You do see Khardan as he's making his way out of the front door.
Khardan raps loudly on Imperia's door as he hustles down to sort out Bramwell and Jayla.
"What's going on?" he growls as he approaches, concern and tension in his voice.
Bramwell catches Jayla's fall and turns around to face Khardan. "Khardan. It is Jayla." He holds the changelling suspended in his arms and steps forward. "I woke up moments ago and found the door open. The footmarks on the ground seemed like hers, and I followed them down here. When I tried to bring her back, she sounded possessed. A male voice echoing in her words. The spirit of Professor Hean Faramin, I fear. They seem to share some connection. He wanted to write down someone's name... I thought he intended to finish writing Jayla's name, but apparently his target was someone else." He stretches out his arms and ofers Jayla's unconscious body for Khardan to carry. "Take her back, will you?", he half asks, half orders, his noble upbringing blossoming once more, despite the fact that he has had no servants for many years now, since his family's financial ruin. His tone, however, is natural, rather than arrogant.
Heading back to the house, Bramwell muses. "I know little about possession. What do you make of this, Khardan? You are close friends with her, no? This must worry you deeply," he remarks a little too coldly.
Imperia reaches the foot of the stairs as Lord Bramwell and Khardan enter the house Jayla in Khardan's arms. "What happened?" she hurries to the changling and looks her over for injuries.
Bramwell stands next to Imperia while the librarian looks after Jayla. He retells the story conveyed to Khardan on the way to the house, and finishes with the words "... and then she fell unconscious." The dahmpir walks up to his armchair and sits down. "It is late. We need to find an expert on the matter, but at this hour I don't think we'll get any help. I suggest we tie Jayla to her bed and rest a little bit ourselves, and in the morning we'll sort this out. She'll probably have returned to her senses by then." He sinks into the cushions and rests his head on the back of the armchair. Eyes closed, he goes on with a lazy voice. "I assume Imperia might know a scholar or two who can shine a light on the matter, given her position at the University of Lepdistadt. Perhaps we can send for someone. No need to bother Miss Kendra with this problem. Let's just sleep. I'm tired, and weak...", he whispers, dozing off.
The night passes with no more interruptions...
------------------
Toilday, 7th of Lamashan, 4709 AR
The morning seems to be as dreary and depressing as yesterday. Gloomy grey clouds cover the sky, and a harsh breeze blows through the town square. A brown & black carriage drawn by a pair of stark white horses pulls into the town square, drawing a bit of a crowd.
Jayla squirms awake in the morning to find herself tied to her bed. "Wha--excuse me?" She looks at the bonds and squirms some more. "What is the meaning of this? Why am I bound?"
------------------
At last, it feels like the end of your journey is nigh.
There's no way you'd have made it in time for the funeral--no thanks to the battered and twisted roadways connecting Ravengro to the outside world. The carriage ride here was long and exhausting--especially for your fellow passenger. The halfling girl dressed in simple peasant's garb and slouched, snoring, against the carriage door contrasts quite sharply with your refined sense of dress and posture.
The carriage hits a bump in the road that jolts her awake, and the bump is followed by the coachman's ragged voice. "Last stop--Ravengro!"
Your arrival appears to have drawn a bit of a crowd. Curious faces look in from outside the carriage.
-------------------
The carriage ride felt shorter than you thought it'd be. Or perhaps that's simply because you fell asleep in the middle of it.
Nevertheless, the sudden bump in the road is enough to finally jolt you awake. There's a pain in your neck from being slumped against the carriage door. Not that you had a lot of options if you actually WANTED to sleep--with how bumpy the road to Ravengro was, if you tried to lie down in the carriage you'd likely have been bounced clean out of your seat.
The coachman's raspy voice calls out from outside. "Last stop--Ravengro!"
A new town, and new people to meet--part of you is quite eager to finally be out of this carriage.
Khardan, who has stood watch over Jayla all night, his spear resting on the wall next to him, pats her hand. "It's alright, Kid, it's alright. The bonds are to protect you. You had some sort of spell last night and you fought with His Lordship."
He taps the side of his own temple. "I think that ghost is in your head. We're going to solve this, Jayla, but I think you need to stay away for awhile. Not your fault and I know you're not going to like it, but it's what the Professor would have wanted."
Jayla blinks in confusion. "...what? But... I don't remember anything like that."
"Where's Lirin?" She looks around for her little thrush, who swoops over to her and sits in her hood.
"That's kind of the point. You're doing things you don't remember. For your own safety and frankly, ours, you need to sit this one out."
Jayla looks like she's going to protest further, but she just sighs instead. "...very well. But, are the bonds really necessary?"
