After a full investigation of Lilith’s room the group headed for a nights stay at the inn; to think over the items they have gathered, and the events that have occurred. They wake up to a bright morning; it is early, but there is much activity out on the street as shopkeepers set up their displays and peddlers try to catch the early shoppers.

 

Soren yawns, pulling on his cloak and cracking his knuckles. He moves downstairs, eyeing the outside for only a moment, to pick up something to eat while he waits for everyone else.

 

Mina grumbles moving downstairs to join Soren, yawning as she goes. Mina is clearly not much of a morning person as she looks barely awake

 

Soren barely glances upwards as Mina comes down, instead paging through a few papers. "Sleep well?"

 

Kansu heads down behind Mina, leaning on his staff.

 

Gorland walks in casually from outside the inn, stretching, with a slight yawn. "Mm..Nothing like brisk morning air to wake you up."

 

Mina replies with something that somewhat sounds like a good morning mixed with a grumpy mumble back to Soren

 

Goroh gets up as well, walking down to meet up with the others.

 

<@Soren> "Swell. We all present, then?"

 

Kansu nods.

 

<+Gorland> "It seems that way, my chipper companion."

 

<+Mina> "Mpppfrlll...ye...ah" *Mina begins rubbing her eyes trying to shake off the sleepyness*

 

<@Soren> "Right. Well..." He pulls out the 'message box' from before, popping open the lid. "Time to see if we have any results."

 

When Soren opens the box, he finds a neatly folded piece of parchment with the same red scrawl as the original note. It reads: As always, Lilith.

 

<@Soren> "...huh. Well, there's something. Care to try a longer note, then?"

 

<+Kansu> "Oh good. She's listening."

 

Just to confirm, Lilith was written as part of the sentence, not as a signature.

 

<@Soren> "...hm. Have any more investigation you want to do? I'm sure we can think of something to write by, say, lunch."

 

<+Gorland> "I'd like to try to find information about this.. Cierra person...If Lilith ran away to a friend, it seems that Cierra would be the logical lead...Not that anything about this is logical."

 

Soren nods. "Mhm. It's a long shot, but Mina, do you want to go and look into a seering? If we can get a bit more information that'd be good. Have to admit, I don't expect it to work, but it's worth a try."

 

<@Soren> "What did we find out from all of our leads yesterday? Just a quick summary. Can't hurt to go over everything."

 

<+Mina> "Yeah I guess it's worth a try."

 

Soren crosses his arms. "Think you'll be fine going off and taking care of that yourself, Mina? We'll compare notes quickly, and then see where to go from there."

 

<+Mina> "Alright"

 

<+Goroh> "Well, there's the creepy guy I saw Sir Lyndian talking to."

 

Goroh fetches the bit of paper where he wrote the conversation down

 

Gorland sits down and scratches forehead. "The biggest thing is that I'm not convinced it was a kidnapping...It seems more like an aggravated run-away. Like she was attacked in her room."

 

<@Soren> "Alright, so she headed off...somewhere, in response. If that's the case and it's willingly, maybe we'll have a little more luck with the seering." Soren shrugs. "In any case, you wanted to turn your attention to Cierra?"

 

<+Gorland> "Aye. But I know little about her, just that Lilith knew her and apparently trusted her to a degree. I'm not sure if anyone around here would know any information on her or not. If she lives in the area, it’s possible that a recent census or some other public record might have her whereabouts."

 

<@Soren> "You're talking to the right person, then. What can I tell you?" Soren frowns, thinking. "At least, as far as I know."

 

<+Gorland> "You know Cierra then?..Do you know anything relevant to any of this? Do you know if she's within reachable distance of the castle?"

 

<@Soren> "Hard to say."

 

<+Gorland> "Which part?"

 

<@Soren> "I know she was in Torull recently; but how recently, I can't be sure. I've had letters that were received only a few days ago, but it feels like...I don't know. Like I'm missing some time. Give me a moment." He pauses to go through his bag for a moment.

