Fantasy Sanctus et Foedus Sanguis

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia watched Felicia's efforts with the saddle for a few minutes until the inquisitor started tightening the cinches of the saddle around Del's body. There was a small huff of dissatisfaction as Del's long tail whipped around the best it could to tap Felicia awkwardly on the side while she was close enough to be in range, the horse looking back to stare at her. Cecilia, seeing this, worked her way around and tapped Felicia on the shoulder, reaching in herself and pulling the bits of leather looser. "Too tight... Del's picky about these things, so she tells you." Cecilia spoke with a soft tone, looking at Felicia to see if she understood before lifting a foot up into the stirrup.

Saddling Del had been an... interesting learning experience for "Felicia", who up to that point had been more acclimated to saddling larger stallions with saddles and bridles more rugged and geared towards long and enduring rides. The one Cecilia had was missing a few straps, and working with a smaller horse had meant a few befuddling mistakes she made until the Cardinal pointed them out (though "Felicia" could at least be partially forgiven for the tiny mistakes. It had been years since she last rode a horse).

What was done was done though, and after Cecilia mended the little errors "Felicia" had made, she began to climb up atop the saddle... much to the Inquisitor's worry.

A little bit of weight, and the saddle stayed in place. Nodding her head, Cecilia attempted a few times before lifting herself up, awkwardly turning to sit side-saddle before getting to work unhooking her foot from the now oddly angled stirrup and placing her other foot in backwards. While it wasn't the most elegant process, the Cardinal clearly struggling a bit with the effort and coordination of the actions, she did seem to have a lot of practice with the movements. Finally, she tied some odd belts that Felicia hadn't recognized on the saddle around her waist and lower around her legs and skirt, fixing herself in place.

There was a heavy sigh, Cecilia's chest rising and falling after the effort, but the Cardinal quickly shoved away all signs of her exhaustion. She gripped the horn of the saddle with one hand, looking over to the open stable doors. Her boots pressed lightly into Del's flank and the horse started to move, walking its way out of the stable, Cecilia beckoning with her free hand for Felicia to follow.

As "Felicia" had worried, the normally simple act of mounting a horse (even a small one like Del) proved to be more taxing to Cecilia than the Cardinal likely wanted to show, down to the need to have special belts and straps to keep her in the saddle without risk of falling off. SIdeways-on was a strange way to ride a horse, but one "Felicia" could understand to some extent. With Inquisitor taking her place alongside Cecilia and Del (notably putting herself in a position where she could catch the Cardinal should she fall out of the saddle), the two women and horse finally left the confines of the inn's humble stables, greeted by Takheit's harsh desert sun and heat...

... The fact that "Felicia" was wearing a full complement of white clothing made her stand out all the more amidst the sandy yellows and browns of the city's atmosphere, not to be outdone by the stark dark colors of Cecilia's attire...

 

[That Lass Over There]

With it still being morning, the city streets were lacking a bit of the foot traffic that might be expected of a settlement Bursa's size. Even so, there were a few people out on the streets wherever Cecilia looked, walking to one place or another in the sprawling sea of stone and brick. Several cast passing glances to the clergy member and her apparent escort, but few seemed too interested in the pair as they went on with their day.

Creams, oranges, yellows, and light browns made for more vividly colored buildings compared to the greys, whites, and dark browns of Heiligburg where she grew up. Even next to the rest of the cities she has seen in Takheit, Bursa and its surrounding villages were a unique sight due to the desert environment they existed in.



The Cardinal's head turned this way and that as they moved through the winding city roads, absorbing the sights with a twinkle of wonder in her eyes that hid her tired countenance for these few minutes. Bursa had few roads that cut straight through the city, meaning that they found themselves turning corners and winding around bends through the sprawling cityscape to reach their goal of one of the guardhouses built on the city borders.

Cecilia, busy as she was with the sights around her, only paused at turns to reach down and touch a side of Del's neck, the horse seeming to understand and move without any more direction. Other than that, the horse moved on its own around some of the carts being set up and paused for when people ran in front, Cecilia seemingly not needing to give any instruction for such things.

...

It wasn't until they had passed through several of the roads and alleys in a curved path that it became apparent Cecilia was taking them on a detour, the Cardinal looking around the corners and edges of the buildings around them rather than the look of wonder she had before. While Bursa was a very disorganized city in its layout, like any city it had areas where the poor and destitute congregate - areas like the one they were in currently, with no wood or glass in sight and the people wearing worn down clothes of faded colors. Doors were simple hanging cloths or hides, and windows were open slits in walls.

Cecilia didn't seem bothered though, until she finally spotted whatever she had been looking for, her gaze focusing some distance ahead on what seemed to be a food stall and its preoccupied owner. What had started as recognition led into a concerned drop of her eyebrows, Cecilia's heels pressing into Del's side for the first time since the stable. Being in a town, though, the horse didn't speed up by much, and Felicia still kept easy pace with the faster trot.



As they came closer they saw what - or, who - the owner of the stall was preoccupied with. A small child with sand-speckled black hair, talking to the man running the stand while the owner was setting up some sort of flat stone behind his stall. Their voices were raised slightly but there didn't seem to be an argument at the moment, neither looking particularly aggravated beyond a few gestures. Cecilia tried to raise her hand in a wave to the two, but neither caught sight of her to her frustration. After a moment, she picked up her bag of leftovers and handed it down to Felicia.

"Take it to the boy," she said before pausing, looking Felicia in the eyes and remembering their interactions so far as well as the moment this morning with Peri. Biting her bottom lip in a moment of consideration, she added: "... get him to come over here... I'll talk to him."

 

[Aron the Aron]

With it still being morning, the city streets were lacking a bit of the foot traffic that might be expected of a settlement Bursa's size. Even so, there were a few people out on the streets wherever Cecilia looked, walking to one place or another in the sprawling sea of stone and brick. Several cast passing glances to the clergy member and her apparent escort, but few seemed too interested in the pair as they went on with their day.

Creams, oranges, yellows, and light browns made for more vividly colored buildings compared to the greys, whites, and dark browns of Heiligburg where she grew up. Even next to the rest of the cities she has seen in Takheit, Bursa and its surrounding villages were a unique sight due to the desert environment they existed in.

The Cardinal's head turned this way and that as they moved through the winding city roads, absorbing the sights with a twinkle of wonder in her eyes that hid her tired countenance for these few minutes. Bursa had few roads that cut straight through the city, meaning that they found themselves turning corners and winding around bends through the sprawling cityscape to reach their goal of one of the guardhouses built on the city borders.

Cecilia, busy as she was with the sights around her, only paused at turns to reach down and touch a side of Del's neck, the horse seeming to understand and move without any more direction. Other than that, the horse moved on its own around some of the carts being set up and paused for when people ran in front, Cecilia seemingly not needing to give any instruction for such things.

It was more than a little obvious to "Felicia" that the cardinal she was escorting wasn't immediately making a beeline for one of Bursa's many local guardhouses; the Cardinal's near childlike wonder in her normally dull grey eyes was plain for all to see as she took to sightseeing atop her steed. Cecilia's expression seemed to shine like the morning sun as she soaked in the warm tones of the desert city; it contrasted the more stoic expression "Felicia" had trained herself into wearing, the countenance of deathly silence in her eyes akin to staring into a wintery abyss.

Through suntanned streets and shadowed sideroads the Cardinal and Inquisitor rode/walked, twisting and turning every which way as "Felicia" how far Cecilia was going to extend that a very long side trip. Cecilia didn't seemed too taken up with urgency in reaching their intended destination, which was a stark contrast to "Felicia's" methods. The only times the Inquisitor ever slowed down was during the rare respites of nightfall, where the need for rest and recuperation overrode her innate want to resolve every Daemon incursion as quickly as her thoroughness afforded. Slowing down during an investigation felt... foreign. Daresay she felt alien having to slow her usual pace down...

Cecilia didn't seem bothered though, until she finally spotted whatever she had been looking for, her gaze focusing some distance ahead on what seemed to be a food stall and its preoccupied owner. What had started as recognition led into a concerned drop of her eyebrows, Cecilia's heels pressing into Del's side for the first time since the stable. Being in a town, though, the horse didn't speed up by much, and Felicia still kept easy pace with the faster trot.

As they came closer they saw what - or, who - the owner of the stall was preoccupied with. A small child with sand-speckled black hair, talking to the man running the stand while the owner was setting up some sort of flat stone behind his stall. Their voices were raised slightly but there didn't seem to be an argument at the moment, neither looking particularly aggravated beyond a few gestures. Cecilia tried to raise her hand in a wave to the two, but neither caught sight of her to her frustration. After a moment, she picked up her bag of leftovers and handed it down to Felicia.

"Take it to the boy," she said before pausing, looking Felicia in the eyes and remembering their interactions so far as well as the moment this morning with Peri. Biting her bottom lip in a moment of consideration, she added: "... get him to come over here... I'll talk to him."

