semi-closed (The Ellwood Forest) Missing Persons Report

[Beedis 182]

"Why do I always get the worst assignments?" Delgue mumbled angrily to himself as he swatted at an insect circling his head before removing a folded piece of parchment from a pouch on his armor. The young man unfolded the paper and read it as he had many times before.

 

"In the past few weeks there have been strange claims coming from various villages in and around the Ellwood Forest. We wouldn’t usually spare manpower for complaints such as these as they are normally hearsay, but we have made an exception for this case. It is of a nature we have not yet encountered. If reports are correct a number of hamlets have reporting missing citizens within days of each other. In every testimony the source of the disappearance was unknown but we believe there is some malevolent force at work. It seems something or someone has been kidnapping these villagers for an unknown reason. We suspect the cause to be of little threat likely just a beast that has gained a taste for blood. Nevertheless it would be irresponsible for us to allow these “kidnappings” to go unchecked so our hand is forced and we are sending someone to investigate. If you are receiving this notice your orders are as follows.

-Go to the Ellwood Forest and investigate the hamlets that have reported people missing, be sure to question the populous.

-Investigate any and all leads no matter how strange they might sound.

-If you find any of the lost villagers alive, recover them and return them to their respective homes

-Once the source of the problem is found it is to be eliminated at all costs.

-When all above orders are completed return home.

We wish you luck and have full confidence in your ability to accomplish this task efficiently and effectively. Godspeed." Read the parchment. These were his orders.

 

It was because of this document that he now found himself alone on a dreary dirt road in the Ellwood forest. He had spent roughly a week in this hellish place moving from village to village. The frustrating part was that he had nearly nothing to show for it. The story was the same every time. He'd show up, question anyone who could or would speak to him, then go investigate. The problem was that uneducated peasants didn't give the best testimonies. Every lead he had been fed was either ridiculous or nigh impossible. But still he exhausted every rumor and urban legend in the hopes of getting out of the woods sooner. Though as to be expected the trail always went cold before it got anywhere meaningful. Things weren’t made any easier by the fact that they sent him alone. The Black Heart deemed the mission worthy of only one squire and meager supplies.

 

He was shaken from his internal ranting when the road led him to another village. A small clearing in the otherwise dense foliage. Sighing he eventually found his way to the center of the settlement. Pausing he scanned the buildings in the hopes of spotting something like an assembly hall, or a tavern. From just a few cursory glances it was clear the place was worse for wear. Every home looked sullen, damaged, or old. He wasn’t surprised but still he wondered how some people lived like that.

 

After some investigating he spotted a building large enough to be what he was looking for. “Bingo.” He mumbled to himself before making his way to the door. The interior of the building was no more impressive than its exterior. It wasn’t a dump but it was devoid of any frills and poorly lit. Upon further inspection it was clear he was in the town’s tavern. At the far end of the room there lie a counter stocked with spirits staffed by one of the village’s inhabitants looking to him expectantly. He grumbled producing his orders from the pouch on his armor before approaching the counter. As he walked he felt the eyes of other guests on him, it was obvious he didn’t quite fit in with the local ascetic and he had to assume visitors were uncommon here. He did his best to ignore the glances and when he finally reached the counter he produced the documents for the innkeeper giving the man only a moment to get a look at the parchment before reciting his lines “I’m here on official business from The Order of the Black Heart. We have received reports of a missing person in this area. Have you seen anything or anyone suspicious lately?” He asked impatiently. “And while you think on it, and think hard on it get me a bottle of something that will bun my throat.” He finished before dropping a few coins on the counter top and taking a seat eyes scanning the other patrons. “Heh.” He chuckled before shaking his head.

