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       #Post#: 1084--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: Kimcora Date: June 19, 2020, 10:21 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       An apology? Dimitri kept his eyes forward, even if his lips did
       twitch from the emotionless and professional mask he was trying
       wear around the others. The surprise of her not being furious
       with him still had him feeling a bit lighter on the inside, like
       he couldn't help the elation that he felt at hearing her not
       dismiss him. That pause had worried him, shook his resolve a bit
       more than he cared to admit. How is it that one woman had him
       this wrapped up in her actions? Sure, he was a bit of romantic,
       but it was always fleeting and fast. Perhaps Nesryn would be the
       same, but for now he would enjoy the feeling.
       A smile slipped his control, one that softened when he finally
       allowed himself a glance at her. She was looking at her hands,
       something that was so different than her usual proud and
       reserved mannerisms. Even if it was cute to see this new side of
       her, he had to admit he liked it better when her confidence
       showed.
       "No offense taken, Miss Zoya." He said, to maybe reprieve her of
       any thought she had done something wrong. He had caught her by
       surprise in a private moment. He was sure if it was him in her
       position...well he probably would have liked to have had Nesryn
       stumbling over her words over just one look from him. But that
       was beside the point... "While surprising, your actions were
       enlightening and proved my point. You are quite skilled,
       incredibly so." He told her, deciding to let a compliment slip
       its way into his talks with her. She earned it after that
       display last night and it wasn't simple flattery, which she
       warned him against in their initial meeting yesterday. "That's
       speaking as someone who got to see a bit of your skill. And as
       someone who wishes to pay you a genuine compliment." He knew
       that perhaps he just squashed the whole feel of her apology, but
       as he felt before. He just had to say something.
       Luna had turned her attention to the tea, her harp music ending
       in this note that seemed to drift away in the air. It was lovely
       really, but also a somber sound for Dimitri. It meant soon he
       would have to collect the tray and leave Nesryn's company to
       perform his other duties around the home. But perhaps there was
       hope at dinner? Or maybe after? If she wasn't keen on actually
       sticking him with those blades of her's.
       #Post#: 1092--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: DolittleMax Date: June 21, 2020, 8:42 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The airy note rang out through the garden as his word
       reverberated through her like a plucked string.
       ‘a genuine compliment’
       Nesryn was never complimented for anything within the guild. She
       was always told how she could improve- his words of kindness
       felt odd to her. She had been trained to do what she had been
       trained to do, it wasn’t all that special.
       She didn’t even have to look at him to hear the pleased tone to
       his words- in fact, she was sure that if she looked over at him
       he’d be smirking. His voice held that quality. With a small
       breath aimed at regaining her dignity, she thrust out her chin
       and used her previously clasped hands to brush at something
       invisible on her skirt.
       “Mr Valcrow, I did warn you about compliments. Did I not?”
       After this remark, not snappy or hard just a factual reminder,
       Nesryn moves to Luna’s side to assist with setting aside her
       harp properly so she may take tea a little easier. After doing
       so, she knew that shortly Miss Luna would want to go to her
       quarters to set out the flowers she’d gathered from the gardens
       earlier. Fresh flowers to replace yesterday’s in the vase. So,
       after tea in the garden was finished, Nesryn followed her
       upstairs.
       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
       It was much later in the week and Luna was beginning to get
       ready for bed, Marcella would be arriving soon to assist Luna in
       changing into her evening gown but for now, Luna read in an
       armchair by the fire as Nesryn sat in a chair by the door.
       Everything was as it should be and Nesryn was quite pleased that
       everything had settled into a routine. These quiet moments
       allowed Nesryn time to reflect on everything that had occurred
       during the day. Nothing out of sorts besides having to keep an
       eye on Dimitri. He wasn’t... dangerous but he had a way of
       ruffling Nesryn that she’d yet to have experienced. It was
       nothing taught to her in the guild; not emotional manipulation
       or blackmail or bribery or gas-lighting. Everything he said or
       did was just... naturally him. He was... odd.