"Felicia" only shook her head (whether that was meant for Cecilia or herself was up for debate) before pulling out the small sack of her own leftovers. The Inquisitor had far more leftovers than both she and Cecilia knew what to do with, so she didn't feel any ill ease as she patted Del's side as she left (her absence from close proximity felt by Del due to the Inquisitor's... unnatural aura). She had to make sure her to consciously go against her habit of silently walking, making sure that her footfalls were audible enough for people to hear.

Naturally, the sound of someone approaching them made both the man and child turn from what sounded like the beginnings of an argument, and both were immediately taken aback. The sight of a woman clad in all-white was bound to look foreign to the locals, and while the gentleman seemed disconcerted at the familiar sight of a sword resting on "Felicia's" hip, the boy looked hesitant at the overall sight of a foreigner...

That was until "Felicia" noted the trepidation in the child's face, and slowly knelt down on one knee, her free hand holding out the bag of leftovers for the boy to take. The Inquisitor had to make sure she looked as non-threatening as her appearance allowed; the familiar sight of people keeping their distance from her at first glance had long been a sore point for her...

 

[That Lass Over There]

"Felicia" only shook her head (whether that was meant for Cecilia or herself was up for debate) before pulling out the small sack of her own leftovers. The Inquisitor had far more leftovers than both she and Cecilia knew what to do with, so she didn't feel any ill ease as she patted Del's side as she left (her absence from close proximity felt by Del due to the Inquisitor's... unnatural aura). She had to make sure her to consciously go against her habit of silently walking, making sure that her footfalls were audible enough for people to hear.

Cecilia continued holding out her smaller sack of leftovers for a few moments, but when it became clear that the inquisitor would not be taking it she shrugged her shoulders and went back to worriedly watching the interaction between the man and the child. Perhaps surprisingly, she seemed to have no complaints about the apparent care being given this time, the lack of a response different from the expressive rebellions that Felicia had seen glimpses of this morning and last night.

Del seemed the most concerned of the three about their parting, the horse managing to press its muzzle into Felicia with a huff before letting the Inquisitor free, turning its head back to the front and almost seeming to be on lookout.

Naturally, the sound of someone approaching them made both the man and child turn from what sounded like the beginnings of an argument, and both were immediately taken aback. The sight of a woman clad in all-white was bound to look foreign to the locals, and while the gentleman seemed disconcerted at the familiar sight of a sword resting on "Felicia's" hip, the boy looked hesitant at the overall sight of a foreigner...

That was until "Felicia" noted the trepidation in the child's face, and slowly knelt down on one knee, her free hand holding out the bag of leftovers for the boy to take. The Inquisitor had to make sure she looked as non-threatening as her appearance allowed; the familiar sight of people keeping their distance from her at first glance had long been a sore point for her...

It was only a flicker of movement that Felicia caught with her keen eyesight in the moment before she properly attracted attention from the pair, but the man's hand had definitely twitched out before being retracted on hearing her approaching. Felicia apparently wasn't the only one who noticed, because the boy had stepped back even before noticing Felicia, looking wary. That wariness only grew with the foreigner's presence.

Neither made a move while she approached, waiting to see what Felicia intended to do by intervening in this situation. One set of eyes was fixed on her sword and the blank stare she held, while the boy rapidly looked between Felicia's face, feet, the sack she carried, and the man he had been talking with earlier - body turned a bit for an easy escape given the situation. He stayed though, and both he and the man seemed surprised when Felicia completely stepped past the man to kneel in front of the child, offering him the sack. The boy's worry turned to confusion, and he took the offered sack with some hesitation.

After another moment, looking into Felicia's face in an attempt to see any sort of intention, he undid the knot and peeked into the cloth, brown eyes seeming to light up as he saw the food inside before rapidly retying the knot with a sloppy approximation from what he had seen undoing it. After a moment, looking confused at Felicia, he looked around and tilted his head to see past the Inquisitor, spotting a familiar pink-haired lady on the back of a horse that was more the size of a pony.



"Ah, it's the Cardinal!" While the boy clearly seemed elated at seeing Cecilia, the way he raised his voice and purposefully spoke only her title was equally suspicious - the audible gulp from the stall owner had the boy's sincere smile twitch wider for a moment.

"That- about the arrangements you were trying to negotiate-" The man's face, pale as he realized the sort of authority he was in front of, awkwardly tried to pick up whatever conversation they had been having, but the boy was having none of it when he saw Cecilia beckoning for them to come over in the distance.

"Oh, it's no worries, ser! Because of these kind Ladies, now we won't starve. A weight off your shoulders, right?" With that, the boy started walking towards Cecilia, only turning around to face Felicia when they had left the man behind. "Thanks!", was all the brat said to her while walking backward before turning back around, taking off in Cecilia's direction. The Cardinal seemed to be relieved that nothing had happened, waving to them as they returned.

 

[Aron the Aron]

After another moment, looking into Felicia's face in an attempt to see any sort of intention, he undid the knot and peeked into the cloth, brown eyes seeming to light up as he saw the food inside before rapidly retying the knot with a sloppy approximation from what he had seen undoing it. After a moment, looking confused at Felicia, he looked around and tilted his head to see past the Inquisitor, spotting a familiar pink-haired lady on the back of a horse that was more the size of a pony.

"Ah, it's the Cardinal!" While the boy clearly seemed elated at seeing Cecilia, the way he raised his voice and purposefully spoke only her title was equally suspicious - the audible gulp from the stall owner had the boy's sincere smile twitch wider for a moment.

"That- about the arrangements you were trying to negotiate-" The man's face, pale as he realized the sort of authority he was in front of, awkwardly tried to pick up whatever conversation they had been having, but the boy was having none of it when he saw Cecilia beckoning for them to come over in the distance.

"Oh, it's no worries, ser! Because of these kind Ladies, now we won't starve. A weight off your shoulders, right?" With that, the boy started walking towards Cecilia, only turning around to face Felicia when they had left the man behind. "Thanks!", was all the brat said to her while walking backward before turning back around, taking off in Cecilia's direction. The Cardinal seemed to be relieved that nothing had happened, waving to them as they returned.

Inquisitor "Felicia" learned quite a bit from the mere minute of interaction she bore witness to, enough to get a general impression of Cecilia's rapport with the people of Bursa... and enough to know that people knew she was a Cardinal. Granted, anyone with half a brain would recognize that both Cecilia and "Felicia" were women of the faith, one wearing the vestments of the Clergy, the other adorned with the marks and sword of the Sancta Clypeus. Knowledge that Cecilia was a high-ranking member of the Curia could attract attention though, and "Felicia" was aware that knowledge of Cecilia's station was an open invitation... She would have to maintain strict vigilance.

Only leaving a slight side-eye at the gentleman's apprehensive expression, something she'd have to note for later, "Felicia" decided not to further invite attention and began her silent march back to Cecilia's side, her offhand resting on the pommel of her sheathed sword as an obvious sign and challenge that she was unafraid to draw at a moment's notice. She kept a respectful distance from the boy to avoid any prospect of accidentally scaring him off, but she made sure she was still close enough to listen in... and close in if something happened...

 

[That Lass Over There]

Inquisitor "Felicia" learned quite a bit from the mere minute of interaction she bore witness to, enough to get a general impression of Cecilia's rapport with the people of Bursa... and enough to know that people knew she was a Cardinal. Granted, anyone with half a brain would recognize that both Cecilia and "Felicia" were women of the faith, one wearing the vestments of the Clergy, the other adorned with the marks and sword of the Sancta Clypeus. Knowledge that Cecilia was a high-ranking member of the Curia could attract attention though, and "Felicia" was aware that knowledge of Cecilia's station was an open invitation... She would have to maintain strict vigilance.

Only leaving a slight side-eye at the gentleman's apprehensive expression, something she'd have to note for later, "Felicia" decided not to further invite attention and began her silent march back to Cecilia's side, her offhand resting on the pommel of her sheathed sword as an obvious sign and challenge that she was unafraid to draw at a moment's notice. She kept a respectful distance from the boy to avoid any prospect of accidentally scaring him off, but she made sure she was still close enough to listen in... and close in if something happened...

The boy's shout wasn't just heard by Felicia, the man, and Cecilia in the distance - everyone on the street turned at the mention of a Cardinal of all people being in this part of the city, but few held the apprehension in their gazes that the man setting up his stall had. Most only cast a glance or a smile at Cecilia, who brushed off the attention with familiarity and a practiced wave of her hand to each person who greeted her.

The disturbance stopped with the boy and Felicia arriving back to her side though, onlookers who had still been paying attention moving on with their business. After looking at the boy holding the sack, Cecilia turned her head to Felicia behind, nodding her head in thanks.

It may have been the shadows cast by the morning sun that made the creases under her eyes look darker in that moment.



"Emre, is Sister Feray doing well?" Back to normal with a gentle expression, Cecilia turned her attention back to the boy who she lowered a hand down to and he stood on his toes. She pat his head a little bit before pulling away, the boy finally answering her with a wide, bright smile.

"All thanks to you, Lady Cecile!"

On hearing her misspoken name, Cecilia had a wry smile, but made no attempt to correct the boy - Emre. "I'm glad. You're making sure she rests?"

"Yes! Though, she is upset she hasn't been able to come thank you..." Emre trailed off, the boy of 12 or 13 making a difficult face as he thought about the person they were speaking of.

