[center][h3][u][color=#cbc66d] Roslyn Wicke [/color][/u][/h3][/center][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/vzhDyH3.png[/img][/center][center][/center][h1][center]The Riddle of Lindenholdt Part 4. cont[/center][/h1][center][sub]Date: Zales 33rd Location: Inn [/sub][/center] [h2]Hidden Links[/h2][hider=********] They arrived back at Die Tanzstiefel sometime after Shune had just slipped into Oraph, to find Marco in the middle of an intense stick-swordfight with a young boy who seemed to be picking up Revidian academy techniques with surprising ease. Johann was in the kitchen, Margarethe was cleaning the stables, and Jana had hurried off to the Weberplatz to try selling her wares. In truth, there was a lot to discuss. There were feelings to unpack. Time, at this juncture, was one thing that the group did not possess in spades, however. There were a few brief exchanges. There were snacks eaten and thanks given to the Pentad for the break in the severe weather. Lümee's backpack was set aside for later, because nothing would exacerbate existing tensions quite like the divvying up of loot. Then, the nine youths split into their groups. Dory took Xiuyang, Marceline, and Marco as a messenger was dispatched and they waited for their coach to arrive and bring them to Lady Frickmayer's estate-in-exile. Roslyn paired up with Johann to visit the archives, Evander asked to join them in their investigation. Finally, once Evander had left, Ingrid slipped away to the mines, Edyta Laska following in ripe and portentous silence. It would all come together within the next hour - the Frickmayers' truth revealed, the role of the von Mollerns made clear, and the Revidian agents goaded into parlay with their Kerreman counterparts - or it would all fall apart. [hr] Johann took the bag from Ingrid and greeted Evander and Roslyn, both, with a hot mug of cocoa, a plate of sweets, and a warm handshake. He did not inquire as to what had happened unless they spoke first, but he didn't hide his curious look at Roslyn's new weapon. [color=goldenrod]"So, I am to understand that our part in the plan is to research and see if there's anything that the old Constable objects to having found?"[/color] He reached over the counter, where only staff were allowed to go (though there were none present at the moment), and set the bag of items down. [color=goldenrod]"I gather that this morning was... a bit more of an adventure than you'd hoped for,"[/color] he added, as if in conclusion. One could see that his bag was already packed and ready for the day ahead. At an early age, Roslyn had learned the values of working well past her limits thanks to her grandfather. Rarely did she let the aftermath show on her outside, but this was different. The rawness of her experience left her depleted. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Still, she had a job to do and she pushed unwisely onward. She took one of the cocoa mugs with her free hand. Blowing lightly on the steam, she forced the hot liquid down and set it back in its place. The warmth gave some feeling back to her numb insides as she let it settle. Roslyn meekly nodded before she spoke. [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah. For the research, we need to focus on anything to do with the von Mollerns and connections to Krauss. We make two copies. You two aren't supposed to be seen, but I am. It will test what he does to see if we can trust him or not."[/color] The sword still dangled in her hand drawing a heavy sigh. [color=#cbc66d]"I need to put this away, and clean up. Excuse me."[/color] Johann didn't get in her way, but he could tell that something was... 'off' about the Hendlish girl. He considered talking for a moment, and he'd have been lying if he didn't admit that he was curious about the sword, but people needed their space sometimes. Roslyn pushed open the door to her room, expecting to find it quiet and empty, perhaps cleaned by the maid but, instead, she was greeted by a startled expression on Margarethe's face as the girl looked up, caught in the act of spreading a blanket over the bed. [color=#FFB8D9]"Oh! I'm very sorry!"[/color] she squeaked. [color=#FFB8D9]"I thought you were gone for the day. I'll come back later."[/color] She bowed her head, quickly smoothing out the corners of the sheet before making to leave. Though she didn't show it, Roslyn was grateful for the space. She dragged her feet up the stairs and toward her room. Her arm reached out and quietly she took a breath, cracking the door open before she stepped inside. The girl's eyes widened upon spotting Margarethe in the process of cleaning the room. [color=#cbc66d]"No, it's all right. I just came to clean up is all."[/color] She shifted the sword a bit out of the line of sight to avoid frightening the girl. Meanwhile, she began to remove her outer wear and satchel.[color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry for the interruption. Did you just get started or nearly done?"[/color] She had stepped aside to let the woman leave, but only if she wanted to. Truth be told, she didn't look forward to taming her unruly hair by herself. [color=#FFB8D9]"It's no bother, my lady."[/color] She curtsied quickly. [color=#FFB8D9]"Truly."[/color] She began to exit, but she paused in the doorway, noticing Roslyn's ragged appearance. [color=#FFB8D9]"Forgive me if I overstep, but... are you quite well?"[/color] This was a mistake. Roslyn knew it, but a selfish part of her wanted to delay the inevitable task before her. The woman's rosebud also might've encouraged her tongue to loosen. Slowly she moved deeper into the room and set the cursed blade against her things. [color=#cbc66d]"It's fine. You aren't overstepping, and it's just Roslyn."[/color] She leaned back into the wall to remain upright. [color=#cbc66d]"To be honest, I don't know. I don't have the time to figure it out. I don't even know where to begin."[/color] Her eyes glanced at her sleeve, knowing she had to mend it later. She wasn't even sure if she had brought her sewing kit with her. The serving girl made her way back, taking the tattered sleeved in her hands and examining it. She said nothing, and studied it with the dispassionate eyes of someone who was interested only in doing her job. [color=#FFB8D9]"Begin with knowing that you're safe, my lady,"[/color] Margarethe advised, [color=#FFB8D9]"and fixing what is within your power to fix."[/color] She twisted and undid the clasps on her satchel, pulling out a small hand-carved wooden case. [color=#FFB8D9]"If you've saved the missing fabric,"[/color] she offered, gesturing towards the seat in front of the vanity, [color=#FFB8D9]"I believe I can piece it back together."[/color] Her eyes walked over the torn clothing once more, pausing for a moment on the ring of bruises surrounding where the hand had been reattached. Then, abruptly, everything about Margarethe froze, and her eyes became as saucers. They had found the mark - not just [i]any[/i] mark, but [i]the[/i] mark. At Margarethe's words, Roslyn inhaled and took in the advice. It was far better than something her grandfather had said to her. [color=#cbc66d]"Thank you."[/color] She moved toward the vanity before she sat down. Her arm lifted and presented itself as the woman took it. It took Roslyn a moment to notice that Margarethe hadn't moved. Her eyes noticed the fearful look. [i][color=#cbc66d]'What now?' [/color][/i] She swallowed, then asked. [color=#cbc66d]"Is something... wrong? "[/color] Margarethe swallowed again. She reached out with the Gift and the door closed and locked. Her voice lowered. Perhaps she wasn't capable of forming a sonic bubble. [color=#FFB8D9]"That's... a Knower mark, isn't it."[/color] She commented. It wasn't even really a question. [color=#FFB8D9]"Are... they involved somehow?"[/color] Roslyn's confusion grew, followed by her anxiety. Something wasn't right. Everything said or mentioned about Margarethe came rushing to the front of her mind. Her nerves couldn't handle any more surprises. As if to prove her point, the shut of the door and click of the lock made her jump in her seat. Her teeth gritted to stop her from shouting for help as she caught Margarethe's words. Without thinking, she sent up a sonic bubble. It risked alerting someone, but at least they wouldn't be overheard. She didn't feel like having someone 'overhearing' her again. [i][color=#cbc66d]I am not mentally ready for this.. [/color][/i] Sadly, she had no choice. She had to focus on what she could control rather than what she couldn't. With a deep breath, she replied. [color=#cbc66d]"The mark, yes. It's... complicated. But how do you know about them?"[/color] Margarethe nibbled her lower lip for a moment. Then, she sighed, though little of the tenseness seemed to leave her. She rolled up her sleeve. [color=#FFB8D9]"I have one too."[/color] She shook her head. [color=#FFB8D9]"Didn't know a thing about it or them until I got it."[/color] The serving girl shrugged weakly. [color=#FFB8D9]"Still don't, to be honest."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"May I?"[/color] Roslyn's curiosity managed to pull away at the haze in her head. She gestured with her hands to take Margarethe's arm and examine the mark. Mainly for any differences from what she recalled with her brother and her own. This was the first time she had met another marked person. Truthfully, she started to wonder how common it was getting and what the marks meant. [color=#cbc66d]"When did you get yours? I've had mine since birth. Were you casting any temporal magics? "[/color] Margarethe, who had initially allowed Roslyn to have a look, drew back a little at the question. [color=#FFB8D9]"I..."[/color] She started to draw into herself. Roslyn could sense the girl's pulse racing. [color=#FFB8D9]"Oh Gods. This was a mistake."[/color] She shook her head, bleeding anxiety. [color=#FFB8D9]"I'm sorry. That Rezaindian..."[/color] She glanced nervously at the door. [color=#cbc66d]"Margarethe, breathe. As my father told me, don't you go heating up the kettle without the hops. It's fine. I got a sonic bubble up, she's not going to hear anything."[/color] Roslyn kept her voice even and gentle. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm sorry if my questions spooked you, but my friends and I have been trying to understand these marks. You're the first one I've met, aside from my brother, that has this. My mother did too."[/color] Roslyn focused on trying to calm the girl. Against her better judgement, she had been about to apply her gift with chemical when the door came open. In a reaction driven by instinct more than logic, she jerked up. The light in the room dimmed when she drew and the sword snapped to her hand. She twisted, planting herself firmly in front of Margarethe before she recognized the two lurking figures. [color=#cbc66d]"For the love of Ipte, what in the hells are you all doing outside my room?"