BlackBerry's attention had fully left Lady Kathryn and Kosaras conversation in favour of the one with Cecily. Sipping still at his drink he nodded in understanding as she answered his questions.

He supposed that it just being herself and Lizbeth there hadn't been anyone else to take the time to sort through everything. Even back home it sometimes took a few days before someone gathered the strength to clear out the room of any recently deceased. But with what had recently come to light he would have thought Cecily of all people would have decided to investigate further. He wisely chose to keep this last thought to himself under another sip of his drink. He wondered also if he should perhaps offer to lend a hand? But resisted, thinking that it would be unseemly and elected to suggest it later should he find the chance to without prying eyes. No doubt the locked study contained at least some answers.

"We do a little thing at the Stables for it too." Jon added to Cecily's own words of the Frostival. "Just some mulled wine, cake, and the like, nothing too fancy mind. Sometimes the horses even leave some left overs for us. Hah!"

BlackBerry joined in with a small chuckle at Jons little joke. He quite liked the sound of the Frostival here, and the Master of the Harvest to him sounded like a way to add som6e fun and whimsy to an otherwise hectic or busy time.

But then he had heard the word 'darling' which grabbed his attention back towards Lady Kathryn currently giving Monsieur Laurant a verbal dressing down. He grinned seeing the familiarity that had suddenly emerged between Lady Kathryn and Kosara but he did have the good graces to keep his mouth shut. Althought, when Kosara did pass by he turned to shoot Lady Kathryn a conspiratorial smile and waggle his eyebrows in Kosaras direction.

Oh this was a delightful evening indeed.

"So, are you lot planning some games or something? Or are you just getting tired of being losing." Jon asked while playfully jabbing his elbow into BlackBerry's side, who then gasped sharply. "Ah, sorry lad. Thought you had gotten patched up. You all right?"

"Yes, yes, I am quite fine thank you Jon. Just caught by surprise is all." BlackBerry replied as he made sure he hadn't spilled any of his drink. "I do advise though that magic can do wonders but it certainly cannot make you forget a decent punch. To answer your question though, yes indeed. Lady Kathryn and I have had some fun fights but, well, to put it bluntly, we have grown rather tired of simply beating each other senseless and are looking for something else to try."

"Oh. Why not Horseshoes?" It was a very on brand suggestion of Jons.

A wild 'caw' caught the pair of them off guard and in sync they both looked towards the bird in Victorias arms and then to each other.

"A fabulous spell of our dear Bard." BlackBerry explained, and then added after a moments pause. "You should ask her sometime to show you the steed which she may produce also."

It was then that surprisingly the pair time had surprisingly passed them by and it was now time for the second toast of the evebing. And still the last guest hadn't yet arrived. But the drink and merry atmosphere put whatever worries BlackBerry had out of his mind.

"Indeed this is quiet marvelous!" He nodded vigarously innagreement to both Victoria and Lady Kathryn. "And I had thought the last drink was brilliant, well done to all involved. Not least of course to yourself Mater Rens."

It was as he was indulging in another taste of the wine that he stopped suddenly. "My word where are my manners. Lady Kathryn, Kosara, and Victoria. May I introduce you to Master Jon, if you are not already familiar. He is the most senior stablehand here and I would bet my arm he knows more about horses than any of us combined."

Jon, suddenly finding himself in the limelight simply raised his glass to the three and politely repeated his introduction from earlier; "Evening all."

"Jon here has been ever so kind in graciously taking me under his wing these past few weeks. Or perhaps months even? Gracious me how time does fly."

“Eeeep!” Kosara let out a squeeky happy sound as she was scooped up and casually allowed to occupy Kathryn’s shoulder like she had been a child again and her gramps at the tavern back home was carrying her around much to everybody’s amusement. Yes Kosara had an affinity to being carried up high, blame it on big people carrying her around as a child… or maybe blame it on a horned golden dragon horse that carried her around in her earliest memories. Whichever the case was the reason, one thing was certain! Kosara and being carried high was a combination that wasn’t going to go out of style with the pale tiefling anytime soon! Best part of the whole thing?’ Kathryn’s not wearing stiff uncomfortable armor!’ Yes priorities were a thing indeed and Kosara had hers in order. In any case, she just gave everybody who turned to look at their schenanigans a big happy wave.

On the matter of a certain non-noble man with possible ideas of grandeur and his overt not too subtle attempts at snubbing and demeaning by word play and name calling, he probably should have best considered himself quite lucky. History had proven that Kosara was a poor example of inhibitions and word filter was the least of things she was lacking when the situation called for it. As that event back in Avonshire that now seemed like a lifetime away proved, the white lady was not above kicking with her full force men between the legs when they were being assholes. Admittedly it was quite possible that just as well she might have confused the situation more by pointing out that sulfur was not present at the wine tasting and probably called his senses of smell into question. Again with Kosara one could never really know how it would go. She did give a bit of a pout when she was put down though.

With the party… if this could be called a party of course. She wasn’t sure if a wine tasting event counted as one. Maybe it did for these weird northerners and their curious and bizarre culture? In any case with the event hitting a bit of a rest point where nothing much was happening, Kosara was just taking the chance to wander the area, try some of the offered fruits, check what else was around to try and of course just skip around the place. She didn’t exactly interact with people much, aside some simple greetings as she moved about the place, but this was a good event to write about so she was trying very hard to memorize the sights of the people and their inter-mingling so she could put it in words and maybe a rough sketch next time she wrote in her journal.

As the matters turned, Cecily called for another toast after trying some time. This one was a different sort of brew. Much more aged by the looks of it. Honigblume…” Funny name.” Kosara let out a chuckle as she had taken herself a glass and gave it a try with the others after joining in with the toast. That said an unexpected jump from Kathryn followed by the woman giggling like a loon, had the tiefling glance and narrow her eyes at her.” Do you require some magical restoration to set your head right?” Kosara asked with a deceptively sweet and testing voice.

“I have tried them yes, however I lack the trained tastes to appreciate them as some would.” Kosara replied with a shrug.” I’ve always drank more beer than other alcohol. And no, thank you. I’m not drinking more then needed.” She replied calmly.” It is however quite the drink, I will admit that. No beer I’ve tasted quite compares in virtue of simple taste. Very sweet though... I need something sour now.”

Weather: Still cold. The wind remains light, with only the tiniest of gusts giving the occasional diagonal motion to the snowfall. It is true snowfall now rather than flurries, though not what one would consider heavy. Large, slow flakes fall earthward, making for a quiet, rather peaceful night.

Time: The night time is the right time. An hour or so past dusk.

Ambience: Considering the lovely (if quite cold) night outside and the lanterns hung to light the main thoroughfare, not much obvious has changed across the Rose River Vineyard in the interim. Inside of the Tasting Room, there is likewise a lack of appreciable environmental change, unless one counts the overall feel of the room from a more personal standpoint. There is an almost palpable friction amongst the guests and from obvious sources. However, there is an overtone of general merriment that only a successful harvest and outstanding batch of seasonal icewine can provide out here in Wine Country.

The lighting inside is adequate to the needs of even the most mundane of sight, thanks to the dual strike of candles and lamps set up in key, predetermined locations for exactly this reason. The central table is topped liberally with quick and easy things upon which one may munch with one's fingers; cheese, bread, and fruit primarily, though some utensils are provided for the status-conscious.

Conversation among the guests is varied and usually kept to themselves as not to interrupt those around them; polite discussions about the quality of wine throughout the years or whispers about whatever notable happenings were afoot within the context of their lives. The more public and/or louder addresses among the guests are taken in stride, as likely as not to be elements of future gossip sessions when in differing company.




Laurent was a socially proper enough person to, upon getting himself startled by a suddenly appearing and disappearing Raven (from and back into the thinnest of air, no less), straightened his waistcoat and departed from Victoria's vicinity even as she left to join her plus one elsewhere in the room. His own path took him the short distance back to the table, nearest to the Mosswaters, who have taken the last few minutes to sit back and enjoy the festivities - wine and drama both. At least, Barbal was enjoying the wine and drama, and with a suppressed bout of chuckling reddening his face, at that. Tarace was looking apprehensive. Nervous, even. The less boisterous Halfling was giving Barbal what support he might while sipping upon his glass of wine as if to partly disguise his expression.

"Ey there, Laurent," began Barbal. "Those adventuring types? They ah... mostly don't care about social status. Not unless it get 'em something. Advantage, like. I don't know that you or I got anything they need, Monsieur Laurent." A quick look around prompted him to follow up with, "...what I heard, anyhow."

The middle-aged landowner known as Monsieur Laurent maintained his composure enough to sip from his glass and quietly remark, "Quite." The freshness of the upset by the imposing noblelady still possessed a modicum of sting despite his cooler demeanor, and apparently the Halfling that was his peer among this apparently very mixed group could just tell. The verbal knife twisted a little bit more.

Meanwhile, Rens was more than happy to take his share of the accolades, not like he didn't deserve them. As the Master of Wine for the Rose River Vineyard, he was the man with his feet on the ground, overseeing every aspect of the vintages produced from the time the grapes got crushed to the moment the finished product was moved for shipping. Objectively, the two wines sampled this evening were some of the best the region of Avonshire (and possibly the nation) had to offer. The upper-class market for these wines truly belied the moderately overweight, middle-aged craftsman before them, bedecked in what would pass for decent weekend wear for society's wealthier element but for him was obviously tucked away for special occasions, like this one. His thick moustache wiggled beneath his prominent nose as he stood himself up straighter under the glow of his praise from multiple sources. A showing of obviously false modesty reared in the man with, "Oh no, it's all too much. I am a mere wine man, it's really all about the good people of Rose River." And while Rens may have genuinely meant that, he was absolutely eating up the attention. He did make one wistful concession, though. "I am a little worried about this season's Master of Harvest. Toombes was supposed to have been here ages ago... He's missing out."

