[10:44:34] Crow (melchior.wardell) continued along his way, his attention moving naturally across the street until a familiar face caught his eye. He slowed, recognizing the woman from their previous meeting in Var Kor, or what was now known as Valaris. He inclined his head respectfully. “Greetings, Sir and Lady Neeve.” His gaze lingered for a moment, quietly taking in the pair. He was still learning Avarra. Who was who, what position each held, and how the various pieces of the city fitted together. For now, he was content simply to greet a familiar face and observe.
[10:48:18] ᴅᴏᴍɪɴɪᴄ ᴅ’ᴍᴀʀɪ ɢʀᴇʏ (shawnmec): “Tal sir.” he responded with a nod and a smile as he turned on his heel to view the location of the voice that greeted him “How is the day treating you sir?” he asked as his blueish grayish eyes too in his black outfit and it didn’t take him long to assume why but what he did with his life was not his business
[10:49:50] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) turned at the familiar voice, recognition coming quickly as she spotted Crow. A warm smile touched her features and she dipped her head in greeting. “Tal, Crow. It is good to see you again.” Her eyes flickered briefly toward Dominic as he offered his own greeting before returning to the man dressed in black. “I see you have found your way to Avarra as well. I hope the city has been treating you kindly so far?” There was a slight amusement in her expression. “It can take a little while to work out who everyone is and where everything is around here. I still occasionally discover something I swear wasn’t there the day before.” She gave a soft laugh. “Have you settled in, or are you still finding your way around?”
[10:52:12] Crow (melchior.wardell) returned the greeting with a slight inclination of his head, his eyes briefly taking in the man before him. The green attire had already told him enough to make an educated guess, but assumptions were rarely as useful as answers. “Tal, Sir. Another day without the need of any of your caste. So I can not complain.” A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his expression. “I am still learning Avarra. There are indeed many faces I have yet to place and even more names I have yet to attach to them.” His gaze settled on the man but than he broke his gaze as it turned to Neeve. “But I find walking the city is a good way to correct that.” He paused casually. “And you? Has Avarra been treating you well?” he tipped his head to the infirmary. “A beautiful spot … very efficient and a lot of space.” it was clear he had been here before.
[10:57:06] ᴅᴏᴍɪɴɪᴄ ᴅ’ᴍᴀʀɪ ɢʀᴇʏ (shawnmec): “Yes its always a good day to not find yourself on one of mines or Lady Neeve Beds” he chuckled as he listened the man. He could see they were friends and to further not disrupt the reunion he decided it best to take his leave “Well it was nice meeting you…But I need to step away…please take care” he smiled as he took his leave ((Rl calls real quick will be back soon))
[11:00:32] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) gave a small laugh at Dominic’s words, turning her head towards him as he made to leave. “Hopefully neither of us shall be occupying one of those beds anytime soon. Take care, Dominic.” She offered him a warm nod before her attention returned to Crow, her gaze following his gesture towards the infirmary. “Avarra has treated me rather well, thank you.” Her smile broadened before she regarded him with a touch more curiosity. “You sound as though you’ve already had a rather thorough look around the infirmary, though.” One brow lifted teasingly. “Efficient, spacious… that is quite the assessment for a man merely walking the city and learning its faces.” She chuckled softly, gesturing towards the building. “Have you had cause to visit us already, or have you simply been inspecting the important places first?”
[11:04:23] ʟᴀɪɴᴇʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʀᴇᴀᴜx (dollytamalie): Greetings, Free,” she says as she bows her head. “I am in search of the acting scribe. Could someone please direct me to the right location?
[11:04:56] Crow (melchior.wardell) dipped his head towards Dominic’s in farewell. The motion betraying a high caste upbringing. “Be well, Sir.” His expression shifted into the faintest hint of amusement at her observation. He inclined his head toward the infirmary. “Not visited. Observed.” His eyes briefly moved toward the building again. “I find it useful to know where the important places are before I have reason to need them.” He looked back to Neeve. “And physicians tend to be important.” A small pause, his tone remaining casual. “I have been learning Avarra from the outside in. The temple. The gates. The places where people gather. The people who seem to matter.” His gaze returned to her, curious rather than intrusive. “But now you’ve made me curious, Lady Neeve. If I am putting together the pieces of Avarra…” His eyes briefly flicked toward Dominic’s departing direction. “…who is it that holds the reigns in the infirmary?” he turned to the new arrival and dipped his head “Greetings lady.” To your left.” he instructed.
