Porthca Landing I: Memory of the Sea

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Noticing Ben's discomfort, Tyrius ate a little more of his meal. It was a very delicious meal, the roasted potatoes were crisp and the beef tasted nice and tender. Hearing talk of magical goods, Tyrius' ears perked up. 'Might be another place to go shopping someday.' Tyrius thought to himself.
 
“They opened their store over a hundred years ago. They used to sell stuff they found on their adventures but now they mostly sell stuff they enchanted themselves.”

Having socialized to the minimum required for dinner, Eliza turned her focus to her meal. She took occasional sips from her cup of water and tried to smuggle some for Faust, along with a crumb or two while listening to the conversation around her and planning for her immediate future.

Write letter to parents. Investigate murder. Report murderer to appropriate authorites. Get a job. Easy enough.
 
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Virra didn't mind the lull in conversation so much; it gave her time to reflect on her productive day so far, and also to decide whether or not she wanted to go for thirds. That wasn't a very tough decision in the end - she'd never been the first to finish eating before, and she wasn't about to start. Plus, part of her really wanted to see if she could go for longer than the halfling, just to flip some steroetypes on their heads.

As she tucked into yet another helping of beef and potatoes, she took a moment to regard the others eating dinner. It was quite the collection of characters, and she was still figuring out how to feel about them all. Since each of them (except Winston, as far as she could tell) had at least implicitly agreed to help Benito hunt down the killer, she'd probably be seeing them again, so it helped that she was fond of most of the faces at the table. Of course, there were some she hadn't had time to scrutinise, like that man of the cloth. What was his name again? Ander of the Morning Lord, Benito had called him. He looked a good deal sturdier than the rest of the gathering from where Virra was sitting, even if he wasn't the most gifted in conversation. She smirked to herself; if he was having trouble with table manners, it'd be fun watching him try to chase down a murderer. How bad was this 'tragedy' in Lokil that it brought him here, so far out of his comfort zone...?

Realising she was staring, VIrra turned her head and kept chewing. She knew when she made the best impression, and it wasn't when half her mind was occupied by food. She'd have to grab him after the meal; maybe explain the situation to Winston while she was at it.

Gosh, when did I get so busy?
 
De'Porthca Manor | First Floor: Dining Room

Noticing the lowered amount of both food and conversation, Anthol tapped on his glass gently for attention, a tired smile as he spoke, "It appears the meal was to everyone's satisfaction -- I'm glad. However, the hour is becoming late -- I'm sure all of you are likely tired, and we have some little ones that need to be getting to bed." He glanced towards both Robern and Joane before continuing, "A servant will guide you each to your respective room when you're ready. If you need anything, feel free to pull one aside and ask -- though I request you be reasonable." His face hardened for a moment, "We're bound to offer our guests much, but I still request you understand our current ... circumstances."

Anthol paused as Sidwae gently placed a hand on his, his gaze turned down for a moment until he looked to her with a faint smile. His gaze moving across those seated before him he gave a faint nod, turning to Benito briefly, "I'll be in the study when you're ready ... feel free to speak with your friends a little longer if you'd like."

As he moved to stand a servant pulled his chair away, Sidwae as well, standing and bowing her head slightly towards the guests before grabbing Robern's hand and leading him away, Anthol pulling Joane's seat back and leading her away as well.

Servants started collecting empty plates and glassware, pushing the empty seats back into their placements, a few hovering waiting to guide guests to their respective rooms.
 
With the children and Sidwae gone, Benito turns to the others not seeming to notice nor care about the presence of the servants. "Welcome to the De'Porthca residence. I hope you all enjoyed dinner. It seems we finally have the opportunity for a proper introduction. I'll start." Ben took a breath, and straightened his tunic as he stood.

"I am Lord Benito Encogerse De'Porthca, a noble of Porthca, a Graduate Weaver of Azarad, and the subject of many whispered conversations. As many of you know, I am back home from the University after the murder of my older brother, Cyne. I intend to find his killer and bring them to justice."

