[center][h3][u][color=#cbc66d] Roslyn Wicke [/color][/u][/h3][/center][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/vzhDyH3.png[/img][/center][center][color=#cbc66d]"Of course they are..."[/color][/center][h1][center]The Riddle of Lindenholdt Part 2 (cont) [/center][/h1][center][sub]Date: Zales 31st
Location: The Cathedral, Archives and Inn[/sub][/center][h2]Incoming Calvary[/h2][hider=******]
Meanwhile, just as Roslyn was about to speak, Marci tensed up and her eyes widened. 

[color=598527]"Scheiße! They're after him!"[/color] It was all that she could do to draw with every bit of speed and power she could muster. The air grew noticeably colder. The wind stilled. Roslyn's stomach squirmed, and the tethered drew up past seven-five, up past eight, on past eight-five, into a territory that few other Gifted could reach. Her hands trembled and her left eyelid twitched. Then, with a few whispered words, she went slack and breathed heavily. She swallowed to collect herself and gripped her wheels tightly, pushing herself up straighter as her head swiveled to regard her friend. 

[color=598527]"Rose, we need to get to the church."[/color] She held out a hand and began drawing once more.

Standing in silence, Roslyn’s anxiety climbed while she watched her friend draw. The power of a tether suddenly frightened her in that moment and she found her breath taken by the raw power. Then Marci spoke again while offering her hand. 

 A hint of hesitation crept into the younger girl. With a deep breath, she pushed it away and nodded. She gripped her friend's hand, her voice trying to sound braver than she felt. [color=#cbc66d]"Let's go. No one messes with our friends." [/color]

The hand paused. It... retracted for a moment, but only partway. [color=598527]"...Rose?"[/color] Marceline questioned, glancing about and even craning her neck. Her eyes snapped back to the Hendlishwoman. [color=598527]"Who were you just talking to?"[/color] It was the worst kind of look: concerned.

Roslyn's throat tightened as she froze like a deer in lantern light. The thought of telling Marci the truth scared her. What if her friend wanted nothing to do with her after learning of Zast? What if she turned her into the church or something? Or worse? Her fingers curled into her palm as she struggled with her next words.

[color=#cbc66d]"It's..." [/color] She stopped and then took a deep breath to steady her voice. [color=#cbc66d]"Complicated. I don't have time to explain, but I will later. When everyone's safe." [/color] 

She prayed that the answer might be enough for now. Later, she'll figure out how to get out of this hole she had fallen into.

Marceline's arms locked around Roslyn like a vice. She leaned in, voice whispering in the Hendlishwoman's ear, sinister. [color=598527]"Oh, but I know it isn't [i]you[/i] who everyone needs to worry about,"[/color] she hissed. [color=598527]"And now you're mine, with such minimal effort."[/color] The energy around Roslyn surged.

Feeling Marci's breath enter her ears, Roslyn's heart skipped a beat. An ice cold sensation slithered down her spine. Why would Marci say that? Especially after being concerned, it didn't fit properly. 

[color=#cbc66d]"You're not Marci, are you?" [/color] Roslyn's arms reached down to try and wrench apart the woman's vice-like grip.

Marceline burst out laughing, though it faded quickly. [color=598527]"Could've just stood if you wanted to ditch me."[/color] Her arms were [i]not[/i] coming loose. [color=598527]"Needed to test if you were you. Sorry."[/color] She took a breath. [color=598527]"Maybe needed a laugh with all this grimness. Draw, Rose. Be ready to act as soon as we' port over."[/color] The swirling energies seemed to reach a crescendo.

If Marceline only knew the thoughts twisting in Roslyn's head at that moment. While her friend's actions were innocent, the tone and words brought back memories of Viiqii. She knew it was pathetic to still be scared by a memory from the past, but she couldn’t help it. Her grip on Marceline's arms slackened as she sat there. 

When the adrenaline started to die down, she replied. She let out a breath of relief and forced a playfulness into her tone, hiding the fear she felt earlier. [color=#cbc66d]"You're horrible, you know that? I hope I passed at least." [/color] 

She focused on drawing from the river's kinetic force as she leaned back into her friend's grip. [color=#cbc66d]"Let's try not to be too late." [/color]

Marceline leaned forward, perhaps sensing that she had pushed too far, and planted a little peck on the back of Roslyn's head. [color=598527]"With flying colours."[/color] She squeezed tightly and then the world twisted. For a moment, there was warped light and a feeling of being completely untethered from everything. Cosmic horrors lurked in the periphery, but then they were perhaps only a couple hundred yards outside of the church. The sky was beginning to cloud over again and Marci quickly released her friend, but for her wrist, which she grabbed. [color=598527]"No going in without sensing, Rose. I don't wanna be ambushed, and two are better than one."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Good." [/color] Marci's gesture helped sooth some of the hurt as Roslyn braced for the trip. She found it ironic that despite being a time mage's daughter, she had started to hate teleporting. The sensation closed in on her as they were sent forward in space. Her eyes shut tightly, manas still drawing up until they vanished from sight. 

Roslyn quickly pulled off Marci's lap only to be brought to a stop by her arm. Her head flipped back, the words causing her eyebrow to raise. [color=#cbc66d]"Yes-Wait, you're not considering going in there with me? If you do, the mage will target you then..." [/color]

She didn't need to finish that sentence. They would all be fucked.

[color=598527]"You forget, I can teleport out at the slightest hint of danger,"[/color] Marceline replied, [color=598527]"and, more importantly, I can teleport [i]you[/i] out."[/color] She took a half-push back and craned her neck up at the imposing twin spires of the cathedral. A last couple of workers were hurrying out with the tools and lunch pails, eager to beat the worsening weather home and enjoy their holidays.

[i]You're also the one that sent Evander into a Revidian hating pirate ship...[/i] The intrusive thought vanished the moment it came. Roslyn was a lot of things, but never cruel to her friends. She reached up and pinched her nose in frustration. Marceline's look in her eyes mimicked Garith's whenever they fought. Great... 

[color=#cbc66d]"We don't have time to argue here, but I know that look. I'm not winning. However, I want you to remember, I think this is a very bad idea." [/color] She wasn't worried about her own safety since she had a few close calls before.  [color=#cbc66d]"Come on, we're wasting time." [/color]

Marceline quirked an eyebrow and smirked, hurrying after Roslyn, but there was an edge to her voice as she spoke. [color=598527]"Don't worry, Rose,"[/color] she replied quietly, [color=598527]"I'm not made of porcelain."[/color]

She floated up the stairs, drawing and casting in a gravity loop the entire way, making a point of arriving a second or two before her partner. Noiselessly, she pointed to one of the side entrances and motioned that they should slip in through there. 

In truth, she need not have been so cautious, for, even as the last handful of workers began to leave the massive structure, the organist, Berthold, remained, and his one-man symphony seemed to shake the very walls. Perhaps he might be of some help...

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOPxWhbQuCY&list=PL-3C7GBavMLoe92jcXIAolowvJ424ki3g&index=12[/youtube]
[color=#cbc66d]"That may be true, but I rather not chance it. Losing my friends hurts too much." [/color] Roslyn said, referring to the loss of Esmii and Niallus. 

Barely anyone cared to glance in their direction as they made their way inside. Marci, as expected, beat her up the stairs even with the wheelchair. Her arm pointed out a side entrance as the organist's symphony began to bellow out. 

It was hard to think. The sounds vibrated across her core and attempted to stir her very soul almost. If it had been a different time, she might've paused and sank into the awe of it. Not now. 

Roslyn wanted to rush right in and help her friends, but her instincts cautioned against it. She had some experiences under her skirts to know how much trouble that might cause. Her head shook for a moment then looked to the organist. Maybe he had seen someone odd enter or knew of another way? 

She turned to Marci and mouthed. He might know something, maybe? It was clear the girl was second guessing her own wisdom at this point.

Marceline shrugged, as if to say, 'it's worth a shot'. Of course, they were still outside, beneath the grey sky, while he was inside, up on his balcony, hammering away at his keyboard. She knew, from experience, that he did not like to be disturbed. 

[color=598527]<We. Need. To. Go. In. The. Front. Then.>[/color] she said in pinch language, since speaking was of dubious efficacy here. [color=598527]<Both. Of. Us. Question.>[/color]

Feeling the pinches, Roslyn attempted to reply in kind with her own pinching on her arm.  She wasn't nearly as practiced in the language as the tethered.  [color=#cbc66d]<Agreed. Checked. On. Others. Yet. Or. Too. Risky?> [/color] 

She had started to move toward the front door as she finished.
[/hider][h2]Split up Gang[/h2][hider=*******]
Marceline considered. The obvious play here was to split up temporarily. She was tethered, after all, and distance meant precious little to her. Something else told her, however, that it would be a mistake. Perhaps it was a gut feeling. Perhaps it was a subconscious thought based on what she was sensing. There was a great heat underground, just outside of the sensing range of a non-tethered. It made her stomach bristle with unease. That, and this damned noise. It was beautiful, on the one hand, but also excessive. She followed Roslyn in through the small gap between the enormous double doors, her rear wheels nearly scraping against them.

Nearly all of the volunteers had headed home, but there was Johann Krauss, still poring over his plans by the altar, making this adjustment and that, taking measurements with tools that she was not familiar with, for she was a mage and no architect. 

Then, above, lay Berthold Lothmann, hammering the keys as if it were an act of passion. A narrow staircase led up there, so she would need to lift herself up over the balcony's edge instead. She gave Roslyn a friendly, teasing push from behind, though it was not without urgency. [color=598527]"Looks like a job for you, amiga."[/color]

Roslyn cringed inwardly when she saw Marceline roll through the tight gap. She made a note for later to help repair any damage on the wheels. For now, they had a task to complete and that was to find the command mage. Her head tilted upward and drank in the cathedral's interior. When Marceline gently pushed her from behind, her feet stumbled a bit and she caught herself. Her eyes darted over her shoulder at her friend's words. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Thanks a lot. Since you can't follow, maybe you should see if you can spot anyone acting suspicious. The mage could be anywhere." [/color] 

With those departing words, she walked up the narrow staircase. She kept her eyes open and stayed mindful of each step. The last thing she wanted was to fall down and break her neck by 'accident'.
Roslyn made it to the top of the stairs without incident, and there she found Berthold. He was a spare young man, only a few years into adulthood, with a dramatic shock of wavy hair and a scarf that seemed to flap about as he played almost as if it were prehensile. Such was his energy. 

He paid Roslyn not the slightest hint of attention. He either had failed to notice her amid his obsession, or else failed to be sufficiently stirred to care. 

Marceline, meanwhile, amid the sonic barrage, and the distracting heat coming from deep below, tried to focus in on any magics that seemed out of place: on any draws, on any surges, on any casts. Quietly, she anchored herself so that she would immediately revert if anyone else's spell affected her.

The moment did not last long, however. [color=#00CED1]"You! Tethered!"[/color] came a voice filled with familiar contempt. [color=#00CED1]"What are you doing here again? Haven't you already wasted enough of our time?"[/color]

The teenager took a deep breath, turned to face him, and prepared her false smile. There was something about Johann Krauss that was uniquely punchable. [color=598527][i]Restraint, Marceline. Restraint,[/i][/color] she counseled herself.

Her foot sank into the last step and it creaked, but Berthold's music drowned it out.  Upon witnessing him in action, Roslyn had no doubts about this man's passion towards his music. His fingers danced from one key to another, his soul lost in a moment of bliss. She dreaded the fact she had to interrupt it. 

Being closer to the organ, her thoughts struggled to string words together. Each time she did, the pipes rattled her brain and she lost her thoughts. They still needed to find the command mage, but even normal focus was difficult here.

 She steeled her nerves against the dread and insecurity. 

It was obvious that shouting was wasting time. He wouldn't hear her nor would he care to answer. Her eyes shot to the keys. If they didn't move, the sound would stop and fade. It might give her a chance to get his attention and give Marci a chance to find the threat. If she was struggling here, her friend likely was too. 

