[center][h1][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5157586] [color=MediumAquamarine]Arin von Astastel[/color][/url][/h1][/center]
Arin watched the brief interactions between his potential companions and, or, rivals from the corner of his eye. It was amazing how one could learn from these moments, no matter how short they were. 

Elra Silverfang, the former slave, may not have a master now, but her body language suggested that she was still a caged animal. Whether or not her initiative to help dry the others came from genuine concern, a subtle attempt to make a good impression, or remnants of her former life telling her to serve others was something that Arin was going to have to decide after he got to know her. 

Ernestus Greye seemed like decent folk, the type of man who would fit the rugged hero archetype that the commoners loved so much. It was because of that, however, that made Arin think that Ernestus was hiding something dark. Not necessarily sinister, just something darker than… “pure”. The elf’s fingers absentmindedly fidgeted with the silver charm hanging from his neck. 

On the other hand, Arin immediately could tell Callista Felmir was a rogue, perhaps in every sense of the word. She mannerisms told him that she was confident in conversing with anyone and the way she sized up everyone made him think that they were cut from the same cloth. She was studying them, this situation, all of it. But was she a thief? [i]The[/i] thief? Even if she weren’t the thief, Arin wouldn’t be surprised if she did take part in any future thefts in this castle. 

Then there was the dragonborn. “[color=ed1c24]<Thank you. It is most appreciated.>[/color]” It was clear that he could fluently speak the common tongue, so why did Vuthaternock have to thank someone using a language that not everyone could understand? To show off his draconic heritage? Arin knew dragons were a proud race, but did they need to emphasize it with every breath they took? [color=MediumAquamarine][i]Gods, even how he said it reeks of pomposity.[/i][/color] Just like many in House Astastel. “[color=ed1c24]Let's get searching then! I'd check the Underground and black market first, if the thief wanted to sell it, or if they have a hideout. The thieves grapevine might have some info we can use.[/color]”

Arin couldn’t help but sigh deeply. He mentally patted himself on the back for not covering his hand over his face. It wasn’t the suggestion itself that bothered him: in fact, it was evident that the investigation was going to take them to the Underground whether they liked or not, but the elf couldn’t fathom why it never crossed Vuthaternock’s mind that perhaps they should gather more information at the castle ---get details about the case and look at the place the dagger was kept at the very least--- [b][i]before[/i][/b] venturing into the shady part of civilization. Did he even know what the Dark Dagger looked like? What was his plan when they got there anyways? How did he think a community of outlaws ---who could have been present during the King’s announcement a few moments ago--- would respond to outsiders asking around about a theft? Did he hope that his draconic lineage was enough for them to tell him everything? Was he going to bribe them or was he going to beat people until they gave something up? Perhaps he planned to slaughter the denizens to just get everything over and done with. While there was no denying that some of Ovyadell would appreciate that, Arin could only hope that Vuthaternock wasn’t that reckless. 

Thankfully King Silas was quick to intervene and instructed the volunteers to follow the guards. The group was escorted to a small room that reminded him of his study back home. As much as he wanted to reach for the books and scrolls, Arin refrained from touching, being extra careful to keep his hands to himself.

“The Lady will be shortly. She'll tell you everything you need to know.”

Arin wondered who this “Lady” could possibly be, but before he could ask, the two guards left the room and shut the door behind them. As he was contemplating who the Lady was he noticed the expression on Elra’s face. It was similar to the one “Huard von Astastel” had the day they cornered him in the inn: scared and haunted. [color=MediumAquamarine][i]A caged animal indeed…[/i][/color] 

Arin looked at Callista, half expecting that she was going to make a move. If there was ever a moment to take advantage of someone, make an ally out of them, it was during their moment of weakness… and he wanted to know how similar their cloth was. Or perhaps Ernestus would valiantly swoop in, intentionally or by accident, helping Elra in her time of need. But Arin would be lying if he said he wasn't curious what Vuthaternock would do. 

Arin himself made no attempt to console the other elf. He knew he was not the one who could or should do that. He had hands that even his own father couldn't bear to hold.