"We can take care of that when I visit the twins later." Cecilia, for her part, didn't look too bothered about it until she herself mentioned 'twins'. Her face clouded over, and her head bowed slightly to Emre. "... I'm sorry, that I can't do anything right now." Her voice was heavy, her hands clasped over her heart as heavy lids hung over her grey eyes.

"It's alright." For once, Emre's voice wasn't raised as he answered with a small croak, shaking his head in refusal of Cecilia's apology. "We understand you are busy, and..." He frowned for a moment as he trailed off, only resuming his words after assuming a strained smile. "... you were clear when you said it wouldn't be easy."



Silence lingered between the two - and Felicia who continued to keep her distance - for several moments before Cecilia leaned over, holding out her smaller sack of leftovers to Emre. "Here, take this." She shook the bag, and finally Emre took it with a questioning look. "For us, there was far too much. Be sure to share with everyone." After the explanation, the boy nodded satisfied, though it did lead him into another line of thought as the boy looked to the ever silent Felicia for a moment.

"Speaking of, Lady Cecile... Who is she?"

"An escort." Was the curt answer from Cecilia's lips, given without hesitation unlike earlier this morning with Peri. It was not wrong, though it did gloss over various details of the white-haired woman.

Emre seemed satisfied with the short answer, turning to Felicia for the first time since he and Cecilia had begun speaking. He stared intensely at Felicia for a moment before bowing his head to her. "Please look after Lady Cecile. We owe her a lot." It was a heavy, serious voice contrasting the more energetic and emotional tone he had been using up until then, but he did not let it linger. "Well then, if that was all... Take care!" He turned on seeing Cecilia's confirming nod, making his way off to somewhere else in a hurry.



After looking back to Felicia for a moment Cecilia lightly pressed the heel of her boot into Del's side, gesturing for the woman to follow.

 

[Aron the Aron]

The boy's shout wasn't just heard by Felicia, the man, and Cecilia in the distance - everyone on the street turned at the mention of a Cardinal of all people being in this part of the city, but few held the apprehension in their gazes that the man setting up his stall had. Most only cast a glance or a smile at Cecilia, who brushed off the attention with familiarity and a practiced wave of her hand to each person who greeted her.

The disturbance stopped with the boy and Felicia arriving back to her side though, onlookers who had still been paying attention moving on with their business. After looking at the boy holding the sack, Cecilia turned her head to Felicia behind, nodding her head in thanks.

It may have been the shadows cast by the morning sun that made the creases under her eyes look darker in that moment.

The full weight of Cecilia's title was palpable to "Felicia's" heightened awareness; what felt like the enormity of the baggage she carried threatened to crush the shoulders it was on at any given moment. Bursa's collective people seemed to hold no ill towards the Cardinal for the most part, the majority ambivalent or possibly even holding a positive view of the Cardinal, some more or less than others...

"Emre, is Sister Feray doing well?" Back to normal with a gentle expression, Cecilia turned her attention back to the boy who she lowered a hand down to and he stood on his toes. She pat his head a little bit before pulling away, the boy finally answering her with a wide, bright smile.

"All thanks to you, Lady Cecile!"

On hearing her misspoken name, Cecilia had a wry smile, but made no attempt to correct the boy - Emre. "I'm glad. You're making sure she rests?"

"Yes! Though, she is upset she hasn't been able to come thank you..." Emre trailed off, the boy of 12 or 13 making a difficult face as he thought about the person they were speaking of.

"We can take care of that when I visit the twins later." Cecilia, for her part, didn't look too bothered about it until she herself mentioned 'twins'. Her face clouded over, and her head bowed slightly to Emre. "... I'm sorry, that I can't do anything right now." Her voice was heavy, her hands clasped over her heart as heavy lids hung over her grey eyes.

"It's alright." For once, Emre's voice wasn't raised as he answered with a small croak, shaking his head in refusal of Cecilia's apology. "We understand you are busy, and..." He frowned for a moment as he trailed off, only resuming his words after assuming a strained smile. "... you were clear when you said it wouldn't be easy."

Silence lingered between the two - and Felicia who continued to keep her distance - for several moments before Cecilia leaned over, holding out her smaller sack of leftovers to Emre. "Here, take this." She shook the bag, and finally Emre took it with a questioning look. "For us, there was far too much. Be sure to share with everyone." After the explanation, the boy nodded satisfied, though it did lead him into another line of thought as the boy looked to the ever silent Felicia for a moment.

"Speaking of, Lady Cecile... Who is she?"

"An escort." Was the curt answer from Cecilia's lips, given without hesitation unlike earlier this morning with Peri. It was not wrong, though it did gloss over various details of the white-haired woman.

Emre seemed satisfied with the short answer, turning to Felicia for the first time since he and Cecilia had begun speaking. He stared intensely at Felicia for a moment before bowing his head to her. "Please keep Lady Cecile safe. We owe her a lot." It was a heavy, serious voice contrasting the more energetic and emotional tone he had been using up until then, but he did not let it linger. "Well then, if that was all... Take care!" He turned on seeing Cecilia's confirming nod, making his way off to somewhere else in a hurry.

After looking back to Felicia for a moment Cecilia lightly pressed the heel of her boot into Del's side, gesturing for the woman to follow.

"..."

"Felicia" knew she had no place in the conversation going on, figuratively (and in a sense: literally) relegated to the sidelines while Cecilia and the small boy chatted about topics the Inquisitor didn't have much background context. She gleaned some interesting details, but nothing that she could use for the immediate case they were tackling. The boy Cecilia was talking to did provoke some mild interest when he bravely asked the Inquisitor to keep the Cardinal safe.

"Felicia" already had intent to safeguard Cecilia's life and wellbeing, but the seriousness in the child's voice spoke tones as to the adoration the pinkette garnered. Cecilia was beloved as she was hated; guarding her was going to prove as massive a challenge for the Inquisitor as hunting a powerful Daemon... But that could be saved for later...

For now, "Felicia" moved to Cecilia's side, flanking her dusty brown horse with her hand resting on her sword pommel.

 

[That Lass Over There]

After they resumed their journey in silence, it was much of the same - Cecilia looking around in subdued wonder, twinkling eyes absorbing every detail of their surroundings in rapt attention. The only difference was that now, the Cardinal's eyes darted back to Felicia, on occasion. A look of quiet curiosity directed towards the inquisitor, but nothing said by either. It seemed whatever interest that had been either passed or had been sated after a few minutes, as such questioning looks stopped after that time.

...

It seemed like the detours were over after their run-in with Emre, as within less than half the hour Cecilia had them in front of the guardhouse at the southwestern side of the city. There had been a few people on the way that waved to the Cardinal and a few shop owners that had tried to hawk to them with the business day starting, but Cecilia only waved to those people and kept Del moving forward.

Outside of the understated building that lay in some odd combination of a barracks, armory, and office, Cecilia had Del pull to a stop with a quiet whistle. The guard at the door looked confused for a moment at them until Cecilia waved him to come over from atop her horse, and he obediently came over after some hesitation. "Is Mazhar in his office?" Her voice was clear, belying the coughing that she had been doing a minute earlier to clear her throat.

To the young guard's nod Cecilia smiled, "Excellent. Please inform him the Cardinal is here to see him. And deliver my ap-" The kid was already bolting off, however, and Cecilia shrugged with a sigh and wry smile. It seemed she would have to apologize for the abrupt visit in person.



With confirmation that the person they had come to meet was here, there was little point in remaining on Del's back. Cecilia gripped the horn and edge of the saddle uncertainly, frowning a little when she saw Felicia who had already come up offering a hand without beckon. She shook her head, dismissing the offer, and after a few more moments of twitching, failed movements, she swung herself down from the saddle using the foot still in the stirrup and her hand on the horn as anchors.

Del looked back at her and received a few pets in return, before being pointed to the side of the building where the horse walked to and waited on her own. Meanwhile, the two made their way into the building, just in time to see a tall man coming down the stairs. "Lady Cecilia," he bowed his head to the Cardinal, turning an eye to the woman by her side but nothing more. "You have business with me?"

"My work with Bishop Kaya is nearly done, so I thought to start addressing other concerns." Cecilia's gaze darted to the few staff in the small lobby-esque room, before returning to the man. "... May we speak in your office?"

Captain Mazhar nodded his head, moving aside and gesturing them up the stairs. "Of course." It was only after Cecilia that he started walking up himself, keeping close to the Cardinal with one hand on the railing.

 

[Aron the Aron]

It seemed like the detours were over after their run-in with Emre, as within less than half the hour Cecilia had them in front of the guardhouse at the southwestern side of the city. There had been a few people on the way that waved to the Cardinal and a few shop owners that had tried to hawk to them with the business day starting, but Cecilia only waved to those people and kept Del moving forward.

Outside of the understated building that lay in some odd combination of a barracks, armory, and office, Cecilia had Del pull to a stop with a quiet whistle. The guard at the door looked confused for a moment at them until Cecilia waved him to come over from atop her horse, and he obediently came over after some hesitation. "Is Mazhar in his office?" Her voice was clear, belying the coughing that she had been doing a minute earlier to clear her throat.