"Hopefully, not all day." Kendra steps into the room, a tray in her hands. A plate of buttered bread and scrambled eggs is on the tray, next to a mug of water.
Filiana groans and stretches herself awake.
Goodness! Whoever would have thought I could have fallen asleep amid such bouncing about. I'd always thought traveling by carriage must be a thing of great luxury, but I think I'd be more rested if I had walked.
Looking out the window she suddenly realizes that the carriage is the center of attention of a small crowd. Slightly alarmed, Filiana draws back from the window and looks across at the window on the other side of the carriage. She feels a small thrill of fear jolt through her at the sight of the other occupant of the carriage.
With a slight sigh, she thinks to herself. Calm down Fi... he hasn't tried to eat you or anything has he? And here we are in Ravengro. Safe and sound. But what will happen when all those people see him? He's so ... so ... strange. Will they hate him for that? Drive him out? Or worse? Perhaps I should get out first ... just in case.
Looking at Doctor Cawathorne, Filiana does her best to keep her voice steady as she speaks to him, meeting with only mixed success. Th... thank you so much for helping me to travel by carriage to get here Doctor. It is not very comfortable but it is much quicker than walking. I think we've got here too late for the funeral, but I suppose we should still go and pay our respects to his family. As she is talking she brushes her hair back with her fingers and straightens her cloak, trying to make herself at least a little presentable. Then opening the door she clambers down to the ground and, taking a few steps away from the carriage, looks about Ravengro for the first time.
Dr. Cawthorne was nearly beside himself. He'd received the notice of Professor Lorrimor's death late due to some mix-up with the post - honestly, as if there were another 'Audubon Cawthorne' in all of Ustalav, let alone Lepidstadt - followed by the foulest weather he and his driver could recall in recent memory. The man had steadfastly pressed on through the storm, no doubt motivated by the jingle of the good doctor's purse; but now that the weather had cleared they were paying the price of pushing the horses so hard. The driver had stopped in Tamrivena to switch them out, refusing to drive them any further. Cawthorne could clearly see the beasts were, indeed, on the brink of exhaustion, but this did nothing to ease his irritation.
Late to Petros Lorrimor's funeral! He'd blush with shame if such a thing were possible. The fact that the professor had seen fit to leave instructions that he be invited swelled the tengu's heart with pride and brought a tear to his eye. He'd known the professor had taken a liking to him, but never imagined that a man as important and accoladed as the professor would ever hold him in such high esteem as to name him amongst his closest acquaintances for such an important event. Even thinking about it now, Cawthorne had to withdraw the handkerchief from his vest and dab at the corner of his eye.
And now it seemed he would be not just late, but altogether absent? Utter catastrophe! What would he say to the professor's kin - Kendra, is it? - what apology could he possibly provide to the professor’s grieving daughter to erase the insult of his failure. Why, it was all he could do to stop from wringing his hands with apprehension.
As it was, Cawthorne paced to and fro alongside the unhitched carriage, his eyes constantly looking to the stables the driver had disappeared into. What the devil is taking that man so long? It's been... Cawthorne reached into another vest pocket, this time procuring a silver pocket watch at the end of a chain. Deftly opening the device with the flick of a talon he peered at its face. ...five minutes already! I could have bought a second carriage by now, the layabout.
Cawthorne noted the approach of a bedraggled-looking halfling. What's this now? I've no time for beggars today. The doctor harumphed to himself and tried to focus again on the stables, but couldn't help but note that the small figure was definitely headed his way. ...I suppose a small bit of charity couldn't hurt, and if delivered with proper instruction as to the merits of industriousness, may even convince Abadar to assist me out of my predicament. Clearing his throat, he called over to the woman.
"Yes, yes, miss - over here. I've a coin to spare, and some wisdom as well." Putting away his watch for the time being, the tengu drew out his change purse, the woman's look of shock and disbelief not unnoticed by the doctor. Poor thing is at a loss for words. I’ll not lecture her too sternly, perhaps just the parable of the songbird and the monkey? Yes, that should do, that should do. Just as he was about to beckon her once again she stepped over to him and found her voice.
”Excuse me, umm, sir. I do not mean to bother you, b...but do you own the stable here? I am hoping to catch a carriage ride down to Ravengro and Mogit, the keeper of the inn told me I could get a fair price here.”
Cawthorne stared down intently at her for a few moments, cocking his head to the side, before finally replying. ”Own the stable? No, I’m afraid not. If I did, I’d be sure it provided timely service! I have, however, chartered this coach to Ravengro; it seems we share the same destination.” He peered closely at her once again. ”What takes you there, I wonder?”