 

<@Soren> "Alright. Letter one...I had asked to meet as soon as possible. This was the response I got."

 

Soren clears his throat.

 

<@Soren> Dear Soren; I am not quite sure to make of this letter; you only left this morning to help Cynrick find a route home. But I guess I can take this offer up for a giggle. If you honestly want to talk to me ‘As soon as possible’ I will  be heading for the market place in a bit to watch them raise the statue. If you’re not there after receiving this response, then I will see you in our inn room tonight."

 

<@Soren> "Good luck to you and Cynrick. As always, Cierra."

 

Soren pauses. "The problem is, I have no idea who this 'Cynrick' is...but there's more."

 

<+Gorland> "I take it you hadn't left that morning when you wrote said letter, or when she wrote her response?"

 

<@Soren> "Funny about that. I sent my letter off for a response that afternoon, and got one not too much longer. Going to Torull, I found out that I apparently did...something. I can't be sure." He rolls his eyes, a little annoyed. "You'll see if we end up going there. Point is, I figured out which inn we had been staying at and found a second letter."

 

Soren clears his throat again, but speaks a little more quietly.

 

<@Soren> "Soren; It seems my watch over Cierra has been a little lax; however I warn you, another message from you will not reach her hands. You took everything my life was worth; and I will do the same to you. I have taken your life; and I will relish in it, and when it falls it will make a crash so loud the whole world will resonate, just to make sure it reaches your ears, wherever you may happen to be. I guarantee it will be an impact you will never forget.

 

<@Soren> "Your face is mine, your name is mine, your love is mine, your everything is mine. All the worst to you, Sir. Soren."

 

<+Gorland> "...Hrm. Someone's stolen your identity?"

 

Soren shrugs. "If you can make heads or tails of it, let me know; but I don't have a doubt that the two disappearances are related."

 

<@Soren> "And, well, apparently in the time I've forgotten I got married."

 

<+Mina> "Alright, I'm ready to go. I'll see what I can find out and meet with you all later then."

 

Mina leaves to find a mage

 

<@Nami> As Mina steps out of the inn door a bowl is immediately shoved in front of her feet; a scruffy woman with a shawl covering most of her features says; ‘Copper for the poor?’

 

Mina smiles slightly a drops a coin into the bowl

 

<+Gorland> "..I wonder if the mysterious fellow, Goroh spoke of, has anything to do with your apparent stolen identity. If we're still in the area, perhaps we should have Goroh keep an eye out for the second conversation to be had later tonight, between the figure and the King."

 

Soren crosses his arms and sits back. "To be fair, I was planning to for a while...but there are all these little details that I don't remember or haven't been able to account for."

 

<+Gorland> "Wait...You got married and don't remember?"

 

Soren nods. "I was going to be anyway, but I...I don't know. I can't make any heads or tails of the time I'm apparently missing."

 

Mina continues to the magic shop

 

<@Nami> The woman shuffles behind Mina; "Silver for the poor?"

 

<+Goroh> "Perhaps, but the letter implies that the identity thief looks like Soren, since 'Your face is mine' and this fellow didn't look like Soren."

 

<+Gorland> "Perhaps when mina returns, and the scryer she uses seems worthy of further use.. We shall have them scry upon your past."

 

<@Soren> "It's not even that much I'm unable to recall, just since...well, since the old group split up."

 

<+Mina> ".....Alright alright." *Mina tosses on more coin in an quickly jogs off before the woman can ask for anything else*

 

<@Soren> "The strangest part is in Torull, though."

 

<+Gorland> "Oh?"

 

<+Gorland> "You'll next be telling me you have a Kid you don't remember conceiving."

 

<@Soren> "Don't think so, but if you can explain what I did to get a statue of myself put up in Torull, though, I'd be glad to know."

 

<+Gorland> "..Ah-hah. Now see.. That in itself may be a clue."

 

<@Soren> "Thing is, we can't really split our investigation that much; Torull's a fair distance away, so any research we want to do about that needs to be here."

