Porthca Landing I: Memory of the Sea

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Tyrius finished off his bread before addressing Lady Kecei again, "I'm from further North in The Sinking Plains. Wyford to be exact." said Tyrius, "As Ben said, we met in Azarad." While Tyrius answered Lady Kecei's question, he was thinking about Cate. 'Hmm, don't know much about Ilmater other than his church is big on charity and reliving suffering. Ben can certainly do with having his suffering relieved right now.'

Helping himself to some roast beef, some potatoes and a shrimp along with a few carrots, Tyrius tried to work out how he'd take care of the Tahrysts if he had to talk to them without Benito there. 'Probably best to play it safe considering I'm from out of town. Go there, offer my condolences. Maybe if we split I should ask Ben before we do if there's any topics - other than the obvious - that I should absolutely avoid in their presence. Get everyone else's thoughts on what we should ask and how to play it.'

"Have you done any travelling yourself, m'lady?" Tyrius asked for the sake of keeping the conversation going.
 
The Scarlet Jester:

Kecei nodded with a smile as the others introduced themselves, though looked confused at some of the party that kept quiet. With Tyrius' question she shook her head, "Unfortunately any traveling I've done so far has been within Porthca ... and speaking of," she started to stand as it looked like someone was standing outside the doorway and speaking with the hostess from before, "I believe I need to be on the move again. It was a pleasure meeting you all, hopefully it'll happen again." She grabbed another roll with a smile as she moved through the back of the restaurant, obsessionally bumping into a few other waiters or invisibly floating trays.

A man stepped into the dining area, followed by the hostess, looking around briefly before scowling and returning back outside. A few diners glance up at the movements, while the wine bottles at the table get traded out invisibly, refilling glasses as needed.
 
Catelyn smiled warmly to Kecei as she took her leave. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kecei. May Ilmater protect you in your day!” After Kecei had departed, Catelyn seized the opportunity in the momentary lapse in conversation and turned to Ben, looking him in the eyes. “Benito, if I may, I would wish to have a word with you when we have finished here. We have so much catching up to do.” She gave him an easy smile, but she knew that something was wrong with her friend, and wanted desperately to help.
 
Virra gave Kecei a wave as she left in a hurry. "Nice girl. Shame she couldn't stay for a drink." Shrugging, she returned to demolishing her seafood platter, pausing only briefly to butt in while Cate raised the subject of post-meal plans. "Oh yeah, actually, about that hour I need to do my stuff. I'm okay to work while we're going about our business, but I'll be a little... out of it." Really, she couldn't imagine she'd be keeping the secret from the rest of the group for very long, but she wanted to at least get a better measure of them before incriminating herself. The only one out of them she'd even spoken to was Winston, and that had been far too brief to make a real judgement. Plus, acting vague and mysterious was kinid of fun for its own sake. "So if any of you could keep me company and make sure I don't get mugged or walk off a cliff, I'd be grateful," she finished cheerily, taking up her fork again.
 
Ben waved Kecei off, "It was a pleasure to see you Kecei, best of luck." He turned as he was addressed, "Sure, there's a patio." He gestured to a door that led to a small terrace which overlooked the harbor. He rose and turned to the table, "You all know your own talents better than the rest of us. Figure out what you're doing. When I return we'll decide if I'm joining Ty to visit the Tahyrsts or headed back to the manor. Virra, mind that you don't run off alone when you find it. That thing was tough, and dangerous. It'll take more than you to take it down." Benito stood and made his way toward the stairs, "Private." He pressed his hand against the wall, leaving a small black mark that looked like a closed eye. It was something he'd seen his father do, though he used a small charm. Ben beckoned Cate out the door.

"I'm really glad you were able to find the time to help. What did you want to speak about?" Ben took a seat in one of the heavy wooden chairs and kicked his feet up, admiring the harbor. He tried to remain cordial, as he attempted to hide all of his flaws behind his kindness.
 
