"If that's the case, I don't understand why he had his eidolon fetch an object after the building collapsed. Why not retrieve it while he was positioning the dead man," Markiv is deep in thought while he pokes at his dinner, "But wait, didn't the homeless man say he heard someone shout after the eidolon entered the already collapsed building? That makes it sound like he was crushed, then finished off by the snake, then the snake retrieved the item."
Markiv reaches into his pockets for a pair of amber spectacles, "I think this case is turning out to be," he puts on the glasses, "Pretty slippery."
Auriel shrugs. "Maybe what he wanted was locked up in a safe or something, where he couldn't get it without collapsing the building? Did anyone in there have a safe in their walls?" She turns back to Laya with her chalk. "You should come down to Lowcleft some evening. There's a bunch of artists who do chalk murals on the pavingstones; anyone's welcome to join in."
Auriel shrugs. "Maybe what he wanted was locked up in a safe or something, where he couldn't get it without collapsing the building? Did anyone in there have a safe in their walls?" She turns back to Laya with her chalk. "You should come down to Lowcleft some evening. There's a bunch of artists who do chalk murals on the pavingstones; anyone's welcome to join in."
Laya looks at her chalk in a bit of surprise. "Oh," she says, blushing slightly. "I'm not really much of an artist. I just doodle really. Helps me visualize things better. I doubt what I could draw there would be very good."
[nudge]So, plans for tomorrow's investigation?[/nudge]
Laya looks at her chalk in a bit of surprise. "Oh," she says, blushing slightly. "I'm not really much of an artist. I just doodle really. Helps me visualize things better. I doubt what I could draw there would be very good."
Auriel's expression turns fiercely militant. "Art belongs to everyone," she insists, "not just the stuffy museum types. That's the whole point of the Chalk Walk. Art is a state of mind. Everyone can be a part of it, and when it's done, it doesn't belong to anyone. No one's going to buy it or sell it or lock it away where only the 'right' kind of people can see it. It's free, like your soul. Like you can be," she points into Laya's face with a half-eaten breadstick, "if you don't let the army of Boring Shoes and Practical People and ... and Nice Boys with Good Futures hold you down."
Her spiel over, she sits back and chews speculatively on the end of her breadstick. "Sounds like we have lots of questions. Like, how reliable is your witness telling you this story? Sounds like what you're finding out isn't squaring up with what he's feeding you. Also, what's missing from the first building? He'd have to have been an idiot to have knocked it down just for fun. One building could be a tragic accident; two gets the Watch involved. Hey," she sits forward with a sudden thought, and the front legs of her chair hit the floor with a thud. "What if what he wanted wasn't at the first building? He went there first, looking for it, and had to make a second trip. What was in both buildings?" she turns to Markiv. "They both had jewelers and antique stores, right? A necklace could have come from either one."
Heward rolls into the Cenotaph Arms, "Ale!" he calls as he points toward the table with the others. He leans his halberd against the wall. He pulls the chair out from the table, spins it a half revolution and sits.
"Interviewed the Naos Market neighors. No one saw anything. Have an old couple that might have heard some thumps before the crash, but nothing else. Some merchants might be missing some necklaces. They're still looking through the rubble. "
His eyes drift around the table and settle on Auriel. "Who's the street's sweet?"
Auriel's eyebrows raise mildly at his characterization of her. "Auriel Minick. I'm the new girl. Who's the square? No, wait," she interrupts herself, holding up her hand and looking him toe to head from the standard-issue Watch footwear to the well-worn but painstakingly laundered uniform, taking in the overall earnestness and law-abidingness of him. "I know. You're the Nice Boy with the Good Future, aren't you? Would my mother ever love to meet you. She's been talking about you for years."
Awgin comes in to the Cenotaph Arms late in the meal. He grunts greetings to everyone and orders some stew. Auriel's new presence barely registers as he sulks.
