An hour or so later, Rin and Sen arrive at the Lion and Boar. Is there anything Rin would like to do before entering?
<.>
Rin is going to make sure they have their weapons and the Bag of Holding, and tell Sen they'll find something good for him. Otherwise, they're ready to stealth and go—
Oh, wait!
Not without blowing Sen an air kiss with a wink, and a "For good luck ;D."
<.>
Sen catches it and sends one back their way, and Rin makes a stealth check.
[STEALTH: 22; Rin's gonna catch that kiss and put it on their cheek as they go stealth mode >;3]
Rin melts back into the shadows, leaving Sen to approach the Lion and Boar alone. He leaves the door open behind him; a servant whose task is specifically to greet guests tuts and hurries to close it - though not before Rin has the chance to slip through.
The servant eyes Sen up and down with an air of superiority, but with cool cordiality asks, "How may I assist you, Sir?"
<.>
Rin, grinning to themself, Messages Sen, [ Manners, manners, Sen!
Well, you have the best manners, since you let me in. ]
They'd like to give the servant a kick in the pants, but it's far too early to take that risk. Instead, Rin takes a look around the room, scanning for possible exits, signs of any sneaky someone watching, or other points of interest.
<.>
The main foyer of the tavern has a rustic chandelier and a plush rug, but little else of note. The wood of the walls and bannisters of the stairs leading to a second floor is a rich reddish-brown, polished to a high shine.
From this room, one may go up the stairs, or take a door to the left which leads toward the dining room where Rin and Sen met Calabra. Another door leads off to the right - presumably to a dining area, from the sound of low murmuring. If there are other rooms, one must pass through these to reach them.
Sen doesn't bother with formalities - no bowing for this man - and gets right to the point. "I'm here to speak with Umbero Calabra. I'm expected."
The servant arches a brow and replies, "Lord Calabra is out and won't return until tomorrow morning. You aren't that expected, it seems."
If this surprises Sen, he doesn't show it. Instead, he says, “…Lord Calabra, is it?"
The servant stares at him, stone-faced, so he continues, "That must have happened sometime overnight. Pity I missed it, running his errands for him. Did 'Lord' -" he air-quotes, yes, "Calabra say where he was going?"
"I certainly wouldn't tell the likes of you. Be off with you before I have you removed."
Sen, assuming Rin has gotten the idea that maybe they ought to sneak upstairs, drawls, "'Lord' Calabra is going to be displeased with you when he learns you turned away someone with vital information."
[PERS, s: nat 20]
<.>
Rin is absolutely going to make their way up the stairs, Messaging Sen as they do, [ You know what's up. ] And, just to be clear, [ Me; I'm going up. ]
They're going to be quick in their movements, careful with their steps, and check over the landing before they reach it.
<.>
Nothing's particularly notable about the landing; it's a fine establishment (for Awich). The second floor is decorated with more plush rugs, a few alabaster statues, and paintings. From the landing, a single hall stretches down the middle of the Inn; there are three doors on either side, suggesting the quarters are quite large and multi-room, intended for an entourage rather than a single occupant.
Of these doors, one is open and a woman stands fanning herself in the doorway. There's a voice from within and she turns back to the room, then enters and closes the door behind her.
Downstairs, the servant is trying very hard to undo offense and assure Sen that Calabra really is out, he took his guard and didn't say where he was going, and the servant is only doing his job.
[q: did the voice sound like calabra? and, are there distinguishing marks on or beside any of the doors? a: The voice did not sound like Calabra. There are no distinguishing marks on the doors.]
Rin's going to move down the hallway, alert for any signs of sound. If nothing catches their ear, they'll move to the end of the hall, and check for signs of sound behind the last door on the left.
[PERC: 7; Rin can't hear anything unusual or informative.]
Rin is going to cast Disguise Self to appear as an androgynous human of Rin's height, wearing the same uniform as the servant below.
They're going to fix their hair and make a go at unlocking the door they're standing in front of (last door on the right).
