The silver stars of the Eclipsing Moon (Chapter 2)

[Ozzy_G]

Karl frowns, and scratches his stubble. Do you know a story about a "lady of fire" and a "nymph of water" who came to this town long ago?

[The Great Skenardo]

Bronsk
Swallowing quickly to keep himself from drooling, Bronsk nevertheless faces the mayor and nods his head deferentially.
"Hyu first, sir. I insist!"

[Lycar]

Varek follows Bronsk into the dining room and takes a seat. When Maria enters with the food, his eyes almost reach the size of the plates.

(Oh boy, look at those steaks, yum!)

As the friendly old man invites them to 'help themselves', Varek is just about to do so when Bronsk speaks up, instead he takes the hint from him, hesistates and waits for his turn to come up.

Lycar

[Amiria]

Lisaa

"She spent much time around the wells ? Do you have an idea why she did this ?", ask Lisaa.

((Hey, leave some steaks for Karl and Lisaa ))

[Maryring]

"No, to both questions. No one really knew her. She was really strange. Well, the mayor and his daughter probably know a bit more, since she stayed at their house. Sorry. I can't help you any more." The boy answers.



The old man smiles to his daughter places some food on his platter. She then proceeds to serve both Varek and Bronsk before she serves herself and begins to eat. "So, may I ask how long you plan on staying?" The mayor asks his guests.

[Ozzy_G]

Hmmm... shall we go and see the mayor then? asks Karl to Lisaa.
Do you mind if we borrow this book? he asks the kids.

[Amiria]

Lisaa

"Yes, let's go to the mayor then.", replies Lisaa.

[Lycar]

"Oh that depends on the others we are with mostly. They try to find out about tha Ami person. If they find something, they will surely follow the lead. Maybe they have to search around a bit. Then we also stay a bit." answers Varek.

Lycar

[Maryring]

The mayor nods and continues to ask trivial question to make Bronsk and Varek feel more comfortable. Eventually, someone knocks on the door. The mayor throws one glance at his daughter, who silently stands up and leaves the table to open the door.

On the other side of the door, Karl and Lisaa are waiting. They were unable to borrow the book out of the library, but were welcome to return tomorrow if they needed to read the book again. As the door opens for them, they are greeted by the mayor's daughter. "Good evening. May I help you?"

[Ozzy_G]

Oh, hi, says Karl. My name is Karl, and this is Lisaa. We're doing some historical research, and we're looking for the Mayor to help us?

[Lycar]

Varek, meanwhile, keeps eating with gusto. Free food !
Also it tastes great so he's not going to miss out on it.

Lycar

[Maryring]

"Ah, I am afraid that he is eating dinner at the moment. But why don't you come in and join us? I am sure he will be more than happy to have more guests visiting." The girl smiles and invites them in.

[Ozzy_G]

Karl follows her in, and nods hello at Bronsk and Varek.
Hello, sir, he says to the mayor. Sorry to interrupt you at your meal.

[Amiria]

Lisaa

Lisaa follows and greets the mayor with a slight bow. "Hello, good sir."

[Lycar]

Varek looks up from his meal, beaming, as the two others enter.

"Oh hi Lisaa, Karl... the mayor invited us for dinner ! How great is that !"

Lycar

[Maryring]

"Oh welcome to you." The mayor says as he turns to greet his new guests. "Please, take a seat. Maria will bring you platters and cups shortly. Oh, and check up on the dessert while you're at it dear." He says as he beckons Lisaa and Karl to take seats. "You must be friends of these two I assume? They have been so kind to keep me company this evening."

[The Great Skenardo]

Bronsk
Bronsk smiles outwardly, but inside something is troubling him.
Maybe you are right, Vakri...Never before have I seen such kindness to strangers...
You see? Be on your guard here, Bronsk...

[Ozzy_G]

Yes, replies Karl, we were travelling on the road together. Now, I wonder if I might bother you wish some questions? We're researching some local history, and thought that perhaps you could help us.

[Amiria]

Lisaa

Lisaa takes a seat at the table. "Yes, we all travel together. It is very kind of you to host us all at your table. Thanks." She fills her plate with the offered food and starts eating.

[Lycar]

"Hey Lisaa, Karl, did you find anything at the library ?" Varek asks between bites of food.

Lycar

[Amiria]

Lisaa

"Yes, we found the notes of a researcher who came here some months ago. She discovered that Ami and one of her friends visited this village and were searching for something in the vicinity. Sadly, she apparently wasn't in the best mental shape and disappeared rather abruptly. We wanted to ask the mayor about her."

[Maryring]

"Certainly. About that woman though, I'm afraid I don't know much about her. I will try to answer any questions you have though." The mayor says with a friendly smile.

[Ozzy_G]

Well, when was she here, asks Karl. And did she go to any nearby sites?

[Maryring]

"When was she... let me think. It has been some time since she was here. I think it was... last summer? Quite some time ago at least. I don't remember her going to any special places though. She just walked around aimlessly most of the time. Usually in the forest, but no one except Maria ever bothered to follow her." As if on cue, the girl comes in from the kitchen, carrying a large apple pie and a bowl of whipped cream, as well as the utensils for Lisaa and Karl. "Maria dear, did you notice if our previous guests visited any notable places while she was wandering the forest?"

The girl looks up as she places down the items she carries. "Hmm, no. No places that I would call strange. Why do you ask?"

[Ozzy_G]

Well, says Karl, we were trying to research where the people she was writing about went, this, uh, what was it... he thinks for a moment. Ah yes, the "nymph of water", and the "lady of fire"? Something like that. I thought that if they went anywhere special, she would have too.

[Maryring]

"Never heard of them I'm afraid." He sighs. "I'm sorry that I'm not of much help. Perhaps you can ask around the village tomorrow?" Without waiting for an answer he helps himself with some of the dessert. "Because you will be staying right? Maria should have the guest rooms done by the time you are done eating." He says, while at the same time throwing a glance at his daughter, who slinks away from the room.

[Ozzy_G]

Oh, that's very generous of you! We'd be honoured, says Karl with a smile.

[Amiria]

Lisaa

"Yes, thank you very much for your hospitality.", says Lisaa and gives the dessert a pondering look. Eventually she decides against it.

[Lycar]

Varek perks up from his food "Hey thanks, that's great ! Eh.. i could make myself useful around the house... help with the dishes and stuff. I'd be happy to !"

Meanwhile he happily helps himself to some of the desert.

Lycar

[The Great Skenardo]

Bronsk
Bronsk nods solemnly. It was not lightly that the young nord accepted such great hospitality.
"Then I will do what I can to bring the favor of the spirits upon thiz house. And maybe we can talk more? I want to learn more about thiz bauerndorf."