Autumn, the season of harvest. It seemed that for whatever reason, that included the harvest of lives as word of missing people and animals inundated the rumour mill. Ambika would find herself caught somewhat off-guard when a runner came to her while she was looking up quests to do.
"Miss Ambika Shanti Phairot?" The runner asked.
"Yes." She quickly turned around to the origin of the voice, not letting her nervousness show.
"A summons for you, miss." The halfling runner bowed and ran as quickly as they came. A summons? Her mind immediately veered to the Haysinthes, as unlikely as that was. There was no escaping their shadows when it came to nobility. A sigh of relief would inadvertently escape her lips when she learned it was not the case; rather it was simply a request for the investigation of a murder by one of the wealthy families living in her district. She'd done pretty well for herself during the last investigation so they decided it would serve them just fine to foist another on her, apparently. Still though, a summons? The Yatas were getting real cocky, it seemed. Sigh, nothing to it but to respond to the summons.

Ambika brought herself to one of the largest manors in the district and knocked at the front door.
"Auntie Ambika!" Yoriko Yata, the eldest daughter exclaimed as she realized who had arrived. "Please, come in."
"Yoriko. It has been a while." Ambika greeted simply and walked into the guest room, where she would hear masculine sobs emanating from within.
"Ambika!" The Yata family patriarch, Hideki would attempt to hug Ambika the instant he saw her, and she sidestepped without so much as a change in expression. Ever the womanizer he was.
"Could we please just get down to business?" Ambika had little desire to remain in an atmosphere so painfully familiar to her house.
"Ah, about that..." Yoriko chimed in from behind. "We've hired another investigator to avoid bias."
"Fair enough. I will be in the other guest room until they arrive." It was then that the doorbell chimed yet again.

Nieven had just finished having a lovely relaxing lunch at a local Sol City restaurant by the name of, ‘Marvelous Mallard’. His meal consisted of a lovely crab-stuffed lobster tail and as he left the establishment giving the staff a very handsome tip for his experience he pondered on where to go next. Considering he was at the apex of commerce and business many things sprung to mind, a spa, a flower shop, but one thing had his heart today and that was clothing stores. Thinking of his previous visit a familiar one struck his fancy, ‘Sew it Seams’, the last time he had gone he’d almost bought out the whole shop in one day.

He chuckled to himself at the thought of doing it once more and began heading over to the establishment. However, as Nieven saw the storefront in the distance someone would approach him.

“Mister Nieven Castiel Oakenthorn?” the stranger asked, holding a letter in his hands.

“Why yes that is me, are you here for an autograph perhaps?”, The sylvan elf, ever the attention-seeking person, was pleased to be recognized and called out.

The runner would shake their head, “No good sir you have been summoned”, before handing Nieven the letter, turning back, and running away.

“Hmm, interesting interesting”, he’d mutter aloud reading the contents of the address, it seemed that his brilliance had been called upon to help solve a nearby murder. Sure he wasn’t like his sworn brother but how hard could investigating be? Why if Nieven wanted to he could be the greatest detective Charon’s ever seen but he felt bad taking every role so held off. However, it seemed like at least for today Nieven Oakenthorn would have to show his genius deductive ability.

Quickly making his way towards the high-class estate Nieven pushed open the doors calling out, “Hello there, you called for my help is that so? Well lucky for you, you’ve called upon the services of Nieven Oakenthorn and I’m the best at everything”.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Sudden Death
Participants: Two or more
Location: Any City
Post Requirements: 6 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials
Description: A rich family is mourning the passing of one of their members. The circumstances around their death are very suspicious, and the family suspects a murderer to be in their midst. You have been asked to go in and investigate the situation. Someone connected to the deceased is responsible, and the family is trusting you to find the truth. You’ll be handsomely rewarded if you can bring forth some proof and connect the murderer to the death. The details around the murder and murderer are up to you. Make sure to be discreet, or else you risk having the murderer turn their attention to you.

Ambika internally groaned at Nieven's introduction as her mind reeled in unpleasant memories about the Haysinthes' declarations of absolute superiority. Florentio was practically the white sheep among that family who seemed to a distillation of humanity's worst traits, and even he couldn't resist being a smartass at times. That thought did not belong here, though, so she would sink that back inside the abyss of unwanted thoughts and greet him.

