Ari hears Tot's question and inhales. The question shouldn't embarrass him, but if Tot were to look closely his skin gets a slight shade of blue to it for a moment.
"Of course. I'll help you any way I can. I wish I had learned the cantrip that makes cleaning things so easy. I plan to learn it as soon as I can."
"Magic would be nice. This is the only outfit I have."
Tot doesn't look up and misses Ari's slight blush, but if Ari were to look at Tot, the tips of her ears and her cheeks turn a dull red.
Even though they arrive at different times, soon enough Izzy, Tot and Ari, and Grod and Garen all return to the Rusty Dragon, the events of the morning already wearing on them. It's perhaps mid morning, too early for lunch crowd to start filtering in when Bethana arrives at the group's table and clears her throat to speak (perhaps more words than you've ever heard her say before): "Excuse me, ladies and gents. Sorry to bother. But it's just...well...Miss Ameiko. Have you seen her? She is supposed to help prepare the lunch but she hasn't come out of her room yet. I suppose I'm just a silly old thing, but...well...I've never known her to sleep in this late in all my years at the Dragon. Did she go with you to the trouble before, mayhaps?" It's clear that Bethana is worried, worried enough to interrupt your discourse at the table.
"She's still asleep," Tot asks in surprise. She hasn't know Ameiko long, but her employer doesn't seem the type to laze the day away. "I-I-I'll g-go check on her."
Maybe it is paranoia, but something about this feels deeply, deeply wrong to Tot as she slips into the back and heads for Ameiko's room. She tries to tell herself that it's nothing and get control of her voice before knocking on the door.
"A-A-Ameiko? A-are you f-feeling well," she asks.
"I hadn't seen her, more importantly, heard her. Her voice is wonderful so I keep an ear out..." Izzy follows Tot and tries to listen at the door to hear any sounds. This is called eavesdropping, and she probably deserves to wince at one of the knocks.
Ari stops, the bloody sheet and rags in his arms forgotten. "No. We haven't seen her. We were getting a goblin out of...."
He drops the rags, and follows until he realizes what he's doing. "I'll wait out here."
There is no answer to knocks on the door or Ameiko's quarters, and try as she might, Isidiana cannot hear anything from inside. When the team's patience wears thin, and they push the door open, they do not see the barkeep/bard. Nor, apparently, has her bed been slept in. There is a small window in this room, but it is barred from the inside, and does not appear to be tampered with.
Garen's questions to Bethana lead nowhere. "This is not like the lady at all. I've never known her to disappear without notice. But things have been strained in her family lately --you saw her father the other night. Maybe she went there?"
She goes in and finds no bard, well except her. She is Bard prime... or so she tells herself.
"Well darn it. Ameiko a go go I guess?"
Tot's worry deepens as she sees that Ameiko apparently never went to bed. She looks around for a moment before finding the crumpled note, and her heart sinks as she realizes she doesn't recognize the language at all.
"W-w-where's M-m-miss B-Bethana," Tot asks, hoping that the halfling would know where Ameiko might have gone.
Ari touches Bethany to get her attention. "Miss Bethany? Tot's asking for you."
Bethana starts to answer Garen, "The Kaijitsu compound is a big walled house on the south end..." Then as Ari interrupts she turns to see Tot with a piece of paper. When she looks, Bethana nods, "This is written in Minkaian. Miss Ameiko has been teaching me to read and write in her native language..." She scans the letter quickly, and gasps, turning pale.
"It's from her older brother, Tsuto! He's a bit of a ne'er-do-well, if you'll pardon me. It seems he asked to meet her late last night, and she hasn't returned!" She sobs once, shaking the paper falling from her hand.
As a result of this questionable patrimony, the senior Kaijitsu made life unbearably hard on his eldest "son", driving the boy away at a young age.
"Tsuto was estranged from the family. I thought he had left town for good!"
"That can't be good that Ameiko hasn't returned. Does the paper say where they were supposed to meet?"