[/color] Roslyn snapped sharply. Xiuyang held the door open and blinked, as if surprised to see what she found on the other side. [color=slateblue]"Nice reaction time,"[/color] she quipped with a finger gun. [color=slateblue]"Sorry, but it's an emergency. Another townie has gone missing and it's become my job to find him, so I need to gear up for another hike in this damned snow. Also, can I borrow your compass, Rose? Mine has been acting funky after my last outing."[/color] Dory smirked as she appeared behind the two shorter silhouettes, her eyes on the blade. [color=86608E]"I think you mean for the love of Escheran,"[/color] She lazily shrugged to her own comment. [color=86608E]"I wouldn't mind clashing blades, but I doubt it'd be a good time for either of us."[/color] [color=86608E]"I think she needs that thingmajig of yours."[/color] She yawned. [color=#FFB8D9]"I apologize."[/color] Margarethe practically doubled over, Nikanese-style as the others entered. She had jumped back nearly as much as Roslyn, and drawn as well, though it was nothing compared to the monsters of Ersand'Enise. She quickly let the energy go. [color=#FFB8D9]"I was just commenting on her ladyship's appearance and we found that we have something in common. I shall excuse myself now."[/color] Marci damn near rolled her eyes at the display. [color=598527][i]Bullshit,[/i][/color] she thought. [color=598527][i]You wouldn't have had a sonic bubble up if it was just smalltalk.[/i][/color] Once again, though, she had to play the social game and accept the deceitful words at face value. [color=598527]"Possibly Shune, if Xiuyang's going to be looking for someone."[/color] She could crank those little defusing statements out on demand. Xiuyang shrugged, stepping aside to let Margarethe leave. [color=slateblue]"Sorry about the crowd. We were discussing who should go with me on the search and rescue. Is it okay if I take Johann?"[/color] She asked Roslyn as she ruffled through her things, checking for any evidence that Margarethe had searched their belongings. Roslyn ignored Lady Hohnstein's comment, gripping the blade tightly. She still fumed from the woman's words earlier. Deciding to move on, she addressed Xiuyang. [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah. Who? Did we miss someone?"[/color] A part of her wished Margarethe had stayed, but this looked bad. Like everything else she had done today. Meanwhile, she reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew the compass. She didn't hand it over until she got an answer though. Dorothea rolled her eyes at the lack of reaction. [color=86608E][i]Sheesh, what's got her panties in a bunch? Can't even make a little joke?.[/i][/color] Her frame stood firmly in the doorway as the others stepped aside. [color=86608E]"Now, now, there is no need to leave. We aren't here to disturb your talk."[/color] She squinted slightly. [color=86608E]"If anything I'd like to hear it too."[/color] She rubbed her chin. [color=86608E]"Come to think of it, where are my manners? I realize I have yet to introduce myself."[/color] Dory winked. [color=86608E]"Or is my name already known to you?"[/color] [color=598527][/color] came Marceline's message. [color=598527][/color] Roslyn perceived a second set of pinch messages in quick succession. [color=#FFB8D9][/color] They were noticeably less delicate and detailed than Marci's. [color=slateblue]"Oh, it's that damn organist. Since he isn't blasting our ears out presently, the assumption is foul play, apparently."[/color] Xiuyang huffed and rolled her eyes. Perhaps she was softening the reality for the other "townie" in the room. Satisfied that her things were in order, she retrieved some random scraps of clothing she didn't really need and reached for the compass. [color=slateblue]"Consider my earlier favor repaid with this. I won't require the bakery's stock of fritters."[/color] She grinned. Marceline's eyes widened. She had thought, given her imprecise wording, that Xiuyang might've been wanting to keep the identity secret, though she'd have preferred not to. Instead, she was, once more, the last mule in the train. She bowed her head and started to turn, leaving Margarethe, who she didn't much like anyhow, to deal with Dory, who seemed in fine form. The fear that radiated off of Margarethe was palpable. She swallowed and bowed again. [color=#FFB8D9]"Your reputation precedes you, your grace."[/color] She straightened, though she remained mousy. [color=#FFB8D9]"I am flattered to have gained your interest, though I fear that our conversation might not interest you much,"[/color] she mewed. [color=#FFB8D9]"We simply both know a good deal about hops, yeast, and barley, given my father's profession."[/color] The miller's daughter shrugged weakly. Dory sighed. [color=86608E]"Such official feelings towards it all. I am a student too. Like everyone else.... I just have more responsibilities..."[/color] The woman slumped, a reminder of her duties waiting for her back home. [color=86608E][i]You gain a new title and suddenly you're a different person.[/i][/color] She blinked her own frustrations away. [color=86608E]"But I understand.... I am a scary duchess.."[/color] Xiuyang moved to leave the room, placing herself behind Margarethe. [color=slateblue]"Excuse me, but unlike the rest of us, I can't teleport past you,"[/color] she informed the Duchess. [color=86608E]"Oh, right."[/color] Dory blinked, did she look... confused? She made way for the other. A soft chuckle left her lips.[color=86608E]"I'm sorry, I just assumed."[/color] Her comment was cut short by Roslyn's words. [color=86608E]"Ach, that's more than okay. My new friend and I can move to another room to continue our chat, right?"[/color] Xiuyang removed herself from the burgeoning situation, partially dressed for the cold and some kind of device in hand. Mission more or less accomplished, she stood behind Margarethe, ready to make for her room. Roslyn, Margarethe, and Dory remained in the room, door open for a moment, their unguarded words spilling. It was something about grains and brewing and trade secrets in the face of an only semi-subtle attempt to coerce a larger truth from them by Lady Dorothea. Finally, Marceline, looking stressed for a moment before she reset her face, rolled only a push or two down the hall, exchanging some perfunctory words with Xiuyang, and then sitting very still in the way that she did when sending and receiving pinch messages. [color=86608E]"Oh, right."[/color] Dory blinked, did she look... confused? She made way for the other. A soft chuckle left her lips.[color=86608E]"I'm sorry, I just assumed."[/color] Her comment was cut short by Roslyn's words. [color=86608E]"Ach, that's more than okay. My new friend and I can move to another room to continue our chat, right?"[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"With all due respect, Lady Hohnstein. I'm a little worried you might try and pry things from the poor girl. Especially about my brew experiments."[/color] Roslyn's words were a subtle hint to Margarethe not to speak of her mark to the Duchess. She watched her two friends leave, feeling a bit hurt. She swallowed it down as she tried to be stronger. Dory waved her hand lazily alongside her laugh. [color=86608E]"So formal, so formal. That's unexpected."[/color] Her jovial mood fastly turned sour. [color=86608E][i]Manipulative speech. Words of respect without the courtesy of anything genuine.[/i][/color] The woman shook her head. [color=86608E]"But I did ask for every Biro to call me by my first name. Don't be so distant now. We're colleagues after all."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"Oh, that is my mistake. I thought I was [i]unworthy[/i] of that, especially after this morning."[/color] Roslyn imagined her family's reaction in the back of her head. Her father's caution and Garith's scorn, both unease by her behavior. For once, she found herself not caring about upholding the family name. The more Hohnstein talked, the more she remembered a certain Viscount. Sweet words with an edge and mockery. It didn't help her mood. At this point, she had to retreat before she escalated things more than she had. [color=#cbc66d]"Now, I think I've wasted enough time. Today has been more than I expected and I still have more to do."[/color] She waited until they departed. They were arguing now: two people who could crush her with a thought. It occurred to Margarethe, right then and there, that it had all been stupid and she wished she'd never come here and could forget Johann and what a colossal threat he was to [i]everything[/i]. Roslyn didn't seem like a bad person; she wielded her words like daggers, but she'd treated a servant girl like a person and now stood up for her. Lady Dorothea just [i]radiated[/i] malicious intent, though: like a child placing a mouse in a glass jar for her own amusement and seeing when it would die. If Margarethe could imagine being able to harm the first - not that she had any desire to - the second was so far out of her reach that it only filled her with a pounding, building, [i]hopeless[/i] anxiety that built pressure behind her eyes. This was a high noble: someone even beyond Johann, and she was untouchable. Margarethe [i]had[/i] to think of a way out of this. She had to think of a way to defuse it! Her pulse raced as she fixed upon a solution. Her vision swam as she started to draw. Then, the world swayed violently and went soundless and white. [color=86608E]"You know, you remind me of myself."[/color] Dory squinted her eyes at Roslyn's comments. [color=86608E]"Able to sling around such fire in your words, but never having the strength to back it up."[/color] She shook her head, rather sorrowful. [color=86608E]"I used to be nothing but a fly on the wall too, you know? Always relying on others because I was too weak."[/color] She would pause for but a second. [color=86608E]"But no more, never again will I be an accessory of the strong."[/color] It would be then that she noticed the girl start to draw, only to slap her across the cheek. No noble flair, no formalities, not even a fancy spell. [color=86608E]"There is no need for magic."[/color] Margarethe, already in the process of blacking out, fainted and collapsed on the spot, landing with an ugly-sounding thud and lying still. Roslyn had braced for Hohnstein's next comment, expecting venom or anger. She had overstepped her station after all. Few high nobles passed up the chance to slap down an upstart. However, the words that came surprised her. Then came the familiar sensation of drawing. For a moment, she thought it was Hohnstein, but that didn't make sense. Not after what was said and the woman wasn't stupid enough to attack her here with all the other students. Margarethe. Her eyes shot to the meeker woman just as the duchess struck out, slapping the woman on the cheek. Roslyn's arms jerked out to catch the girl before she hit the floor and knocked her head. The Hendlish girl couldn't help, but mumble. [color=#cbc66d]" That's one way to get out of this."