Catelyn gave the rest of the group a bow as she stood to leave. "I am honored to be working with such a knowledgeable and resourceful group. I am certain the Crying God will guide us to the answers we need." She gave them all a smile before quickly moving to follow after Ben, stumbling slightly in her heavy chain mail but keeping her footing. Catelyn walked out to the terrace and looked at the view as she listened to Ben. "Anything for a friend in need." She took a seat as well, folded her hands in her lap and turned to Ben, studying his expression with kind, non judgmental eyes. "Benito... you know you do not need to hide your Suffering from me, so why do you do so? 'Thou who is in torment and speaks not of it suffers doubly in spirit.'" Catelyn paused, biting at her lip briefly before frowning apologetically. "Sorry, force of habit. You did not invite me here and pay for my meal so that I might spout scripture at you. Still, I cannot help but feel that you will not be able to help your family without first unburdening yourself of your troubles."
 
Benito shrugged, "Maybe it's what I need to hear." He sighed and looked out over the ocean, beyond the harbor. "Maybe I deserve to suffer doubly or triply. I'm a murderer Cate. No news there. But now my family is being killed off and not just my family but the others too. The killed a fuckin' kid Cate. They tried to get Rob." Ben struggled to hold it together. "If I could suffer it all away, take it all on for them and keep them safe. I'd do it."

He shook his head, "I'm an absent brother, a terrible son, and a disgraced noble. I'm not even a good person. Yeah, I send money to the church of Ilmater, because I feel bad about what I did and because I like knowing you have shoes." He looked at her feet, "Even if it only lasts a day. I like you - being a friend, listening, not treating me like I'm a failure because my magic is weak or like I'm broken because my mother died and it somehow made me less of a human being."

He rubbed the faint new scar on his arm, "I thought she was murdering my family. That she was just toying with me, playing games. I... I fucked up. Again. She laughed in public, but I... I broke down. I lost it, whatever I had, whatever was left." He bent his knees and wrapped his arms around them, laying his head on his lap. "Maybe I just haven't suffered enough." This wasn't the first time Catelyn had seen Benito melancholy, but it was easily the worst by miles. The death, his family situation, his past, his mother, it all seemed to weigh on him far more than it ever had in the past, like regret or the looming threat of a killer had multiplied their weight ten fold and the poor man was crumpling underneath. He seemed trapped, suffocated by circumstance and responsibility.
 
Catelyn’s smile faded and she looked away when Ben spoke of his crime. Whatever transgressions you committed are mine to bear as well... you were under my console at the time and I... I failed you. She knew better than to voice these thoughts though, knowing they may only make Ben feel worse than he already did.

Catelyn blinked back a few rising tears before turning back to him. “I fear I may have listened too often and said too little. Benito, whatever this is, it was not caused by your... indiscretion. There is something far deeper and more powerful than would be caused by a drunken brawl gone wrong.”

Catelyn sighed as Ben spoke of wanting to take on the other’s burdens, and looked down at her hand wrapped in its red cord. “Suffering is a complicated matter. Even as a cleric of the Crying God, it is all that I can do to take on the physical pain of the flock, however much I wish that I could bear the weight of their myriad other forms of torment. Still, you say you are not a good person, and an absent brother, yet it is you who is leading the charge to protect them. That is not the act of a murderer or criminal... it is that of a good man who has been led astray.”

Catelyn leaned in and lightly placed her bound hand on Ben’s head. “Please, do not give up on that man yet. You have so much potential for greatness. I knew it back then, and I know it now. Suffering is a necessary evil in the world. Too little makes us grow weak and complacent. Too much leaves us broken and defeated. I cannot answer how much you will face, but I promise that I will bear it with you so long as you allow me to. You are not alone, Benito.”
 
Benito seemed distant as he replied, "I don't think I'm fit to lead anything Cate. I'm not trying to give up, but I'm looking at the facts and I'm not prepared for this. Any of it." He looked to the cleric with pain in his eyes, "I know I'm not alone, but that makes it worse. How many people are going to risk their lives for this? And if they get hurt or die... that's..." He took a sharp breath, "That's on me. More blood on these hands." He raised his hands which appeared to be covered in blood. "I'm sorry... I didn't..." He shook his hands as the illusion faded. "I didn't ask Ander and Winston to seek you out so you could be dragged into this danger, I asked them to find you so you could help them with the unfortunate and down-trodden. So they didn't get hurt, because if they do that's on me. Now you're here and in more danger than ever." He let out a short and defeated sigh, "I just want to be a good friend and a better person, but this is my mess and I'm dragging everyone down with me."
 
