The Evening
Her exuberance calmed by Eliza's words Ema gave the nervous woman a smile and said, "Yeah, you sound more like a sorcerer, or maybe an oracle, than a wizard and I understand your fear of the darkness." She leaned against the wall again as she calmed and said, "When you're ready maybe we can work on that. I bet we could come up with a way to contain the darkness if it rose again, maybe we could even find a way to give you a means to draw on it in a controlled fashion for a time if needed, like say in the event of an attack." Despite her eagerness to experiment Ema was keeping herself calm now as she didn't want to drive Eliza away, "But only if and when you are ready."
Eliza nods "Yes, maybe with a little bit more time. I would like to be able to control my powers instead of having them control me. I appreciate you wanting to help me, Ema. Thank you."
Eliza's relieved laughter rings out across the colony in the early morning. Those who wish to investigate will find her exuberantly kissing a frog, her skin restored to normal.
"It worked! Hoooraa--ERP" Kip yelped under the barrage of kisses. After the wave had subsided, he straightened his hat and whispered, "No Gerald, I'm still not a prince." To Eliza he replied, "I'm so glad it worked. I know I can't fix everyone's problems, but if we all try our best to do what we can, our community will be stronger and happier! In fact, today we're going back out to try to track down our missing fisherman. Hopefully that goes as well as your recovery!"
Ema came when she heard all of the rukus from Ramona's place and was surprised to find Eliza cured and practically making out with Kip. She admitted to finding herself kind of jealous actually, particularly since it seemed Eliza was rather pretty once her skin was healed of it's affliction. She approached and said, "You know, not all Princes are made by birth don't you." She reached out and rubbed Kip's head, "You are a prince in spirit now Kip, enjoy it teehee!"
After the celebration, Ramona calls you to the government house again. "Great work with Eliza! I am sure she is grateful for your help in recovering. Before you head out again, though, another situation cropped up that I hope you can help with. A satchel containing the ship’s manifest and resupply schedule was stolen from the building the previous night, along with a leather purse containing 50 gold pieces. I have reason to believe Medrinnah Harleau, the teenage daughter of colonial soldier Sighra Harleau, may have perpetrated the theft, but I am reluctant to make this transgression into a big deal as long as the property is retrieved. I know that initiating legal proceedings could put undue strain on the family and the colony. Medrinnah is apprenticing at Kereda Harper's tailor shop. Please find her and talk to her about the missing manifest and gold."
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As he finishes brewing his morning extracts, Simon hears the outburst from the direction of Eliza's housing and immediately fears the worst.
Leaving his lab equipment out, he grabs his sword and runs to determine the cause of the commotion.
Seeing that Eliza's skin has returned to a more natural tone, and that she is grappling Kip, he initially fears some type of vampiric effect but calms down as he notices the expressions of joy from both of them.
Arching his eyebrow, he considers Eliza. "Excellent work, Kip. Your compassion is truly a virtue that few are able to uphold. You are a credit to our community."
As he considers Eliza, Simon realizes that he has been harboring suspicions of the woman that are unfounded. Nodding to her, he decides to try to clear the air a bit. "I am very happy to see you well again, Eliza. From the look of you, it would seem that nothing had ever happened. Now that you have some measure of freedom, I am sure you are looking for ways to make up for your past misdeeds.
If I might suggest, it seems that a large part of the downward spiral that led you to this point is the fact that your abilities are little understood by the community and the world at large, making you feel that exploring these abilities was somehow wrong. Exploring your abilities and finding a way to use them to improve life for other settlers will go a long way toward a personal redemption."
Allowing a moment for Eliza to process this, he continues. "Really, there is no reason why you need to go through this alone. While there may not be any others here with your abilities, they certainly aren't new. There should be any number of books available that would help you to understand these abilities and thus remove the stigma from them.
I mean to add a wing to the library dealing with magical studies. Perhaps you could help me to construct it and to find volumes for it. At a future time, perhaps you could help others to understand powers like these, perhaps even teaching in the academy that Ema has planned. Giving back, by making sure that other people don't need to suffer the same way that you did would be an excellent way to help clear your conscience.