Upon learning of Filiana’s summons to the professor’s funeral and her own troubles in traveling there, Cawthorne is suddenly most obliging. ”Why, of course you shall share my carriage - think no more of it! If I’m to be late, which seems all but inevitable at this point - damn these roads and this weather! - let me at least assist another of the professor’s worthy acquaintances in their own efforts.
”Ah! Here’s that blasted driver now, with fresh horses, and about time too. I’ll inform him that you’re accompanying us; now here, take my hand and up into the carriage with you. Oh, but where are my manners? I am Doctor Audubon Cawthorne, most recently of Lepidstadt University, and very glad to make your acquaintance.” After introductions were complete, the tengu admonished the driver for his lassitude in securing fresh horses followed shortly by promising the man several extra pieces of silver should he manage to get them to Ravengro without needing to change horses again. He then smiled politely at his new travelling companion before staring absently out the window, not even noticing when she fell asleep.
-------------------
”Last stop - Ravengro!”
Finally! Cawthorne straightens his vest and collar before putting on his coat. He eyes the halfling woman, Filiana, as she wakes. Poor creature. I wonder what circumstances have brought her so low? Surely she must be extraordinary in some regard for the professor to have been so fond of her. Sadly I was not enough of a conversationalist to keep her awake; too preoccupied with my own thoughts. He checks the time on his watch as she finishes rousing herself.
Th... thank you so much for helping me to travel by carriage to get here Doctor. It is not very comfortable but it is much quicker than walking. I think we've got here too late for the funeral, but I suppose we should still go and pay our respects to his family.
”Yes, too late indeed. We should most definitely pay our respects to his family, and for that matter, to him.” The tengu peeked out through the window at the gathering crowd. Ah, I’ve been too long at the University - the folk there are accustomed to me. By the looks of them, these good people will no doubt be wary of a man of my… bearing. He makes no comment as Filiana let herself out of the carriage, waiting a few long moments before exiting himself. As soon as sets foot on the ground, he breathes deep of the morning’s chill air and draws himself up to his full height.
”Well done, my good man, well done indeed,” he calls loudly to the driver. ”If you’d be so kind as to get my bags, I have the coin I promised you for your superior service.” Drawing forth his purse, Cawthorne counts out five pieces of silver before returning it to his coat pocket and waiting expectantly for his luggage, pointedly ignoring any stares from Ravengro's citizenry.
Imperia is sitting next to Jayla when she waks. "It's alright. There was a bit of a scuffle last night, but we'll sort you out soon. You need to stay here and rest for the day though."
When Kendra enters the room she rises. "I'll leave you to your breakfast Jayla. I'm going to check on Lord Bramwell. He seemed very tired last night, and I want to make sure he rested ok." Imperia makes her way downstairs to the front room to check on Bramwell.
"How are you feeling this morning Lord Bramwell? You seemed quite tired last night." Imperia moves around the room opening window shades and bustling about the room. When she opens the front shade she notices some people heading in the direction of the house. It appears we will be getting company this morning. I hope it's not someone who wants us to leave town. I'm getting tired of that. We'll be here as long as we agreed to be, and nothing will run us off."
As Cawthorne is handed his luggage, a nobly-dressed woman with black hair in a bun approaches the pair with a little smile on her face. A flash of slight discomfort appears in her eyes for a moment before her efforts at a genial demeanour reassert themselves.
"Greetings, visitors. Allow me to welcome you to our humble town." She nods at the two. "I am Councillor Shanda Faravan. Might I inquire as to what brings you here?"
"Well, aside from the obvious, I mean?" She chuckles, glancing at the carriage.
Filiana's eyes go wide as the noble looking woman approaches. Another noble? I've never met a noble before and now I'm standing next to two... what do I do, what do I say? Before she takes any action however, the Councillor speaks up, introducing herself and welcoming the newcomers to the town.
Filiana performs a hasty and slightly clumsy bow to the woman. Councillor? What is a councillor? Some kind of title?
Thank you My Lady. We, ah, well, that is to say, I ...ummm Filiana trails awkwardly off, suddenly aware that she probably should not be speaking for the Doctor. She hangs her head for a moment, visibly flustered.
Honestly Filiana Longsong! You haven't got the sense the gods gave a rock! You're making no sort of good impression here at all.
Cawthorne drops the coins into the driver's hand with a nod as he takes his luggage, easily hefting the weighty case in one hand. Once the man has been dismissed he turns and smiles at Miss Faravan, bowing politely to her as Filiana stammers through her aborted greeting.
