Child of Ember - Chapter 9

The young man again enters the room, nonchalantly, as if he'd never left.
"What happened with the spell? Did you learn anything of the creature?"

"Careful friends,"says Dolph, "The walls have ears. Even now our foe could be listening."

"Foe?" sais Dea, pointedly. "Yours then. Not mine. I merely wish to stop the deaths."
Dea is checking the body to see if she can find any means to identify the woman (i.e. a locket or something)
"I should have asked her name..." she mutters.

Natacha looks directly at Dolph: "That may be as it is Lord Lithenstien.
But I fear that this is something we must do before the body of this 'man' is disturbed." At the word 'man' she sneers with disdain. Turning back to Dea: "The spirit told you that 'known too was she by the prey she seeks'. That would certainly indicate some knowledge on his part." She incline her head towards the man. "Also, if this Child of Ember is out for revenge doesn't it then stand to reason that she would let her victim know the reason for slaying him? To let him know the reason for her revenge?"

Celestia is remaining quiet through all of this. She is watching and listening. There is a look of uneasiness on her face and she will periodically glance at both dead bodies. She also unconsciously strokes a pouch tucked in her belt.

"It's a valid point", Dea says.
"I admit the man might have something to reveal. However, I fear he may be quite uncooperative.
And I am not eager to try summoning him. I already have a price to pay, and while I am willing to do this for the girl, as is my duty, I do not feel an obligation to him. Even if I would, I cannot summon the power to perform this ceremony again.
I am sorry."
She casts a look around. Her eyes linger on Celestia for a moment, then move on to take the others in view.
"Anyway, are we not with four magi here? Some of you have divinatory powers, not?"

Natacha shakes her head: "Luckily I haven't had reason to speak with the dead on a regular basis. I promise that I shall study the spell for the days to come though."

Lady, my powers, as I said, are of fire and flames. I have no divinatory skill, as my studies have all been focused on mastering this element. Perhaps if you told me more of what the dead woman said I could shed some light on this foe we now face."

"My small friend seems to have found something that may be of use to us,"
Dolph says holding up a large locket suspended from a silver chain. Covered in a flowing floral design, it sparkles in the flickering light of the candle.

"My lord, might I have a look at that, please? And, you said before, you know a great deal of the goings-on in this city...might I ask if you knew of any caravans or escorted cargo coming through this way in this week?"

Dolph hands the locket to Lit, "Caravans come and go all of the time here, and cargo comes up and down the river day and night."

"It is possible, though unlikely. The item in question is a dagger of great renown where I come from, but I know not any other details."

Lit looks over the locket carefully, scrutinizing every detail and facet. While doing so, he speaks with Dolph.
"Perhaps you can tell me of a particular caravan then, a secretive order of monks that have something precious to me are on their way through this town, or so I have heard. Do you know anything of this?"

"I know not of such a caravan, but given time i could find out," he says. "Perhaps if i knew more of the item. Will they attempt to sell it?">

Natacha moved to Dolph to look at the locket.
"Where did your familiar find this locket, Lord Lithenstien?"

"Familiar? My familiar is safely at home," he says as lit takes the locket. His voice seems lighter than earlier.

"I guess the rat was an... associate, then?" says Dea.
"Surprising how you commune with nature, being a city person. I have never managed to get an animal to fetch me things."
She casts a look at the locket in Lit's hands, but remains at a distance, waiting till Lit has finished studying the silver.

"I find that such creatures can share a wealth of information, when properly motivated," he say with a smile. "If you will excuse me, I will go and make preperations for the disposal of the victims. I will not be more than a moment."
With that he gives a quick bow and steps into the hall, returning a moment later.
"The clergy of the temple will be here soon, I suggest we finish what we are doing before they get here." he says as he steps into the room. You notice that some time during the darkness he has changed into the clothes of the dead man, casting aside the ruined garments he was wearing. They are a bit tight on him as he is a bit more musculer than that of the victim. The clothes surely must be uncomfortable for him and he shivers slightly as a cold draft blows through the hole in the wall.