Benito sighed, "My brother's funeral is in two days. You all are welcome to attend, and my father's invitation for you to stay will last at least that long. Especially with other family and guests arriving for the event." He focused on Virra, "Virra, you need to tred carefully in this house. Do not think that Sidwae will allow you to roam about unnoticed, and know that I was aware you slipped away when we left the coach. Please do not test me, I can be quite agreeable to my friends, but no one has ever crossed me and not regretted it." He turns to Winston, "And you, Winston, welcome to the manor. I appreciate you returning my belongings, I hope you're not tempted to compensate yourself with any of the others. I'm sure, you'll find the staff and and manor adequately accommodating for your kindness."

Finally, he bowed his head addressing them all, but seemingly distracted by the intricate wooden inlays of the table. He traced them with a finger as he spoke, "Do not misjudge our generosity for weakness. My family is mourning, and our business is likely being marked for acquisition, our fortune wanning and hold on our industry tenuous without my brother running the company yet we open our home to all of you, offering food and lodging, clean clothes and hospitality. Do not give us reason to regret it."

He looked up and clasped his hands behind his back, standing more straight and noble, "Who's next?"
 
Virra listened to Benito's after-dinner address with a growing frown. It wasn't like she was unused to being called out in public, but she'd been expecting something a bit more rousing from her new sort-of-employer. What a way to kill the mood.

She put up a hand. "Right here," she announced without getting up. "Hi, I'm Virra. Look, Ben, I understand if you don't want new friends roaming around your house right now, but we have to start probing this somewhere. So why don't you help us help you?" She leaned forward. "What do you know about how Cyne died? Do you know where he was found? Where he was last seen alive? What might have been used to kill him? Tell us, and then we'll have a place to start." Having the servants linger in the room while she asked these questions wasn't ideal, but if Benito didn't feel the need to dismiss them she wouldn't show that it bothered her.

She leaned back again and felt her smile returning. "Finished. Next?"
 
Listening attentively to Anthol, Tyrius nodded his head out of respect as both Anthol and Sidwae left the room along with Benito’s siblings. ‘I honestly hope we can bring closure by bringing the killer to justice.’ thought Tyrius.

As Benito stood up to speak, Tyrius paid close attention to what his friend had to say. ‘So, their business is struggling. That could be a motive for someone to commit murder. At the very least, if I get the chance I should send a letter home. Get father to increase the amount of orders we make so the De’Porthca’s get more business. See if I can help Ben out that way as well as helping to track down the killer.’

When Benito straightened up, Tyrius spoke up. “I guess I’ll go next.” began Tyrius, “I am Lord Tyrius Silverbane of Wyford.” Tyrius nodded towards Benito, “Lord De’Porthca and I met at Azarad and my family have had business deals with the De’Porthca’s going back a few generations.” Tyrius glanced at Benito, “I hope we’ll be able to bring the killer to justice, Ben. I’ll do everything I can to make sure of that.”
 
Ander was a bit overwhelmed, but he knew he had to speak up now that the children were gone. He stood up, saying, "I am Ander. I came from Lokil after the temple where I grew up was destroyed, and much of my 'family' were killed." He subconsciously grasps the sword on his back. "I was a guard, and I was taking a group of sisters into town. While I was away, the temple was attacked. I investigated, and followed a group of outsiders who had fled the isle the morning after the attack." His eyes begin to fill with tears, but he wipes them away and steadied his voice.

"I'm not sure if the murders in Porthca are connected to Lathander's temple being destroyed, but I vowed to put an end to killings, regardless of where they occur. I am here now, and I would like to help, even if it doesn't lead to justice for my family." He wrings his hands nervously, and he knows to Benito before sitting back down.
 