"Madam Councillor, it is a pleasure. I am Doctor Audubon Cawthorne, most recently of Lepidstadt University." He glances down at Filiana. Little more than a country bumpkin, it seems; a pity. Still, folk like her are the very bones of Ustalav upon which the rest of us depend - how very like the professor to take such a one into his care. "And my travelling companion is Miss Filiana Longsong. We're quite honored by such a welcome reception," addressing the latter sentiment to the entire crowd of onlookers, giving them a grateful nod.
"Our business in your quaint town is, sadly, of a somber nature: We are here to pay our respects to the family of the late Professor Lorrimor. Might we be so bold as to ask directions to his daughter's residence?"
As Imperia opens the shades, Bramwell covers his eyes fending off the sudden brightness flooding the room. Having been awake in the darkness for a while, the dhampir takes this as a cue to actually start the day. "Feeling a little better, yes, thank you. But still weak and aching. Harrowstone has taken its toll on me," he says, answering Imperia's question. He walks up to the librarian and stops by her side, staring out the window. "Hmm. Perhaps someone saw us wandering outside. The people here are afraid of anything that moves in the night, it would seem. Let them come and state their business. Perhaps it is nothing."
He turns around and heads to the kitchen, walking with hands crossed behind his back. "Have you thought about my suggestion, Miss Imperia? About seeking a scholar to help us? Surely you know someone." He sits at the table with his stomach growling, but lifts not a finger to fetch himself some food. Proper etiquette dictates a guest ought to be served, after all.
"There was a gentleman I knew at the University. I can write to him, but it may take a while for him to answer or arrive. We worked together on some research projects similar to what I did for Dr. Lorrimor. I researched and he wrote. We worked on several papers for his final studies. I'll work on the letter after breakfast. I"m surprised he didn't arrive in time for the funeral. He was a research collaborator of the Doctor as well."
Watching Lord Bramwell enter the kitchen and take a seat, she realizes that Kendra will be busy upstairs and he isn't used to fending for himself. "Did you want something to eat? I can make some eggs and toast with black tea for everyone this morning."
The dhampir raises his stare and smiles courteously. "Oh? Yes, yes, that would be delightful. I'll have my eggs raw, please." He stretches his bony hands and picks up a crumpled napkin forgotten by Kendra on the dining table. Bramwell gracefully lifts the cloth and lays it metodically on his lap. "Hmm. As to your colleague, if it takes as long as you say... well, it won't hurt sending that letter, but I hope to have everything sorted out by the time we hear back from him. If time proves me overconfident, however, we'll be glad to have called for his help this soon."
Filiana stands quietly by while Doctor Cawthorne smoothly takes over the conversation.
Oh honestly Fi! Whatever must they think of you? You're making yourself look as dumb as a stump!
She straightens her cloak around herself, as much to give her hands something to do as to keep out the cool breeze that swirls about the square. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she says... My apologies, here she takes a quick glance at Dr Cawthorne, Madam Councillor, thank you for your welcome.
Kendra sets about serving up a breakfast of buttered bread and eggs for everyone.
-------------------
Councilor Faravan seems quite impressed by Dr. Cawthorne's manners, and the gathered citizenry start to disperse. Some of them are muttering to themselves and shooting suspicious glances over their shoulders at the pair, but no one seems inclined to object to their presence yet.
"Ah... the Lorrimor residence is to the south, along the main road." She points to the south before beckoning to a man dressed in leathers and a wide-brimmed hat. "Sheriff Caeller, would you be so kind as to lead them there?"
The sheriff snorts and steps before the pair. "Follow me, please."
Filiana stares at the man as Councilor Faravan makes her request. Goodness me, I can't imagine anyone ever asking Sheriff Druza back home to escort people anywhere. Unless it was to the lockup. She feels a moment of curious nostalgia for a man she hardly knew and definitely feared, suddenly made familiar by dint of great distance.
Grabbing her small, but well made backpack from the carriage, she shoulders it and silently follows the sheriff South.
"Thank you, Councillor - and pleased to make your acquaintance, Sheriff." Cawthorne tips his bowler hat farewell to Councillor Faravan and falls in step behind the sheriff, making casual conversation to pass the time.
"I say, it seems quite the nice town you have here, Sheriff. It is a testament to your success as a man of the law and to Ravengro's congeniality that you do us the honor of an escort."
