Mists over the Musarde [IC]

[ewancummins]

[Ben sees al this from the window. Others who come to the window will also see it. Everyone can hear the sounds and voices described]

Renault's limp body lies where it had fallen. His form gives no sign of life, although you are to far away to be certain.


Just then, you all become aware of the sound of footfalls outside the tower, accompanied by a soft whistling tune. It sounds as if someone is approaching from around the lefthand street corner.

A ragged man walks into view. He's carrying some sort of a staff, with small , dark shapes dangling from near the top.

As the man nears the corner, he turns from the street and cuts across the yard below the tower. He's walking straight towards Renault!

[steveflam]

"Dagnabbit! What we do now? This ain't lookin too good. Let's scram from here 'n' get to seein this ladies poppa on the morrow." Norzak moves away from the window and heads as quietly as he can to the stairs.

[Adam]

Perhaps it is the odd timing of the man's arrival, or perhaps it is his odd appearance, but Bennedict hesitates to move from the window, wanting to observe what transpires below. "I will meet you there tomorrow, herr dwarf." He mutters quietly, trying to take in every detail of the scene below.

[Le Noir Faineant]

Cirdan has watched the scene with curiousity...

Finally, he gives a deep sigh. "Humans..."

He'll then join his comrades in walking out of the building...

[ewancummins]

The ragged man stops walking as he draws near Renault. He looks around. Then he looks up at the open window. He bends down to take a closer look at the fallen man. The stranger is speaking to himself- although his voice isn't loud, the night is still and quiet, so it carries well.

''Must have fallen- or were ye pushed? Dead, that's certain. Best if I fetch the gendarmes.''

The man turns and moves off at a brisk trot.

Anyone who gets a good look at him will see:

[ewancummins]

It is a warm summer afternoon in Pont-a-Museau, where our heroes are to meet the family Sancerre, and receive the thanks of the father of Evangeline, a young lady they rescued from ruffians the night before...

The Sancerre residence stands at the western terminus of the Street of the Clotheirs. It is an impressive structure of stone and oak, with a terra cotta tiled roof. All about the property stands a tall fence of wrought iron, pierced by a broad gate at the front. A pretty garden lies in the front yard, with blooming lilacs, daffodlis, and tulips. A walkway of red bricks leads from the gate through the garden to the front door.

In the garden, a small party is sitting on marble benches making conversation. A number of servants stand in attendance.

[PCs recognize one of the party in the garden as Evangeline.]

[steveflam]

As Norzak approches the estate he wonders what this man will tell them. Bah humans! Soon as she was of age I'd of sent her ta work tha mines or sommeat else. They ony undserstand gold 'n' their own pursuits of power.... As he walks up to the estate he stops and spits in his hands. Then he tries to mat back his messly lump of hair with it. Now his hair looks a bit better, but he still hasn't bathed in near how long and even before he is before Evangeline they knew he was there just by the smell.

[Adam]

Bennedict watches as the dwarf enters the estate, still on edge and expecting to be imprisoned at any moment for Renault's unfortunate death the evening prior. He shakes his head at Norzak's unkempt appearance, wondering whether the family will turn him away at the gates or simply shuffle him around the party and do their best to pretend not to be offended by the odor. It was times like these Ben regretted not studying arcane magic. A simple cantrip would help his general appearance immensely.

Then again, Bennedict was fairly certain he saw the dwarf cast a sleep spell the day before, so perhaps Norzak's choice of appearance was deliberate. In any case the archivist muses he'll stick out no more than the elf or the calliban. Resolving himself to another evening of hurriedly covering for the social faux paus of demihumans, he strides through the gates into the manner house.

Lengthening his stride, he catches up with the short-legged dwarf and walks beside him. "Herr Norzak," the archivist begins, "I was wondering if you could assist me in a matter. The ruffians we defeated the evening prior were carrying an odd stone, one I was wondering if you, given your people's inclination for working underground, could help me identify." Bennedict reaches into his pocket and retrieves one of the objects he recovered from the alley, showing it to the dwarf.

[steveflam]

Norzak puts out his hand and holds the stone that Benn hands to him. He inspects it closely seeing if he notices anything odd about it. In a low voice he says "Ye say ye found this on one a them idjits from lass night, lad? I'd like to look at it when we're not in front 'o these here rich varmints. I think y'ad agree on that as well, Bennedict. I think I'll call ye Benn fer short tis a mite easier on me vocabulary." Norzak winks at Bennedict and guffaws.

[Adam]

The dwarf's sudden serious change in tone grabs Bennedict's attention. "We may speak with it at your leisure, sir. I am merely glad to have found someone who recognizes it." He looks around. "Do you see any sign of the other gentlemen from last evening?"

[ewancummins]

As Bennedict and Norzak stand talking with one another, two serving men approach them. Both men bow and the elder of the two adresses Norzak and Bennedict thusly:

''Esteemed guests, I welcome you to the home of the Sancerres. If either of you would like, perhaps, to first refresh yourselves after your day's exertions, I can take you to the necessary facilities. I am certain Mesieur Sancerre will be pleased to delay your meeeting a few moments longer. out of consideration for your needs. ''
The servant is looking straight at Norzak for most of his speech. He sniffs the air delicately, and clears his throat.

''Ahem''

[steveflam]

Norzak looks straight back at the servant with a serious look "What ya keep lookin at me fer like that?" He sniffs under his arms then says to the servant. "Nah, I'll be fine. It ain't been a year yet since me last bath. I kinna wait another month fer me next one. Hey did yer never seen a dwarf before, bub?" He pauses then adds."Ain't pOlite ta stare I bin taught so keep yer eyes ta yerself. And I ain't exerted meself today, this is my natural state."

[ewancummins]

The servant blushes bright red.


''Forgive me if I have offended you. I simply thought you might enjoy a refreshing wash, sir. ''


The servant executes a simple bow to Norzak, then motions towards Eanglkeine and the older red haired man sitting on the garden benches.


''My master awaits us. If you require nothing further, shall we go to him now, gentlemen?''

[steveflam]

"Yep that's what we's here for after all. Might as well see what the" and he exaggerates the name at this "M - A - S - T - E - R wants huh? Don't wanna keep his royal highness waitin after all" and he rolls his eyes at this. He does follow the servant though, curious as to what this Evangeline's father might want to offer them.

[ewancummins]

Evangeline rises to greet you as you approach.

''Ah, my heroes! Father, these are two of the men who saved me. ''

Her father rises to his feet and addresses you both.

'' Thank you so much for protecting my daughter. Thank Ezra you stout fellows were on hand when she was...Forgive me! I've not even properly introduced myself.''

The big red-haired man extends an open hand towards you each in turn.

''Denys Sancerre. My home is yours.''