[/color] Dory blinked as she stared at the fallen girl, before she went back to the one who threw venom, then back to the other and then back to Roslyn. It continued for a couple seconds before she squatted down. [color=86608E]"We can continue this later. I'll allow any bottled up, vile words you have towards me to be emptied."[/color] She paused, looking up at the Hendlish gal. [color=86608E]"You might even get the skip the queue."[/color] Her gaze returned to Margarethe, focused on sensing for any potential abnormality in her body... whilst she tried to slap her awake. [color=#cbc66d]"Wait, before you slap her black and blue... I got something better. "[/color] Roslyn stated as she reached into her bag and pulled out a snowpepper sniffing powder. It wasn't easy to keep the girl upright and untie the bag. After a few moments of struggling, she passed it off to the duchess. [color=#cbc66d]"A little help, please."[/color] Margarethe didn't rise, but she scrabbled backwards, eyes bugged out and ears ringing as she broke free of their grip. She let out a little animal noise of fear and half-collapsed onto her elbows, still unsteady, trembling, even. [color=#FFB8D9]"I..."[/color] She stammered. [color=#FFB8D9]"I-I..."[/color] Her eyes like saucers. She couldn't seem to form the next word. [color=86608E]"Calm down, it's just us."[/color] Dory tried to form a smile through her curiosity around the faint still. [color=86608E]"You look like you're staring at two demons."[/color] A chuckle left her lips. [color=86608E]"Now, may I ask why you began to draw?"[/color] The professional civility and courtesy fell off of Margarethe's face. Her eyes darted, still somewhat glassy but beginning to focus, from Dory to Roslyn. Was this some sort of good cop - bad cop routine? [color=#FFB8D9]"P-please,"[/color] she begged, starting to cry. [color=#FFB8D9]"I'm nobody and I don't know anything!"[/color] She shook her head adamantly and then immediately swayed where she sat. [color=#FFB8D9]"I was just trying to get revenge on a boy who was a possessive asshole to me! That's [i]all[/i]! I swear on Shune, and may they strike me down if I speak a lie on this holy day!"[/color] She started to look Roslyn's way, but she stopped. She couldn't trust that one. She was either complicit or just as frightened of the duchess as Margarethe. Margarethe's eyes went from one to the other and back. She rose to her feet, somewhat steadier, and shook her head. [color=#FFB8D9]"I apologize, but I think that I need to go now. Please excuse me."[/color] Still shaky, she remembered to bow towards her social betters and made for the door. Upon the realization that she could not get much more out of the girl for now, she obliged with her wish for an exit. [color=86608E]"Don't be a stranger now, if you need anything. You know where to look."[/color] She waved before turning back to the Baron's daughter. [color=86608E]"Sure thing."[/color] The Duchess nodded. [color=86608E]"What would you like me to help you with?"[/color] Roslyn watched Margarethe swiftly depart when given the chance. That left her alone with Dorothea and those conflicted feelings stirred. She leaned down to pick up her sword then set it against the wall. [color=#cbc66d]"My dress might be a good place to start."[/color] She gestured to her sliced off sleeve, [color=#cbc66d]"The arm repaired, but the fabric didn't. For the plan to work, I need to be caught looking like my cousin, Sibylle. She is the town's archivist here."[/color] [color=86608E]"I see."[/color] Dory leaned forward to inspect the lacking sleeve. [color=86608E]"I'm not much a binder, not at all actually. Nor the best seamstress."[/color] The woman rubbed her chin in thought. [color=86608E]"But my sword's portals can potentially bring us some new clothes, but..."[/color] She paused. [color=86608E]"It could also bring us something strange to say the very least."[/color] A nervous chuckle left her lips. [color=86608E]"But I can assure [i]almost[/i] everything coming from it will be clothing as I will it."[/color] While Roslyn's temper might've simmered down, she hadn't forgotten this morning's events. The woman before her almost seemed completely different. Almost. Though it was unlikely Dorothea might hurt her, her flight instinct threatened to kick up. Her eyebrow arched. [color=#cbc66d]"It's probably not wise to take the risk. And honestly, I've had enough of strange magics to last me a life time."[/color] She weighed her options then decided on the laziest one. [color=#cbc66d]" I will try with my binding. Not as good as Tku's, but should work for now."[/color] Once she slid on the sleeve, she focused her gift. Gradually the fabric began to stitch itself together. It wasn't perfect, but better than looking like a wreck. She then pulled out her brush and made up accessories. The Duchess looked at the other's work with slight disappointment in her eyes. [color=86608E]"That is fair..."[/color] She slumped over slightly. [color=86608E]"I understand. I am quite scary, aren't I?"[/color] She examined Roslyn's sleeve. [color=86608E]"It looks almost as good as new, I'd say."[/color] The woman straightened herself. [color=86608E]"Then after this is done, go explore the city and find something you'd like to wear. It'll be the burden on my purse."[/color] On her way past the two ladies deep in their makeover plans, Xiuyang also paused at their door. [color=slateblue]"Get yourself a nice scabbard for that sword, too. You'll fetch some odd looks for having a sharp edge bared like that. [i]Ciao!"[/i][/color] She waved, and was gone. Evander rose from the bed. He walked down the hall and crossed the room with Dory and Roslyn. Standing at the threshold of the door, he found it odd the two were conversing casually after earlier. Maybe Roslyn needed a way out of the conversation, maybe she didn't. In any event, he'd give her a choice. Instead of listening to anything further, he interjected, "Scary isn't how I'd put it. More like, unpredictable." His sights locked on the Duchess. Roslyn caught Dorothea's compliment, but she didn't believe the words. There was little to no effort put into it and she knew it. [color=#cbc66d]"Uh, thank you. I'm better with brews really."[/color] As soon as she finished her words, Xiuyang's voice came from the other side. She blinked at her friend's 'encouragement' and abruptly questioned the logic of it. Any reason to escape the woman's offer was gone. With a slight shake of her head, she commented. [color=#cbc66d]"And that is why I do a sonic bubble for normal conversations now. I guess that settles it, but I am not sure if anything is open. It is Caldores."[/color] It seemed her small window to get ready had faded when Evander interrupted. [color=#cbc66d]"Any mage from the academy is terrifying. I think we're so use to being around our peers that we forget it."[/color] Roslyn commented, her face annoyed. [color=#cbc66d]"I knew I wasted too much time. Guess, I'll have to use a hat to hide the hair. I'm coming."[/color] She grabbed a small rimmed hat from her things and moved toward the door. Recalling her manners, she politely bid Dorothea good bye. [color=#cbc66d]"Good day, Lady Hohnstein. It was nice talking to you."[/color] Her form began to disappear through the door as she paused long enough for Evander to follow. Dorothea looked at the other leave, the presence of the Revidian man hurt her head. [color=86608E][i]Unpredictable? Coming from the man that disappeared completely and now just acts like nothing happened.[/i][/color] Her gaze turned to the fading frame of the girl she had conversed with. [color=86608E]"It was nice talking to you as well."[/color] As the other's seemed to disappear, the woman snapped her fingers and what seemed like a small distortion appeared above her hand, in the place of the small distortion came a bottle of Ellermane bleu as it slid into her grip. [color=86608E]"You try to be helpful. You try to make amends. You try and try, but they just end up more afraid of you."[/color] The woman mumbled to herself softly as she leaned against the wall, hitting the back of her head against it. She pulled the cork off and took a hefty swig. [color=86608E]"I guess I should get ready for the meeting with the good lady Frickmayer."[/color] With a lazy strut, she returned to her own quarters. Johann waved her off and took another puff of his pipe. He winked fondly. [color=goldenrod]"Don't you worry about me. I'll keep an eye out for her. Stay safe yourself, alright?"[/color] With that, Marceline, Marco, Roslyn, and Evander made their ways outside. Dory followed shortly thereafter. Ingrid was already on the hunt. Goodbyes were spoken, and wishes of good fortune. It was time for the day - after numerous delays - to begin in earnest. Evander's eyes narrowed at Dory's own admission by deflection. "Sure," he answered flatly and sardonically. Without further words, he turned to follow Roslyn. The two made their way down the steps and into the main hall. It was here they bumped into Marci, Marco, and Johann. Shortly after, Dory came down. Goodbyes and good lucks before they each set off on their respective leads.[/hider] [h2]Last Chance for Research[/h2][hider=********] Roslyn was minimally kitted out, aside from a nice hundri cloak and a satchel. Johann traveled similarly, though his pack bulged somewhat. People resisted the temptation to joke that it was full of snacks as they set off on foot. A thin ribbon of smoke streamed, occasionally, from the pipe clenched between his lips and Evander, too, seemed in good spirits. The town was in the process of unburying itself from the unseasonal snowfall. Everywhere, the scrape of shovels and the rasp of brooms could be heard, mingling with human voices in conversation and the shouts of children building snowmen or throwing snowballs. Shops were - [i]officially[/i] - closed, but people could be seen inside a handful, and neighbours exchanged gifts and small talk in equal measure. It was obvious, in most cases, who had been visited by the monks overnight and in the early morning, as fresh toys, rare tropical fruits, and new tools, clothes, or other implements were proudly used or displayed in windows. In a couple of places, people were spontaneously singing. And yet, there seemed to be a general movement towards one area in the south of Lindenholdt; those who were familiar with the place would've guessed it to be the docks. Clearly, there was a spectacle there worth watching. Not that the small group of three had much opportunity to do so. They skirted the edge of the Weberplatz until they were on quieter sideroads, and came up to the archives, which lay still and silent, with darkened, frost-covered windows and slumbering shelves inside. Having a key might've been nice about now. Once the archives came into view, Roslyn quickened her step. She broke from the two boys to examine the lock. Her head tilted to the side as she gently wiggled the door. There was something odd in the inner workings and if she had to guess, it was an emergency bolt. It made sense after all. She pulled back with a frown then turned to her companions. