Porthca Landing I: Memory of the Sea

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Tyrius raised an eyebrow at Virra's antics before watching the rest of the group departing. 'Not sure how her magic works, but I doubt getting drunk is really helpful.'

"Hmm," Tyrius said as he thought for a moment. "Well, two things spring to mind. What is their reputation around Porthca for starters." Tyrius asked, "And how did their family come to help your ancestors?"

'The Sea remembers its debts,' Tyrius repeated in his mind, 'The Sea demands they be paid. I probably shouldn't spend too much time thinking about patterns that might be irrelevant but what if there's some pattern from the past that could help predict the next victim. Ben's family founded the town, yet Cyne was the most recent victim and had our allies not been there last night Robern would have fallen victim. Thakar was the first death. There must be some explanation why he was the first to be killed.'
 
Ben thought for a moment, "The Tahyrsts are the only non-human family. Generally the assumption is that puts them a step below the other families, but in all honesty, the families have been far more equal in power and respect of each other for a lot longer than it has even been that way to the public. Generally, they're good people. They like to bring things up that most of us don't remember and they can be a little old fashioned in their ideals, but they're just as powerful, influential, and deserving of respect as any of the others. There was a time when the families were not equals, but that time is long gone, even for the Tahrysts. Recorded in history books, but remembered by none living."

Benito swirled the wine in his glass before taking another sip. "Their nobility was earned through hard work, helping to design and build this great city; same as all the other families. When the Tahrysts arrived the De'Porthca family had all the materials at their finger tips, moving goods is just the family business, but they had very few skilled craftsmen. The city was originally designed for ease of transport, that's why we have such a large, wide road leading from the docks out of the city in straight shot. Four carts, two coming, two going - that was all my family cared about. The sailors and workers built up around the main street and the warehouses, but they didn't expand. So the Tahrysts came in, they looked at the city and offered sewage, effective traffic control both for cart and foot. The stories say they explained there's little room to build such monstrosities in a mountain, so they create more effective means of navigation. It was the Tahrysts who brought the round-about to Porthca. They sliced the city into districts and brought in the labor to turn our resources into all of this." Ben swung his hands out gesturing to the interior of the inn, but it was inferred he meant even the city beyond the walls.

"They continue to attract skilled labor to the city even today and oversee most of the new construction. The only exception is the slums to the south known as The Maze. It was spawned shortly after the Accmour family arrived with their wealth. An rush of people came in seeking money, loans, magic, land, power. They came in so quickly the Tahrysts couldn't keep up with the demand for new residences, so they lifted the restrictions on construction and watched as the people built their own slums. It's actually probably a topic to avoid, a small unsavory mark on the beautiful face of the city. Since then the restrictions have been put back in place, all development in the city is first approved by their family or an agent thereof. I guess that's to say, without the Tahrysts, Porthca would be a lot more slummy and poorly planned. Very purpose built, warehouses for miles and massive roads with little room for comfortable housing or tradesmen."
 
Tyrius paid careful attention to everything Benito said, going over each new piece of information in his mind.
'So if the Tahrysts as a family have long memories, maybe they might remember the Lestones. Or that phrase about the debts might mean something to them.' thought Tyrius as he scratched at his chin with his thumb.

"Ben, if the Tahrysts have long memories, would it be possible that any of them remember the Lestones?" Tyrius asked. "It is impressive how they've built the city. Makes it all the stranger why anyone would want to upset the balance of Porthca's prosperity by killing nobles."
 
Ben rose, setting his half finished glass of wine on the table. "It's possible, but I don't really know. Long memories isn't necessarily accurate. Dwarves are just long lived, and they hold grudges. I get the feeling they won't be very forthcoming about the Lestones, if they do remember a time when they were more known. Seems everyone is pretty tight lipped in that regard. I'm surprised Enol even showed evidence that I'm not completely mental, though I would point out that even he pointed me to my father instead for answers." Ben smiled, "It makes sense to ask, but if they're not interested in talking, we shouldn't press it."

