[Re: your OCC: Learning something new every day;-)]

Velma's hand, which was in the process of lifting a mouthful of soup to her mouth, stops in mid air.

She looks stricken for a moment and then says, "You knew Melitta Taloran... Have you not heard?" She then looks around the room and adds quietly, "It is not common knowledge, but I have heard tell that her body was found at the scene of a fire."

OOC Is this something Guilliame has heard. I can't remember if it is.

4

[OOC: This statement would come as a surprise to Guilliame. Dworkin certainly acted as if Melitta was alive when Guilliame saw him this morning. I will also remind you of a conversation Guilliame had with Master Minton back in the early days of this forum (click here). Perhaps Velma is thinking of Melitta's twin (Malcolm's first character)

I have given Guilliame 4 temporary hit points.]

"This come as a surprise to me. Dworkin was talking about her this morning as though she was fine. When did this happen?"

Velma frowns and then says, "A couple of days ago maybe... From what I heard, her body was identified from her medallion and the Temple of Donai delivered it here so that the School could pass it onto her relatives."

"I'll have to talk to Dworkin later. He seemed to expect her back. Do you know anything about the fire - where it was. Was it suspicious?"

"It was right here in the Scholar's Ward," replies Velma. "A warehouse a couple of blocks north of your shop actually. Apparently the warehouse belonged to Negress Black." [OOC: See here]

"As to whether it was suspicious?" Velma says and then she shrugs and looks in the direction of the Administration building and adds, "I think they are trying to keep things quiet about this."

"I think Melitta knew Negress so that is consistent. I wonder what happened. We'll probably never know I suppose. Sorry to bring the tone down. How was your morning?"

"Strange," replies Velma. "The Archmagus turned up and I was told to close the library and not let anyone in. Then, a little while later, they all left—taking Master Nathaniel with them on a sort of floating bed... And the rest of the morning was boring."

After a moment, she then asks, "Do you think I have done the right thing leaving the library like I have? No one came back to tell me what I was supposed to do and I was starting to get hungry. So, when you came back in time for lunch... I am supposed to have lunch, after all."

"I'm sure it's fine. But let's have a quick lunch and head back to check things out."

"Yes, good idea," says Velma, who then starts concentrating on her food.

As Guilliame eats his own food, he looks around the refectory and notices a distinct lack of masters at lunch today. In fact, he sees only one of the golden master's medallions in the room, the one belonging to thick-set woman with short cut red hair carrying her food away from the serving area and looking for a place to sit. 

[Make an Insight check.]

9

[OOC: Please roll again for experience.]

The woman's robust physique, facial features and hair colour mark her as neither Stemian nor Sorendenese and, if she is a master of the school, she must be very new as Guilliame does not recognise her. The woman eventually finds a seat alone at the end of a table and begins to eat ravenously from a plate piled high with food.

"Who is that woman?" asks Velma, looking in the same direction as Guilliame. "I do not recognise her... And why would you cut your hair short like that? It does not look very attractive."

11

OOC Is the hairstyle one Guilliame recognises?

"I haven't seen her before either. Another mystery to investigate for another day perhaps. If you haven't seen her in the library maybe her skills lie in an area not covered there."

Quote from Guilliame >>

6

[OCC: No experience, I'm afraid.]

OOC Is the hairstyle one Guilliame recognises?

[OOC: It is a very no-nonsense, utilitarian hairstyle—almost a crew cut. Clearly this is a woman who is not much concerned about her appearance.

As to whether Guilliame has seen this style of haircut before: it reminds him of the short haircut styles used by smiths and other forge workers where the heat and flames make long hair both uncomfortable and dangerous.]

"I haven't seen her before either. Another mystery to investigate for another day perhaps. If you haven't seen her in the library maybe her skills lie in an area not covered there."

Velma shrugs and then idly says, "I wonder what she is doing here?" before beginning to eat her food again.

A few moments pass as the two of them eat their food before Velma once more asks a question: "So, will you have the chance to meet with me this evening before you go to your job with the guard? I'd like to see you in your armour and weapons."

"I should be able to come in late this afternoon. I don't want to be late on my first day though. Not a good look."

"Good," replies Velma, pushing her finished bowl away. "But I suppose I should get back to the library. What are you going to do this afternoon?" 

"I was thinking of going to the seaside and putting some seagulls to sleep."

Velma bursts out laughing and then, with a smile, says, "You are funny... But what are you really going to do?"

"I need to practise the sleep spell I just learned and I don't want to blow someone up by accident before I try it out."