Closed Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Samara concludes her research for SWI at Falconer Manor

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Center of scholarly knowledge and shipwrighting, Zeltiva is a port city unlike any other in Mizahar. [Lore]

Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 9th, 2017, 3:54 am

Day 1 Spring 517 AV
Morning
Zeltiva

She’d hemmed and hawed about the best way to approach Falconer Manor and its extensive library to conclude her research assignment given by Inspector Fallon at Scarred Wolf Investigations. She had been challenged to identify which esteemed house Zachiel Eyvino had been associated with; so with the lead of unsubstantiated bloodline and Falconer’s family being avid followers of Eyris, it was the most logical place to start. She’d wasted more time trying to obtain accouterments to make a more believable story; but as usual circumstances did not work in her favor. Then she’d heard that SWI would be closing soon as the Inspector was departing Zeltiva. Leaving loose strings or jobs unfinished was not in her nature so it was time to just get down to it. After scheming and tossing away several plans she decided that this time honesty, for the most part, would be her best bet. She remembered the Inspector’s suggestion to stay a dozen steps ahead of a situation; however, not knowing what to expect, it seemed that not overthinking and keeping it simple seemed a good way to minimize unwelcome complications.

She’d learned that the family was considered eccentric, somewhat reclusive and that access to the library was restricted and only granted through Lord Falconer. Knowing she may have to meet the family patriarch made her more than a little nervous but apparently it was standard practice. Again assuming the guise and air of an instructor she dons her best dress, hose, slippers, lace bonnet converted to a sash to carry ink and quill and her hair pinned in a professional style. No weapons upon her person as this time should things go poorly such would only leave her in deeper trouble. With a small card of request clutched in hand she openly enters the grounds of Falconer Estate.

Her chest rises and falls in a deep nerve-calming sigh as she approaches the large richly grained wooden door to the manor and pulls the bell cord ready to hand her request to whomever should come to find whom had come calling. It read:

'Charthea Malenholt– Researcher/Instructor. Kindly requests consideration to access the Falconer Manor Library. Topic – the mysteries of Nymkarta in the Valterrian age.'
Last edited by Salara Kel'Halavath on June 8th, 2017, 2:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Salara Kel'Halavath
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Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 14th, 2017, 3:56 pm

The winds were whipping again but fortunately the wait wasn’t long before she hears a thumb pan being pressed to release the catch within the decoratively carved door handle allowing it to gently ease open in spite of its size on similarly decorative hinges. They must keep it unlocked during the day as she’d heard no slide or bolt action. Quickly glancing about for additional safeguards she notes several windows in the house with architectural points allowing clear view of the doorway from any of which she may or may not be watched. This family has wealth to hire help so as to not rely only on stationary mechanical means to block access to the unwelcome.

The door opens upon a wide foyer with an elegantly thick hall rug and a tidily uniformed doorman bending slightly at the waist with brow raised in obvious question, perhaps to determine her business before deciding on the most politically appropriate response. Returning his bow with a slight dip of her head her gaze slides inside the door and across the heavy deadbolts standing at ready; as beautifully decorated as the rest of the hardware, obviously meant to be seen. Her hand straightens to present her calling card with a charming smile added to sweeten the deal.

He takes a moment to read it then steps aside allowing her access to the hall, “Milady Malenholt, would you kindly wait within the parlor?” His open palm directs her to a solidly built plain white door to the right. “Yes, of course, thank you.” Her hands drop to lift her skirts over the threshold wishing she could kick her slippers off and sink her toes into that thick carpet. The parlor’s wood floors are polished to a soft shine and the furniture is comfortable yet sturdily capable of accommodating a variety of visitor types and intent. The winds outside whistle hollowly past the flues of a small cold fire place. Sunlight creeps across the floor through tiny paned windows – too small for a grown adult, perhaps escapable by a more flexible feline. Interrupting her perusal he steps in behind her to explain, “Wait here if you please as your request is brought to the Lord. It will be his discretion to see you or not, if he is even available to accept this visit.” He turns directly and gently pulls the door shut behind him. Again she hears no lock.