Auriel's eyebrows raise mildly at his characterization of her. "Auriel Minick. I'm the new girl. Who's the square? No, wait," she interrupts herself, holding up her hand and looking him toe to head from the standard-issue Watch footwear to the well-worn but painstakingly laundered uniform, taking in the overall earnestness and law-abidingness of him. "I know. You're the Nice Boy with the Good Future, aren't you? Would my mother ever love to meet you. She's been talking about you for years."
Heward's eyes narrow, "Maybe I'm not as nice as your mother would like. " It's as sharp a retort as he can come up with on short notice.
"So why'd the Cap'n saddle us with you, Auriel?"
She shrugs. "Maybe he thinks you're being a little too obvious, stumping around town in shining armor and asking questions. Maybe he thinks you could use a little more subtlety. Flashing a badge isn't the best way to get straight answers from people in some parts of town."
She shrugs. "Maybe he thinks you're being a little too obvious, stumping around town in shining armor and asking questions. Maybe he thinks you could use a little more subtlety. Flashing a badge isn't the best way to get straight answers from people in some parts of town."
"So, what's your line in subtlety? Nimble fingers, a line of chat, charming personality, a honey pot?"
"She's here to help us solve the mystery since Erodel ran away," Laya says, glaring at Heward. "We should be welcoming, not interrogating her. Now then, to get us back on topic, nothing has been reported missing at Irefoot Hall yet, but the shop owners haven't finished sifting through everything. I also didn't get a chance to talk to all of them. I'll go back tomorrow to talk to more of them. However, according to Ms. Rumblemountain, whoever brought the building down concentrated his efforts near a shop called the Cherished Chelish. I did talk to the owner of that one and got a complete inventory of his goods from him. He had a lot of valuable goods, any of which could have been the target of a theft, if indeed theft was the motive, which we're still not sure of."
"So, what's your line in subtlety? Nimble fingers, a line of chat, charming personality, a honey pot?"
Auriel smirks back at Heward. "That's right, flatfoot: Any girl you meet on the street must be selling her favors. Is that why you tell yourself none of them give you a second look? Your purse isn't heavy enough?"
She lets Laya redirect the conversation. "'Cherished Chelish?' That's the antique store, right? Maybe you ought to ask the antique guy at the first place if he's had any business with the Chelish guy -- sold him some of his stock, maybe."
Still looking into his stew, Awgin thinks out loud.
1 "He knocks down a building filled with expensive items and only takes one or two things. Why? He's not a thief, not really. He's after something specific. Maybe to complete a ritual or take back something that was stolen from him or 'his people'."
2 "Why knock down buildings rather than steal in quietly? Simple, he can't. He doesn't have the requisite skills or spells. If he were sending a message, the guard's death would not need to be masked to look like an accident. Collapsing building is big and noisy. Sneaking in would allow him more time at the site to look for what he's after."
3 "The Summoner doesn't care about knocking down buildings to get what he's after, but the snake thing tries to make the nightwatchman's death look like he was crushed by debris. Why? He's not done yet. He needs more items or he still doesn't have what he's after. Since he doesn't seem to be taking anything else. Need to confirm this with list of inventories from shop owners. Check with West Naos merchants that might carry relics."
4 "How is he weakening stones; tearing them up from the inside? Magic of some kind. Out of my realm. There is a muffled sound of thumping or rocks hitting rocks... He has a snake thing, maybe he has a rock thing too? Out of my realm."
5 "Missing blueprints of West Naos Market. Coincidence? Check on blueprints of Irefoot Market. Did anyone look at them recently? Where are they kept? Talk with Rumblemountain."
He then looks up from his meal and finally notices Auriel. He looks her up and down, sizing her up. "Hey."
She smiles back. "Hi. Do you always think in lists?"
