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In the meantime, Marianne is giving you a quick tour of the Southgate Watch House, which is very believably the largest Watch House, and the primary headquarters of the city guards. Built to be efficient, spacious, and pleasing to the aesthetic sense, the presence of the city guards it was meant to house has turned it into something quite the opposite.

Marianne has also just corrected a fellow guard's report in passing, and not thought much about it. If you consider William as a baseline for the average human capability in resolving paperwork, Marianne is hiding some interesting talents behind her easily-excitable demeanour.

"That's very commendable," you say. "For helping others complete their reports. Did you just correct his arithmetic after only a glance?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah," Marianne says. "It's not too hard. Hey, I just thought of something! Do you want to have a look at the evidence rooms?"

From the name, you imagine this to be the place where the evidence from past and present cases are stored. Given the sheer amount of paperwork the guards have to produce, you wonder if evidence from ancient cases are ever thrown away, or if they are delivered to some other location for long-term storage. Some vast array of catacombs, perhaps. "It might help. We still have time before your patrol, right?"

"Of course!" Marianne pulls you along, but you plant your heels and stop her short. Marianne looks at you with some confusion.

"Could you please let go of my hand?" you request. "I can follow you there by myself."

"Uh, okay," Marianne complies. You may be imagining the faintly hurt tone in her voice. "Am I bothering you?"

> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."
> "I just don't like close contact. Sorry."
> "I just don't like close contact."
> "Yes, you are."

>>36300955
> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."

>>36300955

> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."

>>36300955
> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."

>>36300955
> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."

>>36300955
>> "You're fine, Marianne. I just need a while to get used to it."

Oh yes, its back.

>>36300955
>I just don't like close contact, sorry.

I actually made it in time for one. Holy shit.

Due to various factors, I'm going to try going slower, easier, and shorter this thread, as an experiment. Apologies in advance.

You need to work on your reflexes if you're going to try to assimilate into Wellsbet, where people are significantly more willing to invade your personal space than you're used to. Hugging and holding hands and generally much more familiar with each other for your instincts to be comfortable.

"You're fine, Marianne," you say, with some measure of truth. Despite her forcefully cheerful personality, you don't actually mind very much. "I just need a while to get used to it."

"Oh," Marianne says, with the slow realization of someone who has just noticed your skin tone for the first time. You have to admit it's a refreshing sensation. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"It's all right." You attach a reassuring smile.

"So where are you from, Nicole?" Marianne asks, as she leads the way through the winding corridors. You get the impression she is trying to make polite conversation, but given her average attention span, she will probably start latching on to the topic of your origins with distressing speed and interest. You should be careful, here.

"Silden," you answer, as per standard. "A tiny little village that's really not very important."

>[1/2]

"Wow," Marianne says, with what sounds like genuine appreciation. "And now you're a knight-apprentice at the palace?"

"Only for the past week," you say conscientiously.

"That's still really impressive! Coming all the way to Alvar, and getting the Knight Captain to accept you. You should be proud of yourself, Nicole!"

"Is the Knight Captain in charge of all the guards?" you ask, pushing the conversation away from Marianne's effusive praise. "Both palace and city?"

Marianne's hands trace an imaginary structure of ineffable complexity in the air. "It's kind of complicated," she says. "I don't really know most of the details myself. But, uh, the palace guards and city guards are two different groups. Us city guards are also the City Watch, the King's Own, and we keep the peace in the city. Guard Commander Hendersworth is in charge, but he reports to the Knight Captain. Is she as scary as they say?"

You are faintly impressed that Clarissa's reputation has reached all the way into the city itself.

> "It's a good idea not to annoy her."
> "She's strict, but very fair."
> "The Captain is actually really nice."
> "I should introduce you to her some day. I'm sure you'll get along fine."

>>36301299
> "She's strict, but very fair."
> "It's a good idea not to annoy her."

>>36301299
> "I should introduce you to her some day. I'm sure you'll get along fine."

Said with just a tiny hint of mischief

>>36301299

> "She's strict, but very fair."

> "I should introduce you to her some day. I'm sure you'll get along fine."

>>36301299
> "She's strict, but very fair."
> "It's a good idea not to annoy her."

>>36300942
Silly humans; everyone dies alone, and everyone gets forgotten someday.

>>36301281
>"So where are you from, Nicole?" Marianne asks
didn't she ask last thread? She forgot pretty damn fast.

>>36301299
>> "It's a good idea not to annoy her."
>> "She's strict, but strictest with herself, and it shows."

"She's strict," you say, after a moment of consideration. "But fair. Very fair. She's far stricter with herself than on anyone else." A trait you've learned causes more problems for everyone involved than any purported scariness.

"I hear she overworked herself really hard and had to take a day off," Marianne says, blithely relaying gossip. "Must have been really tough for her; I don't think I've ever heard of the Knight Captain taking a break ever since I signed up."

This was accurate enough, from a certain point of view.

"Ah, we're here," Marianne says, leading you into a long hallway stacked with shelves. You don't think it is cleaned regularly.

Boxes upon boxes line the shelves, each one with a square of paper in varying states of yellowing and decay pasted onto the front. A short series of numbers and letters adorn each piece of paper, probably signifying the specific case file.

Marianne homes in onto a certain shelf and a certain box with the practiced speed of someone who has been doing the same thing every day for the past six months. "The evidence from the murder case," she says, hauling down the box. "What there is of it, anyway."

There isn't much. Four smaller sacks inside the box denote the different victims. All four victims had been found without much on their persons, save for a few copper coins in each of their purses, an assortment of makeshift weaponry, a set of thieves' tools in an oiled leather pouch belonging to the pair of burglars, and miscellaneous personal knick-knacks.

"We keep their clothes in the mortuary across the city, beside their bodies," Marianne explains. "We can go there later if you want." For once, she does not look enthusiastic about the prospect. "It's kind of creepy, to be honest."

>[1/2]

With Marianne's permission, you sift through the contents of the box. A small, foul-smelling roll of tobacco in a paper sachet in the sack of the unknown thug. An incongruously shiny gold ring, unsurprisingly in the pickpocket's sack. A pewter charm shaped like a ship's anchor, from one of the burglars.

Nothing to indicate why any of them had been killed via a hole burned through their heads.

"Not a lot of clues," you comment.

"Which is why we're stuck," Marianne says.

Actually you're wondering if the criminal classes usually go around with so little in their pockets, but you don't have any way to prove otherwise. Besides, you're not carrying more than your sword, your daggers, your pocketwatch, your distressingly slim money-pouch, and the knight-apprentice uniform you're wearing, so maybe this is more normal than you thought.

"It's about time for me to start on the patrol," Marianne announces. "Normally I'd get assigned to someone at random for my partner, but looks like you're it for today, Nicole!"