"I'm done.", says Dea.
"I would like to talk to your priests before we leave, though, so I can arrange a proper burial for the woman according to your customs. Maybe you can suggest a warm and quiet place, where we can go after that is done with? We can inform Mr. Lit of what the woman said, and he in turn can tell us of his foe, and what information he got out of the locket."
She walks to the door, placing a hand on Celestia's shoulder.
"And we will finally have an opportunity to talk, too.", she says quietly.

Celestia looks at Dea, "That would be nice." Looking at Lit, "If you don't mind, can I have the locket for a while? I might be able to get some information off of it."

"My keep is warm, and secure enough to talk. I must warn you, it is in a state of constant repair. Only recently have I reclaimed it." Says Dolph.
"Also, there are family matters I must attend at home." He shakes his head at that, "I have been abraa more than I care to admit, of late." He sighs, looking out the hole in the wall. "It would seem that the clergy are more prompt than I had anticipated. Perhaps they had remained near in case more trouble had occured."

As Dolph mentions being abroad too often, Kat blushes slightly and returns her attention to her survey of the room and those assembled. Turning back towards Cornelia, Kat whispers "so what's your take on this situation Cornelia? Any insights into this sort of situation? Have you ever encountered something like this before?" she asks with a slight emphasis on the word 'before'

Looking around the room, Celestia appears to be searching for something. "Could someone help me find an item that belonged to the man? Perhaps I can get some information from his stuff too."
Celestia continues to search for something the man owned.

"Well..." Dea says, with as earnest a look as she can muster. "Maybe mr Lithenstien can take of some of those clothes again."

"Not that I dislike a hearing a pretty woman say that, but considering the circumstances I'd rather wait till i am in a warmer enviroment," he says with a smile that shows he means it in good humor.

Celestia looks over at Dolph. "I guess the clothes would work. I was looking for something a little more personal. Maybe something that he had with him all the time. The auras are stronger around that type of item and are easier to use."
Celestia continues to look for other items that belonged to the man.

"Celestia, I believe that's your name," he says as he turns to the woman, "here you are. If you can puzzle anything out from it, please do so."
He hands her the locket.

Dea casts a glance at the locket as it is handed over.
"Maybe it's better to perform your Divinations later, when we are at Lithenstien's home. It's freezing out here. However, if the locket is the lady's, there may be a name in it. It would be useful to inform the clergy of that if there is. I would rather not let her be buried nameless."

Celestia takes the locket from Lit and looks it over. When Dea asks her about a name, Celestia opens the locket to see if there is anything inside.

Within she sees a tiny portriat of a man and herself. The man might have been Caine Dumonjiete, but it is difficult to tell.

When she is done examining the amulet, Celestia will place it in the pouch that partially hidden at her waist.

There comes a gentle rap upon the doorframe. There stands a young man of blonde hair and scarlet robes. In his right hand he holds a staff mounted lantern.
"If you please, I have much work to do to prepare the bodies for their final transition," he steps into the room with an air of dignity and confidence. Behind his step four priests in brighter robes.
"Dolph, my friend, it is such a shame that we must meet again on such circumstances." He looks at Dea. "A lady of Vesanis? Well met. Have you done any preperations for the vessels?"

Dea bows.
"Light upon your life, as well. No, I have not. Your local rites are not known to me.
I thought it inappropriate to mingle in customs I do know less than sufficient about.
However, I have promised to see the woman to her rest. I will gladly donate for her... transition, as you call it."

"All life is full of joinings and partings," he sighs as he looks upon her. "Isabella, she will be missed."
One of the lesser priests comes up, "Lantern Bearer, what should we do?"
"Gather the bodies. We must take them to the shrine." He turns to Dea, "We will prepare the bodies this evening and will hold services tonight, you will come?"

Dea nods in stunned silence.
After a few moments she regains her breath.
"You... knew the woman... Isabella? Who was she?"

He nods,"Often she came to the shrine to listen to the practice of the chior, sitting in the back only to disappear as soon as she came and without a word. All I ever learned about was her name, Isabella Tarascon. Perhaps you might inquire around the temple about her?"

"Hold one moment, clergyman." Lit interjects, "If I may, would I be allowed to make a prayer for the well-being of these souls on their way to the afterlife over the bodies according to the custom of my land? It would only take a short moment."