       Before Nesryn could dwell more on this, the door slammed open. A
       flurry of dark material and the Elvi woman was on her feet and
       armed. With a hardening of her mind, Nesryn dove after the
       figure rushing toward Luna. With a grunt from the intruder, a
       knife was knocked from their right hand and it clattered to the
       ground, Luna only now letting out a noise of distress.  The
       brief look Nesryn spares Luna to see if she was okay was all it
       took for the intruder to grab a handful of ash from the
       fireplace and throw it into her face. Nesryn was knocked from
       where she was pinning the figure to the ground onto her back.
       Another sound of scuffling toward Luna and Nesryn tuned into her
       Elvi senses. She could sense them picking up the knife again- a
       small scrape of metal against cobblestone and a gasp from her
       Lady- and the attacker tried once more. This time Nesryn was
       ready and her eyes had tears up enough to give some sight as she
       stepped in to defend. Knife clashed with knife and Luna gave a
       strangled cry of fear again. Nesryn moved in to attack, blade
       swinging and causing the opponent to give a hiss of pain and
       turn on their heel to flee. From the direction of the footsteps
       they were headed through the castle, surely they would be
       stopped.
       Nesryn panted and wiped at her eyes with her sleeve to get the
       spot out of them. When she was able to see again, she rushes to
       Luna’s side and cooed gently, trying to assure the poor woman
       that everything was okay.
       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
       Footsteps sounding at a run would echo through the kitchen as
       Marcella rushed into the room. She was wrapped in her warm cloak
       and looked distressed.
       “D-Dimitri! Quickly- to Lady Luna’s quarters. There’s been an
       attack-“
       She led Dimitri up to the rooms where Nesryn stood kneeling
       beside Luna’s armchair. The woman had calmed, but Nesryn has
       not. When the two entered, a pair of knives sailed to land in
       the door posts right next to them. She snapped to face around,
       her sooty glare she was levelling at them on relaxed slightly as
       she stood to her feet. It seemed Marcella had heard the attack
       and had gotten Dimitri of all people.
       “Marcella, go tell the guards we have an intruder. I don’t have
       a description other than dark clothing and they will be
       injured.”
       She gave a terse nod and went about it in her admirable
       no-nonsense matter. Nesryn looked at Dimitri.
       “There has been an attack on her life. I intended to try and
       restrain them but they escaped... I need help to move a bed
       again. Mine. I’m going to be staying in Luna’s quarters from now
       on... Until we find this person... I have a feeling it’s someone
       within the staff of the household. Yes, that does make you a
       suspect so don’t think I won’t be analysing every move you make
       as well.”
       #Post#: 1094--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: Kimcora Date: June 21, 2020, 11:26 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The week had gone by in a blink, or so it appeared to Dimitri.
       Things had been no busier than usual in the home and honestly
       the routine stayed the same. The only change was now Dimitri got
       to look forward to seeing Nesryn everyday. The Elviyenne guard
       wasn't an easy person to approach, but Dimitri found it best to
       just go with the flow and speak candidly with her. He got the
       best responses out of her that way. Despite the warning about
       compliments, Dimitri still afforded her few, although sparingly
       and only when they mattered. He didn't want her to think he was
       being overly complimentary to manipulate her or something. Which
       was why he kept his dealings with her coincidental or due to
       circumstance and didn't seek her out. Well not
       completely...Perhaps he may have lingered a little longer after
       delivering Luna her tea or added another five minutes to his
       walk to Luna's quarters to say hello to her in the morning. But
       that was beside the point. He didn't harass her, as Marcella
       warned him against when he confessed to finding the woman
       attractive over drinks with her. Marcella was his confidant and
       perhaps only real friend in this place full of backbiting and
       airs of importance. So he trusted her when she advised him in
       taking things slow and really getting to know the woman before
       trying to add expectations or intentions on to something that
       might not go anywhere. He should just enjoy it.
       So enjoying it he was, even as he was tasked with polishing the
       silver that night with another servant. One from Freida's stock
       that usually helped prepare the food. He didn't pay them much
       mind as his thoughts returned to how Nesryn looked lovely today
       in her dress. His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of
       running, something unusual at this time of night. In burst
       Marcella, looking alarmed but still put together. The news of
       their being an attack on Luna pulled him to his feet quickly.