A simple dead stop might do the trick, she hoped. She tried to cast dead stop on the organ's keys, but made sure not to damage the instrument. Any creator would murder her for destroying their tools so brazenly. If it worked, she braced for any anger or fury to follow from him. 

This act proved to be a profoundly foolhardy one, as Berthold Loth turned on his bench, ashen-faced and trembling. His face scrunched up and reddened and, with a sudden, violent movement, he bolted to his feet and let loose an inarticulate high-pitched screech right in her face. He took a step back, grabbed the bench, and swung it at Roslyn!

About fifty meters away, Johann Krauss' head twisted about and his eyes widened. [color=#00CED1]"Pfui! Dummes Mädchen!"[/color] he shouted, disbelieving. [color=598527]"Oh Gods, Rose!"[/color] gasped Marceline, as matters escalated, but she was also not one to let a gift like this go to waste.

[color=#DC143C]"Du... du [i]Barbar[/i]!"[/color] Berthold stammered. He swung once with his bench and cleanly missed. By the grace of Eshiran-Zept, it did not splinter. [color=#DC143C]"Du verdammte Schlampe!"[/color] he screamed, shrill and red-faced. [color=#DC143C]"Warum tust du das? Bist du ein Tier? Kannst du vernünftig denken? Hättest du nicht einfach fragen [i]können[/i]!?"[/color] He swung again and missed and, this time, the bench splintered. [color=#DC143C]"Arschloch! Fotze!"[/color] He stood there, half-hunched over, rangy and panting. [color=#DC143C]"Was könnte Ihr Grund sein, so etwas zu tun?"[/color] He paused. [color=#DC143C]"What possible reason could you have for [i]doing[/i] something like zis?"[/color] He looked genuinely hurt, now that he had gotten all of the explosive rage out of his system.

Already, the architect Krauss was scampering over, having told Marceline to follow. Dutifully, the tethered set hands to wheels and... went the opposite way, making a beeline for the basement.
Roslyn had expected there to be anger, but not to this degree. For a moment, there seemed to be a maddened look in the musician's eye. She dug in her feet when he screeched, but when his hands reached for the bench.

Kinetic surged in her feet as she stepped back, feeling its end narrowly miss her. He uttered, she assumed, not a single kind word onto her. She didn't say anything as she was focused on avoiding being clobbered to death. When his rage finally died, he looked once more at her. At that moment, she wanted to sink into the earth and disappear.

[color=#cbc66d]"I-I-"[/color] She stumbled over her words. She hadn't wanted to hurt anyone, but she couldn't think of anything else. There was no way to be heard above the organ. Maybe... that was why the command mage was in the church in the first place? The sounds of another set of footsteps were coming up the stairs behind her. 

The girl was trapped and she'd have to explain. But, how much did she dare to tell them? 

She was spared answering when the spot where Berthold had been sitting erupted into flames. Her body flinched and she slammed her hands on her ears. Her eyes widened at the pillar of flame that ripped upward then sputtered out. 

Pulling her hands down, she said the first thing on her mind.  [color=#cbc66d]"I think that's a good reason."[/color]  
Berthold's eyes went wide and his hands trembled. [color=#DC143C]"Die Wege der Götter sind unergründlich,"[/color] he mumbled beneath his breath, and then Johann Krauss was at the top of the steps to the balcony. His eyes narrowed. [color=#00CED1]"Or, zis girl [i]knew[/i] exactly what was coming,"[/color] he said coldly, and the last of the organist's rage and bravado faded. He slunk back a step. 

The Feskan stepped forward, glaring down his nose, first, at the hole in the floor, before levering his gaze up with a measured slowness to regard Roslyn. [color=#00CED1]"Why are your friends down zere and why are you covering for zem while zey try to destroy my cathedral?"[/color]

Roslyn noticed very quickly that Marci was nowhere in sight. It wasn't hard to conclude that her friend must have hightailed it down into the crypt during the incident. Now, she was put into a very problematic position. These men were looking for answers and truthfully, she had none to give. Of course she'd get left in this position and she hated it. 

She frowned at Krauss' accusations. This man had to be the architect, she thought, based solely on his statement and attitude.  [color=#cbc66d]"I didn't know that was going to happen. Surprised me as much as it did him."[/color] 

Krauss's next words were a bit odd to her, but she did her best to not to show it. Now, Roslyn found herself torn between telling the truth or lying to protect her friends. On top of that, she still had to worry about the command mage. [i]Please, Oraff-Zept, protect them.[/i]

She chose to be honest as she could, trying her best to avoid bigger problems later. 

[color=#cbc66d]"I don't know what's happening because I just got here. If they are down there," [/color] Her eyes looked to the hole then to him, watching his reaction to her next words.  [color=#cbc66d]"I say that pillar fire means they ran into trouble."[/color]

While she waited for a reaction she used her gift to monitor for any unusual energies. She wasn't familiar with command, but maybe that made it stick out more. At best, it might make the  command mage think twice about pulling any tricks.

Johann Krauss did not dignify her response with his curiosity. He simply looked her squarely, up and down, eyes flicking towards the hole only briefly and drawing a deep scowl. Then, he sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. [color=#00CED1]"I, quite frankly, have no idea why zis insanity is happening in my Kattedral."[/color] His immense annoyance was palpable in his tone of voice. [color=#00CED1]"I merely want to build an edifice to honour ze gods but, between hidden crypts and secret agendas and now a possible bloody [i]murder[/i], it would seem zat every vicious idiot und aspiring hero has come out of ze woodwork to make my place of work his or her playground!"[/color] 

The architect clenched his fists and, giving in to his essentially human desire to know, leaned over and peered down the Cathedral's new ventilation shaft. He scowled. [color=#00CED1]"I know well zat your ozzer friends snuck in. How could I not have noticed three of them wiss ze size und subtlety of rampaging brandtudse?"[/color] He rolled his eyes. [color=#00CED1]"I've become well aware, of course, zat people have been hiding weapons down zere. It vas why I chose Weber und Zimmerman to do ze checks. Zey are simple und uncurious men who are loyal to zeir country and whom I believed vould not rock ze boat. Yet, when I told zem to make it quick und go only so far, zey seemed to finally get ideas in zose empty heads of zeirs und mess vith people zey shouldn't have."[/color] 

He shook his head in frustration. [color=#00CED1]"Your friends have likely triggered traps left zere to discourage meddling. Gods know,"[/color] he growled, [color=#00CED1]"Zey have discouraged [i]my[/i] meddling in mine own [i]vork[/i]. Gods know,"[/color] he continued, [color=#00CED1]"zey scared poor Hartmann away before me, or simply got rid of him vhen he asked too many questions."[/color] He sighed in exasperation. [color=#00CED1]"But you're all mages of ze Academy, und your little tezzered friend is vith them, no? I'm sure zey're fine."[/color]

Meanwhile, Berthold had followed their exchange only part of the way through, and seemed to be endeavouring to grab a piece of plywood from nearby to cover the hole, as well as a new stood to sit on. He [i]had[/i] been in the middle of a rehearsal, after all.

Roslyn shouldn't have been surprised that Krauss knew about the hidden weapons. At this point, it felt like everyone in town knew more about each other's secrets than the students did. 

She let Krauss rant as Berthold shuffled behind her. She couldn't keep this up forever. Quickly, Roslyn sent a message to Marci. She lacked the finesse for tethered shorthand, but did her best.  <Krauss. Said. Traps. In. Crypt. | Get. Out. | Find. Mage?> 

[color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry to ask this, but don't start playing. Please. Not yet."[/color] Roslyn was a little pained at having to make the request and it showed. She didn't know if either of them was the command mage, but she didn't think so. She had to take a chance. 

Her eyes turned back to Krauss. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry for being a nuisance to everyone. Truly. Right now, I believe someone here is trying to hinder those in the crypt. The organ makes it hard to sense things. Is there anyone else here besides you two?"[/color]

[color=598527]<We. Know. Traps. Don't. Worry.>[/color] came the response. [color=598527]<Found. Lots. But. No. Command. Mage.>[/color] The pinch signal almost seemed to come with a shake of Marceline's head. [color=598527]<BRB. Need. To. Check. My. Alarm.>[/color][/hider]
[h2]Déjà vu & Odd Behaviors[/h2][hider=********]Meanwhile, Berthold was about to start jamming on his organ again, practically salivating over the prospect. His face went stony at Roslyn's request. [color=#DC143C]"But I am not finished rehearsing,"[/color] he replied. [color=#DC143C]"You can speak elsewhere. I am not needed for zis discussion."[/color]

Presently, Berthold's fingers struck the keys and an utterly [i]glorious[/i] chord filled the massive chamber they were in, and he seemed quite pleased with himself. By necessity, all conversation ceased.

[color=#cbc66d]"Of course they are..."[/color] Roslyn couldn't help the groan that ended with a grit of her teeth. What did she expect? She hoped their curiosity wouldn't have a price. [color=#cbc66d]"Unfortunately, I can't change their minds."[/color]  

At least Krauss was seemingly more cooperative now. Even if it was just for the moment. She felt him draw and listened, hoping he might find something she couldn't. Sadly, she let herself get distracted. She failed to account for the strength of Berthold's passion.  

[color=#cbc66d]"I wonder if Marci was-"[/color] The organ's sounds echoed outward once more.  Soon after, all hell seemed to break loose down below. It didn't take a genius to realize something had happened and the organ was covering it. She used her gift to enhance her voice as she tried to get his attention. 

[color=#cbc66d]"No, don't! Someone's using your rehearsal to cover up their magic!" [/color] She moved toward him. If he didn't react to her shout, she reached out her hand to touch his shoulder for his attention. She didn't dare to silence the organ for fear he might actually bash in her skull this time.

Berthold pulled back immediately at Roslyn's suggestion and stopped playing. [color=#DC143C]"I can see that I'm not appreciated here!"[/color] he snapped, whirling, standing, and quickly striding away. [color=#DC143C]"But I [i]shall[/i] return!"[/color] He seemed deeply offended and eager to get as far from her and Krauss as possible. What more could Roslyn really do? Yet, it gave her the opportunity she needed to look for the culprit who, perhaps, in this moment might slip and reveal him or herself!

Thankfully, Roslyn didn't have to touch him as she stepped aside and watched him leave. She would've felt bad for her rudeness, but there was no time to. Using all her focus and magics available to her, she stretched out her gift to scan every inch of that area. She was going to find that damn mage.

Johann Krauss seemed to consider for a moment. [color=#00CED1]"It is us only, so far as I know."[/color] He craned his neck to glance about, and Roslyn could feel him drawing a little bit to sweep the area. [color=#00CED1]"Yes. Hanneman has left."[/color] He furrowed his brow and scowled. [color=#00CED1]"I can sense zose in ze crypt."[/color] He shook his head. [color=#00CED1]"Zey are going deeper zan is... advisable."[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Of course they are..."[/color] Roslyn groaned which ended with her gritting her teeth. What did she expect? It seemed like she had wasted her breath with the warning. [color=#cbc66d]"Unfortunately, I can't change their minds."[/color]

At least Krauss was more cooperative than before, even if it was only for now. When the man finished, she replied. [color=#cbc66d]"I wonder if Marci was-"[/color] 

The organ bellowed in the room causing her head to snap back toward Berthold. A swell of magic happened beneath causing her to react. No, no! She used her gift to enhance her voice as she tried to get his attention. 

[color=#cbc66d]"No, don't! Someone's using your rehearsal to cover up their magic!" [/color] She moved toward him.

Berthold seemed intently focused. Then, he looked up immediately, eyes widening. He blinked and they snapped to Johann Krauss. They flicked back to Roslyn. [color=#DC143C]"What... does it feel like?"[/color] he asked intently. [color=#DC143C]"Their magic: w-what kind of magic is it?"[/color] His curiosity was almost overwhelming.

[color=#DC143C]"What does the magic you are talking about feel like, you fool!"[/color] He shook his head and stood abruptly, scanning intently. [color=#DC143C]"I sensed something too! I was looking for a pattern. What in Thune's hell did you [i]think[/i] I was asking about?"[/color] He closed his eyes, pressed a hand to one temple, and held the other up to forestall any further speech from her while he was searching.