 

 

[Outsane 418]

"Reports of a missing person." She heard him say. To say it was one missing person would be a vast understatement, if she were to believe the letter from her friend. He had made it quite clear that things were not happy and peaceful in Ellwood. What a shame, she was planning on moving here by the way he described it so eagerly to her. Well, she had moved there, technically. Only for now... at least until she found her friend and took him to safety. As he asked about suspicious people, her gaze lifted to the bar tender from beneath her wide-rim hat. He glanced to her only briefly, but from that fleeting glance he got the full impact of her message. 'Don't mention me'.

 

The stranger blended in well. Her clothes were a dusty brown that mimicked the rest of the patrons of the inn. The wire-rim glasses perched on the bridge of her nose and gleamed in the light cast by the single candle at her table. She bore a cloak that covered her whole upper torso and left her legs uncovered, but she wore black pants and boots with a flat heel. Belted to her side was a knife, but not much else about her really stood out. Thanks to the cloak, her arms were hidden, but a faint outline could be seen of them from beneath the coat.

 

Her eyes stared at his as he scanned the area. She wasn't going to let some one else investigate where she was poking her nose already. He had resources and man-power that she might need. Besides, by the way Carrik was describing things before he stopped writing her, it sounded like something illegal was happening. She wasn't about to let him get rescued, only to be imprisoned. This goon had resources and man-power that she needed, so she'd recruit him to her team. Once the drink was placed and the bar tender's back was to them, she got up abruptly and walked to the counter and plopped herself in the seat beside him. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the warped wood counter top. She stared straight ahead at the impressive lineup of all manner of alcoholic beverages the tavern had acquired. She was never one for drinking. "You're about three days too slow on this investigation," she murmured to him while stretching her back, then shifting to get comfortable in her seat. Her eyes glanced side-long at him, sizing him up once more. He didn't look like much. Of course, she was feeling incredibly territorial right now. "If you're looking for suspicious characters, you're with the only two people who are out of the ordinary in this town. If you're looking for clues, you're not gonna find any." She explained, giving him as much information that she had gathered from the residents. They were very reluctant to chat with her, much less depart with precious information. Maybe a Black Heart guy could scare up some better information than she?

 

"So what's suddenly got the Black Heart so interested with these disappearances?" She inquired, although she had a feeling he wouldn't indulge her curiosity.

[Beedis 182]

Delgue turned his attention back to the bartender as the man slid a mason jar filled with strong smelling alcohol across the counter to him. "Can't say I know much about our loss. Wasn't close to the kid that went missing or his family. Ask around if you need to but don't expect much everyone is in a slump around here so answers are gonna be hard to come by." the bartender explained before turning his back on the squire to clean glasses. "Yeah fuck you too buddy." Delgue murmured under his breath before taking a swig of his drink. It was as strong as he had hoped.

As he drank another patron took the seat next to him. It took only a quick glance for him to see through the stranger's facade. Sure she looked like the rest of the townsfolk clad in a dreary brown cloak and hat but she the way she carried herself gave away her disguise. The stranger emanated a confidence that nobody in the tavern possessed. When the stranger spoke up his suspicions were all but confirmed, he lowered his drink from his lips and placed it on the counter top before turning his head to face the woman now intrigued. "You know most people start with some kind of introduction. How about hello my name is.." He said sarcastically before taking another sip of the heady beverage. "I'm not sure who you are or who you think you are lady but you should probably just drop it. This isn't the only place someone has gone missing. There is probably something sinister at work." He explained before taking another sip. The disappearances had to be coincidence but he didn't need some backwoods vigilante getting themselves hurt trying to solve the case alone. Perhaps his lies would be enough to scare her off.

He cackled "Woah, woah, already with the personal questions too. Look if you're looking to know why the Black Heart is here you might want to take me out for a meal first at least, you know maybe get to know me better. I'll warn you though I have expensive tastes." He said his tone once again sarcastic.

[Outsane 418]

"This isn't my first rodeo, pal," she replied curtly, looking at him more fully, having turned on her seat to face him. She wore that frown quite well. "People mysteriously going missing without a trace doesn't sound like it's exactly the safest thing. I'm full aware that there's probably something wicked about, and I didn't come ill-prepared. Besides, it can't be that sinister if they sent just one person for the job." This guy had an attitude on him that she both admired and didn't like. He wasn't going to get far with these people if he can't act nice. Then again, she didn't exactly give him the idea that she was the approachable and kind type.