"That would be an interesting way to think," Laya says. "I wish I thought in lists. I might be more organized that way. That's a very interesting point you bring up about the missing blueprints. We should definitely look into that. I'll check up on the Irefoot Hall blueprints and check in on Rumblemountain again." She retrieves a piece of parchment from her pack and scribbles a quick note to herself with her chalk, then places the note back in her pack.
...
Auriel smirks back at Heward. "That's right, flatfoot: Any girl you meet on the street must be selling her favors. Is that why you tell yourself none of them give you a second look? Your purse isn't heavy enough?"
Heward glares at the woman, but remains silent. She's got Calistria's own tongue. I'll have to watch myself around her, wouldn't want to be hauled in front of the Cap'n for striking a fellow Watchman. If she really is a Watchman and not an informer.
Then he chimes in on the real conversation, "Rumblemountain already told us. Both the Irefoot and Market blueprints are missing. They're normally kept in her department's archives."
"Awgin, do you really think we'll see another collapse?"
"Awgin, do you really think we'll see another collapse?"
Auriel intecepts the question meant for Awgin. "If he doesn't have everything he's after, it's a good bet. Let's play our hunch and assume what he stole was from the Cherished Chelish. How many other antique shops in town carry old Chelish junk? If we can't figure out what he's taken, maybe our best bet to find him is to catch him in the act. Do you think we could persuade Captain Boring-Shoes to put a guard on likely antique shops? Maybe take some of the Watch off the oh-so-important hassling-street-performers beat."
Awgin becomes a bit embarrassed when Auriel mentions his process. Just, um just trying to get stuff straight in my head." He clears his throat before continuing. "Actually, it was a Shoanti item, an enchanted Shoanti item. But we won't know what to actually look for until we know more." He then excuses himself and hurries out the door.
Nazard
Laya retrieves the piece of parchment from her pack again and rubs out the chalk scrawlings on it, muttering, "Missing blue prints." She starts to put the parchment away again, and her eyes widen.
"Of course! To knock it down, he first has to know how it's built. We need to find out what other blueprints are missing. That'll tell us what other buildings are to be hit. And we have to do it now!" She grabs her pack and jumps off the chair. "I'm off to find Ms. Rumblemountain. Who's coming?" Without waiting for anyone to answer, she heads to the door, cutting under tables in her way.
Heward thinks about the leads. He knows nothing about magic or jewelry. Anyone can go through files.
Heward levers himself to his feet. "Right behind you, Laya. Anyone else coming? If we have to search all the records we're going to need a lot of hands or a lot of time."
He'll follow Laya to Rumblemountain's office. On the way he'll try some small talk in halfling.
Laya and Heward (and others, perhaps?) quickly head out into the late summer evening. As you descend the Seacleft, the setting sun throws breathtaking streaks of red and gold over the ocean. It's nearly dark by the time you arrive at the Civic Building where the City Planner's Office is housed.
But it is light enough for you to read the "Closed. Come back tomorrow." sign.
Auriel smiles after Awgin. "He's a shy one, isn't he?" she remarks.
Offered the opportunity to spend the evening looking through files, she shudders. "Not me." She watches Laya hurry out with Heward behind her. "I'm not convinced that our guy's knocking down buildings just because he doesn't know how to pick a lock. There are all kinds of ways to steal something if that's what you're after, not least of which is to just hire someone to do it for you. I still say he's a genius. We still don't even know what he's taken and probably won't for weeks, until the rubble is cleared up and sorted and compared to a list of inventory."
Laya stares at the closed sign and sighs. "Of course, it's nighttime. I should have realized that. Oh well, back first thing tomorrow then."
"Don't give up that easily." Heward tries the door.
If it is open he'll go in and call out, "Hello, anyone here?"
If it is locked he will pound on the door. Loudly. Hopefully there's a night watchman or caretaker who will open up.
There is no answer to Heward's knocking.
"Keep trying. I'll look for another door." Heward trots off around the corner of the building.
"Keep trying. I'll look for another door." Heward trots off around the corner of the building.