> "I hope I won't let you down. Let's go."
> "Could I look through the belongings one more time? Maybe there's something we all missed."

>>36301857
> "Could I look through the belongings one more time? Maybe there's something we all missed."

Of course I have to be thorough as soon as I see that option

>>36301857

> "Could I look through the belongings one more time? Maybe there's something we all missed."

>>36301857
>"I hope I won't let you down. Let's go."
would it be wise to "appropriate" the thief tools later on?

>>36301857
> "Could I look through the belongings one more time? Maybe there's something we all missed."

>>36301857
> "Could I look through the belongings one more time? Maybe there's something we all missed."

You'd rather not have to inspect the corpses of the victims at the mortuary if you can help it. It's not like you'd be of much help, and certainly not any more helpful than the physicians assigned to the mortuary. They are trained to detect any anomalies, while you are most emphatically not.

Also, you don't like being around the dead.

Which leaves the items in the evidence box as your current source of potential clues. The biggest of which is the sheer lack thereof, which strikes you as subtly out of place, somehow.

"Could I look through the belongings one more time?" you ask. "Maybe there's something we all missed."

Marianne checks her own pocketwatch, which looks oddly expensive. "We'd need to be quick. One more round should be enough."

You bend over the box again. Maybe if you stare hard enough, a clue might spontaneously form in your mind.

The money is still present, which could rule out a particularly esoteric robbery, but given that the collected coins barely add up to a single gold crown, the murderer might simply not have bothered.

You pick up the gold ring. It's a simple circle of plain gold, well-polished. "Where did this come from?"

Marianne pulls out a well-thumbed notebook. "Let's see," she says, flipping through pages. "We never found the owner, since there aren't any identifying marks on it. We think Freddy picked it up before he was killed, and was on his way to fence it."

"Was his fence near where he was found?"

"I don't know. I don't think we ever found out who his fence was. We never got any reports of fences working in that area, though."

So what was Freddy the pickpocket doing there? Investigating the scene where the body was found would be pointless now; the trail would be cold. "How much is the ring worth?"

>[1/2]

Marianne flips through a few more pages, and names a price, obtained from a professional jeweler. "Pretty expensive. We thought the owner would have been more worried about its loss. No manufacturer's mark, so we can't track it down that way; probably a custom job, from out of the city."

You turn your attention to the thieves' tools. You're not sure what a lot of the interestingly-bent pieces of metal are supposed to do, but the way they are arrayed makes you think they are used reasonably often, and arranged for convenient access. "These are Black John's tools?"

"That's right," Marianne says. "We haven't found the maker yet, of course. Which probably doesn't mean much, since you could get a set like this in plenty of places, if you know how."

"Do you?" you ask.

Marianne flushes with embarrassment. "Er, yeah. But don't tell the Commander," she says.

Given Marianne's usual exuberance, you don't think she is any good at keeping secrets either. Still, as long as the Guard Commander doesn't hear it from you.

"We should go," Marianne says. "We don't want to be late for our patrol, right?"

You replace the items back in the evidence box, and slide it onto its rightful place on the shelf. "Will we be visiting one of those places where we might possibly obtain a set of tools?"

Marianne looks around furtively. You are reminded of Victor, with how the both of them tend to look even more suspicious when they are trying not to be. "Do you want to?" she whispers.

> "Actually, yes. I've been looking for a set to practice with."
> "Only because I'd like to know about the other side of Alvar. I won't be buying."
> "Not really. I was just curious."

>>36302149
>> "Only because I'd like to know about the other side of Alvar. I won't be buying."
Secretly buy them on the trip or later.

>>36302149

> "Only because I'd like to know about the other side of Alvar. I won't be buying."

>>36302149
>> "Only because I'd like to know about the other side of Alvar. I won't be buying."
Only buy if it's necessary. Or if we go on nightly "investigations"

>>36302138
>Also, you don't like being around the dead.

We don't like being around ourself?

Anyway, was it said beforehand that where the bodies were found was definitely where they were killed?

>>36302149
> "Actually, yes. I've been looking for a set to practice with."

>>36302149
> "Actually, yes. I've been looking for a set to practice with."

You never know when this sort of thing will come in handy.

Why would we want them? We apparently don't even know how to use them.

>>36302266
We have a certain set of skills, skills that mesh well with tools like these.

>>36302266
Because we're really good at sneaky business and learning how to use them will come in handy.

>>36302149
>>36302292

>You turn your attention to the thieves' tools. You're not sure what a lot of the interestingly-bent pieces of metal are supposed to do

Doesn't seem like it. We're good at sneaking, but you'd think a thief or assassin would know how to use lockpicks.

>>36302335
Nicole is sneaky. How does having tools to pick locks not mesh with that?

>>36302378
It'd probably take her longer than we've been playing as her to be of any use with them.

>>36302292
>>36302303
But Nicole didnt really like the idea of sneaking around doing unknightly things, doesn't she? IMO she's still attracted to her ideal of a fairytale knight, trying to move away from a past.

You're certain that understanding the background of these murders will require you to understand the setting the victims come from. You'd also like to know how a constable so passionate about justice and the law knows how to obtain the trade tools of the less legal occupations.

"Only because I'd like to know more about the, uh." You consider a tactful way to put it. "The other side of Alvar. I won't be buying, if that's what you're worried about."

"Oh, okay." Marianne smiles with visible relief. "I really didn't want to have to arrest you."

You're not sure she's joking.

"We can swing by on our way," Marianne says. "Corner of Saint Connor Street and Pigshead Lane. It's a great place, really! You'll love it."

Maybe this low den of iniquity exists in a metaphorical blind spot in Marianne's conception of the world.

The two of you make your way out of the watch house. Marianne cheerfully waves at her fellow guards, who seem happy enough to see her. You lurk quietly behind her, trying to ignore the stares and double-takes as the guards register someone else following in the shadow of the sun.

Marianne stops in front of the front desk. "Oh, wait one moment. Harold!"

The guard on duty looks up from his ledger. "What do you need, Marianne? And, uh." He peers at you. "Knight-apprentice."

"Do you have any of the tourist maps we got a while back?" Marianne asks. "The ones from that Friendlier Watch campaign."

"Sure do." Harold passes one over to Marianne, who relays it to you.

"Since you're new to the city," she explains. "Welcome to Alvar, Nicole!"

>[1/2]

The map is folded into a neat brochure, with the major streets and landmarks marked out in bright, friendly colours. You don't see very many side roads and alleys drawn, which is probably a subtle hint to visitors to stay on the safer parts of the city. "Thank you, Marianne."

Marianne leans over to trace out a route with her finger. "We'll be going along these roads," she says. "Mostly residential areas. We could help kittens out of trees!"

A heartwarming use of your skills. "Does that happen often?"