 

At his final statement, she barked a laugh. "HA! Expensive tastes... Sadly for you, I only invest money in people I find interesting," she retorted. She leaned back and crossed her arms while glaring at him from beneath the rim. There. That was a lot of pent up frustration taken out. Now she could play nice... she supposed. "Look. It's obvious you haven't a hot clue what's going on around here. I'm a few days ahead of you in this investigation. All I need is a bit of extra manpower. I know people who are willing to talk, but they want favours. They'll scratch our back if we scratch theirs. I'll show you to these people if you agree that we can be... tolerant of each other. I promise I can play nice with the boys." She smiled at him and batted her eyes while tilting her head to the side. Any amateur would mistake that for a genuine smile, but any professional could see the forced nature of it.

 

She stuck out her hand to him, revealing the metal-plated, fingerless glove she wore. "I'm Marlo." She said, finally. Both eyes stared into his as she waited for him to shake her hand, or at least blow her off so she could find more reason to be snarky later.

[Beedis 182]

A slight smirk crossed the Squire's face at the woman's response. He should have known somebody as forward as her wouldn't have given up at the slightest hint of danger. She was perhaps a little too clever for her own good, if he really wanted to deter her he would certainly have to try a bit harder. He cackled before turning his gaze to meet the stranger's as she frowned at him. This was the first time he really got a good look at her. She was definitely attractive, the type of tail he would be chasing back at home.

The attitude seemed just right as well. Her response to his quip earned a cackle from him. The stranger's sarcasm was as biting as his, but that was okay with him it was always more entertaining when they played hard to get after all. It seemed this woman was also full of surprises. Moving from insulting him to offering him valuable information from Villagers she was friendly with in exchange for favors. Something about her sudden friendliness didn't quite add up though. He responded to the woman finally introducing herself with a cynical smirk before speaking up. "Lets see, a good looking woman approaches me in a bar, introduces herself, and offers to fix all my problems for pretty much free? Sounds like a good way to end up face down in the mud with all of my things missing if you ask me." He said with another cackle.

"Look." he stated before finishing off his drink. "I've got a job to do so I'll be questioning everyone here, I'll forget the fact that you just tried to trick me because you had me going there for a second. If you are who you say you are and you really want to help you're going to have to show me you can handle yourself. The Black Heart wouldn't be happy if I said I enlisted the help of a civilian and they got maimed or killed." he explained.

[Outsane 418]

The urge to quip back was resisted successfully as she smiled to him pleasantly. This could be a constant back and forth of sassy retorts, but they were wasting time and who knew what was happening to her friend while they sat there gabbing at each other. Her hand dropped down to the counter again and she tapped her nail on it. The bar tender noticed her weaponized gloves, but said nothing about it. Typically he doesn't like seeing weapons out in the open, but he knew better than to tell her that. "You want me to prove myself? Fine. I'll do it. Like I said, I've been in dangerous situations before. I know how to handle myself and how to deal with trouble. You don't have to worry about me being a burden or getting in the way."

 

Marlo crossed her arms and sighed. "So how does Mr. Black Heart Worker want me to prove myself," she asked. If it wasn't obvious before, it was clear now that she was determined to get her shoe in the door here. She wanted to help with this investigation and whether he allowed her to or not was another situation entirely.

[Beedis 182]

A disappointed expression crossed his features as Marlo met his biting remarks with little more than silence and a smile. He liked getting a rise out of people, indignant silence was never any fun. The silence didn't last long though as the tapping of nails on wood replaced the sound of conversation. A cursory glance at the counter revealed that his new "friend" was wearing some nasty looking metal gauntlets. A pair like that must have cost her a pretty penny, he wondered how she intended to use those.