Roslyn bristled, but inhaled and bit her tongue. She had a feeling picking a fight with the man wouldn't end in her favor. Her arms crossed over her chest as she scanned for the magic again. It was gone. Completely.

[i]What in the world is going on?[/i] Her eyes shifted between the two men. 

Berthold's face became frustrated and he muttered something under his breath. He moved to press a key. Meanwhile, Krauss seemed to be concentrating too. She felt a surge of temporal magic within her range which caused her elbow to twitch. The girl hoped they were leaving. After what felt like forever, Roslyn broke the silence.  [color=#cbc66d]"You asked what it felt like. It is hard to explain. I think I'd describe as oppressive?"[/color]  

Her eyes lingered on the organ and recounted what she remembered. Each time it played, the command magic had started up and Berthold had been lost in his music. It had stopped at least once already. Either this mage had bloody good timing, was watching them from afar, or... Could items use command magic? She never encountered one that could before so she thought it was impossible. Maybe that was a mistake on her part.  

[color=#cbc66d]"It's gone. I don't understand."[/color] She decided to delay a bit more before she made her exit. It would look weird if she left too soon anyways. [color=#cbc66d]"What piece were you rehearsing? And where's the part when I interrupted you?" [/color]

A single high, cheery note echoed through the unfinished cathedral, very much at odds with the storm outside and the darkness within. Berthold scowled. [color=#DC143C]"I sense nothing."[/color] His scowl became cross, and he played a few more notes, pausing and focusing. Even his absent, perfunctory playing sounded rather nice. [color=#DC143C]"And still nothing."[/color] He shook his head and whirled on the spot. [color=#DC143C]"If some bastard [i]is[/i] using my music as cover, he's a clever bastard."[/color] His eyes flicked Johann Krauss' way, and it was likely [i]meant[/i] to be subtle.

It was not.

The architect glared at the organist. [color=#00CED1]"May I help you, Lothmann?"[/color]

[color=#DC143C]"No,"[/color] Berthold replied. [color=#DC143C]"I fear you may not."[/color]

Then, as if to break the budding tension between the two men, came Roslyn's question. [color=#DC143C]"It was an original composition, for ze opening of ze Dom: a toccata and fugue. I was just entering ze fugue."[/color] He arched an eyebrow. [color=#DC143C]"Why?"[/color]

Johann, however, seemed to have had enough of her snooping however. [color=#00CED1]"Well, whatever it is - toccata or fugue or prelude or fantasia - you can discuss it outside of my place of work! Haven't you - [i]all[/i] of you - caused enough trouble already!?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"A thought hit me. If someone memorized it, they would know exactly where the best times to strike were  and not really have to think... "[/color] In the moment, it felt logical, but now she wondered if she simply sounded mad. 

Roslyn had noticed the tension between the two, but said nothing. If they were the only other two inside the building, they were suspects for the command mage. Still Marci didn't seem fully sure about the attacker's whereabouts. And even if her friend was right, Roslyn had no grounds or authority on which to arrest either of them. 

With a deep breath, the girl did a quick scan. It seemed she was the only one still here. Now her curiosity and caution gnawed at each other, both struggling for her attention. Was it wise to stay here any longer? Maybe it was time to use her common sense this time instead of her heart. 

 In the past, she might've curled into herself or avoided eye contact when confronted by Krauss' words. Now she simply steeled herself against instinct. [color=#cbc66d]"Again, I can only apologize for the inconvenience. I know it's frustration, but please understand we only want to help."[/color]

She straightened her skirt then added. [color=#cbc66d]"However, I do agree. I've bothered you both long enough and last I recalled, there's a storm coming. Have a good evening and please be safe."[/color]

Her voice made it clear she meant that last part as she walked to the stairs. Hopefully the others didn't run into trouble with the portal. The last 'adventure' still stuck in her mind even now and made her shiver.

Roslyn headed down the steps and, as she did, in the background, the two men began to argue again, in Kerreman. It was enough to draw a glance as she departed and, when she did so, just as Berthold was screeching in an incensed and high-pitched voice, Johann Krauss made a small gesture. 

The organist cut off abruptly, jerked and, grinding his teeth, sat back at his stool and began playing his instrument immediately, resuming just where he'd left off. Then, there were stairs to descend and people to meet outside.

Upon hearing the argument intensifying, Roslyn instinctively slowed her pace and glanced back. She feared Berthold might erupt like earlier and attack Krauss. That didn't happen. Instead, the architect seemed to silence the man and the organist returned to his playing. As the music echoed in the cathedral walls, she didn't stop. 

Her thoughts considered what she just witnessed. The change was abrupt and unnatural, seemingly not willing. She didn't dare to slow her pace as she quickly reached the bottom and headed out the door. Once the double doors shut behind her, she spotted the others landing right in front of a speeding wagon. 

[color=#cbc66d]"What went wrong [i]now[/i]?!?" [/color] She blurted out loud in disbelief. 

Meanwhile, her hand reached into her skirt. She touched the compass and added a secondary boost of kinetic gift to her step. It was unclear if she would make it in time, but she had to try.[/hider][h2]Rendezvous [/h2][hider=********]As Roslyn drew nearer, she dreaded the worst for... nothing it seemed. A mixture of relief and amusement crossed her face as everyone seemed all right. She came to Ingrid and extended her arm to help the Eskandish woman up. [color=#cbc66d] "I swear, I'm going to need a strong heart with you a lot. "[/color]

Ingrid slowly lifted herself from the snow, blood pooling and mixing into an ice slurry. She cried a little from the pain, letting out a pathetic whelp as she started to stitch her face back together. Her head was foggy and her neck hurt something fierce. She could barely hear them over the pulsing blood in her head but they sounded like they were having some fun, she thinks?

She couldn't say. Thinking hurted right now. [color=8882be][i]They're talking so they have to be okay,[/i][/color] Ingrid let herself think as she lets herself fall back on the snow. She knew she should get up but laying down was more comfortable right now. Just a minute or so for her head to clear up. In that minute or so, she felt this gnawing hunger start to creep in her faster than the cold and before she knew it she was sitting up and taking Roslyn's hand, hunger compelling her. Roslyn looked like a little mouse, something meant to be devoured but that feeling faded with a pain in her head and a not so small amount of self control. She smiled at Roslyn, agreeing with her take on all this. [color=734960]"Oh it did, I just healed up a little,"[/color] she waved off the injury as some of the pain lingered in her actions.

Roslyn tried not to flinch at the damage remaining on Ingrid. [color=#cbc66d]" You still got a little something... there."[/color] Using her binding and a bit of chemical, she made a gesture toward the bruising to hasten its healing. 

Marceline blinked as her glorious snowspear™ missed the mark entirely. She twisted awkwardly where she sat and regarded Ingrid. [color=#598527]"Oh my Oraff, Ingrid!"[/color] It was worse than she'd thought. The concern also made it look like she'd missed for a good reason. She put hands to wheels out of instinct, to try to roll over there, but she was effectively attached to the wagon.

Something like a spear of snow would only hold together if the person wielding it held some actual malice. Xiuyang only offered a neck tilt for a dodge as she continued giggling. [color=slateblue]"Cargo secured, Boss Lady. Are we in the clear?"[/color]

Ingrid mouthed a thank you to Roslyn before turning away. [color=8882be]"Is this where the body is Marci?"[/color] Ingrid asked, trying to divert attention from herself as she cleaned the blood from herself.

Roslyn's eyes turned to the skies to monitor the weather. The fact there was a storm coming didn't escape her mind and the last thing she wanted was to be caught in it. In the background, she caught Johann and Marco exchanging blows of both the verbal and snowy kind. 

A little fun wouldn't hurt her, would it? After all it seemed like the danger had passed for now and there was no one bleeding out anymore. Discreetly, she used her kinetic to form a ball then snap it up to her hand. A touch of arcane kept it nice and chill. 

Of course, Ingrid's words caught her attention and Roslyn's eyes shifted to the wagon.

[color=#598527]"I am not cargo! I am a human being! I don't care to just be...picked [i]up![/i]"[/color] Marceline wailed at Xiuyang, but then she blinked. [color=#598527]"Oh, you mean that."[/color] All around them was a blizzard and it was cold and windy. It had started to cut through her. 

Through it all, Jana had said nothing, though her facial expressions had spoken plenty. With a bit of chemical and (mostly) binding magic, Marceline peeled herself free of the sticky shield and dropped back down onto the ground. She swallowed and nodded, glancing about. The boys were still murderous, but they would work it out... or there would be [i]three[/i] bodies.

The thought felt, somehow, invasive and out of place, though. These men were dead. They were out in a blizzard. A command magic user had tried to [i]kill[/i] them, and then knowers! Maybe that was why they'd laughed: because it was easier than letting it all get to you. [color=#598527]"Thanks, Xiuyang."[/color] She glanced about, wrapping arms around herself and drawing in as much heat as she could. [color=#598527]"We should get them to the constabulary and then get inside, huh?"[/color]

Ingrid walked over, not limping but her gait was slower, more hesitant to see the dead men. She took a look, more of a sense for body shaped people to confirm it for now. [color=8882be]"Has the lady said anything yet?"[/color] she asked Xiuyang.

[color=#cbc66d]"Shouldn't we try and break those two up?" [/color] Roslyn pointed at Marco and Johann, noticing the play escalating a bit.

[color=#DA70D6]"Ef þið eruð að velta fyrir ykkur hreimnum mínum, þá er ég frá Blárhæð,"[/color] the traveling trader continued, switching to... Blárhæðic momentarily. [color=#DA70D6]"Ännu viktigare är att din vän inte litar på mig. Typisk grönländare."[/color] She did not look at Xiuyang as she spoke and gave nothing away with her steady, even tone of voice. [color=#DA70D6]"Men att döma av din röst och din fråga verkar det som att du inte heller litar på mig."[/color] She narrowed her eyes. [color=#DA70D6]"Du lämnar inte en död kropp vid vägkanten, annars kommer hans själ inte till himlen och du kommer att bli anklagad för mordet. Nu -"[/color] She paused. [color=#DA70D6]"Vill du åka i den här vagnen eller vill du hellre gå?"[/color] She was still gripping the reins.

[color=7b6c64]"Ack! My eyes! Magic is cheating you scumbag!"[/color] Marco had tried blocking the snowball with his hands and paid the price when it exploded in his face, coating his head in freezing cold powder. He hadn't expected such a low blow, even from Johann. Now all bets were off.

[color=7b6c64]"You think a mage needs their eyes to find someone ten feet away from them you idiot!?"[/color] Marco's reprisal came swiftly as he packed another snowball and hurled it at Johann's forehead. However, just as the big man moved to avoid it, the ball curved past his ear before making a u-turn, aiming to hit him in the back of the head.

Xiuyang, still sitting in the wagon and cleaning up the mess that remained of her regenerating shield, nodded and beckoned the others to get on, oblivious to the conversation going on between Ingrid and Jana.

Ingrid eyed Xiuyang and shook her head, [color=8882be]"Nej nej,"[/color] Ingrid tried to dismiss it. [color=8882be]"Vi är i den här staden för att utreda dessa mord och du råkade bära kropparna. Tack för skjutsen,"[/color] Ingrid gave some thanks and patted the side of the horse's head and gave it some binding in case she hurt it. 

[color=8882be]"She said we can ride into town with her."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Well then, maybe someone better break up the boys' fight after all,"[/color] Xiuyang replied, turning and vaulting over to the front of the wagon. Putting her feet up and pulling the inferno blanket tightly around her shoulders, she was decidedly [i]not[/i] volunteering herself for this exercise. [color=slateblue]"Thank you for the ride, by the way,"[/color] Xiuyang added, apparently keeping the fact that Jana didn't stop between the two of them.

[color=#cbc66d]"I got it." [/color] Roslyn twisted about and cupped her mouth, boosting her voice with kinetic. [color=#cbc66d]"Boys, Stop fighting! We got a ride back! Get in!" [/color]

Johann was able to bind a small spongy cushion, but the projectile still struck with enough force to make him stagger forward. turned it into a dive, a roll, and massive tsunami of snow set to bury Marco.