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm no expert, but there's an emergency bolt that will jam the door without a key. I'm not the best in magnetic, are any of you?"[/color] It didn't matter if the bolt was broken, Roslyn would take the blame and make her story more plausible. Johann tilted his head to regard Evander and the two men exchanged a look. [color=goldenrod]"I'm not bad with magnetism,"[/color] he admitted, knowing that Evander was every bit as skilled. Being semi-local, he might be able to explain his way out of matters better if they went south. He stepped forward and crouched, brow furrowed as he studied the keyhole, pipe clenched between his teeth. After a moment, he plucked it out and peered more intently in, conjuring a light at the tip of his finger and fiddling at something. [color=goldenrod]"I am... hardly an experienced thief,"[/color] he allowed, pulling back slightly to address the others, [color=goldenrod]"but I have a theory that, if you simulate the rough mass of a key with some kinetic magic - not a school I am very good in, I'm afraid - and shift the inner catches aside in the right order, just as if you're inserting a key, you can probably prevent the bolt from springing."[/color] Evander watched the other two try to figure out what to do. He appreciated their initiative and immediate effort, but this was more his area of expertise. He stepped up, "Helpful theory, Johann, and helpful intentions, Roslyn. I have experience in this. I'll work the lock with my kinetic and magnetism. Give me a moment." Evander slid between the two, his brows narrowed as his focus became apparent on his face. It was both a science and an art. Evander understood both when it came to complex locked doors, safes, and gates. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, drawing his Gift in a way to intricately balance his kinetic and magnetic to manipulate the mechanics of the door in front of them. Roslyn stepped back and gestured for him to go. She leaned against the wall while Evander worked. Her eyes watched him work the tumblers and adjust the bolt, slightly impressed. Then he struggled a bit causing her to snap her fingers softly. A translucent blue butterfly materialized and darted across the Revidian's gaze. It rewound time as she casually smirked. Johann tilted his head, watching Evander work. This was more information on the Revidian than he'd had previously. [color=goldenrod][i]Who'd have thought you so skilled in those particular arts?[/i][/color] Nonetheless, he appreciated the efforts, even as he tried to look nonchalant, as if he were simply standing outside of a building and smoking. That was the key, really: a man standing outside of a building doing nothing looks suspicious, while a man standing outside of a building smoking draws but the most cursory of glances. He maneuvered his wrists, stretched his fingers, and attempted to sense the mechanisms holding the door locked. It wasn't his toughest nut to crack but it wasn't an average shop door lock either. There were some additional security measures equipped that gave Evander some pause as he rendered a kinetic mass that would simulate a key. Pushing the key inside the door's lock, he worked it up and down, right and left. He could feel where the ridges were, where the tension laid and where the grooves were smoother. He pulled back and forth using his magnetic. "Ok, I think I got it." The first click sounded off. Then the second. But the third made an awkward noise. "Mannaggia." He could hear the internal emergency mechanism begin to shift. It likely had a three-strikes rule or some other safeguard. He couldn't mess it up again. Then, another awkward click. But before another shift was heard, Evander spotted a translucent butterfly and his sensitivity to temporal caught him realizing time had been locally rewound. In his peripheral he saw Roslyn making some gesture, likely her doing, *Thanks kid*. He moved the massed kinetic key once more. CLICK. Evander immediately rose his other hand using magnetic to lift the mechanism holding the door locked, and voila. The door began to open. "Alright, in we go." [color=#cbc66d]"After you two. "[/color] Roslyn said, following them in. As she closed the door gently behind them- careful not to lock them inside- she glanced at the two boys. [color=#cbc66d]"Okay, I think we need to find the catalogue. My first guess is somewhere near the front desk, but it won't hurt to look in other places. Sybille tends to be by the book from what I remember."[/color] She was already heading to the desk to start her search. Evander stepped into the dark archives. In contrast to the bright day outside, it was a cold comfort to the eyes. Snow could sometimes be so blinding. He scanned the archives along with Roslyn, while Johann, well was doing whatever Johann does. Roslyn reached the catalogue just before Evander. She was pulling it out at the same time Johann began to throw up his best theatrics. His best didn't come close to the best, if he were judged, there might be some points for the effort. "Mm," Evander murmured, "You're a recruiter now?" He was half-amused. "Does this *team* provide hazard pay? I find glory doesn't quite cover the costs and risks if things go south." [color=goldenrod]"Eh, why do you think we ended up with [i]this[/i] motley crew?"[/color] Johann joked. He quickly shook his head to move on, however. [color=goldenrod]"I know we're looking for information on connections between Johann Krauss and the von Mollerns, or just to see who hired him."[/color] He considered. [color=goldenrod][i]The previous architect might be worth looking into as well.[/i][/color] He didn't end up voicing the thought, though. Roslyn pressed her fist to her lips. She fought the giggle threatening to surface on her expression, appreciating the humor from both of them. It had done the job in lightening her melancholy mood. She cleared her throat before she got down to business. [color=#cbc66d]"Yes. There's also the Frickmayer heir to coordinate with the others. I think it might be wise to consider the prior architect too. I don't know his name."[/color] She licked her dried lips before adding. [color=#cbc66d]"I'll be making two copies to be safe. I'm not sure what Karl von Mollern will do and this information needs to get back to the others. With or without me. "[/color] Johann leaned in conspiratorially, eager to please. [color=goldenrod]"You got it, bawss."[/color] he set about looking for records on the cathedral project. Evander watched as Johann jollied about deeper into the archives. Turning to Roslyn, Evander spoke, "I can look into the Frickmayers. There's likely permits, land deeds, parcel maps, architectural and historical records that can shine some light on the dealings of the family and maybe this heir." He turned to go deeper into the archives, but before he did, he glanced back at Roslyn, "Are you okay with searching for information on the von Mollerns?" [i][color=#cbc66d]As long as I don't get beaten over the head by new information on me, I'm good. [/color][/i] Roslyn thought and let her posture relax. [color=#cbc66d]"I'll set up a table space we can put the research on. We're going to need Johann's help to translate. And yes, I don't mind."[/color] She took note over the catalogue before then adding. [color=#cbc66d]" Today's been... a lot, but I got to pull my weight here. Or the guilt will just eat me alive."[/color] [color=goldenrod][i]The trick,[/i][/color] thought Johann, [color=goldenrod][i]is just to not care![/i][/color] He pulled out some likely-looking files: a catalogue of costs, a compilation of contracts, a donors' list, and some calls for tender. These, he placed gently on the table. [color=goldenrod]"Well, at least you don't have to pull [i]my[/i] weight,"[/color] the fat man joked, with a wink. He leaned in and studied the various documents thoughtfully before looking up to regard the others. [color=goldenrod]"Some of it's in Avincian, but most isn't."[/color] He tilted his head. [color=goldenrod]"What would you prefer I start with?"[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"Fair. I'm pretty easy to toss."[/color] Roslyn joked back then pulled back to the table. She sorted her share carefully into groups for easy return. [color=#cbc66d]"I say start with the stuff that isn't in Avincian. I can likely help if I finish up sooner."[/color] She commented as she started to take out her writing supplies. Evander grabbed what he could as well. Bringing over to the table a suitable arm of documents on the Frickmayer's. He dropped the documents on the table like everyone else. Then, glancing over to Johann and Roslyn, "Start with the donors' list followed by the contracts, whatever is in Avincian, I can look it over." He then began to sort through his pile. Laying each document out with care. If they were going to leave this place as they left it as to not draw any suspicion, nothing could be disturbed or ripped. Evander's eyes swept over the parchments. "Hm..." he murmured. "Eike." The name threaded through everything. Doctor visits, a commissioned portrait, an elaborate dollhouse. This was no ordinary affection. He glanced up, "I think this Eike was someone being invested in." He tapped his chin. "Several visits from the doctor, but I don't know if it was for an illness. Seems like a lot of visitations, unless the illness was evolving fast." He paused. Stopped tapping and looked back down, "On top of all this, it's a bit out of character for the Frickmayer's to throw as much as they did to charity. In fact, anything to charity. Let alone selling to their adversary the von Mollerns. I wonder, right after the fire, if the family donates nearly everything to keep something else quiet. Acting more out of penance than piety. Nobles don't just give up their estates unless they owe someone, or something." He leaned over the table. "There's a couple leads here. The Schuttmanns may know more as their longest historical serving family. The Brandt's might've stumbled on something they shouldn't have in their short tenure. And the painting..." A pause. "You don't hire a Huulisch master painter to portrait a child and not keep it close." He looked at the group, "What are your thoughts?" As he kept his gaze on the group, he Whispered to Marceline, "Marci. Marci. Can you hear me?" [color=#cbc66d]"Eike, if I recall right, was the child heir. The heir has no gender mentioned and was hidden away a bit. I will admit, the idea of an illness crossed my mind when I noticed it."