15:00 November the 22th, 50 P.C. Cohav Event 02 Plot Update:

During the morning of Lady Elyssia Steelblood, Malik Swiftfoot is scheduled to meet with Farah Drury for an intel gathering. Malik discovers one of Farah's messengers, with a simple note that tells two things:

(1) Lady Steelblood's death was meant to send them a message.

Something is definitely wrong. Mal isn't sure what to call the sense, he just knows it has never failed him in the past. His steps may be leisurely as he walks through the crowd, blending in seamlessly, but his hands curl into fists in his pocket.

It's simple enough. Right before the ceremonies, Malik and Farah have an arranged meeting at an old spot. It's in the center of the market; there is something to be said for hiding directly in plain sight. Mal passes the shopkeepers he walked near earlier when he was tailing Liam and stops, scanning the crowd. There, right next to a favorite bun stand is where Farah is supposed to be. Instead, a fidgity youngster is rocking back and forth on his heels, standing out like a sore thumb. Mal walks past the boy, grabbing the edge of his hood and yanking back. The boy stumbles towards him, out of sight of the oncoming foot traffic. Mal's elbow is wedged under his s throat, using the momentum to his advantage.

"Where is she?" Malik demands, his voice full of ice. The messenger can't even grow a proper beard; he's a babe fresh from one of her little encampments. There's a small roll of parchment, clutched in his hands and Mal yanks it free, elbow still keeping him in place. The boy shakes under his grip, and Mal has to make the choice of reading the note or questioning the boy.

A quick, heavy tap to the temple has him unconscious in Mal's arm. He lowers him lightly and without sympathy to the ground. If someone kidnapped Farah, he will have the lead to her. And, if not, it really is her fault for not showing up in person.

Malik picks at the wax seal, unrolling the small page that reveals Farah's loopy handwriting. His brow furrows as he reads, and a grimace turns the corners of his mouth down. Malik tucks a gold noble into the boy's pocket and turns on his heel, flagging down the first messenger he recognizes. It's a young lad, the son of a whore and magician that take up residence at Treefall, who just started running routes. Harold, Malik thinks in his head, eager to please with fast legs.

"Who died, father?" Aurora asks as a servant pins her hair back and makes sure her dress is appropriate for the occasion. She's never been overly fond of others pampering her but this is a public funeral, presumably for someone of importance or something; she must look her absolute best, at least for her father's sake. 

"Lady Elyssia Steelblood." Archbishop Hale says. "You'll do best to remember that when we're actually there. And I'd rather you not wander off tonight."

"Elyssia Steelblood", she repeats. "and I had no intention of doing so, father." 

He nods and gives her a look that only tells her he'll remember she said that and he'll hold it against her if she tries to leave early. The servant girl finishes Aurora's hair and smiles softly. Aurora nods her head and thanks her before exiting their home with her father. I wonder how she died, she thinks. She doesn't want to ask too many questions, however, and simply continues alongside her father until they arrive at the ceremony. She glances about, noticing that everyone is in attendance. Most of these people probably have no idea who this woman was, she smirks to herself. It's not that a funeral is amusing to her, it's just that a public display of it seems so degrading to the deceased. All these people who never even knew her name show up and only provide the falsest of condolences. They never knew her and never will know her, so why should they be here paying their "respects" to her and her family? To Aurora, this is something that should be a private matter for those who truly loved and knew this Elyssia Steelblood. 

If there was something Liam would genuinely count himself a part of, it would be the town's rumour mill. Not only was he often a character in the stories weaved and spread about (a colourful character at that), but he rather delighted in a little listen and tell himself. And goodness wasn't the town full of rumour this evening! The supposed story on everyone's lips being that of the late Lady Elyssia, found quite dead shortly after the evening's dealings at the Church. 

While not usually one to be particularly concerned with the welfare of the upper classes, this was turning out to be an interesting tale indeed and quite had Liam's attention. Some rather wild accusations were flying about... Based on what evidence was unclear, since the authorities were apparently keeping the truth of the matter hushed for the meanwhile. A suspicious act in itself.

Liam laughed to himself as he walked (or, to anyone watching him, staggered) through the street. His destination was, of course, the Church. He was on a mission of the utmost importance. That was, to go and see if he could find out anything interesting about what was going on. Apparently, the one that found the body was still up there. Think what he might learn! He would return to the tavern with news and more importantly fact and he would be celebrated! A hero of the people!

He snorted, amused by his own humour and came to a stop outside the Church gates. Of course, while a celebration seemed perhaps the least likely event, he might at least be able to get a little money and a few drinks in exchange for some information. And that was worth it; he'd just finished off the last of the whiskey he'd had stashed at home. Besides! What was the worst that could happen? He'd gotten away with more than a little trespassing before. Everything would be fine.

Cohav Event #02: The Curious Death of Elyssia Steelblood.

The body of Lady Elyssia was found an hour after evening service of Church. No one is sure the circumstances around her death, and the official cause of death has not been announced. The maid who found the deceased lady has been kept in the Church for questioning, further expounding the rumors flooding the market. Even worse was the arrival of Duke Ragnar Steelblood with an entire squad of her his personal guards, demanding vengeance and retribution. The funeral has a mandatory attendance in the fairground fields, where the service will start at noon and Lady Elyssia will be laid to peace at five strikes.

Lady Elyssia was found on the 22nd of the 11th month, 50 P.C., about two weeks after the Tourney. Her funeral takes place on the 23rd. The event will happen from 12/8/13 to 12/15/13 real time.

Characters are required to show attendance through a para, Gif chats, diary entries, mentioned events, etc. are also allowed, but in order to complete the event there must be a para. Please tag your paras cohavevent02 and expect the updates to pop up on your dash!