To come...
Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk, have been preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow. A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons, a large amphitheater in the center of the town, and standing over the ceremony is Halgra herself, assisted by Kurst and Rodrik Grath, prominent members of the town militia and the two eldest sons of Patrol Leader Jagrin Grath. The buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader, Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony." says the large half-orc woman. " It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.”
Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her. “Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty." Halgra pauses for a dramatic moment, eyeing her youngest daughter approvingly as she continues, "Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?”
Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question. “If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd. “Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!”
The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony.
Once Halgra finishes her speech, the townsfolk waste no time transitioning to the ceremony’s more lighthearted festivities, including a number of games, which traditionally star the hopeknife recipient as the main player. The first such game is tug-of-war, which traditionally pits the hopeknife receiver against Trunau’s best defenders. For the past several years, Kurst and Rodrik Grath have taken on this role alongside several other members of Trunau’s militia.
Rodrik, a handsome young man who is also an accomplished poet, loudly says to Ruby, "The militia wishes to challenge the birthday girl to a game of tug-of-war! Ruby, you may pick your own team, but know that you face the might of the defenders of Trunau this day!"
Ruby scans the crowd, looking rather embarrassed and shy. She hesitates for several seconds before pointing towards Corentin, who has made a name for himself as an able defender of the town. She puzzles again for a few moments and points out her older brother Iacobus, who is obviously a good choice, as he knows all about contests of strength! A few more moments pass, and the process lags on. She sees the man referred to as Jo in the crowd. She had heard he was raised by the dwarves, as sturdy a race as she had ever heard, and she points at him shyly as her next selection.
Halgra, standing in the midst of her older children, leans over to Finch and Hannah and says, "You best get in there and help your little sister, or we will be waiting all day for her to make her selections! Poor girl!"
Not far from the center of the throng stands Cham Larringfass and a group of halflings, all well prepared to enjoy the evening's fun. Looking down at the pair she says, "Bellanie, Sasha, maybe you should offer up your help? Show them halfling might!"
"Yes, Momma!"
Hannah had been leaning against her older brother, Finch, during the ceremony. He produces more body heat than she, and it is a bit chilly as the sun begins to set.
She moves through the crowd gracefully, like than dancer she is. Herne hops after her, long accustomed to following Hannah through tangles of people's feet. When she reaches Ruby, she wraps her arms around her younger sister in a tight embrace.
"I'll help you little sister, even if you are taller than me. With your brothers and I you won't be able to lose."
Upon hearing his name called Corentin breaks off the conversation he'd been having with a few townsfolk, handing one of them his flagon Smiling warmly he raises his arms as if he'd just been selected as champion of the queen of Taldor. With purpose he strides to Ruby before bowing low and saying in a formal tone rarely used but none-the-less at home on his lips, "M'lady you do me great honor! I would count myself lucky to be among your chosen." Rising he looks towards the Grath brothers with a smirk and good naturedly taunts, "Shall we see this lot to the the mud then?"
Sasha smiles broadly, glad to have a chance to work her muscles. It had been several days since she last had a workout. She takes her place in the line-up.
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Standing out among a group of dwarves, taller by at least a foot, Johan watches the ceremony. He cannot help but think about the fates and how he was denied the option of being a resident of this city and its mostly human inhabitants. He is not sad about this for he has a loving family and had had a proud upbringing full of its own traditions. But still, he cannot help but wonder about what might have been.
Hearing his nick name called wakes him from his day dream. He is unsure how to respond but his dwarven brothers were already pushing him forward with calls of Represent the Klan. And even though every dwarf in his group was stronger than he, he could not refuse the selection of the celebrant. It would simply go against the reason he has been sent with his fellows. He nods his acceptance and moves up with the others to participate in the contest.
"On it!" Finch nods enthusiastically, leaping off the short wall he'd chosen as his makeshift seat. "Iaco! Sis is calling for you! Better step up!" he adds at the intention of his half-brother.
Breaking out of the crowd, shirtless as ever, the athletic half-elf walks up to the tug-of-war, keeping at the ready.