I am sorry, I do tend to blabber on... and, I also want to encourage people to start using the library's resources. Let's not let that get in the way of your celebration, though. Today is a time for excitement! Congratulations!"
Eliza considers Simon's words. "Yes, you're right. The better I understand my psychic abilities, the more responsible I can be with them. I'll help in your library when I can, and try to find some books about occult powers."
"Her friend Tesswyn told me that Medrinnah bragged about it to her. Tesswyn is notoriously terrible at keeping secrets," Ramona explains.
Simon scours the offices in the government house, and his careful search uncovers a few fibers from a shirt near the base of the desk where the documents were stored. If he can find the matching garment, he may be able to place the culprit at the scene of the crime.
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When they find the fibers, Simon calls Ramona over to see them. He then gets out a piece of paper and folds the fibers up in the paper, while asking some preliminary questions.
"Ramona, would the building or this desk have been locked at the time of the theft?
Who is the person who last secured the documents and when did they last put them away?
When were the items discovered to be missing?
This report from Tesswyn seems a little too convenient for my tastes. What circumstances brought Tesswyn to come to you?"
Ramona answers Simon's questions. "The building was locked, but the desk wasn't. Perrell Beys was the last person to secure the documents. She put them away yesterday just before sunset. We didn't discover they were missing until this morning.
"Tesswyn came to me just a few minutes ago. I assume she confessed so that she wouldn't get in trouble if we found out she had incriminating information. I'd chalk it up to a guilty conscience, but you're welcome to question her as well."
"I was going to suggest a barbecue, but library work sounds pretty good too."
Kip climbed up onto a table and sat down near Victrix. "Look at him go. Once he finds something he just chases it down with complete focus. Detective Hollybaker sounds pretty good too."
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Simon hears Kip's compliment, but chooses to ignore it.
He also realizes that just because Ramona called them to investigate the theft, that doesn't necessarily mean that she is free of blame. While he can't think of any potential motive for Ramona, there could always be some kind of political advantage to be gained.
Additionally, there is also the specter of the aboleth and hag....
Trying not to let his thoughts get too far ahead, he decides to simply focus on the facts.
"'We' discovered them missing? No offense intended Ramona, but if we are going to get to the bottom of this, we need to have all of the facts and we need to have a solid timeline of events in order to rule out suspects.
So, was it you who found the documents missing, or Perrell? What time was it when the documents were first found missing?"
After getting her response, Simon turns to the others and says to them, "I think interviewing the witnesses should be our first course. We should do our best to make sure we can tell the difference between fact and gossip. It won't serve anyone to accuse the wrong person."
If there is no objection, he then leads the group to find Perell. . When he finds her, he will greet her warmly and ask a few mild questions, but pay close attention to the responses.
"Perell, good morning. Ramona called us to try to track down those missing documents. As the last person to hold the documents before they went missing, your recollections will prove quite valuable toward our attempts to track them down.
If you will, please tell us about when you stored the documents and what happened in the morning when the documents were found to be missing."
"You're right, Simon. I'll try to be more precise with my answers," Ramona says. "Perrell discovered the missing documents about an hour and a half ago, when she first arrived to start her work day."
Perrell is in the office across the hall, wearing her typical outfit of a white shirt with a brown vest and pants.
"I secured the satchel with the ship's manifest and resupply schedule as well as the purse in the desk around six o'clock last night. The purse contained this month's payroll for the colony's soldiers. I then left the building and locked the doors before returning home for the night," Perrell recounts.
"This morning at eight o'clock, I arrived to find the front doors unlocked. Only Ramona and I have keys to the building, so it's possible that the lock was picked. I searched the building and found almost everything was still in place, but the satchel and purse were missing. I alerted Ramona when she arrived, and while we were discussing what actions to take next, Tesswyn Nalbocht knocked on the door. She appeared nervous, and that is when she told us that Medrinnah Harleau had bragged to her last night about stealing something from the building."