[11:10:12] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) smiled towards the newly arrived woman and dipped her head in greeting, lifting a hand to point her towards the large building with blue flags nearby. “Tal, Lady. You should find the Scribes that way. If not, someone within should be able to point you in the right direction.” Her attention drifted back to Crow, and the smile upon her lips turned decidedly more mischievous at his question. “I’ll give you two guesses,” she offered, folding her hands neatly before herself. “If you don’t get it, you owe me a drink.” A soft laugh escaped her, clearly rather entertained by the prospect. “You have been observing Avarra so very carefully, after all. Temple, gates, gathering places… people who seem to matter.” She repeated the last part with a teasing lift of her brow. “Surely a man conducting such a thorough investigation has noticed who spends an unreasonable amount of her life wandering in and out of that infirmary?” She tipped her head towards it, giving him absolutely no further help. “Two guesses, Crow. Choose wisely.”
[11:11:33] Leol (camcam0731): Would be walking about the city holding wickers of wine seeing persons he had not met before in this new place and would give them all a gentle bow. “Tal Master, Mistress and Mistress.”
[11:13:22] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): Greetings Kajirus
[11:13:36] Crow (melchior.wardell) ‘s brow lifted slightly at the challenge. He glanced toward the infirmary, then back to Neeve, clearly considering the possibilities. “Two guesses and a drink if I fail?” A faint smirk appeared. “You make this sound less like learning Avarra and more like a wager.” He studied her for another moment before answering. “First guess… you?” He let the silence linger for a heartbeat. “Though I suspect you’ve made that one far too obvious.” His eyes narrowed slightly in thought. “Second guess…” A pause. “…someone who has made herself particularly difficult for me to overlook.”The corner of his mouth twitched. “Now, Lady Neeve, I believe I have just discovered why you suggested a drink rather than simply giving me the answer.” he turned to the slave. His eyes would take him in as he was unfamiliar to him. “Greetings slave.” he paused wondering why the slave had interupted the conversation. Surely there was purpose to it?
[11:15:14] ʟᴀɪɴᴇʏ ᴅᴇᴠᴇʀᴇᴀᴜx (dollytamalie): Bowing her head once again, she offers a smile that stretches the seams of her veil. “Thank you lady. I wish you both a wonderful day,” she says, noticing the person approaching. She bows her head once more and makes her way in the direction where she needs to find a scribe.
[11:19:31] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): me offered Lainey a warm dip of her head as the woman departed. “And you, Lady. I hope you find who you seek.” Her gaze shifted briefly towards the approaching kajirus, acknowledging him with a small nod before turning her attention back to Crow. A rather smug little smile began to creep across her features. “Oh, Crow…” she laughed softly, shaking her head. “So very close, but I’m afraid close does not win wagers.” She lifted a finger as though correcting an especially important detail. “I am the Assistant Head of the Physicians’ Caste here in Avarra, not the one who holds the reins entirely.” Her smile widened triumphantly. “Which means, technically, neither of your guesses was correct. And technically…” She let the pause linger deliberately. “…you owe me a drink.” His other choice of words hadn’t escaped her either, and one brow lifted. “Although I am rather curious about this woman who has made herself particularly difficult for you to overlook. She sounds troublesome.” The innocence in her expression was entirely unconvincing. “Perhaps you can tell me more about her over that drink you now owe me.”
[11:20:30] Leol (camcam0731): “Please be well.” He would speak softly to all , not wanting to pass without word or seem rude, before continuing on his search, glad there were signs pointing to all places necessary.