       Most in the house that served Luna were loyal to her to a fault.
       Any news of her harm would make any of them panic, including
       Dimitri. He followed close on Marcella's heels to the room, only
       stopping his stride when he saw Luna and Nesryn. Aaaand when a
       blade went soaring towards him and Marcella and sunk into the
       door frame. She meant to miss and under any other circumstance
       he would have thought it was sexy as hell--well maybe it was
       still a little sexy. He shook off the thought and instead
       focused on the scene at hand.
       Luna looked shaken, but unharmed. No blood was on or around her
       so he assumed that meant the attack had failed. Nesryn had a
       face full of soot and looked like a live wire, primed for an
       attack. He tried to look around the room, to maybe see signs of
       what happened to paint a picture of what was going on. It seemed
       only Luna and Nesryn were in the room when they attacked. As
       Marcella ran off to collect the guard and perhaps Lord Hydrus,
       the current only man of the home, Dimitri failed to find really
       anything left in the room that clued into an attack except a
       rattled Luna on the floor and soot on an angry Nesryn. Since the
       guard would have a better chance of catching this attacker and
       subduing them, Dimitri decided to stay with Nesryn and Luna.
       His attention went back to Nesryn when she requested help with
       moving a bed to Luna's room. He gave a quick nod, more than
       willing to assist with that as he agreed. Luna shouldn't be left
       alone if people were trying to harm her. He went to glance at
       Luna and ask if she was okay, but realized she was in her
       nightgown and had to avert his eyes, as was customary. However,
       Nesryn's assumption that the attacker was a staff member made
       his eyes immediately land back on her. When she even said he
       might be a suspect, Dimitri gave a bit of a scoff. As per usual,
       he deflected the slight moment of offense at his character with
       a bit of humor.
       "I look forward to having you watch me closely, Miss Zoya. I'm
       sure you'll find what information you need to your satisfaction,
       of course." He said before he sobered and gave a small shake of
       his head. Great, she probably had a lovely sense of humor right
       now...Smooth Dimitri.... "You think someone from the staff
       attacked Lady Luna? We were all hand selected by Freida herself
       and everyone pretty much knows each other by now...Are you sure
       an outside person wouldn't be responsible?" He asked, not sure
       how she came to that conclusion. Did something happen during the
       attack to make her think a staffer was responsible? He did find
       it strange that none of the windows were broken. That meant the
       attacker barged into Luna's door. Not exactly the most stealth
       entrance for an assassination attempt.
       #Post#: 1099--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: DolittleMax Date: June 21, 2020, 9:21 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The room was how it should be other than the mess of fire-place
       ash on the ground by the fireplace and the soot on her face.
       Nothing out of the ordinary.
       Nesryn got properly to her feet and moved toward the door with
       quick steps, shooting a glare at Dimitri for his almost
       flirtatious comment. Now was not the time- she yanked the knives
       from the door, sheathing them again at her thigh where they had
       been beforehand. Marcella quickly moved to retrieve the lady's
       dressing gown and wrap it around her shoulders as Nesryn looked
       at Dimitri seriously.
       "The intruder entered through the door from within the mansion.
       Since no one has sounded the alarm that there was an intruder;
       the culprit is either within the staff (therefore no one thought
       it odd for them to be there) or the guard has quite neglected
       their duty and everyone had their eyes closed."
       Nesryn looked to Marcella, "You're excused for this evening. I
       will be tending to our lady's needs this evening"
       Marcella looked almost indignant and was about to open her mouth
       before Nesryn shot her a look. The woman left quickly then and
       Nesryn took a moment to gain a subtle breath and think.
       With Luna in bed at last, Nesryn had set up a bedroll outside
       the woman's room and had opted to change into trousers and a
       blouse. Comfortable to sleep in- though she doubt she would -but
       practical in case she needed to get up and move.
       She gave Dimitri a shrug of her shoulders, "I suppose you may go
       for the night as well. Though... would you mind accompanying me
       on my investigation? You know most of the staff better than I...