"Ambika Shanti Phairot. I will be working alongside you, Nieven." She introduced herself succinctly, her expression betraying none of her internal thoughts.

"Now that we have the both of you, allow me to explain why we have summoned you here." Yoriko beckoned the two into the guest room seats once more, and began the sordid tale of the tragedy that befell their family.
"My mother Marie, the Yata family matriarch, has passed away unexpectedly." Marie? That sharp, snobby old fox who loved no more than to jab at her lessers and yet somehow competent enough to prove her superiority? Ambika could not help but have a hint of surprise show in her face.
"Oh, poor Marie..." Hideki sobbed. "We thought she was just taking a long nap at the study until we actually checked on her."
"We will hold a funeral for my mother in a few days. Until then, though, just between us, I believe she was murdered, but we don't know who or how. There were no external injuries we could find." Yoriko's eyes narrowed as the words came out.

"I see. I am sorry to hear that. The two of us rarely saw eye-to-eye, but she did not deserve to be killed." She knew far too well the pain of losing family members, even with all the grievances towards each of them held deep in her being. 

"May I see Marie's body?" Ambika then cut into the air with little delicacy. There was no point to it when she was here to brute-force her way into the truth of the matter.

"Of course. This way, please." Yoriko led them down into a room at the far corner of the hallway, and inside laid a deceased Marie, her body still pristine thanks to an expensive preservation spell.
"Please... treat my mother with respect." Yoriko could not help blurting out those words, especially knowing how no-nonsense Ambika was.
"I will." Far from the first time she handled corpses, and likely not the last, either. "Were these the clothes she was wearing on the day of her death?"
"Ah, no. We decided she should wear her favourite dress to her final resting place." Yoriko replied.

"What was she wearing, then?" Ambika followed up with a second question. It was important, since it would change the parts of Marie's body that was exposed.

"I'll have a servant fetch it over." Yoriko rang the calling bell she had on her, and soon a servant would come over and she would relay her instructions. In the meantime, Ambika observed the condition of the corpse. Rigor mortis had set in but not putrefaction, and purplish red discolourations ran along her legs and the back of her thighs, which lined up with the anecdote that she died while sleeping in the study, likely still seated at time of death.

A curious but friendly expression would be present on Nieven’s face as the elderly-looking woman approached him and made her introduction. Immediately the sylvan elf would reply with great hubris, “Why hello there Miss Ambika Shanti Phairot, the pleasure is all yours I’m sure. So I hear that you will be acting as my deputy detective on this very important investigation today. Worry not, I have great talent and eyes like a hawk so this should be simple just try to follow my lead and keep up”.

Before he could continue with his self-aggrandizing speech the noble family that had summoned them here rushed to explain the situation. Making himself comfortable, the Sylvan elf rested his chin on top of his knuckles as he listened to Yoriko detailed what had happened. In all honesty, Nieven didn’t have a single clue as to who any of these people were at first but the name Lady Marie did ring a faint bell in his head. He didn’t know much about her but recognized that she was a well-regarded and powerful figure in Crescent Isles society.

Taking the moment to reassure the noblewoman Nieven would exclaim, “Of course you can trust me to keep a secret I am known for my integrity”.

The most interesting detail to him was that she mentioned Lady Marie not having any physical or external injuries on her body. After all, if she hadn’t been hurt or attacked then how could she have died so suddenly? Nieven then glanced at Ambika as she asked to see the body before rising from his seat and hurriedly following Yoriko as she led them to the scene of the crime.

“Yes, let us start posthaste and get this investigation started at full gale force. You have my solemn word as the third born son of House Oaken-”, before stopping completely, “as Nieven Castiel Oakenthorn, Solaris’s Gift to the World that we will get to the bottom of this mystery before the end of the day”.

Upon entering the final resting place of Marie Nieven couldn’t help but let out a loud surprised gasp as he lay on the deceased victim. There she was in a preserved stasis in an almost ethereal peaceful state.

“I am so sorry for your loss my friend, I promise we will treat her body with the utmost respect and honor. After all, she was a noblewoman with prestige and renown, she deserves the most elegant and brilliant send-off imaginable, just let me know if you need help planning the funeral”.

Crouching down to get a closer look the young elven man gives a faint smile, “Her dress is beautiful she had great taste it seems”.