Winston leaned back in his chair, slightly in a daze as his overly full stomach protruded from under his shirt. As Winston was addressed by Benito to not steal anything from the house, he sat up straight and grinned back at him, giving him a quick wink. "You got it, no touching anything of yours." Winston of course did not have any intention of keeping that promise, but that would come some time later. As hard of a time he had reading people, even Winston could tell that this man was not to be messed with, especially after the death of a family member.

Winston looked each of the others up and down as they introduced themselves, taking note of their obvious intention to assist Benito in hunting down his brother's killer. Winston didn't particularly care that his brother was murdered; people die everyday. But then again, this seemed to be an open invitation to stay close to his mark instead of needing to skulk around in the shadows. Hiding in plain sight...Winston liked the idea.

Winston cleared his throat as Ander sat back down, but made no move to stand. "Evening everyone, my name is Winston. I am sorry to hear about your brother, if I didn't express my condolences earlier Lord Benito. I was looking into chartering a ship to Ravenmond, but it appears that those ships are a bit more expensive then I thought, so it appears that I will be in town for a few days longer at the very least in an attempt to make some money...somehow. But helping solve a murder? I'm not sure how helpful I can be, but I would be glad to accumulate all of the good karma I can get before starting over in Ravenmond, so if you have need of me just ask." Winston leaned back against his seat, indicating he was finished speaking.
 
Eliza listened as each of them introduced herself nodding in greeting to each one. When it became her turn she cleared her throat and focused on Benito, occasionally glancing at the others beside her. "Hello, I am Eliza Carabelli and I met Lord Benito back at Azarad. Ben has shown me nothing but kindness ever seen I have known him and I think it is now my turn to return the favor. We will catch the murderer, Ben, I promise that." She didn't know what use her skills would be to Ben when the professionals couldn't catch the killer but she vowed she would do her best.

"Oh, and this is my familiar Faust." She held up the brown mouse currently nibbling on a crumb. He put it aside and took a deep bow towards the group, enjoying the attention. Eliza smiled at her familiar, scratching him behind his left ear.
 
Benito nodded to each as they introduced themselves before he turned his attention back to Virra. "You need to be careful, Sidwae is hardly as friendly or understanding as I, and my patience has limits. The next time you want to snoop, speak to me, I'll arrange a servant to escort you or do it myself." He sighed, "And you will be leaving Joane and Robern out of your 'investigation'. This is not negotiable - I know what it's like to lose someone close to you when you're young and they've been through enough without a nosy gnome pestering them." He moved to a small cart and poured himself a small drink, returning to the table but remaining standing.

"Now, to answer your questions. The details of Cyne's death were not specified in the letter I received. It simply explained that he had died and the funeral would be held soon. I was to join James, who delivered the letter to Azarad, back to Porthca. As little as I enjoy this place, he was still my brother and I came to pay my respects. It was not until we entered the Sinking Plains that I began to hear the whispers of foul play." He took a sip of his drink, "I plan to speak with my father tonight privately, and I will learn all I can from him. I do know there should be another meeting of The Council soon, it's likely that my father will attend, he may ask me along under the circumstances."

He looked around, realizing that The Council made little sense, he continued to explain. "Sorry, I realize not all of you are from the city. Allow me to share a history lesson that may explain some things. Porthca is generally controlled by a council made up of the Four Families; De'Porthca, Defallian, Tahtyst, and Accmour. The families have a relatively secure monopoly on their industry at least within the Sinking Plains, if not further."

"My family controls import and export for almost all goods moving through the city, the Sinking Plains, and the surrounding area, we are the most diversified in product, but most specific in purpose. We never let go of our smugglers' roots. If you have a product, we can get your product from here to there safely and quickly. We provide security and storage as well. It is where our family motto comes from, Swift and Dependable. It was my ancestors who founded Porthca as a smuggler's cove originally. My brother Cyne, was the public face of the company, and the attending council member. Cyne was the last to die."