"Yup! Lots of times." Marianne pushes her chest out proudly. "I'm really good at climbing!"

"But not so good with animals," Harold murmurs. "I'll go prepare the healer's kit."

Marianne steadfastly ignores this. "Ready to patrol, Nicole?"

> "Ready."
> "'Friendlier Watch'?"
> "Where's this place you were talking about bringing me to? I don't see the streets on the map."

>>36302401
I forgot to add on, but given her feats she really should have been able to lockpick. But maybe she never really had the need to, bypassing locks with her implied magical knowledge or shape shifting?

AFK for dinner, be back in an hour.

Also how's the Slower, Easier quest update pace working out so far?

>>36302450
> "'Friendlier Watch'?"
> "Ready."

>>36302457
Can't say I've noticed a difference.

>>36302450
> "'Friendlier Watch'?"
> "Where's this place you were talking about bringing me to? I don't see the streets on the map."

>>36302450
>> "Ready."
All that needs to be said

>>36302457
Honestly, all it does it let's us devote more time to shadow running. If you find it easier on your psyche, go for it. You're still faster than two thirds of qms

>>36302450
> "'Friendlier Watch'?"

>>36302450
>"Ready."

>>36302450
>"Ready."

We can already guess what the Friendlier Watch thing is. Police always have trouble not appearing antagonistic to their citizens.

>>36302451
Or maybe she just never infiltrated places as much as she avoided people.

>>36302457
there was a change?

>>36302606
I just want more dialog with Marianne. We need more friends.

That could be but it seems unlikely that anyone trained to be so sneaky would be untrained and even unfamiliar with lockpicks.

>>36302658
Are you saying that Clarissa isn't enough?

>>36302662
Not if we want to avoid bad things.

>>36302662
We gotta infiltrate these people properly.

>>36302658
I don't know what to tell you, anon. Not everyone who can sneak is a burglar, and even if she has had to get into places that are behind locks she could have done so by other means. And strictly speaking, do we even know that she was ever trained? She might just be naturally talented and practiced as far as we know unless I missed an explicit statement that someone taught her.

You nod. "Ready."

Marianne bounces out of the Southgate Watch House, glancing over her shoulder to make sure you're still following. You notice her hand twitch, as though she was about to reach out and take yours, before remembering about your peculiar quirks regarding personal contact.

You check the map. The patrol route does indeed lead through the residential area of the city, for the more respectable citizens, where respectability is measured in wealth. Nothing ostentatious, of course; these are the people who believe themselves to make do as they make do, but are still wholly unfamiliar with the bite of poverty. The sort of people who have trees, and kittens to get stuck in them.

Marianne quickly falls into a slightly brisker version of the standard patroller's walk, which has been honed throughout the centuries since the invention of the city guard to rest at the intersection between a maximum of distance covered with a minimum of effort. You keep up without any trouble, hanging back slightly beside and behind her.

From what you can tell, everyone knows Marianne. She cheerfully greets what seems like the entire city by name, family situation, and any niggling little worries they may have had since the last time she saw them. Most of the people she hails return the greeting; a few look startled, and scurry away into the shadowed nooks of the city streets without responding. Marianne does not appear to be bothered by this, calling out with the usual "mind how you go" and "have a great day".

"How do you remember all their names?" you wonder, as you proceed through a quiet, sunny street lined with greenery and Respectable Houses. Housewives look up, smile, and wave at Marianne, before their smiles falter at the sight of you.

"Huh?" Marianne looks at you with puzzlement. "Doesn't everyone?"

You've never been very good with people. Despite that, you're fairly sure Marianne's memory for names and faces is not normal.

>[1/2]

>>36302709
All I'm saying is the thief/trained assassin theory seems shaky.

"I try to make friends with the people on my route," Marianne continues, in response to your blank look. "Everyone's really friendly, if you just take the time to know them!" She smiles encouragingly. "Come on, you give it a try."

If you're going to be a knight-apprentice of Alvar, you should learn to get along with its citizenry. You attempt a friendly smile at a pair of children playing by the roadside. They simply stare at you. "I don't think this is going to work, Marianne."

"Oh, they'll get used to you," Marianne says easily. "And then you'll find it just as easy to get to know everyone!"

You muse that the stares had been more curious than suspicious, which is always a positive development.

"Ah, kitten in tree spotted," Marianne says, pointing.

It is indeed a cat, and it is indeed stuck in a tree. You wonder why any animal would climb to a tall place when it knows it cannot return to ground level.

"No collar," Marianne says. "It might be a stray. Well, it doesn't matter. Don't worry, kitty!" she calls up. "I'll save you!"

> Let Marianne get the cat down. (Roll 1d20, best of three)
> "Is this really a suitable use of city guard time?"
> "I'll get the cat down." (Roll 1d20, median of three)

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>36302745
> "I'll get the cat down." (Roll 1d20, median of three)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>36302745

> "I'll get the cat down."

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>36302745
> Let Marianne get the cat down. (Roll 1d20, best of three)
Lets see her in action

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>36302745
>> "I'll get the cat down." (Roll 1d20, median of three)

>>36302745
>"I'll get the cat down." (Roll 1d20, median of three)
>So is there anything ELSE we'll be doing? As members of the city guard?

>>36302745
> "I'll get the cat down." (Roll 1d20, median of three)

>>36302785
>>36302781
>Roll 1d20
Read the sticky

>>36302793
OP only takes the first three rolls. All other dice are wasted, faggot

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>36302797
/tg/ doesn't have a daily limit on dice rolls or anything. We can roll all day.

>>36302793
there's already been three rolls, although rolling during votes affects the player votes.

>>36302808
It doesn't matter, they still serve no function in the quest.

>>36302816
He probably just likes numbers.

>>36302745

Fucking hell OP. Just blitzed through all the archives to catch up. You got a pretty great thing going on here; great writing, even better dice. Just wish the timezone difference didn't make it such a pain to follow this quest.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>36302816
Dice are fun.

>>36302829
Tell me about. This thing always starts right before I'm about to go to bed.

>>36302859
Usually starts in the morning for me, pretty easy to follow while I'm going to lectures.

>>36302859
>>36302871
Well this is the first quest that starts right as I get back home each day, so FEEL MY PAIN

"I'll get the cat down," you volunteer. You should at least show willing to participate in city guard activities, however odd they may be.

Marianne accepts this suggestion with much acclaim. "Go for it, Nicole! Help the kitty, help the city!"

You remind yourself that Marianne is in charge of a murder investigation, and you are her partner. The thought does not fill you with very much confidence in the state of the city watch.

Swarming up the tree presents no difficulty. It is during the approach to the cat when the trouble started.

The cat is certainly no kitten. It is quite large, and old and battle-scarred. Most definitely a stray, and a veteran of many battles.

