Porthca Landing I: Memory of the Sea

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As Winston sips on his ale and listens to Ethes newest story, his leg bounced under the table impatiently. He was so excited that his idea might have actually some real impact that he almost missed the beginning of the story. He listened attentively, nodding whenever Ethes paused to encourage him to keep speaking. As Ethes finished on that mysterious note, Winston immediately followed up asking "And this man -- did he have a name? Have there been reports spotting a man like this since that happened?"
 
Ben chuckled when the absurdity of his idea was pointed out, "Yes, you're probably right, speaking with the sea is a bit far fetched. Then again I've seen some pretty amazing things in my time at Azarad and just last night a man's head turned full around like an owl to try to drown me and I've met a woman who..." He stopped. No, you can't betray Virra's secret just because you're having a friend chat. Don't be stupid, finish your sentence. Benito fumbled, "Well, she's something special." Benito smiled awkwardly. Wow, nice recovery, I'm sure that made everything better; idiot.

Ben scratched his head in an awkward moment. "Sorry to hear we missed Rich, would have been nice to introduce him to Ty. They'd probably have plenty to talk about. We should go speak with Malia though, if that's alright. Maybe she's got some secret druidic ritual for us." He chuckled. "Would you mind showing us to the study or...?" He trailed off slightly but ended with an inflection that denoted a question before clarifying, "It's been quite some time since I've been around, I don't know that I could find it and I wouldn't want to wander around your home."
 
Cate's apology for not helping with the drinks was so sincere, Virra had to laugh. "Oh, don't beat yourself up over it. I'm good at balancing acts." With the drinks distributed she quickly set to work on her own ale, though she almost forgot about it as Ethes began his story. The old guy had a real gift, she decided. And that one character who sorted everything out... she could tell it didn't just grab her attention. She nodded along with both of Winston's questions, leaning forward in her seat with her tankard clutched in both hands.

"Yeah, what Winston said! Who was he? Why did he calm the sea for the nobles? And, and..." Her face lit up as the idea came to her. "Could his name have been Lestone?"
 
Chuckling a little as well, Tyrius could just imagine Ben strolling down to the Docks before bellowing at the Sea the way he had Virra. The thought made the laughter stop quickly for Tyrius, but he kept the smile on his face in an effort to hide the fact that he was concerned.

'The way Ben's been, considering that someone tried to kill his little brother and sister last night, he's been very strong. The problem is he could push himself too hard. He easily could get it into his head to sacrifice himself to make the murders stop, but I don't think that would accomplish anything. And I absolutely do not want to see my good friend killing himself.'

Tyrius kept his face as calm and pleasant as possible as he heard Ben's slight pause when he brought up Virra. 'Nice save,' thought the sorcerer as Ben finished his sentence.

"Is there a large bandit problem around Porthca?" Tyrius asked, mentally adding it to the small checklist he had in his mind of things to do after the killer was dealt with.

'Help Eliza with her debt and parent problems if she'll let me, go drinking with the Tahrysts and Ben. This sure beats sitting in an office dealing with scrolls and paperwork or trying to convince Mother to let me borrow one of her old spellbooks any day.'
 
The Tuckered Kraken Cabin:

Ethes shook his head, between Winston's questions and Virra's, "This was generations ago, things get lost in th'tellings. Never heard a name, but did hear 'sposedly, he was promised a reward for 'is help, yet he never reappeared." The old sailor shrugged, "Maybe was some travelin' druid, they're a strange lot. Ask for somethin', then leave a'fore can get it."

Leaning over his drink towards the others he continued, "Even heard tell some merely ask for the first thin' ya see when ya return home. 'Spose if it's a youngin', is how they train up new druids."

The Defallian Manor:

Smiling towards Ben as he worked, Odith replied, "Somethin' special huh? Caught your eye perhaps?" He laughed as he continued moving through the garden, "Ah ... at some point I suppose I'll need to start setting up marriages for Rich and the girls. Aen understood the politics much better than me, but I'm sure I can stumble through it all the same."

Pausing at another set of plants as he looked them over, Odith responded to Tyrius' question, "Heh, Porthca once was the bandit problem, depending on which history books ya read. There's a few gangs here in the northern areas, tend to attack the Plains, thinkin' we're easy targets. Too far from Azarad, less traveled than the south." His expression darkened for a moment, almost like the sky was beginning to -- matching the forcast Kecei gave earlier. "Have to train our farmers how to defend themselves, an' I'm not glad it's become a requirement."