"Ah, Tsuto, Lonjiku's son, who apparently is not on good terms with his father. Estranged don't you know? Then again I'm not sure who IS on good terms with Lonjiku some days. Anyway, the son left a few years ago and poof. no sign since."
"Ameiko mentioned Tsuto once," Tot mumbles, remembering her conversation from the other day. "Miss Bethana, what did the note say?"
Tot's voice is quiet and calm, but underneath the calm is a grimly determined note. Something in that note must have caused the elderly halfling woman to break down sobbing, and if they are to help Ameiko, they have to know what the note says. This isn't a time for panic. There may have been nothing they could do for Alergast, but there is a chance they can do something for Ameiko.
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Bethana quickly gains control of herself and returns to the prim and proper lady-servant you are now used to. "Of course, of course. Pardon my bluster. Let's see, what does this say. I will do my best translation of course."
She bends and grabs the hand-written note, written apparently in Minkaian, and begins reading aloud:
"Hello, Sis!
I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands because we've got something of a problem. It's to with father. Seems that he might have had something to do with Sandpoint's recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn't want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he'd weasel his way out of it. You've got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves. Knock twice, and then three times more and then once more at the delivery entrance, and I'll let you in.
In any case, I don't have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don't you? They've got no honor at all around these parts, I still don't understand how you can stand to stay here.
Anyway, don't tell anyone about this. There are other complications as ell, ones I'd rather talk to you in person about tonight. Don't be late
TSUTO
Tot trembles as she listens. If Ameiko had gone to that meeting, then she's been missing for hours. The young tiefling rushes to her room after Bethana finishes and grabs her gear. The few extra minutes she needs to don her armor and gather up her weapons probably wouldn't matter.
After she's gotten ready she finds Ari.
"Can you show me where the Glassworks is? We might need Grod and Garen to borrow a hound again, but maybe we--we can help Ameiko," she says, leaving her fear that it's far too late for the young woman who has befriended her unsaid.
Izzy seems to pop out of a gnome daze then goes, "OH, Tsuto is half elven , he was born a year ahead of his sis in some kind of scandal as well...you know that elf blood had to come from somewhere. So 'Dad' was really rough on his 'eldest son'" Air quotes fly.
"Glaswha?"
Bethana nods along to Izzy's revelations. "Not one to gossip but that is true, and has been an issue since his birth. Lonjiku treated Tsuto like an embarrassment and the resentment became mutual. Not long before Tsuto left Sandpoint for good, his mother fell from the cliffs on which the Kaijitsu Manor is built. Scuttlebutt about the circumstances of that fall, whether accidental or intentional, abound."
The Glassworks is hard to miss. It is a large building on the west side of Sandpoint.
"The glassworks is their family business. Big money and they're known all over the country. I can lead us there easy. But if he conned her to get her there at midnight and she isn't back.... Be ready for a fight."
He grins at Tot. "And I guess we can clean blood out of the sheet and rags later. And your clothes."
As she hears Izzy and Bethana talk about Tsuto, Tot pauses and listens. Hearing more about the circumstances in which Ameiko's brother grew up in leaves her feeling more sympathetic towards him, despite her worry that he'd done something horrible to his sister, something that caused emotions she'd long thought banished to smolder within her.
Ari's reasoning brings her back to the moment at hand and she nods in agreement before blushing as she sees him grinning at her.
"R-r-right," she manages to squeak out before rushing off to gather her arms and armor.
A short while later, she rejoins the others with carrying her shield, swords, and bow and wearing her piecemeal armor.
"I--I sh-should sc-scout the building before we enter," she says as they make their way to the Glassworks.
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Grod, who has remained silent, since he neither speaks Minkaian nor knows the local area, merely nods grimly when Ari says to be ready for a fight. "I'm always ready for a fight."
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"me too, I'm always ready for Grod to fight." Steadfast and supportive.
"I always thought Gorum's followers were always itching for a fight," Tot says when she notes Grod's grim expression.