Simon doesn't sense any deception from the woman's precise words. She seems to be telling the truth.
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"Before leaving last night, did you walk through the building to make sure nobody was hiding within?"
After getting the answer, Simon will walk through the building to test the windows to see if they are all latched and not able to be opened from the outside.
He will then examine the lock on the door looking for any signs of recent tampering.
"So, on to interviewing Tesswyn then? Kip, maybe you can try to be friendly with her to start out the interview? If we sense some fabrication or omission, I can come back with some more forceful questions."
"No, I didn't do a walkthrough. I've never had a reason to before," Perrell admits bashfully.
Simon finds all of the windows secure. Examining the lock does reveal signs that it has been tampered with--scrape marks indicate the use of thieves' tools.
"You got it, Detective."
"Hi there Tess. We were hoping you might be able to help us out by answering some questions about what happened last night. Just so we're clear, no one is in trouble. We just need to sort out exactly what happened and talk it out so this kind of thing doesn't happen again. We need the whole community working together so this colony has the best chance of flourishing. Do you think you could answer some of Simon's questions for us?"
The young Tesswyn scratches at her arm nervously. "Okay," she says to Kip. "I heard Medrinnah and her mom arguing outside Kereda's tailor shop after you guys left town looking for Soran. Her mom was saying that it's too dangerous for her to be sneaking out of the colony at night to go exploring, and Medrinnah said she was so overbearing at that she hated her for dragging her out to live in the middle of nowhere. Then later that night, Medrinnah came to me and said she broke into the government house and stole some money from Perrell's desk. She said she used to steal things all the time back in Almas and that she liked how it got under her mother's skin.
"Please don't tell Medrinnah I told you all of that! I don't want her to not like me any more!"
Simon doesn't sense any deception from the teenager.
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Simon nods along. All of the pieces seem to be adding up and the stories all match.
Well, children are always seeking to act out, but how are we to correct the course of this young one?
"I see. Thank you for your time, Tesswyn. We will come back if we have any more questions."
Simon begins walking away, then turns back, as if something had just occurred to him.
"Oh, by the way, do you happen to recall what Medrinnah was wearing last night?"
After listening, Simon will thank her again and continue on his way.
Speaking to the rest of the team, "It appears all the signs are point toward this Medrinnah truly being an accomplished thief. I suppose we'll have to have a talk with her next.
Ramona did ask for us to keep the issue quiet, but we also need to make sure she realizes how serious this is. We'll have to see what we can think of. For now, we simply need to find a way to talk to her quietly."
Simon ponders for a moment, then continues, "Well, I've been meaning to get some new clothes. Perhaps we can find a way to get her alone during an appointment with the tailor."
Heading over to the tailor's shop, he strikes up a conversation with the tailor, before asking to have a set of more professional clothes made for when he is working in the library.
Tesswyn says Medrinnah was wearing a green shirt.
Kereda Harper greets you as you enter his shop. He converses happily with Simon, offering to take his measurements. In the back of the shop, you spot a scowling Medrinnah Harleau mending a pair of trousers.
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Simon happily allows the tailor to take his measurements, ordering two sets of professional attire, and two fresh changes of exploring clothes.
Having a bit of fun splurging on himself for a change, he hopes that he didn't end up ordering something that would look odd. He almost forgets the reason that they came in the first place.
When they have concluded, Simon quickly thinks of a reason to talk to Mendrinnah. "Ah, Kereda, I see you have your apprentice working on some mending. I do have some items back at the house that could use some repair.
If it wouldn't be too much bother for you, could she come back with us so I can have her carry the items here?"
"Of course, Simon. Medrinnah, will you please go with Mister Hollybaker to help carry his clothes here?"
Medrinnah sighs and rolls her eyes. "Fine," she mutters. She gets up and moves to follow Simon, not making eye contact with the half-orc.
