Closed Hunting a very smart man (Iosha)

[Miria]

Guest Moderation Thread Prelude Winter 90th, 512 Scholars believe knowledge is power. That simply knowing will get you ahead. Suppose you knew the cheat codes for Mizahar? What would you do? You would take the “being Tarot” badge from our esteemed founder and mess with Mizahar as you would see. Same for knowing what would sell in the marketplace. Not just a mere guess or hint. Rather you really knew, hard cold fact. What would you have done with that? You would head over and buy out every source of the good and sell high later. This holds true in war, this holds true in knowing all the secret trade routes, whatever. In anything if one had the knowledge to see into the future, predict the outcomes and avoid the hardships, you would be living large. There is no contest in knowing more then anyone else. Same for the gods and their respective champions. True for anything. True for killing people. Suppose you wanted to permanently end someone. How would you do so? Of course there are many ways to end a life. Some quick, some effective but they all have their own catch.What if you had a new way of killing? Another way that would hit them before they realized. Even if they were to catch you it would be too late for your victim? That would require meticulous planning on your part. Going through many dry runs and keep at it until you get it just right. Needless to say that planning and trading resulted from your intelligence and patience. Not everyone can do what you do and you made damn sure nobody knows how to do it quite like you. Some would even say that you can see into the future. Who knows how you do it? You do of course. You also know that after the deed is done the consequences are just as hard as the preparations. Damage control. Keep them off your heels. How do you know you got away without giving them a hint? That would require you to know how the pursuers work when dealing with a murder. However you know more about how they deal with murder then the average citizen. Yes, you've studied them meticulously too. I mean how couldn't you? Just incase you needed to silence one that got too close, the process is already planned out for them. In both methods you had to be precise, you had to be quick, you had to be careful. Just like how you would input the cheat codes for Miza to be all powerful. Without a doubt knowledge is power. You've been reading up and you've become all powerful. Across the continent you aren't known which isn't all too bad. That just means your one of the most powerful on Mizahar. One of the most powerful when it involves ending a life and getting away with it. Present On the way to his house Iosha had to make a decision. What looked to be a trader was getting harassed by a pair of men. Not knowing the situation so and so watched as the first of the men made angry wide sweeping motions with his fists as he rapped his knuckles on the flimsy table that held the merchant's wares. The latter jabbed his finger squarely in the man's chest, forcing the man back slightly as he recoiled in pain. The trader's eyes didn't leave the two as Iosha happened across the event. He was too busy watching the lead male finish his motions as if to say “If you don't watch out it will be you I hit.” The trader face grew a beet red at the harassment but didn't want to take the chance on them breaking wares. If he was not minding his stall today he would put the two in their place. However the business came first it would seem as he cleaned the mess the pair made. Finally the trader notices Iosha as the two drudges walked past her before looking back down.

[Iosha]

Being one of her days off from the Infirmary, Iosha was in good spirits today as the winter day was bright and sunny in the crater of volcano. As she weaved her way through the crowd square, Iosha was looking for one merchant in particular. She was looking for a merchant who sells birds and bird accessories. She could hear the merchant yelling in Nari to her and motioning her over to their stands. Most of the merchants were selling jewelry and clothing, but Iosha had no need for clothing at the moment. Her heart was set on finding a feathered friend. Ignoring the merchants calls, Iosha wandered the market place looking for her bird. Walking for about a hour, Iosha was started to get frustrated because she couldn't read the signs since they were all written in Nari. She decided to lean up against a tree, and she decided to plan her next move to find this elusive shop. Suddenly, Iosha turned her head when she heard a commotion by a stall. She looked closer and noticed it was a pair of Deks harassing a store owner. She watched in surprise at the fact these Deks had the courage to disregard caste and start harassing a person who is obviously much higher caste than the both of them. Iosha looked around and noticed nobody was coming to the aid of the merchant. Iosha swore to herself in Kontinese, and she decided to take action even if it wasn't her problem. She pushed herself from the tree and made her way the two Deks. She figured since she was a Avora, she had power over the two Deks, and they would be dead stupid to attack a Avora in the middle of market square. She noticed them walking past her, and she waited until they had their back to her before yelling loudly at them, “Hey, I am a Avora, and I demand both of you stop right now!” She puts a hand on the hilt of her long sword to emphases her point. Konti don't really take on the persona of intimating, but Iosha can't stand by and let people take advantage of the weak. She narrowed her eyes at the drudges, so when they turned around they knew she meant business.