The tengu looks about curiously as they proceed down main street, nodding with satisfaction at the square's gazebo and the towering church rising above the trees and houses in the distance. Quite hospitable! I really should get out to the country more often; my fears of angry villagers with pitchforks seem laughable in the face of such charming architecture and people. "Yes, everything looks to be quite in order. I see why the professor chose to remain here, rather than retire to Lepidtsadt." As they progress he keeps an eye out for the Lorrimor residence, sure it will be the most pleasant of the bunch.
"I say, it seems quite the nice town you have here, Sheriff. It is a testament to your success as a man of the law and to Ravengro's congeniality that you do us the honor of an escort."
"Eh, you're welcome." The sheriff shrugs as he leads the pair onward. "But I have to say, the two of ya came at a... rather strange time."
"Some strange disturbances have been happenin' in Ravengro as of late--started around the time of Professor Lorrimor's funeral. No idea *how* he just up and died suddenly--he was still damn spry well into his old age." He sighs and kicks a stray rock out of his path, sending dust into the harsh winds. "Then some joker thinks it'd be funny to start painting words in blood on our town's statue. Those friends of Petros' who've already arrived claim it's the work of ghosts. I got no evidence one way or another."
Soon enough, the trio reach the stately (albeit gloomy) two-story manor that is the Lorrimor home. "Kendra, at least, oughta be awake at this hour..." He marches up to the door and knocks on it twice.
"Ghosts, you say? Well, grief can have a powerful effect on some people - make them prone to all kinds of strange notions and behavior." Ghosts? Writing in blood? It seems the professor's death has induced a mild hysteria in some of the town's more sympathetic residents. Unseemly, but forgivable, given the circumstances.
Cawthorne holds onto his hat as the winds pick up upon their approach to the Lorrimor residence. The doctor waits several steps back and takes in the sight of the manor while the sheriff knocks at the door. Even his house seems saddened by his departure. Sorrowful days indeed.
Soon enough, the front door opens to reveal the brown-haired, well-dressed daughter herself.
"Oh, good morning Sheriff." She starts, but her eyes widen when she sees who's with him. "Dr. Cawthorne? I had my concerns as to whether you'd be able to make it. Thank you so much for coming here." She smiles and extends a hand to him.
Removing his hat, the doctor walks up to greet Kendra, taking her hand gently in his own. He bows and lowers his beak to it, as if to plant a kiss - an act he is not truly capable of.
"My dear Miss Lorrimor, I cannot apologize enough for my tardiness." Tears begin to well in his eyes as he steps back humbly, hat in hands, and continues. "I was beset by all manner of misfortunes in my attempts to make the funeral, none of which should concern you or excuse my lateness; your father called upon me to perform a modest task in his honor, and I have failed the both of you. If there is anything I can do to make amends for this grievous discourtesy - anything at all! - do not hesitate to request it of me." Unable to hold her gaze, the tengu looks down at Kendra's feet in shame.
Imperia hears the knock at the door. It appears the visitors have arrived." she moves to the back of the front room to make sure it's a friendly visit. When she hears Dr. Cawthorne's name she smiles. "Lord Bramwell it appears that letter won't be necessary after all. My acquaintance has just arrived." She moves forward to greet him.
"Dr. Cawthorne. It's good to see you again. I was going to write to you this morning as a matter of fact. We've found ourselves in a situation." She gives the Sheriff a swift glance. "A situation that I think you may be able to help us with." she steps back from the doorway to let him and his small friend enter.
The sheriff nods. "Well, I'll leave ya to it, then. Good day." He tips his hat and turns to leave.
Kendra ushers Dr. Cawthorne and Filiana into the living room and offers them a seat on the couch. "Yes, we have a bit of a... well, supernatural problem to deal with. I'll let Lord Bramwell and Ms. Albus explain further."
Summonned to the living room, Bramwell finishes his tea and leaves the table to greet the new guests. The presence of a man-bird in the room does not inspire any change in his behavior, for the dhampir's own hideous figure in the mirror has numbed him to strangeness. "Ah, yes, yes. A doctor, you say? I am Lord Gideon Bramwell, of Bramwell Estate, just across Lake Lias. Pleasure to meet you," he says with a small bow. "So, you are the expert in death and the supernatural that Miss Imperia told me about? How fortuitous that you should arrive just when we discussed your talents."
He looks at Filiana, and then back. "But perhaps you and your servant would prefer to get settled, first? Considering the weather, I expect you to stay for a while until the roads get better, and surely Miss Kendra has yet another spare room for you. We can talk business over another cup of tea in a moment."
Filiana, with her cloak wrapped around her and her hood pulled up, followed along in the wake of the Sheriff and Doctor Cawthorne taking in the sights of Ravengro as the two men discussed recent events.