He cackled at her apparent eagerness to prove herself worthy in order to tag along with him. He had no way of knowing if it was genuine or not. Still it seemed There truly was no stopping this woman. Well if she really wanted to prove herself he knew one surefire way for her to do it. "Well Marlo those are some bold claims you're making. If you can show me you have what it takes to back them up I just might let you tag along. Hell a sidekick could be nice." he said cynically before rising from his seat and moving to the center of the bar. "Get off that ass and come over here, we're gonna fight. I want you to hit me, in fact I bet any punch you throw tickles at best" he taunted before cracking his knuckles and raising his fists. He knew this was a poor idea, staging a fight in the middle of a populated place usually was, and on top of that the drink he had was beginning to hit his system. He was usually brash, but rarely this brash and to further stack the odds against him she was armed. Getting hit would sting, but his armor would cushion the blows.

Edited August 6, 2015 by Beedis

[Outsane 418]

All eyes were on them at that moment. The arrogant man walked into the middle of the room and called her out on her skill and strength. With his hands up and ready to fight, she stared at him. She could sense every eye on them, even though she didn't see them. Even the bartender watched with an amused smile on his face. A few silent, quick bets were made while others made a quick exit out, not wanting to get dragged in to the brawl. He could have taken it outside! Hell, he could have even had her punch a tree or something. No, that wouldn't do. This jerk wanted a live demonstration on his own body. Well, he asked for it!

 

She got up from her seat and didn't bother removing her gauntlets. Hips swaying, Marlo walked over to him with a casual look on her face. She was working on flushing out all other senses but her instincts. Her pupils dilated and her fists clenched. Once she was close enough, Marlo took a steep step in, turned her ankle, wound up, then brought her whole upper body down on the first swing. It left her open to get punched, but she'd get her point across whether it landed its mark or not--she wasn't a light-weight. Her fist barrelled towards him. The thought came to mind to sock him one right in the jaw, but she thought that over twice and simply aimed for his shoulder where it would really, really smart and maybe be useless to him for a while... if she was generous.

[Beedis 182]

Delgue smirked to himself as the challenge had made quite the ruckus in the bar. Some left while others exchanged hands and whispered. When Marlo finally rose he leered at her cackling to himself as she approached. When she finally got near him she threw a sucker punch. He watched as she stepped in putting her entire body into the strike before he had a chance to react. His drink made him a bit slower to react than usual so the punch connected easily hitting him straight in the shoulder. Even with his armor absorbing some of the shock the blow hit hard causing him to recoil for a moment. It stung alright and it would leave a nasty bruise but he got what he asked for, it was clear now this woman wasn't some farmer. With a punch like that she wouldn't be a liability.

A moment after recoiling he let out a boisterous laugh before shaking his shoulder out. "Well looks like you passed the test." he said before brushing past her on the way to his seat. "Welcome aboard, I guess we're partners now just so long as you remember that I'm the one in charge here. Get any ideas and I'm sending you packing." he stated plainly. "oh and before I forget, the name is Delgue. Try not to wear it out" he added with a cackle before taking his seat once again.

Now that he had stirred up enough trouble he figured he could work a new angle with the bartender. "Look, I know that you want me out of here and I am certain you know more than you're letting on to and if I can't convince you then maybe my friend will." he said before producing a hefty looking pouch from his bag. It jingled with the sound of coin. "This is more money than you'll see in a month so how about you give me a little more information and I'll stop starting fights in your bar." he offered.

The bartender shook his head. He had thought up to this point that Knights were supposed to be virtuous this guy on the other hand was a menace. He couldn't send him to the home of a grieving woman knowing full well he might tear the place up. The money on offer seemed too good to pass up though and he was sure Marlo would keep him in check. After thinking it over for a moment he sighed, in this situation greed would win out. "Pah, fine. look for the house with the collapsed chimney and a chicken coop in the back. The woman there Dahlia knows more than any of us in town about the missing as it was her husband. You would do well not to cause trouble" he stated. " and Marlo make sure he doesn't give her any grief." he continued.