 

<+Gorland> "If a statue's been put up in town, then surely there is a record.. A local news writing of some sort, depicting what you, or your duplicate did."

 

<@Nami> Mina arrives at the magic shop, panting from the effort of dodging all the beggars on the street this fine morning. When she finally moves to open the door she notices a letter; Back in a few.

 

<+Mina> "...Oh for ragh!"

 

Mina mumbles and decides to wait for a while

 

<@Soren> "Too far to check there, anyway, so if you can find any news about what happened, that'd be useful. Think you can do that?"

 

<+Gorland> "Hmm..You speak much sense..I can check with the guards and see if anyone's come from Torull recently, perhaps people whom have moved or are visiting. Either way, they’ll surely have news of recent occurrences."

 

<@Nami> The woman that had been chasing Mina finally staggers up behind her with a hand clutched to her chest, ‘Gold... for the poor...’

 

<@Soren> "Might have to look back a decent amount of time; been two years since the old group split up."

 

<+Gorland> "They should keep records. All I have to do is flash my fancy investigator's badge."

 

Mina sighs "It's going to be one of these days...alright LAST coin." *tosses one LAST COIN in her bowl*

 

Soren frowns. "Right, forgot one letter. Doesn't really have a hint in it, though..."

 

<+Gorland> "Lets hear it anyways, if you don't mind."

 

Soren reluctantly pulls out the third and reads it. "You have failed as a defender, and you will again. Ever personal - Soren"

 

<+Gorland> "...A letter to yourself.. from yourself?"

 

<@Soren> "Looks like it."

 

<@Soren> "Just like the second one I read out, anyway. I hope it should go without saying, but I have no recollection of writing this."

 

<+Gorland> "Either someone is playing headgames.. Or you are ill."

 

The beggar straightens up and pulls her shawl from around her head, tying it around her waist instead. She then slides her new coins into her pocket and steps forward, opening the door to the magic shop. ‘Were you wanting in?’

 

Soren rolls his eyes. "Yes, I had narrowed it down to that."

 

<+Gorland> "nothing can be ruled out when we are sure of so little."

 

<+Mina> "Wha..I..." *Mina can only respond with a dumbfounded look*

 

Mina shrugs then walks in after the so called beggar

 

She smiles nicely at Mina, and then moves behind the counter, tucking her hair behind her ears and pulling out a quill; "Hard times these are... wouldn't you say?"

 

<@Soren> "Anyway. Want to get on that investigation?"

 

<+Mina> "Indeed..." *mina replies somewhat sarcastically* "Since you seemed to know I was coming I guess I don't need to explain what I need then..."

 

Gorland nods. "Very well..Might I ask what leads you'll be following?"

 

<@Soren> "Haven't worked that out yet; but may as well get people sent out while the day's early."

 

<+Goroh> "I'm up for whatever investigation needs to happen."

 

<+Gorland> "How self-perpetuating, Mr. Goroh," was the last thing Gorland said before he headed for the door.

 

Soren frowns. "That's that, then."

 

Soren stands and moves back to his room.

 

She shakes her head; "Not at all! How was I to know the woman I was hounding would be a patron to my shop? I have never seen you before. What can I do for you today?"

 

<+Mina> "Riiight...anyway I am in need of your services, first however I am interested in the costs."

 

She winks and says, "What service would that be...?"

 

<+Mina> "A scrying.."

 

"A scrying is it?" she flips through a book on her counter and says; "Hmmm, I already have an appointment today, so you would have to top their payment if you wanted one anytime soon... I could take no less than two thousand gold."

 

Gorland starts heading for the guards..then decides to head back to the library instead.

 

<+Mina> "Two thousand huh..."

 

She nibbles on the end of her quill; "Yes... the king paid a hefty sum to ensure I would work for him today."

 

Goroh looks back and forth.

 

<+Goroh> "So, Kansu, any ideas on leads?"

 

Mina looks slightly surprised "I see, what would a man like that need anyway."

 

Gorland heads into the Library to look for the Librarian

 

The woman shrugs; "I guess he wants to find someone pretty bad; I haven't been given any details yet."