Ari glances at Grod, then bows closer to Tot so maybe Grod won't hear him.... "I don't know much about Gorum, but Grod only seems to want to fight when it matters. He doesn't just randomly pick fights."
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"Let's be off. Perhaps we will find a brother and sister sloshed to the gills and talking poorly about their dad. I doubt it, but we can hope." Garen says as he goes with the others to the door. "Keep a light on for us Ms Bethana, we'll have her back in no time." He says with a grin as he steps out the door.
"Y-you're right," Tot whispers back as she blushes at her poor choice of words. "I-I-I g-guess I meant th-that they look forward to fights."
Her tail wraps around her waist as she walks by Ari's side and verily squirms in embarrassment. She almost wishes she was fighting goblins. At least then she would know what to do.
It's still really just mid-morning, but the Heroes of Sandpoint are on the march. Armed, armored and ready for a fight (more than usual), the group heads across the village to the stares (and a few shouts) of the townsfolk who are just going about their normal business. Ari leads the team unfailingly to the Glassworks which is a large one-story structure. It is located near the cliffs that drop into the sea. There are three rounded structures on the west side, and a rounded knob on the south.
There is a noticeable lack of traffic at the Glassworks, no tradesmen, no carters, no customers are around the business. Smoke still plumes from the furnace chimney atop the building, evidence of some work being done inside at least. There seem to be three visible entrances to the building. One on the southern round knob, seems to be the main customer entrance, based on signage. There is a set of double doors on the southwest side of the building and steps leading from them down the cliff face to the beach far below. Another set of double doors is on the north-east side of the structure, and this appears to be the loading dock or service entrance.
A quick investigation of the perimeter reveals that all the windows, and there are several, appear to be closed and curtained, so there is no line of sight into the building. The deep rumble of the glass-heating furnace is plainly audible from outside when the noise of local commerce subsides enough.
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"I always thought Gorum's followers were always itching for a fight," Tot says when she notes Grod's grim expression.
I like fighting. But the attack the other day? Violence against civilian noncombatants? That's not fighting. I don't want there to be innocents in the way when I fight. This? This sounds like there could be bystanders in the way. I don't like that." Grod says with a grimace.
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”It sounds like we have two hotheads and we could be dealing with some family violence. That can be dangerous for someone trying to help. Then again, Tsuto stated he thinks their father was involved with the goblin raid. If Longiku found out they were plotting and he was involved, we may have a real fight on our hands.” Garen suggests as he tries the front door. If it doesn’t open he will walk clockwise around the building and try all the doors.
Once they get to the Glassworks Ari stays back to let the others check. He stays by Tot. "See? He likes a proper fight. Not one with innocent bystanders that can get hurt."
He looks over her armor and equipment. "Looks like you're ready for battle now too. I'll just stay back and let those with proper equipment fight."
Thinking for a moment he calls out, "There shouldn't be any traps on the doors. This is a place of business. But if they're locked I could try and open the locks. I did get some locksmith training recently."
"You did? Nice, Ari. I think you should give it a shot but... becareful okay?" Izzy D has gotten a liking for her allies. They're all great role models for her new Saga... work in progress.
As Garen walks around, it finds that all three exterior doors are locked tight. Even the front customer entrance, which seems a little odd for the middle of a business day.
"I always thought Gorum's followers were always itching for a fight," Tot says when she notes Grod's grim expression.I like fighting. But the attack the other day? Violence against civilian noncombatants? That's not fighting. I don't want there to be innocents in the way when I fight. This? This sounds like there could be bystanders in the way. I don't like that." Grod says with a grimace.
Once they get to the Glassworks Ari stays back to let the others check. He stays by Tot. "See? He likes a proper fight. Not one with innocent bystanders that can get hurt."
"I-I guess that makes sense," Tot says. "I'm s-sorry if I said something stupid, Grod."
