Sigil

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 23 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Neil & Bob's Public House Action: Skill: Insight, Skill: Arcana Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The sight of the food up close reminded Victoria that she was actually hungry, in addition to being a bit chillier than was comfortable. The fire helped, but the roar of rain on the roof was a very unsubtle reminder that the weather was not overtly their ally that day. She did give proper attention to the party's willingness to mostly ignore Marita's imperative desire to leave immediately, apparently because food was coming; hypocritically this was also the thought process that the Bard had, herself.

When there was an actual, pressing threat, she did hope that they would all exercise more trust in the Cleric's instincts. Also a thought; why she never chose to pick up a bread-and-butter spell like Detect Magic for the same sort of discoveries was beyond her. Perhaps it was the inclination toward magics outside of the average Bard's repertoire that kept her from it. Even so, she could feel that there was a development to pursue in her studies soon. A decision would have to be made. Just not today.

No, today Victoria saw a slew of verbiage from Madame Cleric (and a few inquiries from the others) only to have it returned by a massive ball of wordy confusion from Robert. While she did admire the ballsy way he strode up to a group of armed and armored adventuring types and just sat down nearby, she could barely keep up with the utter amount of doublespeak. She knew that he meant something, and it was even starting to gel, but the best Victoria could claim was that she knew that she knew nothing. Not until the concept of wererats were mentioned, and Robert clearly avoided that word in his ramblings. Between this, and what she had witnessed so far that day, clarity came to her brain.

"Yes! Lycanthropes, but rats. Simply the worst sort of social parasites, hmm... Vulnerable only to magic or silver, though I have heard stories of some who are immune to silver and vulnerable to other things. I cannot recall much but when I was small, there were rumors of a gang of them in a city near my hometown, before they were flushed out." Victoria had magic, to be sure, but she was not confident in her ability to press a lasting attack with it. More than a couple and she would be useless.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Sigil@Arty Fox

Well, we are again. Not a very far step into the day, but what might be a interesting few minutes in the timeline nonetheless. As a DM, I might advise that one reads between the lines for intent, rather than phrasing. That aside, hit me up with questions and the like in our Discord as per usual, and best of luck in the upcoming.

Or to quote the immortal words of Lord Farquaad: "Some of you may die, but it's a risk I'm willing to take."

Huzzah!

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Weather: Thick and heavy rain dominates the atmosphere outside. The temperature is still about 50^oF (10^oC), and the damp air is noteworthy.

Time: It is still the afternoon. Not much time has passed since the last suspicious event, so here we remain. Again, looking at the levels of light (or lack thereof) is of little help in determining the time of day. Common sense still indicates the early afternoon despite this.

Ambience: The relative quiet inside of the Public House is contrasted by the low, steady roar of heavy precipitation pounding across the roof and streets outside. A bit of projection is still necessary to be heard effectively within the confines of the taproom. The fireplace and various lamps illuminate the surroundings, providing adequate light for all parties despite the closed and shuttered windows and dimness of the open world beyond. A loud, skyward rumble rolled across the clouds above; a piece of ambience fitting the ominous scene inside.

*****

Neil & Bob's Public House

Trays were slid upon the party's table, though it was done with an overabundance of care and worried expressions as the discussion turned to the strange. And to the loud. Both Lea and Daisy forewent the more service-oriented formalities of distributing individual dishes to the people, keeping them on the trays and backing away a few steps. The Human and Halfling employees of the Public House shared a glance at one another but said nothing, waiting to see how this new, loud, and question-raising development played out.

Robert, meanwhile, looked to be judging his words with as much care as a man petitioning an infernal magistrate. Sure, he gave a quick smile of approval when Kathryn translated the word and even a quiet sigh of relief when Victoria explained it aloud (more or less), but following this he really began to verbally skip about. To begin, when Kosara implied that he might be under the effect of a Geas, the older barkeep looked straight at her and declared stonily, "I have no idea what you are talking about." To her idea concerning answering or not answering questions, he continued, "Do you read? I read. I like books. Sloppy writing bothers me, you understand? Leaving gaps in dialogue that you know tells folk the answer anyway? Just kills me sometimes. Sloppy." His words, as he picked them, were precise in a way that frustrated him. The edges of his demeanor frayed with annoyance, and something else - urgency, perhaps?