To the young guard's nod Cecilia smiled, "Excellent. Please inform him the Cardinal is here to see him. And deliver my ap-" The kid was already bolting off, however, and Cecilia shrugged with a sigh and wry smile. It seemed she would have to apologize for the abrupt visit in person.

... It was telling that Cecilia was not one for speaking at a volume beyond a pleasant conversation in a quiet room, and "Felicia" could almost hear the Cardinal's poor vocal cords making their displeasure clear with her earlier coughing fit. The concern in her frown was as clear as it was in her eyes, and she had completely missed how the soldier seemed... a little too eager to fetch the guard captain. She could've gleaned much, but her attention was set back on her charge.

When Cecilia shifted to begin dismounting her horse, "Felicia" was already a step away with an outstretched hand to offer...

With confirmation that the person they had come to meet was here, there was little point in remaining on Del's back. Cecilia gripped the horn and edge of the saddle uncertainly, frowning a little when she saw Felicia who had already come up offering a hand without beckon. She shook her head, dismissing the offer, and after a few more moments of twitching, failed movements, she swung herself down from the saddle using the foot still in the stirrup and her hand on the horn as anchors.

Del looked back at her and received a few pets in return, before being pointed to the side of the building where the horse walked to and waited on her own. Meanwhile, the two made their way into the building, just in time to see a tall man coming down the stairs. "Lady Cecilia," he bowed his head to the Cardinal, turning an eye to the woman by her side but nothing more. "You have business with me?"

"My work with Bishop Kaya is nearly done, so I thought to start addressing other concerns." Cecilia's gaze darted to the few staff in the small lobby-esque room, before returning to the man. "... May we speak in your office?"

Captain Mazhar nodded his head, moving aside and gesturing them up the stairs. "Of course." It was only after Cecilia that he started walking up himself, keeping close to the Cardinal with one hand on the railing.

With how Cecilia seemingly forgot about "Felicia" after dismounting Del and how the Guard Captain glossed over her presence, "Felicia" almost had a textbook opportunity to branch off and do her own investigation. The benefits of being an unknown left out of the limelight meant investigating unimpeded; Cardinal Cecilia taking the attention with her notoriety meant that while it was a massive bother, that it also drew eyes away from "Felicia" meant the Inquisitor in their midst was virtually uncontested if she started snooping...

... Which was exactly what "Felicia" did. With both Cardinal and Guard Captain seemingly forgetting that she existed, she turned the first corner away from them and began making for the barracks. If Cecilia didn't get anything useful from the Captain, then clues given by the common guard would shed better light, and it didn't take long for Lumina to start accruing concerning details...

---

Nobody noticed how "Felicia" disappeared without a trace, and nobody cared to notice how she reappeared just off the side to the Guard Captain's door...

 

[That Lass Over There]

With how Cecilia seemingly forgot about "Felicia" after dismounting Del and how the Guard Captain glossed over her presence, "Felicia" almost had a textbook opportunity to branch off and do her own investigation. Which was exactly what "Felicia" did. With both Cardinal and Guard Captain seemingly forgetting that she existed, she turned the first corner away from them and began making for the barracks. If Cecilia didn't get anything useful from the Captain, then clues given by the common guard would shed better light, and it didn't take long for Luminas to start accruing concerning details...

---

Nobody noticed how "Felicia" disappeared without a trace, and nobody cared to notice how she reappeared just off the side to the Guard Captain's door...

Ordinarily, when one stood outside a room, they would expect to hear at least traces of the conversation from inside. As Felicia waited, though, she didn't hear anything at all; not even the subtle disturbances that would come from people sitting still in a room. With the opportunity to possibly snoop in the Captain's office the temptation was too large too ignore, and she lightly knocked on the door to confirm that nobody was inside. Once, twice, thrice... And no response. Perhaps the two had gone somewhere else; it seemed like nobody was home.

Felicia, maintaining a cautious approach, slowly opened the door and almost missed a discreet sensation she hadn't expected. The odd, unplaceable feeling of magic exerting influence, before the ethereal threads around snapped with the disturbance and placed a sinking feeling in her gut.

"-ateful for..." As Felicia saw at her feet a disturbed line of off-white powdered paint scraped by her opening of the door, she finally heard noise from inside the room. The voice of the Cardinal quickly cut off though and the unnatural silence of before was replaced with a natural one.



In the few moments that Felicia took to decide what to do with the unexpected situation and the various things she was observing, she heard Mazhar's voice come from inside as well as the scraping of a chair on the floor. "Who's there?"

There was no response to the question and no sounds from the room for the moment, except an innocuous rustling of fabric. Felicia stepped back and to the side of the door since it didn't seem like the two inside were coming out to investigate, but to her surprise the door swung open behind her with a forceful woosh. This time, she jumped back, to see an unexpected sight - Mazhar was still seated, and a few feet back from the door stood Cecilia with an unnaturally shimmering diamond in one hand and the other holding a barely visible shimmer attached to the door handle.



"Oh, it was just your 'guard'." The Captain's gaze to Felicia was pointed and his voice carried hostility, but he made no move as he held his hand over a face-down pile of papers.

Cecilia, meanwhile, relaxed as she put away the gem in her hand into the pouch at her side and let go of her grip on the door, though she did give the Guard Captain a dreadful stare unexpected from her tired countenance. "Mazhar." Under her eyes and heavy tone, the man bit back whatever resentment he held, turning his head away from Felicia.

Only after she saw that Mazhar had backed down did she look back at Felicia, shaking her head with a sigh. "If you don't get a response when you knock, don't come in. I thought you knew courtesy." It seemed Felicia herself had earned some ire, as the Cardinal's tone smoldered like embers even with her breathy words. As she scolded the inquisitor Cecilia stepped forward, fully smudging the damaged line of powder with her foot, and it scattered into nothingness as if it were never there. "2 millimeters of lead lining. I'll come back tomorrow."



With those seemingly random words that made little sense without knowledge of what the two had been speaking of earlier, Cecilia walked out of the room and gestured for Felicia to follow her. She slowly stepped down the stairs, holding the skirt of her habit up and out of the way in an odd fashion as she descended.

...

After leaving the guard post Cecilia hoisted herself back onto the saddle with a few tries, softly prompting Del to start walking along the street back whence they came. Rather than going straight back to the inn, at some point she pulled to the side and dismounted, pulling Felicia into a two-floor building - a restaurant, decorated with colorful tapestries. In a moment Cecilia had already found the server, requested a room for two, and had them sitting across from one another in a small private room blocked off by a heavy cloth rather than a door.

 

[Aron the Aron]

With those seemingly random words that made little sense without knowledge of what the two had been speaking of earlier, Cecilia walked out of the room and gestured for Felicia to follow her. She slowly stepped down the stairs, holding the skirt of her habit up and out of the way in an odd fashion as she descended.

...

After leaving the guard post Cecilia hoisted herself back onto the saddle with a few tries, softly prompting Del to start walking along the street back whence they came. Rather than going straight back to the inn, at some point she pulled to the side and dismounted, pulling Felicia into a two-floor building - a restaurant, decorated with colorful tapestries. In a moment Cecilia had already found the server, requested a room for two, and had them sitting across from one another in a small private room blocked off by a heavy cloth rather than a door.

"Felicia" looked and felt out of place against the colorful desert colors and tapestries of the small restaurant Cecilia had led the both of them into; her startling white hair and robes made the Inquisitor stick out like a sore thumb as she took a discreet peek out from behind the curtain. The privacy offered by the private room and table was... nothing like the sanctuary of the inn room Cecilia was staying in, but perhaps the Cardinal knew something that she didn't...

Just a cursory lookaround of the small room told "Felicia" that there was no avenue to eavesdrop that she could immediately spot, and she felt safe enough to share what she had found when she... wandered off, for lack of a better term.

The sheaf of parchment paper that she lifted was not unsubstantial when she withdrew it from her person and laid it down on the table. Detailed records of patrol routes, investigation notes, letters of reassignment, and so much more were laid out in a messy order. She hadn't been sloppy or careless in her choice of theft though; each paper was either insignificant enough at the record-keeping level that nobody would notice for a decent amount of time, and the Inquisitor definitely made sure she didn't do anything that could be traced back to her (besides the Guard Captain going out on a limb and accusing her of a few missing papers).

"... The City Guard is not making progress... With any investigation."

 

[That Lass Over There]

The sheaf of parchment paper that she lifted was not unsubstantial when she withdrew it from her person and laid it down on the table. Detailed records of patrol routes, investigation notes, letters of reassignment, and so much more were laid out in a messy order. She hadn't been sloppy or careless in her choice of theft though; each paper was either insignificant enough at the record-keeping level that nobody would notice for a decent amount of time, and the Inquisitor definitely made sure she didn't do anything that could be traced back to her (besides the Guard Captain going out on a limb and accusing her of a few missing papers).

"... The City Guard is not making progress... With any investigation."

Cecilia's smile she had put on for the server that showed them to the room strained as she saw the documents that Felicia revealed in the privacy of the room. Looking at the inquisitor's blank expression, tinged with an air of seriousness as she spoke of the contents of the parchment she had pinched, Cecilia felt like she was watching a child who had no understanding that they had done something bad report on their work. With much effort, she held back the sigh that she wanted to release, and simply brushed over the documents for the moment.