Then, Roslyn intervened. This could not be countenanced. This was a duel between men and it was sacrosanct. Johann's eyes shot to Marco, assuming - no, [i]knowing[/i] - that he would understand what needed to be done.

Marco sent his own wave of snow Johann's way, seemingly dead set on settling things with his big boned nemesis once and for all. The two walls of watery ice began to close the distance, but just before the coming power struggle ensued, a mischievous smirk crossed Marco's lips. At the last second he bent his fingers in Roslyn's direction, forcing the twin tsunamis to join together and aim for her instead!

Johann propelled them from behind with his binding magics and they towered above the mousy girl, ready to consume her. He grinned wickedly. [color=goldenrod]"Well played, sir."[/color]

Whether they listened or not, Roslyn turned back to the others. Her hand pulled into her skirt pocket and gripped her compass. She was going to have to be fast if she wanted to get there in time.  [color=#cbc66d]"I might risk going to the archives. We'll need something to do while being snowed in and I might catch it before it closes. I might need to ask Sybille for a-"[/color] 

Snow hit her back and everything went white. Where the girl once stood, a snowbank of several feet took its place.

Ingrid shook her head as they targeted the poor mouse, [color=8882be]"killar"[/color] she was disappointed in them. [color=8882be]"Can you get out little Rosy?"[/color] she called out to the snowwoman.

The noise of crunching snow was the answer followed by a muffled sound.

Marco carefully wiped the residue from his eyes using his black handkerchief and deposited it back inside of his pocket. The fight appeared to have left him, apparently satisfied by his practical joke, and he started to walk back towards the wagon. He looked over his shoulder at Johann and gave him a nod and a thumbs up.

Johann nodded and returned the gesture. There was nothing like a common foe to bring two people together. He turned partway around but thought better of it, and began to unbind the snow. [color=goldenrod]"It's nothing personal, Rose,"[/color] he assured her, [color=goldenrod]"but you interrupted something sacrosanct, and there had to be consequences.[/color] Then, he turned and hustled over, wrapping his cloak around himself as the visiting wagon came to a stop.

It was Bastian who spoke first. [color=#1E90FF]"So you have them in there?"[/color] He shook his head. [color=#1E90FF]"Poor bastards - "[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"And their families,"[/color] Edith interjected, shawl and arms alike wrapped tightly around herself.

[color=#1E90FF]"Right on the eve of Caldores."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"It's only one, by the way, Bastian."[/color] Edith nodded slowly, picking out the students hunkered against the other wagon. For a moment, her eyes lingered on Jana, and the Blarthic trader sat a bit straighter and returned the gaze. [color=#87CEEB]"The other is still up by the river."[/color]

A faint, reddish glow emitted from the snow bank as Roslyn melted the snow and ice in front of her. Water pooled and cooled until it crafted a door about her size. Brushing slush out of her hair, the little mouse sighed and stepped out. 

[color=#cbc66d]"I suppose I asked for that. Just remember what you said for next time."[/color] 

The whole day's events, from finding the body to facing the wrath of an organist, finally caught up to her. She was freezing as her teeth chattered. Her jaw tightened to silence it.

 It would take a bit to warm up and dry off, the water having soaked into her dress a bit. They needed to get to the archives, but she wasn't sure she'd make it. She rubbed her arms to try and chase the chill away.

For a moment, Marceline, who shot Johann and Marco a glare that could melt lead, considered teleporting Roslyn to the archives out of habit. She had been working hard on her temporal magic, for it was not only a substitute for the mobility that she was sorely lacking, it was the true divider between a good thaumaturge and an elite one. 

That impulse lasted, perhaps, a second or two as the memory of her recent debacle at the hands of the Knowers came crashing in. Marci nodded quickly, businesslike, as Roslyn emerged from her frosty - if temporary - burial. [color=598527]"You should go, Rose. Make a run for it while we figure things out."[/color] She was still binding the last of the shield's stickiness away. [color=598527]"I'll -"[/color] [color=598527][i]*follow you. Go with you?*[/i][/color] There was at least one moment each day when, for one reason or another, it hurt. It [i]really[/i] hurt: [color=598527][i]*I can't. I'm not able to do that.*[/i][/color] As she always did, Marceline buried it. If she was to be taken seriously, if she was to be good company, they must not see the depth of her struggles. They must not think her [i]too[/i] different, [i]too[/i] broken. Needing to be rescued by Xiuyang had been embarrassing enough. 

The tethered realized that she had left an awkwardly long pause at this point, but she was rescued by Ingrid's sudden action. With little fanfare or questioning, the big Eskandishwoman simply lifted the body gently and brought it over to the deputies' cart, where Bastian received and secured it with care. [color=#1E90FF]"We'll go retrieve ze other,"[/color] he promised.

[color=598527]"Okay,"[/color] Marceline self-corrected, [color=598527]"Maybe we [i]all[/i] make a run for it."[/color] She was already doing what she could to warm Roslyn, but she was no arcane mage and it was enough of a task to warm herself. 

Johann, just clambering into the wagon's rear, had a different concern, however. [color=goldenrod]"You're going out there, in this weather!?"[/color] he demanded of the deputies.

Edith's worried eyes sought Bastian's, but the red-haired man nodded. [color=#1E90FF]"As protectors of zis town, it is our sworn and solemn duty,"[/color] he declared, the howling wind nearly taking his words. If Edith did not echo his strident sentiment, she did not speak out against it either. She merely adjusted her gloves with a grimly resigned determination. [color=#87CEEB]"We are professionals,"[/color] she said with a small, serious smile. [color=#87CEEB]"We will be back before long."[/color] Bastian flashed a winning grin and he clambered in beside her - [i]right[/i] beside her - and held a hand out for the reins. He winked in the students' direction, particularly Ingrid's. [color=#1E90FF]"You've done good work - zis town owes you. Now,"[/color] he promised, his good nature fading to something more serious, [color=#1E90FF]"let [i]us[/i] handle ze grim stuff."[/color]

Xiuyang quietly took in every conversation. Every muscle in her body ached, and she yearned for warmth and liquor. After a moment, she stood up, and wrapped her inferno blanket around Roslyn. [color=slateblue]"Please reconsider,"[/color] Xiuyang urged Edith and Bastian. [color=slateblue]"I've ensured Herr Zimmerman will still be there after the storm. If you go now, we risk losing four souls to the blizzard, and all the answers this body provides along with them."[/color]

Bastian shook his head. [color=#1E90FF]"There are people in this town - forces - that I cannot trust."[/color] He shook his head sadly, and Edith glanced his way, her expression somewhere between supportive, knowing, and - ultimately - enigmatic. [color=#1E90FF]"There is every chance that poor Herr Zimmerman will be gone if we wait."[/color]

Edith swallowed, casting a small spell on herself and her partner for warmth. [color=#87CEEB]"And his family, in the holiday season, knowing that he's dead but that he hasn't been brought in."[/color] Her fingers curled and opened in their gloves. [color=#87CEEB]"It is too cruel."[/color] She shook her head. [color=#87CEEB]"Our duty is clear and, besides, we  -"[/color]

[color=#1E90FF]"We've been out in worse,"[/color] Bastian cut in, waving a dismissive hand as if to reassure them that it was but a trifle. [color=#1E90FF]"You might be students from a big fancy school, but don't forget that we're perfectly... kompetent mages ourselves."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"If something unexpected happens,"[/color] Edith assured them, [color=#87CEEB]"I will pinch message Lady Hohenfelter immediately."[/color]

Marceline nodded seriously. [color=598527]"I will be alert for it."[/color]

Edith and Bastian, their cart already starting to move as the wind reached a new peak of intensity, paused and looked at each other. [color=#87CEEB]"You're young, Ingrid, and exhausted,"[/color] Edith protested. Bastian's eyes flicked over to his peer as she spoke, evaluatively, perhaps. [color=#87CEEB]"We [i]can[/i] handle this,"[/color] the tethered promised. 

[color=#1E90FF]"She is a woman grown,"[/color] Bastian assured his partner. [color=#1E90FF]"Let her make her own decisions, and her presence won't be... unhelpful."[/color]

Edith glanced nervously between them and bit her lower lip. Then, she nodded tersely, businesslike and all action. [color=#87CEEB]"Then it's decided, let's not waste another second."[/color] She twisted about as Bastian started the cart moving again, and patted her wheelchair, which was sitting in the bed behind them. [color=#87CEEB]"best seat in ze house!"[/color] she joked, into another howling gust, quickly pulling her coat and shawl tighter.

Ingrid hopped into the back of the cart with Edith and waved off to her friends. She quickly got to work creating a warm bubble of air and keeping the storm away from them. Ingrid's fluffy dress morphed into something similar to Edith's dress and coat but with more flair. Similar but stand out.

Roslyn appreciated Marci's effort and it showed with a small smile.  [color=#cbc66d]"It's all right, I got my compass. Honestly, I don't want anyone else caught up in this weather. It's faster if I go by myself." [/color] 

Her teeth had stopped chattering thankfully. [color=#cbc66d]"Just promise me you'll keep an eye on me? You're the only one who really can and I have had enough excitement for today." [/color] She squeezed Marci's hands to show how much she meant that. 

She then felt the weight of something dropping over her shoulders. Her eyes blinked as she turned her head. It was the inferno blanket she had put into the auction causing her grin to widen. [color=#cbc66d]"Really glad you got this and thank you. I'll give it back when I meet you at the hotel. Now, wish me luck." [/color] 

Not wasting any more time, she drew.  Her kinetic and chemical flowed through her tired muscles before she gripped her compass. Once it activated, she became a blur as she rushed to the archives.

[color=598527]"Okay okay,"[/color] Marci deflected at Roslyn, [color=598527]"stop giving me 'routine goodbye that has doomy final vibes' energy and just [i]go[/i]!"[/color] She shook her head with as much playfulness as she could muster. [color=598527]"I'll have your back all the way."[/color] She smiled reassuringly, [color=598527]"like only I can."[/color] Then, she leaned over and wrapped a big strong arm around Xiuyang. [color=598527]"And I'll take care of [i]this[/i] one too."[/color]
[/hider][h2]Dashing Through the Snow[/h2][hider=*********][color=slateblue]"You'll give it back to me sooner than you think,"[/color] Xiuyang replied with an enigmatic smile. [color=slateblue]"I will pray for your success,"[/color] she offered to Edith—sincerely. There was a gravity to her tone, as if the two of them had earned her respect. A part of her wanted to go with them, too, but she couldn't do everything.

Xiuyang hugged Marci in return to her gesture, but then shook her head. [color=slateblue]"You've been doing too much. Let me take just one task off your mind, my friend,"[/color] she whispered. Then, suddenly, she took off after Roslyn. [color=slateblue]"Come on,"[/color] she said with a grin. [color=slateblue]"None of us should go anywhere alone—and if we have to take shelter, being snowed in with you at the archives doesn't sound so bad."[/color]

Roslyn's eyes darted to the cathedral for a moment. Her thoughts briefly returned to the command mage and what she witnessed. She didn't want to dwell on it as she stuck out her tongue.  [color=#cbc66d]"Just remember that next time you go to a mine or something."[/color] 

Her gift kicked up her speed another notch, but Xiuyang gained quickly and soon rushed past her. [color=#cbc66d]"Show off!"[/color]

Johann took his seat in the back of the wagon beside Marco, offering up a friendly slap on the back for the smaller boy. [color=goldenrod]"You know,"[/color] he offered, having to nearly shout to be heard over the flapping of the wagon's canvas, [color=goldenrod]"I think we're going to do this! I think we have it under control."[/color] He smiled and unslung his bag as they started to move. In the distance, the other cart, containing the deputies, Ingrid, and the poor late Herr Weber, turned and faded into the blizzard. Ahead, Roslyn and Xiuyang took off in the same rough direction that the wagon was headed, disappearing into the swirling whiteness. Meanwhile, Johann extracted a couple of small cinnamon donuts. [color=goldenrod]"Hier, mein Freund."[/color] He held one out towards Marco. [color=goldenrod]"They are a local delicacy."[/color]

That left Marci up front with Jana as the others disappeared. There were various dried meats, barrels, and crates in the back, along with her wheelchair and the boys. She flashed them a perfunctory friendly little smile and did the same for Jana. [color=598527]"Die Tanzsteifel?"[/color] she questioned, and the great big Eskandishwoman nodded and offered a thumbs-up. [color=#DA70D6]"Ja, we go,"[/color] she replied in broken Avincian, and she was, all things considered, not much of a conversationalist in her second language.