It is also clearly terrified of you, for some reason. It is completely frozen up, its eyes wide, claws gripping the branch tightly. This is the first time you've gotten so close to an animal you weren't hunting for food, and you're not sure if this is going to be a recurring phenomenon whenever you deal with small domesticated animals from now on.

"Just pick it up," Marianne calls up to you.

You do so, gently disengaging the claws from the branch. The cat is still for a moment, before suddenly lashing out with all four clawed limbs. You are just barely quick enough to escape injury, and the cat falls out of your grasp, landing safely onto the ground in a final burst of irony. It takes a moment to hiss at you, before scampering off.

"That's weird," Marianne says, as you hop lightly down as well. "Kitties are usually much friendlier to me."

"I don't think animals like me very much," you say. One more thing you've learned today, and one more thing you'll have to be careful about in the presence of others.

>[1/2]

Marianne claps you on the shoulder, which is sufficiently removed from uncomfortable close contact that you don't react negatively. "Don't worry about it, Nicole! You'll do better next time!"

Next time, you'll let Marianne interact with troubled pets. "Do you usually encounter any other trouble on your patrols?"

"Nope!" Marianne replies. "Usually it's pretty quiet. So I help people out with stuff like finding lost kitties and retrieving kites."

Maybe Marianne's sheer force of cheer is enough to clear out the worst of the city before her path. You do notice that her patrol route does not go anywhere near the slum area of Alvar, described on the tourist map as a "picturesque, cozy piece of history", which cannot be promising for the local tourism industry.

"It's just about time for lunch," Marianne says. "We could go get some pies. Or, if you can wait a little longer, we can get something at the Hanging Orc tavern. It's a bit of a walk, but we'll be headed there anyway. It's, uh, the place with the people from the other side."

> "Pies sound good."
> "I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."

>>36302929
> "Pies sound good."

>>36302929
>"Pies sound good."
I like pie.

>>36302929
> "I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."

>>36302929
> "Pies sound good."

>>36302929
> "I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."

>>36302929
>"I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."
Trouble time!

>>36302929
> "I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."

>>36302929
> "I'm not that hungry. We'll eat at the tavern."

File: pie-flavor-d-o.gif (252 KB, 320x180)

252 KB GIF

>>36302929
> "Pies sound good."
Pie flavored, please.

"I'm not that hungry," you report. "We'll eat at the tavern." Of the politically incorrect but no doubt historically quaint name. Checking the map again, you do spot Saint Connor Street this time, but no mention of Pigshead Lane.

"Right!" Marianne points a dramatic finger ahead. It's in entirely the wrong direction by your reckoning, but you refrain from correcting her. "Forward!"

No more kittens are found stuck in trees, to your secret relief. Marianne does continue her bright greetings of everyone she comes across, and you marvel once again at the ease with which she talks to the citizens of Alvar.

You wonder if you can ever achieve the same degree of welcome and trust from the people. All the storybook knights had the adoration of the masses, usually after saving the kingdom from whatever threat had been hanging over the populace, but sometimes even before. You do still recall your conversations with Clarissa about the true worth and recognition of a knight, but the thought of not having to hide in the shadows ever again is compelling.

You admit that Marianne would probably make a much better knight-apprentice than you. Certainly a more fitting one, beloved by the people, and remaining firmly in the light. It takes more effort than you care to think about to quash the brief surge of envy.

Eventually, you arrive at the corner of Saint Connor Street and Pigshead Lane. The former is a medium-sized street of no particular note, while the latter is a thin alleyway that makes you think of dark things lurking in the shadows, and convenient ambushes.

The Hanging Orc is exactly as you expect a tavern of its name to be. Thankfully the sign is only a wooden board, although you notice a faint discolouration on the wooden support beam that suggests something else had been hanging there not too long ago. You resolve never to mention this place to Roderick.

>[1/2]

Marianne enters the tavern without hesitation. Many scarred heads turn to see, and many mouths open in crooked grins. You find yourself checking that your daggers are in easy reach, before realizing that you also have a sword. Still, the people in here seem genuinely glad to see Marianne, despite their rough appearances.

The bartender even has an eyepatch, to complete the ambience. This makes it all the more effective when he eyes you without favour.

"Hi, Finn. One glass of milk, please," Marianne announces. You can hear a tolerant chuckle ripple through the clientele.

"Coming right up," the bartender says. "And who is your sinister friend, Marianne?"

That is not an adjective you have heard applied to you before, but you suppose that it fits.

> "I'm Nicole. Knight-Apprentice of Alvar."
> "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."
> "I'm just a friend."

>>36303127
> "I'm just a friend."

>>36303127

> "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."

>>36303127
> "I'm just a friend."

>>36303127
> "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."

>>36303127
> "I'm just a friend."

>>36303127
>"I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."

We're wearing a uniform that is probaly at least somewhat recognizable to the populace, and we're the only person with such a uniform who looks anything like us. Anonymity is a lost cause, may as well be polite here.

>>36303127
> "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."
Sinister?

>>36303127
>"I'm Nicole. Knight-Apprentice of Alvar."
If Nicole was wearing casual, I'd suggest "a vampire of the night" or something(yes, even though Nicole is dark-skinned)

>>36303127
> "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."

While you doubt Alvar has had a knight-apprentice in some time, the uniform you wear is close enough to that of a full knight that the connection can be made easily enough. Your sword also has the crest of Alvar on its hilt, so you do have the option of acting like the full weight of Alvar's authority is behind you.

You don't think it would be a good idea to do so, when you are very much outnumbered, but it is an option.

It does not hurt to be polite in this instance. "I'm Nicole. I'm Marianne's partner."

Finn eyes you further, even as he delivers the requested glass of milk to Marianne. You can just about see the comment that you are not from around here form on his lips, before he discards it for being fatuously obvious. "You're not like the other constables. They usually stay outside, lest they see something that does not agree with them. Your eyesight must not be as good."

Another chuckle through the others, of a less friendly nature.

"Nicole's pretty cool!" Marianne pipes up, halfway through her milk. "She helped me save a kitten!"

Of your accomplishments thus far, this does seem like the safest to reveal.

"Ah, then you're all right, eh?" Finn gives you a wink. At least you think it's a wink, rather than an extended blink. "Anyone who's kind to animals is all right in my book." He casually raps the bar counter in a quick rhythm.

>[1/2]

"Hey, Marianne!" a voice calls out on cue from the general crowd. "It's been an age! Come sit with us for a bit!"

"Okay!" Marianne hops off her bar stool. "Will you be all right here, Nicole?"

"I'll be fine." At least you hope so. You don't think any of the people in the tavern will try anything unfortunate, not when you're wearing your uniform, but the cost for being mistaken is a bit higher than you're comfortable with.

"I'll send over your favourite in a minute," Finn adds.