[Miria]

oocAdded the date, I can move it if needed. Blue is common, red is Nari. The pair looked bewildered as they saw Iosha. Muttering quietly to themselves in Nari they eyed the unusual looking Inarta. "Pale Lady," one of them whispered to the other. Hunching close to each other nodded feverantly before replying back "Whoa really pale." However their thought process was interrupted by the various citizens of Wind Reach who became aware of the scene. Shouting and shooing from all directions erupted across the market before the pair were chased off. The trader smirked slightly at the commotion before looking back at Iosha. A quick nod in her direction and he was back to minding his stall without another word. "Perhaps those two won't be so quick to forget their place. Sometimes you can't tell the chiet from the deks." A relaxed voice was heard behind Iosha before it introduced himself. The voice did not appear to be alone however as a pair of Endal approached the Konti. “Good work outsider I would not have done it any other way” the leader of the two commented. A strong hand was offered to Iosha as the Endal introduced themselves.“In your language I'm called 'Nari.' And this is-” “Cait. My name is Cait.” the other finished. This one was not so inviting to the Konti as she eyeballed her. “I wasn't aware Konti were capable of being so bold. Suppose your kind is more then capable then that. Malice even.” A cruel smile reached Cait's lips before Nari intervened. He was torn between approving the comment or chiding her for the lack of tact in her words. “What she meant to say was that we can use someone like you for our investigation. Lives are at stake here.” The pair watched Iosha's reaction closely before continuing on. “Normally we wouldn't bother to involve nonEndals but in this case your personal opinion might be pivotal.” Nari explained. “Forget her personal opinion. Everyone this Konti meets could be dead come a few days.” Cait piped up at him.

[Iosha]

Noticing the crowd starting to gather around them, Iosha just sat there as the crowd hurried off the foolish drudges. What surprised her was they seemed to recognized her? She thought to herself, “Maybe they recognized me from the Infirmary or the hydroponic gardens. Oh well it over now..” When they disappeared into the crowd, Iosha turned to the merchant and gave him a reassuring smile. Suddenly, she heard a man voice behind her speak to her in common. She turned around to see one man and woman staring at her. The man spoke up and congratulated her on how she handled the situation. She looked at him and her and noticed by the way he was dressed he must be a part of the Avora or Endal caste. The leader of the two extended his hand and introduced himself as Nari. Iosha shook his hand with and gave him a welcoming smile as he started to introduce the woman. However, the woman quickly cut him off and introduced herself as Cait. Iosha could tell the woman seemed skeptical about her, but Iosha couldn't help but smirk at her comment. She knew most people viewed her people as meek and peaceful woman, and yes, it is true of most Konti are peaceful and try to avoid violent situations. However, Iosha knew even the most peaceful people would defend themselves if the need arises. Iosha looked at the man first than her violet eyes fall on the Inarta woman, and she said with a smirk, “My people have a tendency to surprise most people. Also I must have inherited my boldness from my Inarta father, Cait.” She looked back to Nari and said proudly, “By the way my name is Iosha Moonchaser, and it is a pleasure to meet you both.” Iosha didn't catch what the woman said at the end of her sentence since she said it in Nari. She looked at the man expression on his face change to embarrassment as the woman started to let her races xenophobic tendencies start to show. He quickly apologized for her lack of tact. She could tell he wanted something from her. The man quickly explained they needed her for a investigation and lives were in jeopardy if she didn't help them. Iosha knew eventually after she told the Valintar about her Konti gift that she would be called upon to assist in some kind of criminal investigation. Iosha listened to the man tell her he wanted her opinion on the situation, but the one detail she did noticed was he mentioned Cait and him were both Endals. She thought to herself that she would have to be especially careful now on way she talked to them. As he explained the situation, Iosha eyes widened when he mentioned lives were at stake. Iosha was about to say something, but the woman interrupted her and said something urgent to him in Nari. Iosha couldn't make out what she was saying, but she could tell by the sound of her voice. Cait was concerned and a little frightened about the whole situation. This fact made Iosha worried because if a Endal was scared than she had every reason to be scared herself. She looked at them both and said softly, “Nari and Cait, I will do everything in my power to assist the both of you in your investigation.”