The two of them try for twenty minutes or so, banging on doors, looking through windows, but if there is anybody inside, they don't acknowledge you. Tired and possibly a bit frustrated, the two are forced to admit defeat, and I'm guessing, return to headquarters.
Meanwhile, the others are left at the Arms to pick up their tab...
Meanwhile, the others are left at the Arms to pick up their tab...
Realizing she and Markiv are the last ones in the pub with a table full of meals, Auriel hops up. "Well, Pops, it's been fun, but I'd better go get unpacked before bedtime. Besides, I told someone where I'd be; I wouldn't want him to think I gave him a fake address if he turns up." She quickly exits the Cenotaph Arms, leaving Markiv with the tab.
Meanwhile, the others are left at the Arms to pick up their tab...Realizing she and Markiv are the last ones in the pub with a table full of meals, Auriel hops up. "Well, Pops, it's been fun, but I'd better go get unpacked before bedtime. Besides, I told someone where I'd be; I wouldn't want him to think I gave him a fake address if he turns up." She quickly exits the Cenotaph Arms, leaving Markiv with the tab.
As she heads back to HQ, Lyeban does step out of the shadows, eager to "see her room"...
"I see your friends have all tried to stick you with the bill?" Bartimus says to Markiv with a chuckle. "Shall I put your meal and theirs on their tabs?"
As she heads back to HQ, Lyeban does step out of the shadows, eager to "see her room"...
As she heads back to HQ, Lyeban does step out of the shadows, eager to "see her room"...
For normal Watchmen, it's a no, but you folks have a good deal more privileges and privacy than a typical Watchman.
Of course, there are security concerns, but I'll leave it up to you whether or not Auriel would think/care about such things.
Of course, there are security concerns, but I'll leave it up to you whether or not Auriel would think/care about such things.
When it becomes clear they aren't getting in, Laya says to Heward, "Let's just come back in the morning. We'll just hope no buildings get knocked down tonight. I will have to have a word with Captain Percival, however, about making places like this accessible twenty-four hours a day."
On the walk back to MSI headquarters, she says, "Why were you so hard on our new teammate? She seems friendly enough. She even invited me to a chalk-drawing event."
When it becomes clear they aren't getting in, Laya says to Heward, "Let's just come back in the morning. We'll just hope no buildings get knocked down tonight. I will have to have a word with Captain Percival, however, about making places like this accessible twenty-four hours a day."
On the walk back to MSI headquarters, she says, "Why were you so hard on our new teammate? She seems friendly enough. She even invited me to a chalk-drawing event."
"That wasn't hard. Someday I'll show you hard. It won't be pretty," Heward pauses. "I take the Watch seriously. My dad isn't the best guy, but he didn't deserve the Scarnzi torching his store. People need someone to keep the bad guys in line. That way they feel safe. And if they feel safe and part of a community, then they can do some good for each other. Halfman taught me that."
"Auriel, might be all right, but she looks like a punk-ass drifter, and most of them are beggars, pickpockets, con men, or worse. That's her subtlety. We'll see. If she plays straight and doesn't disgrace the Watch, I'll be the best friend she ever had."
Of course, there are security concerns, but I'll leave it up to you whether or not Auriel would think/care about such things.
Auriel learns that Lyeban comes from affluent roots (wealthy merchant parents from Korvosa, not nobles or anything), and is a bit of a spoiled brat. He doesn't really have any specialty at the School, mostly because he spends more time doing what he's doing right now than he does on his studies. He makes scornful mention several times of how his classmates are probably all cuddled up to dusty books right now while he has his arms around a truly foxy lady.
"Some halflings distrust all humans because some humans keep halfling slaves. Wouldn't you think me out of line if I distrusted you for that reason? After all, I have no reason to think you have or have ever had any halfling slaves. Give Auriel a chance before you start to assume the worst of her. If she doesn't deserve it, that will become clear in the end. We all get our due in the end. We all die and we are all judged. Not today, not this year, we hope, but in the end, we cannot escape it. Auriel might just surprise you, and you'll be the best friend she ever had."