"The next family to join us was the Defallians. Originally fishers who worked with my family to move their fish inland, they eventually amassed wealth and now own the most fertile farms in the Sinking Plains. With their help, my family began their first legitimate business ventures, and turned Porthca into a respectable, but small port town. Aennad Defallian was the matriarch of her family, and die just before my brother."

"The third family to join us was the Dwarven Tahtyst. They came offering the best construction of both building and vessels. They quickly monopolized the lumber and stone industry. If my family needs a boat to be repaired or a warehouse built, we get it through the Tahtysts. They are the only non-human noble family, but it's never slowed them down, in fact Porthca would not be the large, bustling port city you see without their skills. Thakar Tahyrst, their patriarch, was the first noble to die."

"The final family of Porthca is the Accmour. They only arrived after Porthca was established as a true city and one of the largest ports in the land. They are odd among the families, functioning less as a family and more like a Order or Guild. They run the banks, backed by a mysterious elven investor, allegedly. They as an order, collect and catalog magical items. The other families tolerate their oddity becaue their bank attracts wealth and skilled craftsmen from all over the Sinking Plains. Strangely, the second to die was the youngest daughter of their Gilmarie Accmour, she was only about thirteen."

"Those are the noble families of Porthca, and each has a seat on The Council. Whenever any family tries to overstep their bounds, the others use their co-dependence to keep them in check. In this way, though the De'Porthca's founded the city and maintain a level of respect for their part in its success, they do no rule this place - nor does any other family. I doubt any of the families are involved, I'd rather believe it's someone from the public, but if any family were involved, the Accmour are the only ones who didn't lose someone important to their power structure, and they don't exactly respect their bloodline."

Benito finished his drink and looked around. "There is... one other possibility. A family I read mention of in our private library. A... fifth family, the Lestone Family. I have never been able to find any information beyond the name. I don't know who they are, where they came from or went, what their business was, or what their connection to the city might have been. No one seems to know their name and there's no record of them beyond the book I read in my youth. I'll have to see if I can find it, perhaps tomorrow."

He sighed, walking over to refill his drink before speaking to the servants without addressing any of them specifically or even looking to them. "If any of you know any of the details of Cyne's death as requested by Ms.Virra, please, enlighten us." He raised his glass as if to say "I'm done, go ahead", and returned to the table, sipping at his drink.
 
De'Porthca Manor | First Floor: Dining Room

For the most part the various servants had stood heads bowed after the table had been cleared, attempting to merely blend in with the decor until needed. At Benito's words a few of them glanced up for a moment before being hushed again. One of them hesitantly spoke up, "A-apologies Lord Benito, but ... erm. None of us know much about what happened either, and Madame Sidwae has decreed it not to be discussed in front of guests, or the little ones." The woman glanced down and to the side, muttering briefly, "And she's here far more than you are ..."
 
"Ahh, and there you have it Virra. No one knows anything." Ben chuckled, "If Sid's told them to be tight lipped, they'll do it to their dying breath." He lazily swung the glass through the air gesturing to the servants, lingering on the one who made the remark of presence. "Sidwae is only a De'Porthca because my father deems it so, dear. But you're right, she's far more present. Please, take good care of our guests and as I'm sure she expects report on everything you've heard here, I'm sure she'll be thrilled that I'm chasing a murderer. Her life might be easier if I were the one who died. There's still time." A morbid chuckle punctuated the thought. "If no one else has anything they'd like to discuss, I should go see my father in his study. I'm sure we can investigate tomorrow once I've had my chat and we've all had a good night's rest. Oh, and Winston, if you like your hands attached to your body, I wouldn't want to get caught by Sid, or anyone who works for her." Ben still couldn't seem to trust Virra or Winston, both trying to swindle people, but at least they were willing to help. It was the least he could do to warn them off doing anything stupid while in the good graces of a noble family.
 