Ben sighed and looked down at his coat, straightening it for the walk ahead, "I think... Porthca's prosperity is something of a lie. No one says, 'Go to Porthca, where the common become nobles.' We, you and I, are... privileged and sheltered by our names. A city run by nobles, maybe isn't so prosperous after all." Benito spoke carefully, he didn't know who was listening and he knew that what he was saying was very controversial, but he'd spent enough time pretending to be common that he knew life was rough for "the other half" which he also knew was more like "the other ninety percent." Sure, not everyone lived in the poor squalor that Cate tended to each day - something his friendship with her had made him more aware of, and part of the reason he donated whatever he won gambling to the church - but that doesn't mean that those living outside the Maze had it much better. Not everyone was a noble living in a manor with an army of servants and all you could dream to eat at any time of day. Sure, structure was needed, and the noble families filled that role, but Ben always wondered if Porthca wouldn't do better with less centralized, nepotistic power.

He turned to walk off, expecting Tyrius to follow him before turning back around and adding, "Oh, yeah. While we're there I'd like to see if we can't get a better map of the city, perhaps something that maps more than just the streets. Like I said, the Tahyrsts helped plan and develop the city, they might have a map that includes things that most common maps don't. I know my father has a few but they're pretty specific to our past. I'm hoping to find something more complete." Ben patted his pocket where he still had the letter from his father before continuing on toward the door. He paused at the hostess' station, "Thank you very much for having us. Please give the chef my regards and send the bill to the manor. This establishment is truly exceptional and I appreciate your patience with my company." He smiled, "You should add a bottle of wine to the list, split it with everyone who helped service us today, and if you could also add a bag of rolls to be delivered to the Church of Ilmater, just include them as part of the meal and I'll approve it." Ben removed his brooch and pressed it firmly into the melted wax at the bottom of the meal ticket after the woman had added the items requested. He nodded his approval, replaced his brooch, and left the establishment headed for the Tahyrst Manor.
 
Catelyn had opted to remain standing, figuring that the rest of the dinner would not last long. As the meeting came to an end, she smiled and waved goodbye to the others before turning to her two companions. “Well, Mr. Wiseacre, and... Ms. Virra, was it? I would be glad to show you around by the harbor. I must warn you, however, that the docks are not always the most pleasant place to be. Still, if the two of you keep your heads down and are not looking for a fight, I am sure we will be fine.” She gave them a reassuring smile before beginning to lead them off. “I must admit, I am still rather curious what both of your stakes are in this fight. Neither of you seem to be locals to me.”
 
Virra nodded. "Yep, Virra Hopalong Nickeltooth. And, well, you're right, I'm not local. I'm from Chilldrift like Eliza, though I never went to Azarad. Obviously I can't answer for Winston, but I'm personally here because I'd heard the guards were having trouble finding the killer and I thought someone with my skills might have a better chance. Hopefully I'll prove myself right in an hour or so."

With that non-answer out of the way, she followed the priestess out of the pub and took a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air, relishing the scents she'd never encountered until today. Yes, these conditions were ideal. "Okay, I'm about to do it," she said, giving Cate and Winston an apologetic smile. "Just to forewarn you, I probably won't be able to respond to much, and I'll look a little dopey. Maybe you can use me as a conversation starter." She stopped walking and blinked a few times, each one just barely slower than the last. "If you need me to wake up, just pinch me on the ear or something. But only if you really need to."

That was the extent of Virra's explanation before her expression suddenly became vacant, and her breath slowed to that of someone sleeping. Though she remained faintly aware of her physical surroundings, her mind almost entirely deserted her body, darting away to the vast, multifaceted web that comprised the knowledge of every living creature. Somewhere in this infinite expanse was the monster who'd attacked Robern, and Virra was going to track it down.

In reality, she smiled and raised a slow thumbs-up.
 
The Docks:

Moving towards the dock was an interesting trio: a cleric of Ilmater, with a halfling and a strange looking gnome. As they walk, Virra cast her mind away, focusing on trying to find the creature from the night before. About the time the group arrived at the docks, Virra's searching had finished. Though Virra had expected to find her attention brought back into Porthca somewhere -- her mind instead wandered further and further -- traveling through a strange void and giving Virra a glimpse of a place she understands to be the Ethereal Plane.

The docks at this hour are as bustling as ever, calls and whistles for up and down the harbor, shouts across decks and downwards from crows nests. Captains discussing with port officials for merchandise, while crew members load things on and off the various ships. Looking upwards, the ships seem to have crests on their sails or on the flags that flap in the breeze.