Lizbeth had taken the opportunity of this attention to spirit herself away to the table, whereupon she selected for herself a bread plate and placed a few cubes of cheese, some slices of apple, and surreptitiously poured a glass of the Honigblume for herself. The glass was to her lips by when she glanced to her side, seeing Tarace Mosswater give her a quick wink after being very solidly caught. Tarace smiled and pretended to be oblivious, and Lizbeth took her first sip.

Cecily, genuinely oblivious to this, tapped upon her glass again. It was time for another segment of the evening, according to her plans. "If everyone would please direct you attention this way? Thank you. We have new guests to this event, and even though I have given a cursory tour of our fine Winery on their way in, it is customary for a fuller tour, should it be warranted. It is only fitting that, while viewing our casks by date, varietal, and technique, they be allowed the opportunity to sample as they go along. So please, and open to everyone in attendance, let us divide into groups with Master Rens, Lizbeth, and myself. One of us may escort you on a more personalized tour of our facilities and answer any question that does not let our deepest of professional secrets slip." She moved off to one side to allow for anyone who wished to join her as an option to do so.

Lizbeth nearly slammed her ill-gotten glass upon the table as soon as her name was mentioned, seemingly unprepared for this quite so soon. "Yes, that would be grand!" she blurted nervously. "Um, I can, um... Yes, right this way, anyone who wants!" She forced a smile. The Mosswaters, Tarace and Barbal both, tried not to laugh aloud.

The tiny amount of magic that Victoria channeled to summon her familiar felt a little but like a specific moment in many a tavern night. Specifically, the moment where she had indulged in one of her favorite wines, but did not realize until standing and excusing one's self to visit the little Bard's room that the wine had made an impact. She still had her mental faculties enough to realize that she was ever so slightly more loosened up than she really intended to be at the outset of the evening. It was not the best of ideas to get in that quick measure of brandy - the particularly not cursed brandy - before attending a wine tasting. Well, "in for a penny," as the saying went. She was already cursed, in her own way. The brandy was a mere drop in the bucket.

Be it that the application of bread, cheese, and fruit might affect her slender, girlish figure, it might also work to help counter the effects of her indulgence. So after handing off the bread plate to her guest, Annick, Victoria made her way over to the table where Lizbeth was appropriating her own share of finger foods. And stealing a glass of wine. Before she could get there, Cecily gave her announcement of a more ...interactive... tour of the rooms from which they had recently entered. The additional samples of their numerous fine vintages stored within was a temptation, to be sure, but it afforded other opportunities.

The sudden surprise from Lizbeth when she thought that she had been caught by her aunt getting a glass of the Honigblume (and stifled laughter from the Mosswaters) prompted Victoria to maneuver between Cecily and Lizbeth's line of sight in pursuit of her alcohol-soaking snack. Between Cecily's gaze and Lizbeth's glass, anyway. The Bard looked back and gave Lizbeth a knowing wink, then took another small sip of her wine. It was a token movement, as she was trying to actively decrease the rate with which she was approaching intoxication. In truth, this was all a ploy to get nearer to the impromptu tour guide that she knew best, and as such had the better chance of influencing. "If it's all right with you, Mademoiselle L'Rose," began Victoria in hushed, formal tones, "I would prefer very much you showing me around in here, first."

Victoria's eyes motioned in the direction of the door with the chunky, inset lock as a near mischievous smile crossed her otherwise serene, sublime features, a spark of trouble glinting from crystal blue, almond shaped eyes.

Back near Rens, Medician Floquet held a firm look as one who had just finished mildly embarrassing themselves despite the assurances that she, in fact, had not. While her own history was far from sterling, even her recent history, Annick was painfully aware that she was not in her own place and did not have the luxury of being quite as touchy. That and, for her dislike of the things which her new, young student did as a spellcaster, she was a guest of said student and what was left of the L'Rose Family in their estate. Yet at the same time, the older woman didn't just come here to be sociable. "I can think of a question or two I wouldn't mind answered. And I never have seen the inside of a grand winery like this. We've been neighbors for a long while now, Madame L'Rose. I would enjoy a tour." She gave a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, drained her glass, and went to set it on the table.

Annick's gaze met Victoria's as she deliberately put her glass down. She then pulled the shawl from around her neck and set it on the table next to her glass, then reached into her cloak and retrieved a small leather case with a brassy, metal clasp, which she placed on top of her shawl. Leaving these things behind, she returned to Master Rens. "Lead on, Master of Wine. I'm curious and thirsty."

The evening was still a marvellous time and it wasn't even that late. BlackBerry continued to enjoy the delightful array of foods on offer; cheeses, biscuits, some dried fruits, found their way onto a small plate he set aside for himself to pick on between sips of delicious Honigblume wine. There was now doubt, and no small amount of excitement, that by the end of this evening BlackBerry would learn what people meant when they described wines and okay or fruity or dry or what lever other words assigned to taste and flavour.

He smacked his lips appreciatively and as soon as he set the empty glass back down Jon was there filling it back up again which BlackBerry only put up a token fight against. But even as the next glass was laid it appeared Cecily was trying to moved the night forward with a further tour and further promises of more wine to try. But it seemed that Victoria had some plans of her own with the odd request to keep the tour going on in the tasting room, even while her plus one decided upon a tour of the winery. The wordly bard was up to something he was certain and hoped it related to getting some answers this evening.

"I take it Toombes is not normally one to be so late to such events?" The worries from earlier had resurfaced at Master Rens mention of their missing guest.

There is a time limit, a traitorous thought whispered. Despite the brandy and Honigblume wine whispering in his ear, go on just one more it would be impolite to leave now. BlackBerry still had all of his facilities for now.

"I do not mean to cause a fuss. But perhaps something has happened to the poor fellow? It might be best someone go out and find him." He regrettably put down the glass of wine. "If it would do well for you Master Rens and Madame L'Rose, for I do not wish to appear rude, I understand you are both otherwise engaged this evening but I can go out to try and find him? If you would tell me his appearance and direct me toward the meeting spot then perhaps I may find him with any luck. Worry not I shant be long. I have not intention to go further than the vineyard boundary if I should even need to go so far."

He paused for a moment look down regrettably at his half empty wine glass. It really was very good wine. "Do not worry yourself either Jon, I shall not drag you away from the evening on this little adventure"

Jon who had moments prior been looking at BlackBerry as one should when another suggested leaving a party just as it started, suddenly brightened. "Well as long as you're sure you can handle yourself out there. I'm sure Toombes is alright though." He said in an effort to save some face, and quickly turned to Master Rens " Right Rens, Bout time you showed me how this all works. The boys down at the yard have been after your secrets for years." He winked at the man over the rim of his glass.

BlackBerry tightened his robes about him in preparation not relishing the thought of leaving the warm, comfortable confines of the winery and its tasty wines, food, and company it provided. But He was worried about their missing guest as while no more other...Guests had arrived on the land it wasn't something that could be ruled out. Hopefully Toombes was just running a bit late or simply in a ditch a few steps away.

BlackBerry caught himself at that thought and wondered if maybe this adventuring life was really healthy for anyone.

As the night continued, Kathryn could feel the booze working through her system. Not enough for her to do anything too crazy she hoped. And for the most part she still felt only impaired enough to drown the shy awkward side of herself. Now! The confident noble woman was allowed out to play. Physically Kathryn had the confidence that she could physically out match anyone that opposed her. In this moment she was feeling pretty damn near that socially. Hells, in this moment she felt beautiful, she had the most adorable date, she had the titles to back up her social standing against over confident social bullies, and she was winning! She was on top of the world! Mostly. With the toast, Kosara had offered to sober up in this moment. With a chuckling smile Kathryn shook her head. "I'm good love. If I start throwing things or doing impressions though? Maybe then. I am okay for now though." Kathryn said warmly as she gave a kiss to Kosara's forehead. Kosara was clearly not as much of a drinker that Kathryn was. Which was fair. Kathryn had the slight chance of being a mild alcoholic. But she also could drink a ton more before alcohol began to kick her ass. "Most cases I would have to agree with you. Something simple without being mind numbing is better for day to day situations. Though I do have a soft spot for a sweet whiskey. My pallet isn't for everyone." She had just noticed it now, but her tone wasn't even its usual relaxed laid back tone she picks up when being social. Despite her drinking and semi relaxed posture, she was still very much acting as a proper representative of her name. A more official tone that could be used for low stress professional political and asset meetings. That is when she realized she was sounding a lot like her father in this moment. Shame no lands were attached to her titles. Nor did she have heirs. Or a married spouse. Even looking at Kosara she wasn't even sure marriage was something the tiefling woman would ever consider, or even wanted. Then the problem of heirs came up. Unless warlock magic could solve that problem too, Kathryn could never marry Kosara and attempt to continue plans of returning to power. Not without lands, and a spouse who could give her an heir. But that wasn't tonights problem. Tonight! She just had to prove to the woman she wasn't shit faced enough to need sobering up. "We could try some salted crackers to cleanse your pallet and a dark red maybe for that sour taste you're looking for?" Kathryn offered the woman.