[/color] Roslyn attempted to hide the familiarity of that story. [color=#cbc66d]"Seems like my gut was right. There [i]is[/i] a connection with the von Mollerns and Krauss. It turns out, he was in town the same day he was hired by Fritz. Frickmayer didn't want to fire Hartmann. They had to have a panel come in and it ended in the von Mollerns winning months later."[/color] Roslyn shared out loud with Evander. Her hand scribbled her findings on both parchments as red flags continued to crop up. [color=#cbc66d]"Krauss was promised bonuses to bring the project back on schedule. And-"[/color] Roslyn's eyes widened in surprise. [color=#cbc66d]"Police records show an interesting story too. Krauss isn't a fan of the locals. He filed a lawsuit against Ernst Zimmermann due to a 'supposed' pass at his daughter, two disagreements with Rudolf Hanneman over a quarry, a charge of physical assault, and also issues with... No surprise, the organist himself. I feel like I know how that happened."[/color] Johann did his best to translate for the others, adding his own comments and flavour where he thought these appropriate. He did not neglect his own line of research, however. [color=goldenrod]"Hartmann,"[/color] he murmured. [color=goldenrod]"Hartmann. Just what did you do? Just what happened to you?"[/color] He pored over arbitration records, constabulary reports, and personal statements entered into the record and - [i]my![/i] - had it gotten messy. Shaking his head, the hefty young man let out a low whistle. There was information on the financing of the church as well, but he could see the others already deep into that. He translated where needed, as the former clerk - Ada Fuchs - had been a sloppy woman with the habit of switching fluidly between Kerreman and Avincian, but both of his partners would notice him probing further into this Theodore Hartmann fellow - a fellow native of Ostermark. He [i]knew[/i] this man, but he hid his discomfort well. Opening up the birth records, death records, and registration records, he spent the next fifteen or so minutes looking for a specific piece of information until he found it. [color=goldenrod]"Hartmann was young and only starting to make a name for himself when hired,"[/color] Johann began. [color=goldenrod]"He was known for his unorthodox designs and opinions and was close to Lady Frickmayer's late son, Leo, as well as - somewhat scandalously - her maid, Marcella Brandt."[/color] He arched an eyebrow and continued. [color=goldenrod]"Apparently, under his tenure, the project fell behind as he kept adding to it and encountering crypts and catacombs that interfered with the foundations."[/color] Here came the good part. Johann cleared his throat. [color=goldenrod]"Apparently, he was involved, along with then-deputy Dietmar Schuttmann, in breaking up a ring of demon worshippers operating in the woods outside of the town, involving some of his workers in the final confrontation, in which four of them died, the north belltower was damaged, and he was summarily dismissed for endangering the project and not calling upon the proper authorities."[/color] Johann held up a page that was roughly half-blotted out with inked strips. He shook his head. [color=goldenrod]"It's all redacted, but I can still read it with a little trick that I know."[/color] He winked. [color=goldenrod]"How much do you want to bet that this was intentionally buried and used as cause to dismiss him?"[/color] He clapped the book shut and picked up another. [color=goldenrod]"After dismissal, he returned to his hometown in disgrace, became a boozer, and stumbled back to Lindenholdt this Stresia, where he was found dead a week later, in the river, with strange burn marks."[/color] Johann narrowed his eyes and shook his head. [color=goldenrod]"This reeks,"[/color] he opined. It took a minute or so before Marci came back. [color=598527][/color] The answer being self-explanatory, if its causes remained mysterious, she moved quickly on. [color=598527][/color] [i][color=#cbc66d]That explains how the sword or whatever knew about the creatures of the damned. I found it in the damn woods after all. And remember, Laska warned you there was a grand demon here. [/color][/i] Roslyn paused and held her face in her hands. That familiar build up crept into her chest causing her eyes to squeeze tightly. [color=#cbc66d]"Beth yw hwn, y trydydd neu'r pedwerydd cyfarfyddiad yn y pum mis diwethaf? Ni allaf ymdopi â llawer mwy o hyn. (What is this, the third or fourth encounter in the last five months? I can't handle much more of this.)"[/color] Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves, [color=#cbc66d]"I agree. Surprised they didn't call in the church. Demons aren't something you mess with, not without consequences."[/color] [color=598527][/color] Marceline added. [color=598527][/color] Evander took a moment to think. "Dietmar Schuttmann..." He tapped his chin. "Where do I know that name?" Another pause. "The constabulary." "I've met Dietmar. A man steeped in guilt. He told me how the Schuttmanns turned their backs on the Frickmayers for von Mollern's promise in banking and wool. A promise that crumbled soon after. He probably regrets it." Evaner's tone sharpened as his mind moved through the labyrinth. "He claimed he was there during the fire, said a servant, one placed by the von Mollerns started it. That points to one of the Brandts. Perhaps Marcella Brandt, who was close to Hartmann?" He began pacing slowly. "And then there's Hartmann, the small-town architect who caught von Mollern's ire after breaking up a ring of demon worshippers with Dietmar. Dietmar added that the Frickmayers were keeping a curse at bay, but not for long. If true, that curse might be tied to the same cult. The same cult that took down Hartmann's position and opened von Mollern's move to replace Hartmann with Krauss, an architect who could be controlled through bonuses and pay versus direct loyalty to Frickmayer." As soon as he finished his theory, a pinch from Marci came in. While the other two were absorbing Evander's proposed ideas, he whispered back, "I did. I thought you wouldn't mind since you've spoken into mine plenty of times." He paused, "Roslyn and Johann are fine, albeit a little tense from some pieces of information we've been uncovering. One of those pieces were documents speaking to a master Huulisch artist Dirk Huyghens van Rozendoorn. These documents suggest there is a painting of a child in the Frickmayer manor, a child who is likely Eike, the heir of the Frickmayer house. May you be a darling and find it?" Johann let out a low whistle. [color=goldenrod]"That's... crazy,"[/color] he allowed, still clutching his handful of books tightly. [color=goldenrod]"But it makes... sense."[/color] He shook his head, expression working through his disbelief. [color=goldenrod]"But [i]how[/i]?"[/color] He shook it again, adamantly. [color=goldenrod]"How can it [i]be[/i]?"[/color] He found a seat and took a couple of deep breaths, face still somewhere between incredulous and accepting. [color=goldenrod]"I [i]know[/i] them. I've known them since I was a boy - The von Mollerns, that is."[/color] Johann looked up, books still in hand. [color=goldenrod]"They're not like that. Oh -"[/color] He waved dismissively. [color=goldenrod]"They are as much money-grubbing merchants as true bluebloods, but they are not secretive folk. They... walk among the townspeople. They invest in their public spaces. They invite the poor into their home during Caldores and Champs Vides."[/color] His expression was stricken, now. [color=goldenrod]"It [i]can't[/i] be..."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"If the crypt is a seal and the curse's story is real, we're likely dealing with Iptacht. Or a minion of his."[/color] Roslyn's blood pounded in her brain ruthlessly. She had to be careful about what she said as she reflected on Evander's theory. It was sound enough and had enough evidence to support it, but... she felt something was missing. She couldn't place what. Noticing Johann's mixed feelings, she reached out a hand and gently patted his shoulder. It was a small gesture, but it worked well for her. [color=#cbc66d]"It might not be the whole family that is involved. My idea of getting caught is hopefully going to show who we can trust."[/color] She wrote down a bit about the demon worshipers. It obviously gave her the reason to go to the church and put the von Mollerns in the hot seat. [color=#cbc66d]"I hope Marci contacts us soon. I have a question I want Xiuyang to ask the organist- if he's alive. Also, I am guessing M. Brandt is Marcella Brandt here."[/color] She pointed to the document about Krauss being hired. [color=#cbc66d]"Maybe she was put there to keep an eye on Lady Frickmayer and to block any problems from her."[/color] [i][color=#cbc66d]I wonder if the person I was attacked by this morning was also from the town. Or just a random victim in the wrong place, at the wrong time.[/color][/i] It was as if on cue when Marceline's pinch message came in: first, to Roslyn, then to Evander, and - finally - to Johann. [color=598527][/color] To the first two, she extended the message slightly. [color=598527][/color] Finally, for Roslyn only, she saved, [color=598527][/color] [color=goldenrod]"Ah, and there is Marceline,"[/color] remarked Johann, [color=goldenrod]"just like clockwork."[/color] He arched a brow thoughtfully, smiling gratefully over at Roslyn as he got back to his feet and shook his head as if to clear it. Still, he was holding those books, having never let go of them since sharing the revelations carried within. [color=goldenrod]"Anything else we need to follow up on, or is it time to declare our little information caper a success and make our getaway?"[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"I swear, that girl has a sense for when someone is talking about her. "[/color] Roslyn chuckled, noticing Johann's grip on the books. That was... odd. She fell into a thoughtful expression as if weighing his words. [color=#cbc66d]"Give me a bit to think and make sure I got everything written down. My insides are jerking around pretty badly."