"Tis a school I work close with fer creating trinkets. Gimme a look." Ernest observes it closely, putting the vial in front of his eye, holding it carefully. He puts it down, casts a quick spell on himself and observes it once more. "Oi, see what ya mean now. Weak aura, definitely conjuration. What ya thinking, Silverstone?" He returns her the vial.
Emile remembers something it seems and leaves the conversation of crafters. He heads east into the kitchen.
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"Thank you, I will hold you to that. For now however we need watch for any other threats." Seth checks the room again except looking for anyone who seems like they might be out of the ordinary. Perhaps the one who did this might not be able to keep their composure.
Halcyon sits next to Caroline and puts one arm over her shoulders and comforts her, if she allows it. "None of us could save her. Now I know how Cassandra felt." Halcyon assumes Caroline knows the legend of the oracle who was cursed to foresee the future but who was unable to alter that future, once observed. Some philosophers have even suggested that the better insight one has on the future, the less one may be able to alter it.
While sitting with Caroline, Halcyon listens to the young woman if and when she speaks, responding as appropriate, but her thoughts were going over her trance vision, trying to decide how best to unravel it. Perhaps Caroline could help. She also watched the military types organize themselves, as well as Aron and Eduard.
Valentina glances at her construct momentarily and murmurs, "Follow him," motioning to indicate Emile before looking back at Ernest.
To Ernest, she says "I don't know what it is - I couldn't identify it properly myself and I was wondering if I could call on your expertise to help. What do you think it is?"
Seth looks around the room, keen to find anyone that looks suspicious. Most look rather sullen. They appear silent as they know not what to say or if it is appropriate to say anything at all. Helmuth and Seth themselves may appear the most strange in the room given their vigilance.
Some feel that whispering is appropriate however. Sinclair talks to amongst a group with Asfal Stormborn and Alexander Ravenhall. The three of them, while all grim, keep up a conversation of why Abigail was targeted only. Agatha Agnes attempts to console Beatrice, who has been hyperventilating since Abigal fell. Darius and Ellen stand by the open doors to the north. They seem to need fresh air.
The room smells slightly metallic now. It seems to be from the blood. Aron in particular looks rather sick. He approaches Seth and Helmuth. “Look, I know people must be contained, but look around.” He gestures to all the glum people, followed by the sizable puddles of blood where Abigal was. “Can we move somewhere less reminding? Less sickening maybe? A spot perhaps less coated with Galatian blood?” Helmuth gives a little look to Seth. It is clear Helmuth cares more for the groups security than their comfort. It appears he leaves this to Seth while he waits for Estelle and Raphael to finish up.
Caroline looks to Halcyon a bit. She seems glad to have someone to connect to, but cannot break the grimace that hangs on her face. “Why bother read the future then?” She breathes deeply, thinking things over. “Are you OK? Have you ever witnessed a death before?” Caroline keeps her stare at the opposite wall. It is clear she never witnessed an event such as this.
On her command, the construct follows Emile. It steps behind him, and he seems amused by its presence. The two of them enter the kitchen.
Ernest shakes his head. “If I had the potion in front of me I could, not like this though.” He looks over it again. “But maybe we can still identify it.” He removes a thick book from his satchel, opening it to a section labelled “conjuration.” He licks his finger, quickly looking over the spells and turning the pages. “Got almost all spells in here. Poison in mind, ain’t many spells make sense here. Summonin’ poisonous animal maybe, but I think we’d see ‘em by now. If I’m readin’ ya right that this was ‘sposed to be harmful to her, there’re even less." He scratches at his beard while her goes through the pages. " Fact, I don’t see anythin’ at all from a wizard’s spell list. Can't think of a spell a wizard would use here." He closes his book.
"Potion must of came from a witch or a cleric or a ranger, if it dealt with poison. Maybe an alchemist.”
