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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4629555" data-attributes="member: 3285">Songs: Part 3 – Truth in a ShroudAs Sebastian and Beldin arrived at the Splintered Oak, it was clear that was once a cheerful establishment had become a grim crime scene.  A startled barmaid with a mop tried to clean the bloodstains from the floor.  There was absolute silence in the room.Without making eye contact, the barmaid said, “Lady Sounshay said you would be coming.  The bard’s room is up the stairs, third door to your left.”As they made their way upstairs into the hallway, their path was blocked by two well-muscled Marokene elves.  Unlike Ilmarė and Anulee, the elves were shorter but stronger, with a slight tinge of gray to their skin.  They were both heavily armed.“Halt,” said one of the guards, his hand sliding to his sword pommel. “State your business.”“We are here to speak to Anulee by permission of Lady Sounshay,” said Sebastian.The Marokene reluctantly let them pass with a look of mild disgust. Sebastian ignored it; he was accustomed to Ilmarė’s glares.Inside, Anulee was a shell of her former self.  She was no less beautiful than the woman they saw and hear singing majestically to a captivating crowd.  And yet her eyes, swelled from her constant crying, were dim.  She tried to be resolutely diplomatic.  “Please, sit down.  I was expecting you.  I want to help resolve this matter for the betterment of all.”Sebastian and Beldin sat down.“Is Persius sure that it was Kuros that waylaid him and Ilmarė?” asked Sebastian. “He was standing in front of all of us when Persius claims he was assaulted.”Anulee nodded.  “Persius is a very observant individual. He would never accuse someone unless he was absolutely sure.”“But why would Kuros do such a thing?” asked Beldin. “Jealousy?”“Perhaps.” She sighed.  “Despite the fact that I suspected he had feelings for me, they never struck me as being obsessive. Or dangerous.”“So you knew Kuros then,” prodded Sebastian.“Yes.  Like his father Venton, Kuros is a lover of the arts and theater, particularly song.  He often traveled with us when he was a child.  He was an endearing little boy in his youth.  I was once a friend of his father’s, but many years have passed after we had a falling out.  Shortly thereafter Venton’s wife, Victoria, passed away.  Afterwards, I returned to the Vastwood Forest to spend time with my people.” She looked the dark-kin up and down. “Not all humans here find our presence comfortable.”Sebastian flashed her a sympathetic smile. “I understand. What happened between you and Venton?”“We had a falling out.  He does not have the kindest of souls.  His son has apparently inherited his father’s temper.”“What kind of falling out?” asked Beldin.“I can say no more.”“You can’t or you won’t?” asked Sebastian.She didn’t respond.“What made you come back from the Vastwood Forest?” asked Beldin.“I felt renewed vigor to use the gift that Osalian gave me.  I believe it’s my duty to bring happiness and hope to those that have little of either.”Beldin and Sebastian looked at each other.“And what makes you think Postrava lacks those two attributes?” asked Sebastian.Anulee flashed a condescending smile.  “Wherever there are humans, there will always be suffering.”Sebastian got up and thanked the elorii for her time.  Downstairs, the barmaid had finished mopping the floor.  “May as well go home, Gertie,” said the bartender.  “I don’t think we’ll have much business today.”Kham was seated at one of the tables, sipping from a mug.  He hopped up when Sebastian and Beldin arrived.“Took you long enough.  Get anything good out of the elf?”Beldin crossed his arms.  “She’s hiding something.  Something terrible happened here that caused her to leave.”Kham finished his mug. “Yeah, that’s what my pal Augustus said too.”“I suspect she returned to Postrava out of guilt,” said Sebastian.“Yeah, well, let’s visit Venton’s home.” He pushed back his overcoat to reveal one of his pistols.  “I think we may have more luck interviewing him.”</blockquote>

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