Blackberry's look in Kathryn's direction was one she couldn't resist. She gave a rather affirmative nod, and returned a grin pointing her eye brows back at Kosara with a smile that said anything but innocent intentions. Not that Kathryn had any notions of where the night would go. Or the fact that most of those less than innocent thoughts she only knew from books and second hand retellings. She was high on her wins, and wanted the world to know she was on top of the world! Plus seeing Bb's face amused her. The way the monk was trying to figure her out, Kathryn figured keeping him guessing would be the most fun. At the mention of horse shoes Kathryn looked puzzled. "I think we'll find ourselves in a comparable situation Jon. I appreciate the idea but the contest wouldn't even come close again. Outside of my skills with a weapon I happen to be rather great at iron works too. Swords, axes, buckets, knives, plates, and of course, horse shoes. But that is the sort of creative thinking we need to find ourselves some competitions that don't end with one of us bloody and beaten." Kathryn chuckled warmly and confidently not getting horse shoes was in fact, a playable game. Though she did think it odd that a smithing competition of making horse shoes came to the stable mans mind. Maybe he really needed a bunch of horse shoes? And saw a way to kill two birds with one stone? If Kathryn had free time she could likely still help him there. Though BB did take a moment for proper introductions to the stable man which made things easier for Kathryn to address the man. "It is a pleasure to properly meet you Jon. Allow me to return the introduction. Lady Kathryn Pyke of Arcanaple. But just Kathryn works wonderfully. We're here socially, not on business after all."

Kathryn turned to Kosara to excuse herself a moment telling her, "I'll be right back darling. I want to go take care of something real fast." She spoke warmly to the smaller woman before making her way over to Monsieur Laurent and the Mosswaters. With a warm and polite smile, and a soft curtsy Kathryn greeted the land owners. "Greetings. Tarace Mosswater. Barbal Moss water. Monsieur Laurent. I hope all has been well." She said giving a curtsy to each of them as she greeted them. "Monsieur Laurent, I was hoping we could chat. privately?" She tried to ask sweetly. Alas, her womanly charms were not enough to win him yet. He seemed far from interested in joining her for a private talk. "Okay then." She spoke sweetly as she stepped to his side. Using his person as a way to separate the conversation to a minimal at least. Though at her height using people as barriers socially didn't really work out so well. Still, speaking softly she didn't want to announce their conversation to the whole room.

"I must apologize for how our last conversation went. I hope you didn't feel embarrassed or targeted. You seem like a very pleasant gentleman. A good solid man who would get along rather nicely with a man like my father. He's a bit of a traditionalist himself. A man who respects authority, power, and position." Kathryn said simply, stepping off to the mans side so she didn't accidentally give the impression she was talking down to him. Being physically taller than most people in the area, that was something easy to do accidentally. She didn't want to seem to be giving him a lecture. "I think you would struggle to get along with my mother. She is a bit less traditional. But my father loved her. So not getting along with her, could create problems with him. Though father said she is a lot better about keeping her thoughts to herself in recent years. I'd like to think I am learning too. But its been a crazy few years." Swirling her drink, and taking a sip not making eye contact again to make sure she wasn't physically talking down to him. "If you'd like to make friends with my family we can talk. I am my father's heir, inheritor of his lands and titles. Being unmarried that also means no one else has claim to them. Unless that changes, you would end up working with me when my father is unable to maintain those relationships anymore. If you'd prefer to have me send letters back and forth with my father I will accommodate, But I do believe it would save us all some time and effort if you and I work together to get things going." Even without lands and funds, Kathryn had something that a lot of people didn't, and that was something that money alone couldn't buy. She was a young unmarried woman in her child bearing years with a string of titles and no heir of her own. Heir to her family titles, and with the right pulls, the lands that rightfully belong to her. "Let us have a good night tonight, but please think on my offer. I'm currently wintering down in the couch house if you'd like to talk. Apologies again for any negative interactions tonight. I'll behave better next time we cross paths." She spoke softly before taking a sip of her drink, and locking eyes with Monsieur Laurent. "You seem like a man I could learn a lot from." She said warmly before taking her leave. "I hope you will consider talks Monsieur Laurent. Until then." Kathryn said as she stepped away, a sway in her hips as she joined the tour.

As the tour began Victoria had made the mention of wanting too get a tour of what was going on in and next to the tasting room rather than the main tour. Kathryn would be lying if she said she wasn't curious too. Especially with all the weird events taking place recently. Though, apart of her wondered if now was the time to go poking about. First, she had been drinking. Second, Cecily seemed uneasy with the whole idea of that room and her father in laws working space. Maybe with less eyes on things. BB also brought up a rather valid point about the missing man. He could be hurt, or lost, or worse given recent weeks. Though Kathryn wanted to drink wine, tour, drink some more, enjoy her first date since she was 9 years old, that responsible part of her brain told her that she couldn't let this go unanswered. "Would you like some company BB?" Maybe they would find him quick, or maybe they would be able too catch up really fast? Or maybe he would barge right through the door before they left at all? But BB brought up a good point. It was getting weird. This whole place was getting fucking weird.

A kiss to the forehead! Kathryn was being overly affectionate! Kosara was no on alert for possible drunk Kathryn schenanigans! Affectionate was not a bad thing per say, but the big woman doing such a switch was suspect. Hopefully she wasn’t going to go wild bad drunk on them soon, this mildly drunk and affectionate Kathryn was nice, but she liked sober Kathryn most.

Having tasted the sweet alcohol that while very tasty was not entirely he main thing, Kosara had found herself needing something to bring balance to her tastes so she was in agreement with Kathryn on this.” True! Let’s get something form the tables!”. Something more neutral or perhaps sour… and sure enough there it was! The solution to her problems! CHEESE AND APPLES! So much like Lizbeth before her, Kosara got herself a plate and some foodstuffs on it for It was clearly not stuffing yourself with the things quantity or arrangement so she just got enough to taste and neutralize the general sweetness in her mouth. Besides she did like cheese and apples. There was a recipe for a cheese and apple sandwich that was gradually forming in her mind. She was seriously pondering giving it a go. There were some inherent differences in trying to use fruit and cheese to make a sandwich, but it was nothing that a determined Kosara wouldn’t solve! Maybe grilling it! Grilled cheese went with many things and apples could be baked too! Or maybe frying !? There were things to try later and she had a collection of friends to try her creations!

As the situation moved on to apparently going on a proper tour of the location and more sampling, Kosara noted that V was chatting with Cecily, so she decided to hop on with a tour led by Liz. Her reasons were a few, nothing too grand and profound in the grand scheme of things, but she did like to think a tour by a closer friend would be marvelous. That and she figured that hanging with Liz was a good idea for the time being. V had Cecily covered by the looks of it. The other reason was that she had a feeling something was up. A missing person of some importance was likely not a good sign and with everything that had happened as of late it was probably a good idea to be prudent and have someone from the party in each group As it turned out Berry was expressing his desire to go with the third person!

“Lizbeth, I would like to go with you!” Kosara chirped happily nearing the younger woman who had become something akin to an unofficial party member. A nice thing really as far as Kosara was concerned, everybody had to have the joy of going on adventures, have fun and locate new and interesting locations and experiences as they went! Adventuring was a dangerous business yes, but it was also very rewarding and that wasn’t always about the coin at the end of adventures. There were many rewards when going on adventure, rare knowledge, made good deeds, making friends, seeing new lands and cultures! So many things that many adventurers never really thought about it, but Kosara did! She did think about it a lot! It was one of the reason she wanted to adventure, the almost romantic dream of adventuring and the fact that to the tiefling woman, the goods outweighted the bad things of adventuring by a huge degree!

“What will you show first, Liz? By the way what’s the oldest thing that’s left to age here?” Kosara asked with a smile, now standing with the younger woman. She was quite curious on the second question mostly out of professional curiosity as somebody who grew up at a caravan rest… which doubled as a tavern. She was mainly a beer drinker yes, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t curious of super aged hard alcohol. That and she was now wondering if that thing they discovered was the oldest alcohol around these parts currently.

Weather: It remains cold; a chill suitable to this time of the year. Fat, puffy snowflakes descend slowly among quieting winds, giving a rather idyllic winter evening scene a across the whole of Avonshire.

Time: While hammering down a specific time is difficult, persay, all parties will agree that it is most assuredly nighttime. Earlier rather then later, but it's dark and shows no signs of un-darkening any time soon.

Ambience: In the intervening time, not much has changed outside. The evening outside progresses with its picturesque majesty, accented by the lanterns set up by the Rose River staff along the primary thoroughfares of the Vineyard. Likewise, the interior of the tasting room has gone through zero significant changes, with the possible exception of there being marginally less refreshments out due to the gradual consumption of wine and munchable palate cleansers consisting primarily of breads, cheeses, and winter available fruits.

The feel of social friction coming from various sources within the room is obvious, but that doesn't seem to bother a number of the guests. In fact, the Halfing farmers (or just the one, anyway) take the mild drama as part of a suppertime show, to go along with their refreshment. A sort of a party atmosphere persists then, despite the friction. Maybe even because of it, with the addition of yummy, late harvest wine.




The question of their missing guest, as put to Master Rens by Baronfjord, was met initially with a shrug. The portly Human did come around in a moment with the explanation of, "I don't know. He's not one to pass on free wine. On the other hand, the only thing he's ever really reliable on is work. Trust the man to lead a good shift, but that's about it."

Cecily took to the Dragonborn's asking permission to search the grounds with confusion at first, followed by a resigned intonation of, "I'm sure I won't be offended if you feel the need to look around. There should be light up, which Toombes would be able to see clearly if he's about."

Rens piped up, "There's a receiving spot along the main road, right near the boundary of the vineyard grounds. That was where we were supposed to meet before coming up this way, but he didn't show." Anyone who traveled the main path into the Rose River Vineyard would have seen this spot; it was a circular area lined with stacked, white stones with benches, overlooking the vineyard below. "But Toombes, even if he was made late by some emergency - he'd know where to come."

Meanwhile, Lizbeth responded to Victoria's insistence on getting a tour of the Tasting Room first as the others went more into production areas with a little uncertainty. The fact that the Bard might have kept her from getting into bigger trouble with her aunt wasn't lost on her, but at the same time, skepticism bubbled up. "Um, yeah. Sure, Mademoiselle Belmont, I can do that." She glanced around nervously, looking at casks and bottles on display, and eventually, to the locked door. Her smile was not the most genuine ever.

