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Graydon is uncomfortable with this situation. But who likes being confronted with their failures. Therefore he is more than happy to leave as it is offered. He gives the panther a wide berth on his way out. It is like a heavy chain falling off him as he hurries away from the temple. But he knows he is only free for about a month. Then it will befall him again.
Graydon is already decent and presentable, waiting in an armchair. He is startled and jumps up moving behind the armchair as Merileth enters with a panther. "What is this?!" he demands to know, cold sweat showing on his forehead.
The duke watches startled after the girl, but the elf quickly catches his attention again. "I... need to think about that."
Cilas nods and leaves immediately. He feels much lighter with the pouch gone. Like he paid for his sins and now they are gone. He just needs to get away from this place. He was supposed to be home hours ago. He gets hot and cold again. What will he say? He doesn't know. I'll cross that bridge when I get there. He needs to act normal. Normal. A coach! I can't run around like a peasant. He looks around and approaches the next one he sees. "To Graydon Manor, quick." he demands as he climbs the open carriage. And off it goes.
Cilas takes the note and hustles over to the changing room. Taking the note between his teeth he drops the gown and puts on his clothes. The path out of the temple from here he knows, and he almost runs. He doesnt stop outside, but keeps moving fast until he is out of sight. The sun rises and the tower bell of the temple of Abadar tells that the day begins. Cilas goes straight there to retrieve the amount of money written on the note from his account. He is a wealthy man, he can afford it. But it still hurts. Not as much as being known as a monster and maybe killed for it? To compensate for the expense Cilas might need to sell something valueable later. But he needs the money now and that is only possible from his account. He visits his account manager, fills out the paperwork and within half an hour he has the money. Normally he wouldn't do that alone. Walk through town with that. The pouch weighs heavy on his conscience. Everyone looks like a thief on the way to the house of flame. Entering through his own secret entrance he waits impatiently for Merilith.
Cilas gets up "I need to leave. Bring me out." he demands.
"What are you saying here? I'm turning into a monster on a full moon? Lies! Deception!" the man cries and crawls backwards, away from the elf.
Hit again, the panther sinks down on the floor.
The panther pounces at Persephone, it's claws teearing through her dress and into her flesh.
The man grows more and more hair - or fur. His bones noisily rearrange while he screams in pain that becomes more and more a roar. A snout grow out, long white fangs form and a tail grows out. A strong, elegant panther. An amazingly beautiful and strong animal. Baring his teeth the animal stares at Persephone, ready to pounce.
At first the man squirms uncomfortably beneath the elf, but then something strange happens. His eyes turn amber, his teeth seem to grow and his brows to grow bushier. He pushes the elf away.
The man is fascinated. Not able to look away. He follows the motions, the gestures and gets caught by the pink eyes ever again. But suddenly he feels uneasy. His heart pounds stronger, but not of arousal, but rage. In the midst of this joyful music, this fascinating beautiful elf moving about he doesn't feel calm, or aroused, but starts sweating. He sits up and stares down.
The door opens again, and a neat handsome but older man in a white gown of the same light white cloth the dresses are made of he smiles at Persephone a knowing smile.
"That's terrifying. What was that thing?" Cilas asks exasperated. "And what hinders it to come back?"
"I'm not sure." Cilas replies. On Herm's suggestions he adds "But I think not."
Cilas is aghast on his bed against the wall, also panting heavily.
"I'm not sure what you are talking about, but I'll set the guards straight, that they don't dawdle when Estovion is not around." Cilas tells and is off to do so.
"That sounds horrible. How do you come to these grim conclusions?" Cilas inquires. His brows moving into a position that give the impression he is worried.
"You make it sound like it's his fault what happened today." Cilas comments.
"Under siege you say? What war is that?" Cilas inquires.
"You met him. I don't think I know more than you can know from that. Not that I would care. He is just the guy doing the administration." Cilas tells.
"I might send a note to the council about that. But I for sure won't volunteer for that position." Cilas replies with a grin.