[/color] [color=#cbc66d][/color] A moment passed as she then added. [color=#cbc66d][/color] [color=598527][/color] came the response, and she could well imagine the flat tone and pursed lips had it been delivered in person. There was an extended pause as she must've been searching. [color=598527][/color] A brief interlude followed. [color=598527][/color] She had to be considering. [color=598527][/color] [i][color=#cbc66d]< Sending. Boys. Out. Now. | And. Have. Xiuyang. Ask. About. Cathedral. Incident.>[/color][/i] Roslyn finished her message to Marci as she grabbed her quill then scratched down the last bit of info. She pulled up from her seat. [color=#cbc66d]"Okay, I don't think we'll find anything else useful here. You two should head out. Leave the books out, I'll put them away and have the constable catch me in the act."[/color] She walked over to Johann, offering the paper copy to him. Her expression shined with concern as her hands offered to take the books from him. [color=#cbc66d]"You take this and I'll take those. You really are out of sorts. Now go, and hopefully I'll meet you two back at the inn soon."[/color] [color=598527][/color] came Marceline's reply. [color=598527][/color] Evander didn't quite understand what Roslyn was going on about... *Iptacht*? Quite frankly, it didn't matter. A demon was a demon. They were all the same to him. Vile counterfeits to the Pentadic gods themselves. He nodded. Evander's gaze lingered on Johann a moment longer than comfort allowed before turning back to the documents. His voice, when it arrived, was messured, as if he were thinking aloud. "It's a tangled mess, Johann. I don't know, maybe you're right. Maybe the von Mollerns are blameless in all this." He traced a fingertip along the edge of a parchment. "But it's just as possible that the compromise lies with them. This place is ancient, these families' legacies are buried deep with roots running along history with the rest of this city and those in it... of course... things buried tend to resurface when the ground shifts." He looked up, almost sympathetically. "Hard to know what's truth anymore. What's convenient. What's set up to *look* like one thing while concealing another." A faint smile pulled up on Evander's face, unreadable, "Of course, whenever it's revealed, so too are our loyalties." He kept his gaze on Johann, watching his reaction. No matter the performance, he was not to be trusted; this much was obvious next to the hearth. As Roslyn's hand came to rest on Johann's shoulder, Evander's tone softened, his words a bit more careful. "If you believe they're innocent, then let's see it through. Let's prove it." At that moment, Marci pinched. *Yes, have you come across any information about the former deputy, Dietmar Schuttman?* Evander responded with a whisper. Then, Roslyn gave one set of copies to Johann, while recommending the two leave. [color=goldenrod]"Ah, yes!"[/color] Johann exclaimed, even as Marceline - nestled comfortably in Lady Frickmayer's sun room - reached out to give Edith a small tweak of warning. [color=goldenrod]"I should be putting my things away."[/color] He began moving towards one of the shelves, and there was a small, sudden, intense draw of magic that Roslyn, in her hurried state, did not catch. Evander, in the midst of speaking, noticed some sort of magic use, but was not actively sensing it and did not catch any details of its type or origin. [color=goldenrod]"You have very many out. I shall quickly put these back and be on my way."[/color] He nodded quickly and smiled. Then, in the process of sliding them in between some other records, he paused. [color=goldenrod]"You know, it occurs to me that we never did look into the illness that Eike, the mysterious heir, suffered from."[/color] He shook his head. [color=goldenrod]"There must be something on it. Perhaps a quick check to calm your nerves while you wait?"[/color] He put the books away, squeezed her shoulder, and offered up a reassuring smile. Roslyn pulled her hands back as she let Johann step past her. Her insides curled in on itself, but she pushed down the anxiety and ignored it. Maybe she was being paranoid. All this conspiracy conversation finally had gotten to her and she hated it. It didn't help that the conversation of demons had dug up unwanted memories. She didn't look forward to the nightmares to come later that night. [color=#cbc66d]"Uh, thank you, but we don't have time for that. Marci already contacted Edith and it's only a matter of time before the constable arrives."[/color] Her voice strained to keep calm while she turned on the spot. Johann didn't seem to share her concerns as he put away the books and then gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. It only helped some. As they were walking out in the company of only each other, Evander asked, "Johann, serious question." He paused to give Johann time to find his listening ears, "Do you think Margarethe is involved in some of this, somehow?" Presently, Johann headed for the door, rubbing shoulders with Evander as he did so. [color=goldenrod]"My good fellow, I do not 'think'. I am [i]certain[/i] of it."[/color] He scoffed lightly. [color=goldenrod]"Why, I would bet my inheritance that she is, this very moment, yelping off to her handlers in distress after the great performance of our own Lady Hohnstein this morning."[/color] He grinned wickedly as they made their way out into the cold.[/hider][h2]Betrayal Has Many Flavors[/h2][hider=*********] She stood there in silence and the dim light. It was the first moment her own inner voice became the loudest thing in her head. Her heart thumped in her chest, but it only added fuel to the emotional wildfire in her core. At this point, the whole day felt like someone had dropped her in water and she could no longer swim. It took all her strength not to simply crumble into a ball. With a heavy sigh that echoed in the room, Roslyn dragged her feet to check if the books had really been put back. Once reassured, she began to look for whatever medical records she could find over the heir. No sooner had the door closed than Roslyn felt it: a pinch message that came without Marceline's familiar and - usually - reassuring touch. [color=#87CEEB][/color] It was Edith Grunewald. She answered with a tapping on her wrist. [i][color=#cbc66d] [/color][/i] [color=#87CEEB][/color] Edith replied. [color=#87CEEB][/color] That was, indeed, the question, but Roslyn had noticed both the books, exactly where Johann had put them on the shelf, and two helpful leads on the second question: one pertaining to the Frickmayers' accounts and the other a set of doctors' records in the town, divided into five year blocks. Roslyn knew the answer and it was simple: No. She hadn't been since this morning and things seemed to continue to get worse. It became painfully clear how obvious it was to the tethers. Her eyes closed and she drew. Tick... tock... tick... tock.. She counted the seconds before pouring a calming dose of her chemical gift into her system. [i][color=#cbc66d] [/color][/i] She began to look for any information on herbs used, abnormalities or anything odd that stuck out. Roslyn first checked the Frickmayers' records for a family doctor and, once she'd located 'D. Renhoffer', she could hurry and dive into the doctor's records. There were notes about 'unreceptiveness to traditional binding', 'extreme sensitivity to bleeding', and 'extreme difficulty healing even small wounds'. There were a number of treatments, magical and mundane, listed. These included extract of witch hazel, yarrow, and a regular order of plantains. There was paperwork for the sourcing of rare aloe vera from Xolexocto, as well. [color=#87CEEB][/color] came Edith's slightly pained response. However, after another minute or so, it was followed by, [color=#87CEEB][/color] Roslyn had forgotten how much the truth hurt. She wasn't some legendary hero. Not like her friends who seemed to be able to explode barriers, fight monsters, and do so much more than her. Even keep their own shit together unlike her. No, she was a simple brewery girl trying her best and in her mind, it never seemed to be enough. She even suspected the reason dark things lurked around her had been because she bled weakness. It was tasty to them like blood to some types of threshers. Her only issue was figuring out how to stop the 'bleeding'. That was a problem for another day and time. With a deep breath, she tapped back. [i][color=#cbc66d][/color][/i] The ''unreceptiveness to traditional binding' was familiar to her, but she could only guess its origins. She looked into the account records to determine if there was a pattern. Mainly if the visits had a certain time they were always held or followed a certain holy number. However, time was short. She scrambled for the proper documents to get caught by as she then sat back down, eyes glued to the words. Roslyn's research was hurried, but her answers seemed straightforward enough to find. Regular visits had come once every two weeks, on Victendes. There were some that broke the pattern and carried a higher fee, which she assumed were emergency visits. There were also a handful with a specialist. Beyond that, however, there didn't appear to be any particular pattern to the child's medical history. Time was growing short, however. She'd swept with her energy sense a couple of times and, on her third one, she picked up on two people, carrying the typically higher-than-normal energy that denoted Gift users, quickly headed her way. They were, perhaps, two hundred-fifty yards distant, a little bit inside the edge of her range, and closing. She hastily gathered the files that Johann had been so attached to and laid them out in front of her, opening them up. She found that they were, indeed, redacted. If she focused particularly hard, she could make out some of the letters, and even a handful of words, but then her time was up. Outside of the archives, striding into view through its windows, were Karl von Mollern and Bastian Schuttmann. They wasted no time on hurling the door open. [i][color=#cbc66d][/color][/i] After filling in Marci on all she could, Roslyn sensed them heading her way. [i][color=#cbc66d] [/color][/i] The girl had barely sunk into her role when she heard them enter. She flinched, her small form jumping to her feet and whirled to face them. Like a mouse, she forced herself to freeze on the spot clutching the papers. She recalled Edith's advice and hoped this worked. [color=#2E8B57]"Girl,"[/color] exclaimed Karl von Mollern, striding through the door, [color=#2E8B57]"what in Shune's name are you doing at work today?"[/color] His eyes flicked up and down Roslyn and then, belatedly, a light of understanding came to them. He leaned in to Bastian. [color=#2E8B57]"Warte ... Ist das das andere Mädchen? Die Ermittlerin von der Akademie?"