In contrast, Robert just shot an impatient look at Baronfjørd when his comment about being rude was loosed into the world.

But Marita's climb over a mountain of verbiage provoked a different reaction from the barkeep. He gave a startled look at first which faded into caution, his face locked into near total stoicism as not to react overtly. He did pull a chair from a nearby table and slide it a little nearer to the party's table, which he sprawled into like a man truly wearied. But again, dancing around the meat of the Cleric's monologue, he stated, "Now that's a silly idea - werewolves hiding out in a rural hub town. Doesn't make sense. And I'll tell you something about Jacque's werewolf test - if it's even legitimate - that sounds like a willing, physical yes or no question. Lot of folk I know aren't keen on being pigeon-holed that way. They'd have to have it forced on them, rather than submit. Just on principle. Prideful people in Avonshire." He stared at Marita as he spoke. Again, he seemed to be carefully selecting his words. "I don't speak for our Lea. Daisy, either."

The two women said nothing, but, with fear and worry, gave a nod. Lea reached out her slightly trembling hand to accept the ring as it was offered. They took turns, one after the other, pressing an edge of the ring on the tip of their tongue before offering it back. Nothing seemed to have happened. They both remained quiet, huddled against one another as if bracing for something.

Addressing Kathryn, Robert said simply, "On the subject of silver, I'd talk to a silversmith. That thing I need from Mr. Mallard - I need it before nightfall. My offer's still on the table, literally." He motioned to the stack of five gold coins, right where he left them previously. "He's easy to startle lately. And hard to talk to it you already made him nervous. Whoever wants to go, I'll write you a note."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 23 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Neil & Bob's Public House Action: Arcana Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The chance to regroup was important to Victoria. Running around out in the weather was making her feel disheveled, and in a place that passed for a civilized location amid leagues of farms and open, rolling grass, disheveled was not her goal. Their business was serious and as such she took it seriously, but there was little point in looking like a drowned rat or a wet dog in the completion of their tasks if she could possibly help it. Vanity might have been a weak spot of Victoria's. It was not a fatal flaw as of yet, but it was most certainly an influence from time to time. This was one of those times.

This influence caused her to utilize magic openly for the purposes of ridding herself with the brunt of the rainwater inundating her coat and hat (especially her hat; it was her favorite one and big, purple feathers were hard to come by, damnit), not to mention her more modest silken garments beneath. Maybe that was a mistake. Hindsight was interesting that way. But now that she was more or less dry, had a fire nearby to finish off the rest of the job, and was expecting a warm meal any moment now, she had figured on setting up for a little while. Continue engaging in curious conversation. Socialization was her bailiwick, after all, and she was learning a bit about her companions. A short respite like this was just what she wanted.

Unfortunately, this didn't seem to be in the cards. Not exactly known for her passive observation skills, Victoria had absolutely no idea why Marita suddenly got the idea that leaving so suddenly was a great idea. Her first instinct was to protest. Still, she attempted to play along for the sake of group cohesion while still finding a way to complain. "Can not, um, the task wait for an hour more? Food, fire, quiet? These are beneficial things." The tiniest bit of condescension was present in the last sentence, which quickly ceased when she heard Robert speak. Then she got back on the proverbial clock. Her hand trailed down to her dagger, now much closer then her sword and she even reached a tentative mental tendril out to Morty, who was still standing motionless but at the ready.

Then, to her limited grasp on the situation, a lot of confusing things happened at once. While puzzling this out on very short notice, a chalk word was written and Kathryn beat her to the punch on translating it from Elven to Common. But as there was a pause after Kat spoke the word, Victoria jumped on the opportunity to explain. "Geas ...is a pact. A magically enforced agreement, whether or not both parties actually agree. There are many stories of Fae interactions with mortals. Or Hags, or just powerful enchanters binding others to their wills. Whyever would you..?"

She sat up a bit more, looking at Robert directly though her words were for the others at the table. "Hypothetically, a person directed by a Geas would be compelled to performed named actions. Or specific inaction. An individual affected by this could be told to never speak about certain things, or to crow like a rooster every morning, and if they broke the conditions they could expect pain. Pain and death; and immediately."

