Part I.ii. - Crimes Not Forgotten

[Juniper]

Calaera raises an eyebrow and for a moment all the arrogance of her upbringing shimmers in her bearing. "I should certainly hope not." Her face relaxes but retains its serious expression as she counts the silver from her purse. "I ask only because I have a duty in this village to protect Kendra Lorrimor, and though I respected her father, I think it obvious he got in over his head. I am a stranger here, but I am sworn to the oath of the dragon. Kendra's needs are higher than my own, and so are those of this town. I seek only to understand."

She attempts to hold the smith's gaze for a moment as she hands over the coins, hoping to impress the woman, or convince her of the importance of her cause. Diplomacy [dice=20]+7[rand=7265318159033360689172507352525170927113142506135507943828204878]

[logan]

Fin feels her strong gaze as she stares at his face. This was not unusual for him, but he felt her stare unusually hard. Like she was imagining that she could lay his head down on the anvil and work out the imperfections with her big hammer. Fin does his best to look relaxed, hoping that any peculiarities about the odd duo will not further any distrust in her mind.

"I am here to protect Kendra, too." says Fin, feeling relieved that dwarf is now focused on the words of Calaera.

[Veritas]

The smith pauses for a second as she hears what Calaera has to say, and her face softens a bit. She takes the coins and ponders them for a moment. "I was no friend of Lorrimor, nor his daughter, though I wish them no harm. I do not know why you think she would be in danger. I do not wish to know."

"I am Jorfa, and this is my forge. I came to this town when they were building Harrowstone prison, as someone needed to make the many metal instruments used there. I did not make them all; no shackles passed through these doors while I have worked the anvil, but I put nails in the shelves and in the boots of those who worked there, for instance. I do not know much of the prison, save for that this town existed once to support the place, and now that the damned building is all-but gone, the town is better for it. No more carriages coming through bringing prisoners from all about Ustalav to await their execution, no more fear of escapees wringing your throat when you sleep."

She takes Calaera's sword and begins to work on the edge with a file and a rag. "This will take a moment, but no more. As for the rest," and she pauses, looking about, "If you are interested in other weapons or armour, I can help. I have some magic items hidden away as well. A shield, an axe, that sort of small thing. I will sell them for a fair price."

[comicsans12pt]

Grateful that Navene changes course, Solaz too says a prayer at the tomb of Petros Lorrimor. She prays that he now basks in the light of the Lady and asks for a lighted way on this quest.

She then notices the inscription. Who had that done? It's in Celestial. Can I translate it here on the fly?

"For I have harnessed the shadows that stride from world to world to sow death and madness."

Is this an accusation of necromancy or an acknowledgement of his work against the undead?

She whispers to Navene, "Can you read that? I will translate if you need me to. I wonder who set this up? Perhaps Grimbarrow can tell us. "

She curses herself for talking too much again. Too many questions. Perhaps a time comes when there will be action and no questions.

[joviality]

Navene looks back down at Solaz and the professor's grave, allowing the crypt to slip out of her sight. 

"No, I'm afraid I can't read that inscription. I would be grateful for any translation you could offer."

Upon hearing Solaz's offered translation, her face grows pensive. 

"Few in this town likely know those words. I agree; Father Grimburrow may know more about this. He would likely know who crafts the gravestones here in town, at the very least." 

She thinks a moment more. 

"We could also speak with the gravedigger here, if you think that is a wise. It would not be remiss for me to thank him for his work, and perhaps inquire who carved this headstone so that we may thank him or her as well."

[comicsans12pt]

"I think that's quite a good idea. I would be curious to know who supplied the stone and why that particular epitaph. Perhaps there are allies here that we didn't know about."

Solaz relaxes a little and without even seemingly to notice, brings out the wool and begins to spin again.

[joviality]

Navene nods to Solaz. "Perhaps I shall open the conversation, and you could ask more specific questions? I've never been quite as good at swaying people as my friend Calaera, and you look quite suited to the task as well."

She then walks with Solaz over toward the gravedigger and attempts a friendly wave in his direction. "Hello, sir!" she says. The two of them walk closer to the grave he is minding. 

After they arrive, she takes a moment to look around with a smile on her face. "We just wanted to come over and thank you and the other caretakers for the beautiful work you've done here. Professor Lorrimor's grave is quite respectably  done. Truly, a testament to both your skills and to lady Pharasma."

She then waits for Solaz to take the lead. 