To some it may appear unseemly for her to, in essence, be casing the place, but she felt she could learn a lot about people by noticing the idiosyncrasies of how they lived; besides it never hurt to know how to get in or out of areas and the attentiveness sharpened her mind. These people were confident and secure in their household without a high level of paranoia or fear. Unlocked doors but with heavy hardware presented an image of openness until given cause otherwise. She’d heard they were strong negotiators and diplomats who would be a tough bunch to try pulling the wool over their eyes. She again reminds herself to speak only to the pertinent facts until she could drop a name and see their reaction.

It would be icing on the cake if she could actually access the library to identify a genealogical source of unrecognized Alvina, who even to this day may or may not be searched out and destroyed in an effort to continue strengthening the Goddess Eyris’ bloodline. It seemed to her that many people had been simply disappearing of late. Speak with them for a day or two anticipating future meetings and then never see or hear from them again. Should her hypothesis be true, Zachial Eyvino, could be an ungifted demi-god who has been in hiding from Eyris or her sycophants to avoid being removed as may have happened with siblings such as his since the age of Nymkarta.

Was it only coincidence that Eyvino had sporadically appeared across the seasonal census 20 years ago at the same time Eyris also walked Zeltiva? What prompted his occasional returns? As a potential follower of Eyris, what was Fallon’s part in all of this? She could be a sycophant hunter, seeker, or savior. Salara scoffs to herself; thinking perhaps she was beginning be a little melodramatic about the whole thing. Yet, she felt if she could make that connection things might begin to fall better in place.

After taking another cursory stroll of the small room to admire the sparse rich artistry on display – the most valuable trinkets would be secured deeper within the manor - she moves a firm-padded chair to a sun warmed spot. Managing to tuck in her legs and essentially curl within the seat she begins to relax, calming her nerves with strong easy breaths. Having come unannounced, it might be a wait to see the Lord Falconer. IF she hears the release of the door catch she will straighten her skirts and legs then rest her hands lightly upon her knees. Calm, cool, and collected should be on order here.
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Salara Kel'Halavath
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Posts: 283
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Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 21st, 2017, 5:16 pm

Well she’d done it, lost track of time in her meditative waiting. How long had it been? The only clue - her chair no longer framed in the sunshine, which instead stretched long across the wall. Should someone have come to let her know that her message was delivered? Had it been long enough to suspect she’d been forgotten? Perhaps she should go check? Uncurling from her seat she moves to the door and pauses weighting right from wrong; and of course decides it wouldn’t hurt to make sure. Sometimes you just never knew about ‘the help.’

Swinging the door open enough for her to peer out and down the foyer, “Halloo,” possibly her call isn’t as loud as it should be. Where had that doorman gotten to anyway? Stepping across the hall she opens the door twin to the parlor’s to peek within. Finding a relatively large cloakroom (she’d recently had some luck with cloakrooms), a mischievous look turns the corners of her mouth and puts a twinkle in her eye. In her imagination the hangers are heavy with colorful fur stoles and a variety of gentlemen’s cloaks, capes, and covers with pockets thoughtlessly full of fun findings. This one though was safe from her inquisitiveness; occupied with only a large clay vase prickling with umbrella handles, several sizes of foul weather footwear under a narrow wooden bench, across from a score of empty hangers on a long rod. But, oh, the fun it could have been!

“Halloo.” Down the hall are two massive wood-paned double doors revealing a large room that could only be meant for entertaining. She’d read that the Falconers were known to hold lavish and exotic gatherings but it didn’t look as if this room was used often. Elegantly carved table legs reached below the skirts of draped sheets with matching covers hiding large fluff-stuffed couches and chairs. Lifting the hem of an oddly shaped couch just inside the door she finds piles of heavily embroidered tassel pillows ready for artistic comfort. A large fireplace with an ornate mantel waited coldly across the room for tinder and fuel. Sadly such a fully furnished room looked bare with profusely scattered pedestals and wall hooks where art was to be displayed. It seemed everything was tucked away for safekeeping - just like all the people. Perhaps someone would hear from the side entrances to this room, “Halloo.”