The cart clattered along and Marceline kept her word, being a good tethered and sensing: a wagon with three people and a body heading one way, into moderate danger that she was sure they could handle; two girls who she considered friends running off ahead, racing each other. She could feel the adrenaline, the spikes of dopamine, their laughter, and it reminded her of the time when the three of them had escaped the auction house together and left a confused do-gooder Seviin behind. 

Marceline was not with them, but she kept a broad view of things, and extrapolated that they would make it on time and succeed, same as the other group. She thought of pinch messaging them, but it might distract the pair, and she didn't want to be the cause of their failure. Her pocketwatch, just as she was tucking it back into her coat, let out a faint 'ding' and it was time for her routine. Duly, dully, the tethered pushed herself up on her hands and supported the act for the next ten seconds with some kinetic magic as the wagon clattered over bumpy ground. She came back down with a thud that likely defeated much of the routine's purpose when Jana drove them into a divot. The boys in the back bumped, and Johann rolled onto his back, prompting another teasing remark from Marco about his friend's... shape.

Marceline turned her gaze up ahead, and her magic saw all, but her vision... for some reason, it was blurry.

Xiuyang skidded around the corner with five minutes to spare. Sibylle was sitting anxiously at her desk, gloves sitting in front of her and a shawl over her head. All of the archive's books and files were packed away for the holidays, and she was just glancing anxiously between the clock and the blizzard outside when her visitor arrived.

[color=#FFEBCD]"Oh, um... Salomé, right?"[/color] the Roslyn lookalike squeaked, [color=#FFEBCD]"We're about to close, just -"[/color] The girl was already moving. [color=#FFEBCD]"so you know. Did you... need anything?"[/color]

It was naught but half a minute later when Roslyn burst through the door, somewhat warmer than her counterpart.

Xiuyang blinked. [color=slateblue]"We, ah, came for the materials we left behind."[/color] She paused. [color=slateblue]"I might've guessed you would have cleaned up by now, huh?"[/color] A sheepish smile she had been unwittingly practicing a lot ended up forming on her face.

Sibylle nodded, businesslike. [color=#FFEBCD]"Unfortunately, I have thrown them in the rubbish bin."[/color] She frowned apologetically.

Xiuyang blinked, not once, but twice. [color=slateblue]"Which one, if you don't mind?"[/color] she replied, deadpan. Apparently, she was not above fishing through a rubbish bin.

Sibylle blinked, not twice, but thrice. [color=#FFEBCD]"I was just 'joshing' you, if you don't mind,"[/color] she replied, deadpan. Apparently, she was not above fishing for a prank.

She reached into the desk and pulled out a neat-looking folder. [color=#FFEBCD]"Your friend, Lady Dorothea, was here earlier. She took off in quite a hurry some time ago. She had some of the notes, but the rest are in here."[/color] She offered up a smug little smirk and pushed it across the counter towards Xiuyang. [color=#FFEBCD]"Merry Caldores,"[/color] she offered sweetly.

It was at around this moment that the disheveled figure of Roslyn Wicke hove into view through the near-whiteout beyond the window. Sibylle's eyes widened and she leaned in quickly. [color=#FFEBCD]"Do not tell her about this. An unwitting victim is always a funnier one."[/color] She turned to the door, duly resetting her face to 'professional courtesy'.

Xiuyang smiled tightly, in faux irritation concealing a sense of camaraderie with a fellow jester. [color=slateblue]"Thank you for your hard work as always,"[/color] she replied, mirroring the very image of professionalism. [color=slateblue]"I might recommend closing early. It's Caldores, after all, and it's not going to get any better out there."[/color]

Upon sighting the building, Roslyn pushed through the door. Her chest heaved from the adrenaline as she pushed it shut behind her. She could still hear the wind howling in her ears. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Always feels like I'm a few steps behind you."[/color] She said to Xiuyang then her eyes turned to her cousin. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Sorry Sibylle for coming so close to closing time... It's been a difficult day."[/color] Roslyn dusted off the snow from her face and stomped her boots clean. She stopped and stared at the bare table. [color=#cbc66d]"Uh, where are our notes?"[/color] 

Sibylle swallowed. [color=#FFEBCD]"I regret to inform you that we have a policy of destroying any personal notes left behind before holidays in case they might contain sensitive information."[/color] She grimaced regretfully. [color=#FFEBCD]"Ugh. It was only..."[/color] She glanced up at the clock. [color=#FFEBCD]"About ten minutes ago, as well, as I was closing things up."[/color] She regarded her distant cousin with an apologetic face.

Roslyn just stared in disbelief. Her heart sank and that familiar bubble of emotion shot up to the surface. Instinctively, she pushed it down. She'd deal with it later like she always did. Her hands pressed up against her mouth and nose as she inhaled deeply to calm herself. 

[color=#cbc66d]"What do you mean, you've destroyed them? And what sensitive information could some notes have that no one can access here?!?"[/color]

Sibylle took a step back and wrapped her arms around herself defensively. [color=#FFEBCD]"I don't know for certain, and that's the point,"[/color] she protested. [color=#FFEBCD]"It's why the rule exists."[/color] She shook her head. [color=#FFEBCD]"People could be looking into former mistresses or bastard children or somebody's criminal record, or any number of things."[/color] She swallowed and took a few steps towards a small door off in the corner. 

[color=#FFEBCD]"But it's all in the rubbish. It's retrievable, and it's mostly paper."[/color] She nodded, engaged. [color=#FFEBCD]"You can try to retrieve them, if you like. I'll be happy to look the other way... for family."[/color] She finished with a soft smile.

A pang of guilt stung despite Roslyn's exhaustion. It didn't help that she felt close to just shattering even if it was physically impossible. There was no other way other than to just do it. They needed those notes and she wasn't going to leave here without them. 

[color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gotten upset."[/color] She rolled up her sleeves, moving toward the small door. [color=#cbc66d]"I'll try to be quick about it."[/color]
Sibylle glanced up at the clock with a hint of anxiety and then double-checked using her pocket watch. [color=#FFEBCD]"Of course, it's no problem, really."[/color] Her bearing rather [i]bled[/i] nervousness, however. [color=#FFEBCD]"I can give you three and a half minutes, if you need it."[/color] Her eyes darted Xiuyang's way. [color=#FFEBCD]"Perhaps Salomé could help?"[/color]

Xiuyang quickly folded the hand holding the documents neatly behind her back as she approached Roslyn. [color=slateblue]"Sure. Let me just—here."[/color] Xiuyang put the arm holding the documents around Roslyn's shoulder, holding them just barely out of the corner of her eye. She held her other hand forward, sparking a light for Roslyn to see beyond the door they were about to open.

[color=#cbc66d]"No, it's fine. You really don't need to. It's not my first time getting my hands dirty and won't be the last."[/color] Roslyn protested, not wanting to drag Xiuyang into this mess. Of course it felt like her protests fell on deaf ears as her friend wrapped her arm around the Hendlish girl and then began to guide her along. [color=#cbc66d]"I appreciate it though. "[/color]

Sibylle kept a straight face through it all. They opened the door and began searching through the bin but, frustratingly, Roslyn could find none of theirs, so she switched, in her growing desperation, to looking for traces of them on other papers. It was in this pursuit, as time was dwindling and Xiuyang also seemed to be searching, that they came upon a particularly interesting paper. It was yellowed, as if it had been sitting fallow atop a desk for - perhaps - years before being used. There was a sizable coffee spill, long since dried, that had to have been the reason there was no writing on it.

What caught the pair's attention, however, was the outline of a name and partial sentence which seemed to have been written hastily, in jot notes, on the paper above and seeped through. Perhaps it had been thin paper. It had even left something of an impression. They could just about make it out: 

'Potential threat - take to Lady Frickmayer or handle?'

[color=#cbc66d]"Xiuyang..."[/color] Roslyn glanced at her friend as she pulled the paper from the rubbish bin. She squinted a bit then had her eyes widen. [color=#cbc66d]"I think I found something."[/color] 

She handled it as gently as he could, passing it over to her friend. [color=#cbc66d]" Careful, it's really delicate."[/color] 

She handled it as gently as she could over to her friend. [color=#cbc66d]" Careful, it's really delicate."[/color] 

Roslyn would face a nonplussed Xiuyang, caught red-handed holding the folder of theirs and Marci's combined research. She blinked. A guilty grin formed on her lips.[color=slateblue]"I was totally coerced, alright? Your cousin said she'd buy me a drink if I played alo—"[/color] Her excuses came to an abrupt stop once she saw the words written on the page. She held out the folder, a flat surface for Roslyn to gently place the sheet of paper on. [color=slateblue]"Here, let's see what it says. If it's incriminating, I'll try to preserve it,"[/color] she said in a hushed voice.

When Roslyn spotted the folder in Xuiyang's hand and heard her explain... She realized she had been duped. Now she began to suspect she had a good reason for biting her cousin as a child. [color=#cbc66d]"I see and fair warning: If you all keep it up, you will come to regret it."[/color] 

Though it was a threat, there was clearly no malice in it. Her mind returned back to the serious matter at hand. She lowered the paper  on the folder and then jerked her hands back, concerned her touch might've already damaged it.  [color=#cbc66d]"It's not easy to read, but I think it's about the Frickemayer family. Maybe related to the fire? I hope they haven't had that interview with Lady Frickmayer."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"If you're not coming with, do your cousin a favor and get somewhere safe sometime today, yeah? I'd lose my sanity if I got snowed in at work,"[/color] Xiuyang quipped as she pulled the inferno blanket back around her shoulders. Given what she said earlier, it seemed unlikely that she actually meant it, not that Sybille would know that.

She nodded, finding herself thinking that the hooves outside had [i]better[/i] be who she hoped it was. [color=slateblue]"Yep. Let's scram. All I want on my mind for the rest of the day is fire, food, fine wine, and the [i]fuck[/i] outta here."[/color] With that, and the folders neatly tucked into her coat, she marched to the door and braced against the wind to open it.
[/hider][h2]Snowed In[/h2][hider=**********]
[color=goldenrod]"I, for one, am rather refreshed,"[/color] announced Johann, stretching and stifling a yawn as he strode through the inn doors. Marceline, meanwhile, groaned and rolled her neck, shooting Johann a tired look. [color=goldenrod]"To face danger and escape by a hair's breadth! This is the stuff of life! I think we made some real progress, too!"[/color]

[color=#598527]"Mmmmhm,"[/color] the tethered deadpanned. [color=#598527]"I'm buoyed by your optimism, Johann."[/color]

The innkeeper, Hoefler, looked up from his desk, where he'd been hard at work carving a small figurine from a block of wood with his knife. [color=#EEE8AA]"Ah, Eschiren sei Dank hast du es geschafft. Das Wetter ist tödlich."[/color] He shook his head. [color=#EEE8AA]"Der angebunden Deputy sagte mir, dass Ihr revidischer Freund es wegen des Schneesturms nicht zurück geschafft habe. Er schläft auf der Wache."[/color] He gestured towards a table near the hearth. [color=#EEE8AA]"Gräfin Dorothea ist vor etwa einer Stunde angekommen. Sie hat dort drüben einen Tisch."[/color]

[color=goldenrod]"Thank Eshiran you're alright. This weather is deadly,"[/color] Johann translated. Then, he raised an eyebrow in surprise and turned to Marci to say something quickly in Kerreman. She nodded, brow furrowed, and waved him off. [color=#598527]"Ja, Johann. Ich suche ihn gerade. Einen Moment."[/color] A few seconds later, her nod became more certain. [color=#598527]"Es ist wahr. Er ist da."[/color]

Johann let out a sigh of relief and translated belatedly. [color=goldenrod]"He said 'that tethered deputy told me that your Revidian friend couldn't make it back because of the snowstorm. He's sleeping at the station.' I asked Marci to check and she confirmed it."[/color] The tethered shot him a look of mild annoyance, but it quickly faded. [color=#598527]"He also says that Dory is over there, by the hearth."[/color]

As for Jana, she had brought the wagon around to the stables after dropping them off and was, currently, nowhere to be seen. Johann glanced outside for any sign of her, but all he could see was snow and the faint outlines of buildings in the burgeoning night. Lightning split the sky, illuminating them for a split second, and the windows shuddered from a pummeling gust of wind. Perhaps it was a little bit more than 'refreshing' outside, he had to admit.