[SLEIGHT: 27; The door unlocks easily.]
Rin is going to step inside, posture kept in imitation of the Very Upright Very Not Fun servants they've seen around this place, and see whether 1) anyone is immediately visible or audible and 2) what the room holds.
[dm: The room looks bare in the way unoccupied rooms appear; a quick search will verify no one's staying here.]
Rin's going to diP out of the room, check the hall to see if anyone's appeared, and if no one HAS appeared, they're moving on to the middle door on the right.
[dm: Nothing in the hall has changed; it's the middle of the day, so they can be pretty secure in the knowledge that most people are out and about.
SLEIGHT: 23; The door unlocks easily.]
Same approach as before! Entertain as if they are in fact a servant, checking for signs of anyone present at the moment or of whether the room is occupied.
<.>
The moment they step into the room, a voice from the other side of a door across from them calls out, "Is that you, Herbert? Oh, I thought you'd never arrive! I've been absolutely - You're not Herbert."
The owner of the voice is a middle-aged human man with a bit of a paunch, greying hair, and spectacles. He stares Rin up and down appraisingly, then says, "Well, I'd prefer Herbert, but I suppose you'll do.”
<.>
And Rin is going to bow to the man, then speak, "Beg pardon, Sir. Herbert sent me to tell you he has been delayed. He—" Rin screws up their face, as if trying to recall the message, "He said that he regrets every instant not spent in your company, and he sent me to assure you that he will be here in ten minutes' time, no matter what." They nod, and bow again. "Good Sir, if you'll excuse me, I must be onto my duties."
[PERS: 6]
<.>
The man looks visibly hurt, one hand pressing to his middle and the other raking through his thinning hair. "He's not coming, is he? I knew I'd gone too far last time, I knew by the look on his face."
Hopelessly, he heaves a sigh and drops into one of the chairs that furnish this sort of receiving area.
"I suppose you think this is all pitiable, but I assure you, it's - Well. It is - nothing more than a fascination. Really. And -"
As he's talking, a young man slips into the room - barefoot. "Sorry I'm late - really, I - Who the fuck are you? Ansel, who the fuck is this?!"
<.>
Ansel?
Fascination?
—And presumably-Herbert is looking right at Rin.
Oh well shit, this isn't great.
Rin offers a nervous little laugh, and speaks, "I was told you had a message? It's my first day, and now I think maybe this was some sort of— Of— Oh, a prank. I'm terribly sorry, Sir, Lord? Sir Ansel? Herbert. I'm so sorry—"
It's at this moment that Rin is going to cast Thaumaturgy, to produce the sound of a vase smashing from the next room.
If Ansel and Hansel... Herbert. Turn around. Rin is going to try slipping out of there.
<.>
The sound of a vase crashing does indeed cause both Ansel and Herbert to turn; Rin has just enough time to slip out before they turn back. The sound of an argument can be heard as Herbert flings accusations and Ansel pleads and assures he's innocent. Rin can, if they listen carefully, hear Ansel say, "Please don't punish me again."
<.>
Rin in fact is listening carefully, and they're just going to— Not. Think about that information, or where bare feet and punishment intersect.
They're just going to slip over to the last door on the left and trying giving that one a pick. As they continue to try noT to hear that argument.
[SLEIGHT: 16; The lock takes longer to pick than their patience probably allows.]
They make it about half a minute before huffing in frustration and moving to the second door on the left, scowling at the other door and mentally vowing to finish the job if they must, and when they do, they'll jam that lock with tomatoes or something.
So! Next pick attempt is for second door on the left!
[SLEIGHT: nat 20
dm: Unfortunately, the door opens to another unoccupied room.
The first door on the left is the one with the woman and the unfamiliar voice.]
Hmmm while they're IN here, Rin would like to head over to the wall that would border the third room on the left. And see if they can hear anything from the rooms with the VERY rude door.