The De'Porthca Manor:

Returning to the De'Portcha manor, a servant greets Eliza and Ander, bowing to the pair. "Welcome once more, guests of Lord Benito. How may I aid you?" In the background instructions can be heard echoing through the manor.

The Tahyrst Manor:

Approaching the Tahyrst Manor, at first the gates are locked, the Tahyrst crest marked acrosst it. Compared to the De'Porthca Manor, and the colors of the other families, the Tahyrsts feature white as their main house color, with accents in dark grey and a golden bronze. Though the home at first looks odd and simple, looking closer, it actually has very fine details and interesting features to the the structure. Arches and columns that at first seem like they shouldn't work, or too thin to support what they do, overhangs that look like they should crumble under their own weight. As the pair approaches the gate, a small voice speaks, appearing to come from nowhere, a tinny voice, "Yes? This is the Tahyrst Manor, we know the Manor is of interest to tourists, please do not loiter."
 
Virra had followed alongside Winston and Cate for an hour as if in a daze, sometimes bumping into them or other pedestrians and sometimes stepping dangerously close to moving carts. All the while her mind was homing in on another that she'd once touched, growing stronger and more hopeful by the second, until finally it produced an image of a particular plane. She lingered on it for several seconds, urging her thoughts to go further, to sniff out the culprit's exact location, but her mind was already far afield; going beyond the planar boundary was impossible.

"Useless!" she exclaimed, coming out of the trance with a violent start. "He's on the Ethereal Plane. Somewhere on the Ethereal Plane. I don't know where he came from, where he's going, how to find him, or anything. I even let Ben interrogate me before he'd let me borrow that stupid map, and now..." She wracked her brain, diving back into the noosphere to search for anything about the Ethereal Plane that could be useful, but all she learned was that it was possible to see into it with the right magic. In fact, with a little digging she was alarmed to realise that she could be capable of it, if she'd exercised her Third Eye rather than letting it rust for half a decade. The knowledge only rubbed salt into the wound.

"Maybe the sailors'll be more help," she said, the forced cheeriness in her tone somehow making her sound more sulky.
 
"Lords Benito De'Porthca and Tyrius Silverbane for Madame Tahyrst." Ben straightened his coat, though he didn't think the voice could see him, he wanted to be presentable should someone be sent down to collect them.

Hearing a voice that came from nowhere, Tyrius looked at Ben with a raised eyebrow. 'That's strange. Makes me think of Magic Mouth, but that's one way and that voice asked a question so whoever is on the other end is expecting a reply.' Thinking of taking out his wire, Tyrius decided against it. Instead, he simply whispered to Ben, "Is this normal for nobles in Porthca?"

There's a pause in the voice before it speaks once more, "Madame Tahyrst is busy elsewhere today, may I ask your business?"

He shrugged before replying to the voice from the gate, "We were here to discuss a private matter. My understanding was that we were expected. Is there another here to receive us?"

This time as the voice cuts in again, faint discussion can be heard before the main voice answers, "Very well." The gate silently opens inwards to the Manor, "Walk to the entryway, a servant will be there to meet you." As the voice fades, faint muttering can be heard, "Mother never keeps us informed ..."

As the gate opens, Benito leads Tyrius up to the manor to wait patiently on whoever would be receiving them. Ben turned and whispered to Tyrius to answer his previous question, "I don't know, I try not to deal with any of them. A party here and there, but for those the gates are open and the guards are out. I've certainly never had to talk to my gate." He chuckled and clasped his hands behind his back, broadening his shoulders and helping his posture.
 
The Tahyrst Manor:

Stepping up towards the Manor, the door opened before the pair got to it, silently as well. Just behind the door stood a female halfling, wearing simple clothing, her dark hair tied back as she looked upwards to the two humans. She bowed before gesturing for them to follow as she led through the Manor. Unlike the De'Porthca Manor which was two storied, this Manor from the outside appeared to be a single level, yet they were soon led to steps going downwards. One level ... two levels ... finally a third level, all the while the small halfling woman was silent, the trio's steps echoing through the halls. Moving through the structure and levels was interesting -- here and there sections of architecture caught both Benito and Tyrius' eyes as looking out of place, strange, or perhaps even physically impossible. Doors they passed were all closed, and hardly a sound could be heard from outside, especially this far below the surface.