Kathryn's salutation to the Mosswaters was met with a cheerful return. Tarace was ultimately more forthcoming with manners, rising from his seat and extending a hand to the tall warrior, "Thank you again for all of your help with the Ankheg incident. We all might have been in trouble with that one." His smile was warm and open. Barbal was less demonstrative of cheer and etiquette; nevertheless he did wave a greeting and sip from his wine thoughtfully. he then slapped his knee and exclaimed, "I owe you and yours an apology. Really do. This here's plumb my fault. I was supposed to some back with enough ankheg to do up a seasonal roasting with you all. Traditional Halfling food of Avonshire, or so I was planning. One tiny setback led to another. Hmm. As an apology, I do still have a good portion of hard smoked Ankheg sausage I can dip back with on the morrow, if you like. Oh, and about half of the shells I claimed left, too, if you're interested. I got what I need from them, was just going to sell 'em off (probably to Cecily's fellow, Urmdrus). Just let me know, alright? Anyways, I think I'll join Madame Cecily for that tour. Excuse me..."

The exchange between Laurent and Kathryn was more of a one-sided event, as he merely waited until she was done speaking, nodded slightly, and responded with, "Yes. Quite. Pardon me, I believe I shall be with Master Rens while he shows us around." He then made his way over to Rens and Annick, nearer to the door.

As Kosara seemed to be the only other person raring to go with the tour, Lizbeth took her desire to be part of her group with stumbling appreciation, as if she was getting into a situation a little over her head. She responded with, "Um okay, sure! Let's wait for the others to vacate and I can get to yours and Mademoiselle Belmont's questions with less interruptions, okay? Oh, but I can tell you that, including the brandy that was just discovered, the oldest stuff would be..." She looked around until her eyes met a stand toward the corner, "That stuff over there. It's one of the blends we don't really do anymore, since adapting the grapes better, I think - it's our original Ziegelrote, and I think they had to fortify it for longevity. Very rare in this part of the world, now." She looked as if reciting something for a classroom, and showed a bit of pride when finished with the explanation.

Cecily suddenly spoke over the conversations in the Tasting Room, announcing, "Very good! Now everyone find their guide who hasn't and we will get started. Anyone who wishes to go looking to Toombes, go ahead and we can catch you up when you get back, if you find him quick enough. Thank you, everyone - and perhaps we might have a little music," She smiled in Victoria's direction as to silently make the request of her, as she went to the trouble of bringing her violin and all, "to continue the evening after?" Satisfied with her declaration and following request, she emphasized, "So, Monsieur Laurent and whom else is with me?"

Victoria's head was starting to clear up, which was preferable to the slight fuzziness that threatened to blunt her decision making skills and her finer points of manual dexterity. She was a lady who enjoyed good wine, be it with more moderation than the stereotype of her adventuring profession. Call it ongoing negotiations between her proclivities and her ambitions. She took her studies and the furthering of her Arts seriously, be it magic, music, performance, or even a personally fulfilling session of dancing in fresh snowfall. Getting hammered wasn't generally on her "to do" list. Not in this scenario. Maybe later. After all, friends didn't let friends drink and violin.

Very briefly, Victoria wondered if she could offer a bit of brandy to her raven, and as a passable mimic, get it to sing backup for her. The silent thought was accompanied by a studious tilt of her head and faraway expression, lasting only as long as the fleeting thread of brainspark remained.

Another curiosity for Victoria was the presence of her guest's personal belongings intentionally left on the table. It felt like it was an excuse for something, though what it might be was beyond her. Did she intend for Victoria to take it, or leave it where it lay? Prudence took over. That, and a touch of anxiety as to the confrontation that might happen were she incorrect of the intention here, and Annick did not want her things moved. So Victoria looked across the room to the older lady, now with Rens as a tour guide, as they readied to leave the room. Victoria herself opted to have Lizbeth guide her, most specifically to start with this room. Part of her motivation was around keeping her from getting busted by her aunt, but the vast majority had to do with the mysterious door in the room - the one that was supposed to be the late Monsieur Arnaud L'Rose's personal study.

Lucky for her, Kosara had likewise chosen Lizbeth, and gave them both more cover by asking a wine-related question pertaining to the room itself. Good. Intentional or not, this was helpful. Victoria made a mental note to so something nice for Kosara later. Then as she thought of it, maybe also ask a favor, be it unrelated to their present circumstances. "Absolutely, what an interesting way to start a tour!" exclaimed Victoria in her best "I'm interested" voice. Truly, she was. It was a good question, and now that it was said aloud, the Bard founf that she genuinely wished to know, herself. Upon hearing an excellent answer, she replied, "By chance, might we get a sample of that? It sounds like a beautiful piece of history about a stellar vineyard."

The fact that Baronfjord had just volunteered to look for the missing Master of Harvest made Victoria's eyes narrow. It was a way to go. This is a plan that could work. But it was also dangerous. Still within the range of communication with her raven Familiar, Victoria issued a mental command for the spirit-made-flesh concerning the Dragonborn Monk to supersede its present standing orders. Very quickly, she came to understand why so many Wizards opted for Familiars. Useful. Very useful, in differing ways than her minor thrall (which took the form of a cured, smoked boar she called Morty).

Attention reorienting back to the business at hand, Ziegelrote wine to sample and possibly music to play after the tours were done. She was just fine with both, if everyone was still up for it when the moment came. "Yes, Madame L'Rose. Music would be a fine idea, though I must confess bias on the subject. Something lively, or something elegant? What do you feel would mark the occasion better?"

Medician Floquet - Annick to her friends (which is why it was obstinately Medician Floquet here) - spoke to Rens in an effort to get their part of the tour going sooner rather than later. "I saw a darker cask near the front. Thought it was labeled 'something-something Red' that looked interesting. What do you know about that?" The older veteran took a small step in the direction of the door leading back to the Winery, then looked back to see if the portly Master of Wine might follow.

As it turned out in the end… the merry tour led by Lizbeth was going to be a small affair! Not that Kosara minded, the white tiefling had the feeling that they were going to have a great time together! There was so much to be seen, heard, inquired, asked about and presumably given a taste! Not that Kosara had any intention to drink enough to get drunk mind you, but it all looked like it was going to be quite the merry time never the less! So she practically inhaled the last bits of foodstuffs on her plate as she put it away. She didn’t plan to carry it around with her no matter how much she enjoyed the fruits and the cheese.

Her attention focused properly on Liz when the girl told her about which would be the oldest produced drinks around here. The things they located from that buried workshop weren’t surprising of course. Those had to have been hanging there for a good while if the place and the bodies looked in that condition, not even counting the fact nobody around seemed to know it was even there, so that place must have not been seen since before Cecily married into the family… unless the woman was lying to them of course, but Kosara hoped that wasn’t the case. There were some serious suspicious things happening in the area though… seemingly necromancers and deals not withstanding. That bit of chaotic nonsense aside, her eyes locked onto the other old drink the younger woman mentioned that was apparently no longer being made for one reason or another.

“I’m a bit curious myself too!” Kosara chirped on the topic of the old booze that wasn’t made anymore. She wasn’t a wine appreciator like all the others around, but she liked to give new things a taste if nothing else. All these alcohols here made her think of what sorts of food they would go with and how she could use them to prepare interesting meals. Currently she had cheeses, wines and apples in mind funnily enough and no it wasn’t because those were the things she had just consumed nuhhuh. Alright she was also pondering that friend ankheg was likely to go extremely well with beer and more cheese. Additionally she was pondering the benefits of putting some fine meats to soak up in some of these wines overnight and the prepare them afterwards. Possibilities, possibilities…

“ I think something upbeat and happy would be nice.” Kosara gave her two coppers into the possible musical presentation by their own purple clad bard later and it shouldn’t a surprise she’d suggest happy things. It was Kosara after all, but back to the topic at hand…

“So talking about these barrels we found, anyone managed to figure out how relatively old those were?” The tiefling got curious.” Like maybe figured out the harvest or something? OR even just expert tasters who could figure out relative age via tasting it?” She had a happy gleam in her eyes as she asked those questions, wondering what adventurous events they would end up at tonight.

Jons eyebrows knitted together for a moment when, after polite introductions were made, Lady Kathryn offered her thoughts on his suggestion. "Oh no, Miss, Horseshoes its a game we play sometimes. You throw them y'know." He threw an invisible horseshoe across the room. "Aim for some pegs and score points." After draining the glass he moved towards Rens to make sure that if there were to be any more drinks on offer during the tour that he would be first in line. "If you pop down sometime you're likely a lay-about or two will already be playing, or BlackBerry here can show you how it's done; He's got one hell of an arm on him."

BlackBerry's eyebrows on the other hand were in the middle of what could only be described as an interpretive dance back towards Lady Kathryn. The up, down, side to side and cha-cha-slide could then be roughly translated to; 'If you both disappear sometime this evening I wont wonder where you've gone, or try to find you.'

However he said, "No no, lady Kathryn do not trouble yourself." He waved away the suggestion. "As I said I shant be going much further than the fields, if that at all. With any luck I shall be back before the tour has started proper. Do save a glass or two for master Toombes and I if you would, please." He gave the request to the room at large before he left.

He retraced his steps through the cellar and soon found himself back out side where the wind and snow snatched away his breath as he chattered out a stunned, "Cold as Aurils breath!"

BlackBerry stood there in the meagre shelter the doorway offered stamping his feet as he waited for a gap in the slow dance of fat snowflakes. Barely a few minutes past before he got bored, and cold, simply standing around. Thankfully the path towards the was well lit but lanterns dutifully laying out the path he was to follow even when hidden by the snow. His first destination was the most obvious and he hoped his only destination; the meeting spot Rens had described to him. While not overly familiar with the spot he still knew vaguely the way to go. He was ever thankful for the shoes he wore as with each step the snow crunched under foot.