Roslyn was taking in the heat until she caught Johann's comment. [color=#cbc66d]"Not sure I feel the same. If anything, I feel like I'm ready to collapse."[/color] 

After saying that, she felt a yawn tingle at the back of her throat. She clamped down on it and idly listened to the exchange. Hopefully Oraff kept them all safe as she recalled Ingrid was still out there. When Marci and Johann finished, she then spoke. [color=#cbc66d]"Okay, before everyone scatters for the night, we might want to share what we all found out. Before we forget it."[/color] 

Her eyes turned to Xiuyang as she recalled the paper. [color=#cbc66d]"Oh, and Xiuyang. We need to strengthen that paper. I know we're not sure if it's useful or not, but I think it's better to waste magic than take the risk. And may I have the research folder. I want to look over my notes before bed."[/color] 

As she waited for her friend to pass the folder, she then mentioned the most pressing matter on her mind. [color=#cbc66d]"Another thing is a certain problem."[/color] 

She didn't want to add to the town gossip as she continued. [color=#cbc66d]"Not sure what we can do about that, but I do have a suspicion."[/color] 

From the moment Xiuyang entered the safety of Die Tanzstiefel, she had been sitting at the base of the stairs. One could have made the mistake of thinking that she was curling into a ball and breathing on her hands to warm up, but as Roslyn approached, it was clear that she was whispering. Sure, she had said that she would pray for Edith and company, but surely none of the students who knew anything about her thought to take that remark seriously. If it were Xiuyang, it should have been a sarcastic quip about their chances in the storm—a joke in poor taste. Yet here she was, doing it.

She wasn't so absorbed in it that she couldn't spare a moment to silently hand over the folder to Roslyn, but she did take another minute after doing so to finish. Then, finally, she stood wearily up and, with the second folder secured in her coat, began looking around the room for a place to sit and work on it without an unwanted pair of eyes peering from behind her shoulder. Their last meeting at Die Tanzstiefel had not exactly been the most private, after all. 


[color=slateblue]"Exciting day at the crypt, then?"[/color] she asked nobody in particular.

Almost immediately, Marci appeared beside the stairs, backing in and snapping her brakes shut. [color=598527]"You could say that,"[/color] she replied. [color=598527]"There's a command mage at work, and he was targeting us."[/color] The tethered stifled a yawn and rolled her neck. [color=598527]"Marco found the fabled 'Blitzwerfer', crates of them being kept there in secret."[/color] She shrugged tiredly, head lolling a bit to the side. [color=598527]"I got there too late for the rest of it."[/color] She lowered her voice. [color=598527]"There was a timeline where we all would've died. I anchored myself before I was killed and reset things."[/color] She wrapped her arms around herself protectively. [color=598527]"We're into something big. I can sense it."[/color] She let out a weak snort. [color=598527]"Maybe I should pray to Shune... or Eshiran."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"You should try all of them, just to be safe,"[/color] Xiuyang replied in her typical jest. [color=slateblue]"I found them too, crates of them,"[/color] she said in a hushed whisper. [color=slateblue]"I got your warning about the dark mage, but there were at least three people. Edith was telling the truth. They can hide even from her. And one of them—a woman—her voice didn't seem human."[/color]

Roslyn's eyes jumped up from flipping through the notes. Marceline had... died? The words sent a numbness down her spine and she regretted not trying harder to stop her friend. It didn't matter now, she told herself, they are all alive. It still failed to comfort her.  

Her gaze lowered in thoughtfulness. She bit her lip as she began to piece together some of the puzzle pieces of this mystery. Krauss had assigned both men for the check because he knew of the town's little stash. However, the victims knew nothing about it because Edith and Hans didn't want them involved. In the end, that lack of communication might've gotten them killed. 

She thought back to the cathedral before she spoke.  [color=#cbc66d]"If we investigate the crypt again, we're going to need to do it when no one's around. Or use people that won't be noticed. The architect knew all three of you were down there. "[/color] 

Her eyes darted to the door.  [color=#cbc66d]"This is going to sound crazy, but... we could use the storm as cover. It looks bad enough it might last a day or so. It's dangerous, but no one should be there. "[/color] 

[color=8882be]"That would be crazy, I think you little things would freeze to death,"[/color] Ingrid sat down with a reddened face and took off her gloves and ordered some food.

Xiuyang looked around in disbelief, as if quietly questioning the whole room if they'd just heard the words coming out of the Hendlish girl's mouth. [i]She'd[/i] certainly gotten a lot bolder. [color=slateblue]"At the risk of sounding like a defeatist... if we plan to use the storm as a cover to do anything, it should be to get some reinforcements,"[/color] she replied. 

[color=slateblue]"Why would they vacate their site when they've turned it into a nice cozy fortress? I certainly didn't see anyone packing their bags on my end."[/color]

She settled on a table in a corner next to the stairs. [color=slateblue]"I did get [i]some[/i] answers today. I found both bodies and examined them. Same cause of death, by my estimation: electrocution. They definitely found something they weren't meant to see. Poor boys walked right into a death trap. Even if intruders have access to the Gift, both sites have the means to cut it off. Anyone who approaches is a sitting duck. Infiltrating a hole like that takes days to plan, and possibly more resources than we have at the moment..."[/color] The vigor of her objections trailed off as she began to focus on the work of preserving the mystery paper Roslyn had mentioned before.

[color=#cbc66d]"To be fair, I think Marco and Johann already tried that. It didn't work."[/color] Roslyn teased the boys. 

When her eyes caught Xiuyang's expression, she regretted airing her earlier suggestion. It was stupid and too reckless, especially for her. If someone else more fitting  had done it, no one would've batted an eye. She glanced back to the papers and began to shuffle them into sections based on their subject. 

[color=8882be]"Our side of the crypt was less exciting,"[/color] Ingrid admitted. She wrote down on some paper about her findings of special locks, candle patterns and meanings, the knock pattern, and finally the words she heard from the olm's ears. A man speaking in Kerreman on Vengence and a 'plan' of sorts. She made note that they were talking to someone but Ingrid heard no reply from them. Also in the middle was her describing a beautiful portrait of Ahn-Eshiran from around 200 years ago. It seemed to just be added because Ingrid liked it. She had pulled the piece of paper and handed it around the table.

Johann butted in about then, glancing at the three girls. He seemed a little bit... [i]smaller[/i] around them, somehow, but all of the others were there in short order. [color=goldenrod]"Oh, you earned it,"[/color] he joked with Roslyn, but his voice quickly settled and he cleared some space in front of himself at the table and fished a quill, some paper, and a traveling inkpot from his satchel. 

[color=goldenrod]"As I see it,"[/color] he declared, [color=goldenrod]"we have a number of elements we need to keep track of, but the crux of the issue is whether they are related and, if so, [i]how[/i]?"[/color]

He tore off a strip of paper and scribbled the word 'blitzwerfer' on it in a fancy, swirly hand.  On another, he wrote 'Revidians'. On another, he wrote 'Kerremans'. He tore two more off quickly and wrote 'Hans' and 'Edith'. [color=goldenrod]"Grunewald,"[/color] he mumbled, tapping emphatically on the table between them and adding it as a label.
 
More followed: Ernst Zimmerman and Florian Weber, Cathedral, Johann Krauss, Rudolf Hanneman, Berthold Lothmann, Von Mollerns, Frickmayers, Liesl, Karl, Fritz, and Bastian. He added the Crypt and the Mines. Finally, he added 'Vengeance' and 'Curse?'

His eyes searched the others'. [color=goldenrod]"So, we have a visual guide now. How do these connect and... would you add any others?"[/color]

[color=598527]"Demons,"[/color] Marceline added immediately, eyes scanning the papers, [color=598527]"and 'Command Mage'."[/color] They turned to regard the others.

[color=8882be]"Florian's wife, Margit was a Grunewald and has a history behind why. Also Connected to Bastian so maybe him or his family are connected to the Grunewalds as well."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Demons,"[/color] Xiuyang agreed with Marci, nodding. [color=slateblue]"The smell of sulfur, if nothing else, following a dark mage."[/color] There was a pause while she tried to multitask reading what she'd preserved from the archives and listening to Johann's theorizing. [color=slateblue]"...Fritz?"[/color] she suddenly asked, perking up, as if it sparked something in her memory.

Duly, nodding along, Johann added the name and connections. He made a label for 'Schuttmann' as well. Hopefully, one of the others would have more information on them.

Marceline's eyes widened at Xiiyang's remark, however. [color=598527]"Fritz von Mollern!"[/color] She looked right at her friend. [color=598527]"What about him!?"[/color]

[color=goldenrod]"Shh,"[/color] cautioned Johann, eyes darting around. He managed a laugh that didn't sound completely nervous. [color=goldenrod]"Besides, that is very much a common name around here, you know."[/color]

The tethered, youngest among the group of youths, nodded slowly, eyes fixed upon Johann. [color=598527]"It isn't [i]un[/i]common,"[/color] she admitted.

[color=slateblue]"Mm. How many Fritzes in this town would address a 'Freiherr?'"[/color] Xiuyang added skeptically, recalling bits and pieces of what she heard in the mines. [color=slateblue]"But you know..."[/color] she sighed. [color=slateblue]"I had no access to the Gift and no way of knowing how many there were. I had to flee before I could get a good look at them, and the fact that they didn't try to stop me at all... bothers me. Realistically, I die there every time unless they had bigger fish to fry."[/color] She squinted at the note in her hand unpleasantly.

[color=8882be]"Maybe Marco and the battle nuns?"[/color] Ingrid suggested for forces to tackle the mine issue.

Marco was standing dutifully next to Johann with his arms crossed and his eyes halfway shut. If one looked very closely, they could spot the slight bulge protruding from his forest green cape, under which hid the reservoir for the lightning gun. For some strange reason he was stone silent, and he wouldn't even move his head to acknowledge that he was being spoken to. Sadly, that was because he was asleep, and he hadn't heard a thing the ladies said. As an early sleeper and early riser, the mission had dragged on well past his bed time. The physical and mental exertion of today's events had pushed him to the limit, and sitting in the carriage all the way here made Marco a little bit too comfortable.

Marceline leaned over, inquisitive, and poked him. She giggled softly and poked again. [color=598527]"Aww, isn't he [i]pwecious[/i]?"[/color] She twisted to regard Johann, stifling another yawn. [color=598527]"Hey, chief, can I take a look at that pen for a second?"[/color] Was her smile sweet or devilish?

Roslyn had been pretty quiet while the others talked. With her sorting done, she set the research notes down into their respectful piles. She reached for a scrap piece of paper as she jotted down her thoughts, including the spots they needed to check. 

