>>5993314The nobleman hands his tea plate off to a maid as a few come to collect the ones from your party. Marie quickly stuffs a few more pastries into her mouth before handing hers over and the Inquisitor never looks to have even touched his own. As you all stand Catherine enters the sunroom you were discussing in, “You Highness, the carriage is prepared for you,” She then looks between you and her father, “Might I have the honor of accompanying you for the ride?”
You look to the inquisitor, who shrugs, “I see no reason why you should not,” You say.
“Of course, Catherine. Never let an opportunity slip by you,” Is her father's words.
Not much is said, other than directions, before the four of you enter into the luxurious stagecoach. As the driver closes the door Catherine gives you an excited look, “I must say this is rather exhilarating! Never would I think to share company with the Inquisition, much less at the same time as you Lorina!”
“People rarely think they’re going to be spending time with an inquisitor before it happens,” Is Asher’s attempt at humor. It actually causes Cathy to make a “thinking” face before nodding in agreement.
“I do suppose that makes sense, though Lorina you simply must tell me all about it!”
“I suppose I can?” A nod from the inquisitor, “Yes, I can.”
Catherine listens with rapt attention as you talk a bit about the fights you’ve recently had. As naturally the weaponplay of adventurers, bandits, and Strangers, is the most important part of your journey so far. You also pay careful attention to not give away anything that might compromise your mission to become a full-fledged inquisitor. That includes any secrets you now may be privy to, it’s almost like you’re back in high society politics after your Academic blunder and subsequent exile from high-class life. You may be back regardless one day but it is best to lie low in times of trouble.
In turn, Catherine talks about her garden, the money she’s currently making, a few more investments she’s made, and the local gossip between her servants. Marie takes a special interest in the gossip and remarks that it reminds her of her time in school. You idly wonder what Earth schools are like, probably some barbaric affair where the Student Council isn’t all-powerful in Academic life.
After a rather bumpy ride, you arrive at a now bustling dock. With an added confused crowd looking at the ruins of a part of a dock and the wrecks of a few nearby boats. A local construction or shipping guild’s crew should be here sometime today or the next to fix that. Strangely, the damage doesn’t seem to be the only thing drawing a crowd here as a few people point toward the horizon and chatter. The day is currently rather cloudy but in a clear section past a few large hills and mountains and in the direction of the loch’s left side you see quite a lot of smoke rising towards the Heavens.