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Simon makes small talk along the way, expecting to get ignored by Medrinnah. Once they reach the house, he will nod to Victrix, indicating she should take a seat by the door.
"Oh my, it looks like I never put my alchemy kit away this morning! Please, have a seat and while I clean this mess up.
Kip, can you get our guest a drink?"
Once she is settled, Simon will continue while he takes down the lab equipment and stores it.
"Medrinnah, I can't help but notice that you don't seem to be enjoying your apprenticeship very much. I suppose that I can relate to that somewhat.
I never had any choice in what skills I learned growing up. Following in my father's footsteps was always expected. From a very young age, I was drilled in history lessons and never had a chance to spend time with other children.
I always dreamed of simply playing sports, like other children. *Sigh*
Tell me, Medrinnah. What were your dreams?"
Medrinnah snorts. "They didn't involve being stuck on a stupid island." She shifts uncomfortably, eyes flickering between Victrix and the door. "I don't really want to talk about dreams. Can we just get your stuff and go?"
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"Perhaps not on an island, but I did often find myself in the depths of dark caves, far out in the wilderness."
Well, I didn't really expect her to warm up to me
"I'm not trying to pry, Medrinnah. I'm simply trying to learn more about you. Maybe there is a way that we could help you to enjoy your time here.
I can understand your frustration with moving. Some people, however, see this island as opportunity. For me, it is an opportunity to learn about the Azlanti. After all of my complaining growing up, my father's lessons prepared me for this time.
Others see the island as a fresh start, some as an opportunity to prove their worth. I doubt very many plan to stay here forever, but plan to learn valuable skills and then return to the wider world.
The guards... well, maybe Victrix would know better. I imagine they are looking for a bit of adventure and to earn some money for their future dreams.
Unfortunately, it seems that someone made off with their salaries for the month. I'd hate to think what will happen when they find out they aren't getting paid. These walls are mighty thin without some standin guard."
As soon as Simon mentions the salary, Medrinnah's eyes widen. He can see the guilt written all over her face.
Though the effort is likely doomed to failure, she dashes for the door, hoping to slip past Victrix and escape!
Victrix has only been paying half-attention to the whole affair, but as soon as Medrinnah tries to run, her hand shoots out to catch her by the arm.
Victrix easily catches Medrinnah and stops her from running. "Ah! Let me go!" she whines.
With no recourse, the teenager sighs. "Alright, fine. I took the purse, okay? You can have the gold back. Just don't hurt me!"
Victrix puts herself in front of the door and lets the teenager go. "No fooling around, now."
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Simon tsks and shakes his head.
"Hurt you? Whyever would we do something like that?"
He pulls out a chair and takes a seat while looking at the teenager cradled on Victrix's lap.
"You are quite lucky. Ramona wishes to keep this quiet. Return the gold and the books and she will consider the issue closed.
We, however, are not satisfied quite so easily. We need to look after the safety and well being of the community. This is why I had questions about what your dreams are.
We will be confiscating your lockpicks, but also want to help reform you. Mending doesn't seem to be your style, but the skills you showed for getting into the office could be harnessed in more legitimate means.
Perhaps locksmithing, or clock making?
We take it that your mother has never listened to your desires. Well, we are listening now. If returning to the mainland is all you desire. perhaps we can see to arranging an apprenticeship in a skill more in line with your current skillset.
Please, talk to us."
"I have the gold, but I never took the documents," Medrinnah says. "I ditched them behind the government house." She turns over the 50 gold, along with her thieves' tools.
She sighs with relief when Simon offers to find her another job. "Ugh, please give me something better to do than stitch up torn clothes all day long. This place sucks. All my friends are back in Almas. My mom dragged me out here in the middle of nowhere and forced me to learn a trade. 'It will make you a well-rounded person,' she said. She's so overbearing and suffocating!"
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"We will speak to Ramona and see what we can find for you. We will naturally have to talk to your mother as well. For now, keep to your apprenticeship. As for my mending, simply tell your mistress that I decided the battle scars were too much to be repaired and decided to turn the clothes into rags instead.
