[center][h1][color=f26522]Carnatia de Luson[/color][/h1][/center]
[hr]

[quote]
[color=8493ca]"The house guardian wouldn't mind to use the house as long we maintain clean this shelter. It a bit angry to the elven woman for prying their stuff without it's permission. I too have guilt for going through the window but the spirit and I had already settle. 

Anyway. Who's turn for the bath? I prepared a hot water for the bath tub and will boil some water again for the other's turn."[/color]
[/quote]

The eastern-looking man—seemingly oblivious to the somewhat tense atmosphere—suddenly joined the conversation with a non-sequitur of a warm bath. Something that admittedly sounded pleasant to Carnatia right about now.

Carnatia turned to the man, [color=f26522]"I did not expect this dilapidated cottage to have working plumbing. Thank you for informing us, and preparing the hot water, sir...My apologies, I don't think we've been introduced. In any case, it might be a good idea to partake in a warm bath after we have ourselves settled. Though...who exactly were you referring to by 'house guardian'?"[/color]

Their conversation was then interrupted by Fia, who—understandably, Carnatia supposed—somewhat objected to Carnatia's previous remark regarding her.

[quote]“Unsavory? I barely said anything.” spoke Fia. She looked at the assortment of items that lay on the table. The flier caught her eye. Either the owner was a patron, or this building was a part of the route advertised. Fia reached over and picked up the clear case containing the hairpin. She looked at it as she twirled the case around in her hands. “Though, I suppose I am of the mind that if the previous owner is dead, what harm is there in repurposing goods that are will otherwise be forgotten?”[/quote]

Once she finished her introduction, Carnatia replied, [color=f26522]"Apologies, if I offended. It's not even that I am wholly against the idea, I do realize the pragmatism in your logic, but even from a utilitarian perspective, I do not think these...trinkets are worth it, no? As Sir Engelbert and I had alluded to, it would behove us to avoid trouble with authorities. This cottage does not seem to be that old, and considering the lifespan of an elf, it is not impossible for its owner to still live in other regions of Varenheim, or next of kin even. Either way, it opened up the possibility for us to be liable for unlawful seizing of property. While the chances are low that we would be accosted over these trinkets, as I said, such mere trinkets surely do not merit taking the chance? The swords Lady Evelyn found are another matter, and I suppose merit a discussion. In any case, our illustrious leader appeared to be against it, although..."[/color]

Carnatia then turned to the Gray Flame and Engelbert, [color=f26522]"Pardon me, sirs. But it would appear to my eyes that you two were discussing something regarding the photograph Roxas found? In normal circumstances, it would not be proper of me to inquire into what is clearly a private matter, however...I would like to ask if it is something that might affect us during the course of our stay here or beyond. If so, I think we are at least entitled to some details given that it would affect us. Of course, I wouldn't demand you reveal it to us now, but I do hope if it is relevant to our situation that the two of you would reveal it before the night ends."[/color] 

It was then, that Evelyn, who had been taking a look at the items chimed in with her reports.

[quote]
[color=d62524][b]"Everyone, please excuse my impudence, but may I take a moment of your time?"[/b][/color] She paused to let her words sink in before continuing, [color=d62524][b]"I've gathered what I could from these items, let me relay them to you."[/b][/color]

First, Evelyn picked up the elven blade, [color=d62524][b]"This sword is part of a twin pair alongside that one above the fireplace. It's enchanted with runes to reinforce its durability, explaining its pristine state even after decades of abandonment. The traces of dried blood revealed that the wielder was an elven man who was three decades old by the time the blood was spilt."[/b][/color] She finished as she put the sword down.

Second, she procured the gold brooch with an emerald gem slotted in it, [color=d62524][b]"This is an Arcane Focus, a trinket capable of improving various aspects of spellcasting. This one in particular is attuned to healing spells, enabling the caster to consume around half of the usual mana required for a specific spell. A great boon for any healers out there for certain."[/b][/color] She set the brooch back down before moving to the next item.

Third, she held up the crystal-infused lamp, [color=d62524][b]"This, for a lack of better words, is simply a lamp, although powered by mana instead of heat. When infused with mana..."[/b][/color] Evelyn did exactly that to demonstrate, conducting a minor flow of mana from the environment into the lamp, causing it to illuminate, [color=d62524][b]"It'll shine, providing illumination. A simple yet useful item for countless situations."[/b][/color] The redhead shrugged lightly as she deactivated the lamp before returning it to the table.

Finally, she gestured lightly to the rest of the items; the dagger, quiver, hairpin, and pendant, [color=d62524][b]"The rest are mundane objects, nothing outwardly notable about them, aside from any sentimental values, that is."[/b][/color] And thus concluded her reports.
[/quote]

Turning to Evelyn, Carnatia gave her a small smile of appreciation before speaking again, [color=f26522]"Thank you, Lady Evelyn. Splendid work. Now then, as to the matter of these items...while most of them are mundane trinkets with little worth, the lamp, blades, and brooch are of some use, therefore as I've said, merit some discussion on whether we should appropriate them or not. Now, the common parlance of 'Finder's keepers' does not, in fact, hold true in many civilized nations. In Westernant, for example, finders of abandoned items are obligated by the law to turn them in to the authority for a period of time, upon which the authorities would try to find the owner, before filling in the paperwork to claim the items. If I remember correctly, Varenheim has similar laws. Of course, we are not in the position to turn them in to the authorities, so in this case, I suppose it is legal for us to keep them and turn them over after we are finished with our expedition and return to civilized Varenheim's regions. They do seem useful in the journey ahead. Well, we can table this discussion for later and move on with the introductions."[/color]

Engelbert then moved the conversation along as the orc in armour introduced himself.

[quote]
[color=39b54a]"For me, I am Tillius Battakka."[/color] Tillius spoke, his tone seemed normal if not a bit low for an orc, but it carried underneath a gravitas befitting his status. [color=39b54a]"Unfortunately, I do not bring with me magic or technological marvels, only strength and techniques."[/color] He paused and laid a hand on his gladius to briefly indicate the gear he was using. [color=39b54a]"I was an officer in the Westernant Army, but in case you worry, I am now retired, and is merely an adventurer, just like everyone else. I am [b][i]more than confident[/i][/b] and honored to be serving with you brave comrades into the unknown."[/color]
[/quote]

[color=f26522]"A former officer in the Westernant Army you say?"[/color], Carnatia remarked. She then continued, [color=f26522]"I was originally from Westernant myself, thank you for your years of service, good sir. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."[/color] 

[@Remuri v2][@Randomness][@Mas Bagus][@A5G][@Izurich][@Conscripts]