[11:23:14] Crow (melchior.wardell) gave a quiet chuckle, accepting the loss with a small incline of his head. “Then a drink it is, Lady Neeve. A wager is a wager.” His gaze lingered on her smug expression for a moment before he added, “Though I suspect you knew precisely how to arrange that outcome before you offered me the two guesses.” At the mention of the mysterious woman, his expression became just slightly more guarded. “Troublesome? Perhaps.” He glanced toward the infirmary, then back to Neeve. “But I have learned that the people worth remembering are rarely the ones who make themselves easy to overlook.” A faint smile returned. “As for telling you about her… I think I’ll let you earn that story with the drink you just won.” As the slave passed he would follow him with his gaze. Giving it not much thought as he did so. “But I guess the man of just now might be the Head of Caste?” he now assumed. It was one face had seen enter more often than once.
[11:31:07] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) nodded and gestured for Crow to follow, leading the way down towards the terrace where she knew they could find something to drink. “Yes. Dominic,” she confirmed as they walked. “I appointed him recently, after putting him through a rather difficult trial which, to his credit, he passed.” There was a small note of pride in her voice despite the thoughtful expression that followed. “He is still finding his feet in the position and there are things he will need guidance with, but under the right tutelage I believe he will make a fine Head of Caste. The city will be watching him for a while, of course. A title can be given, but trust and respect still have to be earned.” Reaching the terrace, she glanced back at Crow, that earlier mischievous smile returning. “So it seems your observations weren’t entirely terrible. You merely chose the wrong physician for your second guess.” She settled herself comfortably before adding, “Now… about this drink I so terribly and unfairly manipulated you into owing me.” Her brow arched. “And afterwards, perhaps I’ll decide whether I’ve earned the story of this supposedly troublesome woman who is so difficult for you to overlook.”
[11:34:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) followed along toward the terrace, listening quietly as Neeve spoke of Dominic. His attention sharpened slightly at the mention of the trial and the expectations placed upon the new Head of Caste. “Then Dominic has been given a position, but not yet the weight that comes with it.” He glanced toward Neeve. “That will come with time. Watching how a man handles authority after receiving it usually tells you more than watching him earn the title.” As they reached the terrace, He only settled after she had. “And yes, Lady Neeve. I concede the wager.” A small, amused smile touched his features. “But I am beginning to suspect you have made a habit of turning innocent questions into profitable ventures.” He regarded her for a moment. “As for the woman…” He paused, deliberately letting the words hang. “You have already earned the drink. The story, however, may require considerably better wine.”
[11:41:37] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw): me nodded thoughtfully at Crow’s observation of Dominic. “When you’ve watched enough men take up such positions only to flaunt the authority that comes with them—or allow their own prejudices to dictate how they wield it—you learn to be cautious.” She gave a small shrug. “Some want the title and the power far more than they want the work and responsibility that comes with it. I ended up taking the position myself in Var-Kor for much the same reason. Those who came before simply didn’t have the muster for what the caste needed.” Reaching the table, she slipped gracefully into a seat and caught the attention of a nearby slave, instructing them to bring Crow whatever drink he desired before adding, “Larma juice for me.” Her gaze returned to Crow, accompanied by a soft smile. “So I’m afraid your considerably better wine will have to wait, Sir. I still have plenty of tasks ahead of me before the day is done, and a Physician ought to approach her work with a clear mind.” Her brow lifted, amusement returning. “Besides, now you’ve told me the story requires better wine, you’ve only made me more curious. I shall simply have to remember that you owe me the tale when I eventually permit you to buy it.”
[11:45:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) listened without interrupting, one brow lifting slightly at Neeve’s admission. There was no surprise in his expression, only the quiet recognition of someone speaking from experience. “Then you did not take the position because you wanted the title.” His gaze settled on her for a moment. “You took it because leaving it in the hands of those who lacked the will to carry it would have been worse.” A faint, almost amused curve touched his mouth as the slave arrived to take his order. “Something strong enough to be worth drinking, but not strong enough to make a Physician question my judgment.” He looked back toward Neeve. “And now I am apparently in debt twice. First for the drink, and then for a story I have not yet decided whether I should tell.” A quiet chuckle escaped him. “You are remarkably skilled at collecting debts, Lady Neeve. I suspect that may be another talent of the Physicians’ Caste.” He leaned back slightly, studying her with mild amusement. “But very well. Keep your clear mind. Do your work. And when you eventually decide the day has earned better wine…” His eyes narrowed faintly with that familiar dry humor. “I will remember that I owe you a tale.” he turned to the slave and stated. “Bosk Milk, please.” he paused as he turned to her. “I believe it might be smart to keep my mind clear too.” he winked there. If one did not know he was perhaps that old tarnsman of old, charming and one that took life upon the chin.