"Are you hungry?" On seeing Felicia shake her head in response, the Cardinal put her hand into her pouch, pulling out a small bottle of the powder that had been at the door of the Captain's office. In a moment, she had poured a line of the off-white material at the doorway and returned the bottle to her pouch with eyes trained on the unruly woman across the table.



It was only after a few moments of dead silence, Cecilia's silent blank gaze boring into Felicia, that she looked down at the documents. "I suppose I'll have to return these tomorrow. And apologize to Mazhar... for the fright he'll have when he's looking for them to compile a report tonight." She held it back for a long time, but now that she said it out loud and realized the trouble that had been caused she couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.

Disappointed as she was in the lack of awareness and tact her companion had displayed on this occasion, there was no reason to not look through documents she would have seen summarized tomorrow. She held off on the scolding she had intended to give Felicia, lightly flipping through each with such speed that it was doubtful she even skimmed the words. This continued for a few documents until she reached a specific note from one of the investigations, her eyebrows knitting together. Rather than the pile she had been making in front of her, it got set to the side on its own, and after she had flicked through all the papers two others had joined it in this separate pile, which she then pulled in front of herself to look at carefully.



Tapping the three documents she had set aside after looking at them for a minute, Cecilia spoke with a frown on her lips. "... We'll check these three first. Until I've verified, assume we may be scried. Don't speak of important details or pull out documents unless I've set a ward." Lightly, she pointed to the line of off-white powder at the doorway of their private room to emphasize her point. "... Mazhar suspects that at least these three were perpetrated by a spellcaster."

 

[Aron the Aron]

It was only after a few moments of dead silence, Cecilia's silent blank gaze boring into Felicia, that she looked down at the documents. "I suppose I'll have to return these tomorrow. And apologize to Mazhar... for the fright he'll have when he's looking for them to compile a report tonight." She held it back for a long time, but now that she said it out loud and realized the trouble that had been caused she couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.

Disappointed as she was in the lack of awareness and tact her companion had displayed on this occasion, there was no reason to not look through documents she would have seen summarized tomorrow. She held off on the scolding she had intended to give Felicia, lightly flipping through each with such speed that it was doubtful she even skimmed the words. This continued for a few documents until she reached a specific note from one of the investigations, her eyebrows knitting together. Rather than the pile she had been making in front of her, it got set to the side on its own, and after she had flicked through all the papers two others had joined it in this separate pile, which she then pulled in front of herself to look at carefully.

Tapping the three documents she had set aside after looking at them for a minute, Cecilia spoke with a frown on her lips. "... We'll check these three first. Until I've verified, assume we may be scried. Don't speak of important details or pull out documents unless I've set a ward." Lightly, she pointed to the line of off-white powder at the doorway of their private room to emphasize her point. "... Mazhar suspects that at least these three were perpetrated by a spellcaster."

At what Cecilia had shared with "Felicia", something immediately struck out as odd to her that she couldn't help but have suspicions over. Suspicions that steered and guided the logical flow of her thinking until she came to a few plausible trains of thought. The Inquisitor shook her head at what Guard Captain Mazhar was suspecting.

"... It couldn't be a spellcaster... it doesn't make sense..." If "Felicia" was correctly deducing that Mazhar detected something that pointed towards the possibility of magic being involved, and that meant big problems that everyone would be rightfully concerned over. But there were problems with that suspicion.

"... Why would a spellcaster risk detection... to kidnap someone...? No matter how hard you try... you can't erase traces of magic use..." Why would an abductor go out of their way to tip the fact that they used magic? Normal patterns observed over her long career told the Inquisitor that leaving behind as little possible details about their handiwork was the ideal of many who chose to kidnap or abduct people. The less you left behind that could let people know about you and what you can do and did do, the better.

"... The reasons someone might use magic to kidnap could be many... confidence... arrogance... inexperience... I don't think it's any of these..." But this didn't sound like an amateur job, not to "Felicia". Something was not sitting right, and it was nagging at the Inquisitor why certain pieces didn't fit in her mind's eye. If she had more information, then perhaps she could better find out where each part of the puzzle was meant to be placed... which meant they'd have to go to the scene of one of those cases.

"... Another thing." There was also something else "Felicia" had to point out. Something that pointed to another possible lead that they could follow. "... All of these cases here... half of them were dismissed... The other half have guards being constantly reassigned..." Reaching forward, the Inquisitor fetched a few documents that she had lifted from the guardhouse earlier. "... And look here... The mapped patrol routes of days near these cases... They all avoid the vicinity where the incidents happened..."

 

[That Lass Over There]

At what Cecilia had shared with "Felicia", something immediately struck out as odd to her that she couldn't help but have suspicions over. Suspicions that steered and guided the logical flow of her thinking until she came to a few plausible trains of thought. The Inquisitor shook her head at what Guard Captain Mazhar was suspecting.

"... It couldn't be a spellcaster... it doesn't make sense..." If "Felicia" was correctly deducing that Mazhar detected something that pointed towards the possibility of magic being involved, and that meant big problems that everyone would be rightfully concerned over. But there were problems with that suspicion.

"... Why would a spellcaster risk detection... to kidnap someone...? No matter how hard you try... you can't erase traces of magic use..." Why would an abductor go out of their way to tip the fact that they used magic? Normal patterns observed over her long career told the Inquisitor that leaving behind as little possible details about their handiwork was the ideal of many who chose to kidnap or abduct people. The less you left behind that could let people know about you and what you can do and did do, the better.

"... The reasons someone might use magic to kidnap could be many... confidence... arrogance... inexperience... I don't think it's any of these..." But this didn't sound like an amateur job, not to "Felicia". Something was not sitting right, and it was nagging at the Inquisitor why certain pieces didn't fit in her mind's eye. If she had more information, then perhaps she could better find out where each part of the puzzle was meant to be placed... which meant they'd have to go to the scene of one of those cases.

Felicia's reasoning was difficult to refute, and Cecilia absolutely agreed that the usage of magic in this mundane city where chameleon tactics were essentially nonviable was idiotic at best. However, if they went to look and found traces of magic as anticipated, then she felt the reasons would be at best a secondary concern. Any reason a spellcaster could have to be so brazen is bad.

"They may just not have expected to be caught in a backwater city like this." Regardless, Cecilia ended up responding to the inquisitor's positing with what had been her more simple thoughts. If there were no trained individuals to detect magic, then a spellcaster had much more freedom to make use of their powers. "The value of human experimentation and..." The Cardinal paused for a moment as she considered her wording but proceeded in a plain tone. "- materials, is immense to spellcasters of all kinds. Motive is never a question, just whether they think they can get away with it."

"... Another thing." There was also something else "Felicia" had to point out. Something that pointed to another possible lead that they could follow. "... All of these cases here... half of them were dismissed... The other half have guards being constantly reassigned..." Reaching forward, the Inquisitor fetched a few documents that she had lifted from the guardhouse earlier. "... And look here... The mapped patrol routes of days near these cases... They all avoid the vicinity where the incidents happened..."

Again, the inquisitor went ahead and drew Cecilia's attention to the pilfered documents, denying the Cardinal opportunity to speak of the things that she had intended to. This... Was actually news to her. Mazhar had mentioned difficulties with investigations but hadn't really seemed to suspect interference on the same level as Felicia was alleging. Her face fell as she considered the planned patrols and compared them with the approximate times and locations of the disappearances, "... I'd argue this one came a bit too close to the incident... but it's one of the ones suspected to be done by our possible spellcaster, who might be a separate party..."

Cecilia shook her head, pushing everything aside for the moment. "That's very concerning, but I have something else I want to talk to you about." She sat up straight, trying to do her best to stare down the taller woman. "Back there, you wandering off - and now I know, stealing... We need to talk about that. I don't know how you're used to doing things, but I did not appreciate you going off without any communication, and even more so risking our trust with a friendly authority over information we would have had tomorrow without the skullduggery."

 

[Aron the Aron]

Felicia's reasoning was difficult to refute, and Cecilia absolutely agreed that the usage of magic in this mundane city where chameleon tactics were essentially nonviable was idiotic at best. However, if they went to look and found traces of magic as anticipated, then she felt the reasons would be at best a secondary concern. Any reason a spellcaster could have to be so brazen is bad.

"They may just not have expected to be caught in a backwater city like this." Regardless, Cecilia ended up responding to the inquisitor's positing with what had been her more simple thoughts. If there were no trained individuals to detect magic, then a spellcaster had much more freedom to make use of their powers. "The value of human experimentation and..." The Cardinal paused for a moment as she considered her wording but proceeded in a plain tone. "- materials, is immense to spellcasters of all kinds. Motive is never a question, just whether they think they can get away with it."

There was no arguing to Cecilia that less scrupulous Spellcasters would gleefully benefit from unwilling volunteers, but "Felicia" could tell that somewhere along the way, the Cardinal wound up at a parallel, but different conclusion to the one she had been trying to allude to. Then again, she supposed that until she could properly look into a few specific disappearance cases herself, her own theories and conclusions were nothing but speculation and educated guesses. She would have to make sure the two of them were on the same page at some point though; it would be dangerous if both assumed wrongly off each other.