Raphael bows his head slightly as the grieving Eduard leaves with Abigal. All my skill and artistry and still... not enough. Feeling Estelle's arm on his shoulder breaks his reverie and he smiles faintly at her, "I appreciate the kind words, Estelle. It is... difficult... even knowing that I did what was within my power." He holds his faint smile while looking at her, eyes searching a moment, before he turns and listens to von Moltke. He nods, "Yes, I am a lawyer. I was also a soldier, some years ago, with certain skills. We will see what I can do." He nods one last time to Estelle, gently taking her hand in his and removing it from his shoulder. "It would seem my work is not done. Forgive me as I see to grim matters and stay safe."
Turning away, he follows Helmuth to the task, running his mind over the legalities of any questioning.
Seth listens to Aron's request and looks around the room again realizing that some people cannot deal with death as well as himself. Perhaps we could move, but where? I do not know this house well enough. Maybe there is a large room with a few less exits, there is the foyer... Seth gets lost in thought for a moment before turning to Helmuth. "Perhaps it would be beneficial to move back to the foyer. We can have everyone seated so it will be easier to keep track of everyone, and we can have Vincent over looking everyone from the upper vestibule."
“Why bother read the future then?” She breathes deeply, thinking things over. “Are you OK? Have you ever witnessed a death before?”
"I make my living by giving people insights about the future and I know that people can use that information to avert the worst of what may be to come. My premonition was just that, a glimmer of possibility. Had I sat down and did a full Harrow reading, I might have spotted something that could have made a difference."
Halcyon shrugs and sighs, feeling her energy level dropping after the rush of events.
"I'm OK, thanks. I have seen a dead body, but this was the first time I've watched someone die. But I also know what it's like to be targeted for murder. I'll tell you that story when I know you better. Maybe it would help to walk around, get out of this room, if the guards will let us. I have an idea about how this might have been accomplished, but I'll need to find out some things about what Abigail was doing for several hours before the party. Let's see what Emile knows first."
With that Halcyon stands and helps Caroline up. She links arms with her and they begin toward the door to the Vestibule. If they are let through, she will walk back toward the dining room, looking for Emile, but detouring to see what Valentina is discovering.
If anyone tries to stop them, Halcyon will claim she needs to find a water closet (or whatever the posh euphonism is for a toilet).
Searching one’s belongings would be unreasonable and against the law without a warrant, unless they are actively obstructing the investigative procedure. With suspicion, evidence or motive, Helmuth may seize a person’s belongings.
Helmuth thinks on what Seth says for a few moments. “It would be easier to watch over them. There would be more exits to watch, but we could place the crowd in the center of the room.” He nods, confirming it may be the best course of action.
Helmuth walks to Raphael now. “We must first rule out suspects. It would be naive to think only those involved in preparing the food could have poisoned her. We examine her body once more, or figure out how the poison was administered. Any evidence at all will help our case or at least help the investigators when they arrive.” He watches Halcyon and Caroline leave the room.
Helmuth stomps down one of his feet. The room echoes. Heads in the room turn to face him. “THIS ROOM IS NOW UNDER GUARD INVESTIGATION! PLEASE AVOID THE BLOOD AND WALK TO THE FRONT FOYER!” The crowd begins to make its way out of the room. Helmuth returns to the two men, reaching into his pockets and taking out three potions. “Deputies, perhaps these could help. I have one for each of us. Choose.”
He stretches out his arm, revealing three, small labelled vials. They are labelled “Speak with Dead,” “Blood Biography” and “Zone of Truth.”
The lawyer and the mercenary take their pick (), Helmuth pocketing the remaining one. He follows the crowd out of the room, rifle leaning on his shoulder. As he leaves, he asks Vincent to watch from the staircase above, to which Vincent nods.
Caroline nods. “Away from here would be nice. I am sure Emmy would be willing to help however he can.” She rises to feet, dusting off her dress. She takes Halcyons arm, joining her in heading south. She looks confused when Halcyon mentions she has an idea of how poisoning was accomplished, but doesn’t say anything.
Halcyon and Caroline enter the front foyer, right as a stomp and a man’s shouting begins from the north. Ernest Stoneheart looks over at the entering guests, glazing them over before returning back to Valentina. “Where is Emmy?” Caroline asks.
Ernest keeps looking at Valentina’s lab set up, thinking of ways to assist the testing. “Went to the kitchen, should be back. What if we...” he trails off, twirling his beard. “No, that wouldn’t work. Ain’t many casters here, but anyone with a shop or a chemist could’ve had this made.”