"Certainly, but I must ask you to make yourself useful if you do," he says slowly lifting the body of Isabella.

Lit examines the bodies a bit while moving his lips and hands, trying to see any indication of something familiar to him.
He sees nothing unique that he didnt notice from afar.

"Certainly. I have a promise to her to keep."
Dea excuses herself to her companions.
"I cannot shrink from my duty now. Lit and I will come to your keep as soon a spossible, lord Lithenstien. I am sure we will be able to find it. Mayhaps you can find the opportunity to change in something more... appropriate.
Celestia may then be able to use the clothes for her divinations, not?" She then turns to help the clergy. She steps forward and extends a hand, an offer to help lift Isabella (she is far less eager to lift Caine, but will do so if asked).

It is early morning, about 4 am. The clergy will spend most of the day praying over the bodies and preparing them for the service later that night. Such preperations will include restoring the bodies to a state that they can be presented to the public, though that may not be possible with Caine.

Dea helps lifting the bodies downstairs, but with the late (or early) hour she will not follow them to the temple, though she memorizes the directions the clergy give her.
She waits in the lobby untill the others meet her there.
"I would like to rest now", she exclaims. "I think we all need some sleep. Maybe we can all rest and meet tomorrow morning, when we are fresh. I can offer up some space in my room..."
She smiles to Celestia as she proposes this.
It'll probably mean she will have to sleep on the floor herself, but she want to give Celestia the possibility to tell her story in private, should she wish to.

"You are all welcome to the rooms at my keep," Dolph says as he helps with the bodies. "It is rather small, but there is enough room in the towers for you all. Also, if we are to gather, it would make it more convienient to have us all staying in the same place."

Celestia smiles at both Dea's and Dolph's offers. "I would like very much to stay with you Dea. I would also like to stay at Lord Dolph's because I have never gotten a chance to stay in a Keep. Dea, I will follow your lead. If you feel more comfortable staying in your Room, I will stay with you and maybe we could stay at Lord Dolph's Keep another night."
Celestia turns to Dolph, with a child-like innocence, she asks "Is your Keep haunted? I heard that Keeps are suppose to have ghosts and spooky stuff like that. To make them more interesting and provide a thrill for the occupants."

"Well..." Dea says. "The offer is good. And mayhaps the inn is not the best place for a young woman, after what happened. We will be glad to accept your offer, Lord Lithenstien. With or without ghosts."
Only Celestia is close enough to hear her mutter softly "...as I am sure we will meet some pretty soon anyway."

Dolph smiles. "No ghosts, that I know of. But there are a few rather unusual inhabitants. All harmless I assure you. Some few are victims of magical experimentation that I have taken in because they have no place else to go."

Kat grins and pats Cornelia's shoulder. "Well my friend" she says with a smile "At least we'll have a soft bed this night". Katherynne helps the others prepare however they need to and wrap up any loose ends possible before following Dolph to his keep.

Cornelia smiles and nods tiredly. It is obvious that she has had a tiring day.

Lit looks up from his inspection of the bodies. "Thank you, clergymen. I am grateful for the chance to give a last rite of my own to these two unfortunate souls."
He looks to Dolph, "Thank you for the offer, Lord Lithstein, and I will gladly accompany these ladies and yourself to your keep, but I fear I have already made other arrangements for lodging in town. And again, I would accompany you, but these...acquaintances of mine have charged me quite a copper haul for my accomodations. However, I do wish to speak with you further of this caravan that I came here searching for."

"I understand, good parting to you my friend. I shall see you anon?" he asks as the others wrap up what they are doing.

Before the group parts ways, Dea takes Lit aside, informing him about what the dead woman said.
"It is likely that who we deal with here is someone that most likely is a local. Or was. When we arrived, an old woman approached us, who gave us an insight that, while tainted with madness, seems to be touching on some of the true sorrow in this case. I believe she may be related to whoever we are looking for.
But we can discuss this further tomorrow morning, when we are fresh. Maybe you can also inform us about what you know then."
With that, she bows in greeting. "May the light of reason illuminate your path."