Virra pouted. "Fine, fine, I won't ask the kids anything. Or the servants, I guess." She sighed and began to fidget in her chair, crossing and re-crossing her legs. "So, the only lead we have to go on is this mystery family who might have a motive to kill other nobles. And the Accmours, who've got off lightly so far." Quite pointedly, she didn't get up to head to her room, but instead stayed seated and glanced around at the others once again. Part of her did it to spite the uncooperative servants, though she was also hoping to glean whatever extra information she could get before she turned in. "I sense a lot of thrilling book-reading will be happening tomorrow," she groused.
 
Ander sits and thinks for a few moments. "All I've heard was somethin' about the recent victims drowning on dry land. Seems a terrible way ta go." He racks his brain to try to understand how that might happen: a tub, a bucket, a large bottle? He realises that understanding the "how" may not be his role in this investigation.
 
Hearing Ander mention drowning on dry land, Tyrius tried to remember if any such rumours had reached Wyford. All he remembered was that the deaths had been unusual.
"The only news that reached Wyford was that the deaths were unusual." said Tyrius, glancing at Ben as he did so, "Though I do remember the gossip about how the time between the deaths was shortening each time. Two months between Thankor Tahtyst and Gilmaire Accmour, one month on Aennad Defallion. One week ago..." Tyrius trailed off before looking towards Benito. There wasn't any need to finish his sentence.
 
"Hmm, drowning on land? That does seem quite unusual. If the rest of the murders shared a similar weird trend then they had to have been magic." Eliza furrowed her brows an idea shaping up in her brain. "If we assumer magic is involved then the person or persons involved have access to magic. Now in the drowning instance, Create Water is a simple spell so that widens the pool of suspects. They could have learned such magic without the need to attend Azarad, so searching their list of students seems pointless unless we find clues to suggest it was a more complicated spell."

Eliza couldn't help feeling the rush of excitement from solving a puzzle that had her pacing the room, back and forth, her staff clanking on the hardwood floors with each step. "I think we should check out the registry of spellcasters. Once we compiled a list of suspects we can start questioning them on their whereabouts at the date of murders and check for alibis. It isn't foolproof because the murderer could have found a way to trick the registry but it is a solid start for now."

Eliza looked at Ben with a guilty look, "The more information we have about the different murders, the easier it is to find a trend and the faster we catch the perpetrator, so we need someone to start questioning the families on the nature of their death. I don't think they are going to take kindly to a bunch of complete strangers investigating but they might listen to you. What do you think?"
 
Benito seemed upset for a moment, Drown on dry land? I was surrounded by some of the most volatile magic in the world and I walked away without even a scar. What kind of bullshit is this? Why him and not me? Was it to send a message, sow chaos? Does the killer even have a plan or intent? Gods, the family could have lost me and not even noticed. He looked up, as Eliza questioned him, not saying his name but directing her question his direction. "Hmm? Oh, uhm..." He scratched his head and looked around, "The library here might have something useful, or maybe we can get access to the registry. I'll ask my father if he can arrange it for you. As for the other families, it's probably best I speak with them, Tyrius could likely join me to pay his respects. He is a noble of the Plains after all and entitled to an audience. We shouldn't spread ourselves too thing though, don't want to miss anything. And..." He hesitated, took a sip of his drink and looked around, "We should just be careful. Chasing a killer is dangerous, if we find something it could prompt action, and that's dangerous." He looked around the room with a sigh.
 
It was well worth it to have stayed up a little longer. Virra felt her enthusiasm for tomorrow returning as quickly as it had left, aided by the rumour about the killer's method and the servants' differing reactions to it. At first she'd simply assumed the Porthca city guard were sloppy and work-shy, but she'd admit that "drowning on land" was a difficult cause of death to tie to a suspect. Or, put better, a challenging one.

"I wouldn't worry," she said, hopping out of her chair and losing a little height. "We all know the risks involved with magic, right? So long as nobody goes sniffing for information on their own, we'll be fine." Suddenly struck by what Tyrius said, she added, "Oh, but we should get to building that suspect list quickly. If the murders really are speeding up, we don't have long before someone else becomes a target."
 