Emile returns from the kitchen, clockwork closely behind him, followed by servants, perhaps fifteen or so, dressed black and white. Some are recognized by Halcyon and Valentina as servers from dinner and dessert, though most look unfamiliar. They dress largely as chefs, wearing anything from food-stained muscle shirts to full uniforms. From the north, guests. After them come the servants, followed by Helmuth von Moltke IV, gun in hand.
"Careful who ya' share this with, Silverstone. If Bolton was drugged, it may be more than justa poisonin' gon' on. Doubt whoever did this'll be happy to know you're figurin' 'em out."
The room quickly grows crowded. He looks to Helmuth, giving him a quick, faint smile and a gesture to his kitchen servants. He makes his way to Valentina. “So, anything new? If you need anything, anything at all, I can see if I have it in my abode.” He looks towards the coatroom door, closed, lowering his gaze. “Perhaps someone should speak to Eduard. As a host, perhaps it is my duty” He goes to the room, opens the door and is quickly yelled at. He closes the door, returning to the foyer. “Though maybe now isn't the time.”
Vincent ascends the staircase. He takes another potion, slipping the empty vial into his bag. It makes no sound as it falls inside it’s rift. He watches vigilantly.
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"Of course. Secrecy is paramount." says Valentina as she begins to pack up her things. She puts the little sample of potion into a smaller vial and tucks it into her alchemical kit.
She goes to her construct, thanks it, and then she takes a little bag off of its back. She opens the bag to check that her change of clothes is inside, and then she approaches Emile. "Well, you could let me use a bathroom. I can't go hunting murderers in heels. Inspirational as that would be, my ankles would never forgive me."
Halcyon uses the confusion of all these people filing into the room to cast a quick Detect Magic. She first scans the table just before Valentina puts away the suspicious sample. Then she looks over the crowd, seeing if anyone has magic who might not normally have access to it, like the servants and kitchen staff.
When Valentina asks Emile for directions to the bathroom, Halcyon follows her, dragging Caroline along, and speaks up. "Perhaps I may be permitted to accompany you, both because I need to use the room and because there is safety in numbers. Carolyn, can you show us the way?"
If she can catch Marcus' attention, she'll give a gesture for him to be an additional escort.
Seth reads over the labels before grabbing the Blood Biography vial. Seth then follows Helmuth into the front foyer. "As for the questioning. Perhaps we could bring them into the Vestibule when they are being questioned. Either me or you can stay with them to prevent anyone from running away."
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Marcus pats the mourning man on the shoulder after offering his aid in the future, and giving the options for that aid, he then goes back to the woman he was dancing with and says "sorry for leaving you like that, but when someone was hurt I had to at least try to help them, I do hope this isn't what normally happens at these things, I don't think I would go if they were "
after her response he sees Halcyon trying to get his attention "and it appears I am needed elsewhere, once again"
Raphael takes a deep breath, setting aside his frustration and melancholy to focus on his task. In a carefully neutral tone, he opines, "I think we may wish to speak with Valentina, as she seemed to have done some work on that front. Having insight into the nature of the crime would be making my questioning more effective. It's worth noting, of course, that I can't compel anyone to speak and it will be strictly voluntary. Also, I would feel best if armed. I only had my dagger with me. I didn't think I would need it or anything more at a party."
Raphael follows Helmuth into the other room, eyes searching for Valentina. Finding her missing, he frowns, then approaches Emile. "Monsieur de Beaux, do you know where Valentina has run off to? Her expertise will be very helpful as I assist Monsieur van Moltke."
Vincent Durant has many spells affecting him across most schools of magic. Besides those spells, he has two objects with a moderate aura of conjuration on him. He has no other auras on his person.
Who-you-presume-to-be-Eduard has less auras actively on him, but more magic items. The strongest aura is moderate strength, but you cannot identify its school of magic with direct sight.
Agatha Agnes has an aura of charm around her. It seems it does not originate from any item.