A figure appeared, coming into view behind the curtain of snow fakes as he neared the meeting spot. The silhouette did not move. Plus, BlackBerry was too far away to pick out any meaningful details from the figure.

Emboldened though by sight he walked a bit quicker hoping his quest was at an end. BlackBerry pulled the layers of robes tighter about him as he hurried closer.

"Hello there!" He called through chattering teeth to the figure. "Frightfully cold this evening is it not?" He would wait until he was closer before asking the figures identity, with any luck it would be Toombes though he had no real idea of what the man looked liked other than he had a lot of tattoos, but asking someone to strip in the middle of a snow storm frankly did not seem like a sane request.

Seduction wasn't Kathryn's strongest skill. She's a conventionally attractive woman, and had assets that some people found attractive or unattractive depending on cultures, and when she didn't fumble her words she seemed to be doing okay! Most of the time... It seemed however that Monsieur Laurent was not as hooked lined or sinkered as Kathryn had hoped. Should returning to the station of noble woman fail, Kathryn made note that being an escort would not work out for her unless she really worked on her skills. Maybe Victoria could help Kathryn out? She was a bard. Or maybe Kosara knew a thing or two? Then again she should probably make sure Kosara was okay with Kathryn trying to seduce and bend people to her will using her clearly, very expertise, feminine charm.

Thankfully Kosara was here to brighten Kathryn's mood. Cheese and snacks! Unlike Kosara though, Kathryn's plate was maybe a bit more full. When alcohol couldn't make Kathryn feel better, and her ego had been hurt? She always had good old reliable snacks! Making sure to grab a fair chunk of nearly every type of cheese she could find, as well as fruits, crackers, and other bits and bobs, Kathryn had a whole dinner consisting of half a plate of cheese. Enjoying a weirdly soft cheese with Jelly on it Kathryn would offer some up to Kosara. "This one is really good on crackers." Kathryn spoke almost excitedly.

The Mosswaters thankfully were a much more pleasant group of people to interact with. "Always a pleasure to lend a hand. Thankfully I have two of them." Kathryn replied to Tarace. When Barbal opened up with an apology Kathryn would wait for him to finish and speak softly in reply. "Myself and the others in the party have already been well compensated for our Endeavors. I appreciate the sentiment though. If you would like to share up some of that sausage we can organize a meal tomorrow in the couch house? Kosara makes some wonderful flat bread and cinnamon rolls. And, I could never turn down a chance to try something new and local." Kathryn spoke gleefully.

As the event continued, Kathryn was able to wrap up her conversations with BB and Jon as well. Jon very polity explaining to Kathryn that Horse shoes wasn't a competition to make horse shoes, but to throw them at a pin. And score points. "Oh....." Kathryn fumbled out the word feeling a bit like a dumbass. That game made far more sense. "I'd love to learn to play at some point! Then I can win in horse shoes as well." Kathryn said her ego not humbling her this time! With BB's jester though about her and Kosara, all she could do was nod a very proud smile. Sure, she had no idea what she was doing. But she was pretty sure she could figure it out. She had read herself a less than holy book or two from time to time. How hard could it be? "Well get back quick, or I'll drink both of your shares." Kathryn spoke out in jest. She wasn't sure she physically could drink that much, and even if the two would be present that may not be enough to slow her down. "We'll save you A glass." She continued with said jest. A comical smile on her face as she spoke.

The tour shall continue! Kathryn wasn't shit faced, but she was ready to be. She wanted every ounce of liquid confidence she could get her hands on today! But if she got drunk too fast in front of Kosara the tiefling woman may sober her up and Kathryn may in fact lose all of her nerve. So she would drink a short distance away from Kosara for now. Moving to the tiefling woman before she left for her tour though she spoke up, hugging Kosara from behind and close. "Lizbeth, please make sure to take care of my dear Kosara for me? I am going to go with your very pleasent master of wines and see what he can teach me." Kathryn held the tiefling woman for a solid moment before easing the hug, and twirling the smaller woman around to hug her again. Apart of her never wanted to let go again! But she also didn't want to be too much. She also wanted to get drunk. "You my darling, I shall see you soon." She let go of the hug for a moment and stared into the woman's eyes for a moment. A part of her wondered if it would be inappropriate for a kiss? She decided not yet. Well... Just a forehead kiss. With a soft kiss to Kosara's forehead Kathryn spoke a sweet goodbye to the woman. "See you soon love. Behave yourself. But have fun." Kathryn said before hugging Kosara close again, and letting go with her own twirl as she walked off towards Rens to see what the woman could teach her. "Ready whenever you are Master Rens!" Kathryn sung as she joined the tour group.

Weather: It's a still but chilly night for a stroll. The snow is fat, slow, and vertical on the descent, signifying a now dull to nonexistent wind.

Time: Per the usual procivities of the diurnal/noctunal cycles of the beasties out and about at this hour, it is indeed nighttime.

Ambience: The outside is a lovely place. Cold, but amazingly colored with snow and fiery lamplight, the occasional soft glow of moonlight breaking through the clouds as snow lazily does what snow does when left to its own devices. It's just beautiful out here, so long as you don't mind the cold.

Inside, the scene begins to shift from the Tasting Room, still as cozy and mysterious as ever. The place is well lit by candles and lamps both, and the sweeter, earthy scents of wine, bread, fruit, and cheese. The previous feelings of social oddness and/or friction are alleviated somewhat by the movement of people away from the central group and off to their tiny tours.



Lizbeth gave an unsure glance in her aunt's direction when the question was put to her about the Ziegelrote, a series of easy-to-read expressions serving to act as a contextual inquiry. These expressions were answered with similar feats of facial telepathy by Cecily, who finally conceded with a polite smile and a nod. The elder L'Rose then led her troupe of tourists out of the Tasting Room and into the production area.

Before her aunt could close the door fully, Lizbeth had already decanted a small portion of the Ziegelrote into a carafe to allow the particularly aged wine to breathe. "Give this a minute before sipping, please," she advised politely. Wide eyes regarded the off-reddish liquid, which still bounced back and forth a little in the glass vessel. There wasn't enough present for a full glass; certainly enough for Lizbeth's three guests to have a taste (with perhaps enough left over for just one more). Having gone over the basics of the wine already, there wasn't much left to do except for sample. To this, she waited patiently, with even a bit of apprehensive smile.

Those sampling the wine itself would note a flavor of decent, intense quality; not as complicated nor as nuanced as the ones they had partaken of previously, but an unblended varietal of grape made with uncomplicated procedures and left for nearly a century with a touch of neutral brandy (made from the same grape) to stabilize for long-term casking. One might say that it was an acquired taste. Another might say that it was unfettered by pretense. It was not as much of a rich and flavorful experience as the Zinnoberrot, nor the Honigblume. But the fact remained as stated earlier - this wine was rare, even for this locale, and likely none more existed with this amount of age. And quite fruity, in hindsight.

Lizbeth looked around at the three gathered before her in the Tasting Room and waited until those who wished to sample could do just that. She gestured around their immediate vicinity, informing, "The best reserves are in this room. For, um, special occasions like this one. Oh, and Mademoiselle Kosara, those brandy barrels you asked about? They were just over sixty years old, I think. About the same time the Vineyard started - second, maybe third harvest."

Seemingly without reason, Lizbeth's pleasant expression faltered. She took the final sip of the decanted Ziegelrote (that she probably wasn't given permission to sample) and sighed. Tears began to well in her eyes which she immediately scrubbed away with the back of her hand. "It's good," she said with passionless monotone. "If you want to avoid the others in here, it's okay. There's really good wine and no one would blame you." Her voice quieted and she continued in a different line, "I know something bad is happening. I don't know exactly what it is, but it's gotten worse. And I've been seeing people look at the door to Grandfather's study. If you want to drink wine, that's okay. But if you're going to do anything else, do it while the others are distracted." She looked suddenly pale, as if untouched by the sun for weeks. Eyes were sunken and dark. Lizbeth shook the last few drops out of her glass, attempting to savor whatever might remain but seemingly taking no pleasure from the experience.



Meanwhile, out in the Winery Storage area, Rens was on a seemingly epic quest to locate the "something-something Red" described to him earlier, though with some difficulty as he simply could not parse out the exact location, nor the exact vintage, not even what Annick was talking about specifically. One could argue that he was given the appropriate directions, and even if he wasn't, Rens was the Master of Wine in this place and should be able to figure it out. He was a professional, after all. "I, ah... Hmm," he sputtered, angling mentally on how he was going to sate the needs of this polite(ish) but problematic request. "No no, I'm positive it's back this way. I think." The lead away was unsure at best, but at least it looked like the portly Winemaster had a plan, even if he didn't.

On the way out to the possible location of the "something-something Red", Cecily's group walked parallel to Rens's at the beginning. This gave the Halfling farmer, Barbal Mosswater, the opportunity to respond to Kathryn. "Hmm... Later on in the day, maybe. No, we can probably manage Teatime. Afternoon, then? Might just pay Madame L'Rose a small visit while I'm out this way, so long as I don't act the fool with the wine tonight, hmm?" There was a jolly smile on his face. For the most part, the Mosswaters aseemed to be having a great time.

Rens had the thought that he might have finally found the appropriate wine near to the entrance, all the way on the opposite side of Storage from the Tasting Room. He decanted a small amount into a carafe and swirled it gently, then poured it into quite miniature glasses he happened to have in his person, one for Annick and one for Kathryn. And one for himself. He was the Master of this wine, after all. The wine itself would prove robust, tannin-y, and equal parts floral and vegetal in flavor to the discerning palate. Otherwise, it was a decent enough product worthy of being part of the Vineyard's stock, if not amazingly special. "Was this the wine you were thinking of, Medician Floquet? And Lady Kathryn, what is your opinion?" He looked hopeful.