Gently closing the heavy door with a slight snick she turns indecisively running options through her head - the most elaborate spiraling staircase she had ever seen, what was likely servant’s halls tucked away behind the staircase in ready access to tend to party goers, or back to the parlor with the hope she wouldn’t be shut within much longer.
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Salara Kel'Halavath
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Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 26th, 2017, 10:17 pm

Taking into consideration the immense size of Falconer manor seen upon her arrival she wished she had asked if floor plans were available while researching at Wright Memorial Library. With some constructive thinking it seemed most likely the upstairs would be privately reserved for the family and was also where the library was kept secure. She imagined that back-in-the-day they had made a grand arrival down the snazzy staircase inspiring awe and envy in their party guests. It was the most intriguing option by far; but she was trying to behave and knew that ascending without invitation would certainly end in trouble.

This lower floor would be reserved for public visitors and perhaps there would be rooms for guest lodging too. She expected the servant halls and kitchen to be located more to the back, which would probably be the quickest way to find someone to help. Goes without saying that the idea of returning to the enclosed room to watch the sun creep along the walls until it disappeared into the night didn’t appeal to her at all. It was just too enclosed for an indeterminate stay and would only aggravate her. Not a good plan if she were to have any kind of productive conversation with Lord Falconer today.

This place seemed deserted and the quiet was almost creepy making her wonder if ghosts resided here more than the living. She’d never met one and wasn’t certain she believed they existed to haunt places. Even though she wasn’t sure what she felt about ghosts a slight chill raised gooseflesh on her arms. Enough of such silliness, she thinks as she shakes the fugue away to continue her search. “Halloo,” going around the staircase towards the supposed kitchen she discovers the foyer does open to a wing of suites. Far down the hall along the row of doors a square of light upon the floor catches her attention. An open door, the only open door so far could mean someone was there.

In the silence of soft slippers she walks down the hall admiring the eclectic artwork and colorful tapestries hung between the rooms. There was no theme but a hodgepodge of topics, interests, and talents. She’d read where this family encouraged local artists so this must be where they displayed their patronage. To her eye the value of the art was unclear as collectors tended to like what they liked and prices could climb or fall upon the artist’s reputation. She wondered briefly if these were recently replaced or had hung here unseen for years with the artists' fates already concluded; leaving this art only a memorial to their success or failure.

Shadows flicker across the square of light while Salara approaches the open door with another “Halloo.” Looking within she sees a maid holding a feather duster and a crystal decanter. The large matronly woman raises her head without turning and mumbles something too quiet to hear. Assuming she had been heard, Salara walks into the large suite noting a canopied bed and wardrobe through the open door beyond. “Excuse me…” The woman turns with a shriek of fright. Assumedly finding a stranger she screams again and promptly bashes Salara upside the head in a glittery shatter of crystal.

As she drops to the floor she feels the fluid within the decanter flowing down her face – at this oddest moment she thinks ‘I could have sworn it was empty.’ Feeling the stomp of many feet reverberating through the floor (or was it her pulse?) her sight dims to darkness.
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Salara Kel'Halavath
What would She do?
 
Posts: 283
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Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Salara Kel'Halavath on March 27th, 2017, 10:52 pm

‘She’s coming to. Fetch the Lord.’ Words come foggy and warped, nearly dreamlike; the first evidence of life through consciousness. Then slivers of light flicker through rusty blonde lashes as her lids flutter. Salara winces as something matted pulls sharply at her hairline; she reaches up to scratch, groaning as her fingers instead press against a cloth bandage. A warm calloused hand gently guides her inquisitive fingers away, “M’lady Malenholt, you’ve taken a bit of a cut but you mustn’t touch.” Malenholt, who? Brow wrinkled confusion elicits another wince and redirected effort to touch her forehead. Oh yes, Falconer Manor… her charade turned a game of Hide and Seek. “You mustn’t touch,” the raspy voice repeats calmly as if to a child, “a simple tiny stitch or two as was all needed. Madiria has a fine stitching hand, the best on staff. You’ll not see even a scar soon.”

