Re: Mellikho Stoneworks
The group exits the Swinging Sword into the cold night air. There are few passersby on the Long Road, yet a group of four immediately walks toward them from across the street.
One bears a familiar face in the dim lamplight from the inn: Albaeri Mellikho, bundled in a heavy fur coat. Her mien a thunderhead, she strides just behind a large man recognizable as a patron of the tavern. Two of his companions walk behind them, bearing simple spears.
"That's them," she mutters to the large man as they approach. He nods.
"'Scuse me strangers," the deep throated man begins, positioning himself directly in the group's path. "I'm Constable Harburk, by way of introduction. Albaeri here has informed me there's been some activity at the quarry tonight, couple intruders poking about. Probably nothing," he says, ignoring Mellikho's sidelong glare, "but we do have to keep the peace in this town."
"She said the six of you asked to be shown around the quarry before sundown, and it had something to do with stories from the stonecutters. Not sure what that's all about," he trails off, looking at the faces in the group.
After a second's pause he clears his throat, and glances meaningfully at Mellikho. "Albaeri here is headed back to her house to sleep, as she's got a full day tomorrow. Even though my trusties have some hogs to slaughter in the morning, I've sent a couple of them to watch over the quarry for the night." He looks back at the group with an unreadable expression. "Jalessa's going to be put out that half her first shift was up all night, and my other trusties need their rest. Nobody's making any accusations here, but there will be no more trouble in this town tonight."
"So," he continues idly, "where are you all headed at this hour?"