Harold eyes you suspiciously, but nods his head. "My Lord is usually in the stables before breakfast. They are near the entrance of town, northeast of the Archway," he points down the road where you came from. A large building with many entrances and horse heads sticking above the gates can be seen to the left of the arches.

Kynortas gestures to the  group and let's them know that anyone who would like to follow is free to do so. He heads towards the stables in search of the Duke with any others who wish to join him.

Aracynth looked at Fizzbang and Tharin as Kynortas wandered up the guard captain. "We shouldn't let him wander off alone.. I'll tag along and see if we can't at leaat play nice with the Duke, and try not to set the whole town against us. Feel free to begin your reconnaissance without us." The Dragonborn then strode back into town in pursuit of the Fighter.

Aracynth reached Kynortas just past the main intersection in town as the gates came into view, and he leaned in to speak quietly to the Human. "Kynortas, hold a minute. What exactly are you planning to say to the Duke Armitage? We must tread lightly here. We are out of position,"-he glanced around warily at the townsfolk, who seemingly take no interest in two fully armored foreigners in the middle of the street-"and the Duke has already established that he has made allies of both the wood Elves and hill Dwarves nearby. My dreams of late have offered me little solace, and I have a growing trepidation of this place. Please, I ask the that you not only remain vigilant, but take extra care to be cautious with your words as well." 

Aracynth then taps once more into his Divine Sense to get a read on the town around them.

As Kynortas walks from the forest back towards town, Tharin looks around for any signs of elves.

Investigation 9

"They must be around somewhere. Any venture into their woods, especially so soon after the war, must be suspect."

Tharin:

 Aracynth:

Once you reach the stables it is fairly obvious where the Duke is by his laughter. In one of the closed stalls with a rather large bay horse you see wisps of his dark hair and hear the booming, jaunty laughter you heard last night. The horse seems to be fairly calm, three of its feet can be seen below the stall door, the third appears to be up with the Duke's large boots around it.

"Just one place to go, then. Are you with me, Fizzbang? I could use another set of eyes."

“Why, Tharin, I thought you’d never ask! As any good illusionist knows, splitting attention is the key to quality misdirection! Certainly no misfortune could possibly afflict this endeavor!”

"Aracynth," Kynortas started, "You need not worry. I am not the type of person to come out and accuse someone outright without proof, nor am I going to start something without cause. Discussing this calmly and peacefully shows no ill intent nor aggression. I have the same feeling as you that something is very different about this place. Nothing like home, eh?"

Kynortas hears the Duke at the stables and makes his way to him.

"Good morning, my Lord. Thank you again for the lodging. If you have a moment now that we are not soaking wet and are well rested we would like to speak with you about our purpose here. Do you have a moment?"

Kynortas was thoroughly perplexed at this Duke. He was either the most humble nobleman in existence or he didn't consider himself a nobleman. Maybe a servant to another master. Kynortas would allay his suspicions for now. He would see what information he could get.

Aracynth followed Kynortas into the stables, silently agreeing, 'Nothing indeed'. Thankfully, he did not need to duck his head as he usually might when entering anywhere, since horses generally stood about as tall as the Dragonborn himself. Though, he had known the great destriers his Commanders had once ridden stood a few feet taller still. "Good Morrow, M'lord. Thank you again for your hospitality yesterday." He stood to the side, watching the Duke tend to his mount, and waiting to see how the Human might lead the conversation, ready to help Kynortas with any persuasion he may attempt.

Setting down the horse's hoof he was cleaning and preparing to shoe, he stands up and turns to you. A smile brightening his dark, hairy features, he wipes his hands on his his worn pants and leans against the side of the stable. The horse puffs loudly, stomping a foot, but does not seem disturbed by either the Dragonborn or the armored human.

"Good morning, men! I suppose Harold leaked my whereabouts again," he laughs. "You're of course very welcome. I consider housing strangers a duty of a Duke and I like to try and get to know everyone that stops in our little home." He claps his hands together, "Now, what was it you needed? Your business here? If you don't mind the smell, this is secluded enough a place. You seemed cautious last night. Where are your friends?"

"Two of our number went into the woods.  Our elven friend wished to go visit his people. He is indeed in search of a dangerous quarry. His previous party was ambushed by this quarry south of here, nearer Ibben. It did not end well for them. The man ambushed them with a group of his own. He is the leader of some organized criminal group. No mere bandits either. Tharin is checking with the elves to see if they have heard word of the criminal's whereabouts. We will let you know, my Lord, any other information we can as we get it. However just as a precaution I would let your guards know to be on alert. The man is apparently very dangerous." Kynortas takes a breath and continues on to their main purpose. He watches all of the Duke's reactions for any hints or indications of information the Duke just might unintentionally let go.

Insight: 21

"My Lord, there is another purpose for our being here. It is of a sensitive matter. The daughter of your old friend, Duke Oglethorn, is missing. The Duke has asked us to relay to you that while he knows your relationship is not in the best of terms right now, he asks if you've any knowledge of his daughter. He says that while you two may not agree on everything, he knows that you feel for your son as he does for his daughter. The bonds of fatherhood run deep and he is desperate to know where his child is. The Duchess as well personally implored us for any information we could find. We did not speak to the Duke Oglethorn of Tharin's quarry, but kidnapping would not be out of character for this dishonorable man. You see why we pursue, in addition to his other crimes."

Persuasion: 9 (advantage from help roll: 20)

Aracynth nodded along, affirming Kynortas' words, "With such a villain loose among the good folk of Altinus, we made haste here in our pursuit. Being new in town, we only wanted to be sure not to tip our hand early, that this dangerous man might elude us further. Please M'lord, any further assistance or information would be greatly appreciated."

With Fizzbang in company, Tharin strides down the woodland path, weapon drawn on the lookout for any predators they may come across deeper in the forest. They go until hunger makes itself known, then stop to eat.

Kynortas and Aracynth:

 Fizzbang and Tharin:

Perception 15

"Ah, Thank You, M'lord. You are truly a noble, honorable, and good man. We are most relieved to hear that the Lady is in good company, though news of this malady is worrisome. You have my oath, that by Bahamut's Grace, we will see her back to her normal self."

Aracynth paused a moment and added, "Also, if it is not too bold of me to suggest, M'lord, you might send notice of her condition to the Duke and Duchess Oglethorn, to perhaps ease what tension has grown between your houses. They truly are distraught in the Lady's absense, and would no doubt be grateful to hear that she is not lost, as they have believed. The Duke Oglethorn still holds you in high esteem, and I'm sure a show of concern and solidarity for the Lady Rhea will help him through this."

Persuasion : 18

Tharin/Fizzbang:

 Aracynth/Kynortas:

[spoiler] initiative 22 [/spoiler]

[Spoiler]test[/spoiler]