"Thanks!" Marianne trots off to converse animatedly with the other tavern patron. You notice that he is missing an ear.

"Marianne's a good kid," Finn says conversationally, once Marianne is out of earshot. "I've never believed in the whole heart of gold stuff for any of us, but there's something about her that makes it hard to say no. Anyway, what'll you have?"

> "Just a sandwich. A small one."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."
> "Do you know anything about the murders?"

>>36303334
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."
> "Best sandwich you can make."

>>36303334

> "Just a sandwich."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."

>>36303334
> "Just a sandwich. A small one."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."

>>36303334
> "Just a sandwich. A small one."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."

>>36303334
>"I can see what you mean. Do you think I could be more like her?"

>>36303347
>"Best sandwich you can make."

>>36303334
> "Just a sandwich. A small one."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."

>>36303334
> "Just a sandwich. A small one."
> "How did you meet Marianne? She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent places like this."

"Just a sandwich," you say. That should be safe enough. "Best one you can make."

"Oh, a challenge?" Finn grins. In contrast to his clientele, his teeth are in excellent condition. "It'll cost you, but I guarantee it's worth every copper."

You make payment, wincing slightly at the price, but you are cheered by the brisk professionalism with which Finn conjures up a sandwich with all the trappings. He also creates a plate of sausages and mashed potatoes, smothered in gravy; this he places on the bar counter, at which point an apparently random tavern patron collects it, and delivers it to Marianne.

The sandwich is a bit larger than what you expected to eat, but it really is very good.

"Marianne gets to put it on her tab," Finn explains. You hadn't even considered the question. "We know she's good for it. You're new, though, so you don't get preferential treatment yet."

Perfectly understandable. "How did you meet Marianne?" you ask. "She doesn't seem like the sort to frequent, uh."

"A den of thieves?" Finn spreads his hands, thick and scarred. "Aye, thieves and scoundrels and rogues we are, but never anything more. Else the Bound One will turn his gaze from us, and then where'll we be?"

The Bound One is, from your vague recollection, the patron god of those on the far side of the law. Thieves indeed, as well as cheats, charlatans, spies, and assassins.

>[1/2]

"Truth to tell, we didn't think much of her the first time we saw her, a year back," Finn continues. "Bursting in on us, with pretty speeches about justice and righteousness. Had a right mind to throw her right back out. Nothing else, of course; didn't want any trouble with the King's Own. But the Golden had a different idea."

You put on an expression of polite inquisitiveness.

"Escavila the Golden," Finn elaborates. "Ask around the high, or the low. They'll tell you of her exploits. Legendary, she was. But she wanted out, and Marianne helped arrange it. Took some fast-talking on her part, too. So we're ever-grateful to Marianne, who's always given us no trouble."

You cannot imagine Marianne managing to fast-talk anyone. Maybe Guard Commander Hendersworth had put in a word on her behalf.

"The Golden drops in on us time and again," Finn says, "and it's a big to-do whenever she does. Drinking the whole night, and all its attendant pleasures. But that's not for the likes of your fancy self, is it?" He nods at your uniform. "So how'd a knight turn into a constable's constable?"

> "Just a knight-apprentice. It's part of my training."
> "I'm helping to solve some murders."
> "I want to learn how to be like Marianne."

>>36303562
> "I'm helping to solve some murders."
Or trying to, at least.

>>36303562
>> "Just a knight-apprentice. It's part of my training."
>> "I'm helping to solve some murders."
>>Other
Don't suppose you have any info about the deaths of Freddy, Black John or the other two?

>>36303562
>> "I'm helping to solve some murders. A knight has to know her city, after all."
But learning a bit of Marianne's charm wouldn't be too bad.

>>36303562
> "Just a knight-apprentice. It's part of my training."
> "I'm helping to solve some murders."

>>36303562

> "I'm helping to solve some murders."

>>36303562
>>36303630
Actually, I like this more >>36303621

>>36303562
>"Knight-apprentice."
>"I'm helping to solve some murders."

"Just a knight-apprentice," you correct him. "I'm helping to solve some murders."

Finn's face clouds. "Aye, Marianne spoke of that. Bad business. I never knew any of the victims, but if something really is targeting us and ours, it's only a matter of time. Everyone's been on edge."

You hadn't detected any tension beyond that triggered by your presence, but you're not very good at reading the mood of a crowd.

"Marianne has been talking about asking for help. From the rest of the King's Own, and from you knights. I put my foot down about that, of course," Finn says. "Let one knight in and soon you lot'll be swarming all over the place."

You do not think three knights and one knight-apprentice constitutes a swarm. "I think it's important for a knight to know her city."

"You mean like Marianne does?" Finn says, inclining his head to indicate Marianne. She is still in the middle of her meal, talking and laughing merrily, as though she is with close friends, instead of a crowd of roughs. Perhaps the two are one and the same to her.

"I hope to learn some of her charm someday," you say, with a sincerity that surprises even yourself.

>[1/2]

"The girl has a talent," Finn says. "Even I don't know how she does it. You wouldn't think she has the charisma to pull it off, when you look at her. But there she is." He focuses his good eye on you. "I've already promised Marianne I'll inform her if I hear anything," he says. "So I won't make the same offer to you. No offense, but I'd sooner trust Marianne's judgment than that of someone I've only met today."

Fair enough. Marianne will probably tell you if anything important comes up.

"And Marianne's different," Finn adds. "She cares. Even about us."

You can't argue with that. Maybe it's a hint about the best place to start learning how to be like Marianne.

"Anyway," he says, "is there anything else old Finn can do for you?"

Glancing behind you, you see Marianne finish off her lunch.

> "So what's your story, Finn?"
> "I hear that you have some access to certain tools."
> "Do you know when the Golden is going to be here next?"
> "Nothing else, Finn. Thank you for your time."
> "That was a very good sandwich. My compliments."

>>36303828
> "That was a very good sandwich. My compliments."
> "Do you know when the Golden is going to be here next?"

>>36303828

> "That was a very good sandwich. My compliments."
> "Do you know when the Golden is going to be here next?"

>>36303828
> "So what's your story, Finn?"
> "That was a very good sandwich. My compliments."
> "Do you know when the Golden is going to be here next?"

>>36303828
>"That was a very good sandwich. My compliments."
>I don't suppose I could ask you where the fences are?

>>36303828
>>36303884
This

You push your empty plate back across the counter. "That was a very good sandwich, Finn. My compliments."

Finn grins. "Next time you want the best pork or beef sandwiches in Alvar, you know where to find me."

"So what's your story?" you ask, as casually as you can manage.

"Me?" Finn thumps a fist on his chest. "Rattled around as a soldier most my life. Learned to cook there. After the Pretender's Revolt I was honourably discharged, and I opened this tavern. A respectable business establishment." His eye gazes at you, and you find no humour there. "That a good enough story for you, kitten-helper?"

