Open [World's End Grotto] In Theory, Winter comes

[Liriope]

She took the girls hand, shaking it and noticing that her palms felt quite rough. Perhaps she was a laborer, or something else that required strength. Her own hands were mostly smooth, yet a few scars ran across them in places, indicating her use of weapons at times. Liriope spoke with a smooth and cool tone, sometimes seemimg emotionless and detatched, though she tried to change that when she noticed it. A gentle smile crossed her face, forced to an expert's eye, but seemingly genuine to most. "Pleasure to meet you too." Nodding as the woman spoke, she spoke. "I got here today, and I'm the same. I came here to get a feel for the city and it seems like something happened a bit before I arrived." She sipped her drink, which was much too weak, but she didn't have spare change for anything more expensive. She was unsure where her life would take her, so money was something she didn't want to waste. She watched the barmaid come to the girl, and then go. Conversation passing between them both. It brought a small chuckle to her lips, as she tried to ask for just a glass of water, and the barmaid seemed to not like the notion. Liriope nodded again, in agreement with what the girl said. "Yes, I don't have any steady source of income right now either, however I think I'll be fine, at least for a while. What do you work as usually?" She smiled as she spoke, it appeared peaceful and kind. She made a mental note that the girl was worried about her job, and how she felt 'insecure' about not having income. Supposedly it was a common thing for people to feel. Liriope didn't care for the girl's predicament, but acting like she did would likely be a good idea. It was odd, how people felt like that. She thought it was odd at least, to worry about ones life instead of thinking about it logically. Throughout the time she had been alive for she had seen it many times. She didn't worry, not about her place in life or people. She finished her drink, glad to have. She didn't really want it by that point, but it was a drink, and she didn't want to waste money either.

[Net]

OOCI am going to handle this first with you Fallon and then for the others. This will make the streamlining of this easier to write and possibly to read...

Fallon
As the investigator crept up the stairs it would become pretty clear to her within mere feet from the door that the occupants within were either not very alert to being stalked, or they were feigning and were well aware of the stalking investigator. She could hear just a few words through the door and the not perfectly flushed seam of frame and door. Phrases like 'Don't Panic' and 'They are unware' and 'Navy be damned' and 'Flood them to Laviku' were relatively easy to pick up, they seemed to be exclaims of frustration... Yet something seemed off about the pauses and whispers that spaced them out, context might have provided more clues, but the phrases themselves were not the parts to pick up. It was the words like 'mutiny' and 'treason' and 'ours' that would send ripples of concern down most peoples back.

It would seem the merchants were planning to overthrow the Navy, even after their failed attempt last season. It was pretty clear they weren't great at thinking in regards to that... But then again, it was just a three of them away from the Guild Hall... Were they even doing this with the approval of the Guild? Was this a solo coup attempt? Questions that could not be answered without questioning it would seem.

Others
It was about the time that Fallon had started to take on the act of eavesdropper that a trio of people stood from a table with what appeared to be a lute, a flute, and a triangle. A few chuckles arose and clapping started slowly from around them outward. It was a trio of musicians. With a few ticks to prep their instruments the three quickly broke into music. This didn't assist Fallon with her listening in on the trio in the room.

The crowd of locals started singing rather loudly and obviously inappropriate lyrics for children.

[Fallon]

While the faint sound of music bloomed and grew beneath, a faint background noise that Fallon did not dwell upon. Instead her ears merely prickled, straining as she attempted to hear whatever sounds where coming from behind. She largely remained still at first, listening in for the tones, the words, splicing together what words were there. The eyes narrowed in focus, a single deep inhale as the mind calculated her options.

Based on what she heard it sounded as if it was another attempt to coup. But how did they hold such power to do so? Better yet she only saw three of them enter, did they have the ability to buy and gather coin? No, there was another - her brow creased at the memory of the words.

What was it, "We kept him waiting too long sir..."?

No, there was another fourth member in the midst of it all - an unknown face that made her itch in anticipation. She knew the three that came in were merchants, but who would have additional interest in such? No, she was missing something - or more correctly it was not adding up. Pausing on the possible additional she turned her mind to one of logic, could it be another coup? She had heard that the Merchants had failed miserably, so what gave them the bright idea that another attempt could work? There was a lick of lips, corners pulling up into a smirk.

Questions ran through her thickly now. Schemes were not far behind, while she could possibly point out the merchants should she see them again, she doubted that the Navy would be interested simply in something she had overheard. The inspector shifted her weight from the wall, rolling around so her left shoulder pressed against the door frame. The left leg came across the doorway, bracing against the other side. Arms folded, her eyes moving down to the door handle as she simply waited for it to open. There was no rush in her mind, if anything the longer they took the more she could piece together without questioning. But when it inevitably did, the sprouting of a dark wolfish grin would cross her lips, gaze fixing upon the unlucky souls within and the low, rumble of words rolling forth, "Well, well, well... what do we have here?"