       We can meet in the morning? In the kitchen."
       #Post#: 1102--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: Kimcora Date: June 21, 2020, 11:58 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dimitri listened to what she had to say over why she thought
       that an employee was the killer. Her reasoning made sense and
       that lent itself to Dimitri asking less questions. This person
       got in without detection and got away seemingly without
       detection. That meant they knew their way around the home...And
       they almost killed Luna. He was ready to trust Nesryn's
       judgement if it meant keeping the poor woman safe. So Dimitri
       helped her set up her bed outside the door and tried to find
       comfortable things for her to sleep on at least. When it was
       completely set up, she spoke to him and seemed to be inviting
       him to join her investigation. Odd. Wasn't he a suspect still?
       Or perhaps she believed he wasn't guilty? "I wouldn't mind
       assisting at all. And I suppose that allows you to keep a better
       eye on me as well, correct? Two birds with one stone?" He stated
       before he gave her a softer look and an almost concerned glint
       in his eyes. "Do get some rest, Miss Zoya. Until tomorrow." He
       left her to rest, even if his mind wandered back to the servants
       quarters, tonights issues still on his mind.
       He was up early the next morning and made his way to the
       kitchen, finding he was there before Miss Zoya. He decided to
       make some coffee even if he was sure there was work to be done.
       When she entered, he gave her a pleasant smile. "Good morning,
       Miss Zoya. Coffee?" He offered since she seemed to have stayed
       up the entire night...That and he was sure she was going to fill
       him in on what was going on, so he didn't bother asking...
       #Post#: 1107--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: DolittleMax Date: June 22, 2020, 10:13 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Nesryn didn't sleep that night, some out of caution to ensure
       they wouldn't have a repeat of the night's incident and some due
       to her own restlessness. She'd spent the night by candle and
       early into the morning mapping out her thoughts and every
       possible candidate for suspicion, before proceeding to pour over
       them again and remove those that were impossible. The chef, for
       example, was definitely not the one to have done it- due to his
       physique and Nesryn reasoned that if he had indeed been involved
       in a plot, he might have done it through a method like poison.
       She also eliminated those far too short to have been the
       culprit, as Nesryn knew from her brief wrestle with them that
       they were almost her height.
       When the morning sun began to seep through the windows, other
       various servants came and went to assist Luna and take her down
       to breakfast. Nesryn took this as her opportunity to prepare
       herself for the day and slipped into a fresh green dress and to
       tie back her hair; the skirt of the dress kept her tools
       well-hidden. With a second glance at the mirror- something
       unusual for the woman to do -she went down to the kitchen where
       Dimitri seemed all ready to help her. He offered coffee, which
       she took without saying how she didn't like the bitter liquid at
       all, and she sat down with purpose at the table.
       "Thank you. Now-" However, she looked about and realised that
       this was a well frequented area of the house and they might have
       people waiting to overhear. Setting down the coffee, Nesryn
       grabbed one of the candles from the wall and grabbed Dimitri by
       the sleeve and brought them both into the small walk-in cupboard
       that chef used for his herbs. It was a tight fit and the pair
       were pressed almost chest to chest, but if she sat the candle up
       on the shelf, it would do quite well.
       Wordlessly, Nesryn reached into the top of her dress to retrieve
       a piece of paper from her bust and unfolded it between them.
       "Now, I did some thinking and realised that you may have had a
       point- it may have been the simple error of a guard that let the
       intruder in. So I thought we might look into that first before I
       start accusing the house staff- Sound fair?" she looked up at
       him in the dim light with a raised brow to gauge his interest.
       It was quite a tight squeeze in here-
       Nesryn refocused and held the piece of paper toward him, on it
       was a fairly detailed map and a guard roster.
       "I made the roster on my first night here and the attack
       occurred during the 4 to 9pm bracket when Naaman was on duty.
       Either he saw what happened or wasn't where he needed to be...
       which means he needs a good alibi. I say that the barracks is a
       good place to start?"