You can take a hint as obvious as that. "Yes, Finn."

"Good."

Marianne bounces up to your side. "So! Time to go, Nicole. We'll take the short route back to Southgate, and then we can decide what to do next."

Finn leans on the counter. "I'll be seeing you, then. Or not, depending on what the future holds." He flicks a glance at Marianne, who does not catch the nuances. "Best you come together as a pair again, eh? Always nice to see partners working together."

In other words, he gives no guarantees of your safety should you come alone. "I think so too."

"Yeah, we work great together!" Marianne exclaims happily. "Stay safe, Finn."

"You too, Marianne," Finn says, his tone softening.

Maybe you can sneak in one more question while his guard is down. "Do you happen to know when the Golden is going to be here next?"

"Huh?" Finn is more confused than suspicious. "Why would you want to know that?"

"Just curious." Maybe this Escavila knows more about the victims of the murders. "Maybe I want to see what the celebrations of her return are like."

Finn looks steadily at you. "Maybe you do. She didn't say when she'll be back, but it should be soon. It all depends on her job, see."

>[1/2]

You are about to ask what job this is, when Marianne just about pushes you out of the tavern. "We don't want to be late reporting in from our patrol," she says conscientiously.

"Of course." You sneak a final look into the Hanged Orc tavern. Every eye in the place, paired or otherwise, is looking back at you. "We really should go now, I think."

"Good! Punctuality is an excellent habit to have," Marianne declares. "Onward!"

The trip back to the Southgate Watch House is uneventful, whether by public disturbances or by further arboreally-challenged felines. Marianne starts counting down under her breath as you approach your destination, until you reach the entrance, at which she hops, steps, and jumps down to zero.

"We're done!" she announces.

"Congratulations," the guard behind the front desk says dryly. Not Harold, who has obviously gone off-shift.

"Thanks, Priscilla," Marianne says, immune to sarcasm.

"No kittens today?" Priscilla asks, holding up a small box with bandages and ointments.

"Uh, there was one," Marianne says. "But Nicole here took care of it!"

Priscilla looks you up and down. You decide that there are worse things than having a reputation as a saviour of stuck cats.

"Anyway, I'm off to write my daily report," Marianne says. "I don't think there's anything else for you to do now, though. You can head back to the palace if you want."

> "I'll do that, then. Thanks for letting me join the patrol."
> "I'll report to the Guard Commander first."
> "Could I watch you write your report?"

>>36304227
> "I'll do that, then. Thanks for letting me join the patrol."

We also have some books we need to return?

>>36304227
>> "Could I watch you write your report?"

I wonder if we're working with the murderer.

>>36304227
>> "I'll do that, then. Thanks for letting me join the patrol."
Yeah, we never got t o return the books in the morning, due to basement shenanigans

>>36304227
> "I'll report to the Guard Commander first."

>>36304247
I really don't think so. If even Marianne is suspect then this just wouldn't be fun anymore.

>>36304227
>> "I'll do that, then. Thanks for letting me join the patrol."

We need to get those books back. Need to study up on Ridelham sooner than later.

>>36304291

because its always the ones you least expect.

>>36304227
>>36304245
>>36304295
these, gotta return those books

>>36304311
Well I'm definitely not hopping on that bandwagon.

>>36304227
>"I'll report to the Guard Commander first."
Ask him about his opinion of the city.

>>36304247
I doubt it. People pay attention to Marianne. Unless they ALL know and are afraid, she couldn't have pulled off the murders.

>>36304311
I don't think we need to go full shadowrun here. She goes out of her way to greet everyone she meets and everyone knows who she is. Here's to hoping she's simply just that nice and motivated a person

>>36304227
>"I'll report to the Guard Commander first."

>>36304247
Eh, it seems like damp literally just renamed Amalia and threw her into Alvar as she is.

Which is a great idea.

Until such time as further leads in the murder investigation open up, you have little better to do here than to act as a replacement city guard.

And you still need to return those library books, before Katherine descends on you with the wrath of ten thousand unpaid library fines. The library closes frustratingly early, but if you hurry, you can make it just in time.

"I'll do that, then," you say. "Thanks for letting me join the patrol, Marianne."

"No problem!" Marianne hesitates before going. "Will you be back?"

On the one hand, patrolling the city with Marianne was less ornerous than you had imagined. On the other hand, you're not sure helping her rescue stray animals from their own predicaments is the best use of your time. "It will depend on my duties. But I'll try my best."

Marianne beams. "That'll be great! Thanks, Nicole!" She skips off into the Watch House.

Priscilla shakes her head. "That girl can be a handful at times."

She doesn't sound unhappy about that, though.

By the time you arrive back at the palace, the afternoon is shading into evening. You hurry to your room to pick up your books, and rush to the library.

Katherine has evidently just chased off the last of the stragglers by the time you reach there. She simply stares at you, your books, your sword, and your desperately hopeful smile, before sighing long and deep.

"Fine," she says. "Leave the books on the front desk and I'll take care of them. Was there anything else you needed to delay me for?"

> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
> "I probably shouldn't bother you any further. Sorry about this, Katherine."

>>36304483
Who's that?

>>36304543
> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
We were ordered to learn about this.

>>36304543
> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."

>>36304543
>"I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
yeah, we should do what the Duke tells us to.

>>36304543
>> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
Specifically told to learn more about this by the duke, that should buy us just enough leniency?

>>36304543
> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."

>>36304543
>"I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
>"Thanks Katherine, I owe you again!"

>>36304543
>>36304543
> "I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility. Specifically the Ridelham family."
> Had any luck with William lately?

>>36304548
Slayers character whose image Damp uses for Marianne. Known for being hyperactive and hopelessly idealistic as well as for her gross misuse of the term "pacifism".

>>36304651
Nonsense she just pacifies a lot of people.

>>36304651
Oh yeah. Damn. It's been a long time since I watched that.

I remember liking her character though.

"I'd like to borrow a book about Whiteford's nobility," you say, a little breathlessly. The mad dash to the library had taken a bit more out of you than you expected. "Specifically, the Ridelham family."

Katherine was about to roll her eyes dramatically at your further unreasonable request, but the subject matter brings her up short. "Ah. Researching our dear Knight Captain, are you?"

You shrug. This is true, and you had been specifically told to fill in the embarrassing gaps in your knowledge by the Duke himself. "Orders."

"Very well." Katherine leads you through the shelves. "I do not think we have very many books about Whiteford's nobility. In fact, I only remember the one... here it is."

This is a thick tome, blandly announcing itself to be the Peerage Of Whiteford. A casual flip through its pages reveals that it covers every noble family of note in the past century of so, of whom the Ridelham family covers a substantial number of pages, rivalled only by the family of Lyseille. You've never heard of them either.

