a launching point as he can find and attempts to scale the wall.
+ 24 (taking 10) = 28
You find plenty of hand- and footholds in the uneven texture of the wood. There is a muffled curse from the group, and the twang of a bow string. You feel a hot pain bloom in your shoulder as the arrow carves into you before bouncing off the wall and clattering to the ground below .
Move action: Take 10 on the climb check as a move action (22 without inspiration this time), then move out of line of sight if possible.
Standard action:
OWWW!
Osric stays out of sight from the ground and moves along the roof(s) toward the watch. When there is no longer an option to proceed without getting down, he will go prone and listens for the Oreads below.
They were pretty quick with that bow, which means they were anticipating me running. Hopefully they forgot sylphs can climb.
You hear some more colorful swearing, and boots tromping the street towards the entrance on the far side of the building. You are pretty sure you heard two pairs of footsteps running away, which leaves one oread still waiting in the alley.
Osric makes some quick calculations and decides to proceed cautiously.
Climb = 24
Perception = 20+ = 21
Stealth = 12
You make it back to the Watch, the strangely mild weather still holding through the afternoon. Outside the peeling exterior of the Watch, Odebie notices an oread watchman, one of Gad's friends, slouching near the door. He is apparently on a coffee break. He glares at the three of you and mumbles something under his breath.
"Hide the book. Now. We'll read it once we've found Osric and left this place."