[11:53:53] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) considered his words for a moment before giving a slow nod. “Something like that. I never particularly sought the title. I wanted the caste to function as it should, and eventually it became apparent that complaining about those doing the job poorly was considerably less useful than simply doing it myself.” Her expression softened somewhat. “Though, truthfully, I didn’t mind the title in the end. There was a certain joy in knowing I could make sure the city received the quality of care it deserved. I could concern myself with patients, training good Physicians and ensuring the infirmary was run properly, rather than wasting my time on politics, petty disputes and those who cared more for power than purpose.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “That part of leadership I could happily do without.” Her attention shifted towards the slave as Crow made his request, and she couldn’t help but laugh when the formidable drink he’d described somehow became bosk milk. “Bosk milk?” Her brows rose as she turned back towards him. “Sir, moments ago you requested something strong enough to be worth drinking. I fear your reputation may never recover from this.” She caught the wink and shook her head, clearly amused. “Still, perhaps keeping your mind clear is wise. I would hate for you to later claim this mysterious tale became exaggerated by drink.” She paused a moment “So I shall hold you to it. Better wine, another day, and the story you now most certainly owe me.” She raised her cup slightly towards him. “To clear minds, worthwhile work and outstanding debts.”
[12:00:49] Crow (melchior.wardell)’s expression remained composed, though the faintest hint of amusement appeared as he glanced down at the cup of bosk milk that had been placed before him. “Reputation is a curious thing, Lady Neeve. It seems mine has survived considerably worse than a glass of milk.” He lifted the cup, considering it with exaggerated seriousness before taking a measured drink. “And you misunderstand. I did say something worth drinking. I never specified that it had to be fermented.” A brief smirk accompanied the words before his attention returned to her. Her explanation of leadership had caught his interest more than the teasing had. He gave a slow nod. “That, I can understand. There is a certain efficiency in removing oneself from the politics and simply making certain the work gets done.” He turned the cup slightly between his fingers. “Power for the sake of power has always seemed rather inefficient to me. Responsibility, at least, produces something.” His eyes settled on her raised cup, and he lifted his own in response. “To clear minds, worthwhile work…” A pause. “…and outstanding debts.” He took another drink of the bosk milk, then added dryly, “Though I suspect the debt involving the wine is considerably more dangerous than this one.” He admired the woman for how she viewed leadership. Strangely that he had similar views and yet was faced with his position because another was not able to truly deliver.
[12:08:21] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) touched her cup lightly towards his in acknowledgement of the toast before taking a small sip of her larma juice. “Very well. I shall concede that bosk milk is, technically, worth drinking. Though I reserve the right to question whether that was what you originally had in mind when you asked for something strong.” A playful smile lingered. “And the wine debt is only dangerous if you continue making the story sound increasingly interesting. At this rate, I’ll expect quite the tale.” As she lowered her cup, however, her attention remained upon him. There had been something subtle in the way his manner shifted when they spoke of leadership and responsibility. Nothing she could readily put a name to, merely a change she had noticed—the slight distance in his expression, perhaps, or the way his thoughts seemed to wander somewhere beyond their conversation. The teasing slowly softened from her features. “You look as though something I said has set your thoughts wandering somewhere considerably less pleasant than bosk milk and outstanding debts,” she observed, her tone gentler now. She turned the cup slowly between her fingers, studying him for a moment before giving a small shrug. “Forgive the curiosity in me. I tend to notice when someone’s manner changes.” She leaned back slightly, deliberately leaving him room rather than pressing him for an answer. “Is everything well?” A pause followed before she added, “You have spent much of our conversation learning about me and my place in Avarra, yet I’ve barely asked about yours.” Her brow lifted faintly. “So perhaps it is my turn. What brought you here, Crow? And have you found what you were looking for?”