[Salara Kel'Halavath]

Liriope asked what she did for work and she answered without hesitation, “Mostly merchandise assessment and procurement. In my youth I was apprenticed under a mercantile trader.” All truth, although thief, burglar, adventurer would have been more specific, but not as prudent a revelation. “Of the postings I actually submitted application with the Lord Council’s office for I’d most like to try my hand as an investigator or mercenary.” She was about to ask Liriope where her interests lie when clapping and calls begin on the other side of the room. She watches three minstrels set up and begin playing and singing bawdy tunes. The performers must have been regulars and the song a popular one because soon the cacophony of patrons singing along pretty much precluded any further conversation between them, especially from separate tables. ‘There was a lass and a bonnie lass, A-gathering nuts did gang, And she pulled them high, and she pulled them low, And she pulled them where they hang.’ There would be some very thirsty people soon so Salara excuses herself to Liriope with a nod and look of resignation, slides the two silvers off the table, grabs her pack as she stands and walks to the bar with the thought to perhaps save herself a little copper by saving the bar maid a trip. ‘'Til tired at length, she laid her doon, And slept the woods among, When by there came three lusty lads, Three lusty lads and strong.’ Pulling up a stool she watches to catch the barmaid’s eye and shares a nod of understanding when she does. Soon as able, the server brings her a nearly clean mug of water and a plate of cheese and bread. Salara would be seen detaining the server who initially seems impatient and annoyed, but soon their heads lean close for a few ticks; then Salara settles the two silvers in palm for her service and they part ways. Looking unsatisfied, Salara carries her meal back to her table next to Liriope. ‘Oh the first did kiss her rosy lips, He thought is wasna wrong. The second unloosed her bodice fair, That was sewed with silk along.’ She leans in to Liriope and says loudly to be heard above the merriment, “If you need another drink you should get yours now too. Service will be even more hard to come by soon.” With a nod she settles in her seat to begin what will likely be a very quick meal and exit for her. ‘And what the third did to the lass, Is no put in this song. But the lassie wakened with a fright, And she says I've slept too long.’ Rough and ribald laughter, wolf whistles, and a shrill shriek of haggish joy provide ample appreciation for the musicians' efforts. Someone shouts, ‘Now play, “A Maiden Did Bathing Go!”’ Cheers erupt anew.

[Liriope]

Liriope was about to talk to the girl again, asking of why those careers, and possibly telling her what her chosen career was, however she was disrupted by the sound of a immature tune from across the room. She supposed it was intended to be humorous, as people were often in need of that, especially those coming to a tavern to cover up their pain with drink. Liriope didn't find it that amusing, she was never one for humour such as this. The girl had exscused herself with a resigned look, and headed to the bar. It seemed she was going to get a drink before the place had gotten rowdier than it already had. Untasteful song continued as Liriope looked around the place, where the majority of the people were listening to the song, clapping and dancing and the corners of their lips turning up with smiles and laughter. Some of them looked slightly agitated with the sudden noise, as she had also been, however there seemed to be nothing worth paying attention too. The girl had came back from retrieving her food, now her meal with her, an unsatisfied look on her face, perhaps she had found herself in disagreement with the barmaid. She leant over to Liriope with words of advice, to fetch her drink before it got buisier, the Konti hadn't planned to get another drink, so once she had finished this one she would likely go up to her room to get away from all the noise, though it seemed as if she might have been able to hear it still. Liriope simply nodded to Salara in response, not wanting to talk over the noise. A person called out for them to play another song admist the applause for the odd musicians, and despite the song being not to her taste, she would admit it was clever. She took another sip of drink, and then rested it on the table.

[Net]

Fallon
As the crowd got rowdier and louder it would become suddenly more and more noticeable that the sounds within the room were getting quieter and quieter... Almost as if the occupants were coming to an end... Or something far more nefarious was occurring. Fallon would notice between the ending song and the cry of an encore there was no sound of occupants within. There were windows from most of the second story buildings that led to alleyways and streets, but none that were easy to climb out of and down safely enough... But up? Well... As the cries for music grew in their sound it was almost as there was a scuttling of feet across shingles above.

These noises were easily hidden by the music except for those intent or close by. Several doors opened and the occupants from within looked up at the ceiling, “What da petch?” was muttered by the ones that opened and looked up, the rest of the tavern was unaware of the sounds.

Others
A second song was requested and the band started up. Loudly and as if timed. Something seemed off about these trio of individual players... As if they were waiting for a signal. Most of the occupants in the main room ignored the opening of doors above, they were a common occurrence after all in most inns. Yet something was odd that every few ticks the bards played even louder. The crowd followed suit and practically screamed out the lyrics.