As everyone takes place at the rope, Finch looks at his siblings. "Let's show them what the daughters and sons of Halgra can do, shall we?"
"That goes for you as well," he adds at the attention of their esteemed guests and friends, "We're counting on you all." He offers an earnest grin at that, seizing the rope firmly.
As Ruby's champions begin to come forward the militia members on the other side take up their length of heavy rope. Calls of encouragement and even some lighthearted taunting issue forth from the group.
Speaking to his friends Rodrik calls out, "Surely we shall win this day friends, for we are mighty. Cor, I'm going to hate to have to dirty up that pretty face of yours, I hope the maidens of Trunau will forgive me!" Laughter erupts from the militia side as the men share in Rodrik's jest, each adding their own comments in turn. Shouts of "For Trunau!" and "We stand strong!" can be heard, and the men all seem to relish their part in the game.
The crowd, of course, sides with Ruby's team, as is tradition. Sara Morninghawk, in her impressively baritone voice, "Ruby! Show those guards they are nothing but hot air! You can do it!" Several halflings in the company of Cham take up taunting the militia members, implying a few of their number could likely best the group alone.
The rope begins to tighten and the contest is almost set to begin...
Cor chuckles at Rodriks jest and takes his place at the rope. As the slack is taken up he digs his heels into the earth a bit in preparation for the contest.
Stepping forward as his youngest sibling points to him, Iacobus grins in anticipation. He takes his elder brother's ribbing with uncharacteristicaly silent goodwill as he makes his way to his youngest sister's side.
Although it would be fair to say that strength was not Hannah's strength, she was game for the challenge.
"For Ruby! For Trunau!"
"Let's show them! Heave! Ho!" Finch laughs, giving it his all.
Sasha grabs hold and pulls, heaving at the rope with all her halfling might!
As the two groups grasp the rope a call is given and the slack pulls tight! Heels are dug into the hardened soil as both groups strain against the strength of the other side. Ruby can be seen grinding her teeth and tugging against the rope with all of her youthful might, while the militia members on the opposite side appear to struggle greatly!
For moments the rope seems to hang still in the air, neither side gaining an advantage, and then that begins to change. The team supporting Ruby redouble their efforts and with a fearsome tug manage to jerk the rope several feet in their favor, sending several of the militia members in an off-balance stumble that costs them everything. Rodrik and Kurst tumble to the ground across the muddy expanse and wind up in a pile at Ruby's feat!
A wild cheer shoots up from the crowd as Ruby is hoisted onto the Grath brother's shoulders. They spin her slowly so she can enjoy the moment of seeing the entire town cheer her on. A huge smile crosses the child's face as he is showered with shouts and cheers from all those gathered in the Commons. After a few more moments she is lowered to the ground, at which point she sprints over to Halgra and wraps her in a hug.
As the full festivities have kicked off, the town begins to break into groups who head to the far end of the Commons where tarps have been set up. Under the tarps are tables covered with various foods and dishes as well as several tapped kegs waiting to be emptied.
Rodrik and Kurst approach the group and shake their hands, offering them rough slaps on the back and a couple knowing winks. After a few moments of this Rodrik says, "Well played indeed! You all pulled with the strength of giants! Come, my brother and I were thinking of seeing what damage we can do to the ale, and we'd welcome the company." They then make their way towards the tarps and the mass of tables set up for the celebration.
Corentin congratulates their young leader before clasping hands with each of his teammates in turn. "Well done! Surely Kurgess smiled upon us. What greater prize could there be than that?" he states with a gesture to the beaming smile on Rubys face.
When Rodrik and Kurst join them he happily trades jests with them before accepting their invitation. "I'll even buy the first round." he jokes.
"When it comes to the ale who could be mightier than the two of you? Everybody knows that the two of you were responsible for the great cider massacre last harvest." Hannah asks teasingly with a grin.
Though the brothers were several years older than she, they were the most interesting boys near her age who weren't related to her. Rodrick especially caught her eye, but she would never admit to having a crush on him because she feared what her brothers might say.
Laughing at loud at the comment, Rodrik retorts, "Ah yes Little Rabbit, but you and I both know that was only to keep it from finding its way to The Killin' Fields and getting spilled in the mud by the patrons there! Such a waste!"
