Lucan moves in behind the others and pauses at the door leaving it cracked a bit and lingers to peek out to ensure no others pursue to cause harm to the family.  Lucan wait for a pause in the conversation to interject softly.

"I'll watch our backs.  I will have an ear on the conversations as well."

Lucan will need to get some more darts should they have time to shop the merchant's quarter in the city.  He keeps his bow and arrow handy.

Krakan stands slowly and maintains a respectful posture as Salma Al-Hakim enters the courtyard.  He takes a last deep breath and then concludes his breathing exercises and focus posture, focusing his eyes and full attention on her.  "Sayyida Al-Hakim, thank you for your letter.  It is my honor to represent Al-Aqba Zawiya, master Sufir is ah.. unable to come."  He bows his head.  "I'll admit Salma, I .. received.. your letter, and I wished this task to fall to me.  I am ready and able to see this to completion.  To solve this for you.." he turns, looking at everyone else, "with the help of others."  Deep, genuine smile, followed by a bow.  "My name is Krakan Serpentfriend Vathunugate, I am studying meditation and the martial arts at Al-Aqba Zawiya, honing my body to a purpose.  And I wish to make your cause my purpose.   To bring justice to this house.  If you would have me..."  Krakan flexes his muscles subtly and his head bows, showing respect to the grieving woman in black.

"Of course you are welcomed." says Salma.

At this time Zayd al-Mujahid, the elderly man from before, comes out of the house with a serving cart laden with neatly arranged Mezze (small savory bites) Stuff grape leaves (Grape leaves filled with rice and herbs), hummus, Fatayer (small pies filled with spinach, cheese, and meat), and Baba Ghanoush (Roasted eggplant dip with tahini, garlic and lemon). In addition, there is brass tea pot with silver filigree and porcelain teacups. The tea being served is Chai tea. 

Salma gives Zayd a brief smile "Please help yourselves and thank you Zayd" He dutifully stands by Salma's side a few steps back. 

Then she looks to the party gazing intently into all of your eyes "I remember there was a coastal thunderstorm that week. Well 3 weeks ago on Thursday March 9, 1180, CE my beloved son Malik was found dead at Bayt al-Hammam (bathhouse). he was found by a Tellak (bathhouse attendant) in the late afternoon. Shurta (police) were summoned and after a cursory investigation it was declared an accident where my son slipped and fell to his death. I was not notified until after they were done with Malik. I know a post-mortem was done but I was never shown it, nor can I get access to it. Abd al-Razzag the Shurta in charge of my son just had me fill out some paperwork and my son was released to me." tears began to form in Salma's eyes but she takes a steadying breath and launches back into explaining what she knows.

"As per our customs I soon after buried Malik at the family mausoleum. But the longer I think about it the more it does not make sense. Bayt al-Hammam is far from home and not the usual hammam used by my son. It is located at Mantiqa al- Bandar by the docks. Mostly sailors and dockworkers use that, Hammam. Then there was Malik who stayed out later and later with some days not even coming home citing some work he was doing. You see my son is ... was a brilliant legal advocate who would fight for those who do not have the means to do so. It may have brought him little money, but he was so happy. Now please can you help me find the truth?" her hands are clasp together Infront of her as if to keep her composure intact.

Zayd offers her a teacup with a bristly comforting smile, and she reluctantly takes it. 

"A few questions come to mind from what you say, Sayyida Al-Hakim.  First, why do you think the Shurta would not release the post-mortem information to you, do you suspect any foul play within their ranks?  Is Malik's body still available or in a state where an independent exam, our exam, can be done?  Perhaps we can tell what killed him...  and lastly, I find it very strange that he was at an unusual Hammam, this one near the docks.  I would ask, do you know of any cases he took on recently?  Perhaps any cases from a sailor or dockworker?"  Krakan almost visibly holds his breath, holding his hands and fingers in a position that makes it easier to hear every word she said, almost to the point of slowing down her speech, measuring and weighing each word she says.  

"Abd al-Razzag said they do not typically show such documents to citizens as each document is for Shurta eyes only. I do not know if there is something amiss among the Shurta but that could be true. I am sorry as our religion dictates a loved one must be laid to rest with 24 hours of their passing. Malik was thoroughly washed then wrapped in the 3 layers of white cotton fabric and a final purple fabric with protective charms sewn in. At the time I did not think anything was amiss. I was lost in grief. I am sorry my son's body must have ... continued to decompose" these words are hard for her to say "and I will not disturb him" tears begin streaming down Salma's face and into her teacup. "Malik does not share his cases with me, but perhaps you can learn more at his office down near the Bazaar." 

