The Mages return to visit Lady Alustriel

The three mages spent the morning walking around the city - almost just killing time before midday - the time Merrell was due to visit the Palace again to see Lady Alustriel.

As noon approached, the three made their way to the Palace, Merrell anxious to hear the results of Lady Alustriel's investigations. Arriving, they are greeted and quickly escorted into a much smaller meeting room. Alustriel is sitting when they enter, but stands immediatly. Her face looks grave, and she looks directly at Merrell.

"Please come in and sit down... I have some bad news I'm afraid." The three of them enter, Blondung looking around to see if he could spot the spellbook. Not seeing it, he frowns, then returns his attention to Alustriel as she starts to discuss the results of her investigation for Merrell's missing friend Aran.

"This morning, I cast a spell of detection, and determined that Aran was located within the walls of Sliverymoon. Encouraged, I cast another spell, that would allow me to scry her presence. Unfortunately, and there is no easy way to tell this - I discovered that she was dead. I'm sorry." Seeing Merrell's shocked expression, Alustriel moves to comfort him. "I can see you were close" she says, "and I realise this must be terrible for you, but I can tell you more. Investigating further, I determined that she had been dead for several days, and had probably been dead before she was brought into the city. I sent the city guard to investigate along with several of my high ranking colleagues, and they discovered that the building in question was owned by a merchant who has since been arrested, although I believe he was probably working under the effect of some form of charm spell. The Zhent mage you mentioned has not been found, though from the nature of Aran's death, I am not sure if he is responsible or not." Alustreil pauses to draw a deep breath. "It appears that Aran's life force had been drained - presumably by some form of powerful undead..."

Blondung, after a short pause, speaks. "What about the other matter, the spellbook..." he says. Alustriel shoots him a look of almost contempt for his lack of sensitivity, and Blondung blushes and looks away.

Alustreil does however answer the question. "I have sent the book to the College on the other side of the river. I believe it is being examined there - in fact it may be beneficial to you all to visit and perhaps learn something - both from the book you have gained and the excellent teachers there..."

For a long time Merrell just stood there staring at Lady Alustriel in unbelief. Her discussion with Blondung about the spell book may have well not taken place, for if he heard any of it the half-elf did not acknowledge he had.

Merrell cleared his throat obviously trying despirately to hold back the tears that were forming in his eyes. "Thank you M'lady for your help in this matter." he managed to force out as a reply.

When Alustriel stood and moved to comfort him, Merrell leaned on the noble woman for support. Tears fell silently down the mage's cheeks.

He stood silently mourning for his lost friend a few more moments then he stood strait backed, with the practiced skill of one used to being at court. "If you are done with the body, I would like to see she gets a proper burial. But I am sure you require the body a bit longer for your investigation, I will wait to collect her."

The mage then bowed, "Lady Alustriel, thank you again for your help. I must go and prepare a place for Aran's final rest. If you would be so kind as to send message when the body is ready I would appreciate it. Your Captain knows where we stay." Though the half-elf put on the airs of confidense, everyone in the hall could see he was still in shock over the news of his friends murder.

Having excused himself, Merrell walked away from the palace in a daze. He accidently bumped into several people on his way, but took no notice.

<Yvandel aka Sebastian wrote>:
> "Hey, Blondung, think we should go and follow
> Merrell? You know, to make sure he doesn't run
> into trouble..."

Blondung shrugs. "I'm sure he'll be alright..." he mutters.

After Merrell leaves, there seems little more to talk about with Lady Alustriel, and the two of them leave shortly afterwards.