Kurst, the shy and quieter one of the two brothers laughs along with Rodrik and nods his approval. With Cor's comment he adds, "Sure, sure Cor. That is what you said last time before you vanished half way through the evening with a certain spirited lass who shall remain nameless." and flashes the larger man a silly grin. "And we were stuck with the bill!"
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Happy to have won, but slightly suspicious that the bout might have been thrown Johan also congratulates Ruby.
He is about to disappear back among his dwarves companions when Rodrik and Kurst approach. He looks over to where the dwarves are gathered but they have already found the food table and he doubts he will be missed. Thanks for the invite. I would be pleased to drink with such fine men such as yourselves. Johan moves somewhat awkwardly through the crowd and towards the ale.
Hannah fights off the urge to blush at the older boy's attention. She knows it would show too easily on her fair skin. I cannot have Finch teasing me about this!
Gathering her wits, the small young woman pokes Rodrick in the chest playfully.
"Isn't that what any villain would say, Rodrick? That they were doing it for the greater good?"
Unable to maintain her composure, Hannah dissolves into giggles.
Finch follows the group, laughing at the good natured jibbing being thrown about, making a silent note of his younger half-sister's embarassment but opting not to embarass her... yet.
"It's always nice to have guests journeying to Trunau," Finch greets Johan, approaching the later at the ale table.
Not one for the stronger drinks and intending to stay up and study the moon beams and the nightly breeze, Finch instead picks up an empty mug. Said mug proceeds to fill up with fresh water all on its own as he continues.
"Are you and your companions planning on remaining in town for long? If I can help you lot with anything, please let me know," he smiles.
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Johan actually looks around to make sure the half elf is speaking to him. Oh, thanks. Its nice to be in town for a change. I am unsure how long we will remain. I fear that I am at the disposal of my dwarven comrades and unless released, must be tagging along with them. Our lead ranger is meeting with some town officials in the morning to talk about how we might be of best use to the town here, but all that is above my pay grade. And by the way, I am Johan Fletcher. He extends a hand in greeting. Friends usually just call me Jo.
Bellanie slinks up to Sasha after the contest, stowing away some food in her pack that she pocketed. "Sorry just grabbing a bite for mid night snack. I don't much like being the center of attention either."
She grins and pats Sasha on the back "Though with your overwhelming might, it looks like I wasn't needed anyway."
"Nice to meet you, Jo." Finch replies, firmly returning the handshake. "I'm Finch; Chief Defender Halgra is my mother."
Sasha playfully jabs Bellanie in the arm. The halfling girls might be sisters, to a casual observer. In fact, they often acted as such, sometimes taking the deception to an extreme.
"Ah Bellanie, I was wondering when you'd show up. We missed your strength at the tug-of-war but I think we may need you more with our latest challenge." Corentin says by way of greeting to the halfling while passing her a flagon.
Overhearing Johan introduce himself Cor greets him as well. "Welcome to Trunau Jo. The aid of your clansmen would be no doubt welcomed. But such business can wait, if only for a short time. I'm Corentin, but Cor will do. Have a seat and tell us a bit of how things stand in the mountains."
Sticking out her tongue at Sasha, Bellanie rubs her arm a moment before Cor passes her a drink. Turning her attention to him with a smile she nods "You know I'm never one to turn down a drink."
With a wink to Cor she finds a stool with a good view of the tavern and the door, before hoping up with her drink and motioning for Sasha to join her.
Rodrik, upon hearing Hannah's comment, feigns a look of fright, his eyes and head darting back and forth before saying, "Good gods Kurst! She's discovered me!" He then raises his arm across his face, only his eyes peering out over the top of his arm, and in an Ustalavian accent says, "I am Count Cider, and your mead shall be mine! Muhahaha, blah blah!" as he starts chasing Hannah around towards the tarps, exposing his teeth at her and making chomping noises.