So this is Ravengro... bigger than Redleaf... bigger than I had imagined it being. The Professor made it sound like a quiet little backwater. It feels more ... open, than Redleaf. Everything's more spread out... wait ... wait ... did he just say ghosts?
At the mention of the supernatural Filiana focuses more on what is being said and less on sightseeing and her own thoughts, although it is not long before the group arrives at the Lorrimor house. She holds her cloak closed as the breeze picks up, trying to keep her warmth within.
Oh! oh my! Look at that, such a big house. I didn't expect it to be so big. Two floors! Yet ... it seems, a bit ... well ... gloomy.
Filiana will wait back with Doctor Cawthorne as the Sheriff speaks to Kendra. So that's the Professor's daughter. I can see it, she looks a bit like him. Only she's pretty of course.
She stands silent as Doctor Cawthorne speaks to Kendra. Somehow giving her own apologies and sympathies seems slightly out of place in the light of the Doctor's obviously greater connection to the Professor. Following the other two into the house, she drops her backpack by the door, expecting to be leaving again fairly shortly.
Following Doctor Cawthorne into the living room, Filiana sees him greeted by a human woman. That must be Ms. Albus. She looks a bit ... well ... fearsome. I wonder how she got that scar? Still, she seems friends with the Doctor. Funny, do I feel better about her because of that or better about him? What an odd thought... This place seems nice. A nice welcoming ...
Then Lord Bramwell steps into her line of sight. She gasps, and takes a step back. Vampire? Vampire! vampirevampirevampirevampirevampirevampire...
Another step back, glancing left and right, fear written clear on her face and muttering almost inaudibly to herself ... Holy Sarenrae protect me, Desna guide me, Pharasma hold me... Holy Sarenrae protect me, Desna guide me, Pharasma hold me...
Another step, but now, the look of fear is replaced by one of puzzlement ... Wait, wait... something's not right ... of course something's not right, you're in the same room as a vampire!! He's tricked you, the wicked doctor... he's brought you here to be .. to be ...
Another step, but smaller this time, almost a half-step, as she looks to her right, looking at the window of the living room. Filiana Longsong! Just you stop and think! You made a promise! So just you remember it. Just think, have you ever, ever heard a tale of a vampire being up and about in ... ...daylight?
"Ms. Albus? A pleasant surprise!" Pleasant indeed, save now the whole of the University shall know of my failings as regards the professor. Still, it is a shame not undeserved. Cawthorne gladly takes a seat on the couch, drawing a handkerchief and quickly wiping the tears from his eyes. He immediately stands up again as Bramwell presents himself, and he bows in greeting to the lord.
"Lord Bramwell, it is an honor. Doctor Audubon Cawthorne, recently of Lepidstadt University." Cawthorne is unable to hide the surprise from his face as he looks upon Bramwell. Gideon Bramwell? I'd have thought him long dead! He certainly appears as strange as the tales would have him... perhaps a son? The tengu looks askew at Filiana as she stumbles away in fear. "You must excuse Filiana here - I fear her she is unused to such distinguished company and may be a bit overwhelmed, the poor girl. She is not in fact my servant, but rather here at the late professor's request, much as myself."
The doctor lowers his voice to Lord Bramwell and Ms. Albus. "It was only by chance that I found her wandering the streets of Tamrivena, totally bewildered. I think she had it in mind to walk here, simple thing that she is." Raising his voice again he turns to address the confused-looking halfling as he would a frightened child. "It's alright Filiana my dear, quite alright. Yes, it is daylight out, isn't it? Very astute of you. Come, have a seat," he bends forward and pats a couch cushion with a reassuring nod. "We'll get some tea in you and get you feeling better, that's right."
Turning back to the lord and the librarian, Cawthorne wears a quizzical expression. "What's all this business about the supernatural, then? The sheriff had mentioned some gossip of ghosts and the like, but it sounded little more than grieving townsfolk latching on to old wives' tales. Has there been some sort of incident?" As he speaks Audubon meets their eyes before his gaze begins to wander over Lord Bramwell, unconsciously studying the man's features. Gideon the first or his son, he certainly possesses a unique aspect. Uncommon pallor - possibly indicative of anemia - combined with seemingly complete glabrousness, and the ears and teeth... almost reminiscent of carnivorous rodentia...
A scarred and hulking half-orc enters the room behind the newcomers, wearing an obvious but slightly obscure holy symbol around his neck and simple loose-fitting breeches and shirt. His yellowed fangs spoke of a feral intensity belied by the intelligent regard in his eyes.
"It's no gossip," he growls, moving past the nervous halfling and the fancy... bird...guy. Khardan remembered the bird-man from a few of the Professor's lectures and decided not to show the pair the door just yet.