Cecilia shook her head, pushing everything aside for the moment. "That's very concerning, but I have something else I want to talk to you about." She sat up straight, trying to do her best to stare down the taller woman. "Back there, you wandering off - and now I know, stealing... We need to talk about that. I don't know how you're used to doing things, but I did not appreciate you going off without any communication, and even more so risking our trust with a friendly authority over information we would have had tomorrow without the skullduggery."

"..."

Well if there was a first for everything, "Felicia" supposed it was going to be working with someone she had only met hours ago. The way Cecilia tried to measure herself against the Inquisitor, she sat and spoke as if dealing with an insubordinate child who had been caught stealing from the cookie jar. Cute that she thought that her title as Cardinal held any authoritative power to make "Felicia" heel, who by very nature of being an Inquisitor was above the law and scrutiny in every department.

...It probably would do for "Felicia" to be a little courteous though.

"... I'll warn you next time." It was a hollow placation at best coming from the stoic Inquisitor's lips, but given how difficult she was to read, it was about the best Cecilia was going to get out of her...

 

[That Lass Over There]

Cute that she thought that her title as Cardinal held any authoritative power to make "Felicia" heel, who by very nature of being an Inquisitor was above the law and scrutiny in every department.

...It probably would do for "Felicia" to be a little courteous though.

"... I'll warn you next time." It was a hollow placation at best coming from the stoic Inquisitor's lips, but given how difficult she was to read, it was about the best Cecilia was going to get out of her...

Cecilia did not seem relieved that Felicia had shown a hint of acquiescing, or show frustration that what was offered was only a 'warning' when Cecilia had clearly been concerned with more than simply the lack of communication. Rather, she stared at the inquisitor in shock as she realized that was all the woman had to say on the matter. She had been prepared for all sorts of responses that may have come, but she had not been prepared for being hit with a halfhearted acceptance that almost completely ignored the greater topic at hand.

"... Is that what you consider talking about it?"

Cecilia herself wasn't certain if her question was rhetorical or genuine, but either way she shook her head and continued. "A warning would be good." It was in line with part of what she had been asking for, and it was progress towards them being able to work together. Though it was hardly the middle ground she was hoping for, it was an indication that there was some will to meet in the middle and at least would let her try to work around such incidents if no more compromise was made.



"That being said, I was hoping, and would be grateful for, discussion. Why you think the investigation would benefit from such behaviors... and what you hope to gain." Though she stressed the first 'why', Cecilia left the 'what' unstressed, deciding that she needed to stretch herself out a bit more than that.

"From my side, what I plan to ask for, why certain people are important to keep on side and whether it would be worth the risk." Before, she had made the mistake of forgetting Felicia's agency and neglecting to tell her what exactly she hoped to gather. To be charitable to the inquisitor, she may not have realized that Cecilia had intended to ask for the very documents that laid here now, and may have felt the need to 'acquire' them to ensure they had the evidence for themselves. While the methods were disagreeable due to the group the theft took from, Cecilia understood the importance of having the materials for themselves - it was why she asked for them in the first place.



"From both of us, what support we can offer each other and plans we might have... those sorts of things." Cecilia hoped she had made it clear now a little bit of what she was looking for from the unexpected addition to her travels. While she had neither expected or asked for the 'bodyguard', she hoped that they could get along. It had been a long time since she had someone keep her company longer than her visit to a single location, and it would be a pity if they were not at least able to work together. While she had some principles she was not willing to compromise on, she did hope to make use of the expertise of her companion to help get things done.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Cecilia did not seem relieved that Felicia had shown a hint of acquiescing, or show frustration that what was offered was only a 'warning' when Cecilia had clearly been concerned with more than simply the lack of communication. Rather, she stared at the inquisitor in shock as she realized that was all the woman had to say on the matter. She had been prepared for all sorts of responses that may have come, but she had not been prepared for being hit with a halfhearted acceptance that almost completely ignored the greater topic at hand.

"... Is that what you consider talking about it?"

Cecilia herself wasn't certain if her question was rhetorical or genuine, but either way she shook her head and continued. "A warning would be good." It was in line with part of what she had been asking for, and it was progress towards them being able to work together. Though it was hardly the middle ground she was hoping for, it was an indication that there was some will to meet in the middle and at least would let her try to work around such incidents if no more compromise was made.

The near-imperceptible nod from "Felicia" was as helpful as her previous actions thus far, and whether it was a nod for "Yes, this is what I consider 'talking about it'." or "Okay, I will give a warning next time then." was up in the air for Cecilia to decide. Truth be told: it wasn't unlikely to assume that "Felicia's" nod meant both unspoken statements, just another curious (if annoying) quirk of her character on display.

"That being said, I was hoping, and would be grateful for, discussion. Why you think the investigation would benefit from such behaviors... and what you hope to gain." Though she stressed the first 'why', Cecilia left the 'what' unstressed, deciding that she needed to stretch herself out a bit more than that.

"From my side, what I plan to ask for, why certain people are important to keep on side and whether it would be worth the risk." Before, she had made the mistake of forgetting Felicia's agency and neglecting to tell her what exactly she hoped to gather. To be charitable to the inquisitor, she may not have realized that Cecilia had intended to ask for the very documents that laid here now, and may have felt the need to 'acquire' them to ensure they had the evidence for themselves. While the methods were disagreeable due to the group the theft took from, Cecilia understood the importance of having the materials for themselves - it was why she asked for them in the first place.

"... You trust the Guard Captain... Your trust is yours to give."

What "Felicia" left unsaid, Cecilia didn't need to think all that much to figure out: "Felicia" didn't trust Captain Mazhar like she did.

"... Recall your own observations."

- Whether Bishop Kaya is corrupt and poorly disguising it or simply inept, this bookkeeping of expenses alone is grounds to request his removal from office. There are clearly many things wrong with the ledger, but it is impossible to take any leads from both on account of a lack of detail for each transaction, and an apparent lack of calculation skill on part of the Bishop or whichever poor monk he may have forced the unwanted task upon. Politely wording this in a letter to the Choir will be an interesting task, if no greater mismanagement or crime is discovered.

- Several individuals, mostly men without family, have been reported missing to the local guard according to the captain I spoke to after my identity was verified. My focus has since been on investigating the local Bishop and church, but this holds my concern and I would like to look into the disappearances when I can.

- I did not have long in the small library of the local church, but I noticed several shelves without dust and yet missing their books. However, according to records I received from the Librarian, there should only be three books checked out at the moment. It's difficult to put my finger on, but something smells suspicious about this - even the most innocuous of texts can inform and persuade a mind opened to them, and I am almost certain some books were missing from the restricted section as well. Ever since the incident a year ago at Ajjak, I've found myself being oddly obsessed with these small details.

"... When did you make... all these observations? ... A few days apart? ... Same day?"

After a moment of thought, nibbling at a slice of cheese, Cecilia started listing off the dates she had observed each detail. "The missing people... the 10th. Faulty ledger, 12th... dating back to when he took office." After a moment of unease, still uncertain it actually meant anything and that she wasn't just getting caught up on an odd little detail, "Missing books, yesterday... Gone for a while, I'd guess." With that, a clearer timeline was on the table to piece together.

"... All of them share common characteristics... They're all happening in close proximity to each other..." She tapped the loose collection she lifted from the barracks earlier that morning. "The earliest disappearance is weeks old... and nobody's made progress on them... save the speculation of a perpetrator being a mage." "Felicia" raised a singular finger out to the curtain shielding their privacy. "... The Bishop's finances... faulty from the beginning." She let her finger drop. It was still a far cry from justification of skullduggery, but at least it was a glimpse at "Felicia's" blue-and-orange thinking.

"... Until I know for sure... everyone is under suspicion of being connected."

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... Until I know for sure... everyone is under suspicion of being connected."

Of course; the inquisitor has trust issues. That should have been Cecillia's first realization of the rough and odd methods employed by her new watchdog from the Church, though it might be unreasonable to think she could have noticed it in less than a day without sharing many words until now. With the newfound realization it put the woman's subterfuge into a little more context, and with that context she might be able to have a better discussion here.

"... You trust the Guard Captain... Your trust is yours to give." What "Felicia" left unsaid, Cecilia didn't need to think all that much to figure out: "Felicia" didn't trust Captain Mazhar like she did.

"... All of them share common characteristics... They're all happening in close proximity to each other..." She tapped the loose collection she lifted from the barracks earlier that morning. "The earliest disappearance is weeks old... and nobody's made progress on them... save the speculation of a perpetrator being a mage." "Felicia" raised a singular finger out to the curtain shielding their privacy. "... The Bishop's finances... faulty from the beginning." She let her finger drop. It was still a far cry from justification of skullduggery, but at least it was a glimpse at "Felicia's" blue-and-orange thinking.