Outside in the cold and snow, Baronfjord found a regularly lit path and beautiful bit of scenery stretched out before him. On the occasions when he could see beyond the glow of the lamplight along his mostly straightforward path, the task-oriented Dragonborn might glimpse a picturesque landscape in the middle of rural Avonshire, if the moonlight did well to cooperate. However, seeing wasn't always the best thing ever, nor were the sudden revelations of things when alone in the gloom of firelit night.

At first, in the circular, arena-esque setting of the meeting spot, one might look upon the figure bathed in irregular light and guess that it was wearing loose but stiffening clothing. It was hard to say whether it was facing toward or away from Baronfjord at initial distance, but getting closer would reveal more detail. Unsettling, vivid detail. One might have to blink and look twice to take in that which was being shown, which, and in small terms, subverted certain social norms. Yes, its back was to Baronfjord, at least at first. One could tell it was its back because shoulderblades were prominent against fully naked skin. Colorful, fully naked skin.

Bold inkwork depicting leafy vines entwined about exposed skin, festooned with purple, red, and white-green grapes, artistically inserted into skin with care and craftsmanship. The entire, fleshy canvas moved with a sudden, unexpected puff of breeze, like a tarp which wasn't fully attached to a framework. There was a shock of curly, dark hair upon the figure's head which didn't seem to sit quite right. Puckered in place. Ill-fiting. Too large upon a smaller head. The growing grotesqueness continued as the figure began to turn around when Baronfjord neared.

This new addition to a mental vault of horror was a lone skeleton, which looked very much like its flesh had been recently stripped away. Where it was visible, tendrils of meat and sinew remained, the oversights of a novice butcher stripping a corpse for market. But most of it could not be seen. One could describe this thing as "naked" true, but it did have attire, of a sort. The skeleton wore its own lower half of dermis like a macabre pair of loose trousers, held up by thick strings sewn into the waist and tied off to the pelvis and ribcage in irregular knots, its frozen unmentionables on full display. The upper half of its skin was faceless and split into a colorful, tattooed jacket which hung over its bony shoulders, what was left of its neck, ears, and hair formed a dripping, mostly frozen hood which clung poorly to its skull. Hollow, broken-out eye sockets stared into Baronfjord's soul.

The thing-which-was-once-Human raised a cracked glass filled with what might have been white wine and splashed it past its bloody, articulated mouthbones as if drinking a hearty toast, splattering bones inside and wetting the interior of its tattooed suit. When the last of it was gone, the thing shattered the glass over the nearby stone bench, leaving the bottom most part of the bowl a jagged mess reaching maybe two inches above the stem, which it gripped like a shiv. "Are you enjoying the wine tasting as much as I am, you insignificant creature?" came a menacing voice, impossibly issuing from the direction of the abomination before Baronfjord. "Do they truly need ALL of you to complete the assignment? I grow impatient."

It took its first steps forward, shard of wine glass in hand.

The wine was excellent. Aged amazingly, tinctured with just a touch of fortification. It was great. But by this time, Victoria was of the impression that every wine in this place was going to be amazing. To hear Lizbeth talk, every single one in this room, especially, was some innovative conquest of the market's expectations of flavor and ease of pairing. Hells, they might even have vintage exclusive magical powers, for all she knew. (Of course, Victoria genuinely expected something from the brandy, but that was neither here nor there in the present thought process). In fact, as generally privileged as her upbringing was, Victoria felt that her palate might not adjust to common tavern wine for some time to follow.

Despite this, the wine was not foremost on Victoria's thoughts. Lizbeth's words about doing something else while the others were distracted while the others were distracted, on the other hand, were. "Lizbeth, you're right. You saw the letter and you have been here for a long, long time. You're a smart girl. Maybe we can do something to help, but I do not wish to lie to you about this - maybe we cannot. But the letter mentioned your grandfather's name specifically, I think we shall have a better chance of figuring this out if we investigate his private study. Do you have the key?"

A look of confusion, then realization, then defeat crossed over Victoria's face as Lizbeth spoke, revealing a harsh truth to her. "We were in a hurry to get Grandfather's body off of the lands before nightfall. His keys were still on him." Monsieur Arnaud L'Rose, following his untimely death, was stolen by Goblins (along with a few casks of wine), cooked, and eaten. All that was found of his possessions amounted to a handful of silver buttons. Victoria herself interred most of his bones, sans a half-blackened finger bone she held onto for her own reasons and whatever else was fully consumed by the Goblins' fire. They recovered no keys after their fight, and if they were anywhere, they were pressed into the earth somewhere on that roadside battlefield. So, with their resources and time, the available option was vandalism. If they even could do that effectively. Victoria has no spell useful here, and she could not persuade the door to open with sheer force of personality. Lizbeth spoke with a helpful, if muted tone, "There might be a spare somewhere. Grandfather did mention once that he had another study somewhere on the property. Well, if you can get in, I'll help however I can."

Victoria sighed. "Thank you, Lizbeth. Between us all, I am sure we will figure something out." The Bard wasn't as certain about these words, and it showed through with her tone.

Meanwhile, out in the Wine Storage room, Medician Annick Floquet had her hands full attempting to lead Rens to the wine that she couldn't quite remember, but was sure she last saw somewhere around here, she swore. So long as they were looking, the older lady suggested that, "...maybe a little taste here or there wouldn't hurt, would it? I don't think I've tried that rosé yet." She was not the overly charismatic type, but Rens was trying very hard to be accommodating. All at once, Annick gave a little shiver. "Oh, I'm sorry, Master Rens. It's just a little cold for my old bones in here. I left my shawl in the Tasting Room. I'll just grab it and be right back. Don't keep Lady Kathryn waiting on my account."

She didn't wait for an answer, but went jogging off with more vigor than a lady complaining about her "old bones" might have. She seemed in a rush, and it might be stated that she really wanted to get back to this tour as quickly as possible. With her shawl. Perhaps this was why she opened the Tasting Room door with a start, then carefully closed it behind her. Without addressing anyone in the room initially, she walked up to her folded shawl on the table and the smallish leather case atop it. True to her word, she pulled the garment over her shoulders but also took up the case, unfastening and unrolling it with haste. It was full of a series of small metal utensils; picks, lengths of stiff wire bent into "L" shapes and hooks, a tiny file, and the like. She selected two of these tools and hurried over to the door with the chunky lock, finally addressing Lizbeth, Kosara, and Victoria. "Of course Adventurers show up. Of course something has been wrong about this place for a long time. You people think I'm stupid?" She inspected the door, gave it a quick knock in a couple places, checked for anything unusual or off about it then inserted the picks into the lock. "First time I saw you," she continued, motioning her head toward Victoria, "...thought you might be involved." Then she looked to Kosara, "Rest of you didn't seem much better either. Thinking different, now."

Something behind or within the door issued a soft click, and Annick withdrew her tools. She put them away, tucked her kit within her cloak, and stepped away. "I know how this works. You're adventurers. You'll either fix this or die badly. If you fix this, I want a cut. There's always a cut. Keep me informed on everything here. Anything happens to Lizbeth, you'll never see me coming. Promise you." The Medician started toward the door, giving a parting declaration of, "Miss Belmont, I still expect to see you for your regular training. And Jon - You didn't see anything. Not a damned thing. Understand?" The door swung shut behind her, and she was gone as quickly as she arrived.

The security of the door now compromised, Victoria looked to Kosara, then to Lizbeth. Even once back to Jon, then immediately to the first two. "That was thoroughly unexpected. I shall be honest, I thought we might have to put this off, just to find the keys by the roadside. Interesting. Well, Kosara, would you like to do the honors?" Victoria smiled at her adventuring colleague, gesturing to the Study Door. "I shouldn't have all of the fun. It simply wouldn't promote fairness at all." A sly wink followed. Even for her confident bluster, Victoria was already reaching for a dagger and her instrument.

It had been with every step towards the figure as the details came into focus under the evening light, that his stomach had sank with sickening fear.

He was then at the last step, rooted to the spot staring at the horrifying remains of the man likely known as Toombes. Before him stood something even worse than very worst possibility he had imagined. The figure lunged and he couldn't help but wonder if the monster even meant to actually attack him or if it was just trying to scare him. The whole scene seemed too horrifying to be true, and even less so still beneath the comforting blanket of wine upon his mind.

The figure, the desecrated corpse had moved with surprising speed and horrifying grace. With a maniacal laugh it was upon him in an instant. Blackberry gasped when it collided with him and the pungent stench of decay filled his lungs. Pain shot through him from his right hand side as the corpse continued to cackle into his ear. He'd been stabbed!

Now with his earlier question answered, he grabbed at the monster hoping to hold it close for his own retaliation. Still it laughed in his ear but underneath that was the noise of a sharp 'snap' and another bolt of paint from his side. BlackBerry only let out a grunt. He felt his grip slide past exposed, slippery ribs, before landing upon flesh. His grip tighten but still it managed easily move away from him with the sound like leather being torn.

BlackBerry looked down at the chunk of tattered flesh in his hand. In the moment of equal horror and disgust his mind raced in effort to connect all the dots and clues before him. It appeared their Time Limit might be drawing closer than they had hoped, or possibly this thing was acting alone? Again too many questions and not enough answers. But BlackBerry hazarded a guest as to who 'they' was, now to see if he could get a few more details which could help them. A sly plan started to form.

"I see why the rush. Held together by nought but reckless abandon. No wonder they chose us." He flicked the tattered flesh as disgracefully as he could to the side, it landed with a dull splat in the snow, and aimed at sidewards glance towards the monsters hollow eye sockets. "I wager you feel you could settle the task better?"