After a moment he shook his head, glancing up, "I need to get this done before the storms come in -- Kecei mentioned at breakfast they'd be pretty fierce tonight." Cupping his hands around his mouth he made a short birdcall as something small moved through the plants, finally stepping out to appear next to Odith. It looked like a shrub, yet small wooden limbs stuck out from it, and small berries dotted its branches. Though it didn't have a face, it appeared to be looking towards the pair, as if waiting.

Gesturing with a tool, Odith pointed from the shrub to the pair, "Froot, this is Lord Benito and Lord Tyrius. Lead them to Malia's study if you would?" The small shrub's arms moved to a salute as it started wandering off, back into the plants once more, leading towards the house. Odith smiled as it walked away, "He's my garden helper -- I believe he's an ... 'awakened' shrub or something like that? Froot was given to us as a gift not too long ago, but we've grown quite attached to him. He'll lead you to Malia, don't worry."

Waving at the two as Odith went back to work, Froot led the pair into the Manor, potted plants dotted the home, either resting on the floor or hanging from the ceiling, the small shrub making noises as it moved, rustling its branches, its wooden feet tapping lightly on the tiled floor. Following it further it led upstairs, a few more regular servants looking questioningly at the pair following Froot, but ignoring them as they went on their tasks. Finally Froot stopped before a large door, raising a small wooden arm and tapping on it, a woman's voice responding, "Yes? Come in please, the door's unlocked."

Entering the study, books are piled high around the room, even more plants rest on tables, some healthy, some dead or dying, and some almost looking too healthy. Behind a desk sat a woman, similar in age to the two men who entered, her hair black, eyes a deep green, and instead of something fancy or ornate, she wore a simple dress, her sleeves rolled up as dirt and smudges could be seen on her hands and arms. She looked up at the pair who entered, smiling, "Well then! If it's not Lord Benito! And ... this is?"

She glanced behind the two nobles, seeing Froot and gave the shrub a small wave, "Hello Froot, you can return to dad now, I expect he needs your help."
 
Benito smiled, "Thank you Odith, when this is over we should get the families together for a dinner." He waved before he followed Froot into the house and through the hallways.

Ben was surprised to see Malia, he knew that was where they intended to go and who he should expect to meet, but it caught him by surprise none the less. It'd been several years since he saw her. Ben thought back, Was she there when I was first carted off to Azarad? Had she come, I don't recall. She didn't see me in the cell, but perhaps the day before I... It almost concerned him that he could not remember, but then he snapped out of his though and smiled, "Lady Malia Defallian, allow me to introduce Lord Tyrius Silverbane of Wyford." He bowed slightly as he introduced the two nobles. "How have you been Mel?" He looked around the room, "Judging by the plants your studied have worked out." He grinned and held out a hand with a flourish of his fingers, "Rose," a small rose appeared in his hand. He held it out as if to offer it to her, but it crumpled to a magical dust that faded as it fell toward the floor.

His smile fell with the rose. "We're actually here to speak of the dangers that face the families. I was hoping you might have come across something about the Lestones or someone in your family line who could speak with the sea." Ben felt a little bit crazy every time he suggested it. No matter how much he had witnessed at Azarad, some things just seemed too far fetched.
 
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The Defallian Manor | Study:

The small shrub wandered off as Ben spoke, Malia rising from her desk to offer a small curtsy to the pair, "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Tyrius." With a smile she waved a hand at the plants, "My progress varies, but I think I'm starting to get somewhere." She glanced towards the Azarad pins, "I only wish Azarad would consider my research legitimate ... my only discussion partners for this sort of thing are any druids that wander through and trying to have a reasonable conversation with them is ... difficult." Malia shook her head before smiling faintly at the rose that formed in Ben's hand until it faded.

Moving around to the front of the desk she leaned against it as she thought about Ben's question, "Lestone doesn't ring a bell ... sorry. As for speaking with the sea ..." She tapped her chin as she thought, "I assume you recall we're more aware of the weather for the most part, and a few in our line have claimed to 'hear' the land, but the sea ... I'm not sure about that." Her gaze wandered, as she muttered, "Though I suppose ... why couldn't it be possible? If the land can be 'spoken' to, truly how different is the sea...? Granted the sea is then connected to the greater ocean, which covers more of the world, so it could be said to be the larger of the two ... hmm..."