You all awaken the next morning to the smells of fresh bread and coffee wafting up the stairs. Dressing and coming down, the smells lead you down the hall towards the dining room. A chubby man with thin moustaches and a flour-covered white apron carrying a cloth-covered tray that smells of pastry bustles past you out of the kitchens with a quick, "Excusez-moi," in a thick Galtan accent. He heads down the hall after the smells.
Mrs. Brigglespan flags you down from her spot in the front entrance room.
"Good morning to you all. As promised, I have found a man to do the cooking for you. He is quite discrete with anything secretive, and is a most excellent pastry chef. I had a suspicion such a skill would be appreciated here," she adds with a small smile aimed at Calatin. "His name is Gaston. No doubt you just saw him."
If Auriel's friend is at breakfast, I'll make mention of another rookie.
Over breakfast, Awgin asks "Laya, Heward, how did you two fare last night? Awgin looks most displeased at his plate full of Galtan food, but he eats it anyway.
After having paid the tab Markiv sleep at the watchhouse for conveniences sake. The next morning he is pleased at the hiring of a cook, "Thank you, Mr Brigglespan. That is just what I had in mind. I believe I'll have smoke breakfast before we delve into the case. Did anything new crop up while you folks were out last night after dinner?"
"We weren't able to get in to see about the blueprints," Laya says, picking at her food. "The place was closed. You'd think a place with important city documents would have someone working a night shift, but apparently not. I'll head back after breakfast. It's really rather unfair when you think about it. When you're working for the law, you can't get inside when it's closed, but when you're working against the law, all you have to do is pick the lock, or knock the building down, or something similar. Admittedly, if they catch you, you get in trouble, but still, there ought to be some way for law-abiding citizens to expedite matters when it's important. If another building was knocked down last night, I'll be very cross with Captain Percival."
She examines her food very carefully and takes an experimental bite. She shrugs. "Hmmm... Not bad, I suppose." She takes another bite. "I guess I can get used to it. Really though, the Fluffy Muffin is just around the corner and they have very reasonable prices."
Auriel wakes up to the enticing smell of a hot breakfast. She sits up eagerly and then remembers Lyeban's presence in the bed beside her. The happy anticipation in her stomach settles with a thud into a queasy uneasiness. In the light of morning, she feels a little ashamed of herself. Yeah, he's nice to look at, but....
For the first time, she thinks that maybe this isn't the place to invite just any old someone, curly hair and smooth lines or not. She is filled with the desire to get him out of the building without any of the others knowing about it. She thinks she had seen a back way out down past the kitchen when she dropped off her bag last night....
"Lyeban!" she whispers urgently, shaking him a little in his sleep. "You have to get up! My ex-boyfriend's downstairs. He won't stop stalking me. He's a member of the City Watch, and he has a terrible temper! Hurry! You can get out the back way, just down the stairs and turn left!"
Entering the building from the outside and carrying a fishing rod and a bundle, Heward greets Mrs. Brigglespan and heads upstairs to his room.
Lyeban gets a fearful look in his eyes at the mention of a violent ex-boyfriend. He quickly gets dressed and scoots out the door, only to return a few moments later, shutting the door quickly and leaning against it. A moment later, Auriel hears the sounds of footsteps and the clatter of fishing gear go by the door. Lyeban doesn't wait to see if he was seen - he makes a beeline for the window, throws it open and dives out, casting a spell as he falls, turning his plummet into a graceful descent. Upon landing, he brushes himself off and smiles back up at Auriel, waves, and dashes off.
As Heward is heading for breakfast, Mrs. Brigglespan stops him in the hallway. "Mr. Wallas, a Watchman just dropped this off. I believe it is a list of the complete inventory of the businesses at the Wrst Naos Market."
She hands him five scrolls.