”It sounds like we have two hotheads and we could be dealing with some family violence. That can be dangerous for someone trying to help. Then again, Tsuto stated he thinks their father was involved with the goblin raid. If Longiku found out they were plotting and he was involved, we may have a real fight on our hands.” Garen suggests as he tries the front door. If it doesn’t open he will walk clockwise around the building and try all the doors.
He looks over her armor and equipment. "Looks like you're ready for battle now too. I'll just stay back and let those with proper equipment fight."
Thinking for a moment he calls out, "There shouldn't be any traps on the doors. This is a place of business. But if they're locked I could try and open the locks. I did get some locksmith training recently."
Hotheads? Is Garen talking about Ameiko and Tsuto, or is he talking about two of us?
Tot doesn't ponder the question long before Ari's comments draw her attention.
"If you can open the door, I can see what we're dealing with. Something about this feels off. Why is the Glassworks locked up so tight?"
Ari approaches the front door. Since it's the customer entrance he wonders why it would be locked.... He pulls out the specialized set of tools for locks. They aren't really special because he couldn't afford the really good one.
He shrugs, grins and keeps trying....
Tot stares in disbelief as Garen bashes any chances of entering without being noticed with his mailed fist.
"Wh-what are you doing," she hisses as she grabs his arm to stop him. "W-w-w-we d-don't know what's going on in there! Why would a business keep it's doors locked this late in the morning?"
Erridon looks in shock at Garen. "Hopefully that pounding hasn't just gotten Ameiko killed!"
He packs the tools away and backs off. "She's missing. She never leaves the inn without letting someone know. At the very least she would let Bethana know. Something bad is going on here."
Izzy ponders, then decides they might get a distraction while Garen is knocking on the door
Grod sighs and smacks his forehead. "And I thought *I* was unsubtle."
As Ari mentions that Garen's pounding might have just gotten Ameiko killed, Tot's already pale skin grows paler as a look of sickened horror twists her expression. She shakes off the fears and uncertainties as she looks Garen in the eyes.
"Garen, please," she begs, her voice taking on a distinctly Chelish and aristocratic accent as the tension in her belly winds tighter and tighter, "I can slip in and out without anyone noticing. If there were some way to see in from the roof or windows that weren't blocked by curtains, I could find out what's going on in there without anyone being the wiser, but I can't do it if you put everyone who might be in there on their guard!"
Ari pauses as Garen steps back. "Yes. We can apologize. And my opening the door won't do any damage."
"Th-thank you, G-garen," Tot tells the paladin before waiting for Ari to unlock the door.
After Garen's firm knocking, Ari steps up and tries the lock with his new set of picks. At first it seems like he has it, but then, he cannot get it. Grinning he tries again, and again, and finally on the third attempt he feels the satisfying CLICK of the lock opening.
Just as Ari steps aside to allow the team to enter, a loud voice calls out from behind the group. "Oy there! Wot are ye doin' at tha' door, hey? Breakin' inta de Glassworks na are ye? An' wot if I wuz t'tell de sheriff o'yer shenanigans then? Best be 'xplainin' yerselves na!"
When you turn to look, you see a rather rotund elderly fellow with a bit of a bulbous nose, a significant walrus mustache turned white, a double chin, and broad shoulders over a belly that has become rather flabby. He wears finely tailored clothing, if a little affected, and has a rather flashy sash and sword at this belt. The jeweled pommel of the sword sparkles in the mid-morning sunlight. The man has drawn himself up to his full height, and puffed out his chest impressively.
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" Sir Jasper Korvaski! What a lucky break," The gnome turns "We've already spoken to the sheriff today, and are assisting him in certain matters. I'm sure you understand the need for discrete investigations so not to tip off neeredowells and the like.Some criminals will try anything."
Isidiana pours on the charm
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Hearing Izzy's beginning Ari steps out and waves. "Hi Sir Jasper. You know me. Ron and Cher would tan my hide if I were breaking in. See, no damage. We're just investigating a missing person. Last known location was here."