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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] Silversmith's Shop 
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] Persuasion (A), [s]Investigation[/s]
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] [color=black]Morty[/color]
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A 
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/8r6nxVw/Victoria-FC-11.jpg[/img][/right]
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	Victoria blew out a profound exhalation and composed her face, committing to just the right amount of positivity mixed with businesslike determination. She wished that there was an opportunity to touch up her face in a way that didn't involve utilizing a cantrip, but that was just not in the cards. In the end, she decided not to go with either, hoping that her weather-touched features would make her seem more genuine. The approach to the door brought with it the final few seconds for her to summarize the angle of approach she wished to use. Social engagement was close to its own sort of combat, especially if one wanted something. And they certainly wanted something. Information was as important on a field of battle as was steel, or magic, or boots on the ground. Not to mention that, if they were correct about the nature of the threat in this township, the paranoid man's silver would be a valuable asset as well. 

	The Bard had her game face on by the time Marita slipped the note under the door. When the suggestion was made that she should disarm as well, Victoria responded with a cheerful, smiling, [color=9932cc]"Not a chance in [i]any[/i] of the Nine Hells."[/color] Unless prompted to give up her sword, Victoria had no intention of giving up her sword. Spells might be interrupted, but a stabbing didn't require much in the way of concentration in a pinch. She did concede a portion of the point made, unbuckling her sword belt and holding it off to one side instead of abandoning it altogether. Along a similar mindset, she issued a mental command to her animated swine, prompting it to stand under the building's roof overhang. 

	The "invitation" to enter was answered promptly and confidently by Victoria, striding in with her still sheathed sword out to one side. She frowned at the presence of the loaded crossbow and tried not to let the annoyance of it show on her face. Instead, she reached out to take up the bracelet chain, stating, [color=9932cc]"A wise precaution, Mr. Mallard,"[/color] in an earnest tone. She was about to continue when Kathryn spoke up from outside and moved closer to return the ring. V was unsure as to whether this was a good idea, even though it looked like the silversmith had just called Kathryn out for her transgression. Again, the cheery Half-Elf spoke up, [color=9932cc]"We are not thieves. And we shall comply, of course."[/color] She delicately placed the end of the chain top the tip of her tongue and held it for a moment, then set it back down. 

	[color=9932cc]"As my associate declared outside, we are here on Robert's behalf. He was quite adamant that his purchase be delivered before nightfall. Ah, may I..?"[/color] Victoria made a gesture as to imply lowering her hands and relaxing somewhat, continuing with more than a twinge of emotion behind her words, [color=9932cc]"The crossbow is unnecessary, sir. We are here to help. We were sent here to help by Sheriff Gregory. Now, if you want nothing to do with what is going on here, fine. I wouldn't blame you at all. We will take Robert's commission and quietly leave."[/color] She nodded slowly, taking the opportunity for her eyes to adjust to the lighting conditions to have a quick glance around at their surroundings. Just the basics allowed by the dimmer orange light coming from the small kettle forge to one side. Mostly empty shelves but things on tables near the front of the store. A few weapons on the counter and a couch behind it. The details and full meaning of what it might mean escaped her; details which might have illuminated a greater picture overlooked. One certainty did not slip past her reasoning: This man's actions had purpose. It was not the looser strings of mental fatigue prompting wild action, but a concerted effort toward a goal. He wasn't insane. [color=9932cc]"Or, tell me your story, and we can try to do something about it."[/color] It was a simple speech, simpler then she intended. But she read the room as best as she might, and the letter in the man's possession seemed to weight her simple words positively. Victoria hoped it was at least a good start.