There's no way you can hide this book from Clarissa, when you return to your room tonight. You'll just have to explain yourself the best you can, and hope that Clarissa does not take it poorly.

"Thank you, Katherine," you say. You wait patiently as Katherine completes the checking out procedure. "If there's anything I can do for you in return, just let me know."

"An open offer is a dangerous promise," Katherine says darkly, collecting the books on the front desk. There are quite a few returned today, including yours.

"Maybe I can put in a good word for you with Sir William," you suggest.

Katherine drops all the books she is holding with a clatter.

>[1/2]

Maybe that was not the best thing to have said under the circumstances. "Are you all right, Katherine?"

"You will do no such thing with Sir W-william," Katherine growls, using the opportunity in picking up the books to hide her face. "That is none of your business, and you will not breathe a single word about this to anyone else. Is. That. Clear."

You back away from Katherine, towards the library exit. "Very clear, Katherine. I apologize for, uh, bringing up the topic."

"Nicole."

You stop. "Yes, Katherine?"

"If you get the chance, ask Sir W-william what his favourite animal is."

A new project for Katherine's needlework. "I will do so as discreetly as I can," you promise.

"Just get out of my library," Katherine growls.

You retreat back into the palace proper, and head back to your room to deposit the book. With that done, you heave a sigh of relief at having accomplished your goals for the day.

> Return your sword, and have an early dinner
> See how Clarissa is doing in her office
> Time to check out the basement vault alone
> Where is William, anyway?

>>36304784
> See how Clarissa is doing in her office

>>36304543
> See how Clarissa is doing in her office
> Go have dinner

>>36304784

> Return your sword, and have an early dinner
> Where is William, anyway?

>>36304784
> See how Clarissa is doing in her office

>>36304784
>Return your sword, and have an early dinner

>>36304784
>Time to check out the basement vault alone
Yesss.

>>36304784
> Go stare at the cube some more then
> Time to check out the basement vault alone

>>36304784
>> Return your sword, and have an early dinner
>>other
Bring some food for Clarissa

>>36304784
> Return your sword, and have an early dinner
> See how Clarissa is doing in her office

>>36304958
This.

Synthesizing the votes for dinner and checking on Clarissa.

You've spent most of the day out of the palace, which meant Clarissa has spent most of the day without your supervision. You wonder when it was you started to think of yourself as her personal minder, making sure she learned the meaning of relaxation.

You can't bring your sword into the kitchens anyway. You should return it first, and take the opportunity to peek into Clarissa's office while you're at it.

Out in the training courtyard, you glance at the conduit cube to check its status. Currently inert, although that would probably change soon enough.

Roderick is outside the armoury, maintaining the training weapons. He gives you a wave when he sees you approach.

"Here to return your weapon, I take it," he says.

You detach the sword from your belt, and hold it out for him. "No proverbs?"

"You got one this morning," Roderick says jovially. "Don't be too greedy."

You turn to face the palace building, and locate Clarissa's office window. "Has the Captain been working all day?"

"You know her," Roderick says.

Meaning yes. You can only hope some of that time spent working was in the company of one of Anders's clerks, as the Duke had promised.

>[1/2]

You wander over to the window and peek inside. Sure enough, Clarissa is still seated at her desk, alone.

"Welcome back, Nicole," she says, without looking up from her work.

"Weren't you supposed to have an assistant?"

"I did. Then Anders complained, so I sent him back." Clarissa expertly flips the document she had been working on into a growing pile of papers. "I assure you that I am, in fact, taking it easy today. Whether you can tell the difference is of no concern of mine."

At least Clarissa seems cheerful today. You lightly hop through the window and into Clarissa's office, which does get her to look up at you.

"There are such things as doors, Nicole," she says mildly.

Definitely in a good mood. "Would you like to join me for dinner, Captain? It's more or less time to finish work for the day."

Clarissa puts down her pen. "I suppose it is," she says, shuffling papers into the folder meant for her desk in your room later tonight. "Today has been a fairly productive day, if I do say so myself. How was yours?"

> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."
> "Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?"

>>36305233
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."

>>36305233
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."
> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
> "Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?"

>>36305233
>> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
>> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."

>>36305233
>> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
>> "Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?"

>>36305233
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."
> "Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?"

>>36305233

> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."
> "Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?

If all 3 are okay.

> "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker."
> "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."

If not.

Marianne is actually Escavila the Golden.

Or her sister. Something!

>>36305751
No, Roderick is Escavila the Golden.

You fall into step beside Clarissa as the two of you head to the kitchens. "We didn't get much in the way of leads, unfortunately."

"Ah." It sounds more like a polite noise of conversational interest than an active request for elaboration. "I am not surprised Alain has not placed more manpower on that case. I imagine he sympathizes with the plight of the victims, criminals though they are, but he cannot in good conscience pull guards off more important issues to chase down a case with no leads." Clarissa taps a finger to her lips in recollection. "I believe the request for support from the Knights of Alvar was brought up by the constable in charge of the case."

Speaking of whom. "Constable Marianne Farnston is an excellent co-worker," you say. "Very, er, enthusiastic. And motivated."

You've reached the kitchens by now, where dinner is a thick stew. You're pretty sure this has been on the menu before, but you have no objections to repeats; coming up with brand new dishes every day for every meal must be too much trouble for not enough reward for the kitchen staff.

"I think I may have come across that name in my reports," Clarissa says, as she ladles up her usual generous portion for herself. "I don't recall what it was about, though. Which speaks well of her, if she has not come to my negative attention. How has she impressed you?"

Marianne makes a better knight-apprentice than you do. "She is friendly to everybody she meets. She knows them by name, and she can ask after them, no matter whom she runs across. It's as though the entire city is friends with her."

"An impressive performance. Would that more of the guards follow her example."

Would that you could. "What really amazes me is the way she cares," you say. "About everything and everyone. That's probably why the Guard Commander put her on the case. Nobody else would care about the deaths of some petty criminals the way she does."

>[1/3]

"Hm." Clarissa eyes you over her food. "There is a danger in caring too much, I should think. I do not know Constable Farnston, but I have seen the consequences in other situations."

You wait politely, but it doesn't seem like Clarissa is going to elaborate on those situations. "By the way, Captain. Do you happen to know anything about Escavila the Golden?"

Clarissa stops in the middle of eating, which is rather alarming in itself. "Where did you hear that name?" she asks, with a calm tone at odds with her sudden tension.

"It came up when I was asking about leads," you say. "Is it something I shouldn't know about?"

Clarissa visibly forces herself to relax, and continue with her dinner. "No, you did nothing wrong, Nicole. I just had to make sure. Security, you understand."

You don't. "Who is Escavila the Golden?"

