01. video.

[feintofhart]

[ The video flicks on to show one Claude von Riegan, having dispensed with his usual fineries of billowing fabrics and elaborate capes to more simple fare, simply a loose white linen shirt and brown trousers, seated at the desk of what looks to be an incredibly cluttered shop. Herbs hang from strings from the ceilings, the dark, burnished wood of the shelves covered in various dusty jars filled with strange liquids and ground plants and all manner of things; what little table space is not covered in these mystery jars is instead covered in stacks of books and parchment strewn about. It is, as some may be able to recognize, Aldrip's apothecary. ]

Hey, everyone. For as long as I've been here, I don't think I've ever properly introduced myself... so allow me to make up for lost time. My name is Claude von Riegan, and I've been here for, oh... three, four months? Longer than I thought I'd be stuck here, to be honest. But I've got more than simple introductions on my mind today.

[ He reaches into one of the jars and plucks out a few herbs, adding it to whatever concoction is in his mortar and pestle, the grinding of stone against stone a low, pleasant sound. ]

I'm sure you've all noticed that our humble hosts have been disappearing, one after the other. [ He holds up a paper, noting a date and time that has already passed, an invitation to meet with Those Who Were. ] This seems to be the culprit -- someone sending them missives, telling them to meet with their gods, or holy figures, or whatever else you'd like to call them. Something worth investigating, I think.

[ He pauses, putting a pinch of some other spice into his bowl. ]

But in the meantime, they've left their businesses behind. So I've gone ahead and temporarily commandeered the apothecary until they return. It's too important an institution to leave empty, and besides, this place could do with some organization. And some good dusting. And, frankly, some revamped bookkeeping, because it's just in shambles.

The thing is, though, is that my own knowledge of herbalism is confined to my own world -- and it's specialized knowledge, at that. So if you know anything about it, or know of anything I ought to be stocking, that you might be needing, do me a favour and let me know. [ He licks the tip of his pinky, dips it into his concoction, and licks it off, only to shudder in revulsion. ] Eurgh, that's nasty.

[ He clears his throat. ]

Or, of course, you can help me search for our missing persons. I haven't had much luck, but hey! Maybe you will.

Comments

voice

[likethestars]

They've been called to meet with their gods? That is... hmm.

[ Considering she's met with some of the so-called gods of her world she's not sure she can call it strange. ]

I would be willing to help look for them.

Video | Charm

[beshackled]

As would I. We have been meaning to explore, have we not?

[They even have supplies ready for the journey!]

...Though 'twould seem there is no location writ upon the paper...

[likethestars]

A perfect opportunity if there ever was one.

[ She pauses, humming. ]

That does make things a little tricky.

[beshackled]

Aye. It does...

Although... if a number of the denizens of Aldrip are receiving these messages, mayhap that in itself could provide us the opportunity. If we were to offer ourselves as escorts that they might reach their destinations unharmed...

[likethestars]

If they will allow us to do so.

[beshackled]

Aye... 'Tis important that we do not force ourselves into their presence against their wishes...

...How to best proceed...

[Eyes closing, Erichthonios quiets, sinking deep into his thoughts.]

To risk hostility by being up front, or to risk it from attempting to follow them... If only we knew more about how they feel...

[likethestars]

Therein lies in the rub, hmm?

I am not above subterfuge if it become necessary.

[beshackled]

If only there were some small creation like the ambystoma... nimble and capable of flight, yet suited to a wider environs...

[Having not spent much time above in Elpis, he is not familiar with one of its newest creations, the Ailouros.]

[likethestars]

As helpful as such a form would be, just knowing how to move in shadow can be enough.

Video | Charm

[feintofhart]

I may not be who you meant to be speaking with, but allow me to interject. There is a location written here. They met with them at the edge of the forest. I saw evidence of people having met there, but they were long gone by the time I arrived. I looked around the forest a little while on my own, but if they were there, they didn't listen to my calls.

[beshackled]

...Ah. Pray forgive my error.

[Mayhap it had been obscured before...?

...No matter. 'Tis better not to get distracted with unimportant details.]

...There is a boy who has taken up residence at the edge of the forest for some time. Know you of Med'an? Mayhap he might have more information on comings and goings into the area...

[feintofhart]

Can't say I've ever heard of the guy, no. Is he one of us Chosen, or a local?

[beshackled]

One of us. I shall contact him. At the very least, he should be warned of such disappearances, lest he happen across a meeting unaware...

[feintofhart]

We've all settled down different places, huh? It's a far cry from when everyone was cooped up in the same inn. You're the one with the connections, so I'll leave that up to you. Do me a favour and report back, will you?

[beshackled]

I shall let you know of his response, or if we discover anything of interest.

stumbles in late

[breakin_ur_lore]

Um, hello! I'm Med'an. Erichthonios mentioned you were talking about the disappearances...

Um, I haven't actually seen anything, but now that you said something...I guess I've been hearing people going by. It was late at night, so I thought I'd dreamt it.

hello hello!!

[feintofhart]

Med'an! So that's who he was talking about. A pleasure to meet you. And even more of a pleasure to get some more information about what's going on here.

So, you heard people going by, huh? How big of a group do you think you could hear? Just a couple of people probably wouldn't have made enough noise to wake you up from that sound a slumber...

voice

[feintofhart]

I'd appreciate it. Got any ideas as to where to start, though? I figure there's something we're missing about all this -- something to do with their customs, maybe.

[likethestars]

If they're going to the forest then that seems the best place to start. I don't know much about the people's customs here, but I heard talk of a bunker in the forest. Mayhap they have been taken there?

[feintofhart]

That's definitely possible. But something like this... [ He grimaces. ] Let's just say last time I was in a religious ceremony, it didn't exactly go well. If we're going to go there, we should go prepared for something weird going on.

Or they're all just having a perfectly nice ceremony, and we're the rude intruders. Little bit of both, maybe?

[likethestars]

An adventurer is always prepared... or mostly prepared given a great deal of my supplies did not arrive with me. Anyroad, I am always prepared for action if need be.

There is only one way to find out, aye?

[feintofhart]

There's no question as to what we have to do. I just don't know how well it would be received -- or if we'll still be welcome here if we throw their plans into disarray.

Still, I'd rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. We'll have to head in there soon, try to figure out what it is that's going on.

[likethestars]

True. It wouldn't be much of an issue for me, though I imagine most wouldn't do as well if put out on their own.


[ She's been doing fine on her own, but she knows not everyone is used to roughing it. Though they aren't alone here, this group seems to have many willing to help and look after others. ]

I agree.

[feintofhart]

Yeah, you've mentioned that you're used to traveling, haven't you? I am too, to some extent, but never without a home base to call my own. But I realize that thinking that far down the line is catastrophizing. I'm certain I'll be able to wheedle my way into some sort of compromise, if it comes to that.

[ It's just a matter of framing it in the right way. That much, he's confident about. ]

They might even wind up thanking us. There's something sinister about this whole thing.

[likethestars]

I didn't have a home for a long time. It is certainly better to have a place to return to from time to time.

You are better with words than I am, then.