Asfal Stormborn, Marcus Tamarin, and Nishara Tamarin all have faint auras of transmutation on them. Asfal’s seems to originate from his ring, whereas Marcus and Nishara’s do not originate from an item.
Aron has a faint aura of conjuration around him. It seems it does not originate from any item.
Besides those individuals, the rest of the crowd has some degree of magic items on them, though none seem to be actively affecting their owner. Most of the auras are of moderate strength. No servant seems to have a magical item or aura. Notably, Raphael has an object with an aura of necromancy on him.
Beatrice appears rather shaken. Her skin is pale, and some of her eyeliner smudges. She breathes intently, monitoring herself. “It- It is fine. The intentions were noble.” She doesn’t respond to the comment on if this type of event is regular. She takes a seat, trying to smile at Marcus as he leaves. She can’t bring herself to.
“So the hunt begins.” He smiles wryly at Valentina. As the guests enter, Emile looks north. “Of course, I’ll give word to Helmuth. The bathroom is opposite the smoke lounge. Mind the blood.” Halcyon joins with Caroline, and asks to join the trip. “Caroline knows the way. Watch over the Oracle and her Friend, won't you Caroline?” Caroline takes a step to the vestibule, leading the way against the tail end of the traffic. Marcus joins, and the four of them depart to the bathroom.
Emile pours himself a glass of wine, but stops before he drinks it. He beckons a servant. “Please collect all of the wine and food, we cannot risk another poisoning.” The servant nods. Raphael approaches and asks a question on Valentina’s whereabouts. “Just missed the bathroom party I am afraid. You should be able to catch up. Speaking of Helmuth...” Emile trails off, walking towards the young captain.
Helmuth takes his potion and pockets it. He looks to Raphael as he begins to walk to the foyer. He speaks in a whisper. “Stay quiet on where you got that. The colonel's fury is like a wild fire. If she gets wind of me sharing a necromancy potion, we both burn. You may grab your dagger if you can convince Eduard to let you in.”
Raphael turns his attention to the rest of the party, seeking Valentina. He walks to Emile, seeking an answer.
Helmuth’s march into the room comes to a halt. He talks to Seth, his grip still tight to his gun. “I agree. The coatroom would be ideal for interrogations, but I believe the late Galatian and her bodyguard have taken residence. With Vincent upstairs, one of us here, and one of us with Raphael conducting questioning, I am not afraid of any physical altercations.” He watches a servant begin to collect food and wine on trays. “Poison I am still fearful of however...”
Emile walks over to Helmuth after talking to Raphael. He tells him that Halcyon, Valentina and Caroline are going to the bathroom. Helmuth expresses some scorn. “We cannot have possible murderers walking around the house. If they are not quick, I will be detaining them for questioning of my own.” Emile assures him that they won’t waste a moment.
Caroline leads Marcus, Halcyon and Valentina to the bathroom. They pass the vestibule, and veer left in the ballroom. Caroline avoids the blood, trying not to look at the small puddles drying on her floor.
The party passes through the staircase room. “Right here,” she says, softly raising her arm to the bathroom door.
It is 10:58 PM. 1 hour and 2 minutes until the New Year. Estimated twenty four minutes until Guard Reinforcements.
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Marcus puts his hand on her shoulder before he leaves and whispers to her "hey now, it'll be ok, we're going to find who did this, and make them pay, maybe even bring her back if she wants to return, and everything will be bright and rosy once again, we just have to work to make it happen... Which is what I'm going to do now"
As he makes his way to where he signals to his sister to keep an eye on Beatrice,
When he makes it to where he is being taken he asks, "well now what do we have here..." it is unclear if he is talking to himself or to the person who brought them here
When the group reaches the room's door, Halcyon opens it and glances inside, judging if it would hold them all. If it will, she gestures them all to come in. If not, she will address them before anyone goes into the bathroom. [Raphael is welcome if he catches up with the group. If the group fits into the room, she'll double check any cubby-holes for eavesdroppers first.]
I want to tell you a few things, so I'm not the only one who knows. Please share this information only with those you trust. It may be dangerous information to know, so I apologize in advance for putting you at risk. If anyone cares to leave before I do, please go now." She pauses a moment to see if anyone leaves.