Edited August 12, 2015 by Beedis

[Outsane 418]

It slightly surprised her that he had made barely any effort to block the attack. She had thrown that punch with the intention of him fighting back. Of course, having seen him knock back a couple drinks probably explained his slow reflexes, but she at least expected SOME resistance. Still, getting that clean hit on his shoulder really did a lot to vent out her frustrations. He deserved it, she convinced herself. He got in her way and posed a threat to her mission. At least now he knew she was an asset and would let her tag along. Now, all she had to do was play her cards right and she wouldn't get booted off the team.

 

She got back to her resting position once Delgue dropped his guard and introduced himself finally. It took a good deal of self-control to not roll her eyes at him. "I'll try not to," she replied to his redundant request. Her eyes followed him to the counter and widened as he dropped the sack of money down. She had no idea his order had all that money to throw around. Crossing her arms, Marlo listened to the encounter, soaking up the information. She had gone by that house; it looked abandoned, so she never bothered with checking it. She silently kicked herself for being so careless, but turned around to walk with Delgue. Only when the bar tender called out to her did she turn around and smile at him. "I'll try. But you heard him. He's boss. Might get to knock him around a bit, though." With that, she jogged back up to him as they walked down the road.

 

"So. Do all agents of the Black Heart get spending money to throw around like that or are you just a special case," she asked curiously, leering over to him. "And maybe you shouldn't be waving around that kind of money.You'll have more to worry about than me stepping on your toes if the wrong people see you handing it out so freely."

[Beedis 182]

As they walked out onto the road Delgue smirked. "See Marlo I can be quite charming when I need to be. You should watch and learn and maybe one day you'll be as good as me." he said with a chuckle. When she brought the money up he smirked cynically. "You could call me a special case I suppose." he said with a cackle before digging another coin out of his satchel. "Got a present for you, catch!" he said before tossing the coin to her with a wink. At a glance the coin looked ordinary but if she knew what to look for she would be able to spot the inconsistencies. "I knew I might have needed some campaign funds so before I left so I got in contact with a friend. This friend of mine owed me a favor so I gave him a visit and the guy helped me out." he explained. A smirk remained plastered on his face.

"Now that I told you something about myself maybe you should return the favor?" he requested with a chuckle as they walked. It was only a short distance to the other end of the hamlet where the house they were looking for was. Just as the bartender had described the house was dilapidated. The collapsed chimney was the least of the home's problems. The small fence surrounding the perimeter of the house was nearly destroyed, what looked to be a small garden in the front of the house was completely overgrown, and a window on the side of the home was smashed in.

"Hmm I wonder if this is the place? Looks like nobody has lived here for months." he said before walking towards the door. He beckoned Marlo over before giving the aged door a solid few knocks, this earned them no response. He tried shouting next "Open up! We're here on official business. We have some questions we'd like to ask you about the disappearances in town." he asserted, still they got no response. "Well we gave the nice way a shot. Still busting down the door would be artless" he explained as he walked over to the busted window. "You're lighter so get over here and I'll hoist you up. When you get inside unlock the door for me alright? Unless you have a better plan that is." he offered.



 

[Outsane 418]

Marlo caught the gift tossed at her. She didn't think much of it. Coins were coins. It didn't take her much to notice the discrepancies, however. She frowned deeply and lifted her gaze to her new partner, giving him a disapproving look, but said nothing. It got the job done, and short of her magically producing money out of her arse, it was the only way to get the information they needed to continue the investigation. With the name of the victim's relative, she followed Delgue down the road. As he insisted on getting information from her, she frowned deeper at him. She didn't sign up for this. "Something about me," she mused, tapping her chin. "Well, I, too, have friends. Looks like we have something in common." She replied at last. Marlo reconsidered her answer and sighed. If she wanted him to trust her, and she him, they'd have to get to know each other. After an exasperated sigh, she added, "I got into fights a lot when I was a kid. The other kids nicknamed me The Bruiser because every time I punched, I left a bruise that would stay there for days... which you might need to get your arm checked later, too."