Scar? One amber eye braves opening followed more slowly by the other to more fully focus on the face before her. Lined and wrinkled in a kindly fashion, the rasp matches the old woman’s features. Her pale blue eyes stand out against the cotton-colored wisps and bun of hair tucked within a common bonnet. Salara blinks before rolling her eyes around the room from the canopied bed in which she lay to the sun-sparkly remains of the bludgeon just outside the door. “Tsk, tsk,” and a raspy chuckle, “Annie drubbed you a good one for sure. She’s a touch simple and doesn’t know her own strength. You startled her,” no accusation and not an apology, but a simple statement of facts.

“I called out to her and thought she’d heard,” Salara licks dry lips and shuffles to sit up through a wave of dizziness to accept a small cup from which she samples daintily before taking a healthy swallow of cool water. Feeling more refreshed as her senses begin to return fully she tries to rise from the bed in an overwhelming desire to escape, “Thank you, but please I have to go.” "Tsk, Tsk,” a hand easily presses her back, “Just take your ease a moment, m’lady. A few more ticks here will be no bother and Lord Falconer would see you now.” Now? She groans, not for pain, but for wondering how in the world she could continue with her thoughts scrambled like eggs in her brain?

“Let’s just get this over quickly,” she thinks aloud just under her breath and may have felt a little better at the sympathetic look in her caregiver’s gaze. Leaning back against the headboard, white bandage wrapped jauntily across her forehead, her eyes shut to gather strength and confidence while awaiting the head of the Falconer family.

But apparently she waited in vain as the elder maid soon approached full of apologies. "Mi'lady, Lord Falconer has been further detained and is not available to meet with you today. Perhaps you can stop by another time? He asked that a carriage be arranged to take you where you please in Zeltiva to recompense you for your troubles. Salara sighs in resignation. Would the Inspector consider this a failed attempt due to inexperience or lack of trying? Could she have done anything different to get in front of the family patron? Ultimately she was in no condition to have as successful conversation so it was just as well. Before providing direction to her home she reconsiders - they knew her as Charthea and it was important that she stay anonymous. If she should have them drop her off near her home, it might be easy for them to track her down later; so instead, a logical alternative was requested, "World's End Grotto." People were always coming and going through the Inn and tavern. "I'm only in town for a brief visit, but I will try to return in the next few days."

*total word count 2,920
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Salara Kel'Halavath
What would She do?
 
Posts: 283
Words: 225508
Joined roleplay: December 12th, 2016, 8:26 pm
Location: Sunberth
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Working to Learn: Research Conclusion

Postby Karyk on June 11th, 2017, 6:07 pm

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Salara Kelhalavath
Skills
Observation: 3
Subterfuge: 1
Intelligence: 1

Lores
Lord Falconer: Only He Grants Access to Falconer Library
Disguise: Sometimes Weapons are Best Left at Home
False Identity: Charthea Malenholt
Charthea Malenholt: Researcher and Instructor at Zeltiva University
Wealth Allows You to Leave Doors Unlocked
Though: Find Out if Wright Memorial Library Keeps Private Residence Floorplans
Favor of Forgiveness: Maid Annie of Falconer Manor
Offer: A Replacement Meeting at Falconer Manor
Miscellaneous

Minor Cut in head, headache for a day, mild pain for 10 days. No scarring.
 
Notes and Comments
CS Checkmarked: ✓
CS Reviewed by Me: ✓
Previous Season Expenses Paid (Spring 517): ✓




I seriously love imagining wild child kelvic Salara saying "halloo" like some pompous over dressed rich lady. Please mark your post in the grading Queue as Graded
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