If his manners left something to be desired, his wisdom did not. Khardan moved to lean against the wall, content to let His Lordship handle the talking. Whatever else the Golden Bulwark saw in him, Khardan knew it was not his eloquence or diplomacy.
"Jayla's resting," he said to Imperia.
"Good she needs the rest." She says to Khardan then she looks to the Doctor. [b]"That's part of what I was hoping you could help us with. She seems to have come down with a case of um well possession. We were investigating the Professor's death at Harrowstone Prison, and discovered the dead are no longer content to stay there. They are trying to get out."
Imperia nods at the hafling, and shrugs at her response to Lord Bramwell. "Good to meet you Miss. I'm sure your visit is appreciated."
Filiana's eyes go wide again as the half-orc wanders into the room and passes by her on his way in. An orc! Could the day have any more surprises?
Her eyes flick around those assembled in the room and light upon Kendra. Walking slightly stiffly across to her, Filiana says in a soft voice, not quite a whisper. Miss Lorrimor, thank you for your welcome, but are you quite safe here? You seem to be surrounded by some quite ... unusual people.
"We're why she's safe, sweetheart," growls Khardan, scratching himself casually. "Safer than before, anyway."
Kendra clears her throat. "Ser Khardan speaks truthfully--he, Lord Bramwell and Ms. Albus are here at my father's last request--he wished for them to watch over me in the coming month so I could perhaps settle into Ravengro, now that he's gone. He also wished for them to deliver some books of importance to Lepidstadt once the month-long period has passed..."
"...but, of course, it wouldn't be that simple, would it?" She shakes her head. "We've learned that my father was murdered by a cabal of necromancers known as the Whispering Way--apparently, he came too close to discovering what they were up to at the prison of Harrowstone, and had him killed. Now, it appears that the restless dead are trying to escape Harrowstone and terrorize the town."
"And now, it appears one of our number has fallen victim to being possessed by one of them... and perhaps the most powerful one."
"Necromancers? Assassination? Restless dead? Possession?" Stunned, Cawthorne sits on the couch, wide-eyed. "I... I'm quite at a loss for words." After a few moments the tengu manages to regain a modicum of composure.
"I'm afraid I'm far from an expert on such matters. After my research into the arcane with Ms. Albus, my own studies became more... esoteric in focus. I can certainly examine this Jayla from a medical perspective, but any sort of exorcism or psychic remedy is beyond me." Once again, I have failed the professor and his daughter. "Can we consult the local clergy for assistance? Surely they are knowledgeable in matters of the spirit."
Filiana looks even more startled and alarmed than before at Kendra's reply. So yes, the day can have more surprises. Wait, did she just say... M..murder? The Professor ... was murdered? But... but... he was so kind. For a moment her eyes well up and it looks as if she is about to burst into tears. But then she hangs her head and shakes it, and when she looks back up there is a look almost of anger on her face. And for a moment, there is a very faint flicker of white light in her eyes, so quick and so faint that only someone looking directly at her in that moment would have noticed it.
He was. He was a good kind man and he did not deserve to be murdered. Something must be done to bring him justice. Have you told the Sheriff about these, these Whisperers?
Hmmm, the Professor must have known he was in peril if he arranged for these folks to come protect Miss Kendra. But why did he ask for me to come then? Or the Doctor? I doubt he's going to be much more use than me at protecting anyone. Unless he's going to talk them to death.
So, he knew he was in danger but he went anyway. Not only kind, but brave as well. I wish I had known him better.
Bramwell snorts at Filiana's suggestion. "No, we have not talked to the sheriff. He can barely grasp the notion of ghosts vandalizing town, let a alone a murder commited by a secret society of necromancers." He bends over and speaks close to Filiana's face. "You see, our eyewitnesses are rats. The rodent type. They saw it and told me." He straigthens back up—or at least back to his regular hunched pose.
"The Professor's death was incidental, it seems. Had he not been investigating this Whispering Way, he would still be alive. But he did, and he is dead; and his murder has left us a trail of crumbs that leads to Harrowstone. If we keep pursuing this issue, we are likely to draw his killers' attention, and it will go one of two ways. We can get the Professor justice, as the little one puts it," Bramwell explains, "or we can join him in Pharasma's boneyard." There's no hint of fear or doom in his voice: he speaks it as a factual statement.
"Now, Dr. Cawthorne, it is indeed a pity that you are not versed in exorcisms. Still, if you could check on Jayla, I'm certain Khardan would appreciate it," he concludes raising his right arm in the direction of her bedroom. "Are you familiar with the physiology of changellings? As you can notice, the Professor has assembled quite a menagerie, between all of us."