Cecilia chewed on the inquisitor's words for a moment, thinking them over. She couldn't really blame the woman for holding doubt on hearing that missing persons haven't been found by the guard after so long. Even she herself held some suspicions on that front, though she thought it was too broad a stroke to condemn the entire organization for what are likely a few bad seeds planted or bribed to operate in sabotage. Moreover, she took issue with the inquisitor's statement that her trust was hers to give - a doubt of Cecilia's judgement lain plain as day.

"I... Understand your concerns about the apparent state of the guard's investigations. I won't vouch for the organization as a whole, but Mazhar has my trust for the attitude he has shown and the initiative he took in making me aware of the issues with the missing persons." She couldn't protest something that she herself had a little bit of suspicion for, especially without any proof, so she didn't argue over the integrity of the guard at the moment. She did want to fully clear the captain's name as an ally though, so in an effort to further drive her point home, she added with a slightly joking tone: "Unless we are in the middle of some truly convoluted plot, I can't see the point of him making me aware of a scheme he plays part in. Much less further assisting my pursuit of the matter."



While she did want to defend Mazhar's position as an ally and hammer home how getting on his bad side wasn't in any way helping their investigation, it was far from the most important take away she wanted the inquisitor to have from their discussion. "More important than that though - even if Mazhar and the guard as a whole are directly responsible for the incidents, such brazen theft still is damaging to our operations. You would have worsened the public relations they would have tried to maintain due to my position - something we could have exploited - and further made them aware of our suspicions of them and capabilities to take a more forceful approach."

Her voice a little hoarse now, Cecilia continued on with what was quickly turning to scolding her new accomplice. "It's not even a chance that they would miss this theft due to negligence, since I specifically asked Mazhar to prepare the very documents you stole in a discreet manner for us to review. You did not spare a thought that you might be making a severe mistake in not including me in your plans for subterfuge where our methods like they have might severely conflic-"



Abruptly, the Cardinal bent over with a coughing fit, having strained herself too much at this point with extensive speaking between the earlier meeting with the guard captain and now her long discussion she needed to have with the inquisitor in front of her. The small pause in her speech did seem to help take her out of whatever momentum had built up though, as her eyes guiltily drifted to the side. "... Sorry. Still, that was all rather frustrating, and I hope you can understand why... At the very least, we can coordinate a bit better so we don't step on each other's toes."

"... Uhm, there is something that I'm curious about though." Something had confused Cecilia about her escort's little presentation of her suspicions, though she had found her attention stolen by other points first. "Not to cast the man in an innocent light, I've already seen enough to know he's likely embezzling funds, but... why bring up the Bishop in relation to the guard's lackluster performance? Kaya isn't new to the city, unlike these incidents. The 'chronological closeness' between the two is only when I came in to observe them. I wouldn't rule it out, but... It seems a stretch for you to be sounding so certain, at the moment." Now, the Cardinal was pausing a bit more in her speech, taking time to breathe between each burst of words so that she didn't have another fit, with so much left for them to talk about.

 

[Aron the Aron]

Abruptly, the Cardinal bent over with a coughing fit, having strained herself too much at this point with extensive speaking between the earlier meeting with the guard captain and now her long discussion she needed to have with the inquisitor in front of her. The small pause in her speech did seem to help take her out of whatever momentum had built up though, as her eyes guiltily drifted to the side. "... Sorry. Still, that was all rather frustrating, and I hope you can understand why... At the very least, we can coordinate a bit better so we don't step on each other's toes."

There was a droning silence inside the secluded room as "Felicia" sat there watching her charge cough her lungs out, the blank expression on her face betraying nothing from the one-sided tongue lashing she had been subjected to (if one could even call it that from the Cardinal). The pause in the scolding did serve an easy out though, and it was barely after Cecilia recuperated from her fit that the blanchette Inquisitor slowly scooted and left the table, disappearing through the heavy curtain with nary a word spoken.

... Well that certainly boded well for Cecilia. It wasn't completely impossible that the Church spook chose that moment to make her opinion of Cecilia known; her earlier disregard for procedure and diplomacy compounded her blunt admission of general wariness, albeit a strange contradiction to her earlier acts of empathy.

Any thoughts Cecilia might have had were banished when the curtain ruffled again, revealing that her Inquisitor escort had returned... with a ceramic cup in her hands. Wisps of steam could be easily seen in the closed-off nature of the room, and when "Felicia" had set it down in front of the Cardinal, it was easy to peer into the clear yellowish liquid and see leaves sitting at the bottom of the cup.

"... Mint tea..." The Inquisitor was quick to abate any curiosity Cecilia might have had as she sat back down at her designated seat across the table. "... for sore throats..."

"... Uhm, there is something that I'm curious about though." Something had confused Cecilia about her escort's little presentation of her suspicions, though she had found her attention stolen by other points first. "Not to cast the man in an innocent light, I've already seen enough to know he's likely embezzling funds, but... why bring up the Bishop in relation to the guard's lackluster performance? Kaya isn't new to the city, unlike these incidents. The 'chronological closeness' between the two is only when I came in to observe them. I wouldn't rule it out, but... It seems a stretch for you to be sounding so certain, at the moment." Now, the Cardinal was pausing a bit more in her speech, taking time to breathe between each burst of words so that she didn't have another fit, with so much left for them to talk about.

"... When you see enough... corruption and embezzlement... you learn to tell which is and isn't..." "Felicia" turned to the crude map of Bursa back around, idly scanning the map with her eyes between the different locations of interest she had earlier pointed out to Cecilia. "Extravagance... Nepotism... Favoritism... Did you observe any hints of that?"

 

[That Lass Over There]

There was a droning silence inside the secluded room as "Felicia" sat there watching her charge cough her lungs out, the blank expression on her face betraying nothing from the one-sided tongue lashing she had been subjected to (if one could even call it that from the Cardinal). The pause in the scolding did serve an easy out though, and it was barely after Cecilia recuperated from her fit that the blanchette Inquisitor slowly scooted and left the table, disappearing through the heavy curtain with nary a word spoken.

For her part, Cecilia showed no reaction to the inquisitor's seemingly abrupt departure, though she did cast a glance at the line of white powder disturbed by the crossing of its boundary. Taking silent note that she would need to redo the ward before they started speaking on certain matters again, she patiently waited for the inquisitor to come back, feeling oddly confident that she had not just been abandoned... Actually, she had a hunch on what the other woman had gotten up to do, though it gave her mixed feelings to have someone leave without a word at that moment well-intentioned or not.



Apparently a group of musicians had started playing in the restaurant while they had been speaking, the crescendo of a song half-done suddenly flooding the space as her companion departed. In only a few moments the Cardinal's eyes were closed and she tried to hum along a few notes, though she kept missing a few due to her breath and voice breaking. Like that she waited for a few minutes, passing the time with little concern.

Any thoughts Cecilia might have had were banished when the curtain ruffled again, revealing that her Inquisitor escort had returned... with a ceramic cup in her hands. Wisps of steam could be easily seen in the closed-off nature of the room, and when "Felicia" had set it down in front of the Cardinal, it was easy to peer into the clear yellowish liquid and see leaves sitting at the bottom of the cup.

"... Mint tea..." The Inquisitor was quick to abate any curiosity Cecilia might have had as she sat back down at her designated seat across the table. "... for sore throats..."

"... Thanks." Well, that confirmed more things about her new companion. It baffled her that someone so caring - if a bit clumsy about it - was causing such issues as the ones she had tried to point out.

Cecilia picked up the tea cup, blew on the steaming liquid a few times, brought it to her lips, and then blew on it a few more times before finally sipping the liquid. If she didn't feel like it would be a crime to the herbal tea, she found herself half tempted to cool the beverage with a cantrip now that the inquisitor new her as a mage. Honestly, whose genius idea was it to serve a hot drink in a desert?

"... When you see enough... corruption and embezzlement... you learn to tell which is and isn't..." "Felicia" turned to the crude map of Bursa back around, idly scanning the map with her eyes between the different locations of interest she had earlier pointed out to Cecilia. "Extravagance... Nepotism... Favoritism... Did you observe any hints of that?"

"Ah-" Cecilia, reminded of their earlier conversation and the sensitive nature of it, hastily redid the simple seeming ward before answering. "- Well... I can't definitively say about favoritism since I don't know much about Kaya's personal relations... beyond not having family in the city, but as for extravagance... Kaya certainly fancies himself higher than his station. It wasn't anything as conspicuous as lining everything with gold... but his personal collections of literature and art were extensive and authentic. There was at least one Palmiro Pastel - er, fancy painting - that my father might kill him for." There was a notable lack of the upturned note the Cardinal seemed to like marking her jokes with, in that last sentence.

 

[Aron the Aron]

"Ah-" Cecilia, reminded of their earlier conversation and the sensitive nature of it, hastily redid the simple seeming ward before answering. "- Well... I can't definitively say about favoritism since I don't know much about Kaya's personal relations... beyond not having family in the city, but as for extravagance... Kaya certainly fancies himself higher than his station. It wasn't anything as conspicuous as lining everything with gold... but his personal collections of literature and art were extensive and authentic. There was at least one Palmiro Pastel - er, fancy painting - that my father might kill him for." There was a notable lack of the upturned note the Cardinal seemed to like marking her jokes with, in that last sentence.