"When the ambassador fell, I used magic to scan for poison. That is how I knew it was black lotus extract. Knowing the poison, I used more divination magic to find any other such poison. It is a contact poison and fast acting, so I reasoned the poisoner would have to be in the room and remnants of the poison would be discovered as well." She pauses for dramatic effect, then continues, "I found no trace of similar poison, other than that which was kiling the Ambassador."
She takes in the reactions briefly, but carries on quickly, "I then practiced my art while in contact with the dying woman, attempting to glean information on what led to this. My vision was cryptic, but it has led me to suspect that a spell was applied to her prior to arriving which would delay the effect of any poison. Then the poison was applied. All that remained was for the spell to wear off and the poison would go to work, allowing the poisoner to be far away."
Another pause. She answers any immediate questions tersely, and then asks Valentina, "Was there anything in the samples you analyzed that contradicts or supports my theory? Such a spell would be conjuration magic, I believe."
"For now the best we can do is damage control, and perhaps get the ball rolling on how this all happened." As Emile has the servants begin taking the food and wine away Seth thinks for a moment before giving a suggestion to Helmuth. "Perhaps the kitchen would work for questioning. It is away from everyone, and would be close enough that if there is a physical altercation whom ever is in here can assist."
Caroline seems a bit confused, particularly when Marcus enters the bathroom with the women. She follows them into the bathroom. The room is large enough for a small gathering such as this, but was by no means built for such meetings. She seems confused on what the meaning of it all is until Halcyon begins her speech. She remains silent, listening to Halcyon intently. She seems rather enthralled by Halcyon’s power over visions and fortunes.
Helmuth listens to Seth. He looks up to Vincent, who nods his head, evidently listening from the floor above. Helmuth thinks aloud on the matter. “The kitchen should have less exits as well,” he starts, “and would-be-listeners shall have a difficult time hearing our questions.” He takes steps towards the kitchen, opening the doors. He peers in. He turns back, looking satisfied.
Helmuth returns to Seth, twirling his rifle from his shoulder down to his hip. He spins his gun back to his shoulder and repeats the motions until he reaches Seth. “It may be our best option. Maybe do away with the cutlery. Anyone you don’t trust? Might as well use the time before my men arrive.”
Helmuth gives a look around the room. The young captain appears wary. His brow lowers, and he speaks quietly, perhaps to himself. “I have grown too accustomed to situations in which I know my enemy...”
Nishara moves to Beatrice, striking up a small conversation.
"Of the people I have had the chance to talk to, I have enough trust in them. I have not had a chance to get a good sense of most of the people here. We should still put the cutlery out of reach however. Better safe than sorry." Seth watches the servants bring the food and drink into the kitchen watching to see is any of them try anything. As he watches he waits and listens to Helmuth's response.
Raphael nods in reply to Helmuth's warning, secreting the potion as he does. Hearing Emile's explanation, Raphael speeds off to catch up with Valentina. He turns a corner and nearly trips over the rest of the party. Looking a little ruffled, he regains his composure as he listens to Halcyon, frowning slightly.
Raphael's eyes glaze for a moment and he stares vacantly at a simple painting of a lotus on the bathroom wall. A clever assassin who had planned this all out long in advance to have determined how to deliver both poison and potion long before she came to a party. Was it to frame some of those here or was it simply to cover their own tracks? Both? A tangled web our murderous spider has woven. Raphael breaks his reverie, "Your tale makes good and logical sense, though it seems to indicate that the assassin isn't to be found here. It might be best to confirm there is no lingering poison elsewhere. If not, that would strong suggest you've struck at the heart of the matter. I will carry out the interviews if you should wish to perform the search. That said, I would hear the results of Valentina's own work before I continue."
"My work is in keeping with Halcyon's theory." says Valentina, not missing a beat as the man storms into the bathroom. She might be mostly naked (pulling on trousers after having removed her dress) but she doesn't really care. She puts a white shirt on over her chain shirt and finishes up with a thick jacket. She pulls on big leather laced boots as she talks. "I examined the deceased's food and drink, and I found evidence of a potion placed into her drink. Conjuration in aura, which matches Halcyon's theory of a delay poison spell - such a spell is of the school of conjuration."