It would seem the lord doesn't hold the sheriff in high regard. Rodent witnesses? How bizarre... He focuses his attention again when Lord Bramwell addresses him. "Yes, well, it takes all kinds, does it not, Lord Bramwell? Now, a changeling - I'm aware of some of their peculiarities, though I've never had the opportunity to study one directly. Perhaps her heritage has made her more susceptible to supernatural influence? Regardless, I will deduce what I can of her condition."
Doctor Cawthorne takes his leave, leaving his luggage case in the hall before following Lord Bramwell's gesture upstairs to Jayla's room. He pokes his head through the door, checking to see if its occupant is awake before introducing himself. "Hello, Miss Jayla? Doctor Audubon Cawthorne, recently of Lepidstadt University." He steps into the doorway, bowing in greeting. "I'm a bit late for the professor's funeral, I'm afraid; it seems I've missed quite the commotion! In any event, your associates have described your recent affliction, and bid me examine you to see if there is not some physical cause or abettor to your condition." The doctor opens his medical bag and removes some simple instruments: a small magnifying glass, reflex hammer, stethoscope, and calipers, laying them out on the foot of the bed.
"If I may?"
Filiana shrinks back slightly as Lord Bramwell leans in speak to her but manages to hold herself together. Holy Sarenrae protect me, Desna guide me, Pharasma hold me... Umm... rats? she says, weakly.
She is unable to hide her relief when Lord Bramwell straightens up. She watches silently as the rest of the conversation plays out and Doctor Cawthorne leaves the room to check on Jayla. A menagerie indeed - a bird-man, a vampire and a changeling, whatever that is. It would seem that the woman with the scar is the most normal of his little group of guardians. But that still doesn't answer why he asked me here. My ... affliction ... is surely going to be of little help and might only serve to draw the ire of the locals. Mind you, the locals don't exactly seem to be rioting or running at the knowledge that there is a vampire in their midst. That is odd.
Gathering her courage, Filiana poses the question playing on her mind. Forgive me Lord Bramwell, I do not mean to give offence, but ... if there is someone in this town raising the undead, how is it that the Sheriff does not ... suspect ... you?
Bramwell stares back at Filiana, puzzled. "Why would he? I am no necromancer."
The young changeling, Jayla, has been freed from the bonds on her bed, and while she eyes Dr. Cawthorne with a degree of suspicion, once he produces his medical instruments she relaxes somewhat. "...good day, Doctor. Indeed, much has happened in your absence."
She wordlessly complies with your investigative efforts.
So far, your medical tests don't reveal anything too suspicious. There are signs of exhaustion under her eyes and red marks from where she was tied to the bed, but otherwise, she's physically healthy.
Now it is Filiana's turn to look puzzled ...
But he... but, you... well, you look ...
Silly girl... have you not considered that he might be no more the monster he appears to be than you are?
...umm, no you are quite right. There's no reason he would think that... But, are you saying that you are investigating this yourselves rather than leaving it to the Sheriff?
"Yes, yes, exactly," Bramwell clarifies with his raspy voice. "The Professor himself seemed to think it was a wiser decision, or he would personally have included the sheriff in his own investigations." The dhampir plods to the window and peeps outside, wondering if the law officer is still in sight. "Hmm. Can you blame the Professor? From our incursion into Harrowstone, however ill-prepared we were, it became clear to me that we have resources far beyond those of the typical Ravengro resident. Which is not to say that we don't need help," the nobleman says, mitigating his apparent contempt for the locals. "Father Grimburrow, for instance, is likely to be knowledgeable on many subjects that interest us. We should pay him a visit later today."
Oh, the Professor of course. He was very wise. So perhaps involving you was the better option... The Professor is the wisest person I've ever met... he must have known what to do. I suppose I just have to trust that. His daughter seems to.
Filiana follows Bramwell over to the window, curious as to what he seeks to see. She is also curious to see if he has any reaction to daylight.
I still don't know why he asked me to come here though. Should I be worried about that? Did he consider me part of his collection of monsters? I don't know how I'd feel about that ...
Having glanced out the window and seeing no more than Lord Bramwell did, Filiana retreats back nearer the door and addresses herself to Kendra once again. I am so sorry I did not get here in time for the funeral, Miss Kendra. I came as soon as I could but it is a long way from Redleaf to Ravengro. Perhaps I might visit his grave, to pay my respects? Then I might stay a day or two before setting off for home. It seems a shame to have come so far only to turn around and head home again the very next day.