She caught Marci's request for the pen and her eyes looked up. Her friend's expression looked  familiar as she took a guess of what was about to happen. [color=#cbc66d]"Marci, whatever is brewing in your head, are you sure that's a good idea?"[/color]

Marci pressed her lips together. [color=598527]"Almost certainly not."[/color] She considered. [color=598527]"But, this is why we should do it. We're making memories in our youth so we can treasure them when we're old and our boobs sag down to our waistbands and we're pooping in nappies."[/color] She nodded earnestly. She was late and the day had been an emotional rollercoaster and she was just... goofy at this point. She held out her hand for the pen imperiously, and Johann hesitated, though he snorted at her line. She twisted, instead, to regard someone else. [color=598527]"Xiuxiu, what do [i]you[/i] think?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Speak for yourself."[/color] Roslyn stuck her tongue out at her friend.  She straightened up and took in the moment. Deep down, it was likely going to become rare since the danger was growing now. Her mind tried to push the dread and worry to the side as she added. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm going to laugh when I get a 'I told you so' moment. "[/color]

[color=slateblue]"The price of a generous bosom paid in full in old age,"[/color] Xiuyang sighed forlornly. [color=slateblue]"Couldn't imagine such a terrible fate, Marci."[/color] She pursed her lips, peeking up from behind the note she was absorbed in. She said nothing about Marci's intentions toward Marco, but her eyes said it all: "Really? You wanna fuck with [i]that[/i] guy? It's your funeral, girl."

She paused, choosing her words carefully. [color=slateblue]"I saw a woman who seemed inhuman asking after a 'Fritz.' I heard another voice, who I presume to be Fritz, asking for orders from a 'Freiherr.' I never did find out which one was the dark mage—but I smelled sulfur when I felt their presence. I also heard an 'Iola' and 'Isac' talking amongst each other in another tunnel, both speaking Revidian. Their job was to look after the blitzwerfers."[/color]

Xiuyang voiced not a lick of support for the endeavour and, from Roslyn, only warnings. Back at the refuge, they'd done stuff like this to each other all the time - [color=598527][i]Well, usually the boys.[/i][/color] - and Marco was sleeping standing up! It was so [i]unique[/i]! It was such an [i]opportunity[/i]! [color=598527][i]How do you even -[/i][/color] Well, it wasn't something [i]she'd[/i] ever have to worry about, but she still tried to imagine how it could even work. Marci scowled thoughtfully during this pause, however, and relented, blowing a raspberry that quickly morphed into another yawn. She drew the most perfunctory little mustache on him and guiltily offered the pen back to Johann, who earned some goodwill by grinning at her handiwork and letting out a snicker. [color=goldenrod]"He's going to break your fingers for this, you know."[/color]

Marceline rolled her neck and shrugged. [color=598527]I've got Binding."[/color] She blinked and turned to Xiuyang. [color=598527]"Anyway, we have more important stuff to talk about. You heard someone talking [i]to[/i] or [i]about[/i] Baron Fritz von Mollern down in the mines, and it involved demons?"[/color] Her eyes flicked between the others, looking for input.

Xiuyang nodded. [color=slateblue]"They let me get away, which suggests to me that I hadn't gone deep enough to get any information they didn't want me to have,"[/color] she replied to Johann. [color=slateblue]"If there was some other battle that demanded their attention, it was too far away for me to sense it or hear any commotion. Maybe they too were escaping the same direction?"[/color]

She rolled her neck impatiently, feeling that she was going nowhere. [color=slateblue]"They were fried to death instantly. No signs of struggle that I could find, bearing in mind I didn't exactly have an hour or two to look over them."[/color]

[color=goldenrod]"Blitzwerfer?"[/color] questioned Johann.

[color=598527]"Or something [i]else[/i],"[/color] added Marci, narrowing her eyes.

Ingrid sat for a moment, looking over her notes and the notes being collected by Johann when she noticed something that she should address. [color=8882be]"In the Crypt, we reached a T intersection, Marco went left, we went right."[/color] She gestured to her and Johann. [color=8882be]"I had looked 'back' and saw that people often went through the middle, that some people just rushed into the left, and a few days ago 2 men went to the right. I originally assumed it was where the 2 missing men went since it roughly fit the timeline. But how could they have gotten past all the locks? Now knowing that their was some sort of duo Xiuyang heard, what I heard, and then finally the control mage, they would of had to die in the first room or not on the left at all."[/color]

Then she realized that what she said had nothing to do with what Marci was asking. [color=8882be]"Oh sorry, I was just thinking on some of the 'known' things. If I had to take a guess, some sort of conspiracy had transpired against the Frickmayer's, one that benefitted more people. Do we have a list of everyone who died in the fire. They are all nobility, the chance they all died in a house fire is relatively small. The last part is just conjecture."[/color]

Ingrid did a mighty yawn as she ate her food. It did nothing to settle her hunger. It was getting to her and the smell of people were starting to [i]feel[/i] appetizing. She could practically pick out what their RAS was right now.

[color=slateblue]"Their MO against intruders seems to be to disable the Gift and then hit them with the blitzwerfer. Sure, it could just be any attack from some magnetic mage, but why take the risk when you have such a solid strategy? It's the most likely cause of death,"[/color] Xiuyang reasoned.

Something didn't entirely settle within the Revidian's mind, and it was showing in her table manners, or lack thereof. Her mind was somewhere far off. A spark of magnetic energy danced from her fork to the fish on her plate, causing it to move a little.

[color=598527]"No,"[/color] Marci assured her. [color=598527]"No, it helps."[/color] She rearranged a few things. [color=598527]"For what it's worth, I agree that the fire and their deaths were no accident."[/color] She shook her head. [color=598527]"If I remember correctly, there were a couple of survivors, right?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Here. I recall that research. "[/color] Roslyn passed her notes over to Ingrid.  [color=#cbc66d]"The lower class deaths aren't as well documented, but there are a few names. About eleven Frickmayers were alive at the time, and as we know, all but one died. It was believed that since it happened at night, they all died from inhaling the smoke and in their sleep."[/color] 

She bit her lip then reached for the paper with Krauss' and Berthold's names. She held them before her as she considered what she saw before leaving the cathedral. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Umm, I might have a suspicion over who could be the mage. I spotted an odd exchange between Berthold and Krauss. I already upset the former and he nearly took my head off with a bench. "[/color] There was no tone of blame in her voice as she continued unbothered. There were far scarier things that had happened to her than an artist's rage. [color=#cbc66d]"He was becoming agitated at Krauss and I thought he was going to hit the man. Then Krauss did something and suddenly Berthold jerked, walked back to his organ and resumed practice."[/color] 

[color=8882be]"He attacked you?"[/color] Ingrid asked, her tone very much not even.

[color=slateblue]"With a [i]bench?"[/i][/color] Xiuyang added absurdly.

[color=#cbc66d]"Yeah... well, I did interrupt him...  I just suggest not interrupting his practice  or messing with the organ. The good thing is I'm a better healer than I was back in Viiqii. So I would've been fine."[/color] Roslyn tried to give a reassuring smile. She should've left the attack part off, but it was too late now. [color=#cbc66d]" Anyways, that's not important. The exchange is."[/color] 

[color=slateblue]"Or he helpfully pointed out that there are no organs in prison,"[/color] Xiuyang japed. [color=slateblue]"But it does make me wonder if Commands still work, even if the victim doesn't hear them."[/color]

Marceline had been deeply engrossed in shifting papers around and realigning them. Then, she looked up and blinked incredulously. [color=598527]"Wait wait wait,"[/color] she stammered. [color=598527]"Roll that back. He [i]what[/i], with a.... [i]what[/i]!?"[/color]


[color=goldenrod]"Attacked her,"[/color] said Johann, [color=goldenrod]"with a bench."[/color]

Quietly, Marceline slid his name higher up on her list of suspects. [color=598527]"I think he isn't right in the head,"[/color] Marceline decided. [color=598527]"Not dangerous, necessarily, but just... odd. Wasn't he a child of one of the tenant farmers who died in the blaze? Taken in by the church?"[/color]

Johann shrugged. [color=goldenrod]"I wouldn't know,"[/color] he admitted, though it was Roslyn and Xiuyang that the tethered had addressed.

Then, there came a voice, unexpected, right over Xiuyang's shoulder. [color=6ecff6]"Only the manas need to sense it. The sound acts as a guide, but it can be subsonic."[/color] A lock of Red hair invaded her peripheral vision: Edyta Laska.

At the same time, a surprisingly muscular arm softly wrapped its bicep around Marceline's neck. [color=7b6c64]"Oi."[/color] Marco's head popped over Marceline's shoulder, and he was giving her the look of a father who had caught their child trying to raid the cookie jar. He wiped his upper lip with his sleeve and inspected the smudge of ink that stuck to his cuff. [color=7b6c64]"Just be honest. Was it you or him?"[/color] Marco turned his head towards Johann before looking back at her.

Johann's eyes met Marci's and it was an acknowledged thing between them. [color=598527]"Sail on, Silver Girl,"[/color] the tethered whispered. Then, she craned her neck towards Marco as much as she could and her voice became an evil hiss. [color=598527]"I did it! That's right! It was me - [i]all[/i] me![/color] She squirmed and attempted to pry his fingers loose. [color=598527]"and I'd have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!"[/color] She glared daggers at Roslyn and Xiuyang and leveled a pointer at them.

Startled, Xiuyang's fork stabbed into the fish, causing it to flop and splatter sauce in her face despite her quick reflex to hold it down. [color=slateblue]"...Fascinating,"[/color] she replied flatly, wiping her face off. [color=slateblue]"I didn't know you were here, Sister Laska. You're here with the church, I assume? Can you tell us anything?"[/color]

Marceline's punishment was short and swift. Rather than pry her head off, Marco rubbed the ink off of his face with the tips of his fingers and smooshed them around Marceline's eyes, giving her the appearance of a panda.

[color=6ecff6]"Strictly classified, 'm afraid,"[/color] replied the Rezaindian, plopping down unceremoniously on the padded bench and helping herself to a bite of the fish. [color=6ecff6]"So, infer what you want from that."[/color] She chewed. [color=f26522]"It's demonic, though. Don't let 'em mislead you, and this whole town's just [i]full[/i] of sinners."[/color] She shook her head, eyes narrowing, before reaching for a second forkful of food. [color=6ecff6]"Oh, this is [i]good[/i] fish,"[/color] she admitted, voice lightening a bit.

[color=slateblue]"Hey. That fish was 'classified' too,"[/color] replied the Revidian in mock protest. [color=slateblue]"If information's a no go, how about a direction? Preferably a demon-slaying one."[/color]

[color=598527]"Marco, no!"[/color] she hollered, persona falling away. [color=598527]"No! That's - [i]oww[/i]! That's my fuckin' eyeball, you oaf!"[/color] She socked him twice in the ribs, and that just made the punishment messier. [color=598527]"Oww! My nostril! For... Eshi's... sake."[/color] Her arms flexed as they tried to pry his off. In truth, they were probably just as strong, despite the gender disadvantage, but he'd gotten the jump on her and she was doomed. She squirmed like a hooked fish. [color=598527]"Ow! I can't breathe!"[/color] she gasped most dramatically. [color=598527]""I - I can't!"[/color] Then, the punishment was over and Marceline was released and, though she was now a panda, it would be temporary. After all, she had binding.

With a smug look on his face, Marco released his grip on his helpless victim and took a seat at the table, dragging several plates towards him along with an entire water pitcher. He was about ready to collapse from exhaustion, but his brief nap had energized him somewhat, and now his stomach was making the rumblies that only bratwurst could satisfy. He tore a loaf of bread in half and stuffed one half with sausage and the other with fish, and began chomping into them like a starving animal, pausing only to catch his breath and wash every other mouthful down with water and ale.

[color=6ecff6]"Ugh. Sorry,"[/color] the nun apologized. [color=6ecff6]"greyspace food doesn't carry over. I'll buy you another."[/color] She smiled in appreciation for Xiuyang's generous 'donation'. [color=6ecff6]"We church types tend to have large appetites."[/color] She glanced Marco's way, once he'd finished assaulting a disabled woman and started eating instead.


[color=6ecff6]"As for direction? Well..."[/color] She paused and considered. [color=6ecff6]"This is not new. It goes back centuries and, while most of the people in this place are decent gods-fearing folk, few of their hands are completely clean. The 'curse' is real and it involves some very powerful, very high-level demons with some local help."[/color] She swallowed some more food and reached for a flagon of mead, chugging it down as only a monk or nun could. [color=6ecff6]"I am probably saying too much, but rest assured that Mother Superior and Manus Sinistra Deorum are working on things as well."[/color] She patted her mouth daintily with a kerchief.