[PERC: nat 20
dm: They can in fact hear two voices in the next room: a man and a woman discussing their daughter's upcoming nuptials.
q: Can Rin hear any details of the conversation? And. Does either voice sound familiar?
dm: Neither voice sounds familiar. The details suggest the daughter's wedding is taking place here in Awich, and would lend Rin to believe the couple is here exclusively for that purpose.]
Rin is curious, but this doesn't seem worth sticking around for, and since time's ticking, they're going to return to the hall in order to pick the first door on the right.
[SLEIGHT: 28; The door unlocks easily!]
Rin gives the door a gentle little pat, then straightens their back and enters the room. Once again, checking for signs of occupancy in general and any present and accounted for occupants.
They enter a receiving room with a single bench against the left-hand wall. Around the room are round end tables with floral arrangements - many of these, clearly imported. A small chandelier hangs in the center of the room, its candles as yet unlit.
There are two doors: one straight ahead, and one to the right.
[PERC: nat 20 (??? rin wtf???)
Listening closely, Rin can hear several voices emanating from behind the door to their right.]
Rin would like to quietly, quietly approach the door on their right and try eavesdropping on this here convo.
[dm: Pressing their ear to the door, they can hear the general, everyday conversations and gripes of servants. Presumably, behind this door are the servants' quarters.]
They'll linger for twenty second, and if they hear no mention of names or locations, Rin's going to check the door straight ahead, giving a listen outside of it before attempting to open said door.
[dm: There's no mention of specific names, but 'he' and 'godsdamned bastard' crops up occasionally in the midst of the aforementioned everyday complaints.
Listening at the other door, Rin hears nothing.]
And! Rin is going to open the door and step into the room, closing the door softly behind them.
[dm: The last room they were in would appear to be some sort of foyer; this room is a receiving room / parlor type space, with a chaise against one wall and three plush chairs in a semi-circle. A few knick-knacks decorate the space, all of them too large to reasonably be thieved at the moment.
Again, there are two doors: one to the right and one ahead, both standing ajar.]
no subject
<.>
Rin is going to make sure they have their weapons and the Bag of Holding, and tell Sen they'll find something good for him. Otherwise, they're ready to stealth and go—
Oh, wait!
Not without blowing Sen an air kiss with a wink, and a "For good luck ;D."
<.>
Sen catches it and sends one back their way, and Rin makes a stealth check.
[STEALTH: 22; Rin's gonna catch that kiss and put it on their cheek as they go stealth mode >;3]
Rin melts back into the shadows, leaving Sen to approach the Lion and Boar alone. He leaves the door open behind him; a servant whose task is specifically to greet guests tuts and hurries to close it - though not before Rin has the chance to slip through.
The servant eyes Sen up and down with an air of superiority, but with cool cordiality asks, "How may I assist you, Sir?"
<.>
Rin, grinning to themself, Messages Sen, [ Manners, manners, Sen!
Well, you have the best manners, since you let me in. ]
They'd like to give the servant a kick in the pants, but it's far too early to take that risk. Instead, Rin takes a look around the room, scanning for possible exits, signs of any sneaky someone watching, or other points of interest.
<.>
The main foyer of the tavern has a rustic chandelier and a plush rug, but little else of note. The wood of the walls and bannisters of the stairs leading to a second floor is a rich reddish-brown, polished to a high shine.
From this room, one may go up the stairs, or take a door to the left which leads toward the dining room where Rin and Sen met Calabra. Another door leads off to the right - presumably to a dining area, from the sound of low murmuring. If there are other rooms, one must pass through these to reach them.
Sen doesn't bother with formalities - no bowing for this man - and gets right to the point. "I'm here to speak with Umbero Calabra. I'm expected."
The servant arches a brow and replies, "Lord Calabra is out and won't return until tomorrow morning. You aren't that expected, it seems."
If this surprises Sen, he doesn't show it. Instead, he says, “…Lord Calabra, is it?"