       "Also, we know little of what the attacker looked like other
       than they may be familiar, they were around my size and wearing
       a dark cloak. Oh- and now they'll be injured. A deep gash, I
       dare say two to three inches long. Let's go while Naaman isn't
       on duty-" Nesryn moved to exit the pantry as she stashed the
       papers away, only for her foot to catch on Dimitri's and send
       her into his arms. She blinked and looked up at him, brow
       creased in annoyance as her face heated up and she-
       The doors of the small space pulled open to reveal a very
       surprised chef.
       "What in the blaz- ohhhhhhh..." His surprise only lasted for a
       moment before he sent Dimitri a wink and made to shut the doors
       on them again as if to leave them be. A very firm hand slammed
       on the door to keep it open and Nesryn held it there as she
       clambered out of Dimitri's arms and stalk from the embarrassing
       situation. The chef tossed her a coy glance, "Ay, we don't judge
       around-"
       "Come Dimitri" she snapped, calling him like one would scold a
       child.
       The chef sent Dimitri a wink, "Go get er-"
       ~~~~~~~~~~~
       When the pair reach the barracks, it is mostly empty as people
       went about their daily duties. The room was cosy with a large
       fire-place in which hung a pot of broth that always remained
       there for soldiers as they went about their routine and needed
       lunch. One man sat at the table, helping himself to a meal as he
       sat near the end of the large wooden table closest to the fire.
       He was sturdy with a dark black beard and broad shoulders.
       [spoiler=Luna's Room]
  HTML https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2a/14/46/2a1446d60b0f0bfa5cc95939d4a3e6d5.jpg[/spoiler]
       [spoiler=Guard
       Roster]
  HTML https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4d/9e/b4/4d9eb4e807ef745eae97de679e6fd22d.jpg[/spoiler]
       [spoiler=Barracks]
  HTML https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ef/0c/29/ef0c29c8855bf11cee8729316892b868.jpg[/spoiler]
       #Post#: 1111--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 11:43 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dimitri saw Nesryn come in the room and instantly his attention
       shifted to her dress and the way she looked. Green was a lovely
       color on her...He found himself getting distracted, especially
       when he only snapped out of it when she dragged him by the
       sleeve to a nearby pantry. He blinked when she crammed him into
       the dark little closet with her, especially since they were in
       very close quarters. This was probably the closest they had been
       since she pinned him down at knife point. Dimitri tried not to
       note the proximity and the way she was practically pressed
       against him. That would call for an embarrassing reveal of how
       much he appreciated her proximity. She didn't make it any easier
       by drawing his eyes to her...ample chest when she withdrew a
       paper from it. THis woman was trying to use psychological
       torture on him...he was sure of it now...He focused on her
       words, trying to keep his mind off of anything else having to do
       with her to try and be sure he got everything.
       She was considering a guard as the possible chance for the
       intruder to get it. Naaman was the guard on duty, a man Dimitri
       knew in passing, but only because he confiscated his booze on
       one occasion just to be an ass. And she acknowledged the maybe
       it wasn't the staff after all? Oh and the attacker was about her
       height, had a cloak, and were injured.
       He nodded along to her responses, worried that if he spoke he
       would have to take a deeper breath and risk brushing up against
       her more. He was just glad in the dim light she couldn't see
       that his face was probably as red as a tomato. In all honestly,
       when she dragged him into the closet, other ideas than
       discussing the attack ran through his mind. Thoughts that he
       quickly shoved away.
       "To the barracks, then." He said in affirmation, moving to go
       out first to get the door for her. However, that move caused her
       to trip over him when she tried to move, sending her into him.
       He quickly grabbed her, not wanting to let her fall or get hurt
       on one of the shelves. Dimitri struggled to see her face in the
       candle light, as shadows were cast on half her face. But what he
       did see looked so lovely. Especially the curve of her lips as
       she frowned at him and the way her visible eye narrowed some in
       irritation. He was worried a moment that she could feel his
       heart hammering in his chest or see the blush on his face. Could
       she sense that his eyes couldn't meet her's or that he was
       struggling to pull himself together in front of her? Before he
       could speak, the door swung open and there was the chef,
       Jorgensen, looking shocked to see the pair in his work space.