Malia went quiet for a few moments before blinking and looking back at the pair with an embarrassed smile, "Apologies! Sometimes I ramble, and usually my only audience is green and leafy! Maybe Kecei if she manages to sit still long enough, but it's a rare occurrence." She chuckled, before blinking once more and moving quickly to a stack of books. "No ... no ... not this one... ah!" Malia exclaimed as she held up an older looking tome with a smile, "We may not be able to 'speak' to the sea ... but that doesn't mean we can't potentially have a middleman, no? Something a little more ... elemental?"
 
Tyrius was a little surprised to see a small shrub come out of the plants. Though it was more from not expecting it to be there. Following Froot alongside Benito, Tyrius looked around at the plants covering the corridor in the manor. Tyrius found himself wondering what it would be like to grow up in such a place, with a walking shrub around the house.

Entering the room alongside Benito, Tyrius was impressed at the sheer volume of books in the study. Reading was one of his favourite hobbies as a child. As Benito introduced him, Tyrius gave a polite bow before watching Ben conjure a rose. The small rose put a smile on his face. Tyrius always enjoyed watching Ben's conjuring.

"The please is all mine, Lady Malia," Tyrius replied. Listening to Lady Malia think aloud, Tyrius glanced around the room at Lady Malia's plants. 'An impressive set of plants,' thought Tyrius.

"It's alright," Tyrius said as Lady Malia apologised. "What's that about an elemental?" Tyrius asked, hoping Lady Malia would elaborate.
 
The Defallian Manor | Study:

Malia opened the book, flipping through the pages, "Well, elementals can ... there's a language referred to as 'Primordial', and there are different dialects to it, one for each element." Counting on her fingers she continued, "I believe there's ... Ignan, Auran, Terran, and Aquan." Continuing to flip pages, "So the thought is, could potentially get one to 'speak' to the sea for us since it doesn't seem possible for us to do it ourselves."

Looking over the top of the pages she peered at the pair, "Uhm. Not to say this potentially can't go badly ... elementals don't typically like to be summoned or controlled, but it's a thought." Outside a low rumble could be heard from the sky.
 
"The sisters of the dawn where, well, my sisters would be a pretty good way to say it. When I was little, I was found by a group of Lathander's followers alone out in tha woods. They brought me back to their temple, and that's where I grew up. All I've ever known has been that temple, and the sisters were a group of followers who would go into the small towns on Lokil and help the poor. I used to go with them, as a guard, and spend a bit of my free time reading in the libraries I'd found." Ander smiles as he thinks back. "I'd learned ta read from hymnals and prayer books, but there was a whole world of other things that I had found out. Odd creatures, heroes journeys, strange magics. You can find all sorts of stuff in books. I'd honestly thought most of the magic's I'd read about were fiction, but you and your brother have shown me that I may've been wrong about that."
 
"What would be required for something like that, to summon an elemental for arbitration? Could it incur a debt?" Benito felt as though he were grasping at straws but also like this was leading somewhere. "I know this will be hard for you, and we can stop the asking if it becomes too much, but what do you know of your mother's death? Do you know how she died, what she heard last?"
 
Virra wasn't quite ready to let go of her Lestone theory, though she at least managed not to interrupt Ethes until he'd finished his train of thought. "The first thing you see when you return home...? And they recruit children that way?" She took another swig of ale and leaned back. "Maybe... maybe the debt could have been something like that? A child, I mean. Or someone's life. These nobles who've died, maybe they have an ancestor in common? We'd have to look at their genealogies and stuff. More books to read."

Virra hiccuped, then went quiet. She was beginning to lose track of what she was thinking. Rambling. How did they know the guy even was a druid, or that the story had any truth to it at all? She drummed her fingers on the table and resolved not to embarrass herself any more. "So... anything else you can tell us about this story? Any variations you've heard, or people who might have a different take on it?"
 
The De'Porthca Manor | Music Room:

Joane nodded as Ander spoke, "Oh yes -- I love reading books from our library for those reasons. So many stories and legends, even if they might not be true."

The small girl focused for a moment and around her lifted hand started to form small wisps of fog before sputtering out, Robern turned and gasped from his piano playing, slapping her hand down. "What are you doing?" he hissed to his twin before coughing again, watching Ander for his reaction.