"Now, that spell is known to be used for medical purposes, so it's possible that she was given the potion by someone well-meaning, but we know that nobody really knew what was happening, so that doesn't seem likely."
"The best thing, then, would be to interrogate those who had contact with Abigail an hour before her death, and those who had access to Abigail's food an hour before her death."
Raphael tactfully averts his eyes, though he doesn't seem phased. "Well, if nothing else that gives us something of a lead. I'm impressed by both of you have come up with so much so quickly. I will proceed, I think, with my investigations along these lines. My ability to question is dramatically limited by the law, but I can begin if nothing else. I also find the idea of some benevolent side to this tale to be absurd, so I think our focus should be on finding an assassin. If there's nothing else, I'll go see to these men and women that von Moltke has gathered."
Raphael waits a moment to hear what the others might have to say in reply, then leaves the room to find von Moltke and the servants to be questioned. "Shall we begin?"
Halcyon says, "Best we not share this suspicion with anyone, not even Emile, for now at least. We need to find out how that enchanted wine got served to Abigail. At the least, it suggests someone in on the plot is here tonight, so we need to be very careful." Halcyon gives a significant glance at Caroline.
"If anyone has a watch, we might try to find out the time of that toast Emile gave, but my guess it was about 2 hours. That's about the longest a typical Delay Poison spell would last. Which means if the poison were given to her before getting here, she had to have been given another dose of potion a few hours before. That means we need to find out from Aron or Eduard who had access to Abigail around 2 hours before the toast. Since they might be in on the plot--as hard as that is to believe--we ought not share our suspicions with them just yet."
Helmuth scans over the crowd. “The problem is that everyone seems trustworthy. But this party is all traders and politicians. Anyone could presumable have something to gain from her death.” He takes a couple steps out of the center of the room, trying to get a better glance at the party.
“Galatian power is by claim to the throne, no? With the death of Abigal, Aron is a step more powerful, albeit a small one. And after failing his duties, the blonde brute Eduard will be a slave to royalty no longer. He has earned his freedom with her death.” Helmuth doesn’t look too convinced in his assertions. “Raphael and your friends are taking their time.” He taps his foot impatiently, fingers tapping a repeating wave on the stock of his rifle. “Would you like to be present over the questionings, or would you like to stay here? One of us and Vincent should be enough for the crowd.”
Caroline nods, and pantomimes a zipper closing on her mouth. Shortly after she finishes the gesture, she speaks up. “Abigal wasn’t here early if that helps? She was one of the later guests I think.”
“Should we worry about casters? I don’t know if Emmy invited any clerics or druids.” She gives a look to Halcyon as the group begins to leave. “We can delay poison, right?”
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Seth listens to Helmuth as he rambles trying to figure out who might benefit from Abigail's death. He is right everyone here seems trustworthy, but not everyone here has a benefit to the death of a Galatian ambassador. "Some of the traders would not benefit that much from the death of an ambassador. Those that trade with Galantine would not want her to die because of the increased tensions caused by it. That would hurt their business." Seth listens to Helmuth's question and ponders for a moment.
"I will accommodate Raphael in his questioning. As you stated earlier there is nothing more terrifying than the roar of a firearm. If need be, your weapon would be much more suited to silencing a crowd."
Raphael nods slowly, listening to Halcyon as she explains her line of thought. It would seem that I really have found myself caught up in one of those tawdry silver-penny novellas. A beautiful woman murdered in a despicable, showy and convoluted fashion where it is up the clever few to find the murderer and his motives. If it were not so brutally real I might laugh myself silly. I wonder what Estelle might think of all this... Sighing and rubbing his eyes to clear his mind of the distracting thoughts, he replies, "I concur that we'd best be on our guard. They killed the poor girl in an obviously painful fashion and it was done with deliberation and care. Whoever is behind this is without scruples. If you'll excuse me, I think my place is likely to be in beginning my questioning." The noble lawyer bows, hand resting an a hilt at his waist that wasn't there. He turns to leave, holding the door if the others choose to leave the room as well.