The small woman stroked Benito’s head soothingly, desperately praying for guidance on how to help her friend. She sighed as well before frowning slightly. “if I am to be entirely honest, I am not purely here as a friend... rather, I am acting on the will of Ilmater himself. You see... I have been having visions for quite some time now of being drowned in a salty ocean... the timing of which corresponded with the attacks on your family and the others. It was not until Sir Ander and Mr. Wiseacre approached me that I recognized the meaning behind them.”

Catelyn met Ben’s eyes and gave him a slight smile. “I would have abided by the commands of my god regardless, but I am so glad to see that my quest will allow me to help my friend in need. Still, do not think of my fate being in your hands. I walk willingly with the Lord on the Rack beside me as he does always in our troubles. Also, I am not certain that you believe this, but I do not wear this armor for fashion. My normal duties are hardly a stroll in the park, but I am very capable of handling myself.” She paused, her usual smile fading for a moment. “Please, Benito. Do not allow me to contribute to your troubles, that is not something that I could bear.”
 
There was a small sigh of relief, "That you are my friend at all is a comfort Cate, and that your Lord guides you to act means one less life in my hands." He rubbed his eyes, "I know you are capable, I don't doubt some of the others are too, but that doesn't make the threat, the danger any less real." Benito ran a hand through his black hair and cleared his throat, "I feel like none of those people know what they're getting into. They've involved themselves in something like it's a game and it's not. These are lives on the line. If anyone knows the cost of a life..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the line of thought was clear. He shook off the negative thoughts, fighting through the cloudiness of his mind to focus on what was in front of him. "I wasn't prepared for this. It was just suppose to be me and the killer, my life or his. Now there's so many other lives at stake. If I can settle the debt and end this nightmare without losing any more of my family or my friends... I'll do what needs to be done."
 
Winston looked around at the others when they began to discuss what they might do with their time after dinner, and he looked curiously at Virra when she spoke of her needing a guide of some sorts for an hour. Wiping his face with his napkin, and placing it on the table Winston leaned forward “Well I’m not too sure I’m going to be much help with these, uh, Tah-hursts or whatever they’re called. I’m more than happy to lead you around the docks if you’d like to join me to go myth hunting with the sailors.” Winston directed that last sentence towards Virra, but then faced the rest of them. “Any of you are welcome to join me actually, but if you’ve got a better use for me instead I can change my plans easily.” Winston shrugged. “I’m sort of along for the ride at this point anyways.”
 
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Tyrius nodded, it was a good idea to cover as much ground as possible with the day they had. 'I just hope tonight does not bring with it another attack.' thought the red headed sorcerer as he leaned back in the chair, pushing his back into the wooden backrest.

Turning to Eliza and Ander, Tyrius asked, "Well, sounds like we're going to be splitting up again. Some to the docks, at least one to the Tahyrsts. Have either of you got any preference, or perhaps an alternate suggestion?" Tyrius asked.
 
Catelyn shook her head as she realized that her sympathy was not getting her anywhere. She closed her eyes for a moment, clenching her hand tightly around her prayer cord and saying a brief prayer in her head. Lord on the Rack, please, I implore you to grant me the wisdom to provide my friend some reprieve from his Suffering. Her expression hardened, at least for her standards, and she put a hand on Ben's shoulder. "Benito, you are a brave man, but you have not taken the time to evaluate the facts of this situation. The vengeful spirit has struck out several times, at least once at each House. This has never been between simply you and 'the killer', and it is vanity to think that it ever was. If you were to attempt to 'settle this debt' in the manner in which you are implying, you would end up dead, and then another would die, followed by another, and our efforts would be all the worsened in your absence."