Finally led to a single door, the halfling bowed to the group as yet another door opened silently, allowing entry to a large study with a round table placed in the center. Chairs lined the edges, with levers on the sides it seemed, while a few of the other seats were already filled by Dwarves. Leaning back in his seat and tapping his fingers on the table sat one dwarf, his beard cut shortly to line his chin, deep red hair with a bronze cast to his eyes, his clothing high quality, but still some smudges could be seen, as if he'd been busy working on something prior. Benito recognized the eldest son, Urin, who looked to be in his thirties, but where that lined up for actual age, it was difficult to say. To his left sat another male dwarf whose attention seemed fixed on the two guests as they approached -- his beard was in a thick braid, while his own dark red hair was tied back away from his face, a copper tinge to his eyes as he leaned forward. His clothing was high quality as well, yet didn't seem to be dirtied. This one Benito recognized as Roroa, the youngest son and child of the Tahyrst family. He looked to be in his twenties.

Urin gestured to the chairs across the table, closest to the doorway, "Please, be seated. It seems mother decided to go out and once more neglected to inform the rest of the family her plans for the day. It's a surprise to have a De'Porthca visit, however more a surprise is to see it's young Lord Benito." His expression softened for a moment, "Our condolences for ... what happened recently. Be assured, Lord Cyne's sarcophagus is being created with great care, and shall be ready for his entombment. In fact," he gestured to himself, "I was working on it before arriving here to meet you."

Here Roroa spoke up, "Heard about you from Cyne we did, didn't think you could dress up so nicely, half expected you to show up with beer stains." He smiled as he looked over both Benito and Tyrius before getting slapped on the shoulder by Urin. Without seeming to even notice he continued, "So what does 'Bloody Ben' ask of the Tahyrsts on this day, wandering down into our Manor? Or are you here to visit one of our sisters, eh? They're lovely, but I don't think they'd enjoy having to look up all the time!" Laughing this time he got a slap on the back of his head from Urin who scowled with a sigh.

"Apologies for Roroa ... he doesn't seem to understand there needs to be a filter between what little mind he has, and his overactive mouth," Urin explained.
 
Benito respectfully offered Urin a hand to shake, for a moment ignoring Roroa, "I heard about your father as well. You have my condolences and I must confess I just got into town I had not even realize you would be handling Cyne's internment, but I appreciate the great care I am sure you are taking with his place of rest." After the handshake, he retracted his hand and took a seat in one of the low chairs, getting more on their level.

Benito turned to Roroa with a smile, "Pleasure to see you again Roroa. Unfortunately this isn't a social visit in that way and Cyne was always jealous he couldn't hold his liquor." Ben's smile saddened slightly, but he focused as he turned back to Urin and continued.

"This is Lord Tyrius Silverbane, a friend and someone who is helping us investigate the murders of all the nobles. We're approaching each family, hoping that we can work together to stop the killer."

Benito stopped for a moment, he looked very serious as he continued, "The killer tried to get Robern last night with some undead creature. We fought it off, myself and some friends. We've spoken to the Accmours and they are working on protections for all the families from enchantment, how they've kept from being caught, and from drowning, the apparent method of murder so far as we understand it."

"We were hoping we could count on your support as well. We could use any knowledge you have on the Lestone family, or any debts shared by all the noble families of Porthca. We were also hoping you might have a more complete or inclusive map of the city including building a tourist might not find and the sewer system."

"The time has come to stand together before more tragedy strikes at any of our families."
 
Eliza nodded in greeting. “Lord Benito has tasked me with some research to be conducted at the De’Porthca’s library.” She looked curiously at Ander, “Would you like to join me or is there something else on your mind?”
 
Following the halfling servant through the manor, Tyrius was surpised how far it seemed to stretch underground.
'The architecture is a marvel, shame i had to see it under such circumstances.' Tyrius thought.

As he was introduced to the Tahrysts, Tyrius gave a polite nod of the head towards the group as he said, "Good day". Following Ben's lead, Tyrius took the low seat next to Ben. It was so low down that Tyrius almost had his knees pushing his chin upward, but he managed to keep a good posture.