       Dimitri tensed at the sudden flood of light, unable to help that
       irritation and embarrassment filled his expression. This must
       have looked compromising. Rumor was sure to spread now. Not that
       he hated the idea people would think he had a chance with
       Nesryn, but he would rather it be true than staff rumor...When
       Nesryn lashed out at the door and stalked out, Dimitri blinked
       and watched her leave. Of course Jorgensen had to make a comment
       which looked like it irritated her further. Did she have to look
       so cute when she was angry?
       He winced when she called him to follow. Not because it was
       upsetting, but because secretly he liked the scolding tone. He
       was a little frustrated at what it did to him honestly... He
       spared Jorgensen a smirk as he followed after her, even if his
       face was still a few shades pinker.
       When they made it to the barracks, Dimitri scanned the room for
       the guard he knew would be there. It was no doubt his meal and
       break since he had the night shift before. He spotted a familiar
       face, Naaman sitting on his lonesome and enjoying some bread.
       Good, he was alone and accessible to talk. Dimtri went with
       Nesryn to the table and put on his best smile. "Sir Naaman, good
       morning. Seat taken?" He said as he sat across from the man.
       "Did you hear about last night? Luna was petrified. Poor thing.
       And I heard Lord Hydrus actually lost his mind on the guard
       captain." He said trying the conversation approach with the man
       that he didn't deal with often.
       #Post#: 1127--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: DolittleMax Date: June 22, 2020, 7:08 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The face that turned to look at Dimitri wasn't Naaman, but to
       Dimitri's credit the two looked similar. This was because they
       were cousins who'd both been hired into the Witheres service as
       guards. He blinked at the sight of Dimitri and gave a shrug. His
       gaze then caught sight of Nesryn and his eyes lingered for a
       long while as he stared her over. Though, the guard seemed a
       little uncomfortable and put-out when Nesryn didn't react, just
       staring back at him in her critical and stoney manner.
       "S'not taken but I ain't Naaman. I'm Isaac. Have a seat?" he
       offered the lady, but Nesryn didn't speak and remained staring.
       She was currently assessing him for the physical category of
       Luna's attacker. He seemed a shade too tall, and Nesryn had a
       feeling that she might have had a harder time deflecting his
       blows with a blade than she did that night.
       "As for te scoldin' We all got it in turn... t'was meant to be
       me on duty-"
       The man seemed visibly angry at himself, the way his jaw
       clenched and he stared into the bowl.
       "Wasn't it Naaman's duty?" Nesryn finally spoke.
       "T'was, but'e said 'e had a lady friend wantin to meet him in
       town that night. I clear forgot I'd promised to take his
       post..."
       Nesryn thought on this for a moment. It would seem that the hall
       was vacant of a guard, allowing the attacker through. It still
       didn't explain why no one else questioned the appearance of a
       stranger. Of course, they'd still need to speak with Naaman.
       "Speak'o te devil..." Isaac said as he gestured to a man coming
       from within one of the bunk rooms. Naaman stood a little shorter
       than Isaac but was in no way any less built or honed for his
       occupation; his scabbard sat at his right hip. Similarly they
       both had dark hair and keen blue eyes. Naaman sat down on the
       bench across from his cousin and eyed both Nesryn and Dimitri.
       "Can I 'elp ye?" he asked, pulling his dark woollen coat tighter
       around him.
       Nesryn stepped forward to carefully take a seat across from
       Naaman, who was now digging into his early meal with the knife
       in his left hand. He was an inch or so taller than Nesryn, but
       not by much. Nesryn watched carefully, not replying.
       #Post#: 1130--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: Kimcora Date: June 22, 2020, 8:26 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dimitri blushed a bit at his mistake, hoping Nesryn didn't look
       down on him for it. Though who was he kidding, she was probably
       judging the hell out of him for it. "Apologies." Dimitri said
       before the man spoke since it was trash to not call someone by
       their appropriate name. He waited for the man and Nesryn to
       finish. So Naaman was out that night and with someone, most
       likely someone that they didn't really have the ability to
       question. So they just had to verify the story then. But was
       Isaac maybe involved? After all, what was he doing then if not
       at his post? Sleeping? Eating? Creeping around in a hood trying
       to hurt Luna?