The servant stares at him, stone-faced, so he continues, "That must have happened sometime overnight. Pity I missed it, running his errands for him. Did 'Lord' -" he air-quotes, yes, "Calabra say where he was going?"
"I certainly wouldn't tell the likes of you. Be off with you before I have you removed."
Sen, assuming Rin has gotten the idea that maybe they ought to sneak upstairs, drawls, "'Lord' Calabra is going to be displeased with you when he learns you turned away someone with vital information."
[PERS, s: nat 20]
<.>
Rin is absolutely going to make their way up the stairs, Messaging Sen as they do, [ You know what's up. ] And, just to be clear, [ Me; I'm going up. ]
They're going to be quick in their movements, careful with their steps, and check over the landing before they reach it.
<.>
Nothing's particularly notable about the landing; it's a fine establishment (for Awich). The second floor is decorated with more plush rugs, a few alabaster statues, and paintings. From the landing, a single hall stretches down the middle of the Inn; there are three doors on either side, suggesting the quarters are quite large and multi-room, intended for an entourage rather than a single occupant.
Of these doors, one is open and a woman stands fanning herself in the doorway. There's a voice from within and she turns back to the room, then enters and closes the door behind her.
Downstairs, the servant is trying very hard to undo offense and assure Sen that Calabra really is out, he took his guard and didn't say where he was going, and the servant is only doing his job.
[q: did the voice sound like calabra? and, are there distinguishing marks on or beside any of the doors?
a: The voice did not sound like Calabra. There are no distinguishing marks on the doors.]
Rin's going to move down the hallway, alert for any signs of sound. If nothing catches their ear, they'll move to the end of the hall, and check for signs of sound behind the last door on the left.
[PERC: 7; Rin can't hear anything unusual or informative.]
Rin is going to cast Disguise Self to appear as an androgynous human of Rin's height, wearing the same uniform as the servant below.
They're going to fix their hair and make a go at unlocking the door they're standing in front of (last door on the right).
[SLEIGHT: 27; The door unlocks easily.]
Rin is going to step inside, posture kept in imitation of the Very Upright Very Not Fun servants they've seen around this place, and see whether 1) anyone is immediately visible or audible and 2) what the room holds.
[dm: The room looks bare in the way unoccupied rooms appear; a quick search will verify no one's staying here.]
Rin's going to diP out of the room, check the hall to see if anyone's appeared, and if no one HAS appeared, they're moving on to the middle door on the right.
[dm: Nothing in the hall has changed; it's the middle of the day, so they can be pretty secure in the knowledge that most people are out and about.
SLEIGHT: 23; The door unlocks easily.]
Same approach as before! Entertain as if they are in fact a servant, checking for signs of anyone present at the moment or of whether the room is occupied.
<.>
The moment they step into the room, a voice from the other side of a door across from them calls out, "Is that you, Herbert? Oh, I thought you'd never arrive! I've been absolutely - You're not Herbert."
The owner of the voice is a middle-aged human man with a bit of a paunch, greying hair, and spectacles. He stares Rin up and down appraisingly, then says, "Well, I'd prefer Herbert, but I suppose you'll do.”
<.>
And Rin is going to bow to the man, then speak, "Beg pardon, Sir. Herbert sent me to tell you he has been delayed. He—" Rin screws up their face, as if trying to recall the message, "He said that he regrets every instant not spent in your company, and he sent me to assure you that he will be here in ten minutes' time, no matter what." They nod, and bow again. "Good Sir, if you'll excuse me, I must be onto my duties."
[PERS: 6]
<.>
The man looks visibly hurt, one hand pressing to his middle and the other raking through his thinning hair. "He's not coming, is he? I knew I'd gone too far last time, I knew by the look on his face."
Hopelessly, he heaves a sigh and drops into one of the chairs that furnish this sort of receiving area.
