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[h2][color=darkorchid][i][b]Victoria Belmont[/b][/i][/color][/h2][i][b][color=9932cc]Half-Elf, Bard, Level 5[/color][/b][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]HP:[/b][/i][/color] 33 / 33	[color=9932cc][i][b]Armor Class:[/b][/i][/color] 16	[color=9932cc][i][b]Conditions:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Location:[/b][/i][/color] Rose River Vineyard (Main Thoroughfare)
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] [i][color=dimgray]Familiar Stuff[/color][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/84xS62pB/Victoria-Alt-7-ss.png[/img][/right]
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	The corpse's disembodied skull spoke its final words and sunk into inert neutrality. The voice which issued from it, nuanced with the rural accent common to this area but undoubtedly influenced by the magic which brought it into the world, fell silent in a way that left a hollow in the air; a quiet that was almost as disconcerting to Victoria as the voice itself. But despite the offputting nature of forcing a dead person to talk in the middle of a developing winter storm, Victoria felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment which bordered on joy. She had officially spoken to her first dead person by means of magic under her control, due to the lessons of her expertise. The Bard couldn't help but smile. She separated the halves of her bone flute and put it away into the pouch on her belt. 

	Following this, she mentally willed her Familiar over to her. The Raven, spiritform made flesh by ritual magic, was as susceptible to the elements as anything else and was likely very uncomfortable. Also, compromised as an aerial scout in the increasing conditions of the evening. [color=9932cc]"It's okay,"[/color] she crooned. [color=9932cc]"Excellent work tonight. Rest. I shall summon you later, someplace warm."[/color] It was very possible that the intent could have been transmitted mentally, or that her intentions were already known to the Familiar spirit as it was like an extension of herself, but the words were spoken anyway. The sound of flapping wings and a muted expression of  

	She did take the opportunity provided by the calm of magical activity (if most certainly not the weather) to respond to the point brought up by Kosara from earlier, while she was still enraptured in her spellcraft. [color=9932cc]"I think that you are right, Kosara. This is becoming an active threat and the villages around might be on the menu, depending upon where Toombes was taken."[/color] She intentionally decided to use the word "taken" instead of something more provocative but blatantly obvious. [color=9932cc]"But even the undead will be hindered by this weather, which I suggest we shelter from."[/color] Now that the novelty of her accomplishment was waning, Victoria was quite aware that she was more than moderately uncomfortable. 

	The mention of Morty by their party Monk gave Victoria a flash of annoyance. Yes, Morty might have been very helpful, especially if the Bard's empty errand cart was attached and pulled to the location. But she didn't have the loyal undead thrall at her disposal right then, and it was an ongoing mystery, be it of lesser importance than the one directly in front of them. [color=9932cc]"I had established a conditional order for Morty to come to me, or someplace pre-decided anyway, where I could easily find him. The condition has been met, but Morty isn't here. It could mean any number of things. Perhaps I should try to retrieve him; I cannot see that I am of much more use here."[/color] 

	The last wasn't [i]entirely[/i] true. She looked to Cecily, and then with approval to Baronfjord as he had attempted to comfort the woman. There was a hint of suspicion floating about in her mind concerning her, but nothing that a finger could be placed upon. Perhaps it was her nature recently to have less trust in people. And honestly, all things considered, who might blame her? Odd things were afoot. And a head, apparently. [color=9932cc]"Madame L'Rose,"[/color] she began with practiced and professional formality, [color=9932cc]"I assure you that we will do everything we can to resolve this."[/color] Her voice was direct but soft, even understanding, and pitched only loud enough to be heard over the wind; assertive without being aggressive, confident without being vainglorious. [color=9932cc]"And I think we can all agree that it isn't safe out here right now, not from the possible threat nor the present weather. Perhaps it's best if we escort you home behind lock and key, and get ourselves back to the Coach House like Baronfjord suggested. Maybe crate up Mr. Toombes's remains and leave them in the storage outbuilding, also behind lock and key, until we can figure something more permanent out. At least until the weather lessens. What do you think, Cecily? Is this acceptable?"[/color] 

	Victoria was putting on a decent enough face at being the cool, calm, professional Adventurer, but the truth of it was that she was completely through with this evening. With her high point, that of the proper application of [i]Speak With Dead[/i] and a lack of ability to do much else useful, she was just done. Finding out what happened to Morty was next on her priorities, and some of the more physically able people present could handle the lifting and toting. They might attempt to answer the raised questions with the coming of a new day. 

	One last thing, though: [color=9932cc]"Madame L'Rose? If you please, despite everything, that [i]was[/i] a lovely wine tasting with an excellent selection. Thank you for your hospitality."[/color]