Victoria could feel the tension around her grow as she pressed her explanation, the implications of which could be massive and situation-altering if they applied to their current investigation. This could not simply be allowed to... "Ah, the soup is ready!" she declared, her voice and expression suddenly shifting to something bright, bubbly, and optimistic. It was the simple things in life, really, that gave it the most color.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Sigil@Arty Fox

Good day, Edgelords and M'bladies! Another fun filled day of raucous adventure continues in the once peaceful lands of Avonshire, and here you all are to take advantage of the happenings. Now, if that doesn't just beg for jollies to be had so hard you want to smack it in the face with a rolled up newspaper, I don't know what will.

Anyway, thanks to a couple of standard NPC Perception and Insight rolls, a new clue has opened up for potential puzzle-piecing. So now the question becomes: Can you trust the source? Best of luck in the upcoming. Just remember that the weather sucks for everybody and events are both structured (in the sense that a timeline exists) and dynamic (meaning that factors such as action, inaction, weather, and unknown/random factors may influence them). In the end, player decision and the oft fickle Dice Gods will determine your fate.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Weather: The sky is still dropping buckets outside. Temperature remains around 50^oF (10^oC), with humidity creeping along at a steady clip.

Time: It is still the afternoon, so far as anyone can tell despite the lack of direct sunlight. The good news: There isn't even a piece of errant glare to sting at the eyes. The bad news: Heavy rain impedes visibility at a distance.

Ambience: A steady drone of water upon wood and stone serves as background noise to what has become a hollow sounding, open public house. While one's ears become adjusted to the noise and can more effectively tune it out, the volume still prompts one to project one's voice to be clearly understood past a few feet. There is still a lack of people inside of this building with the exception of the party, Robert, Lea, and Daisy (though one hasn't seen the latter, merely heard her referenced as being in the kitchen). The fire in the main room is still crackling along and there are a few small lamps about the walls, giving light enough to see by but not overly so; windows have been shuttered against the weather.

*****

Neil & Bob's Public House

Lea balanced a heavily laden tray in her hands as she exited the kitchen. From the look of it, she carried almost all of the food ordered by the party simultaneously. One could look at it and easily come to the conclusion that it was the culmination of the orders in their entirety, but this thought would be banished by the sight of Daisy, the Halfling cook, hurrying out with a basket containing little round loaves of bread in one hand and two covered pitchers of what one might assume to be fresh beverages in the other. Steam rises from the tray in an inviting manner. The two of them paused at the bar to reposition their loads to more effectively get them to the table without incoming catastrophe.

Meanwhile, Robert looked annoyed. He was perceptive enough to have surmised the use of magic just earlier with the unabashed casting of Prestidigitation and was insightful enough to gamble on detection magic utilized more recently. Perhaps another gamble was taken when he moved from behind the bar to begin putting up unused chairs, bringing him into the range of the divination. The reaction he gave to Marita began with a frustrated sigh and an actual, bona fide facepalm. "Don't insult my intelligence if you can help it."

The tone of the barkeep instantly made Lea and Daisy freeze in place, faces showing an even mix of confusion and concern. "Is everything well?" asked Daisy, shuffling uncertainly on her feet.

Robert walked partway to the bar, a weary voice requesting, "Toss me that chalk, would you, Lea?" Still confused, the young Human lady did as asked, procuring and launching said item ordinarily used to change writing on the slate boards behind the bar. A stick of the white mineral found its way into Robert's hand, which he held out to his side opposite from his other hand in a nonthreatening gesture as he made an approach to the table. He hastily inscribed a single word onto the wooden surface. "Can any of you translate this from Elvish for me?" He expectantly and impatiently looked to those still at the table, gesturing at the newly written word in question.

For those characters who are familiar with the language of Elves, the word translates to "GEAS". This can also be guessed with an Arcana check with a DC of 18 (roll in Discord) if they do not understand Elvish.

The older barkeep did not make an attempt to stop anyone's egress, nor did he make hostile movements of any kind. But his voice resounded with the same overt annoyance that has colored his words as he said, "Please tell me that the people sent by Sheriff Arbalest to help aren't morons."

Still highly confused but ever dutiful, Lea and Daisy began to slowly make their way to the table with the many dishes of lightly steaming lunch munchies.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 23 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Neil & Bob's Public House Action: Arcana Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The explanation from Marita, concerning their part of the adventure separate from the others, was factually accurate if not quite as flowery in speech as she might have preferred. But not everyone could be a poet, she supposed, and relating the meat of what happened was more important than an entertaining monologue. Victoria was ever the performer, she supposed. Not that the discussion at the table was fully without entertainment value - the fact that Kosara and Kathryn made their move for the Honey Barn was a thing which the young Bard was a little disappointed she did not witness for herself. "I look forward to seeing what sort of place The Honey Barn is. Especially if there is a little coin for my travels to be had."