As they reenter the main room, Raphael spots Seth and Helmuth speaking while watching over the crowds. "I believe i"ve learned what I can and I'm ready to begin questioning. I'm sure your aware of the legal limits of my power to make inquiries, Captain von Moltke?" Raphael nods to Seth as it is explained he intends to accompany him, "I will be grateful for your presence, Captain Varianna. Shall we begin?'
Raphael eyes the servant, warily, studying the little facial tics that can so readily indicate deception. After a stretching silence, Raphael begins, "Before we begin it is imperative that you understand that anything you say to me now is strictly voluntary. I cannot compel you to answer, but if you value justice then you will assist me in trying to determine who committed a heinous crime by killing an innocent woman tonight, of all nights. First, what is your name and position here in Monsieur de Beaux's estate?"
(1)
"Very good, thank you. Where were you and what were you doing here at the estate approximately two hours ago?" Raphael pauses to allow an answer, piercing eyes studying the servant intensely. "And one hour ago?" Another pause. "Just before the terrible tragedy?"
(2)
Looking contemplative, Raphael pauses a moment before continuing to ask, "Have you ever spoken or otherwise engaged with the deceased? Had you heard of her before this evening? In what fashion?"
Valentina, so dressed, leaves the bathroom following Raphael and goes to find Helmuth. When she locates the soldier, she approaches him with a winning smile and asks, "Anything I can do to help the investigation? Anything at all?"
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Marcus listens with what appears to be a contemplative though he only speaks up to mention who he knew to be capable of casting spells and what kind of spells they were able to cast, to include himself.
After a short pause to digest the knowledge of the known capabilities of those attending the party he continues, saying "I'm afraid there's not much more I can do here to help, not that I can think of anyway. I mean, I could recommend a good therapist to te poor traumatized guardsman, but I figure he'd find it in poor taste, and I've already failed to save her, and offered the guardsman a drink and to guide him to a cleric to raise her, but detective work, and divination... I'm just a bartender, someone who you go to when you want to live joyously, or when you don't want to be able to think for a time... Problems that can be solved with booze or a blade, I don't know how I can be of any help here...
As the group breaks and begins to trickle back to the others, Halcyon places a hand on Marcus' shoulder and says to him, "It comforts me to confide in you, like so many who come to your place. You are a perceptive man, with much knowledge of local events and people, and a good judge of character. Please just observe the others and let us know if you notice anything that might shed light on this mystery. Just stay safe and maybe watch our backs when you can."
Halcyon stays with Caroline and returns, interested in watching how things play out for a while and somewhat exhausted emotionally, needing a break. Once in the other room, she suggests they sit a bit away from others, if possible. Eventually, Halcyon whispers something to Caroline.
“Should we worry about casters? I don’t know if Emmy invited any clerics or druids.” She gives a look to Halcyon as the group begins to leave. “We can delay poison, right?”
Halcyon nodds at Caroline's first question and glances at Marcus. "Marcus, you're good at spotting spell casters, even before they've used any spells. Anything?"
To Caroline's second question, Halcyon answers as they walk back to rejoin the others. "We can if we've decided we want to. I could, for example, look up stories that involve such magic and through study and focused concentration, put myself into the stories and eventually learn to produce the effect when I need to. But I've focused my studies in other directions, such as comprehending languages," she gives Caroline an affectionate glance and a wink, "making myself more charming--helps me in my work--and detecting evil. And before you ask, yes, I did scan the crowd for that, and there were some who were clouded by the dark aura of evil, but evil wears many faces and many of them are not the face of murder, so..." She drifts off, glancing up at Vincent as he watches from the balcony. "Anyway, I can cure wounds, but not poison. I can detect poison and I only wish I had cast the spell before rushing into the smoking room. I might have detected Abigail's poisoned condition and this evening might have had a different outcome."
Helmuth nods to Seth. He seems content in staying in the room and keeping guard. "Perhaps you are right. And a single death shouldn't bolster an entire trade. Forgive me if I am on edge." The party begins to return from the bathroom. Raphael approaches and begins to speak to Helmuth. “Ah yes, 'legal limits.” Helmuth chuckles slightly to himself. “So long as I need not justify anything to Colonel Emberborne, you shall be fine. Consider yourself a soft deputy for the rest of the year.”