At Ben's last sentence, Tyrius smiled. 'Ben's right. Clearly something or someone has it in for the nobles of Porthca. Now's not the time for squabbles.' For the moment though, Tyrius kept his thoughts to himself, waiting to see how willing the Tahrysts were to share what they knew.
 
Ander smiled at Eliza. "I'm gonna check with the head of security, see if he needs my help. If they've got things handled, I will come join ya. I do like to read, when I get the opportunity." Ander stretched his arms above his head and offered his arm to Eliza, making sure she made it to the library safely.
 
Catelyn did her best to keep an eye out for the strange gnome as she stumbled along beside her, guiding her out of quite a few precarious hazards. She decided to amuse herself during the walk people watching. She heard all sorts of rumors, many pertaining to the latest scandals of the noble houses, and a few curious tales of unusually sized rodents, but one thing in particular she noticed was that there was a general sense of unease, so much so that when Virra suddenly and loudly woke from her trance state, she nearly jumped out of her skin. "What? How could you possibly have figured that out from our stroll around the city?" She paused, noting what Virra had said about Ben, and realizing that she was who Ben had been referring to before, but put those thoughts out of her mind for now. "Anyways, if we have interest in myths and legends, then it is Ethes who we would be looking for. He's got quite the reputation around the docks for having the most comprehensive collection of maritime stories... that, or the wildest imagination. Still, I believe he is our best bet. He's likely at one of the more active spots of the docks... probably making quite the nuisance of himself." She smiled. "It would likely be in my line of duty to distract him from bothering the laborers." Catelyn began to lead them off into the direction she believed to be the best to find Ethes.
 
Winston walked alongside Virra as they made their way to the docks, doing his best to keep her out of the path of the other street inhabitants, but his lack of situational awareness led to her gaining a few bumps and bruises along the way anyway. When Cate asked about their motives for sticking around, Winston was glad that Virra took the opportunity to answer because he needed a few minutes to come up with a reason of his own. When she fell silent and focused on...whatever she was focusing on, Winston kept quiet as he tried to read Cate. He could tell she cared for the lesser fortunate, but...he wasn't sure of much else about her. He knew that if he had seen Cate in the streets of Azarad, he would have kept quiet about his wares and spared her his spiel, she didn't seem the type to go for something like that.

Kicking a rock along beside them as they walked, he finally piped up with an answer "I'm not too sure what I'm doing around here to be honest. I helped out Mr. Benito by returning something that fell off his cart the other day, and he rewarded me with a fine meal and a place to sleep. But after that incident at night with that entity, I've sort of just been caught up in the swing of things." Winston shot a glance at the other two, trying to gauge their reactions, but Virra's slightly vacant expression was all he was able to discern. Realizing he lost the rock he had been kicking, he just continued walking with his head down.

He remained that way until Virra randomly exploded out of her trance, causing Winston to almost trip and fall. He frowned at her, "I had the same question as Cate, how could you possibly have figured that out? Also what's this about Ben interrogating you, why did he do such a thing? Seems like an odd thing to do to friends." Although Cate continued to lead them towards Ethes, Winston kept his gaze on Virra, clear that he still wanted to know what has been going on even if Cate was moving past it.
 
The Tahyrst Manor:

After Benito finished speaking, Urin raised a bushy eyebrow, "Lestone? That's not a name that surfaces anything in my mind, does it for you, Roroa?" He looked to his brother who merely shook his head. "The map is interesting to ask for though, Lord Benito. I imagine we might have such a map, but even then I can't promise it'll be up to date." Urin tapped his chin, "Debts ... sounds more like something to do with the Accmours, given they act as the bank here."

Roroa coughed to get attention, his gaze focused on Ben, "Drowning? You say they've been drowned?"

The De'Porthca Manor | Second Floor:

Moving through the Manor, following the sound of orders being given, Ander found himself once more in the company of Sidwae as she oversaw a few unfamiliar people checking the bedrooms of the second floor. Standing with her arms crossed before her, worry could still be seen on her face, the people inside the room seemed to carry wands and small crystals that glowed. Today she wore something more simple, still in the family colors of the De'Porthcas, but less ornate, her hair done in a braid, a necklace resting on her chest. Catching movement she glanced over to see Ander and bowed slightly before returning to her watch, "Welcome once more, guest ... I believe your name was Ander, correct?" Madame Sidwae frowned as she watches the people move through the room, "The Accmours sent a few mages to check the house ... they worked through the first floor and didn't find anything. Now they're checking the bedrooms, to think -- someone got into our Manor and potentially ... and they almost ..."