Diplomacy (Aid Another): [dice=20]+2[rand=618605619529262277040722826495770110468755010515455820034286007285]

[Veritas]

The younger gravekeeper - perhaps 19, 20 years old, looks up as the two stout individuals approach. His face goes blank as he looks to Navene, and then to Solaz, but eventually, back to Navene. The eyes are wide as the taller woman speaks, and he nods that little bit. "We do all honour here."

[comicsans12pt]

Solaz smiles at the gravedigger. While she speaks, she non-chalantly hangs the spindle on her belt, tucks the wool away, brings out a small pouch and removes a gold piece. She puts the pouch away.

"Indeed you do bring honour to all here." She looks around. "This is a beautiful resting ground and i am pleased that my good friend is in such good care."

"Speaking of honour, i have been asked by a favourite aunt to visit a memorial to a dear friend of hers. He was a guard at a local prison who perished in a fire. She has told me that she would be grateful if i visited it but i am not sure quite where it is. Could you perhaps guide us to it and if you know anything about it, tell us what you will?"

As she speaks this, she reaches for the well worn hand of the gravedigger. Her hands, smooth with years of working with the lanolin in wool, are irresistible to the gravedigger. She places the goldpiece in his hands and says, "This is for the great work you do here. I expect it is not as appreciated as some professions but it gives great pleasure to Pharasma. It is also for the graves that have no visitors that they may be honoured as well. Perhaps on another day, we will ask about them and make prayers at each one of them."

She hopes she has laid the groundwork for visiting the fake crypt. Best to let it lie now.

Diplomacy check: [dice=20] +4

[rand=827703166753053711292113247327507270432798657566322542305453680456]

[logan]

Fin looks around the room, examining the weapons. To avoid being awkward, just standing there, Fin asks:

"Jorfa, do you have any special daggers?"

[Veritas]

The gravedigger looks over as Solaz approaches. He barely reacts when she reaches for his hands, though his fingers close around the gold; quickly, the coin vanishes into his pocket. His eyes lift over towards Solaz for a moment, and he smiles that little bit.

"We try to make the Restlands peaceful and pleasant. Father Grimburrow would not have it any other way. He is strict, but he means well. It may not be a duty that is always easy, but I do enjoy it. It is nice to see that I've helped people be at ease about their loved ones at rest."

As Solaz speaks on the memorial, he nods his head and raises his hand, pointing south past Navene and the gnome. "On the other side of the river, at the last bend before the prison's hill. It's the black memorial. You can't miss it," he says. "Anyone who died in that damned place needs all the prayers he can receive, that much is for sure. I won't speak more of it here. Or anywhere. Good day to the two of you."

He then moves to the next grave to resume his duties.

----------------------

In the forge, Jorfa looks to Fin as he is asking about the weapons. She shakes her head in response. "Nothing magical, if that's what you mean. I make a few well-balanced ones, and I keep them in the back with the rest of the mastercrafted weapons and armour. Putting that out front is tantamount to asking for it to be stolen. You might want to try the moneylender's shop or the magic shop, however; they may have magic weapons hidden away beyond what I sell here."

"Now, if there's nothing more I can do for you," she says, handing Calaera back her weapon, "I'd like to get back to work."

[Juniper]

Calaera hefts the sword, eyeing the bustle and taking a few steps into the corner where she can take a few practice swings safely. She grins at the smith. "Balance is perfect. How much do I owe you?"

In deference to the woman's impatient manner, she doesn't dawdle, but pays up and steps quickly outside, patting the sword at her side with a cheerful expression on her face. "Well, friend," she addresses her elven companion, "that could have gone worse. Where to next?"

[logan]

Fin follows Calaera out of the smithy.

"I think we should try our luck at town hall. They should have some records there. I don't think they are going to be too keen on helping us, however, we might be able to get a bit of information."

With that Fin and Calaera make course for Town Hall.

[joviality]

After the gravekeeper has moved away from them, turns to Solaz.

"Well, that was... helpful."

She takes a moment to think about their next course of action.

"Perhaps we should visit the Temple before we cross the river? It seems like the most expedient course of action. Hopefully, Father Grimburrow will be able to shed a bit more light on the town's history for us, and perhaps tell us who made that gravestone."

[comicsans12pt]

"I think that may be a good plan," Solaz says to Navene. "I'm a bit impatient to get to the memorial, but perhaps we can convince Father Grimburrow to join us. He may be able to tell us more than if we were to visit the memorial alone."

"And i'm sure you are a bit impatient to be in a temple of Pharasma again. I know that being in a house of my Lady is always invigorating and stimulating." Solaz is smiling and enjoying the morning. She brings out her spinning and begins to hum a familiar tune. She hums softly so as not to be too annoying.

"Shall we proceed?"