Simon pauses, considering the young woman.
"If we are able to get you returned to the mainland, chances are that your mother would stay here. Do you really want to be seperated from her? Who knows the next time you might see each other..."
"Yes. Maybe. I don't know." Medrinnah looks down dejectedly.
She leads you across the colony to the government house. She points to a bare patch of dirt behind the building. "They were right there, I swear. Maybe somebody else took them." Unfortunately, even a thorough search does not reveal any clues as to what might have happened to the manifest and ship's schedule.
Ramona accepts the coin purse that Medrinnah returned, and takes the news of the missing documents stoically. "Unfortunately, without powerful magic, there's no way of knowing exactly where the documents might have ended up. One of our people might have picked them up, or another creature might have stolen them--a monkey goblin or choker, perhaps, or something else.
"The documents aren't essential--I'm sure Perrell will be able to create another copy mostly from memory. I don't want to start an inquisition in the colony trying to find them. I'll put out some subtle feelers just in case, but it's probably best if we don't make this into too big of a deal. If you have time to investigate, you're welcome to, but I know you four have other tasks to attend to. Thank you for your help in this matter."
"I'll see if I can figure something out to track down the documents, but I'll need to confer with Gerald if it needs a magical solution. Speaking of magic, Medrinnah, have you ever thought about learning magic? There's lots of different kinds to choose from, and there are a number of different people here in the colony that could help teach you if you're interested. And even if you only learn a little bit of magic, it could help you with your work. Magic can even help speed up mending those clothes since it's such boring work!"
Medrinnah perks up at the idea. "You can teach me magic? Like, shooting lightning bolts at bad guys and blowing stuff up with fireballs?"
Ema, who had been otherwise occupied for a time, finally caught up to the others. She arrived just in time to hear Kip's offer to the girl and her response to him and said with a laugh, "Actually those are more my kind of magic I think. In fact," she said thoughtfully, "one of my spell books actually has lightning bolt in it, I just can't quite cast it yet." She gave a laugh then and continued, "It shouldn't take me much longer to be able too though." With a smile the stunning platinum blonde woman offered her hand to the girl, "I'm Emalliandra, would you like to be my apprentice, teehee?"
"You mean it? Well, yeah!" Medrinnah takes Ema's hand. "Um, do I have to dress like you though? I don't know if I can pull off...all of that."
"Don't worry, you won't need to dress like her." Victrix shrugs. "Only if you really want to."
"And if it won't give your mother a heart attack."
"Maybe I should put something like this on to see the look on her face." Medrinnah grins.
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Simon sits back and wonders at the irony of a frog-man, a woman with no memories, an angel, and a half-orc barely older than the girl attempting to provide direction.
Well, she needs some type of focus in her life. If nothing else, maybe we will scare her back to her mother.
While the others are talking to Medrinnah, Simon talks quietly to Ramona about the girl and keeping an eye on her.
"It could be that Ema and the others could be positive role models, but we are also gone a lot. Backup plans are probably a good idea. She seems quite skilled with tools and might take to a career in technology.
If we have a clockmaker or locksmith in town, maybe she could talk to them?"
Ramona frowns slightly. "Unfortunately, clocks and locks weren't much of a priority for our expedition. The closest to that type of work I can think of is working with Luetin at the forge, but I don't think she'll enjoy being a blacksmith."
Nodding in agreement Ema said, "She's right, your a bit young to dress like this, give it a few more years though and you might want to, teehee." She thought over where to start and said, "Alright, lets go speak with your Mother and let her know what you're going to be doing then we can get started."
Looking at the others as they spoke of backup plans Ema said, "She'll have a lot of studying to do at first anyway, maybe Perrell could help her with that portion when we have to be away." Looking at Medrinnah Ema said, "Realize this won't be easy, only sorcerers come by magic easily, learning my method is difficult and takes time. You have to commit to learning it." With a blissful smile she softened the news, "But once you cast your fist spell it will all be worth it."