Niobe's Dilemma (Manzanita Judging)

[Rystil Arden]

"Thank you Bernard, I accept your gift of water," Lasair smiles at the serving man and takes a glass of water, "As for questions, I would ask about the political climate of the area. What sorts of rival houses would benefit from a scandal to your family, Lord Pacian Nassir of Earling. This may be important in a search for the true abductor."

 

[Bront]

"Well, my father is dying, and tradition states that I must be wed or have an heir myself when he dies to claim his title," Pician says, "else there are several others who could petition for it. There are a few families who could benifit from this, such as the VanLandinghams or the Regensteins, but the title and rights have been in our family for years, and such a petition does not mean that I will loose the title, just that it will be examined. And please, call me Pician, or Lord Pician if you prefer. I am much more concerned about my poor Niobe than any formalities."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I see. What an unusual requirement. I would expect a merit-based qualification rather than one based on marital status. Still, these two families seem like likely suspects in this case..."

"Call you just Lord Pician, Lord Pician Nassir of Earling? But you used the other name before...oh, I understand--the remainder of your name must be in contest based on these 'family rights', and so you do not wish to use it until this mystery is solved. We shall do our best to help."

 

[Bront]

"I see. What an unusual requirement. I would expect a merit-based qualification rather than one based on marital status. Still, these two families seem like likely suspects in this case..."

"Call you just Lord Pician, Lord Pician Nassir of Earling? But you used the other name before...oh, I understand--the remainder of your name must be in contest based on these 'family rights', and so you do not wish to use it until this mystery is solved. We shall do our best to help."

"You're not from this area I would guess from the look of your clothing. No, it is my proper name, but it is a tad long for normal conversation."

"And it is a safeguard to make sure that the Barron is able to function and there is a clear line of accention. Forged of a truce so long ago to stop a power struggle that could have torn appart Earling."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"Oh, I see. I do not mind the extra syllables--I would not wish to impugn your vhal by using an improper name."

"Oh...so your family has been given this duty in order to protect the entire city from destruction. That is a noble calling, and one I can understand...In that case, it could also be an enemy of Earling who wishes to see it torn apart who engineered this kidnapping."

 

[Bront]

"I still think it's my brother, why else would he sign a ransom note? Besides, I recognize his spear heads when I see them."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"On the contrary--why would anyone ever sign a ransom note with their true identity? Signing a ransom note does not make sense, and I would expect it to be anonymous. The only reason to include a signature is if you have something to gain by making people believe that the kidnapper was the one named. For instance, it may throw off the trail of pursuers, or perhaps it would taint your house's vhal even more...If they were indeed Carsis's spearheads, though, I wonder who could have had access to those?"

(OOC: The butler did it! )

 

[GnomeWorks]

(OoC: Already thought about it. I'll probably look into that more.)

Troi requests a glass of juice, then sips it thoughtfully as Lasair converses with Pician.

I wonder what Bernard thinks of all this... serving a guy all the time. Must be an awkward life...

Troi raises his hand slightly, indicating his intention to interrupt. "I don't mean ta be rude, but I'm guessin' 'at anyone who knew th' family well enough could do th' whole spear-thing, er whatever. Th' point bein' that, if somebody tried, I'm guessin' they could fake th' 'pearance."

"Ya mentioned somethin' 'bout th' room bein' untouched... I'm not one fer formalities, Pician, an' this whole thing a bringin' us ta dinner an' whatnot kinda irks me, I'll admit. Almost like ye're showin' off, er somethin'. Point bein', we're wastin' time, an' th' trail's gettin' cold. I'm a decen' tracker, an' I've been dealin' wi' quite a few people recently, so my skills wi' trackin' humans specifically is prolly better'n most, but ev'ry minute we're sittin' aroun' is another minute th' trail gets harder ta follow, y'know? Th' sooner I kin check out th' room, th' better."

The ranger pauses.

"I guess what I'm tryin' ta say is ta cut ta th' chase, y'know? Tell us what ya know, what ye're willin' ta pay us, an' we'll see if we kin fin' th' girl."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I apologise for my comrade's rudeness, Lord Pacian Nassir of Earling. We do not mean to scoff at your offer of water and shade or impugn your vhal. But he does have a point. I have seen the way he can track. If anyone can find a clue, Troi Delmontes can."

 

[Bront]

"On the contrary--why would anyone ever sign a ransom note with their true identity? Signing a ransom note does not make sense, and I would expect it to be anonymous. The only reason to include a signature is if you have something to gain by making people believe that the kidnapper was the one named. For instance, it may throw off the trail of pursuers, or perhaps it would taint your house's vhal even more...If they were indeed Carsis's spearheads, though, I wonder who could have had access to those?"

(OOC: The butler did it! )

"I think it is best if you read the note for yourself, then it might make more sense. Who is this Carsis of which you speak?"