 

She went quiet as they approached the house again. It looked worse than she remembered, and that was saying something. Patiently, Marlo waited beside Delgue as he banged on the door, shouted his orders, then quickly opted to break into the house. "I dunno. I think busting down the door would add some more character to this place." She pointed out as he walked her over to a window. Once he told her to jump in and offered to hoist her up, she shrugged and obliged. Once Delgue was in position, she stepped on his hands, and pushed off them as he heaved her up. She caught the window easily and pulled herself in without much effort. Once inside, she examined the room. It was gloomy and in a wreck. Marlo was tempted to investigate before unlocking the door, but she had a feeling Delgue would not appreciate her enthusiasm. She stepped over the debris and made her way to the front door. Just as she was about to open the door, she heard creaking from the other room. Her body went tense. Marlo glanced behind her, but saw nothing. She slowly turned back, unlocked the door, and opened it quietly.

 

"Delgue, there's some one here, still. I'm sure it's that woman still." She whispered, glancing over her shoulder, checking to make sure the woman wasn't coming up behind her. If this was anything like home, that woman would have a weapon and ready to plunge it into the intruder's back.

[Beedis 182]

After hoisting Marlo up Delgue dusted himself off before making his way back to the front door. As he waited for her to get the door he cracked a smirk in response to what his new partner had said earlier "The bruiser huh?" he repeated to himself with a cackle as he shook his head. He knew he was barking up the wrong skirt but he was never one to surrender. It would be tough but he was sure he could get Marlo to see things his way with a little hard work. Now convinced things were under control his control he began to whistle a tune only to be interrupted moments later. The door he had been waiting for swung open.

In the doorway stood his new partner but something seemed off about her. The confident air she possessed earlier has been replaced by something far more hesitant. She looked like she had seen a ghost. Though luckily that wasn't the case. Something was in the home and it wasn't clear if that something was the homeowner. He sighed before drawing his crossbow. "Well the only way to find out what we are dealing with is to check the other room." he explained before loading a bolt into the weapon and brushing by her.

The home was in no better shape inside than outside. Furniture and knick-knacks lay strewn about the room shattered or damaged. It looked as though some sort of disaster hit the home. "You sure you heard somebody in the other room?" he asked in a hushed tone. Not wanting to wait for the answer he made his way to the side of the doorway that led into the next room. He gripped his crossbow tightly and took a deep breath before peering into the next room. They weren't up against some horrible monster or armed thug. He let loose a small chuckle as the only occupant of the other room was a middle aged woman seated at an old looking table.

The woman didn’t turn to face Delgue and Marlo as they walked into the room. She looked unfazed, distant, like she didn’t even notice the two armed trespassers. Seeing the woman posed no threat he lowered his crossbow holding it down at his side. “Excuse me ma’am.” Delgue finally called out breaking the strange silence. The woman finally turned to face the two. “Oh sorry…I didn’t hear any knocking… I’m sorry I don’t get visitors often but make yourselves at home dears.” She said weakly. Delgue fought to resist any impolite reactions he had, it was clear there was something wrong with this woman. Perhaps she had some kind of trauma. Either way getting answers out of her wouldn’t be easy.