Catelyn paused and looked at him with an expression of genuine concern. "I am so sorry to be so blunt with you, but you have to understand that this threat to your family is not your fault, and is not solely your responsibility to handle. You need to learn to accept the aid from others. They all faced off against your undead foe, yes? Then they are well aware of the risks of their task." She smiled slightly at Ben. "If a cleric of Ilmater is telling you that you're being too self-loathing, you really should listen."
 
Benito almost chuckled before he nodded, "You're right. Of course you're right." He sighed, "I just wanted to do something I thought I could. I am just so lost and confused. You're right, I do need help." He paused and placed his hands on Catelyn's shoulders looking her in the eyes, "I need your help to keep me straight, Cate. Please, help me be better, not just for me but for my family and for those foolish friends sitting in there ready to risk everything for people they hardly know."

He stood up straight, and straightened his leathers. "I promise I'm doing my best, but I could use a hand as much as a shoulder." There was a measure of shame in his voice, he wasn't often the one asking for things.
 
Catelyn stood from her seat, her chainmail clanking about loudly as she smiled up at Ben. "I do not think I've ever heard you say someone is right so much in succession. No man is strong enough to never need help, Benito, so please, do not see this as a defeat. I'll be there at your side whenever you may need me. After all, I am sworn to carry your Burdens, as well as those of all of His flock, your friends included. Don't worry, none of us are dying if I can help it." Catelyn gave Benito a warm, yet determined smile as she reached up and took Ben's hand in hers, giving it a light squeeze before letting it go. She then glanced back at the doorway briefly before turning back to Ben. "I am sorry to say it, but I believe we may wish to conclude our conversation for now. I am afraid that rumors may begin to be spun of how Lord Benito De'Porthca consorts with urchins dressed in mail if we continue for too long." She grinned to show she was teasing him before her expression returned to one of genuine concern. "Still, I do not wish to have to find you bearing the weight of the world upon your shoulders again. If you need to speak, you need only ask, okay?"
 
Benito smiled and laughed, "You're probably right. Though Bloody Ben consorts with far worse than urchin priests in mail. Trollops and harlots and all manner of unsavory, deviant company; if the rumors are to be believed. I would worry more for your reputation as a woman of the cloth than mine as a disgrace." Though he clearly was not over everything that he was dealing with, the levity which he brought to the current situation was genuine. He tried his best to make light of the situation and move forward, but he knew he'd need a lot more help. "If it does not tarnish your reputation too much, Catelyn, I intend to do just that." He shared a teasing grin back before squeezing her hand and adding, "Thank you, Cate." He let go and led her back off the patio into the Scarlett Jester, pausing at the door to wipe away the arcane mark with his palm before returning to the table.

Ben returned to his seat with some conviction and began to focus on tasks. Not knowing what had been discussed, he decided to divvy responsibilities and allow the others to go from there. "So, Winston, probably best you take Cate with you to the docks to chase your myths and rumors."

"Ander, would you escort Eliza back to the manor where she can pour over our library, narrow down the suspects from the registry and try to make sense of that coded Lestone entry? Sidwae might be able to help with that or at least know someone who can. Once you're there Ander, please help the family check for any agent of enchantment and see what you can do to keep Robern and Joane safe."

"Ty, I will be joining you to see the other noble families, I think it's important to establish the connection and show a unified front. As a result discussion with my father will have to wait for this evening."

"Which leaves Ms.Virra, you've got your map, would you care to visit another noble, spend some time in the solitude of the manor, or hear all the lovely names the sailors have for gnomish women?" Ben finished in a bit of a tease, hoping to smooth things over with the gnome who he hoped to improve his relationship with. He didn't intend to dissuade her from the docks, but he thought she might enjoy the humor.
 