The other side of that issue was the direct answer to her question about the constable being "grumpy", and details surrounding their encounter. That he received a payoff from a place of questionable legitimacy did not raise her hackles; such things were commonplace and often beneficial to all parties involved, if just a touch shady. But the reports of borderline (if not direct) hostility and an insistence that he would seek out herself and Marita were unsettling. "It was a smart idea to keep away from ...our spot... in case you were followed. Thank you." Diplomatically, Victoria did feel the need to state another point, "We will need to get back in there eventually." This was going to be a problem, and unless she missed her guess, Cavendish was part of this whole business somehow. Now all she had to do was figure out what precisely this business was and how the unpleasant Constable was involved.

More to recent developments, Victoria dedicated an amount of her brainpower to the mystery of the ring that Kathryn brought back from the silversmith's place. Having already taken the same test, if that display was a test of some sort, the act of it puzzled her. What was that supposed to accomplish? The idea that a simple silver band placed somewhere delicate could invoke a reaction of some sort might have merit, though for what and under which circumstances simply eluded Victoria's ability to deduce. Skilled in matters of general Arcana thanks to her specific training, this tiny detail had gotten past her in a way that she knew was basic. Victoria found this annoying. Vexed and wishing to focus on something else, the ordinarily purple-clad Bard focused her attention outward to what was going on in the rest of the Public House.

Robert busied himself with getting rid of the few remaining people in the building. Victoria could have sworn that he saw the man give them coins but could not quite tell what he was saying to them, thanks to the steady roar of rain and their distance from the other occupied tables. But he looked to be intentionally clearing them out. Them, and not the party. This was curious. She almost lay her hand on her sword. When he approached, the promise of free food was taken with both suspicion and gratitude. A girl's got to eat, after all, even if there was something ulterior going on. If said motive was to hire them for a quick and simple delivery job, then sure. "I'm confident that we might find inclination to run your errand, Robert, seeing as you are extending us a courtesy." Quid pro quo, and all that. But suspicions remained. She quickly added, "Perhaps people who were not thrown out of Mr. Mallard's storefront may achieve a more equitable result. What is the situation with the Silversmith? What exactly did you say to him?" Information to build an arsenal for a social engagement were just as necessary as when preparing for a fight, to Victoria's experience.

Answers would have to wait for a moment as Lea came to take their order. The presence of the hardworking, comely young woman gave Victoria a little smile despite the dire circumstances playing out around them, even so far as to allow a little color to rise in her cheeks before she gave some effort to fully recomposing herself. Still, in pleasant, melodic tones, she responded to the recommended repast with a spirited, "Then that is exactly what I shall have, Lea. It all sounds heavenly, thank you."

In the event that anyone caught her sudden change of demeanor, Victoria removed her now drier hat from from the table and shook it a bit, then turned to hang it on the back of her chair in an effort to give herself something to do while conversation progressed. When she was finished, she piped up with, "I am glad to hear that the L'Roses are faring well." A memory crossed Victoria's mind just then; one she had put aside for later, involving little Lizbeth and the state of repair of her favorite purple jacket. This would have to wait a while longer, it seemed.

On the subject of waiting longer, the rain seemed relentless and they had food on the way, so they were staying put for a little bit, at least. This seemed to be a prudent time to engage in a bit of non-business-related conversation. So she settled back in her chair, glad for the presence of the fire, and waited for an appropriate moment to speak. After Kosara related her story, Victoria figured it was as good a moment as any. And with a point in common with the Tiefling lady, she had an opener. Dulcet words flowed from Victoria as she said, "Oh, that's just precious, Kosara! I have sisters back home, too. Three of them. They're the entire world to me." Her tone shifted to something more serious. "I have a, ah... a cousin, as well. His name is Virgil." Victoria paused, as if contemplating exactly how to phrase her next words. When she resumed, it was with precise diction. "He is very much like myself. A Half-Elf. A True Bard; violinist. He studied the philosophies of the Grey Requiem. We even greatly resemble one another." A sigh, and then to the meat of her story, "Virgil was lost to us. I place a high wager on the possibility that, as I continue to walk the path of the Grey Requiem as an adventurer like he did, I will find out what happened. Hopefully by then I will have the ability to do something about it." A smile returned to her face. It was a little colder; a little more ambitious. But at least her spirits seemed improved.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