[Miria]

Nari merely tilted his head and gave what could be perceived as a smile. It didn't look like she needed persuading after all. Perhaps there would be no need to delve into a grey area to convince her to help. They could have slowly threatened her with ultimatums from the grey area until she would crack. That spat with the dredges would have been first. Perhaps they could find their friends and have them conspire against her. Maybe tell them where she worked, where her closest friends stayed. Anything to get what he wanted, it was after all what he was entitled here in SkyInarta. "You are too kind, my dear. Come along then. We have much to discuss." Said Nari as they lead the troupe out of the marketplace. They finally reached what looked to be secluded as they finally settled in. Leaning against the wall the pair started to explain the situation. "Lately there has been a string of unexplained murders happening across the town. Very discrete, very hushed. The victims are usually found by concerned neighbors some days later." Nari started before looking for Cait for help. "Normally one would think these were the work of various people throughout the city. However Nari and I believe it to be more sinister. A grand scheme of sorts. Somehow it involves you Konti." Cait continued on nearly spitting out the last part. Before she went further Nari piped in, "There has been a few murders so far one happening 5 weeks ago with another following 3 weeks ago. Weirdly enough the victims were unrelated until we ourselves recognized the victims. Vivid as it might be we both recall seeing them as we visited another Konti in the city. You might remember her as the city's spiritual leader, Whisper." "I'm an apprentice of the lady. Though as of late I've been regretting relating with your kind. I've had my suspicions before but if your powers of divination are as strong as your kind make them to be." She gave a morbid look at Iosha before continuing. "Somehow you Konti have been killing them." "Rather somehow people who have come into contact with your kind has been mercilessly murdered in their own homes. This small clue led us to you. Though you might not have realized it someone who has had contact with you is already a victim." Nari explained. "We have been watching you for awhile. Almost two weeks now and we finally trust you enough to talk to. Though I've yet to trust your abilities of retention." Cait muttered. "These men and woman that died. We both remember them in meeting them in the shine not too long ago. I was there on a personal matter. Cait normally comes there as a regular." Nari finished. Hopefully they didn't unload too much on the Konti. They were keen on her reaction nonetheless. They were still suspicious of her maybe or they can be testing her ability as a sleuth.

[Iosha]

Iosha allowed herself to lend from the market place by the two Endal. When they made it to a secluded spot Cait and Nari turned to Iosha. She wasn't sure if she wanted all the gory details, but she figured if they took her to the crime scene, she would know them if she like to or not. She crossed her arms and listened to the two Endals tell her about their case. They explain their was a series of murders around the city and somehow they revolve around her or her people. When Iosha was accused of killing them through association by the woman, her eyes shot towards the woman and she was about to protest her in involvement, but luckily Nari stepped in a clarified what Cait meant to say. Honestly, Iosha doesn't understand the woman's hostility toward her. She started to wonder if the case affected her personally somehow. She decided to direct her question to Nari, “Have you asked Whisper about how she knows the victims?” She closed her eyes for a moment not liking what she was going to suggest next because she knew how emotionally draining it can be. Iosha took a deep breath and said softly, “ Also I would like you to take me to the crime scene of each victim. My gift from the vision water gives me the ability to see the events leading up to somebodies death. I think I can learn some pivotal information about the case.” Running a hand through her long silver blond hair, Iosha couldn't believe a murder was targeting people that are associating with Konti. Konti don't have many enemies since most races accepted them into their societies. However, if this madman or woman could be targeting her friends, so she started to worry for their safety. She took a deep breath and asked a series of questions, “How many victims are there so far? What caste was each victim, and how was each victim murdered?” From everything, they told her victims were picked because they each had contact with the shrine, Whisper, and her. Since Iosha and Whisper must be the only Konti in the city at the moment. Iosha looked off into the crowd square, and she said softly, “I think we should talk to Whisper if she could tell us her relationship to the victims. Maybe we can find a motive for the murders.” Since they both regularly frequent the shrine, I decided to ask them, “Do any of you know the victims personally? I am only asking because you both mention you both frequent the temple.” Iosha eyes flash to Cait in particular because she seemed to be the most emotional about the murders.