BlackBerry collected his thoughts as settled into his usual fighting stance. Whatever the creature before him was it was clearly not whomever it had been before. Something sharp shifted within his wound, drawing a quite pained hiss from his lips. He was out here all alone, in the snow against a clearly aggressive adversary. No matter which way he cut it, BlackBerry was in a dicey position.

---

In another much calmer part of the world in the main tasting room, Jon found himself in an equally fraught position. The mans eyes darted from beneath furrowed eyebrows at each of the gathered adventurers he had suddenly found himself with.

He had had for a singular moment been emboldened by the wine to put up a token verbal fight of; "Oi, what are you doing?" When Annick had started messing with the lock.

But the look Jon had received from the woman had quickly put him back in his place with an unsaid promise of finding out how many rumours around her were true, should he say anything. So Jon stood with the glass of wine in one hand, and a bottle in the other (the entire reason he had missed the tour with Rens leaving), and looking very confused about the entire situation he had just witnessed. He was the Stable Master. He knew horses, their temperaments, breeds, illnesses, training, and general care. Whatever as happening now was far, far outside of his comfort zone.

But still he couldn't just let the situation go after witnessing one of his employers guests' guest so boldy vandalise said employers property.

"So...Miss Lizbeth" Jon looked first to the door the Medician had left, half expecting her to come flying in again. He then put down his drink and bottle before he began in the type of tone of someone who wanted to say a lot more but keenly aware the final decision was not theirs to make. "Just what is this all about? And I can't say your Aunt would be happy with this; breaking into your grandfathers study." Jon wisely stayed on the opposite side of the table as his scowl momentarily flickered to the adventurers present.

Kosara carefully looked over Lizbeth who was preparing a bit of the very aged Ziegelrote for them to taste. Made sense, it was something they weren’t producing anymore by the sound of it so they wouldn’t just let them randomly drink it like regular wine. It probably sold for pretty high coin if it was popular or good… or maybe just cause it was very well aged. Kosara wasn’t expert as established, but she knew that usually aged alcohol was better and that wine that was left to age could turn into vinegar… and on that chain of thought, she was wondering what she was pondering salads.

When they finally had a chance to taste it, Kosara’s first course of action was to make a face. Not a disgusted face or anything, but a face non the less. Like a kid that tasted something new and unfamiliar. It was pretty intense and it showed on her face with that almost theatrically overdone expression. Though eventually as she swirled it around her mouth a bit the expression moved to something more thoughtful. Finally she swallowed the tasteful she had tried and did a big nod.” I like it… more than the previous ones.” She concluded with a grin. It was a bit fruity yes, but not quite as smooth as the previous ones she had tried tonight and maybe that was the reason she liked it more and she was seriously considering if it would go very well with friend things like fried scorpions… or just regular friend crispy meats… cheeses.

After that the topic moved to the brandy barrels.” That’s quite the aged brandy.” Kosara quipped when she was given numbers.” 60 years huh… wonder if there are any people from that time still around that might be more familiar with the events of that time and what went down around the vineyard.” The pale tiefling wondered aloud, again making a thinking face. She recalled some of the brief history of the Rose River Vineyard and how with time they family had bought out the surrounding lands until it was what it was today. Which made her wonder if the place they found the barrels in was a part of the original L’Rose lands or later acquisition.” Hey Liz, was that part of the original L’Rose land or was it bought later? I seem to recall that the vineyard grew with time?” She asked again curious.

Her eyes rested on the girl as she then spoke and revealed that she knew something was up. Well it wasn’t exactly hard to figure out something off was happening between everything that had been transpiring in the last while since before the party even arrived in the area even. It seemed like one big conspiracy might be happening and there wasn’t quite enough information to get answers about it. They knew that were rats were involved and they had a powerful patron apparently. Kosara had no memory of that part of it though, but trusted her friends to believe it. Now weird undead as messengers, Liz’s grandpa apparently having gotten a deal of some kind that needed to be concluded… too many questions and not enough answers.” We will try to help!” Kosara smiled at the girl, noting how pale and sunken she looked suddenly.

“Thank you?” Kosara replied confusedly for a moment at Medician admittance that she had suspected the party to be involved in whatever was happening here. She supposed she could see it… maybe… sort of… if she squinted a bit. She was about to open her mouth and probably say something weird when the door lock clicked, halting her statement as her eyes moved from the woman onto the door itself. Ohh… OHHH… they had access now and curiosity was building up.” RIGHT! We die suddenly and with great prejudice if we let something happen to Liz!” Kosara instead merrily confirmed the older woman’s statement." Hopefully it doesn't get to that, lots of people would be sad."

Her eyes moved to V who offered her the honors of opening the door to the study. Now there were many things that got Kosara excited, but chief among them was… adventure! Opening a locked off door that led to probably mysteries? That was pure adventure story material right there so it all led to the pale tiefling almost visibly vibrating with excitement.” Gladly! Adventure!” She happily stated as she rushed the door with the speed of child on way too many sweet stuffs and opened the door with surprising grace for how much energy was contained in that action. Should she have considered possible traps? Maybe… But adventure and mystery!

Kathryn was doing her best to keep herself from getting carried away. Alas, she was having fun. Just not too much drunken silliness. The medical woman Annick seemed to be really giving poor Rens a run for his money. Something something red put the poor man through his wits as he attempted to accommodate the wise woman. Wrapping up conversations with Barbal Mosswater seemed opened to Kathryn's proposal. "An afternoon tea with some evening treats I think would do wonders. And don't worry about acting the fool. I think I will have that under control at the rate of drinks tonight." Kathryn said warmly with a bit of a silly undertone to her words as the two began to part ways. "If you're open to a trade of some kind for more of the scales, I am sure we can work something out there too. But I couldn't dare just accept them outright. But I am sure we can come to an arrangement of some sorts. Over tea and treats though." Kathryn said enjoying her time as a professional social person for a change. And if that trade just ended up being sharing some treats then that could work too. But Kathryn had difficulties accepting gifts in place of nothing.

Rens being the master of wine he was had already found a wine to work for Annick! Wonderful! When he passed Kathryn a glass Kathryn gave a polite curtsy with her thanks, and with calloused hands gently grabbed the wine giving it a soft spin like Victoria showed her some weeks ago. Giving it a polite sip with a warm grin to show her satisfaction. "Normally myself, I lean towards beer, whiskey, and the occasional ale or Vodka. However, I think this is rivals my favorite drinks." Kathryn said pleased. "This was a wonderful find you acquired for us master Rens. No wonder you are the master of wines." She said warmly as she continued to sip. Probably finishing the glass faster then she meant too. Old habit broke hard. But she did drink it slow enough to enjoy the drink and its flavor.

When Annick left to grab something to warm up with, Kathryn found herself in a position to have ALL the drinking to herself! The temptation to grab a bottle and start chugging was 1000% present. However... she wasn't partying at home. She was out presenting herself and representing her people and party. No... there would be no chugging tonight. At least not here. "While she is out Master Rens, I would love another recommendation. Something sweet, but strong. With a prominent taste. Something that with a few solid sips can make a woman feel... Different." She said in a ponderous expression. "I don't have anything specific in mind. However I am curious what you could pick out. Maybe something fruity for the sweetness? But I am curious how strong local wines can get." Kathryn spoke definitely a little excited. She was having fun, tons of fun! But also she wanted to be tipsy enough that she could be called the most confident woman in the room. Alas, she was nowhere near that point. But it was also fun to show off how well she could handle her liquor when push came to shove. Sure, Kathryn could be humble and modest. But she enjoyed winning. And she loved praise too.

What Kathryn wasn't ready for was when Madam Annick returned. Taking a moment when Rens's attention was pulled away to likely look for Kathryn's drink, the medicine woman told Kathryn something that turned tonight from a fun party night, into a work night. "....mother fucker...." Kathryn mumbled under her breath. Trouble. The rest of the party was getting into trouble and there was a good chance they would need time. At least more time then they had. Kathryn stayed close to the medicine woman for a moment so she could speak softly to her as quick as she could. "Let's keep things going as normal. If we need more time I will get it. If Cecily tries to get the others offer to go in her place and tell her to keep an eye on me." There was an assortment of distractions Kathryn could pull off. She was physically strong and could physically move anyone or anything with enough time. And she could get stronger. She was mildly foggy while drinking, but so far still had her wits. She could get big, cause a ruckus, and buy time to wrap things up. She could act far more drunk than she was in an effort to slow things down and send Annick in to warn the party to wrap up. She could fake a faint. She could just go full drunken party lass so if Cecily tried to return, Kathryn could do her best to occupy her time. Again buying time for the party to wrap up, or for Annick to warn them. Kathryn had a good guess at what they were up too. That door... It peaked Kathryn's interest too. But she figured if they were going to sneak in it would be after the events of the wine tasting. Instead... Kathryn would act as a social barrier, and if needed, a physical barrier. She could pretend to get wasted, grow in size and lay down in front of the door back to the tasting room? She would have to play her cards well to draw attention without making it obvious that it is a distraction.

Weather: Still, cold, and naught but an occasional puff of wind to upset the quiet and natural course of the evening. Snow is snowing, and in fact is starting to pick up its intensity. It is still quite gentle.

Time: It is night, and with it come nighttime things.

Ambience: The evening over the Vineyard and grounds beyond, even the town of Southmoor, can be qualified as both soft and grand. The partial moonlight was been momentarily supplanted by the heavier cloud cover, but lamps along the thoroughfare keep the darkness at bay along the most obvious paths, even as it seems to deepen the darkness beyond. It's a peaceful night all around, with one very important exception.