As the party seats themselves around a large table Kurst returns with several flagons of ale, setting them down and passing them around. Once finished with his prank Rodrik does the same, and soon the group is happily exchanging stories and greetings. After they settle into conversation Rodrik, speaking to Johan, adds "Aye, my father is eager to meet with your clan tomorrow. There are reports of increased activity to the southwest, and we could certainly use some eyes in the mountains." After taking a long draw from his flagon he adds, "With the meeting and all tomorrow perhaps you'd have some time tomorrow to tell the militia more about your people and their recent encounters?"
The festivities continue long into the evening, with more than a few Trunau natives enjoying a little too much of the ale at the party.
Not long after the main events of the celebration begin to wane, Halgra approaches the table with Ruby at her side, who flashes a wide smile at her siblings seated at the table. "I've mind to head home with Ruby, today has been a lot of excitement for her. Thank you all for joining us, friends as well as strangers, your presence was most welcome, as was your assistance in the games." the grizzled woman says. She then heads off to the upper city, Ruby in tow.
Cham comes over at one point later in the evening and says, "Bellanie, Sasha, I'm off to the Ramblehouse. We've a rowdy crew that has moved the party to the common room and I've a mind to keep an eye on my crockery tonight!" She flashes a disarming smile at Rodrik and Corentin and adds, "You know, if you would be willing we would love to have you there tonight, maybe you can share some tales of your exploits?" She gives the men a wink and turns, heading off in the direction of her inn.
Sasha joins Bellanie and Cor in drinks, staying well into the evening and enjoying the company. It is well after dark when she returns to the Ramblehouse.
Corentin spends time enjoying the company of his fellows and the townfolk in general as he makes his way from grouping to grouping. While he is always seen with a mug in hand the observant might notice that it is drained slowly and is only refilled infrequently.
When Cham comes and makes her offer Cor is quick to accept, "A fine idea. You should all come with us, you've not had hospitality until you've had Cham's hospitality." he says with a bow and a wink to the proprietress. "I'm sure Sasha and I can convince Bell to sing and perhaps Rabbit will even grace us with a dance."
"Especially if a certain captain makes his way down." he whispers conspiratorially to Cham.
Draining his mug he then escorts Cham and any others interested down to the Ramblehouse. Along the way, as they group walks and talks, Cor always takes a moment to glance up at the towers they pass, checking the guard and often giving a wave to the men and women on duty.
Grinning from ear to ear in a match to his youngest sibling at her victory, Iacobus claps shoulders with the other contestants & well-wishers.
As the brothers Grath invite them to share a table, he nods amicably, leaning in to whisper in Roderic's ear before glancing back to take in the crowd.
As the night progresses, Iacobus drinks with the others, but in moderation, standing at his mother's declaration before seeking out the blacksmith & her wife to another round in their perpetual armwrestling challenge.
Rodrik, his face maintaining a half-smile, gazes across the Commons at something, or someone, for a moment, then turning his head to regard Iacobus gives it a brief shake, his eyes betraying him and showing a hint of sadness. The spell passes, and he returns to his cheerful self, but for those around perceptive enough to pick up on it, there are indeed things that trouble him, hidden by a rowdy and jovial veneer.
When Rodrick chases her, Hannah lets out a faux-shriek of terror. Flaxen hair whipping in the evening breeze, she pelts off towards the tent fast enough that he might not catch her, but slow enough that he could catch her.
Hannah has a good time at the party -- flitting here and there. These people are her friends and family, and the young woman enjoys seeing them have fun. At one point, she hops on a table and sings an impromptu ballad of how Ruby's might was so great she defeated the town's entire militia with one hand tied behind her back.
As a piece of art, what it lacked in merit it made up for in heart and good humor.
As the party begins to wind down, Hannah volunteers to help clean up. Though her ears perk up at the mention of singing and dancing.
Finch heartily joins in the conversation over the course of the evening, occasionally relaying a tale of childhood mischief or merely amusing happenstance, including a few rather embarassing for the children of Halgra. Said stories do not spare himself, either, particularly that of a prank gone wrong involving a jar of honey and a hive of wasps.
As Halgra announces her and Ruby's departure, Finch stands up. "I'll tag along with you two, mother. A pair of owls have recently nested nearby, and I need to pick up a few supplies from my room before I head out to observe them."