Tyrius nodded at Ben's suggest to be careful. 'Last thing we need is to cause more danger to fall onto Ben's family.' thought the red headed sorcerer.
"Would it be worth asking some of the locals in the taverns?" Tyrius asked, "See if there's any rumours about who might be behind it?"
'Or at the very least get Ben away from Sidwae.' Tyrius thought, 'Let him try and handle his grief without her winding him up all the time.'
 
"It's possible, but maybe we should know what we're looking for first? You can hear plenty of rumors in the taverns around the docks and throughout the city, but how many will get us closer to the killer? We don't need to be chasing every ghost story or missing sailor if we can narrow it down some first." He looks to the door, "I really ought to be getting to my father's study. It's rare I get the opportunity to speak with him alone and I'd like to have the time." He set his glass down on the table. "I'm sure we can decide what each of us is doing after breakfast, and I'll share what I learn." He turned to leave the dining room destined for Anthol's study.
 
De'Porthca Manor | Second Floor : Study

Moving through the home, the sun has set at this point, and flickering candles light the hallways. Or at least, they appear to be candles, and are instead small magical torches that give light to the halls without the risk of fire. Artworks and statues watch as Benito passes and before long he stands in front of the doors to his father's study. A room that for awhile seemed to belong to Cyne more than Anthol when he took over the business ...

Knocking on the door, there's a sound of movement behind it until it opens to Anthol smiling towards his son as he gestures for him to enter. Thick carpets cover the floor of the study, keeping footsteps quiet on the marble underneath, a heavy dark oak desk rests towards the back, a comfortable chair tucked underneath. Shelves line the walls -- old ledgers and notebooks from generations past, some hidden on top shelves as they're delicate and aged. Curtains cover the windows, thick fabrics blocking out what little light there is from outside at this point, but more importantly blocking out the noise of Porthca, a low din in here compared to other places in the home.

A pair of flicking lights hover around the room while Anthol moves to the desk, placing a hand on the small crate -- he still looks tired, however he's not dressed as formally as he was earlier. His fabrics are dimmed and muted colors, but the blue of the De'Porthca can be seen here and there -- this appears more an outfit meant for comfort than presentation. Anthol looks around the study for a moment, "I remember when you and Cyne were both little ... this used to be the only place I could escape the pair of you," he wore a teasing smile, "books and scrolls were so boring for young boys who would rather be out playing in the yard, shooting targets with their newest bows." His expression faded for a moment, "You usually hit the targets, Cyne ... tended to hit everything else." Anthol shook his head slightly.

"There will be plenty of time for that in a few days, for now I'm eager to see your gift, and hear how you've been since I last saw you, without Sidwae's attention distracting you. Quite the group of people you appear to have gathered as well -- the only name I recognized was Lord Silverbane."

De'Porthca Manor | Second Floor : Various Guest Rooms

Given that conversation appeared to be over, the rest of the group allowed servants to lead them to their respective guest rooms. Tyrius' room appeared more ornate compared to the others, with most of the group being led to rooms that were still reasonably decorated and comfortable, however for a few of you, you get the feeling perhaps these are rooms more intended for the servants of visitors to stay in.
 
Benito latched the door and locked it, uninterested in unwelcome company. "Yes, well, Cyne was always the charismatic one. 'I hit exactly what I intended to hit, anyone can hit a target, but look how small that tree is. Much more difficult.'" Ben chuckled recalling his brothers exuberance in their youth.