 

Gorland spots the Librarian close to the entrance, organizing books on a shelf.

 

Gorland walks over to the Librarian, smiling coyly. "Why hello there, Mr. Librarian."

 

<+Mina> "Alright, well perhaps next time..." *Mina begins walking out of the store to return to the others*

 

<The Librarian jumps and spins around, straightening his spectacles. ‘Can I help you?’

 

<+Gorland> "Perhaps, I certainly hope so..Do you perhaps have any news records from Torull? I know its a bit of a stretch, but it would help."

 

The librarian shakes his head; "Sorry... we don't carry news from that far away; most people are focused on the troubles in our own area."

 

Mina makes her way back to the inn to wait for the others

 

<+Gorland> "Hmmm. But you have books on Torull, right? Anyone who checks them out frequently?"

 

Goroh is still at the inn

 

Mina walks in and joins Goroh

 

<+Goroh> "Any news from the magician?"

 

The librarian seems to think for a moment; ‘Torull... mmm. I’m sorry; but it is a rather small town; the only time I ever heard of it was quite a few years back, when a swordsman founded an academy to be built. Unfortunately there are not enough scribes in the world to record the history of every out of the way place.’

 

<+Mina> "Well the only way were going to get anything out of her is through a rather large sum of money.. however it wasn't a total waste of time though...once the others get back I'll fill you all in."

 

Mina moves over to a comfy looking chair and sits down "Till then I'll just relax here." *sigh*

 

<+Gorland> "..Do you know the name of this swordsman?"

 

<+Gorland> "Or the academy?"

 

The librarian scratches his chin, "Mmm... it was rather odd... Mal'hefestose... no... maybe... something like that."

 

<+Gorland> "Hmm..Thank you."

 

Gorland leaves the library and heads for the outer city guard houses.

 

Kansu appears back at the inn and takes a seat next to Mina.

 

Soren finally returns from upstairs, a small book in tow. "Just organizing our information a little bit better. Any luck?"

 

As Gorland heads out towards the guard house, it doesn’t take him long to realize he is being followed by Miss Pepki.

 

Gorland takes a sideroute by someone peddling fruit, picks one up and sniffs it before setting it down. "Fruit smells good, Miss Pepki, you should try it."

 

Miss Pepki steps from the shadows and approaches Gorland forwardly; ‘I never was the most soft footed. I assure you I am here on my own terms, and not as a spy... this has been a difficult decision.’

 

<+Gorland> "You're about to make my life either much easier, or much more confusing. Either way, I'm here to hear you out."

 

Soren taps his foot impatiently. "Well?"

 

<+Goroh> "Well, Mina is apparently waiting to say the news from the scryer until everyone's back here."

 

Miss Pepki nods and glances around suspiciously before returning her gaze to Gorland; ‘If you should happen to find Miss Shakaku, I urge you not to bring her back inside this kingdom.’ She crosses her arms and looks towards the fruit; ‘She mentioned once... that she wanted to return home; though I’m not quite sure where that is.’

 

<+Mina> "I guess I can now, Well due to the cost we likely won't be getting any help from her, but she did mention that the person she was to meet later today was the King himself."

 

<+Gorland> "I had little intention of bringing Miss Lilith back unless for some reason she wanted to.. Would you like to tell me why you say this..Yet you've been hindering our investigation by lying to my peers, thus far?"

 

<+Mina> "I tried to find out what the King wanted from the begga...mage lady and she said he was trying to find someone."

 

<+Goroh> "Hm."

 

Soren frowns, thinking.

 

<@Soren> "Same person as we are, or not..."

 

<+Goroh> "Well, if it's the same person as we're looking for... I'm wondering if the mysterious fellow might not be then assigned to 'hunt' the person we're looking for."

 

<+Mina> "Thats all I was able to get from her...unless we can pay 2000."