Barmaids were busy doling out drinks and what accounted for the Wave Guard within the tavern were very much keeping an eye on both their drinks and the crowd Unlike most though, the guards were not actually touching their drinks, as those nearby would realize and the guards just told the snoops to return to their mugs.

OOCSorry guys for such a late response.

[Fallon]

She felt like an idiot when it did not open. For a moment there was some aspect of anticipation, but that quickly changed to an aspect of dread. Her ears twitched, straining to hear beyond the sound of music. It was quiet, too quiet. All dipping away into nothing. But in that moment of silence, her breath was held, her teeth gritting into a line. No doubt she was grinding them once more, but that was not her concern. And then it came, that scratching noise of feet from above. A groan really as the individuals began to make their move.

A quick twist of the door handle. Locked.

"Shyke," She uttered a curse, gaze turning to the other occupants and their now open doors. It was a snap decision really. In a rapid move she stepped around and past the occupant, an exclamation ripping forth, "Excuse me! Coming through! Don't mind me!"

Fallon Skylar, Private Inspector of the Scared Wolf Investigations, did not look back. Pushing through, her hands went to the window of the room. Another swift movement the latch was lifted and it was opened. The rest of her squeezed through, feet upon the window ledge. Hands snatched upwards, grasping upon the roof edge. Gaze snapped below briefly, a small knot forming in her stomach, but that quickly being washed aside by excitement.

A small grunt, her feet braced and pushed her up, arms pulling as she scrabbled upon the roof. From there she pushed herself up - taking only a brief pause to scan her surroundings for the direction the merchants moved in. Once sign was caught of one of them she would begin to move. The hunt was on, the hunger to know pushing her, and she was not about to let such prey escape her.

oocOn your marks, get set, GO!

[Salara Kel'Halavath]

It wasn’t long before the already obnoxious singing begins to sound more like caterwauling pitching louder with each passing tick. For distraction from the unwholesome noises as she finishes her meal Salara thinks on what she had learned from the barmaid, among other things , speculations on what might be going on with the three fellows she had followed in. Her thoughts having turned in such direction focuses her attention to what was going on upstairs. Cocking her head to the side, but not looking in the direction of the stairwell, she hears several exclamations of question and what in her mind sounded a lot like the scratching of large rats running across the eves. Uncertain, it seemed she could only hear the steps of two. Then a very determined voice demanding passage shouted, ‘Excuse me! Coming through! Don't mind me!’ giving the expectation that someone would be rushing downstairs, as assumedly it was the only exit. No one exited. Watching the crowd in the tavern, she notes several guards attempting to divert the attention of any Lookie Loos who had also noticed. The last bites of her meal slowly disappear in distracted chewing as Salara’s curiosity begins to scheme in spite of good sense. She reflected on the suspicious merchants in grey and remembered the young woman who had almost inconspicuously followed them up. What harm would it be to take a short stroll to see what there would be to see? She’d spoken to the barmaid earlier. Who was to know she hadn’t been arranging for a room of her own upstairs? Drinking the last swallow of water from her mug she reaches for her pack, nonchalantly shouldering it and gathers up her dinnerware. No sense in making the barmaid come clear the table and the simple kindness might grant her some leeway to access the stairs. She places the dishware at the edge of the bar and casually lifts her hand to the barmaid who grants her a wide - if harried - grin and wave. Of course, Salara knows it’s because of the amount she’d paid the barmaid, a swindling she’d inadvertently let herself step into for information. Exaggeratingly nodding her head to the non-existent musical beat of the ‘song’ the musicians were instigating she turns on her heal with a good natured smile stretched across her face. Studiously avoiding the intent gaze of the nearest guard she walks past Liriope on the way to the stairs miming a headache by pinching her brow between forefinger and thumb and mouthing ‘goodnight.’ Stepping solidly upon each step she holds her breath with each obvious squeak of the boards waiting for a heavy hand or enforcing voice to detain her. Passing the first door, the door in question, her fingertips quickly caress the handle confirming it locked as she continues by. Two startled tenants are conversing outside one of the rooms. She overhears one speak, ‘But she petchin went out me petchin window!’ as his companion tries to hush him up with a fearful glance at Salara’s inadvertent intrusion. Pretending as if she hadn’t heard, she watches the two shuffle back inside with a solid thunk and snick/click of the lock. The distinctively familiar sound of a single tumbler lock engaging causes her fingers to itch. Peering at each door number she moves up the hall as if looking for her own room. Just as she turns at the end of the hall to return to the first door, the stairway squeaks as a Wave guardsman climbs into view. Patting a pocket of her pack with sleight of hand she palms a set of picks and hides them within the folds of her simple dress beneath her cloak. She knew that in many towns, simply owning a thieves kit such as hers would justify the loss of a hand right quick without trial or judge; but she needed a prop if she were to follow through and not just pass him by, leave the establishment and retreat to her flat. A little voice of reason encourages her to do just that but in a rapid heartbeat her curiosity squishes it flat. Her head tilts in polite greeting as she lifts her picks beneath her cloak, rattling them in mimic of keys. “I fear the music tis too much for me. A good night to you, sir,” she offers as she approaches the door nearest her target as if it were hers. A litany rolls through her mind as if by power of will she can ensure he sees only a tired customer exactly where she belongs. He looks her over and down the now quite hall finally offering a nod which soothes her rapid heartbeat. ‘Ma’am’ he returns as he turns on his heal and heads back down the stairs to keep an eye on the rowdy crowd below. She hurries to the locked door risking a quick moment with her ear pressed to the wood listening for movement within while watching the stairwell. Hearing nothing she raises a pair of copper picks for some quick entry work. Placing each pick into the brass keyhole - one angled slightly above the other - she gently applies pressure to the baseline. Probing a very tiny bit the pick hits a pin that doesn’t budge necessitating her to readjust to avoid breaking her delicate instruments. It needed two minor adjustments before she feels more than hears a ‘tink’ within. Ever so gently she rotates the top pick to set the tumbler. In a click/snick the lock disengages and Salara’s breath releases in a soft whoosh as her lips curve in a self-satisfied fashion. Dexterously she returns her picks to the pack and ensures a dagger is in quick reach. Glancing briefly over her shoulder she takes another breath, gently turns the knob and eases open the door.