Holding her hand to her chest Joane shrunk into herself slightly, "I just -- I wanted to show him some of the other magic I could do ..."

Hugging her awkwardly, Robern shook his head, "Not that kind of magic ... he meant your arrow stuff, like Ben."

The Tuckered Kraken Cabin:

"Gene-- what?" Ethes took another drink as he shook his head, "Speakin' words I don't quite know. Heard a few versions sure, the nobles started makin' offerin's to the sea, parts of their trade -- or a ship sunk on purpose. Like a... a sacrifice I 'spose, let the sea have that one, maybe ignore the others." The old sailor shrugged, "Books might tell a dif'rent tale, dunno. Most I can read is the names on ships, an' th' names on taverns!" he laughed loudly.

The Defallian Manor | Study:

"A debt? I don't know ... I'd have to read a little further..." Malia continued skimming pages until the heard Ben's questions, slowing eventually to a stop. "I ... "

Her arms dropped to her side as she looked down, her whole excited demeanor fading. "Dad didn't want to say much ... but we'd all been on farms and such, we knew death was a thing that happened ... just ... didn't expect her to die like that, of all things. To ... drown somehow." Malia hugged the book to her chest tightly, her eyes closed as she frowned, a rumble in the air once more, "We don't know what she heard last ... the Accmours offered something but we turned them down. We didn't want to disturb her peace. At least ... I hope she's at peace."
 
Benito stepped forward and placed a hand on Malia's shoulder. "I'm sorry Mel. You've shared what we needed to know. All the dead have died the same way - drowning. The Accmours are looking into a solution for all of us, but in the meantime be careful." He tried to smile, they grew up together even if they'd grown apart over time and it hurt to see her hurt.

"Do you remember that time we ran off after that rabbit... Well I guess I was chasing the rabbit and you were chasing me. We lost the rabbit, but found that blackberry bush. You insisted we couldn't eat them; had to bring them home for everyone. Your chef made that wonderful blackberry cobbler. Your mother was so upset with us until she smelled that dish." Ben smiled and rubbed his hand along the binding of the book, "Blackberry Cobbler." The scent of the cobbler gently wafted off the book.

"Remember the happy times. And if you can manage please look into the summoning and the price - debt or otherwise - for us. My friends and I will catch this killer and put an end to this hardship." He absentmindedly placed his hand on her cheek, a familiar and vulnerable moment in the privacy of this study.
 
Tyrius listened to Lady Malia's explanation about Elementals with both interest in terms of having another lead towards finding the killer and genuine curiousity about how Elementals acted and the possibility of learning more about the world around him than he could cooped up in Silverbane Manor. At the mention of incurring a debt with an Elemental, Tyrius wondered what other possible risks there were.

'I know Ben is thinking of the debt that all of the victims have mentioned and we heard last night, but what sort of payment would an Elemental expect for communicating with the sea on our behalf?' wondered Tyrius.

Tyrius watched the way Lady Malia seemed to just grind to a halt at the question about her mother's possible last words. While every relative they had encountered so far had seemed completely genuine, Tyrius couldn't dismiss the possibility of a power grab by one family over the other three completely out of hand, so he paid careful attention to Lady Malia's body language. As she hugged the book to her chest, Tyrius felt that she was genuine with her emotions. Which made Tyrius glad when Ben started comforting her. 'I don't know what sort of debt we'll find out about, but nobody deserves to have to go through this,' Tyrius mused as Ben rubbed his hand over the binding of the book that Lady Malia was holding.

As Ben promised that they would put an end to the hardship, Tyrius nodded in agreement. "You have our word," Tyrius stated after a few minutes, "We will find the person responsible for this. I'm sorry for your loss."
 
The Defallian Manor | Study:

Malia leaned into Ben's hand as she smiled faintly, "I'll ... look into it. Hopefully I'll have news by tomorrow, I can potentially let you know after the funeral."

She nodded towards Tyrius as she opened the book once more, trying to return to the pages she had open, "I still can't promise it'll do as we hope ... and I can't promise it'll be friendly. If you still want to go through with it, one way or the other, it'll probably lead to a fight." Malia looked between the two of them, "So probably bring your friends just in case."
 
Ander was taken aback by the new power he saw, and even more so by Robern's reaction. He opened up his senses and gently patted the children's shoulders. Intrigued by what he felt and where, he relaxed for a bit. "Don't worry, I'm your friend. I'm just here to make sure you are both safe." He smiled as he picked up a book that seemed appropriate from the shelf and sat in the chair to read it out loud to the children.
 