[/color] (Wait... is this the other girl? The investigator from the academy?) [color=#1E90FF]"Ja, mein Herr,"[/color] came the reply in a low voice. [color=#1E90FF]"Das kann leicht passieren. Sie sehen fast gleich aus."[/color] (Yes, sir. That can happen easily. They look almost the same.) Karl turned back to face her, thumbs looped into his belt, and scowled. [color=#2E8B57]"Well? What is ze meaning of this?"[/color] he shook his head and strode forward, him and Bastian cutting off her routes of escape. The latter's eyes briefly flashed with a look that seemed to say 'what the five hells were you thinking?' [color=#2E8B57]"I am a fair man, but we have rules in zis town, even for people who are doing good work."[/color] He glanced at the materials she was clutching. [color=#2E8B57]"And, for Shune's sake, it's a holiday!"[/color] [i][color=#cbc66d]Okay, channel your inner Sybille. [/color][/i] Roslyn thought trying to recall the right mannerisms. With a deep breath, she schooled her face into her best impression of her cousin's stern look. The girl pushed down the flight instinct as she evened out her tone. [color=#cbc66d]"I am aware and I'm sorry. Miss Wicke mentioned she left something here. I did tell her numerous times, the archives were closed until after Caldores. She insisted it was important and it couldn't wait."[/color] Roslyn hid the contents of the document against her chest as she glanced at the table. [color=#cbc66d]"I had just found it and was about to clean up when you two arrived."[/color] She frowned, observing their reaction. [color=#cbc66d]"Why are you here?"[/color] [color=#2E8B57]"And you are [i]not[/i] Fraulein Wicke?"[/color] Karl questioned, pulling out a small book and extracting an inkpot from a cubby on the counter. [color=#2E8B57]"Remember zat it is [i]I[/i] who will ask the questions."[/color] A stubborn part of Roslyn wanted to keep the deception up, but she already knew she was busted. The question was how tangled did she want to make this web and risk it strangling herself. A moment of silence passed before her shoulders slacked as her confidence deflated. She really needed to learn to lie better. [color=#cbc66d]"You can't blame me for trying. I was hoping to be in and out. Guessing someone noticed?"[/color] Bastian's eyes flicked Karl's way. [color=#2E8B57]"An undisclosed source,"[/color] the veteran constable replied to the girl's query. Bastian remembered to nod sternly and supportively as Karl sauntered over, thumbs hooked into his belt. [color=#2E8B57]"Seems this was a little more than 'in and out',"[/color] he observed, taking in the sheer volume of research laid out on the tables. He leaned in and narrowed his eyes. [color=#2E8B57]"'In and out' is what Herr Schuttmann here is known for."[/color] His mustache bristled. [color=#2E8B57]"What were you [i]really[/i] after?"[/color] Roslyn's eyes glanced at Bastian. For a split moment, her innocence of the topic showed until it clicked and she fought not to blush. [i][color=#cbc66d]Stay on topic, Roslyn! [/color][/i] She snapped at herself. [color=#cbc66d]"Something bothered me about Krauss and that led me to question other things. Eventually, I came across... this." [/color] She held out the redacted report about the demon worshippers to Karl. [color=#cbc66d]"I was going to ask the church if they knew about it."[/color] Karl von Mollern's hand darted out and snatched the folder, clawlike. His eyes flicked from side-to side across its cover. [color=#2E8B57]"How did you even read this?"[/color] He shook his head tightly. [color=#2E8B57]"Most of it is redacted. I [i]know. I[/i] did the redacting."[/color] Roslyn didn't expect Karl von Mollern's quick reaction. One he snatched the paper, she jerked back her hand and held it close to her form. Her eyes narrowed at him as she considered what to say. Truthfully, it was Johann's doing rather than hers. She wasn't sure if she should reveal that information and risk admitting others were here. Better safe than sorry, the girl decided. [color=#cbc66d]"Sorry to say, it wasn't enough. Especially for someone who has a few tricks up her sleeves."[/color] She commented, not answering his question. [color=#2E8B57]"So there are two possibilities, then."[/color] He matched her smug tone with his own, though there was some venom behind it. [color=#2E8B57]"You are either a fool or a liar - possibly both."[/color] He shook his head and motioned for Bastian to step forward, prepared to detain her. [color=#2E8B57]"If the latter, one must wonder as to [i]why[/i]."[/color] There was not so much as a [i]hint[/i] of playfulness left in him now, and Karl von Mollern finally seemed the head of police that he, indeed, was. [color=#2E8B57]"Beobachte sie,"[/color] (Watch her.) he ordered. [color=#2E8B57]"Vielleicht versucht sie etwas."[/color] (She might try something.) Awkwardly, eyes darting from one to the other, Bastian composed himself and obeyed. His face quickly faded from its usual good-natured jolliness to stony. [color=598527][/color] came Marceline's check-in. Karl stalked around the front counter, brusque and businesslike, but there was a palpable tension in the air now. He unclipped the keyring from his belt and fished out a particular key. Posting both hands on the counter, he had Bastian usher Roslyn toward him. The constable leaned forward, eyes narrowed, studying her. [color=#2E8B57]"If you have read it, then you will know what it says,"[/color] he told her. [color=#2E8B57]"So, Fraulein Wicke?"[/color] He leaned in ever closer, almost threatening. [color=#2E8B57]"What does it say?"[/color] [i][color=#cbc66d]Stay calm, stay calm. [/color][/i] Roslyn told herself as she caught the shift in his voice. Johann's little discovery had hit a nerve with the man and now she was paying the price. She went to step back only to spot Bastian move closer to stop her. Nervously, she rubbed her arm and shuffled in place. Upon feeling Marci's tether message, she tapped her palm out of sight. [i][color=#cbc66d] [/color][/i] [color=#cbc66d]"There was an incident involving Hartmann and a then Deputy Dietmar Schuttmann in breaking up a ring of demon worshipers in the woods, just outside of town. That was what I could make out."[/color] Roslyn spoke firmly, keeping the fear out of her voice. [color=#cbc66d]"As I said, both were trying to stop them. Hartmann brought in some of his workers, four of them died. In the end, both were dismissed. Hartmann returned home in disgrace and became a drunk. He came back, but was found in the river a week later. Strange burns on-"[/color] Roslyn's eyes widened in realization. She was a fool for not realizing it earlier as she finished her thought. [color=#cbc66d]"-his body." [/color] Karl pursed his lips. [color=#2E8B57]"And what are [i]you[/i] acting all surprised about?"[/color] he sniped back. Without further word, he took his keys out, found the right one, and unlocked a small secure cupboard. From it, he pulled a particular inkpot with a particular musty minty stench. [color=#2E8B57]"Bastian, would you use the Lassalac ink to un-redact the log kraken ink?"[/color] Hesitantly, Bastian agreed and stepped forward. [color=#2E8B57]"I would ask if you agree to this,"[/color] Karl put to Roslyn, his voice stern and clipped, [color=#2E8B57]"but you - frankly - have no choice. You are on the thinnest of ice in thermal boots."[/color] carefully, Bastian took a small brush, dipped it in the lassalac, and painted gently over the special ink that obscured the document. Gradually, it revealed the true message beneath. Karl posted his hands on his hips. [color=#2E8B57]"Hold it out for her to read."[/color] He nodded at Bastian who, with an ambiguous sort of look, agreed. There lay the police report, in all of its glory, revealed to Roslyn's eyes. [color=#cbc66d]"I-I just had a thought crossed my mind was all."[/color] Roslyn stated quickly. She didn't bother to elaborate as she watched him pull a few things out of a cabinet. The strong, minty scent she recognized instantly as Lassalac. It was impossible for her to mistake it for anything else. She leaned in to read the report. Some of the details matched what Johann had said, but... he had left key things out. Hurt unlike anything she had felt before hit her harder than she thought possible. Her eyes squeezed tightly as she gripped her arm in a vice like grip. Johann had seen this and kept it from them. Played her like a fool after she trusted him. [color=#cbc66d]"I think you were right. I am a fool."[/color] Her voice cracked with pain and anger. She blinked back the tears threatening to blur her vision. Karl von Mollern's face softened, just a bit. Bastian's, however, became pinched. Before the constable could reassure, comfort, or question Roslyn, his deputy butted in with a raised, incredulous voice. [color=#1E90FF]"What [i]is[/i] this!?"[/color] he shook his head, eyes bugging out. [color=#1E90FF]"Why... why didn't I [i]hear[/i] about any of this?"[/color] If the constable's face had softened earlier, as Roslyn worked through her unwelcome revelation, it visibly cracked at Bastian's reaction. [color=#2E8B57]"I..."[/color] He bit his lower lip. [color=#2E8B57]"I should've,"[/color] he admitted. [color=#2E8B57]"I should've and I know it, but he asked me not to."[/color] [color=#1E90FF]"You fired him!"[/color] Bastian nearly shouted. [color=#1E90FF]"You pinned it all on him and fired him and he lives as a broken man in disgrace!"[/color] Karl swallowed, but did not flinch back. [color=#2E8B57]"And I like it no more than you do, Bastian, same as I disliked it back then."[/color] [color=#1E90FF]"Hmph!"[/color] the younger man snorted. [color=#1E90FF]"But - let me guess - ze orders came from someone else and weren't your fault and you couldn't stop zem."[/color] Karl scowled only slightly, but he nodded. [color=#2E8B57]"They did,"[/color] he confessed, taking a deep breath and looking his resentful deputy square in the eye. [color=#2E8B57]"They came from him."[/color] He nodded slowly. [color=#2E8B57]"I don't know why. He wouldn't tell me. I tried to talk him out of it, but he was insistent - as insistent as I've ever seen him, and you and I both know how stubborn he can be."[/color] Bastian's face remained incredulous. [color=#1E90FF]"But why!?"[/color] He shook his head. [color=#1E90FF]"You're lying. You have to be lying! What kind of reason is [i]that[/i]!?"[/color] The constable stood his ground. [color=#2E8B57]"You need to calm down and accept the truth, even when it is difficult. I cannot say what his reasons were for certain,"[/color] the mustachioed man admitted, [color=#2E8B57]"but I am of the opinion that he was - and perhaps still [i]is[/i] - protecting something, or someone, of vital importance."