The squire produced his orders for the woman, he doubted it would make a difference but it was a formality. “We are here to investigate disappearances. A direct order from the higher ups in the Black Heart. We had a few questions to ask about your missing husband.” He stated plainly. The woman still remained unresponsive. He waited a moment before beginning his questioning “Were you around him when he went missing? If so did you see anything or anyone suspicious? Do you think he had any dangerous enemies?” he asked. The woman finally spoke up after a short silence. “Oh…my husband…yes.” She responded quietly before trailing off. The squire was beginning to lose his patience at this point. “Yes your husband do you remember anything?” he asked his tone aggravated. “I can’t quite remember…” The woman responded before once again trailing off. He growled before slamming the table “Look do you want us to find your husband or not. You are going to have to work with us here. We just need to know what you saw if anything, so dig deep.” He asserted. This got the woman’s attention. She jumped slightly at the noise before turning to face the squire. Her expression changed to one of distress. “I-I wasn’t around when he disappeared…He left to take a walk in the woods a few weeks back like he usually did and he never returned. I went looking for him on the usual route but I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary…” she confessed. "He usually kept up the house so it has gone to ruins as of late. I just haven't had the motivation to fix things up myself." she said mournfully.
 

[Outsane 418]

Marlo kept her comments to herself as he questioned her authenticity.Of course she was certain there was some one in the other room. Her hyper paranoia was hardly ever wrong, and when it was... well, at least she was prepared for the worst. When she saw the woman, her heart dropped. This was a familiar scene to her. She gazed at the woman with a melancholy stare. In her mind, she relived the moments when she visited her friend's house and found his mother as empty and devoid of life as this woman. Only when Delgue slammed his hands on the table was she jostled from her reminiscing and she scowled at him. "Hey!" She barked at him, but the woman began to speak, spilling everything she knew. It seemed the violence loosened her tongue, but it didn't get him off the hook. She'll cross that bridge when they get to it, however.

 

"Dahlia," she said softly, giving her a sympathetic look. "I know you must be going through a lot right now, and I hate to do this, but we need to know more about what happened surrounding your husband's disappearance. Did he say anything was strange the week prior to his abduction? Was he acting different? More paranoid? This town seems very close-knit, did any other strangers come through the town that you noticed?" She asked. Her tone kept calm and gentle, she didn't want to spook the poor woman more than Delgue had done. She put herself between the two, not wanting him to intimidate her any more. She was grieving and being hard on her was... inhumane.

[Beedis 182]

As soon as Marlo began questioning her Dhalia went silent again. The woman had retreated back into her own thoughts. She needed some time to think through all of the questions she was asked. Perhaps she should have been more cooperative from the start, she wouldn’t be able to find her husband alone after all. As the two waited Delgue cursed the situation under his breath. He had grown sick of his previous failures and he wasn't entirely certain this woman was sane. Her confession would certainly lead them to another dead end.

 

After another minute Dhalia finally spoke up "I simply cannot remember anything out of the ordinary...” she paused. “Barlow wasn't acting strange to my knowledge, everything seemed normal." she explained. "At least to the best of my knowledge...as for visitors you two were the only strangers in this town I could recall." she explained. Delgue inconspicuously rolled his eyes at the responses. "The most I can do for you two is show you the road he liked to walk on." she offered before rising out of her seat and walking to a window situated at the back of the home. She waited for the squire and his companion to walk up behind her before pointing out a small dirt road in the distance behind the village. "There is the road he enjoyed. It goes for a few miles then loops back. It's quite pleasant in fact I have been with him on a few of his walks. Maybe you'll find something out of the ordinary on the way." she stated before returning to her seat at the table.

 

Finally getting what they needed Delgue nodded "Thank you for your cooperation ma'am if we find anything you will be the first to know." he said before tapping Marlo's arm signaling it was time to make their leave. He was sure pressing the woman further wouldn’t yield any more useful information. Now all there was left to do was get on the road.

 

As they exited the home the squire spoke up "Marlo what did I say about being in charge here? Whose side are you on?" he asked. "You see gathering information from people is a bit of an art. A delicate one at that.” He explained. “You need to understand when to give people the carrot and when to give them the stick. We're lucky that woman didn't clam back up after you got all sweet on her. Next time we are in a situation like that let me work my magic.” He stated. “I have been at this for a while. This one is on the house. If you want to thrive you need to be able to read people. Motives, dreams, the works. Earning someone’s trust is the only way to get answers out here." He explained. “Are we clear?” he asked.