"... ... Mm."

If "Felicia" was being completely open and honest with Cecilia and herself: anything to do with the aristocracy, let alone something like fine art was largely wasted on her. No surprise then that the Cardinal name-dropping some artist of renown had gone completely over her head, but the Inquisitor could infer that the local Bishop wasn't shy of flaunting a bit of wealth through collection. It wasn't concrete, but it was enough of a start.

"... We can afford a few hours to see for ourselves... If nothing else but to verify if he is connected to everything else... or not..." The was no way in her head that the Bishop was totally disconnected from the rest of Bursa's mysterious incidents of disappearances; past experience and instinct alike wouldn't let her simply drop the matter like her charge was. There was one minor complication though if "Felicia" was planning on more subterfuge: the little incident earlier with the Guard Captain had struck a nerve with the Cardinal, and although the Inquisitor had made her stance of "not trusting anyone with her work", Cecilia was adamant on trusting the Captain... and likely to try and put "Felicia" on a leash.

"... It's best if I investigated... without him knowing of my presence... He'd hide something if he knew an Inquisitor was in town."

It was... strange to the blanchette, needing to share what she was going to do with someone else. Operating alone was practically all she did for most of her life, and as of a night ago, she was now expected to continue her usual duties while escorting/assisting a sickly Cardinal with her own responsibilities... It left a taste in "Felicia's" mouth that she couldn't put words to...

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... We can afford a few hours to see for ourselves... If nothing else but to verify if he is connected to everything else... or not..." The was no way in her head that the Bishop was totally disconnected from the rest of Bursa's mysterious incidents of disappearances; past experience and instinct alike wouldn't let her simply drop the matter like her charge was. There was one minor complication though if "Felicia" was planning on more subterfuge: the little incident earlier with the Guard Captain had struck a nerve with the Cardinal, and although the Inquisitor had made her stance of "not trusting anyone with her work", Cecilia was adamant on trusting the Captain... and likely to try and put "Felicia" on a leash.

"... It's best if I investigated... without him knowing of my presence... He'd hide something if he knew an Inquisitor was in town."

"Hmmm..." The Cardinal leaned forward, placing her chin in her hand as she thought about this proposed vector of action. While she didn't particularly suspect that the Bishop had a hand in the kidnapping cases and suspected that even if he did, he likely was nowhere near the head of whatever snake they may be dealing with - there was also little to be said for downsides.

The Bishop has, as far as her investigation is concerned, already cooperated to the full extent of his ability and would provide no value in further cooperation as her attention has turned to the missing persons. This proposed investigation made a convenient bone to throw her partner among all this scolding - especially with her going too far a moment ago - and if something was found, then good; Kaya would be going to jail instead of just fired and fined, perhaps even gifting them a lead in the process.



The only annoying thing about this was the aspect of wanting to investigate Kaya before he might have the opportunity to hide whatever he may have arrogantly left out after 'passing' Cecilia's initial investigation, something that anyone doing something remotely ill-intentioned in the city will be doing after catching wind of an Inquisitor in town. "It is a bit unfortunate, since there are many other things we could be doing today." The Cardinal sat back up, straightening out her back and nodding to the Inquisitor.

"But this is the only time sensitive one we know for certain. Let's do it. Unlike the guard, our use for Kaya is over... and he won't be in office by the time we leave this city either way." Contrary to her companion's expectation, a full go-ahead was given - no leash in sight.

Now that the tea had cooled a bit Cecilia picked up the cup and took several larger sips from it, trying to ease the burden on her tired throat a bit. She did offer one last thought on the matter while staring at the liquid in her cup: "Just, don't do anything that'll leave tracks. I doubt Kaya is more than a pawn in anything if he can't even make his books line up... and we don't want to scare anyone too much while we're still blind."

 

[Aron the Aron]

"Hmmm..." The Cardinal leaned forward, placing her chin in her hand as she thought about this proposed vector of action. "It is a bit unfortunate, since there are many other things we could be doing today." The Cardinal sat back up, straightening out her back and nodding to the Inquisitor.

"But this is the only time sensitive one we know for certain. Let's do it. Unlike the guard, our use for Kaya is over... and he won't be in office by the time we leave this city either way." Contrary to her companion's expectation, a full go-ahead was given - no leash in sight.

Now that the tea had cooled a bit Cecilia picked up the cup and took several larger sips from it, trying to ease the burden on her tired throat a bit. She did offer one last thought on the matter while staring at the liquid in her cup: "Just, don't do anything that'll leave tracks. I doubt Kaya is more than a pawn in anything if he can't even make his books line up... and we don't want to scare anyone too much while we're still blind."

Expectations defied, "Felicia" had no immediate response save a minute of blank staring. Cecilia letting her proceed with her intentions was not something the Inquisitor had accounted for, but she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She'd quickly go into the local Cathedral, explore for a bit, and then come back with whatever findings she'd find; it was a sound enough plan for a solitary individual, and "Felicia" hadn't slacked off when it came to her more criminal talents.

"... Hm... Will you be staying here?" It was the natural question to follow in "Felicia's" head; Cardinal Daube was far from the most healthy individual in Bursa, and unless she had more surprises up her sleeve, it was doubtable that she had any form of talent outside of the arcane. "... You seem exhausted already... it's not even the afternoon."

Her staying put meant "Felicia" would have to leave her charge for some period of time, even if she was quick about her business. She was not completely defenseless, but if someone did approach the Cardinal with ill intent...

... Well, let's just say "Felicia" didn't have the greatest of expectations regarding Cecilia's survival rate in a combat-oriented situation.

"... ... ... I'll leave my crossbow here with you... just in case."

 

[That Lass Over There]

"... Hm... Will you be staying here?" It was the natural question to follow in "Felicia's" head; Cardinal Daube was far from the most healthy individual in Bursa, and unless she had more surprises up her sleeve, it was doubtable that she had any form of talent outside of the arcane. "... You seem exhausted already... it's not even the afternoon."

Cecilia waved her hand in dismissal, confirming the inquisitor's suspicions with her next words. "I won't say it's out of my ability as a mage, but... I'll leave the sneaking around to you." Stealth wasn't only about remaining unseen, and while Cecilia wasn't too confident that her companion was much better than her given the incident with the guard and the sensitive documents stollen in an easily discovered fashion - well, the more she thought about it, the more she felt maybe she shouldn't trust the woman with this, but between wanting to allow the inquisitor some room and apathy for Kaya's sentiments on being snooped on she couldn't muster the energy to rescind her decision.

"My voice is just tired. I'm fine." Was the curt response Cecilia gave in response to the bit of concern she was shown, the frown that wanted to appear at the mention of her exhaustion schooled to a subtle and brief downturn in her expression.

"... ... ... I'll leave my crossbow here with you... just in case."

At this, the Cardinal's lips quirked up in an odd sort of smile before she pushed the crossbow back to the inquisitor. "You may want to reconsider; I'll shoot my eye out long before I hit the broad side of a barn." It was quite a bit of an exaggeration, Cecilia at least feeling confident in her skill with a short bow, but as a mage... Crossbows held little appeal, and she would rather not take what was likely an important tool from her ally. "I can take care of myself for a few hours... Just go on ahead and do your thing. I'll meet you at the inn." Cecilia practically shooed the inquisitor off as she saw the woman tense up and inch out towards the exit, clearly happy to be let loose.

 

[Aron the Aron]

At this, the Cardinal's lips quirked up in an odd sort of smile before she pushed the crossbow back to the inquisitor. "You may want to reconsider; I'll shoot my eye out long before I hit the broad side of a barn." It was quite a bit of an exaggeration, Cecilia at least feeling confident in her skill with a short bow, but as a mage... Crossbows held little appeal, and she would rather not take what was likely an important tool from her ally. "I can take care of myself for a few hours... Just go on ahead and do your thing. I'll meet you at the inn." Cecilia practically shooed the inquisitor off as she saw the woman tense up and inch out towards the exit, clearly happy to be let loose.

An unpleasant feeling was welling up in "Felicia's" gut when Cecilia declined the offered crossbow, thus letting its owner safely stow it back in its hidden place on her person. A few hours was all it could take for someone lucky to get in and run her through with a knife, and given her strength...

"I'm glad you're the one who... walked through that door tonight..." Every word seemed to sap energy from the woman, yet she kept on all the same, the light of the candle pushed between them flickering on something in her dull, tired eyes. "I'm afraid I'll... not be able to... Say that I did my best, against the next assassin."

"... I'll be back before supper."

It was hard turning her back and walking out the secluded room, but "Felicia" knew that outside of further taxing the Cardinal's health and bringing her along was not a good option, let alone ideal. She would have to act quickly and wrap up this bit of business and come back as soon as she was able, but as "Felicia" slowly strode out the restaurant and back out into the harsh desert sun, she felt herself instantly get back into the familiar rhythms she had danced her whole life with.

---

Traveller's Bazaar
Bursa, Takheit Republic
October 17th, 1029

-------------------------------------------------------------------​

And as the Inquisitor ducked into a dark alleyway leading into Bursa's small but burgeoning bazaar... Lumina got to work.