@Dragoknighte@rivaan@Remipa Awesome@Sigil@Arty Fox

Aaaaaand we're back! Thank you for taking to the hiatus without issue. My more professional hurdles now out of the way, we are ready to get back into the swing of things. Hence, this update. Concerning this update, there are a couple of things to note, in case they aren't clear enough from the descriptions in the IC:

Within the tavern, as far as anyone can see, it's just the staff and the party. The customers have all left. Robert is behind the bar nursing his drink. Lea is out in the open unless she's fetching something for someone. Based upon context in the dialogue, one might assume that Daisy is in the kitchen doing what she does.

The rain doesn't seem like it wants to stop anytime soon, either. Unless your character wants to go out in a downpour, you've got some time in here. I might recommend getting to know your fellow adventurer in this time, or opening discussion with the staff here. Be advised that the current clack is still clacking, though the weather is probably postponing plans all around town.

As far as timers go, everyone is reset back to Day One. Formulate your plans, do your thing, have it set up within the coming week. Work out collabs if you need. Per usual, questions, concerns, and calls for rolls or rulings can be placed in our Discord OOC or by private message. Welcome back.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Weather: The rain has kicked into high gear. While the temperature remains around 50^oF (10^oC), the humidity is a steady factor.

Time: It is very early afternoon, though if one turns their eyes to the sky to get a better idea they would be sorely disappointed with the lack of reference points. If one stares at the sky for too long with their mouth open, drowning is a possibility.

Ambience: The sounds of rain roared against the roof of the Public House. Hammering white noise filled the ears and made casual discussion difficult without raising one's voice a little. Considering that the few others in this place were also speaking in raised voices and it was difficult to make out what they were saying, it seemed everyone was having a little difficulty. Luckily, thunder was not a thing with which one had to contend to be heard, just the seemingly omnipresent downpour.

*****

Neil & Bob's Public House

Of the three tables sparsely occupied by locals and other guests, one group of three stood and readied to leave. A modest but acceptable gratuity was left on the table, the last of drinks were drained, and coats were pulled over heads before a mad dash out into the weather. Apparently, they had somewhere to be. Lea, the barmaid, wasted no time in tending to their table and picking up her tip. This left two tables (aside from the party's) remaining. They seem not to be interested in any business but their own.

Robert remained behind the bar for the meantime, giving studious expressions to the occupied tables remaining. He poured himself a tall mug of ale and leaned forward to rub his temples briefly, but otherwise did nothing of consequence. Once the vacated table was cleared, Lea made her approach to the group's table (or whichever table the majority of the group had gravitated toward) and gave a friendly, well-meaning smile. A slightly more personal greeting went to Marita, who helped her with her work the previous evening, in the form of a quick wave. Lea then entered into a variation of one of her usual professional queries. "Hi! It's great to see you all back. What can I get for you? I'll let you in on something," She spoke the last sentence as if to reveal a quaint secret, continuing with, "The bread is very fresh, the fruit is really good today and... I think Daisy is just finishing up a batch of her butternut squash soup. It's sooo yummy."

Behind her, Robert had taken the opportunity to walk to one of the tables near the bar that still had patrons. There was a quick discussion followed by the shaking of hands and this table's occupants also getting up to leave. As Lea took orders or fielded questions, Robert had a similar conversation with the final table. It was more than a sentence or two between them, and the sound of coins hitting the floor could be heard, hastily scooped up by Robert and placed back on the table. They too made their preparations to exit.

The named proprietor finally made his way over to the party. He lay a hand on Lea's shoulder and spoke in a softer voice than any of you recall hearing from him before, saying, "Their meal is on us. We're losing money today, anyhow. No sense letting fresh food go to waste." He quickly added, "Drinks are still full price," raising a brow at Kathryn. He paused, giving what appeared to to considered thought and waiting until the last person from the last table exited the building before offering, "As a matter of fact, I have an errand I would be willing to pay you to handle for me, if you would." Robert reached into apron and pulled out a small moneypurse. From this he withdrew five gold coins and stacked them neatly on the edge of the table. "I am in no great hurry. But if you can, Mr. Mallard has a special order for me. I would appreciate if you would collect it and bring it back after the rain lets up some."