Raphael takes a servant, asking him to come to the kitchen with him. They enter the kitchen, Seth closing the group, shutting the door behind him.
Valentina approaches Helmuth, asking if there is anything she can do to help. “Ah, a new outfit. I say I prefer this one to your other.” The young man smiles. He thinks for a moment before turning to the coat room door. “I must remain vigilant here, but perhaps you could coax the Galatian out of the coat room.” He looks around at the crowd, looking for activity. “I have equipment in there that would be useful should the assassin present themselves. And perhaps there is still, uh, examination that could be done on the body.”
Helmuth opens his mouth, about to say something, but stops himself. “And if you aren’t suited for that, perhaps prepare an antitoxin in case of a second poisoning? I know not is this is feasible. I don’t really pretend to understand alchemy or magic.”
The kitchen is rather large, and seems that despite the efforts of cleaning during dessert, there is still much to be done. Many tables cover the walls, either hardwood or marble, coated in layers of flour, sugar, remnants of fruit. Knives, forks, batter-laden spoons lie scattered around the room.
Raphael, Seth and the servant all enter the room. The voices from outside are muffled as the door closes. Seth begins to gather anything to be used as a weapon and pools them into a sink. Raphael begins his questioning.
The first servant seems rather relaxed for the situation. He is forty or so, light wrinkles across his face, small folds with a few days stubble. His white outfit is coated in a rainbow of stains, and while a light amount of flour powder dances across his face, his black, waxed mustache is spotless. He grabs himself a small wooden stool, sitting on it. His lips are plump from something in his mouth.
“Always the servants first, ain’t it?” He spits a wad of tobacco to a trash canister four or so feet away. It hits inside of it. “What you want?” Raphael opens his questioning. “Name’s Ludovic Rome. Remember all the nice food y’all consumed?” He taps his fist to his leg twice proudly. “My creation. Head Chef.”
He scratches at his hair at the mention of two hours ago. “Bit after Master Emile started today’s party? Guess I was preppin’ the meal’s first coupla courses. Probably seasonin’ the geese.” He looks at Seth gathering the utensils and kitchenware. “Hells if I know, I was here, that I know. After that we started on dessert. Don’t know when the lass kicked it, but most of us were in this room, cleanin’. Maybe a couple cooks tendin’ to the prep room.”
At the mention of talking to Abigal, he laughs. He opens a small cannister in his pocket, putting more tobacco under his lip. “Talk to a guest? You too serious to be a comedian, pal.” He shakes his head. “Cooks stay in the kitchen, one of the rules. Job pays too well to risk talkin’ to some blondie. Course, Master Emile had all us all join you in the foyer. ‘Magine we still won’t be conversin’ outside these question.”
Estelle watches the party return from the bathroom, her eyes following Raphael into the kitchen. She looks around the room afterwards, seeking a familiar face. She finds one.
Estelle makes way to Marcus. “”You know,” she whispers, “There is something we could do.” She looks upstairs at Durant and settles on looking towards the upper vestibules south-east door, just barely peeking into view. “You didn’t see Emile’s office room, did you? Raphael and I, um, stumbled in, and it is quite the sight. But I saw these vials in the room. While Raphael examines the guests, we can search the house.”
She smiles faintly, trying to assess Marcus. "What do you think?"
Caroline and Halcyon move towards an unoccupied area, away from the guests and servants. They sit in the south-west corner of the room. Caroline seems surprised at the mention of evil at the party. She gives it thought, recounting the guests, attempting to figure out who would have been detected as such. She gives up.
She speaks in a whisper. “I - I don’t remember. Abigal drank from the same bottles as Emmy and the others. I am sure of it. And the silver-haired woman drank more glasses than anyone else.”
Caroline looks at the beautiful silver haired woman across the room. “If any poison was stalled in her, would she have gotten so sick from alcohol?”
It is 11:02PM, there are 58 minutes until the New Year. Predicted twenty minutes until Guard reinforcements arrive.