       "So then Isaac if you weren't at the post then what were you up
       to?" He asked pleasantly, not in an accusing way as he kind of
       had written the man off in his mind. Maybe he had seen something
       though? If he wasn't asleep.
       When Naaman joined them, Dimitri noted that his scabbard was on
       the right and he was using his left hand with the knife. Even if
       he was faking it now, he wouldn't wear is weapon on the wrong
       side while on duty. So that confirmed at least that he was left
       handed or a decent faker. Also the person was injured. Dimitri
       checked Naaman over for any sign that he was wincing or bandaged
       anywhere.
       "Hey Naaman, we were catching up with Issac about what went on
       last night. He says you got out last night? Lucky, even if you
       missed your post. Must have been a late night...just getting
       in?" He asked to clarify if he was really out all night. He did
       glance at Nesryn to see what she was staring at so intently.
       #Post#: 1132--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
       By: DolittleMax Date: June 22, 2020, 9:28 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dimitri's mistake did nothing but confirm the identity of the
       men in front of them, ultimately aiding the line of questioning.
       "Got in early this mornin' 'Ad a bit too much to drink and now
       I'm payin for it with this headache..." he said with a grumble
       in answer to Dimitri's enquiry. Isaac rubbed the back of his
       neck sheepishly as he looked to Dimitri, Naaman awaited the
       answer as well with an irritated glance at his cousin. It seemed
       like perhaps this had happened before, or maybe it was the
       high-stakes that made Naaman's patience so short- or perhaps the
       hangover.
       "Yeah, what was so impor'tnt that ye missed your post?"
       "Your post-"
       "Yeah, but you said you would-"
       Nesryn held up a hand to silence them both, an irritated look at
       such childish behaviour. Isaac took a breath and sighed, setting
       his food aside and glaring at his cousin.
       "I was uh... visiting a facility that uh... Is not highly
       regarded..."
       "You'll need to be more specific than that" Nesryn said flatly.
       "The uh... the um... whore-house" he muttered. Naaman shook his
       head in annoyance.
       Interesting... so Nesryn would need to get the records from the
       brothel to confirm this alibi. Though, the way he acted so
       ashamed and was hesitant to come forward with it gave credit to
       his claim. Now to Naaman.
       "How was your evening then Naaman?" she asked.
       "Fine I suppose."
       "What tavern if I may ask, I'm new in town and haven't had a
       chance to find one. A recommendation might be helpful."
       Naaman's mouth gave a twitch and he looked Nesryn over, "Black
       Barrel. Not the best place but t'was where she wanted."
       "She sounds pleasant..." said Isaac with a scoff "want'n to meet
       in that shady hell hole. Was it that married woman again-"
       "Shut up you jackas* Tis' better than some copper coin sl*t"
       They both glanced at the lady in their presence and shut their
       mouths. It would seem there was the usual amount of drama and
       questionable behaviour in the barracks- good for morale. Nesryn
       could also easily get testament to confirm his whereabouts by
       making a stop by the tavern herself. Though she had spotted some
       other factors that seemed to go against him being a suspect. No
       matter how shady he seemed as a person...
       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
       In the hallway Nesryn looked to Dimitri, "I'm not sure whether
       it is good that I think that I'm right with my hunch that the
       culprit is among the staff... or if it's just made things more
       complex..."
       She put a hand on her hip as she reached to grab the paper
       again, looking it over. That lead seemed to be a bust... Perhaps
       they should go inquire with the groundsmen... or perhaps they
       should go to the servant's quarters and ask about- maybe Karl?
       She chewed at the inside of her lip as she looked at the paper
       before tucking it away.
       "I see three main ways we can go from here; the servant quarters
       to see if anyone is about to give us information, the gardeners
       to see if they saw anything and lastly we also need to speak
       with Marcella again at some point to get her recount but that
       will have to be later this evening"
       She looked to Dimitri
       "What do you think?"
       *****************************************************
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