She shook her head before turning to Ander, having to look up from the height difference, "Regardless, is there something you need?"

The De'Porthca Manor | Library:

Being guided to the study, Eliza set herself to work, first trying to find anything more about the Lestone name, then moving towards anything that seemed to fit with the undead that was mentioned. Digging through the books, not much was to be found specifically about the various families, and the Lestone name never appeared. Finding a 'History of Porthca' book however, she did manage to read a little more about the founding of the town and how it started as a smuggler's cove.

Moving on to books and volumes that focused on the undead, she found a few things of greater substance: that there were undead who might return to enact revenge, for some slight or debt that was never fulfilled. Some that could be called back by a living relative to aid in such acts, a blood bond that went beyond the veil of the living. However, the book she found also spoke of many myths and legends, so it was difficult to tell what was truly fact and what was fiction spread through its pages.

The Docks:

Walking further along the docks, a voice could be heard telling a tale, slowly becoming more understandable as the trio approached. "... aye, and it were five miles long, a serpent in the depths! With but a single twitch, it'd toss a ship on a wave, capsizin' it, tossin' crew over and captains to the depths with their flags! Eyes the size of a man!" An older human sat on a stack of crates while younger looking sailors stood around him, shaking their heads at his tale. His skin was tanned from the sun, his hair greyed and silver, wispy from years on the ocean, a few teeth missing here and there, clothes ragged but still reasonable. As the crowd began to disperse he caught sight of Cate, "Aha! Cate, m'lass, m'angel of th' harbor!" Ethes gave a wide smile towards the woman, "As ya know, my throat gets ... ever so parched, if ya be so kind as to spare some coin so an old man might ease his pain?"
 
"Well, Ma'am, I was makin' sure everyone was accompanied around town, and one of tha smarter folks who was with us wanted to come back here for a bit. As long as I'm here, I'd like to offer any help I can give to keepin' everybody safe. As you may've heard, I grew up a guard, so this is one thing I do know." Ander took in a deep breath after forgetting to breathe, only now realising how nervous Sidwae made him. He bowed deeply and cleared his throat, "I only wish to keep any harm from comin' to anyone else, Ma'am." He stood up tall, almost at attention, though not quite as stable as he would like.
 
Virra sighed, though she'd known the questions would be coming. "I'm a psion," she said quietly as they continued to walk. "I use magic that comes from my mind. Sometimes I can do useful stuff with it." "Like so," she said inside Cate's thoughts. Then, not wanting to repeat herself, she just said: "Boop," in Winston's. It occurred to her as she was doing it that, somehow, talking about the nature of her powers had started to feel kind of boring, at least now that she was doing it for the third time. She'd never thought that she might find explaining her abilities a chore - maybe she just wasn't in the right mood for it? "So yeah, that stuff just then was one of my powers. Just don't tell anyone about it and we'll be fine." Then, noticing that Winston was still staring at her, she shrugged. "Ben thought I was a rogue mage. Well, that and some other stuff too, I guess, but he didn't tell me about that. We're okay now." But even as she said it, Virra had to wonder. When exactly did Ben start believing that she was a murderer? Had everything really been settled? The two of them had argued more than anyone else in this new group, and she could only imagine that pattern would last. Maybe Ben just hated her.

With such cheery thoughts running through her mind, Virra kept quiet the rest of the way through the docks, only really perking up again once the sound of raised voices began to reach them. When the sailors came into view it wasn't hard to tell which one was Ethes; Virra finally found her mirth again as he immediately tried to bum a drink from Cate. "All yours," she said mildly, giving the priestess a nudge and a smile. She'd see where the conversation led, then jump in when she felt the urge.
 
Benito nodded, "Yes, debts and the undead do indeed sound like an 'Accmour thing', but Lasiris House was my first stop. I spoke with Master Enol in person, and I'd be hard pressed to believe he killed his own daughter. In much the same way I would be hard pressed to believe you killed your father - it just doesn't make sense to do something like that. I had hoped your family's racial longevity might have given us a new perspective, that someone might remember something from the past that isn't in the history books, but I can understand if you don't know anything; it seems no one really does. A map, even one not entirely up to date would be a boon in our search. Fewer places for the killer to hide, and if you don't have an up to date map I doubt they will."