Salma quickly blinks away the tears. 

Salty

Salty looked at the magnificent offering with a wide smile.  Now this is more like it!  he thought,  while looking at the stuffed grape leaves, a favorite of his.  Not a shy one, he says, "Thank ye," and loads up a plate, sampling everything offered but doing his best to display what few manners he possessed.  He was just about to take a bite of his grape leaf roll when Krakan started fishing for more information.  

He remembered the storm, that one was a doozy.  He watched it from the beach, the power of stormy seas was intoxicating.  He shook his head to help regain his focus on Krakan's questions.  He thought it odd that the man's routine changed right before his unfortunate demise, and there was no room for coincidence in an investigation. 

He could resist no longer and began sampling the delicious smelling food.  He paused to listen carefully when their hostess provided more information.  He was particularly interested in hearing of his recent cases.  When appropriate he asked about Malik's friends and associates and where they could be found.

"Could ye give us the names of Malik's friends, and where would he be takin' his cups, if ye take me meaning."

Salty

***OoC: was working on that post when the DM post popped and didn't see it until after I posted.  Would you rather have an edit, or just disregard any crossover?***

Lucan rubs his hands together as the food and beverage is brought out.  He listens to the others ask questions wondering himself how things got so bad.  He makes a plate and a cup of tea.  He loves Dolmas a favorite of his and samples small pieces of the other items too.  He tries to emulate the manners he's seen of others when he's scouting out food shops or royal gatherings, he's able to sneak into.  He does his best to speak as little as possible when asking about how things happened to minimize the stress to the mother.

"There are several clues we can follow up on and hopefully those will provide answers or additional clues. I believe that if Malik was staying later and later, he got involved in a case that dealt with someone/thing that didn't want to be discovered for some reason."

Lucan leaves it at that. It would only emotionally hurt Sayyida Al-Hakim. 

OOC -

Bazaar office of Malik for case work

Shurta Paperwork

Talk to the Tellak at the Unusual Hammam at the docks.

Anything else of interest added by others.

Samir lingers in a shaded corner of the courtyard, quiet and observant. He listens, hands loosely folded, saying nothing until needed. The scent of warm chai tea drifts on the breeze, subtle and comforting. He moves with calm purpose toward the tea, pouring a cup without ceremony. Before drinking, he approaches the grieving woman. From the folds of his robe, he retrieves a clean simple, but well kept cloth. He offers it to her silently, hand extended, eyes steady. His gesture is not dramatic, but deeply respectful. He returns to his corner with the tea. 

Salma takes the cloth from Samir and dabs her eyes to catch the well of tears almost forming anew. She puts her teacup down barely taking a sip. Then she says in a more hushed tone "Malik has one friend from his boyhood days. Ah they were such mischievous boys back then"

The afternoon sun cast an amber hush over the courtyard. Soft light filtering through palm fronds overhead, casting shadows that danced gently across worn stone. The scent of chai tea and small delectables clung to the warm breeze, blending with the older, earthier perfume of time - dust, faded memories, and mortar. Salma stood near the fountain and her eyes ringed with sleeplessness, drifted slowly across the quiet space as though she might catch a ghost in motion. Along the curve of the bone-dry basin there is an unmistakable chip, and this is where her gaze lingers. Salma did not smile but her lips softened. 

"Malik" she said softly like a flower too heavy for its stem "His best friend is Hassam al-Mu'allim a calligrapher of some renown. You can find him at his studio in the Artisan Quarter, and they like to meet at Bayt-al Dhahab (House of Gold). It is a teahouse during the day and a place for stronger drinks during the night."

Salty

"Me heart hurts fer yer pain.  Rest easy knowin' that we are to be lookin' fer yer answers," he says to Salma.  The burly orc would wade into rough seas or a sea of enemies with just cause, but beneath the layers of muscle and metal beat a kind heart.

He finishes his food, offering his gratitude as he took the plate back to the cart.  

When the pleasantries of breaking break have concluded he turns to the others who have answered the call, "I'm not fer knowin' the way o' the city, but I'd like to hear Hassam's words fer his comrade."