"I suppose you think this is all pitiable, but I assure you, it's - Well. It is - nothing more than a fascination. Really. And -"
As he's talking, a young man slips into the room - barefoot. "Sorry I'm late - really, I - Who the fuck are you? Ansel, who the fuck is this?!"
<.>
Ansel?
Fascination?
—And presumably-Herbert is looking right at Rin.
Oh well shit, this isn't great.
Rin offers a nervous little laugh, and speaks, "I was told you had a message? It's my first day, and now I think maybe this was some sort of— Of— Oh, a prank. I'm terribly sorry, Sir, Lord? Sir Ansel? Herbert. I'm so sorry—"
It's at this moment that Rin is going to cast Thaumaturgy, to produce the sound of a vase smashing from the next room.
If Ansel and Hansel... Herbert. Turn around. Rin is going to try slipping out of there.
<.>
The sound of a vase crashing does indeed cause both Ansel and Herbert to turn; Rin has just enough time to slip out before they turn back. The sound of an argument can be heard as Herbert flings accusations and Ansel pleads and assures he's innocent. Rin can, if they listen carefully, hear Ansel say, "Please don't punish me again."
<.>
Rin in fact is listening carefully, and they're just going to— Not. Think about that information, or where bare feet and punishment intersect.
They're just going to slip over to the last door on the left and trying giving that one a pick. As they continue to try noT to hear that argument.
[SLEIGHT: 16; The lock takes longer to pick than their patience probably allows.]
They make it about half a minute before huffing in frustration and moving to the second door on the left, scowling at the other door and mentally vowing to finish the job if they must, and when they do, they'll jam that lock with tomatoes or something.
So! Next pick attempt is for second door on the left!
[SLEIGHT: nat 20
dm: Unfortunately, the door opens to another unoccupied room.
The first door on the left is the one with the woman and the unfamiliar voice.]
Hmmm while they're IN here, Rin would like to head over to the wall that would border the third room on the left. And see if they can hear anything from the rooms with the VERY rude door.
[PERC: nat 20
dm: They can in fact hear two voices in the next room: a man and a woman discussing their daughter's upcoming nuptials.
q: Can Rin hear any details of the conversation? And. Does either voice sound familiar?
dm: Neither voice sounds familiar. The details suggest the daughter's wedding is taking place here in Awich, and would lend Rin to believe the couple is here exclusively for that purpose.]
Rin is curious, but this doesn't seem worth sticking around for, and since time's ticking, they're going to return to the hall in order to pick the first door on the right.
[SLEIGHT: 28; The door unlocks easily!]
Rin gives the door a gentle little pat, then straightens their back and enters the room. Once again, checking for signs of occupancy in general and any present and accounted for occupants.
They enter a receiving room with a single bench against the left-hand wall. Around the room are round end tables with floral arrangements - many of these, clearly imported. A small chandelier hangs in the center of the room, its candles as yet unlit.
There are two doors: one straight ahead, and one to the right.
[PERC: nat 20 (??? rin wtf???)
Listening closely, Rin can hear several voices emanating from behind the door to their right.]
Rin would like to quietly, quietly approach the door on their right and try eavesdropping on this here convo.
[dm: Pressing their ear to the door, they can hear the general, everyday conversations and gripes of servants. Presumably, behind this door are the servants' quarters.]
They'll linger for twenty second, and if they hear no mention of names or locations, Rin's going to check the door straight ahead, giving a listen outside of it before attempting to open said door.
[dm: There's no mention of specific names, but 'he' and 'godsdamned bastard' crops up occasionally in the midst of the aforementioned everyday complaints.
Listening at the other door, Rin hears nothing.]
And! Rin is going to open the door and step into the room, closing the door softly behind them.
[dm: The last room they were in would appear to be some sort of foyer; this room is a receiving room / parlor type space, with a chaise against one wall and three plush chairs in a semi-circle. A few knick-knacks decorate the space, all of them too large to reasonably be thieved at the moment.
Again, there are two doors: one to the right and one ahead, both standing ajar.]