"For now, lets just get the information. Once we know what it might cost and what is required then we can decide on how to handle it. After the funeral though. Tomorrow I need to be there for my family." Ben rubbed Malia's shoulder, "Thank you for your help." He let go and glanced toward the door and Tyrius, "Anything else you can think of Ty? I think it's time I spoke with my father."
 
Tyrius shook his head a little, "I think that's everything for the moment." Turning slightly towards Lady Malia, Tyrius added, "Thank you very much for your help, it's unfortunate we had to meet under these circumstances." Tyrius found himself wondering if the rest of their group had managed to uncover any more information on the Lestones.
'Hopefully the enchantments the Accmours were working on are ready, I can only imagine how terrified Joane and Robern might be.'
 
The Defallian Manor | Study:

Once more Lady Malia Defallian gave a small curtsy as the pair left, being guided out of the manor by a human servant, and finding themselves back out on the streets.

Walking towards the De'Porthca Manor, the sky appears to have gotten darker as time has passed and the rumbling louder -- there's a sense in the air that something wants to happen, yet is waiting for its final breaking point. Nearing the manor, rain finally breaks, leading the pair to hurry more quickly back to dry ground, being greeted once more by the familiar servants of the day before.

Exiting as the pair enter are the Accmour mages, apparently finished now with their sweep, while Madame Sidwae watched them leave. Seeing Lord Benito and Lord Tyrius return, she bowed her head slightly, "I take it you've finished your rounds with the families." Her arms had been crossed until she stretches out one hand, holding a small pouch, "Rose petals. Tucked under each of our beds, hidden away," she scowled before shaking her head. Tapping her ear she continued, "Anthol was returning home when he received word the Accmours had something ready for him, supposedly on your request. He sent a servant to retrieve it, for now he's currently in the study."

Turning towards the music room she frowned once more, seeing the guards standing outside peering through the door, "What is even going on here! You're supposed to be protecting the twins, why are you outside?"
 
Hearing the anger in Sidwae's voice, Ander finished his sentence and patted the children on the heads. He stepped through the door, saying, "My appologies, ma'am. Yer men have been doin' a heck of a job keeping 'em safe, I was just tryin' ta give the young ones a few minutes of fun. I assure ya, I didn't mean ta cause any trouble." He bowed and smiled, doing his best to reassure her that the kids were always safe.


As he exited the room, he saw that Benito and Tyrius had returned from their mission and he did his best to make eye contact with Ben. "Sorry, again, ma'am," he said as he made his way to Ben's side, gently putting his hand on his shoulder. Quietly, he said, "Can we talk in private for a moment?"
 
Benito looked at Ander, confused. "Sure. I was just going to speak with my father upstairs. We can step into my room briefly." He turned to Tyrius, "I'll have to speak with my father alone and it seems I'm needed for something else as well. Why don't you check on Lizy or see what more you can learn from Sid." Ben then led the large man up to the second floor and into his room.

Ben shut the door and turned, "This is about as private as it gets, what's up?"
 
Ander looks around nerviously, "Well, um, what do you know of Sidwae's magical abilities? I saw her preparing a spell last night when she came to Robern's side, I just wonder what you know about where that power comes from." Ander dances around his concern, trying to make sure Benito doesn't already know things he's figured out.
 
Ben looked confused, "Sidwae's magic? None that I'm aware of. Maybe a magic amulet or ring. They're pretty common among the noble families. My father wears one." Ben steps forward toward Ander, not nearly as intimidated by the man's size or armor as he probably should be. "Speak plainly, what is this about?" His question came almost as a command.
 
"Well, yer little sister showed me some magic a bit ago, and Robern seemed to be a bit concerned that she shouldn't be doin' it in front a' me." Ander thought for a moment about how he might explain, "It didn't seem like somethin' she should know how ta do... so I checked her out and noticed a latent chaotic energy comin' off her. While I was sensing, I also noticed simmilar energy coming from where I left Sidwae." Ander suddenly looked slightly embarassed. "I don't mean ta pry, it just appeared that Joane might have magic flowin' through her that's... not... quite her own." His inflection rose at the end of his sentence, because he is clearly uncertain if this is a real issue or if he was just detecting odd magic items.
 
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