"Thank you all, family and friends, for making this such a memorable evening for my sister and my family. May your future be wrought of nothing but joy and abundance, and each day better than the last," he smiles, before departing with his mother.
"Fine people, all of them." Finch idly observes, as his mother, his sister, and himself walk towards the upper city. "Our town is quite fortunate to have such remarkable citizen and guests. Wouldn't you agree, Mother?"
Bellanie downs a few drinks before Cham comes to tell them of her departure. She nods and hops down from her stool before following after Cham and any others headed that way.
Whistling an upbeat tune as they make their way to the Ramblehouse, Bellani nudges Cor with her shoulder, bumping into his leg a little harder than she had intended "Ya know..." she taps her index finger to her nose then shrugs and starts to laugh "I think I may have had one too many..."
She looks over to Cham cautiously and gives her a sheepish grin, knowing she probably wouldn't approve then plainly states "Might as well celebrate to the fullest when there is celebratin' to be done!" Finishing she nods in confirmation of her own wise words and then goes back to whistling until they reach the Inn.
Halgra nods at her son, "That we are Finch. We can only hope we continue to be blessed in such ways..." and she trails off, deep in thought.
The party goes well into the night, with many stories being told, songs being sung, and tankards being drained. At some point Rodrik excuses himself from the carousing and heads up to his room at the Ramblehouse. Kurst, not one for the spotlight, calls it an evening shortly after that and does the same. As the evening winds down Cham begins the process of closing up the common roon, which is everyone else's signal that its time to clear out.
When the you awake the following morning, you find many of Trunau’s residents in a state of dismay. Following the commotion and the surge of foot traffic you discover a large crowd has gathered outside the Ramblehouse, and the news spreads quickly: Patrol Captain Rodrik Grath has been found dead!
The inn’s owner, Cham Larringfass, discovered Rodrik’s body in his room, his wrists fatally lacerated and his bloody hopeknife in his limp hand. The town militia arrived soon after and roped off the entire building to investigate the scene, but all signs point to a suicide, a fact that saddens many of the town’s citizens.
As the scene turns into chaos members of the militia do what they can to calm down the crowd. In the midst of this you see Kurst Garth approach you and motions for you to follow, a dreadfully somber look upon his face. He ignores all questions until he has the group of you away from the crowd, in the shelter of an alley between a pair of businesses in this quarter of the town.
Speaking up at last, the sullen man says, “I’m sure you've heard by now that my brother, Rodrik was found dead this morning, and I've had my hands full since. Right now, the official cause of death is suicide, but I just can’t believe that. Something else has to be going on. Unfortunately, Rodrik was the best investigator in Trunau; if he were on the case, solving the mystery of his death wouldn’t take long, but with just me left, we might never know what really happened.” Kurst sighs heavily and continues, “I simply can’t handle the investigation and tend to my family duties at the same time. I may be a patrol captain, but right now, I feel my responsibilities as a brother outweigh my other duties. Still, I can’t just let this lie. I’m afraid I've exhausted all my other options. The members of Trunau’s militia are competent defenders during siege times, but they’re not sleuths by any means. I need your help. Will you investigate my brother’s death?”
As is his routine, that morning, Finch holds off on meditating on his magic until after he has an idea of what tasks he might be getting involved with today.
Finch gives a solemn nod at the request, stammering for a moment before his words come. "No words I can say could ever hope to alleviate the loss of your brother, Kurst. However, please be assured that I will not rest until we find the true culprit or cause."
Cor smiles and laughs. "Ha, you're probably more surefooted drunk than I am sober anyway Bella!"
When he hears her bit of wisdom a shadow falls across his features causing the joviality to flee. Looking at the buildings and high walls he says "You're right about that. We're a spark of light here in a long, dark night. Good people doing their best with only each other to count on." He lets the comment drift off and the shadow passes as quickly as it appeared. His smile returns and he asks, "Game of daggers when we get there?"
Corentin awoke shortly after the sun, stretching a bit to drive the vestiges of sleep from his muscles. He did so carefully though to avoid waking the woman beside him. A former adventurer and skilled miitia member in her own right Kyren occasionally shared a bed with the cavalier when she chose to fall for his charms, or vice versa.