"As long as the meals are cooked and the rooms are cleaned, everything is fine. It's not like the world stops because Mr. Lozarov isn't around anymore." Cilas replies. "You want to take over?"
Cilas is in the midst of the trophy room and has taken over the role of a leader - which is natural for him. "No, Estovion wasn't seen since he moved through and you after him. And Belik didn't show up either. Wasn't he with your friend Harrold?"
"I'm in this room. I wish you all a good nigth's rest. See you tommorrow. Ladies, gentlemen." Graydon tells with a slight bow to the ladies and a nod to the men. Then he enters his room, next door to Kendra's and locks the door from the inside.
"To say I know him would be too much. But he's hanging around here for over a year I think. I'm not here all the time, but feel free to ask him yourself. But I bet that would annoy him." Graydon answers.
"That's Corvin Tergvor. A son of the Tergsvor family who kills his time here at the lodge. He doesn't seem to like it though, and spills his bad mood over everyone who would listen." Graydon explains.
"Just ignore him." Graydon comments.
"It's not like the library is a crowded place. Not now and not ever." Graydon chuckles. "I don't think anyone but the warden uses it and he never sits in the library to do so."
"I guess it would cause some turning of heads, especially if you're still there when a meal is served." Graydon replies. It's not hard to discern him wondering about the question.
"... and humble?" Graydon comments with a smile. He gets up and offers Kendra a hand. "Cilas Graydon at your service Miss Lorrimor."
Graydon nods in reply. "How many more are to join us?" Graydon asks. "Maybe we should change tables and move to a table in the Grand Ballroom."
"The maid takes care of that. If you join us for tea, I'll wave the maiden over to get you a set." Graydon explains. He gestures as the woman comes in view and she hurries to bring a tea set for the new guest to the table.
"Of course. And Lady Fallenbridge too." Graydon tells, nodding to Jominda. "I'll asks Kroitzer to organize a light-hearted hunt for some easy prey to get into it."
"Sure. I can't sit all day here and drink tea. I'll get rusty." Graydon answers "You want to come along?"
"If you ask Kroitzcer, he'll lead you to some places to hunt where you only encounter that. He knows the woods really well." Graydon comments.
"Thank you." Graydon replie sto Joominda. "I'm here for hunting and meeting my friend." he tells Harrold. "Deer, elk and such. Maybe a bear." he clarifies to point out the difference to the hunting goals of other guests of the lodge.
"You are welcome to join us." Graydon replies.
"An interesting person." Graydon comments. Sense Motive DC10: Graydon is irritated by the lack of manners of Herm.
"You'd excuse me not sharing your enthusiasm about that abomination that you describe. It killed my friend." "But yes, the tea they serve here is drinkable." Cilas Graydon replies. "If you don't mind me asking - what leads you this way? Your appearance suggests that you're no noble seeking a temporary retreat. And guests of Count Caromarc almost sounds like an oxymoron. He is not known to sozialize with anyone anymore."
You should be drinking tea in the sitting room.
The guards do as told and Graydon takes Harrold with him. On the way inside they meet Courtaud. "Porter, take care that the coach and horses of this gentleman are taken care of." he orders the halfling.
"By a worm?" Craydon inquires, not knowing what that creature is. He takes a look into the sleeping bag at the back of the coach. "Yes it is Echtmoor. This is horrible." "Guards, bring the body inside, we need to schedule a burial for my friend." "And you sir, please come inside with me. You're my guest. You need to tell me everything about the circumstances you found him." Graydon invites Harrold.
Harrold stands outside the gates for quite some time - the guards make sure he stays there - as suddenly another man who seems agitated comes out of the house. "Let me through, I heard Echtmoor finally arrived." he demands and pushes past the guards who make way for him. Seeing Harrold standing in front of an empty coach still holding the bloody reservation he staggers. "Oh, no! So the worst has happened?" he asks, with little hope to get a no as an answer.
"How about a rattle?" the salesman suggests, showing a small, colorful, wooden percussion instrument.
"Of course it is sir. A keen eye you have to pick such a precious item between all the others." the salesman replies.
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