[12:13:40] Crow (melchior.wardell) was quiet for a moment, his fingers resting loosely around the cup. Neeve had noticed the shift. That alone told him something about her, not merely that she was a Physician, but that she paid attention to people when they thought they were giving nothing away. His gaze lowered briefly to the bosk milk before returning to her. “Everything is well enough.” The answer came simply, without dramatics. After a moment, he added, “But you were correct. Something you said did set my thoughts wandering.” He considered his words before continuing. “Responsibility. Purpose. Taking a position because someone has to make certain the work is done properly.” A faint, thoughtful expression crossed his face. “It reminded me that there are places where people take responsibility because they must… and places where they take it because they want what comes with it.” He gave the smallest shrug. “I have spent enough time watching the difference.” Her question about why he had come to Avarra drew a slight smile. “As for what brought me here…” He looked toward the terrace, letting his eyes wander briefly over Avarra below them. “Curiosity, initially. A new city is information. Who holds authority. Who actually exercises it. Which institutions function as they should. Who talks too much. Who listens.” His gaze returned to Neeve. “And who notices when someone’s manner changes.” There was a hint of amusement in that last remark. “As to whether I have found what I was looking for…” He took another drink of the milk, apparently deciding it was safer than the wine. “Not yet.” A pause. “But I have learned considerably more than I knew when I arrived.” His eyes narrowed slightly with quiet amusement. “And today, apparently, I have learned that the Assistant Head of Physicians in Avarra is exceptionally good at collecting debts.” he would let that drift in the air before adding “I am pleased to see and hear that you are doing well and here. Let us hope that my craft will never thrive here.” he wished genuinely.
[12:18:37] Neeve Barbosa (kristie.tigerpaw) listened quietly, her expression thoughtful as he spoke. There was clearly more behind his words than he was inclined to share, but she wasn’t going to pry. Instead, a small smile appeared when he returned once more to her apparent talent for collecting debts. “Exceptionally good? I’ll take that as a compliment.” She lifted her larma juice towards him before taking one final sip. His last comment drew a more genuine laugh from her. “On that, Crow, we can certainly agree. I hope your craft finds Avarra terribly disappointing and mine has little more to contend with than the occasional scraped knee and an overly dramatic patient.” She set her cup down and rose from her seat, smoothing her robes as she did. “Unfortunately, responsibility calls, and mine presently appears to have taken the form of an unreasonable amount of paperwork waiting for me in the infirmary.” She gave a resigned little sigh before looking back at him with a warm smile. “It was good to see you again, Crow. I’m glad Avarra has given you reason to linger long enough for our paths to cross.”Taking a few steps away, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder, that mischievous look returning. “And don’t think I’ve forgotten. I fully intend to collect my debt—the better wine and the story that accompanies it.” She dipped her head towards him. “Be well, Sir. I suspect I’ll see you around the city soon enough.” With that, she turned towards the infirmary, apparently destined to spend the remainder of her day fighting paperwork rather than patients.
[12:22:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) watched her go for a moment, the faintest trace of amusement remaining upon his features. At the mention of paperwork, his expression turned almost sympathetic. “Paperwork.” He shook his head slowly. “Of all the dangers a Physician faces, I suspect that may be the most difficult to treat.” His gaze followed her toward the infirmary before he looked down at the cup in his hand. “And yes, Lady Neeve. I suspect our respective crafts may both benefit from Avarra remaining pleasantly uneventful.” A brief pause, then that dry smile returned. “Though I make no promises.” He raised the cup slightly in farewell. “Be well. And try not to let the paperwork win.” As she disappeared toward the infirmary, He remained seated for another moment, quietly considering the conversation. The lady had given him more useful information than she likely realized, not only about the Physicians’ Caste, but about the woman herself. He finally rose, setting the empty cup aside. “And the wine debt…” A quiet smirk. “Apparently Ihave created my own problem there.”
Crows Murder 