Looking over at her he admired the way her light brown hair framed her half-elven face and slightly pointed ears. It was only moments before her eyes opened, awoken by his movement.
The two spoke a bit together a bit before heading down to the common room. There they met with others recovering from the prior nights festivities. It wasn't too long after that jests about Rodricks sleeping in and the probable causes turned to Cham knocking on his room and then the horror of her discovery. Shocked, Cor none-the-less did his best to aid in keeping people calm and away from the room
When Kurst spoke Corentin was sad to hear the way the man played down his own abilities. He'd always lived a bit in the shadow of the brother he loved and his loss would be very difficult for the young man.
"I for one don't believe it either Kurst. Whatever I can do to help, consider done."
Sasha is taken aback by thhis turn of events, but is quick to offer her support. "I, too, will help find the truth of this most tragic turn."
"I can believe it." Iacobus murmurs, almost to himself.
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Johan is shocked at the news. The man was in such a good mood last night. What news might have reached him after I left him to drive him to this? he says to no one, and everyone all at once. When asked if he might help solve this possible crime he hesitates, thinking of his other obligations. Finally, seeing the grief and need on the man's face he nods. I will convince my brothers that is task is as important and scouting to the safety of the town. Kurst is there a temple that you or the Guard have a good relationship with? Perhaps some divine magic can help solve this mystery.
"There is a temple of the Inheritor just over there." Corentin says with a gesture to the east.
He looks at Kurst with concern and when he has a moment to speak with him alone he takes the opportunity and says, "Kurst, I know your brother often took the lead but you are a skilled and able leader in your own right. I know you need time to mourn him but this is Trunau and unfortunately the pyre never burns out. Duty first, see to the town, see to the walls. We will look into this and provide you the answers you need."
Stepping back towards the group he says "We should probably start by seeing to Rodriks room. I'd also like to speak with Cham. When I last saw her she seemed a ghost. Sasha, Bella perhaps the three of us could check in on her and then meet up with the rest."
Hanna weeps when she hears of Rodrick's death. He was so handsome and so brave, and now he is gone. I don't believe that he would hurt himself. Not with a Hope Knife!
She dries her eyes and composes when Kurst asks for her. She is more than a little surprised both that he asked and who he had gathered.
The seven of us were all on Ruby's team last night. Is that a coincidence? I know everyone here, but the man who came with the dwarves. I think I saw Finch speak to him? I wonder who this outsider is.
Seeing Kurst in such turmoil, Hannah goes up to him and clasps his larger hand between her two much smaller ones.
"Kurst, I'm very sorry for your loss. The children of Halgra stand with you. We all loved Rodrick. I don't believe he would commit suicide. We will do our best to find his murderer. Do you remember anything odd over the past few weeks? Did Rodrick quarrel with anyone?"
Bellanie wakes to the hustle of the town just outside. Kicking a boot, still half on her foot from last night it smacks against the wall. She ruffles her hair and slowly opens her eyes. "By Cayden Cailean, it's too early for all this ruckus!" she pouts to no one in particular.
Slowly she moves across the room, to look out the window. Pulling the curtain back, she rubs her eyes lazily until she sees the crowd gathered outside. Something's happened, I shouldn't have drank so much she thinks to herself as she bounds over to the water dish and splashes some water on her face. Putting her hair back in a bun, she slips on her clothes, at least the few articles she managed to take off before passing out last night and hurries to check on her friends. Planning to stop by to make sure Sasha was ok, then on to Cham, she passes by Rodriks room first, seeing the guards stationed outside. Now a bit more concerned she darts into the common room, finding Cham and the others assembled with Kurst there.
As he motions for them the follow, Bellanie blends in with the others as they make their way somewhere quiet. After Kursts words she nods "I enjoy a good mystery." She shakes her head realizing what she just said. "I mean, this doesn't make sense, and I would be happy to help. Cor is right, you need to focus on your duties to the town and your family, we can work to find the truth." she shuffles her feet, embarrassed about putting her foot in her mouth, still being hung over.