[Liriope]

Listening to the musicians as she sat, they were slowly getting louder, a horrible tune with still innapropriate lyrics. Lirope didn't think that they sounded very talented at all, and the volume was much too loud for the building that they were in, it wasn't neccesary to scream to be heard. Though, they did seem slightly odd, and watching them carefully, she noticed it seemed almost timed,and it seemed to match the noises coming from above, which were almost disguised by the bard's wailing. However the barsmaids kept working, and the others in the tavern kept singing along to the music, the place getting rowdier by the minute. It was probably nothing. Salara exscused herself quickly, miming as if she had a headache, and making her way upstairs, presumably to her room. With a few more sips of her drink, it was gone, and Lirope returned to looking around the room. There were some members of the wave guard around the place, seemingly here to stop the crowd from getting too rowdy, or to relax while off shift. Though those of them who had drink didn't seem to be having any of it. Perhaps it was a good time to get some practice in, perhaps there was a reason that they weren't drinking, and Lirope wanted to know why, if there was a reason. She sauntered over to one of the wave guard, taking a seat beside them at their table with a cattish smile, trying to make use of the brief amount of acting she knew to fool him. "Hello." Lirope spoke in a relaxed and flirtatious tone, playing with her hair as she did so. She then spoke again, her voice still flirtatious and making deliberate eye contact with him, hoping it worked."Why aren't you having any of your drink? Something wrong?" She put her hands on the table in front of her and smiled, attempting to make herself seem friendly, and trustworthy. Someone who they could tell about whatever was happening, and hopefully her hypnotism worked on the man.

[Net]

As Fallon crawled out and went in pursuit of the roof runners she would be quick to notice that even though a trio went into the room she was only chasing after two. The third was nowhere to be found. The duo of merchants – if they really were merchants – were scrambling to the edge of the roof, pausing briefly to take in their next move, do they jump across or down? There was some brief discussion from them before one took a few steps backwards, Fallon could see he was planning on jumping across easily enough as he took the few steps in a fast pace and then leaped from the rooftop. With arms and legs pinwheeling he landed with a thud and groan on that was across the alley. He laid there briefly, propped on elbow and hand breathing heavily. His comrade has did the far safer and relatively easier move and dropped his weight over the inn's roof lip and landed with a crouch in the alleyway. A laughing wave he looked up at his pursuer before turning and ran down the alley.

Well Fallon was chasing her prey and now left with a decision on her hands of who to follow, Salara didn't have much trouble popping the lock of the door, it wasn't the greatest quality of a lock and with a just the right amount of pressure and tweaking the door swung open easily enough, the heavy smell of copper floated in the air, heavy and fresh. Red splatters could be seen trailing from bed to a wall wardrobe. The wardrobe door was struggling to remain latched, within was the bedding that would normally adorn the bed wrapped around an object. A rather red blot was easy to notice. A murder.

The Guard that Liriope spoke just glanced at the lady before he spoke gruffly, “Move along. Me business.” He waved her away as his gaze returned to the musicians, it was clear he was trying to keep an eye on the trio of players.