Krakan nods and makes it clear that he understands when Salma explains.  His large hands hold the dainty tea cup very carefully, he fills it a time or two as he drinks and obviously enjoys the chai tea.  He waits his turn and lets the others ask questions, agreeing with the line of questioning.  His huge fingers twinkle and flitter back and forth as he decides which of the Dolmades to take.  He gobbles it up in one bite, then furtively waits and watches for the others to finish, then he has additional dolmades, mezze and fatayer, nearly clearing the cart.  He takes them individually and trying to hide the fact that he’s eating so much of them, but he dabs the corner of his mouth and tries to eat and drink… respectfully… if one can in this situation.  

“It seems that we need to seek out Hassan-al-Mu’allim, and also visit Malik’s office, as well as this Bayt al-Hammam.  Thank you for your delicious refreshments.  We should be on our way to start our investigations, unless there is anything else you can think of to help.”  He stops and looks at the others, saying “We all arrived here with the same letter, with the same idea - to help her.  Should we gather together, help each other in this task?  What does everyone think of this?”  

Lucan continued to listen as he enjoyed his break with food and drink.  He looked around as the others chatted in a nonchalant manner.  Just in case he might spot those responsible looking to see if anyone tries to investigate the crime.

Lucan Investigation!  13  Checking to see if they are being watched  

Lucan Perception:  6  Checking to see if they are being watched

 OOC - Wasn't sure which roll you'd prefer of the two above.  If you prefer a different one let me know.

Lucan gathers with the others and replies, "I'd say we need to stick together.  This is will likely be a bigger issue than even we might suspect.  Safety in numbers and we all probably bring something a little different to the group.  I'd like to stop at a weapon's vendor to get a few more darts along the way at some point.  Not a rush."

OOC -

Bazaar office of Malik for case work

Shurta Paperwork

Talk to the Tellak at the Unusual Hammam at the docks.

Talk to his best friend, Hassam al-Mu'allim a calligrapher  You can find him at his studio in the artisan quarter, tehy meet in Bayt-al-dhahab (House of gold) a teahouse by day and stronger drinks during the night.

Lucan does not notice anything amiss. (It would be perception for future reference) 

Samir approaches the woman. He kneels beside her, the folds of his gray mantle settling in the dust. Gently, he takes her trembling hands in his weathered, calloused, steady hands. He does not speak at first. Only bows his head.

When he speaks, it is low and steady.
“"Your son walks the quiet path now, beyond pain and fear. Know this; the Judge has weighed what was done, and justice will come, in this world or the next. His death will not pass unseen.".”

He draws a symbol on her palm with his thumb. It is the balanced scales of Kelemvor, and leaves a small token: a polished stone, dark as midnight, etched with the mark of passing.

“You carry his memory. Let it be heavy, but not unbearable. You are not alone.”

Salma shakes her head when asked if she had any more information when asked by Kraken. 

Salma Al-Hakim takes the offered stone from Samir, and she feels its weight in the palm of hand half hoping it would offer some solace "Thank you and may you find the truth for my son and for myself"

Once the party has finished discussing their plans Salma will ask Zayd to escort you out of her home. 

Current Date and Time:

March 30, 1180 1:00 PM

Salty

It had been made clear that Salma was ready for the party to begin their work.  With a final nod of thanks, Salty exited the way he entered.  He glanced about, unsure of the layout, he hesitates.  "If ye are knowin' the way, then I'll be yer shadow," he says to the group.  "I'm still fer seein' what the friend has to say, but I rekon we'll get to 'em all.  Which'in ye thinks is the closest?"

Krakan nods to Lucan’s words, then looks over to Samir and Salty as they are leaving.  “Let’s head to the closest of these, and perhaps during working hours as they are now, let’s go to Malik’s office to see what we can find there.  Let’s see what he was working on, if we can find his recent cases, there may be a clue there.  Everyone agree?”

Quote from Twombley >>

Krakan nods to Lucan’s words, then looks over to Samir and Salty as they are leaving.  “Let’s head to the closest of these, and perhaps during working hours as they are now, let’s go to Malik’s office to see what we can find there.  Let’s see what he was working on, if we can find his recent cases, there may be a clue there.  Everyone agree?”

Lucan nods the Kraken, "If there is a weapons shop along the way I'll purchase 5 darts from a vendor quickly."

Samir nods in agreement and makes his way out. "Efficiency is key if we are to bring peace to our troubled employer."