[Miria]

Nodding solemnly Nari shared that they explained the situation with Whisper. However unlike Iosha she did not want to help with their investigation. “She said that the spirits of those lost need to be attended to at once. I really don't understand spirits and the like so I just let her be.” “Whisper has many people who meet with her. All across the city. The chances of finding who it might be from that list would take too much time.” Cait replied crossing her arms. At her request the pair shifted uncomfortably. It did not seem that they were willing to go back to where the murders occur. “Just... it's difficult to say. The place is fine. Nothing breaks or is left behind though if you think that would help I suppose we can show you the latest one.” Cait offered receiving a disapproving stare from Nari. There is nothing left behind for the Konti to see thought the alpha of the pair. A slight mood change happened at the news. A brisk working pace started to form. Progress. A fresh perspective and maybe they would have something to work with. It gave the pair hope. Now all that was left was for Iosha to deliver. “Three so far. Two Nari already told you about and one a week ago. Though I hoped you would pick up on that. Again the only reason we decided to talk to you is because we have been keeping track of you the entire duration before the latest murder happened.” Cait shrugged slightly, she always expected too much from strangers. "An Avora, a yasi and an Endal in that order.” At the last question Cait shook her head with a knowing smile. “Oh that's the best part. We don't know how they died. Why do you think we came to you in the first place? No bruises, no burns, no cuts, nothing. They are just covered in this muck of a red dye for some reason.” Though she calmed down slightly Cait was still keen on harassing Iosha until she proved herself. This whole didn't seem right to her. She has practiced with Whisper many times at the temple and now all of a sudden Iosha appears and people start dying. How many more would have to die while she just waded around blindly? Cait wanted results. Not later, now. Shrugging slightly Cait excused herself as she made her way back to her old acquaintance. “I'll go see Whisper again. Sure why not? Nari don't let her out of your sight. On the whim of our great konti investigator.” Nari nodded meekly as Cait passed him. This was already an avenue they tried out already but it gave Cait a chance to cool down. “Right” Cait's eyes flared back at Iosha before she left. “No. Not yet at least. That's what why I'm here. To make sure me, that pansy next to you or my sister isn't next.” Rolling his eyes Nari fought his urge to scream at Cait before she left. She was right. There was a strong possibility that they can be next. Though Nari seemed to deal with that fact well. “Shall we get going? Vrosh's house is the closest. He is the Avora that Cait was talking about.” Winter 92, 512 After two days of talking things over and explaining the situation Nari finally trusted Iosha enough to at least show her the crime scene. Pointing in the direction of the Darniva Common rooms Nari started walking over as he gestured Iosha over. “Come over here. In this dark empty room. I won't bite unless you want me to.” Nari teased disappearing deeper inside the room. oocI know I might be considered taking liberties with the moving around. If it's bothering you just let me know.

[Iosha]

