He couldn't remember it off the top of his head, but thinking of the fact did perk him up, "Our family keeps records of everything that goes through this shop, I might be able to find some info to see if anyone needed a lock or chain or the like recently... It wouldn't be much, but it could help".
Aemur seems slightly happier at Cayden's words. "Then we have a direction we can investigate! I don't think it would hurt anything to compromise slightly and look into your family's records before we inform the parents of our discovery. I would rather give them justice than ignorance. Shall we return? " Aemur makes sure he is ready, with his weapon clear and in hand and his attention on the road and the surroundings. Once the group is ready, he will fall back into the mid-line marching order they had set off in, prepared to defend the small group with the others.
After the events of the trip to the old job site, the trip back is almost anticlimactic. One of the local ruffians who pass for police officers glares at you as you enter town, but it's otherwise uneventful.
Mindful of the need to carry on "business as usual", Kolmac recommends the group reconvenes at the inn tonight, after he and Eshkeval meet with the baron's architect, who they'll also try to work some useful information out of. He'll return to the inn (or wherever the baron has set aside as a workspace) and set to work on applying magical principles to useful architectural applications. If Eshkeval can assist with some kind of artistic check, he'll take 10 on Spellcraft for a 20 total.
The inn where you're staying lacks appropriate facilities, but you find that the baron has set aside an office for you two in one of his new downtown professional buildings -- the same one the architect is in, in fact, to facilitate collaboration. There's a teapot always on, and there are ample supplies available, including a big chalkboard for magical equations, a drafting board with a T-square and triangles, and a decent supply of art materials.
Kolmac notices that the secretaries run to young, buxom human women. One of the other professionals notices your glance and mutters, "Baron Garstang says it's good for clients," then shrugs as if to say "What can you do -- he's the baron AND the boss."
Aemur waves Kolmac and Eshkeval on as they approach the inn. "Go on to your meeting; we should check those records."
Turning to Cayden, he continues "I know we just made it back, but is there any way we can check those registers of yours now? The sooner we know what is going on the better off we - and the townspeople - will be." Aemur keeps his voice low and an eye out for anyone who might be part of the local constabulary - or local criminals, not that he can tell the difference at this point.
You met the baron at the location for his new house in the morning; spent most of the afternoon tramping through the woods and breaking into the old job site. It is now evening; you're hungry, and if you weren't so keyed up from your discovery, you'd be tired as well.
Dair's stomach rumbles loudly as Aemur mentions going to Cayden's shop. "You two go on ahead, I'm really hungry. I'll be at the inn."
Cayden agreed wholeheartedly with Aemur, although he had the tact to keep himself hushed along with him, "Well, of course. and I need to check in with the folks anyway, I'm sure they're worried enough as is"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kolmac offers a noncommittal "right" in response. Not quite the same as good for the clients. His thoughts go back to his youth in the gin distillery in Northwind and the brusque manner his father adopted when dealing with new customers. Drove some business away to be sure, but in the end the deals were fair and the clients reliable. Something new every day in this place. He adopts a small, wry smile, shakes his head slightly, and sets aside thoughts of his youth in favor of the task at hand, with limited time before the scheduled meeting.
Before Eshkeval leaves Aemur, he will grab Aemur's hand in an attempt to stop him for a while longer.
"Look, I know I said that it might not be the best idea to let the parents know the full details of their children's fate. But I've been thinking on what you said, and I think I agree. They do deserve to know. Just let them know that we're on the case. If they can place their faith in us, we'll make sure to right the wrongs that have been committed. Just let them know that, okay?"
Eshkeval's previously dull eyes shine brightly with a reserved determination. After hearing confirmation from Aemur, he'll transition into a hand shake, and then let go, turning back towards the Baron's building.
---
Once he gets inside of the building though, Eshkeval's demeanor will immediately shift and his eyes widen. So many art materials! So many notes on the nature of magic! His darkened demeanor instantly lifts into a jolly mood, as his frown is turned completely upside down.
Eshkeval will turn to Kolmac, momentarily resuming his previously stoic expression to give him a small nod to reassure Kolmac that his feelings have not wavered, before returning instantaneously to "fanboy" mode and leaving to scour every inch of the architectural building.