As his father directed the conversation, Benito crossed the room, embracing his father. "It's been far too long. I'm sorry to have run off - I never intended to be a disappointment." He let the man go collected the box off the desk, removing a small key and undoing the latch but not opening the box, "A gift and an apology. I'm here to do better and to make things right. First, I'll find my brother's killer, then I'll help with the family business until Robern is old enough to take it on." Handing over the box, Benito continued to answer his father, "I've been well. Graduation was a welcome accomplishment, and the extended studies have given me reason enough to stay away from Porthca. I still prefer it out in the world, but I cannot ignore my responsibilities here, especially not in the wake of tragedy. I hope that these guests will help me to set things right." He smiled at his father, but there was a pain in his voice and behind his eyes.
 
De'Porthca Manor | Second Floor : Study

Anthol held tightly to Benito while they embraced, "You were never a disappointment, Ben." He gave one last squeeze before releasing him, watching as Benito unlocked the small crate and handed to him. Placing one hand on the lid, Anthol continued to listen with a sigh, "I appreciate you wish you find Cy's murderer, but I don't want to potentially lose another..." He glanced to a small portrait of Elean on the desk before looking back to Benito, "Yet ... if I know my own son as well as I think I do, once you've set yourself to something, for better or worse it will be done." Anthol chuckled, "I like to imagine it's a trait you and your brother got from the De'Porthca line, but I think it more came from your mother."

Gently Anthol opened the small crate, nodding with a smile as he saw what was inside, "Very nice -- I haven't had something from the Stormhart's collection in years." He smirked towards Ben, "Perhaps I can hear the story of how you got it at some point too." Pulling the bottle out from its protective packing, he set it on the desk while he grabbed two classes from a cabinet off to the side -- almost all deals and bargains in Porthca were finalized with a shared drink, so glassware was always nearby when it came to business -- and returned, opening the bottle, and pouring two glasses. Setting the bottle back on the desk he offered one of the glasses to Benito, "Shall we see if the Stormharts are still worthy of their reputations?"
 
Benito smirked, "After you." He bowed slightly for a moment, a polite gesture to go along with his affirmation. "It was not easy to come by, not cheap either. The real trick was keeping it off the family ledger so your wife didn't complain to you about frivolous spending." He leaned against the desk as his father poured the wine. "It all started, as many of my tales do, in an alehouse. I bet a coin I could hit a target from across the bar. From that coin I worked my way through all the taverns in Azarad playing cards until I had the coin to buy the bottle. Finding the bottle was easy enough, I just acted the stuffy noble with a fat sack of coins and very specific tastes and it came to me."

Ben took the glass from Anthol, taking a deep sniff of the white wine before swirling it in the glass and smiling to himself. It was a nice wine, great legs and a wonderful bouquet. He sipped at it, allowing the wine to linger for a moment, swishing it around his mouth, but reserving his own judgement until he'd heard his father's thoughts. While his father sampled the wine, Benito continued, "I think it's important to stop this killer. Not just for us, or for justice. The city depends on the stability of the nobles and right now we're all faltering. Catching the killer accomplishes more than just closure for the De'Porthcas, it shows our commitment to the Council and the city, and protects all the houses from further threat. I'm not so young or naive to go chasing murderers alone, and those that were at dinner, except maybe the halfling, are willing to help; Lord SIlverbane included."

Benito sighed and took a drink of the wine, "But we need somewhere to start, and your wife has forbidden the staff discuss the circumstances of Cyne's death with us. I need to know what you know, I need to set this right." Ben's more proper mannerisms began to devolve as he plead his case. He was concerned that if Anthol stonewalled him as well, he'd have no leads, he'd lose his allies, and he'd never be able to redeem his misdeeds in the eyes of the house. "Please father, this is about more than one life. Let me prove that I can be more for the family than a problem child." Benito realized he was growing emotional and set his glass down. Standing, he undid his vest and straightened his tunic. "Some of my guests intend to scour the library tomorrow. Tyrius and I plan on speaking with the other noble families, and Eliza was hoping you could get her access to the local registry of casters. We have a plan, but we need your support. I have too much to make up for to die so soon after my return. Please, do not worry for me, trust me instead." Ben reached for the wine and took another sip, savoring it - it was very fine wine.
 
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