Iosha watched Cait leave with a cold stare starting to form on her face. She didn't understand the woman's problem with her, and it was frustrating to say the least. Nari was the only one who came to her defense, but she can tell he was skeptical of her help too. Honestly, Iosha skeptical that she could help the Endals solve the case. The only evidence they had was the murders happened around the time when she arrived in the city, and the victims might be murdered by a crazed Konti. Iosha knew from personal experience Konti cherished life, and the very notion of Konti willing to take a life was rare because of the dire consequences to their divination abilities and soul. Iosha knew the Inarta standing around her wouldn't understand, so she would just have to prove them wrong. It was disheartening to grasp one of her own kind could commit such a evil act. She hoped she didn't have to expose one of her brethren, so she followed Nari to the location of the first victim. Iosha was silent during their walk to the crime scene. She was still mulling over the evidence in her mind. The three murders happened around the time she arrived in Wind Reach. Both the Endals believe the murder was a Konti, but they have no evidence to back their absurd claim. She frowned in silent anger at the idea of her people murdering somebody in cold blood. Konti normally train in combat for self defense. They had no desire to be warriors unless the Konti was a former slave raised outside of Mura. Iosha knew from personal experience that Konti slaves are highly prized in the slave market. Berial planned to breed Konti children out of Iosha. Luckily he never got the chance because after a year, he sold her daughter to Eypharian slaver, and she escaped from her Master a few mouths later. Iosha could relate to murder's feeling if she was a former slave. For the longest time, Iosha would envision clever ways of killing her former Master, but her lover Ayume was the only woman able to quell the anger inside of Iosha. When Iosha and Nari got closer to the crime scene, Iosha was still confused why the murder victims' bodies were dyed his or her victims red. She started mulling over if any substances can turn a victim red, but she couldn't think anything off the top of her head. When they got to the victims door, Nari told her it was dark inside, and he warned her he wouldn't bite her unless he wanted him too. She blushed a little at his comment because she wasn't expecting him to flirt with her at the crime scene. She laughed awkwardly to herself and said softly to him, “I'll make sure to give you a warning ahead of time if I need you to bite me, Nari.” She followed him into the room, and Nari must have lit a lantern because she could see the room clearly. It was a rather standard dwelling for a Avora in the Darniva Common Rooms. There was no windows, but to her surprise the floor covered with elaborate ceramic tiles. They were arranged into a image of a Wind Eagle. Also Iosha noticed the quality of his furniture. It was rosewood with a exquisite woodworking designs carved into the wood. Iosha decided to make a comment to Nari, “Our victim definitely had a taste for luxury didn't he?” When she moved closer into the room, she started to feel light headed and uneasy. She walked over to his desk and noticed all the IOUs and promise notes scattered across the desk. She picked up one of the IOUs and looked at Nari, “I think his expensive taste was getting the best of him.” She thought to herself in frustration, “I can see a clear motive here. He owed the wrong person money, and when the person found out the victim couldn't pay. He was murdered, but what does the victim have to do with Whisper and me, and Honestly, I don't even know if Wind Reach has organized crime.” Iosha set down the IOU and looked around the room, and noticed he was a accomplish merchant with many rewards. She looked at Nari and said to him, “Was Arosh's business failing at the time of his murder, Nari? Because we could be dealing with a angry debt collector. Is there organized crime in the city, Nari?” It was a obvious motive, but she was grasping at straws at the moment. Iosha moved closer into the room and her head was starting to spin. She leaned up against the bed post for support. She hated the death visions of murder victims because the death was so violent. The place of their death was usually a maelstrom of emotional energy. Suicides were all the other type of death vision avoided like the plague. Both type of vision made them harder to see, and most of the time, they took a toll on the young Konti emotionally. She had half the mind to run out of the room and hide in a corner till it was over, but she said she would help the Endals find the murderer. Plus, she doesn't want to give Cait the satisfaction of watching her breakdown. Rubbing her head, she said to Nari without looking at him in almost a whisper, “Can you assist me, Nari, and bring me to the location of the body?”

[Miria]