Inside and underground, in the beating heart of the Rose River Vineyard that is the Winery proper, the cold doesn't bite remotely as hard. The rest of the facility was noticeably cooler than the enclosed Tasting Room, which maintains a closer grouping of candles and lamps, not to mention (until recently) it was a spot of more physical activity. The production and storage rooms are reasonably well lit, though a personal source of illumination might not hurt things if one attempts to discern detail, and of course, sampling is encouraged. Expected, even.



The tours inside give distinct contradiction to one another, as the dimensions of the Tasting Room grew insofar as the people's access within it increased. In this instance, the sudden opening of the locked door to the Study increased the available walking space significantly. At first, a secondary barrier threatened to prevent access to the anxiety-making room, this in the form of yet another door five feet or so in. It looked very much like a slab of metal, bound with metal, with no discernible lock or handle. Luckily, this was circumvented easily enough by sliding it to the side - walls here were solid stone and the door retreated back into it with relative ease - and in this case, the locking and barring mechanisms were on the inside of said door. This gave it the appearance of a reversed vault, where one may lock themselves inside with their treasures instead of the other way around.

The moment the door opened, a soft sourceless light filled the study, allowing for ease of reading should one feel the need, without the immediate onset of eyestrain. Lizbeth began to follow close behind those entering her grandfather's study, softly proclaiming, "Wow. I've never been inside of here before." She suddenly remembered that Kosara had asked her a question before the Medician effortlessly picked the door lock and left in a huff, and answered her. "Um, I ah, don't really know. But if the wine was at least sixty years old, then I guess it would have to be part of the original vineyard. That or they built the distillery off of the property. I don't know if that helps, sorry." And while she said the words of apology, her heart was more into the possibility of what lay beyond the doors.

Luckily, within the general vicinity of the two doors, nothing seemed to be set off by their being opened. No hollow clocking sounds coming from deeper in the walls, no sudden puff of air as if a dart or dose of powdered paralytic was released, no tiny trapdoor which only served to sever one's foot away, merely the expected exchange of air from an room not used recently with one that had seen more traffic. Thanks to the sourceless light, the setting, or the obvious parts of it, were within easy view. What one sees here gives the impression of equal parts office, secret wine stash, and archaeology exhibit.

A raised platform dominates the far wall from the door with a sarcophagus sized box atop it. There are display cases containing curio, arcane seeming items, and the occasional weapon in differing states of cleanliness or repair. Books and papers are aplenty in here, organized in ways that likely made sense to whomever set this up, and to one side a couch, comfortable looking and well used. There is also a desk present in a little more order than the rest of the room. Wine bottles are in a number of different places, some in display cases and others just resting on nearby surfaces. In front of the couch is an interesting sight - what appears to be a small, black journal sitting next to a circle of what appears to be a circle of fine soil. Within this circle lay a pendant; a simple braided cord upon which hung an ornately carved wooden representation of a bundle of grapes. Next to the circle on the other side lay a short length of carved, black wood, approximately a foot or so in length, with a faceted, oblong, glassy bead near to the thinner tip. It was upon a sheet of folded parchment. There is also a locked box next to the ordered desk.

MEANWHILE,

Out with the tours, Rens is doing as good as a job as he can recommending Kathryn the occasional wine, as best put to her specifications as possible, even with a touch of relief on his face now that someone is actually giving him details with which he could work. Sure enough, he was able to recommend three such decent wined which fit the tall Knight's criteria and spared no time presenting samples of them to her. Relief turned into something more like actual happiness in the portly man's face, which slipped slightly into dread as Annick returned.

Annick made it her goal to pass along what she knew to Kathryn and soak up what planning was being unfurled from the lady. She gave Kathryn a quick, shallow nod in agreement, and the tour went on for another few minutes with the older lady, now with her shawl, being only slightly less vague as to her oenophilic proclivities. Still, her glass got a few more samples in here and there, and the evening went on for a bit longer.

From the production area, voices could be heard approaching storage. Well, just the one voice clearly, that one being Cecily. One can clearly hear her over the murmurs of the others, posing a question: "So, Monsieurs Mosswater, Mosswater, and Laurent, what would you say to getting another glass of the Honigblume before we take a look at the vats, hmm?"

MEANWHILE AGAIN,

The details of Baronfjord's current drama are quite current and quite dramatic. In that one spot, far removed from the party, blood stains the otherwise immaculate snow. Neither the blood nor the snow show signs of stopping.

BlackBerry scowled at the cackling menace hoping and skipping back and forth across the snow. The moon then chose to flee behind clouds, abandoning BlackBerry and plunging the world into soft darkness.

Another strike, this time the finger bones finding their way past his guard and into his stomach. With a gasping swear he tried to move back, to the side, anywhere to put some distance between them both, but the creature was dancing, giddy with glee upon his toes. More crimson flowers bloomed upon snow and were quickly churned by the dancers movements.

"No. This is just an experiment." The creatures cackle slipped between red stained finger tips.

BlackBerry could lash out, to down the threat before it took him out. Currently he was getting his arse handed to him with every strike whittling him down bit by bit. But the beast could still have important hints or information for them to use. An idea struck. He was out here, alone, in the cold with no weaponry, but he did however know someone who did. BlackBerry gave up the guard and instead dove into his pocket to fish out the curious little rock with face almost as if it were wincing at its owners fight.

"Oh come now, you are no fun." BlackBerry growled small puffs of smoke into the frigid air. "Let us not be so coy. All this trouble and for what?"

He delved into his pool of power sitting at his core and pulled it into the world. Fire burst outwards from his shoulders, it lunged and rolled across the vile beast in front of him before lurching back and coalescing back into his faithful fiery limbs.

But with that all said, and noting the vile had deftly side step the astral flames, BlackBerry then spoke to the little rock with slightly more desperation than he meant to let on. "We have a Guest. To the South, rendezvous point."

Clearly the wine had affected him more than he realised.

---

Jon, meanwhile was suffering a fate worse than death watching his employers niece lead a group of Adventurers into his previous employers private study. Jon took a quick swig of wine in honour the late Arnaurd L'Rose, and more importantly to steady himself.

Annick had mentioned something had been wrong about this place for long time and Jon right now wondered if maybe the crazy old bat (by the gods he hoped she couldn't read minds) was onto something. The rumours and signs he had seen of something wondering around barefoot came quickly to mind but now he wondered if there was something more going on?

Emboldened by a health amount of worry, and an even healthier amount of wine which was then topped up by another mouthful, he followed after the others.

"Now now lets not be too hasty Miss L'Rose." He said in the brief moment of relief the site of the closed iron door gave. "Your fellow BlackBerry was always saying you all were a good lot. Maybe we should let the professionals deal with this and we go get your Aunt, yeah?" He suggested with a vain hope of not being ignored a second time.

Even as he said this though his feet moved of their own accord following after everyone into the hidden study, either through morbid curiosity or simply not wanting to be left on his own Jon would never admit to either.

"Oh" Jon pointed dumbly at the sarcophagus.

"Jon, is it?" Victoria's voice was polite, sweet even, but her posture spoke of a mix of impatience and urgency. While this was not exactly her first break-in, this was definitely the first one in a home that took her in out of gratitude. Usually, Victoria's hypocrisy only went so far. "Jon, you seem like a decent, industrious man of the land, so I'm going to be open with you. You deserve that." The smallest pause to regard the man was had, before she leveled with the guy who was, at this point, technically an accomplice. "The safest place that Lizbeth can be right now is near the professionals. She might even be a help to us. By extension, herself. If she holds insight to details that we might overlook, it makes her valuable. If anything goes awry, we are the ones in the best position to hold things together while she goes elsewhere. Like with the Ankhegs." Victoria did not throw any details about the Ankheg incident into the conversation, as she wasn't fully sure what happened with a couple of the details. She had her suspicions, though.

Entering the Study finally, Victoria took a quick glimpse around to see what might pique her interest first. The large box on the raised platform was the first thing which captured her attention, but it wasn't, in her estimation, the most interesting thing in the room. Her eyes scanned over a few things which might be considered minor treasures in their own right; weapons recovered that looked not dissimilar to the short blades recovered from the "corpse delegation", with some variance. Some of the wine she did not recognize. The books and papers seemed organized in ways that were non-standard at best. But there was one table that appeared to have specific purpose in mind. A circle of dirt was upon it, and it was flanked on either side by what looked like a journal and a very fancy stick on a folded paper. The grape-bunch pendant inside of the circle also drew attention, perhaps more than the rest as it seemed to be a focal point.

Curiosity was sometimes a curse and sometimes the catalyst to higher things. Victoria hoped that it was the latter this time as she gingerly picked up the black bound journal and began carefully turning pages. Confusion played on her face for a second, but then she continued reading. "Arnaud L'Rose was trying to learn Ritual Magic. This..." she gestured to the setup on the table, "...is an imperfect attempt to do exactly that. It's like he was trying to substitute significant components for actual magical ability. This dirt here? Graveyard soil. Taken from someone's final resting place. It looks desperate. What's funny is that it might have worked. There are lots of uses for graveyard soil, but this is a first for me. He was interrupted before he could finish." She peered at the necklace in the circle and suddenly came to a realization: "He was trying to identify any magical properties in this item!" Apparently, with graveyard dirt.

Out in Winery Storage, Annick took to Kathryn's whispering with affirmation and a measured amount of confusion. Yes, she was fully capable of running errands into the Tasting Room, but it now looked like all of Cecily's group was moving in their slightly plodding way back in the direction of the Tasting Room at once. There was time to intercept, but if Annick was to think up a lie, she needed to do it fast and/or trust that Kathryn had her own plans. Whichever way, she moved in the general direction of the other group in case she could be of help. "I'd better be compensated for this," she growled quietly, waiting for her opportunity to fulfill only the terms of her agreement with the younger warrior.