Roslyn's regret continued to grow. She set down the papers and tried not to break eye contact. [color=#cbc66d]"There's a problem if I did. The moment I demand an 'arrest' of one of their own, the whole town is immediately on alert. They might stop talking with us out of fear and also cause more problems."[/color]

She took a breath and was about to speak when two things happened. Marco grappled Marceline while Laska suddenly appeared. The later made her jump and her body relaxed upon seeing the familiar woman. Once her heart stopped bounding against her chest, she was thankful for the interruptions that drew attention away from her.

Xiuyang glanced between Laska and Marco almost admiringly at how much food they could put away. She had made do with adrenaline until now, but it was wearing off, and now exhaustion was rearing its ugly head no less in her than those who took the carriage instead of running in a blizzard. [color=slateblue]"I'll take you up on that. Somehow, I've just remembered that I'm starving,"[/color] she teased.

The investigation was tabled - quite literally - for the next half-hour as more food was ordered, arrived, and was eagerly consumed by seven hungry youths. The innkeeper, Conrad, explained that their usual waitress had not made it over because of the weather, and that they'd have to come to the counter to order their food and pick it up. They were, in fact, lucky to have a chef - old Uli, who lived just two doors down - given the conditions. 

The solemn duty of making the journey to the counter and both remembering everyone's orders and bringing them back with no spillage was much contested - in that practically nobody wanted it, and - no - they would not let Roslyn just do it. When she inevitably volunteered once, Marceline shot Xiuyang a concerned look, and was not against bringing the others in as well, since they were there. 

She kept her voice low and the loud raunchy singing of a group of traveling men nearby did the rest. [color=598527]"Okay, I know I'm not the only one who was taken aback by that chair thing, right?"[/color] Her eyes searched the faces around her and noted, in particular, that Ingrid looked less than well. [color=598527]"I mean, let me know if I'm the odd one, but I'd have smashed him into the ground with kinetic until he begged for my forgiveness if he'd dared lay a hand on my person for such a minor impropriety."[/color] She frowned in concern. [color=598527]"I just... feel like it's more than mere selflessness with her."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"The [i]bench[/i] thing,"[/color] Xiuyang corrected with a half-grin, as if it amused her to imagine the crazed organist wielding a church pew as a clubbing stick. [color=slateblue]"If I didn't know her better, I'd say she fancies him. You have a point. She's a bit too tolerant,"[/color] she agreed, relenting.

Marci rolled her eyes, not about to make a whole big discussion out of it as Roslyn skillfully managed to collect all four flagons and three of the plates. [color=598527]"Just a [i]teensy[/i] bit."[/color] She pinched a bit of air and smirked. Then, flicking some hair over a shoulder, she backed out from the table and wound her way over to the Hendlishwoman. There were two plates remaining on the counter and, without much ceremony, the tethered reached up to take both and settled them carefully upon her lap. [color=598527]"No second trip for you, Fraulein Wicke,"[/color] she chided, nearly getting stuck between two chairs that were a bit too close together.

Meanwhile, at the table, Johann leaned forward conspiratorially and tried to look concerned. [color=goldenrod]"Okay, I know I'm not the only one who was taken aback by that drawing on Marco thing, right?"[/color] 

[color=#cbc66d]"Uh, a second trip wouldn't kill me, but thanks. "[/color] Roslyn said when she spotted Marci helping her. The sounds of wood scrapping wood caused her to glance over her shoulder and spot Marci push past a few chairs.  

As she reached the table, she came to stand at the end and set down the plates. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Here's Xiuyang's second fish. The bigger one is Johann's. And I think this one is Marci's. And the drinks."[/color] She had set the flagons in the center before sliding into her own seat. 

Marco shrugged in reply. [color=7b6c64]"I guess she's just braver than you are chum!"[/color] He picked up his mug and finished the last drop of booze before scooting out of his chair. Marco saluted the other diners and began walking towards the bar. [color=7b6c64]"Looks like my glass is empty, I'm going to pick up some more grub at the counter."[/color]

[color=slateblue]"You sure that's not my share?"[/color] Xiuyang japed, pointing at Johann's plate. She was putting away a lot, herself.

Marceline followed suit, setting hers down as well, though she could not be bothered to remember any except her own. She glanced at Ingrid. The tall Eskandishwoman did [i]not[/i] look well. [color=598527]"Uhhh... Ingie, you good?"[/color] She leaned in and looked up.

Ingrid quietly ate her food, trying to calm down the urges while everyone was in front of everyone, and now a Edyta. The maelstrom of a day had caught up to her and the cherry of it all was her time trapped in that odd dimension struck something intimate with her and it wasn't slipping off. Her actions, no, there outcome made it worse. They had uncovered some things but for the danger they possessed, Marci literally dying, she could only fell the follies of the day. 

They would pass, this Ingrid knew. But for now, it was there.

Ingrid missed Marci's cue for enacting conversation, taking too long to speak. She took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. [color=8882be]"Sorry, I was just thinking of the day and what is to come."[/color]

Roslyn took note of Marco's departure before reaching for her own mug. She addressed Xiuyang, looking apologetic.  [color=#cbc66d]"Did I make a mistake? I'm sorry. You're eating a lot more than I remember. "[/color] 

Her eyes darted over to Ingrid. While she hadn't said anything, Roslyn did notice what  Marci had voiced. She thought back to her things. [color=#cbc66d]"If you aren't feeling well, Ingrid, I might have something in my bags to settle the stomach. I can get up and get it."[/color] 

However, Ingrid quickly revealed the cause of her stress. The Hendlish girl took another deep drink that drained half of the mug. Setting it down, she knew things were going to get harder.  [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah. It's going to be hard and I'm trying to think about how to protect ourselves."[/color] 

She rotated her mug and thought for a moment. Her discomfort grew a bit when she considered at least one item in her gear that might help. [color=#cbc66d]"I... I might have a few tricks in my things that could help actually."[/color] 

Ingrid was going to wave off Roslyn's concern but decided not to. Something about not being a hypocrite when it came to listening.[color=8882be]"Thank you, If you have something, I will happily take it."[/color] Ingrid gave an appreciative smile to Roslyn.

For a moment, the younger girl braced for a dismissal of her aid. Ingrid had done it before and so there was little reason to expect anything different. A spark of surprise crossed her eyes and Roslyn nodded. [color=#cbc66d]"All right, we'll get it after I'm done with this ale. Gives me a chance to check my things too."[/color]

Roslyn enjoyed the atmosphere for a time. While everyone else ate and chatted, she took in the distraction and simply drank her beer. Noticing the absence of a buzzing sensation, she spotted the sediment at the bottom. This was her third one on an empty stomach. She sighed before she finished it off. Setting the mug down, she stood upright and her chair promptly slid back. A subtle cringe came and went before she turned to Ingrid. 

[color=#cbc66d]"'Ingrid, I should've asked this earlier, but you want to come with? Or do you prefer I bring the herbs to you?"[/color] 

[color=8882be]"I'll go with,"[/color] she pushed from the table and set her chair back, making eye contact with Laska before leaving the group with Roslyn.

[hr]

The girl led the way to the room they shared the night before. Once she found her bags, she bent down and rummaged through them. She made notes of the things she brought and their location in her things. 

[color=#cbc66d]"According to an apothecary I know in Mudville, this should help. It is just mint, chamomile and a hint of basil. I suggest drinking it in some ale or eat in something... once I find it."[/color] 

She moved the brain eater to the floor as she dug deeper.

[color=8882be]"So crush and muddle,"[/color] she looked at Roslyn's neck, how small it was and how easy it would be, before moving her attention to the brain hat. [color=8882be]"You still carry the hat from the start of the year?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, I suggest putting it in some ale so you can't taste it. It's rather unpleasant by itself."[/color] Roslyn commented then paused, her eyes glancing at the hat. 

[color=#cbc66d]"Truthfully, I hope it might help here. I'm still not fully sure if all it does is transfer a memory to the owner or if there's more. At first, it freaked me out a bit. Now I'm just uneasy by it."[/color]

[color=8882be]"It transfers memories?"[/color] Ingrid asked in surprise.

Roslyn nodded. [color=#cbc66d]"One memory and yes. It was by pure accident I learned my dorm mate was both a thief and a liar. The hat vanished for a day or two and I asked her about it. She said she hasn't seen it."[/color] 

Finally, the girl found what she sought. Her hands pulled out a small, wooden box. The outside looked scratched and worn. Opening it up revealed four small jars of herbs and two empty copper tins. She eyeballed the dosage of the herbs into one of the containers. 

[color=#cbc66d]"I found it the next day. Once I put it on, I saw a memory not mine. Someone was putting the hat back into the drawer. I know it was her because she glanced into the looking glass."[/color]

[color=8882be]"Good way to figure out the hat, bad to find out your roommate is a thief. Is this thief someone I know?"[/color] Ingrid felt like she was interrogating Roslyn but how could she not when the girl is avoiding her name.

[color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, I agree."[/color] Roslyn finished up and offered it to Ingrid. Once her hand was freed, she filled the second one for herself. The herbs were slightly different from the first one. 

[color=#cbc66d]"That never crossed my mind. Her name is Charlotte Bohun and she's from Enth. Come to think of it, it might've explained why she kept nicking my things."[/color] She jested a bit. 

Ingrid took the herbs, [color=8882be]"Thank you, Roslyn. Should we head back down?"[/color]

[color=#cbc66d]"Any time and yes."[/color] After putting the bracelet into her bag, Roslyn pushed onto her feet and smiled. She smiled and followed Ingrid's lead back to the others.  [color=#cbc66d]"It's best to enjoy the peace while we can."[/color] 

[hr]

[color=goldenrod]"Pfft! I fear no Hohenfelter."[/color] Johann shook his head. 

[color=goldenrod]"We Steinbauers have been putting up with their neighbourly nonsense for a thousand years."[/color] He rolled his eyes as Marceline continued to weave her way between tables less than nimbly, suddenly a waitress of sorts: a tethered and a Hohenfelter on top of it, and she was filling in for the evening waitress who hadn't made it after her daytime counterpart had hurried home at shift's end. There must've been some benefit to it, however. Certainly, she was chatty. Marci struck up conversation with one set of patrons and then another. She laughed with some older women and sung with some young men. She adjusted both her approach and the hem of her blouse according to who she was dealing with.

Meanwhile, as the others spoke, making plans, sharing, and making merry all in turns, for it was both a murder to be solved and the eve of the first day of Caldores, Dorothea and Evander had been deep in conversation for nearly two hours. It was no secret that the former had not been the same since Manfred's untimely passing, and she had trodden a darker path (though few realized just [i]how[/i] dark it had been). Now, as the night and her cups grew deeper, she appeared to wax, first remorseful, then philosophical, and now - it seemed - investigative, or, at least, Evander did. Ultimately, they remained a unit unto themselves for the time being.

Marci, meanwhile, made her fourth return to the table where the rest were, dropping off more drinks for the others. In truth, her dress reeked of spilt beer by now, and she had taken a good amount along the way for herself. Old Conrad, with his bad knee from the war and no evening waitress, had decided not look a gift horse in the mouth, however. 

[color=598527]"Just learned that the old von Mollern family crypt, with its gargoyles and protective angels and stuff is a favourite hangout of the local teens."[/color] She swung by with a jaunty push of a wheel and dished a glass of icewine off to Edyta. [color=598527]"Oh, and Fritz von Mollern almost married what was here name Frickmayer back in the day."[/color] She shook her head and hurried off to the kitchen to pick up food for the next table while the others continued to debate and discuss and jest.

There was one thing that could not be made light of for much longer, however, and that was Ingrid's growing hunger. It would not be long - in spite of her admirable efforts to the contrary - before the sanguinaire was overcome by hunger, and the consequences of [i]that[/i] could be dire, indeed.[/hider]