Nari shrugged at the deflection, it didn't hurt to try. Instead he wore a lazy smile as he accompanied the Konti survey the crime scene. The Endal nodded slightly at the comment before making his own. “Yea the guy was living better then even some Endal. I'd kill to have his wardrobe. Though someone found him before me.” He actually continued for a short time seeing if there was anything in the wardrobe his size until he looked back at Iosha. “I really don't know. That seems typical for trader types to owe money right?” Standing next to Iosha he moved the papers around trying to see who he owed money to. They were not all debts he owed, a good portion of them were promises people owed him. A promise for labor for half a season. A promise to provide free service as a courier, in fact there were two. “Hang on. Hold that thought.” His eyes furrowed slightly seeing the names of the two recently murdered in the stacks of papers. Turning his head slightly to give a serious look at the Konti, he raised his eyebrow to finally answer her last question. “You kidding? Have you seen what we have done with measly drudges in WindReach? No. Any Inarta who lives here would not have their pride tarnished by letting such a group live. " Turning back to the papers Nari did not notice the stupor that was overtaking Iosha. His attention was completely taken by the names that owed the Avora. Names that he was all familiar with. Cait's, Cait's sister's and even his own. But who was this Jared? Sighing heavily Nari did a double take as he realized that his sweet lead investigator was having trouble. “What's the matter with you?” he frowned making his way over. Grabbing the papers off the desk he rolled them together before making his way over. Nari loomed over her for a moment deciding what to do before. “Are you feeling well? Vrosh was already taken care of at the temple. He passed nearly five weeks ago. Remember?” His hand went to his belt instinctively before offering a hand to Iosha. “Come on if it will help we will visit Cait at the temple.” A moment later he realized what he said before chuckling at himself. “You shouldn't be so critical of Cait you know. She just does things her way. Always has. And now there is someone threatening what's left of her family. She actually hasn't slept much at all these few weeks.” Waiting for a moment to hear what else Iosha had to say Nari's expression darkened. “I'm sorry to drag you into this but we NEEDED help. I share the same enthusiasm for finding the killer as her but I'm not willing to share the same dedication as my partner.” He made his way out of the door slightly before turning back to Iosha. “So let's head back to the temple then? Meet those lovely cadavers. They are such lively company.” His eyes drooped at the thought before a happier one came. “Oh I know on the way we can meet Cait's sister. Tesh. Is that okay with you? It will be quick I promise. Maybe you can understand Cait's position a bit more.” Nari paused waiting for Iosha's response. And to figure out why this killer wants to end them.

[Iosha]

Still leaning on the bed post looking at Nari, Iosha watched Nari walk to the door. She looked at Nari in confusion at what he was talking about because the ringing her ears were increasing to deafening levels. Again he was apologizing for Cait behavior, but from the bits and pieces she understood from Nari. She could only understood that one of Cait family members were being threaten by this monster. Rubbing her head, she just realized Nari was leaving because he didn't quite understand what she meant by the location of the body. Iosha pushed herself off the bed, shook her head slowly, and said to him, “You misunderstood me Nari...I need to know the exact spot in the room where Arosh died than I can get you some answers...” Iosha started to see the room start to spin, and everything started to move much slower around her. Iosha was familiar with the feeling of vertigo because it was the precursor the death visions about murder and suicide. Finally, she was able to fixate her violet eyes on Nari, and she said with a smile, “Once I am done with my vision, I would love to meet Cait sister Tesh, but let me find the location of Arosh's body first..” Slowly, Iosha turned around to face the bed once again. She was surprised at how far away the bed seemed from her. She made two long strides to be bed post, and she grabbed onto it to keep herself from falling. The vertigo was intensifying by the right side of the bed, so she used her hands to guide her to the right bed post. When she made it to the bed post, she looked at Nari with a widen grin on her face, “Arosh died on the right side of the bed didn't he Nari, and I gathered he died on the middle of the floor lean up against this wall here..” Almost in a trance, Iosha pushed herself from the bedpost to the wall. Once at the wall she walked along side the wall and used the wall to support her as she glided her hand along the rocky surface with each step. As she traced her hand along the wall, Iosha white hand touched the vary spot the victim was murdered, and suddenly, Iosha had rush of memories from the victims life filled her mind, but she couldn't make any sense of the images flooding into the mind because they were changing to fast in mind. Iosha closed her eyes to try escape the information overload, but eventually the imaged stopped coming soon after. When Iosha opened her eyes, she was sitting the exact spot of the body. She looked around for Nari, and he was nowhere to be found in the room. Iosha got scared for a moment, and she thought he abandoned her in the apartment. Suddenly, she turned her head and saw a apparition of Arosh sitting on the bed looking down at her with a smile on his ghostly face. Arosh extended a spectral hand towards her and said softly, “My name is Avora Arosh, and I want to show you how I died...” Hesitantly, Iosha reached out and took the spirit hand, and everything she feared about having her vision appeared in a series of events leading up to his death.