"Are you asking about who she is, or who she was?"

You didn't know there was a difference.

"The past is the past," Clarissa says. "You might meet her soon, with any luck. She is happy in her new life, although she dips back into her old one on occasion. Which seems incautious to me, but she is a bright young lady, and she can handle herself well enough. It is just a matter of old enemies who never seem to disappear quietly as they should."

>[2/3]

"Is it a personal matter?" you ask delicately.

Clarissa shakes her head. "Only professional. I was in charge of finding somewhere to deposit her, after she received the King's Pardon. Fortunately, Alvar is a peaceful enough place, and I do not expect any trouble. It was simply a surprise to hear that name again, outside of my reports."

Dinner is finished without further conversation. Clarissa stands to bring her plate to the washing-up area. "I recommend an early night as usual," she says. "I hear William is planning to continue your martial training tomorrow morning. You should get all the rest you can before then."

> "Yes, Captain."
> "Where is Sir William, by the way?"
> "I still have something I need to do first, Captain. You can go on ahead."

>>36305837
Damnit Lily.

>>36305847
> "Where is Sir William, by the way?"

>>36305847
> "I still have something I need to do first, Captain. You can go on ahead."
Sneaky sneaky vault time?

>>36305854
Oh fuck that makes too much sense.

>>36305847
> "Yes, Captain."
> "Where is Sir William, by the way?"

>>36305847
This Anon gets it:
>>36305880

We should totally re-check the vault area. Especially the holding area where Lily saw the shadow.

>>36305847
> "Where is Sir William, by the way?"
and >>36305880

>>36305854
>>36305882
we should casually bring the name up in conversation and see her reaction

>>36305847

> "Yes, Captain."
> "Where is Sir William, by the way?"

>>36305854
I think you might be right.

>>36305847
> "I still have something I need to do first, Captain. You can go on ahead."

>>36305944
I think that's a bit of a stretch for Nicole. At least right now. We can pick it up because of the story and Lily being the only one with blonde hair, but for Nicole it could be literally anyone.

>>36306054
>but for Nicole it could be literally anyone.
It could even be Nicole

>>36306111
Nicole should try to nonchalantly invide Lily to The Hanging Orc some time.

You still haven't finished exploring the basement vault from this morning, which includes looking for any secret passages through which that mysterious flash of movement may have escaped. You had been constrained by the presence of Lily and your schedule, but now you should be able to explore at your leisure.

You're pretty sure Clarissa would never give you permission to do so, though. Fortunately, your probation has been lifted, and you do not technically need her permission. "I still have something I need to do first, Captain," you say, with as much casual nonchalance as you can muster. "You can go on ahead."

Clarissa does not seem to notice anything amiss. "Very well. Do not stay up too late, and please stay out of trouble."

You tell yourself that this is merely the standard warning she always gives, and has nothing to do with your plans. "Of course, Captain. By the way, where is Sir William?" Just in case he might turn up to catch you down in the basement.

"I am not sure," Clarissa says. "Last I heard, he was going to the wizard's tower. Perhaps he has something to discuss with Elise."

Good enough for you.

You wait until Clarissa has left the kitchens before returning your plate. While the kitchens are crowded with the palace staff having their dinner, most of them are concentrating on food and conversation, and so few notice you slip out, and fewer still see where you go.

You check once again for witnesses, of which there are many potential, heading to and fro between shift changes and ending the work day, but none actual. You are good at not being noticed when you don't want to be, and it is trivial to reach the stairs to the basement and descend.

>[1/2]

The first snag in your plan to explore the vault and its surroundings is revealed when you see the chain on the vault door undone. You had been wondering how you could bypass that, or if you were going to do so at all. You could search for secret passages around the vault without actually entering it, after all.

But the chain is carefully piled beside the vault doors, with the padlock laid open neatly on top. The vault doors themselves are slightly ajar, and you can hear voices from within in conversation. Quite audible, and obviously not expecting anyone to be eavesdropping.

"Are you sure?" This is recognizably the Duke. He does not sound happy, but not angry either; confusion and incredulity colour his tone.

"Absolutely." This is Anders. "I've checked the records many times. The cube is from Amberin."

"Amberin," the Duke mutters. "Why Amberin? Not Whiteford?"

"Not Whiteford," Anders confirms.

"So what does Clarissa's family have to do with all this?"

"With all due respect, Pierre, that's not my place to answer," Anders says equably. "I believe it's yours."

"Thank you for that reminder, Anders," the Duke grumbles.

> Stay and eavesdrop some more
> Openly enter the vault and announce your presence
> Retreat back to your room

>>36306290
> Retreat back to your room
Interesting. I don't think we'll find out more, let's leave.

And while I realize that this thread is shorter than the others, I'll have to call it here. I'm trying to experiment with slower, shorter threads, so I don't burn myself out or fall ill due to exhaustion.

Next thread should be on Monday.

Also, I'll be out of the country on holiday from the 29th of November to the 6th of December, so that's at least one week of hiatus. This was planned some time ago, so apologies.

Thanks for joining me on the quest. Please do give feedback on whether the Slower Shorter Easier pace is workable.

>>36306290
>> Stay and eavesdrop some more

So, what's up with him being so surprised about the fact that the cube is from Amberin?

>>36306332
We'll just bombard you on ask.fm instead~

>>36306332
Thanks for running boss. I'm cool with these lengths. It's about four hours shorter on average and if it keeps you from burning out, I can deal.

>>36306290
> Openly enter the vault and announce your presence
I debated this for some time. On one hand if we leave now it would be suspicious as fuck. On the other hand, if we enter we look fairly suspicious. We definitely can't stay and eavesdrop.

I say damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.
We can say that we're looking for "shadows". After all, we did see one earlier today, and Lily had complained about it as well. Further, that might have been what we heard outside of our room the night we went super hyper.

>>36306290
> Stay and eavesdrop some more

>>36306290
>>36306366
Nevermind. I like this more: >>36306359

>>36306290
>>36306359
This

>>36306332
>Thanks for joining me on the quest. Please do give feedback on whether the Slower Shorter Easier pace is workable.
Thanks for running it Damp, I didn't really notice the slow down too much, so if you're comfortable with it, then keep up with it.

>>36306332

Deleting this
>>36306322
And going with >>36306359
instead.

>>36306290
> Openly enter the vault and announce your presence

We weren't doing anything bad!

>>36306332
I need MORE, LONGER, STRONGER, HARDER!

>>36306359
It's a fair excuse, isn't it? Anders knows Lily is our friend so it makes sense we'd go take a look for her peace of mind.

>>36306290
> Retreat back to your room
It's not worth the risk to stay longer.
where is Amberin ?

>>36306811
Hopefully not near Silden.

>>36306359
>>36306290
This is good.