Ben sighed audibly, frustrated with the lack of progress before he turned to Roroa, "Was your father not checked for cause of death? I don't mean to dig at wounds that are still healing, but I fear we are not done with the murders and anything you know could help us. Do you know how Thakar died? Can you tell us more about the circumstances and the situation the night of his death?"
 
Catelyn looked down at the small gnome, startled once again by hearing Virra’s voice in her head. She stared at her dumbstruck for a moment before she quickly recollected herself. “Well, that’s rather... unexpected. I cannot say that I have heard of many who have been gifted by the gods in this manner before.” Catelyn paused, considering Virra’s argument with Ben. “Benito is a man who is cautious in his recklessness and tends to see thorns in every flower. He is also under a great deal of stress given the many hardships he has been forced to bear in his life. It is human nature to try to rationalize our Suffering as part of a greater plan, and given your... exotic abilities, I am hardly surprised that you fell under suspicion. I urge you to be patient with Benito, as I will urge him to be with you. We are up against a great threat, and it would not do to be clawing at each other’s backs.”

Catelyn trailed off as they approached Ethes and smiled warmly to the older man, giving him a bow. “The Crying God’s blessings be upon you, Ethes.” As she approached him, she pulled out her water skin as well as a small folded square of cloth in which she saved part of the meal from earlier, and handed both to him. “For your lips, and your stomach as well. I am certain it’s not easy to tell your tales on an empty stomach." She took a seat on the crates beside him, her feet dangling over the edge as she beckoned her companions to join her. "I heard an interesting story a while back, but I cannot recall many of the details. Something of a man lost at sea who swore vengeance against the city that wronged him perhaps? My friends were very interested, but unfortunately my memory failed me. Could you help me?”
 
The Tahyrst Manor:

Urin laughed as Benito mentioned 'racial longevity', "Aye, just because we have a long life doesn't mean anything sticks around!" He stood as his laugh faded, moving around the room to dig into a shelf while Ben spoke to Roroa.

After Ben finished, Roroa's gaze seemed to bore into Ben before he finally blinked and replied, "Da was checked ... yes. Don't tend to let your father die without learning what from." A noise from behind as something fell from the shelves Urin was checking through, "Dwarves ... some dwarves feel a call to the water, but the Tahyrsts have always felt a connection to the earth, feeling the pulse, a sense of what can be done. No need for the sea when others are more than willing to deal with it."

Roroa looked downwards as he fidgeted with his braided beard, "Da ... died with water in his chest, and a phrase on his lips after death."

Returning to the table, Urin spread out a map, frowning towards Roroa, "I can continue if you want, brother. It was unpleasant for all to see and hear ..." Roroa nodded as Urin turned towards the pair, "Father was very close to Roroa, being the youngest of us all ... mother asked the Accmours to allow us to speak with father one last time, to learn what potentially happened to him, any final thoughts we might glean from him..." Urin idly brought over a few small stones to act as paperweights for the map that kept trying to roll itself back up, "We had found him in his bed in the morning ... and in death all he would answer was 'The Sea remembers its debts. The Sea demands they be paid.'"

The De'Porthca Manor | Second Floor:

Looking at Sidwae's face, Ander might have thought he saw a slight smirk at his attempt to be so formal, only for it to disappear as she resumed watching the mages, "I hope that does not extend to whoever attacked us in the night." Around her neck, the gems of her necklace flared briefly, "However, you did aid in the night. We have a few hired hands guarding the children, but only a fool would turn away a paladin of the Morning Lord if they offered their service."

The mages appeared to finish with the current room and moved to the next, Madame Sidwae still keeping an eye on them, "Anthol is trying to keep control of everything for the business, and we have a few hired hands guarding the children." She followed the mages, snapping a finger for a servant to approach, "Lead Sir Ander to Robern and Joane."

The servant bowed, motioning Ander to follow them, leading him back downstairs to the music room where Robern's cough could be heard as soft piano was being played, occasional wrong notes being hit and breaking the melody. Entering the room, various instruments were placed on offer: notably the piano, plus a harp, a few small drums, a flute, and small set of chimes. Seated on the chairs or leaning against the walls were a few that looked like guardsmen, their armor polished and reflective. At Ander's entry they each reached for their blades before seeing the servant and resettled themselves.