 

Miss Pepki frowns; ‘I was told to lie, of course... not to say what I know...’ she looks puzzled for a moment, as if wondering why she is here, ‘They could be following me... oh my.’  She shakes her head and says; ‘If you can find Miss Shakaku, that is a very unlucky sign; for she has done a very dangerous thing...’

 

Gorland tilts his head, listening intently, a little alarmed. "What dangerous thing, has she done, Miss Pepki?"

 

<@Soren> "Well, don't know about you but I'd rather not spend that much."

 

Miss Pepki looks quite stressed; "No... I can't say..."

 

<+Mina> "I agree, the only other place that would have mages up to our needs is the Magi guild, but...I'd rather not have anything to do with them."

 

<+Gorland> "Ah. I suppose you don't really care about her Wellbeing then."

 

<+Mina> ".....Thats not what I ment" *Mina gives an evil eye*

 

Soren raises an eyebrow. "Any reason for that?"

 

<+Mina> "......"

 

Miss Pepki's eyes widen; "What are you saying? Of course I do! What makes you think that I don't?"

 

<+Gorland> "Your continued reluctance to give me useful information."

 

<+Mina> "Look if you want to try the local magi guild then go ahead, I can't help you there okay."

 

Miss Pepki shakes her head and glances around; "I have given you plenty of information! Perhaps I have nothing left to tell?"

 

<+Mina> "I have...my reasons."

 

<@Soren> "What, you piss them off?"

 

<+Gorland> "Ah but you have yet to tell me what dangerous thing it is Lilith has done. See..If she's done something..Then someone might have a motive to do her harm.. This is something I need to know."

 

<+Mina> ".....Something like that" *mina looks off toward a wall trying to end the conversation there*

 

<+Gorland> "Besides..You know everything that went on that night, in her room. At least.. you heard everything.. Didn't you?" The night she disappeared? You have yet to give me that information as well."

 

Miss Pepki glances nervously to the side; "You have no proof I heard anything..."

 

<+Gorland> "Miss Pepki..With a hole in the ceiling of your room designed for you, and me before you, to hear everything. You would have had to not have been doing your duties to not have heard. Are you telling me that was the case?"

 

<@Soren> "Alright, we'll not check it out. See what we get when Gorland returns."

 

Miss Pepki narrows her eyes and snaps at him; ‘What are you saying? You know I am always on duty! My job is all I have.’ She sighs and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear; ‘Fine... I will tell you... what I know. But if I am in lockdown tomorrow - it will be your fault.’

 

<+Gorland> "If you are in lockdown tomorrow, then you will merely be another person I have to rescue when I'm done with Miss Lilith, please tell me what you know."

 

Miss Pepki looks downwards and starts to twiddle her thumbs; ‘The week after her disappearance, I was cleaning in my room; and I happened to hear a conversation above between Mr. Lyndian and our Lord; they were talking about how she had stolen a prized locket from the King’s quarters.’

 

‘But that wasn’t all; she had done other things as well. It was mentioned that she had taken a soul with her; I didn’t quite understand this... they said something about removing her hand...’ she shakes her head lightly.

 

‘The thing that struck me the most though, was that they said someone had been on their way to collect some power source from her; something about blades... they said... that it was a shame their enchantment never worked; that she didn’t do as they willed. They said it was a shame she wasn’t dead, and that they had been betrayed by a blood sucker.’

 

Gorland had been writing this down discretely. "That's...quite interesting."

 

She nods lightly; "I can't say what I heard on the night she vanished because... I don't understand what I heard."

 

<+Gorland> "..Describe what you heard, then."

 

"That's just it...

 

"That's just it..." she says, "I can't possibly; I don't know how."

 

<+Gorland> "Words? Sounds?"

 

Miss Pepki takes a step back, "I'm sorry, I need to go."

 

<+Gorland> "Miss Pepki, Don't get frightened now that you've told me this much. Please..Isn't there anything else you can tell me? things you've heard since you've taken over?"

 

Miss Pepki shakes her head briskly; 'No, I was supposed to be back already; I'm sorry Gorland. I can't stay." she turns around and starts to rush away.