The main room of Neil & Bob's Public House was empty except for the party, Bob, and Lea. The ever present rain seemed to enhance what was an otherwise notable quiet. It is broken by Robert, "Dry off for a while. Let Lea know if you want anything. Excuse me." The proprietor; the Bob on the shingle of the business, tapped the gold coins on the table and finished with, "Let me know if you don't know want easy money, I'll come by to take it back," and moved to return to his spot behind the bar.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Victoria Belmont Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3 HP: 23 / 23 Armor Class: 15 Conditions: N/A Location: Neil & Bob's Public House Action: Casting Prestidigitation Bonus Action: Morty Reaction: N/A

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Victoria was not surprised to see Kathryn and Kosara near the loft/pub area. They had agreed to meet up around this time. What was surprising was that they were waiting outside in this uncomfortable autumn rain. Not that rain was bad; many a time the occasionally flighty Bard found herself laughing and dancing about in a fine, gentle rain toward summertime back home, but the width of space separating that bit of nostalgia and the chill drenching of the present hour was vast. The weather did nothing to enhance her mood following the shocking event with the kid in the middle of the street, as well. She might have even been a little rude to their new acquaintance, giving him a curt nod at his introduction and little else on their sodden double-step walk back.

The initial idea was to get into the Hayloft as quickly as possible and dry off, but something in the way they were motioned over hinted at urgency. So, feeling quite like a wet cat, Victoria stepped in the direction of Kathyrn and Kosara in front of the Public House. The very tall, armored lady make a very bold statement with the sentiment that things have changed. Victoria suppressed a sarcastic laugh and instead nodded in agreement. Yes, things have changed. If their news was as big as what she and Marita had witnessed, things were going to change even more.

Inside of Neil & Bob's, Victoria beelined to the table nearest to the fire in the main room. Luckily it was unoccupied. While others began to settle in and meet the new Dragonborn, she removed her now soaked hat and flopped it upon the table unceremoniously. Immediately, she stripped away her slim, purple jacket and hung it across the back of a chair. The black silk she wore underneath clung uncomfortably to her physique which she immediately pulled away from her skin (as to maintain modesty in public) and immediately fanned it a bit in a futile gesture to remove excess moisture. With a sigh, she realized that a moment of immodesty was necessary as she let the fine, imported cloth fall back to her body and began to hum. A light shimmer of heat displacement and magic flitted about her clothing as water evaporated. A subsequent casting took care of her hat. Victoria was wearing lighter clothing now but at least she was dry, and near to a fire. Morty kept near to her, at mental command getting near to the fire to dry itself (but not so close as to let the smell of roasting ham fill the room).

After a sigh, Victoria began abruptly, "To speak plainly, Rickard left. We were investigating the property of one of the missing people. Next I was aware, he just left. For what reason, I could not say. This one," he motioned to Baronfjord, "Is looking for our employer." She felt like being succinct, and her words were beginning to reflect this. Victoria lay her violin case on the table in front of her and leaned back in her chair. Then she listened.

An eyebrow raised at the mention of the silver ring. She took it with some suspicion on her face, but placed it delicately upon her own tongue and held it there for a few seconds. The Half-Elf seemed almost surprised, even a little disappointed that nothing happened. But the final result was that nothing did happen. It looked to her like silver. Victoria's hand trailed over to the brooch pinned to her coat in the shape of a raven skull, likewise made of the argent metal. "What was the connection here?" she wondered silently. Based upon what she and Marita had seen, any pieces of supposition to that end were frightening. "We have our own news that changes matters here in town, though I daresay Marita is better qualified to speak on it. She had a significantly closer view than I." A brief look around the room had Victoria following with, "Quite franly, would prefer to have an in-depth dialogue with a hot meal and carafe of good wine, myself."

The ordinarily purple-clad Bard raised a hand to wave over the barmaid, Lea, a cheery smile spreading across her delicate, proportioned features. This faded quickly as something Kosara said began to sink into her thoughts. With everything else going on, she had no desire to leave a detail, even a seemingly innocuous one, unaccounted for. "Half a moment... What did you mean by 'the Constable was grumpy still', Kosara?"