The Docks:

Ethes took the offered drink and food with a sly smile, "Ah ... you know me too well, I'see. Not th' ale I hoped, but 'preciated all t'same." He took a swig from the water and a large bite of the food before swallowing and looking over Cate's company. "Some interestin' friends ya keep lass, don't recognize either." Shrugging he continued, "I can't complain considerin' m'last crowd left!" His voice shouted across the docks to the sailors that had left before he turned back to the current group with a toothy smile, "So ... a tale of vengeance, aye?"

Taking another swig from the waterskin Ethes' expression changed to one of a faraway gaze as he looked out towards the harbor, "The sea ... a fickle woman she is, one day kind, the other deadly with her waves -- storms from nowhere, or winds that rescue a becalmed ship from misery." He shook his head for a moment, "Som'ma the druids that wander, they say the sea is mor'n jus' a big ol' lake, they say it's a life -- a being. Heard plenty o'sailors claim to make promises on the waters, be more faithful to their woman on shore, if only they could jus' make it home an' such, only to find the sea seem'ta push 'em home."

Silent for a moment, Ethes' expression became darker, "Sometimes -- sometimes some go out to th' sea with darker thoughts. Wishes and requests of violence -- a call to the sea of vengeance -- to sink another man's ship, pull'm down into the depths! Ruin th' fortune of others!" His focus lightened as he turned back to Cate, "Many men be lost at sea, many swear vengeance upon'er, or want vengeance 'pon others."
 
Tyrius could barely keep his facial expression neutral as Roroa revealed what Thakar had said and how he had died.

Glancing at Benito, Tyrius decided to share what they knew. 'Ben did say we needed to cooperate,' Tyrius thought.

"Sounds exactly like what the Accmour's told us happened to their little girl and what happened to Cyne." Tyrius leaned a little forward, his chin scraping against his knees, "I don't mean to be insensitive, but there's something that might be a possibility. Is there anyone in your family whose normally a light sleeper, say wakes up in the early hours every night without fail, but slept soundly throughout the night Thakar was killed?"

'Thakar died a little over three months ago,' Tyrius thought to himself, 'I doubt there's any traces left, but never know, might be worth checking.'
 
For the first time in a while, a big smile crossed Winston's face when he heard Virra's voice in his head. "Okay, that is SO cool. What else can you do? Can you read minds?" He shut his mouth as Cate spoke of Ben's 'hardships' and 'stress,' frowning quietly to himself. I've seen the carriages he rides in, and the mansions he's called home, he would probably consider an untied shoe or a scuffed boot a 'hardship'.' Hmph...

Winston then had to consciously reel his emotions in as they neared the docks and this man who spoke to Cate. Winston looked on with approval as she gave him the food and drink to coax the story out of him, as well as her carefully chosen words. He glanced over his shoulder instinctively as Ethes shouted after the sailors who were making their escape from Ethes storytelling, smiling slightly at their hurried gate. Winston's expression became a more serious one as he turned back to hear Ethes tell his story. I've heard stories like this, men asking for help from one god or entity, promising them things, bah. All just empty promises of a man desperate for his life to turn out right. But...this seems to be the same story coming from many different sources. Maybe there is some truth to this after all?

Winston clears his throat, trying to bring the gaze of Ethes down to his smaller stature. "Hello there ol' boy, my names Winston. I just wanted to know, are there any people who have had the sea respond to their plea? Anyone who's desires actually came true?"
 
As Ethes began to wax poetic about the sea and her qualities, VIrra had a moment to chew over what Cate and Winston had said to her. The priestess's referring to psionics as a blessing from the gods didn't entirely sit well with her, though she did enjoy being likened to an unappreciated flower. Winston's reaction, on the other hand, had made her day. Finally, recognition for one of her many talents! Why had it taken so long? Puffed up on the compliment, she chose not to correct him about her mind-reading powers for the time being.

Gradually her attention turned back to the rumour-mongering old sailor. As the halfling made his introductions she decided to do the same, leaning into view to give him a little wave and her most charming smile. "And I'm Virra. It's like Winston says: have you heard of anyone who got their revenge in the end? We'd really like to know."
 
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