The Shattered City: Chapter Two

[Kaitou Kage]

"The people are divided," Cyrus mused, "At least, those that know about this move. Word has not gotten out too much yet. But where it's been known, some think it serves the gendarmes right while others want to see the University's leader brought low."

He nodded thoughtfully at Darius's comments. "We will see when word of this becomes more widespread. And then we will see who falls on which sides of the line."

[The Whistler]

Celeste looked a bit crestfallen that she and her companions wouldn't be able to investigate the Museum right now…but, on balance, didn’t protest all that hard. Again, it was worth noting that Celeste didn’t seek out dangerous situations so much as wander into them by accident—and, given her equivocation on the power balance between University and Gendarmerie (depending on who was in the room at the time), it was a reasonable bet that she didn’t want her political stance to be overly influenced by mutual gunfire. Besides, a Professional Adventurer had said it was a good idea to back off for the time being, and who’d argue with expertise?

Thus: “Ah well—even a band of noble Investigators must be guided foremost by prudence! If Professor Marchand-Renier requires our attention, then to Professor Marchand-Renier we must go. To the Manor Retreat!”

[Kaitou Kage]

Lia's proclamation caused Cyrus to raise a tattooed brow.

"I beg your pardon, Professor," he said, "But I thought we came to see the museum and investigate the Warden's interests. Why are we suddenly going to see this other professor? I do not recall such plans being made before."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"We are not going to the museum right now, priest," Lia replies calmly, "because the president of the university is ... in bad temper. I will have to ask you to trust me on this; it is wiser for us not to be here right now. I am sure that professor Theroux will tell us as soon as it is prudent for us to return, but if we remain now, we are likely to get the president's back up. And that would be counterproductive, would it not, Andre?"

[Nathan of the FoS]

"Unless the President is at the Museum, I hardly see that it matters," Darius says. "Professor Theroux was just saying that the Museum would make an unobjectionable destination, isn't that right, Professor? Of course, it might be more effective to return when we have the opportunity to peer behind the scenes, as it were, but if the galleries are still open to the public it can hardly be dangerous."

Darius pauses, then shrugs. "It's not clear that a couple of days will make a difference; Lecanu's visits, if there were any, may already be weeks in the past, so the trail's not getting colder. But it also seems possible that things will not blow over, and access to the Museum will be less easy to get in the future than it is now."

[yalenusveler]

"He...just ate a toad?" Kerrian asked, inbetween amused and suprised, working to help his fellow laborers perhaps accomplish their task just a bit quicker. And hey, there was a sandwich.

"As for the man who just gave up his money... does it seem like the usual nobles trying to do something so they can sleep at night...or are people going out of their way? Like something was forcing them to?"

[NeoTiamat]

Courtyard, University of Dementlieu, Port-a-Lucine; Evening of March 24th, 770
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"Unless the President is at the Museum, I hardly see that it matters," Darius says. "Professor Theroux was just saying that the Museum would make an unobjectionable destination, isn't that right, Professor? Of course, it might be more effective to return when we have the opportunity to peer behind the scenes, as it were, but if the galleries are still open to the public it can hardly be dangerous."

Darius pauses, then shrugs. "It's not clear that a couple of days will make a difference; Lecanu's visits, if there were any, may already be weeks in the past, so the trail's not getting colder. But it also seems possible that things will not blow over, and access to the Museum will be less easy to get in the future than it is now."

"The Museum is still open to the public, and it's about as safe as any place on the campus. That is, currently safe... possibly blown into small bits if things get out of hand." Prof. Theroux said. "It's the non-public areas that I can't get you into right now, not till things blow over."

"Though honestly...? I think this is all going to blow over in a little bit, once tempers cool." Andre said, then shrugged. "If they don't... trust me when I say we're all going to have much bigger things to worry about."

[DocBeard]

Does he even notice?, Tomas thinks to himself, frowning a little as Mary plays the part of the romantic heroine with a flair that's almost natural. "Fair-on-the-Red, a little tavern just across the street from Strauss's, unless you had someplace else in mind." Tomas suggests, giving Sister Nerit a little 'See, I'm not that scary after all!' look. Not that she's paying attention anymore, but Tomas felt bad for missing her contribution in his shock.

"I'll let you get back to your book, then." Tomas adds placidly, tipping his hat and turning to start doing his share of the legwork. This is only one bookstore out of a dozen, after all.

[NeoTiamat]

Rue des Epices, Quartier Marchand, Port-a-Lucine; Evening of March 24th, 770
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"He...just ate a toad?" Kerrian asked, inbetween amused and suprised, working to help his fellow laborers perhaps accomplish their task just a bit quicker. And hey, there was a sandwich.

