(Cross post! Should answer her questions!))

(Yup, cross post.  Ill just assume post 2402 occurred just seconds before 2401.)

"No, I haven't seen 'Mom.'"

Ethel scratches Aunt Gillian's whiskers as she thinks.  "I think our position here is still to exposed to risk angering the guards.  I'm inclined to vote that we take this to the Lintoll master, with the request that we be directly involved in the detention and questioning of this wayward acrobat."

Dave-A nods, "Well good, it seems that we are all in the same mind then of involving Noon and to see if we can get some information from them.  Think Karen will be back soon or should we head there first?  I do feel as though time is not on our side though."

"I suppose that is a fair price. No immediate plans, but if we go on vacation, best to know what me may encounter."

She will count out the fifteen silver and thank the bookseller again before heading out of the strange shop.

The tabaxi hands over the bag of books and smiles.

"Come back any time," the tabaxi says.

As Karen-Jan steps out of the tent, she sees here companions just as Dave-A says "I do feel as though time is not on our side though."

As the group reunites and starts drifting towards the sounds of the calliope they turn down a side alley and see a brightly coloured swirling mass of horses, unicorns, hippos, dragons, and griffins, children and adults riding them round and round on the carousel.

Just beyond that, and where the two tailors indicated it would be is a travelers wagon that must be the headmaster's office. A large black clad, but still sporting sparkles and images of fairies on their armor, brigade member stands in front of the doorway.

Filling in Mom along the way Martin stops before the wagon, a bit off, and says,

"We approach all at once? Or should someone go in and see how Noon reacts? If, for whatever reason, Noon isn't willing to help and potentially wants the message quieted it might be wise to not all get caught in there."

He takes a deep breath,

"I'll volunteer to be the messenger, if that's what we decide."

Avaria frowns, "I'm not real comfortable with you going in on your own.  I think it makes sense to not all go together, but what if Noon happens to be in on it?  Then you're trapped in there and that's not ok.  So how about 'Dad' still escorts you?"

She rolls her eyes when she says Dad.  this is not a role she is thrilled to play, but it if works..

"I'm not going to say no to having dad come with me to talk to the Headmaster!"

Martin smiles at Dave-a.

The Brigade guard raises an eyebrow at the four of you, clearly starting to wonder what you're doing there.

Tugging Dave-a along Martin approaches the guard,

"Uh, hello! We would like to speak to Headmaster Noon. Please."

The guard looks down at Martin and smiles. He then turns to look at Dave - A.

"What's this about then?" the Brigade guard asks. "Do you have an appointment?"

Dave-A gives a slight nod to the guard, "No, sir we do not have an appointment.  Just a matter we would like to discuss with Headmaster Noon if you don't mind?  We shouldn't take too much of his time."

Martin nods along vigorously to what Dave-A says.

The Brigade guard keeps smiling but makes no move to let Dave and Martin past.

”The headmaster is very busy and has a tight schedule to keep. Why don’t you tell me what this is about and I can either help or let you know who can?”

Dave-A continues to smile as well and adds, "I appreciate that, I truly do.  But we have been told by the tailors to speak directly to Headmaster Noon as this could affect the reputation of the Lintoll.  You wouldn't want to be responsible for the ruin of the reputation, would you?  I mean... I know I wouldn't."

Dave-A looks a bit stricken at the thought as though it just occurred to her.

Martin will chime in,

"We honestly only need one minute to explain the danger. If the Headmaster isn't interested we will leave him alone."

He follows this with his most earnest expression.

((Did we ever get a gender on the Headmaster?))

Persuasion (min 19): 15

The smile doesn’t leave the guards face. He only raises an eyebrow at the earnestness of the father and son talking to him about the reputation of the Lintoll.

”I appreciate -“ the guard begins to say when the door to the caravan opens and a figure emerges.

 A very tall, androgynous figure, with an equal mix of feminine and masculine features, clad in a very well tailored, shimmering metallic rainbow coat and tails, and a golden top hat, steps out of the caravan and looks at Dave-A and Martin-Marrin. They then look past to Karen-Jan and Great Aunt Gillian-Ethel.

”The tailors, you say?” The figure says.

The top hat is doffed, a sweeping bow, and an infectious smile are all performed.

”I am Headmaster Autumn Noon. Gerard here is correct. I am quite busy but if you care to walk with me perhaps you could explain your concerns.”

Autumn Noon affixes their top hat back on their head and starts walking past the carousel to the main lane, not stopping to see if the ‘family’ is following.

Karen-Jan, still not quite sure on what else has transpired with the others while she was in the bookstore, follows along, not wanting to get separated again, but looking to Martin-Marrin to take point on relaying any concerns.

Martin doesn't waste time, moving to keep pace,

"Headmaster, thank you for your time. One of your acrobats attacked a friend of ours in a local inn, nearly killing him. We have confirmed it was them by speaking with other acrobats, a clown and the tailors. Further, this acrobat was disguised as our friend."

He pauses to see how this is received,

"We would like to speak to this acrobat, and know where they are, but we were advised to seek you out before. Further this acrobat owes both our friend and the inn compensation for damages and suffering they inflicted."

Persuasion: 25

Autumn Noon doesn’t break their stride when Martin- Marrin confesses why the group is there. But he does steer the group down a quiet side lane and comes to a stop near an empty tent, the sign outside touting the benefits of turnip juice.

”It’s always quiet here.” Noon says. “I’ve been worried we had been infiltrated. There’s always a risk. The Lintoll is too well respected and welcomed everywhere. Someone like who you describe benefits greatly by slipping into town with us.”

They sigh and look around for a moment.

”I’m afraid there’s only so much assistance we can provide. You are likely facing a doppelgänger but they know our minds and will sense us coming. Your group is confusing. The disguises and mixed thoughts are like two people in one. Yes, I can tell you’re in disguise.  If you could muddy those thoughts more, alcohol helps, you might even be able to catch your target unaware. I will alert the Brigade not to interfere with you and if you do capture this acrobat they will step in then to help. But I don’t dare move closer as I suspect my thoughts might be of regular interest to your assassin.”