Barrett emerged from his workshop late on the morning of the 22nd. The past two tides had been spent exploring the parameters of the mysterious Rose Stone. He suspected the work would have gone more easily with assistance, but the one person whom he had wanted to bring into the project had been unconscious for the past two days. And his summons to the adhiel bard had gone unanswered. So he had sought the mysteries of the Stone by himself.
He wore the same black velvet doublet and hose that he had the previous day. It was not what he preferred, but it did serve its purpose: reinforcing the respect of the servants whom he had been interviewing. A quick walk to the kitchens to snag some bread showed him that he was not alone in his choice of black garb.
So today then... I had best cancel those interviews. Rioja must be beside herself.
The Querist headed first to Bevan's office - although Master Bevan would likely be busy, it seemed wise to at least get the official news before confronting Lady Rioja. Of course, if the office were too active, he would simply duck his head in to let Bevan know that he would be unavailable for the rest of the day and continue on to his employer's chambers.
A Respite from Research
Moderator: Mods
The servant's wing around Bevan's offices were indeed busy beyond belief, though the somewhat jolly old man spotted the querist and quickly peeled himself away to have a few words with him all the same. Smiling and nodding, he offered his condolences for the death of the Caesar...a curious thing to offer, but he offered them to all that passed his way...and accepted the news of Barrett's schedule change with quick and easy enthusiasm. "No matter at all, sir...I could certainly use the room this morning!" he responded, though he had seen little of it the day prior.
Barrett's interviews had gone swiftly and effectively, but it had been a tiring couple of days that gleaned very little. He found that not only were the servants largely ignorant of any possibility of murder for the Caesar...it was common knowledge that he was only ill...but the Caesar's diet had changed very little in the days preceding his illness. That diet had, in fact, included numerous pomegranates, an imported delicacy from Amun Rah that many of the modest to wealthier citizens in the city were enjoying, either dried or, in some rare cases, fresh as the Caesar had done. In fact, they had numerous fruits on hand to give Barrett as an example, their bloody exterior giving the querist a queasy stomach for some reason.
More positive was his research with the Rose stone. After several marks of failed attempts to investigate the stone magically, it finally came to Barrett's understanding that it was that quality...a strange, magical drain...that made the stone unique. Spells failed, magics died, and even the Thinker's presence around him seemed to pale and fade when he contacted the stone, for it was that affect that had disturbed him considerably when he found the stone a couple days ago though he had not known it at the time. Beyond this strange, mythical quality that seemed to radiate from it even at a distance, the stone was otherwise ordinary...a common sand quartz that was rough to the touch and could readily be broken or crumbled, causing it's potent affects to be reduced considerably.
Barrett's interviews had gone swiftly and effectively, but it had been a tiring couple of days that gleaned very little. He found that not only were the servants largely ignorant of any possibility of murder for the Caesar...it was common knowledge that he was only ill...but the Caesar's diet had changed very little in the days preceding his illness. That diet had, in fact, included numerous pomegranates, an imported delicacy from Amun Rah that many of the modest to wealthier citizens in the city were enjoying, either dried or, in some rare cases, fresh as the Caesar had done. In fact, they had numerous fruits on hand to give Barrett as an example, their bloody exterior giving the querist a queasy stomach for some reason.
More positive was his research with the Rose stone. After several marks of failed attempts to investigate the stone magically, it finally came to Barrett's understanding that it was that quality...a strange, magical drain...that made the stone unique. Spells failed, magics died, and even the Thinker's presence around him seemed to pale and fade when he contacted the stone, for it was that affect that had disturbed him considerably when he found the stone a couple days ago though he had not known it at the time. Beyond this strange, mythical quality that seemed to radiate from it even at a distance, the stone was otherwise ordinary...a common sand quartz that was rough to the touch and could readily be broken or crumbled, causing it's potent affects to be reduced considerably.
Barrett returned Bevan's "condolences" but felt strange about doing so.
Better get used to it, as that's likely to be the common greeting today.
On his way to Rioja's chambers, teh Querist grabbed a tray of pastries and a pot of tea to bring with him. Although they did little for him, the simple acts of eating and sipping tea often seemed to calm people... and Rioja, he figured, would need any help she could get.
Better get used to it, as that's likely to be the common greeting today.
On his way to Rioja's chambers, teh Querist grabbed a tray of pastries and a pot of tea to bring with him. Although they did little for him, the simple acts of eating and sipping tea often seemed to calm people... and Rioja, he figured, would need any help she could get.
There were a few things that Palaces kept in very large and constant supply...and pastries were thankfully one of them. Stealing a healthy platter of unnamed delicacies, Barrett stole away from the kitchens, a practice that he had come to understand was easier than it should be. While the head chef was a lovely, respected man, he couldn't see much beyond five paces away, so security in his kitchen was, in a word, relaxed.
In a few moments, the querist found the hallway just outside Rioja's chambers. Strangely, there were no guards present...they had withdrawn to a safe, modest distance...and even as her door came in view, he could see that it was only just closing, as the mystic healer had apparently only just received guests that very moment. He could hear the sound of her voice...steady, but strangely fragile today...through the heavy oaken door.
(OOC: You've arrived in this thread, though you may choose to "listen in" before you make your presence known, if you wish!)
In a few moments, the querist found the hallway just outside Rioja's chambers. Strangely, there were no guards present...they had withdrawn to a safe, modest distance...and even as her door came in view, he could see that it was only just closing, as the mystic healer had apparently only just received guests that very moment. He could hear the sound of her voice...steady, but strangely fragile today...through the heavy oaken door.
(OOC: You've arrived in this thread, though you may choose to "listen in" before you make your presence known, if you wish!)