At the sound of footsteps approaching their table, Tyrius looked up. He was delighted to see that Ben had returned, seemingly full of purpose and drive. As Ben divided up tasks amongst them, Tyrius was glad to hear that Ben would be going with him to the Tahrysts.
'Though this time, it might be a good idea to ask about who we might be meeting. Plan a line of questioning. Avoid another blunder as happened with Master Enol. Although Benito did say that it was the patriarch of the Tahryst family - Thakar, who died first.'
"Ben, who is, or is going to be, head of the Tahryst family?" asked Tyrius, trying to keep his voice quiet enough that it would be hard for other customers to overhear amongst the general chatter in the tavern but loud enough that his new friends wouldn't struggle to hear him.
 
Eliza nodded, wiping her mouth with the corner of her napkin and getting ready to leave. “I think Ander better accompany you, Ben. The killer isn’t interested in me, and I can find my way back to the manor without any issue.” She picked up the registry notes that were still on the table, grabbed her cane and started heading back.

‘Time to put this brain to use. First order of business, finding everything I can about the Lestones.’
 
Hearing Ben actually inject some levity into the conversation, Virra's face lit up with surprise. "What did you do to him?" she asked Cate, grinning. Well, now that she'd been sort-of challenged about it, how could she say refuse a trip to the harbour?

She was about to say as much, but then Eliza got up from the table and made to head out alone. Alarmed, Virra stood too. "Wait, no, the killer is gonna be interested in you," she started, followed up by a telepathic message. "You know you're important to all of this, right?" Well, if the half-orc wanted to be left alone, that didn't mean Virra had to respect her wishes.

As she went to grab her stuff, she glanced up at Ander. "Are you gonna go after her, or should I?" Now that she was thinking about it, maybe it would be easier to find a quiet corner in the manor and concentrate there. And if this curious man from Lokil was going to be there too... well, Virra would wait to see what he did first. Hopefully he wouldn't be put off by her intense stare.
 
Ander nodded in agreement with Ben's plan, but then watched as Eliza stood and began to leave. "I don't want anyone to be alone," he said to Virra, "I'll stay with her." He stood and carefully made his way around the table to try to catch up to the half-orc woman.

"Please, wait, Eliza. It's not safe fer any of us to take off alone." He tries to be loud enough to show that he is serious, but gentle enough to not intimidate. He attempts to rush forward to catch up, though he stumbles a bit through the crowds.
 
Benito began replying to Tyrius, "We'll likely end up speaking to their Ziri, the current Matriarch though it's possible we might end up speaking with Urin." Ben tried not to laugh at the name, it got him every time. "I don't recall how old he is, but he's the family's third child and eldest son. It likely depends on if he's old enough to lead the family or not. Either way they're a proud family, and damn good and their job. Compliment their home, they like that because they built it. And, uh, don't get to comfortable with the daughters, Rinarv and Abat. They're a proud Dwarven people and they've always preferred to keep it that way." He stressed the point, no need to cause any insult with the only family capable of holding a centuries long grudge without changing leadership.

He seemed about to say more as Eliza got up from the table and moved to leave. At Virra's prodding of Ander, Ben frowned, "If someone would please go after her. We really shouldn't be alone - any of us." A noble tick, and habit Ben hated that he had pushed to the surface as he absently waved a hand after Eliza, as if dismissing a servant or butler to chase down his friend. Ben grimaced. "Sorry."
 
Well, that settled that. "Have fun," Virra called after the holy man as he disappeared out of the door, deciding she'd talk to him later. Really, it bothered her that she hadn't got around to it yet. "Harbour tour it is, then," she said brightly, turning back to Winston and Cate. "Ready whenever you are." To get her mind extra prepared, she gulped down the last of her wine and licked her lips.
 
Eliza turned back to the group, “I don’t think a killer interested in nobility will care about a simple half-orc woman.” Irritated she headed towards the exit again followed this time by Ander.

Trying and failing to match the long human’s strides on their way to the manor, she exclaimed, “No offence, but I still think Benito needed the protection more.”
 
With everyone else leaving, Benito reached for his glass of wine for the first time the whole meal - up to that point he'd had water. He took a sip and smiled at Tyrius, "We'll give everyone a moment to head off while I settle the check then be on our way. Did you have any specific questions about the Tahyrsts? Of the families, I know the least about them, but that's not to say I know nothing."
 
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