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[h2][color=darkorchid][i][b]Victoria Belmont[/b][/i][/color][/h2][i][b][color=9932cc]Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3[/color][/b][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]HP:[/b][/i][/color] 23 / 23	[color=9932cc][i][b]Armor Class:[/b][/i][/color] 15	[color=9932cc][i][b]Conditions:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Location:[/b][/i][/color] The Infamous Pear 
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A 
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/PDSdxgt/Victoria-FC-6.jpg[/img][/right]
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	It really [i]had[/i] been a good idea to ask questions. Mostly because the answers that the older man gave were pretty useful. For an investigation, yes, but also because it was just these kinds of details which made for a great story to write about later. But even more interesting were the answers given about their little extras of compensation. Hers being mentioned was unnecessary but well received, she guessed. A deal had already been made. But the Sheriff seemed like one of these "ordered" type of people that probably liked things filled out in triplicate and signed by witnesses, so this wasn't completely unexpected. A nonverbal expression of acknowledgement followed and that really should have been the end of that. 

	Until the discussion went back to the topic of magical items, Victoria might as well have been listening to the sour notes of a novice horn section. Talk of a magical pot from the Sheriff's chambers - a [i]chamber pot[/i], one might surmise, damn near brought about a giggle. No, it couldn't be that, she reasoned, attempting to keep her thoughts as pure as her own sketchy history would allow. This meaning: not very well. 

	In any case, when the Sheriff excused himself and left the table, Victoria made it a point to call a quick farewell with a spirited wave accompanying. She had never had much use for local authorities, though in fairness that might have been a two way street. But this guy seemed like a decent enough fellow. Direct without being self-righteous. It was good to note. And he was quite right as amid the clatter and swearing coming from the kitchen, their supper soon emerged.

	It had been a little longer than was comfortable since Victoria had a good, hot meal, and the one being plated in front of her reminded her of this with a sense of urgency. It was enough to cause a grumble from her midsection which she hoped didn't get around to the rest of the table. It seemed unlikely, given the noise of all the dishes being clattered down in front of people and the grumbling of the kitchen mistress, May. Nevertheless, a tiny bit of self-consciousness reared from within Victoria. The good news was that this was easily remedied by the delicious looking lamb stew in front of her. Maybe a slice or two of the thick, brown bread in the middle of the table, too. This little outing was fast becoming pleasant. 

	This last feeling came to a jolting halt as she managed to catch the careless blurting of words from the shorter proprietor of The Infamous Pear, Guido Laurel. [i]Only three letters.[/i] This caused a quizzical eyebrow raise and momentary lapse in her appetite. This was definitely getting more interesting with each passing moment. What could that have meant? If he only sent three, were others at the table playing at some sort of angle? Were they planted there for a nefarious purpose? Or perhaps directed by powers with vested interest in the outcome of their investigation? Or maybe someone caught wind of this, forged a bunch of letters, and scampered over for the free meal. Victoria had done worse for less. 

	Of everyone at the table, the Tiefling lady seemed oblivious to this new revelation. Or she was playing her own game with this information, prompting a discussion of personal natures between their newfound colleagues. She might have even answered this, were it not for what came next, smashing her willingness to open up like a ton of bricks. The Cleric ...had just made a Clerical error. 

	Divine magic rushed over Victoria, promising to remove her free will of colorful expression. Not that lies were amazingly helpful with this current predicament, but she was very disappointed at the lack of agency given to their discussion. This kind of magic was not the type she with which she was intimately versed, nevertheless it did have properties which were familiar. This attack was intended to compel her compliance. Though she had faults, Victoria was blessed with a powerful strength of personality which allowed her to effortlessly fend off the initial brunt of the divine compulsion. This showed externally as a slight twitch of her head, like she was just noting a chill in the air, before all hell broke loose at the table. While the others spoke their piece, Victoria reached across to cut herself a slice of bread, butter it, and take a small bite for herself. 

	Victoria was not happy, but this only showed in her eyes. Her lips held a little smile, possibly contemplating the simple goodness of the thick, warm bread or the creamy, homemade butter upon it. After a break in the outrage happened and she swallowed her bite, the Bard turned her attention over to Marita. Careful words were formed as she spoke. [color=9932cc]"You know, you're the only one who didn't ask for anything for supper, Marita."[/color] Victoria picked up the large bowl of popped sorghum and slid it across the table slightly, offering it in her general direction. [color=9932cc]"I got this for you, in case you changed your mind about supper. I know us girls have to watch our figure, but we might have a hard road ahead and [i]everyone has to be at their best[/i]".[/color] She smiled, blinked twice, and cocked her head slightly to the side. [color=9932cc]"The bread is really nice, too. Tastes fresh baked."[/color]

	A metal spoon poked at the steaming stew in front of Victoria, a more natural smile gracing her features now. It did smell alluring. But instead of digging in, she continued speaking, [color=9932cc]"Like I said before (and take this for whatever it's worth to you), I found my letter in my hat, expecting a tip, two towns over. I don't know who put it there."[/color] Finally, Victoria took a little sip from her spoon, sampling the savory, nutty, minty broth that formed the common ground for the rest of the ingredients. This prompted a quiet yet bubbly, [color=9932cc]"Mmm!"[/color] before she moved on. [color=9932cc]"I had hoped we might be friends. I still do. Or - or at least civil to one another. [i]Permission[/i],"[/color] she explained, scowling out that last word before resetting her features to something sweeter, more pleasant, [color=9932cc]"about such things is important if we're going to work together civilly."[/color]

	 Glancing about the table, Victoria suggested to all present, [color=9932cc]"Oh, but you [i]must[/i] try this butter. Marvelous."[/color]

	Behind her and to she side, Morty the gaunt, burlap-wrapped pig, stood staring straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to the events around him.