"Toad Eater. They're snake-oil salesmen," the caliban explained. "Most of them make money by hawking cure-all medicines, though they also make a decent living off the spectacle."

"Toads is poisonous, you see. Eat one of those and... *GAK*" the human clarified, clutching his throat and making a horrible, bulging-eyed face. "So the toady pops one in his mouth, lets it slide down his throat all slimy, then takes a swig of Dr. Beltram's miracle tonic or what have you not, and is right as rain at the end."

"There has to be something good about the tonic, if it helps him survive eating poison like that," the shifter said, laying another brick down. The human rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"If you keep your eyes peeled around back alleys, you'll probably see one sooner or later," the caliban said. "They're not uncommon, but they don't like having to compete with the street magicians. Eating a toad just doesn't measure up to escaping a flaming coffin while chained."

"As for the man who just gave up his money... does it seem like the usual nobles trying to do something so they can sleep at night...or are people going out of their way? Like something was forcing them to?"

"Neither," the caliban said slowly, chewing over Kerrian's question. "Seemed too spontaneous to be forced. It could have been a spur of the moment good deed to make them feel better, perhaps, except I've never seen anyone feel so bad that they'd give over their entire wallet. Or let someone like me," he gestured to his horrifically brutal face, "into their carriage."

"If someone is forcing people, they'd have to be forcing half the city," the shifter said simply, laying down the mortar for another brick.

"Fair-on-the-Red, a little tavern just across the street from Strauss's, unless you had someplace else in mind." Tomas suggests, giving Sister Nerit a little 'See, I'm not that scary after all!' look.

"But now yes Tomas is right, we have matters to attend to and books to trace, so Im afraid its down to business, although I do most look forward to renewing our acquaintance in the future."

"That would be wonderful, and I'll see you there." Mary said, then glanced at Nicolas before lowering her eyes chastely. "And I'll stay in touch, M. Castaigne. Good luck with your search."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"Let's get in there quickly and get out even faster, then," Lia says. "Andre, I hope to hear from you soon. Come by the Château Malchance tonight if you can get away, and come see me, alright? Gentlemen, m'selle Viardot, let us adjourn to the Guignol with all possible speed and all possible caution. This place is more dangerous than it looks, even."

[Kaitou Kage]

"Of course," Cyrus smiled at Lia, "And perhaps when we are done at the museum we can see your associate."

[Rock of the Fraternity]

"That would be most agreeable," Lia replies in an even tone. "Shall we, then?"

[The Whistler]

"Certainly, and with much-deserved enthusiasm! Lead on, Mlle. Mourneswaithe!"

Celeste apparently felt no cognitive dissonance about being EXTREMELY EXCITED to go visit Marchand-Renier at one moment, and EXTREMELY EXCITED to go explore the Museum at the next; indeed, both sentiments seemed utterly sincere. You pretty much gathered that she just enjoyed walking to places.

[Nerit]

Nerit's face merely flickered into a smile at Tomas' glance before she remembered the letters. She pulled them from the depths of her wide sleeve and shuffled through them.

Why would a man hide his love letters in a strange--broken?--mirror? Was he that paranoid?

The nun paused in mid action. He was Darkonian, after all.

And the End was coming. For everyone. Did he think having these letters found would end it sooner for him? Nerit regarded Alice for a moment, then went back to the letters.

They did, indeed, seem like horribly written notes of infatuation. Perhaps, she thought hopelessly, her Darkonian brother was not so well-taught in High Mordentish writing. She, as a scribe, was priveleged with more cosmipolitan education by nature of her duties.

(Failed miserably at an Intelligence check on the letters. Did not find codes or ciphers or anything fun.)

[Cronax]

"Though his friend came by in January to pick up some of the books he ordered. Have you talked to his friend? Can't help you with the name, I'm afraid, but he's a large man with yellow hair, had two gold teeth. Memorable sort of fellow."

"I see." Agale said, taking on an introspective countenance. Visions of Abernathy the younger flashed through his mind, but were quickly dismissed as that gentleman's smile was undeniably untarnished by fillings. "I'm afraid I am not yet acquainted with his assistant. If you run into either of them again, I would be most appreciative if you would let me know. I can be reached at the Chateau Malchance."

Before Mr. Marks can respond, the Borcan changes the subject to one of a more definitive interest to the shop keeper, a sale. "Although perhaps you can assist me on an unrelated matter. I seek a book detailing the historical land holding records for the Quartier Savant. Do you have available such a volume?"