[/color] he shook his head, and Bastian, left open-mouthed, closed his mouth so as not to look stupid, and took a moment to think. [color=#2E8B57]"So, you see,"[/color] said Karl, turning to Roslyn, [color=#2E8B57]"You are not alone in that feeling, girl."[/color] He was not the type to offer a hug or a pat on the shoulder, but he nodded in understanding. [color=#2E8B57]"All we can do is move forward, learn from it, and not be a fool with the next thing. Now -"[/color] He leaned over the counter, elbows on its surface, and offered her a quill. [color=#2E8B57]"No tears. We can cry them and we should, but there is a time and place, when they can be tears of relief as well as sadness."[/color] He pressed his lips together in a thin, serious smile or reassurance. [color=#2E8B57]"I need a name. Not to put any more pressure on you, but I have a feeling that a great many lives could be at stake and you have the power to save them."[/color] While Bastian and Karl von Mollern had their exchange, Roslyn's world spun. She had thought Shune was done with her, but she had let her guard down and paid the price. Once more, everything ranging from this morning to now bubbled up in her chest. Her heart splintered into pieces as her fingers held onto her to ground herself. Why did it hurt so much? Her head tilted up when Karl von Mollern addressed her, holding out a quill. She nodded then reached for it. Without hesitation, the tip scratched across the surface writing Johann's name. Karl nodded, businesslike but not unsympathetic. Perhaps, in some ways, this mirrored a moment in his life from years ago. [color=#2E8B57]"Ze young Herr Steinbauer."[/color] He shook his head and let out a low whistle. Bastian was still lost in his thoughts, perhaps starting to emerge, but not there yet. He leaned on a table nearby. [color=#2E8B57]"This is a very big fish to fry, I believe the expression is."[/color] The constable stroked his chin for a moment. [color=#2E8B57]"We will need conclusive evidence."[/color] That was when, as if on cue, Marceline entered Roslyn's world of bitter melancholy. [color=598527][/color] She paused momentarily, as if collecting her thoughts, or perhaps she was just distracted by a half-dozen other messages, opportunities, and threats. [color=598527][/color] Another pause. [color=598527][/color] Within the storm of pain brewing, Roslyn noticed Marci. She relaxed and took comfort in knowing she could lean on her friends. With a deep breath, she stilled those emotions once more. She considered what her friends might've done in this situation. The answer was obvious: set a trap for the fucking snake. At Karl's words Roslyn swallowed the lump in her throat. [color=#cbc66d]" Yeah, I doubt my word alone will be enough. However, I recalled something my father once said to me. A person's greatest enemy was overconfidence and they are more likely to make mistakes."[/color] She latched onto that anger, forcing her voice cold and steady. It was better than feeling anything else right now. [color=#cbc66d]"So, what if he thinks he got away with it? "[/color] The constable arched an eyebrow. [color=#2E8B57]"If I'm going to be honest, my dear girl, this warrants little more than a search of your belongings and then a slap on the wrist."[/color] He scowled. [color=#2E8B57]"You being put in a cell for a bit would help put him at ease while your friends gather more evidence, but it would be overreach on our part."[/color] Then, suddenly, Bastian spoke. [color=#1E90FF]"I'm not trying to be rude,"[/color] he began, [color=#1E90FF]"but I also need to be honest."[/color] He leveled a pointer at Roslyn. [color=#1E90FF]"You have been about as open as him up to zis point."[/color] The pointer found Karl and he shook his head. [color=#1E90FF]"You Academy kids have shared almost nossing wiss us - ze police of zis town. It needs to stop."[/color] His voice was not hard, but it was firm and... perhaps a bit hurt. [color=#1E90FF]"What else do you know and have going on in ze background? It is about time we work togezer properly."[/color] For about the next five minutes, they exchanged information. In parallel, the police had come to some of the same conclusions that she and her fellow students had, even though there had only been three of them. What they were missing were a couple of the latest developments. They were just circling back to the topic of how to 'punish' her and make it believable when [i]it[/i] began.[/hider][h2]Hellish Ambush[/h2][hider=**********] Roslyn had been about to respond when pain tickled the back of her eyes. Her bandit ring glowed, the only warning she had, before the attack hit her. The room spun. It sent her hands to grip the edges of her seat. Sweat crawled across her skin and she became pale, her form trembling. Chemical, magnetic and temporal poured into her system as it countered the damage. Her eyes widened with fear and then she shut them. The warmth of blood trickled down her nose before the pain faded. Her stomach curdled and she leaned to one side. A sourness lingered in the back of her throat. Vomit. Scrunching up her face, she swallowed it down. The two officers glanced about, on high alert, and she could see Bastian sensing while Karl rushed over, put his hands on her shoulders to steady Roslyn, and began using binding to heal the internal damage. [color=#2E8B57]"Still, or you will lose memories."[/color] It took him only moments. Perhaps he had done this before. [color=#2E8B57]"Bastian, report!"[/color] he ordered and, a moment later, Edith was checking in. [color=#87CEEB][/color] she messaged all three of them. [color=#87CEEB][/color] [color=#1E90FF]"I sense a tier three not too far from us. I think I'm picking up something bigger down south near the edge of my range."[/color] [color=#87CEEB][/color] came a message from Edith. [color=#87CEEB][/color] One could not sense emotion through pinch language. [color=#87CEEB][/color] Roslyn tried her best to listen as a small, angry whimper escaped her throat. She realized quickly how vulnerable she was right there. No weapon, barely any proper gear, and worst of all... no one nearby. There was little doubt in her mind that Evander and Steinbauer had fucked off somewhere else. As Karl's gift mended her brain, the girl's chest heaved and she spoke through gritted teeth.[color=#cbc66d]"Thanks. That was... unpleasant."[/color] She felt that emotional bottle cracking again, forcing her to push it down. [color=#cbc66d]"The rest of my gear is back at the inn. No time to get it. I didn't expect things to go bad this fast. We're going to need help. Can Edith get a message to Marci?"[/color] Marceline received a pinch message from Edith. [color=#87CEEB][/color] [color=598527][/color] [color=#87CEEB][/color] [color=598527][/color] [color=#87CEEB][/color] [color=598527][/color] [color=#87CEEB][/color] [color=598527][/color] [color=#87CEEB][/color] came a message from Edith. [color=#87CEEB][/color] The younger of the two tethered appeared before Roslyn, a large sack of items across her lap. [color=598527]"I would ask if you're keeping a dead body or something in here,"[/color] she griped, struggling to handle it, though a fond smirk softened her features, [color=598527]"but I wouldn't joke about that in front of officers of the peace."[/color] She threw a little salute Roslyn's way and wished her, [color=598527]"Good luck, and stay safe!"[/color] She was already drawing to head for another target. [color=#cbc66d]"Will try, but today seems to want to test that skill. And Marci, wait! Going to give you all a little extra power."[/color] A weight of anxiety lifted off her shoulders upon seeing Marci and her gear. Roslyn quickly withdrew her satchel of ammo and smoking bandit. Popping in the rosy wick, she gestured for Bastian and Karl to come closer quickly. [color=#cbc66d]"This should give our gift a bigger kick.[/color] She squeezed the small cannon's trigger. A brief burst of smoke erupted and engulfed them, dissipating shortly after. [color=#cbc66d]"One shot left."[/color] She put it away, moving onto the rest of her gear. Lastly, she pulled out the sword. A flutter of nerves darted over her as she took a moment to stare at the accursed item. [color=#cbc66d][i]Hopefully this thing is useful and not trouble.[/i][/color] Lowering it to her side, her eyes turned to the officers. [color=#cbc66d]"All right, which way are you two heading? I'll take the other direction."[/color] Marceline was gone moments later. [color=#2E8B57]"You ladies take east,"[/color] commanded Karl, [color=#2E8B57]"we take northwest."[/color] He was already headed for the door. [color=#2E8B57]"Eshiran empower us all."[/color] Roslyn wasted no time as she followed the two men out and turned eastward. She wasn’t the strongest of faith, but Karl's prayer gave her strength. These demons were about to learn of a new monster. One that held no mercy. She became a blurry, multicolored streak rushing at the open gap. A rumble echoed when another wall jumped up in front of her and forced her to skid to a stop. Roslyn twisted another direction when she spotted another wall forming. Drawing in the energy around her, she focused on cold over heat. The wall's formation slowed, but didn't stop. Before she reached it, the white material blocked her path. She hissed when she slammed into it then spotted the final one start to form. One last shot. It closed in to trap her as she flung her bombs again at it. The metal sphere hit once, rewound, then hit again. The shockwave vibrated the air. Cracks formed along the surface until chunks started to fall and the wall became a heap of rumble. As the dust cleared, Roslyn stepped out into the open. Her hand dusted off her shoulder with a smile. Seemed Reshta had bestowed her favor upon the young Hendlish girl, but the fight was far from done. She seized the ball in a magnetic field. It shook in resistance then she shot into the ground and the wall, slamming from one hard surface to another. Each impact made the demon bloodier. Ruptures spilled the thick steam from its inside as it wheezed. The outside stretched and grew, a reddish discoloring spread across its throbbing bulbs. It was going to blow. Roslyn inhaled and prayed to Ahn-Oraff, hoping this crazy plan of hers worked. Channeling her inner Ingrid, she focused on block buster. The air around her tensed and crackled then sizzled. She urged for speed as her race for destruction climbed. The demon inflated, but in the end it was futile. It ruptured into pieces when her chain actions began. The shockwave rumbled past her, nearly knocking her off her feet. Coughing, Roslyn wiped her eyes. No one seemed hurt... but the buildings were another story. Deciding to think of that later, she tapped her wrist.[i][color=#cbc66d] [/color][/i] She rushed off toward the next demon. *Fin.*[/hider]