Standing back to his feet Nieven stops grinning and becomes serious before there is an air of whimsy to hearing this but knows he wants to bring this stranger’s killer to justice. Channeling the energy of his sworn brother he would start the case by gathering some information.

“Yoriko, if I may ask, did Marie have any enemies to speak of? Any people that she may have wronged in her past? Who would gain to benefit from her death if any? I’m sure we all know that in our circles of high society, assassinations for the sake of power or revenge are very common”.

Ambika did not miss the slip of the tongue. Nieven almost swore on his house before correcting himself. That certainly explained why her mind veered towards the Haysinthes so readily. She was not here to be judgemental though, as much as she loathed upper class twits in general.

Yoriko couldn't help but look towards Ambika with an awkward expression when Nieven asked his question, a gesture that did not escape the old soul's notice.
"Before you get any ideas, Nieven, I may detest the woman personally, but she was a loyal family friend." One of the few she and Florentio could trust to help with keeping tabs on the Haysinthes due to their business relations. Fine arts, as it were.
"As for other enemies, well... There are the Katzes, business competitors who operate on quantity over quality. Ah. Apologies. I haven't told you about the family business, have I? We are artisans, though we also run a referral agency where we help fellow artisans find jobs."
"I like to believe my mother has done a superb job in avoiding retribution from our circles, but perhaps Auntie Ambika has other theories?" Yoriko threw the ball back to Ambika's court and the latter couldn't help but note the tone of derision in the Moon Elf's voice. She briefly wondered if Yoriko still hadn't gotten over her son's outright rejection of her advances.
"Were there any clients with complaints, or any artisans you had to cut ties with in the past year?" It was impossible to work with everyone, after all. Ambika then brought her nose to Marie's fingers to see if there were any lingering scents or hints, but it seemed that she had been thoroughly bathed, likely as part of the funeral preparations.

"...None that I am aware of regarding the clients, but there were a few local artisans we had to cut ties with. I will give you a list of their names, addresses, personalities and reason for termination."

It was then that the servant would arrive with the clothes Marie was wearing at her time of death.

"Please excuse yourselves while the servant changes my mother's clothes. I will work on the list in the meantime." Yoriko would usher the two detectives out of the room and they would be left standing in the hallway for a few moments before Yoriko opens the door once more with the list on hand.
"Here." Ambika peruses the list, making sure to allow Nieven a proper view of it too.

---

Name: Ishya Matahari
Address: ***
Personality: bubbly, hardworking, trusting.
Reason for termination: Burnout. Termination was mutually agreed upon to force her to rest and recuperate.

Name: Misha Bartovska
Address: ***
Personality: arrogant, condescending.
Reason for termination: Too difficult to work with.

Name: Nell Tylric
Address: ***
Personality: laid-back, casual, friendly.

Reason for termination: Failed to deliver within deadlines one too many times.

---

Unbeknownst to Ambika, however. Nieven's summons actually contained a second note, telling him not to trust the former.

Nieven would scoff, “Why I would never even think of accusing you Ambika after all I have deemed you trustworthy. My insight and impressions of people are usually never wrong and from what it seems at first glance you seem relatively normal and don’t ooze with killing intent”.

Nieven had heard of the Katzes, an important noble house that prioritized getting products out at a breakneck pace. He himself had even ordered a portrait of himself only to just sit there for twenty minutes and receive a rather lackluster and undistinguished result.

“I see that seems quite interesting, I hear the artisan sector is quite booming these days. I’m sure business has been booming especially with a referral agency that can be quite lucrative if handled with enough skill and grace”.

The sylvan elf then grew silent as Yoriko questioned Ambika for any ideas, an interesting line of questioning had been presented. If the family was running a referral artisan agency then it would make sense that a former disgruntled contractor or client could have held a killer grudge against Lady Marie.

Nieven would quickly shuffle out of the room dismissing himself into the hallway so Yoriko can get them some information and Marie can be put into the most extravagant funeral garb. The man leaned against the wall deep in thought as he went over the information they had now. Once they had been given the list Nieven would rush to get his hands on it after Ambika scanned the list of names and motivations he recalled the interesting warning he received in his own earlier summons.

“Hmmm, Misha seems to be fairly suspicious at first glance considering she was considered a rough and arrogant fellow. Perhaps she was disgruntled that she was cut off and wanted revenge on the family. However, I must say that I have personal secret intel that Ishya is not to be trusted and we should look into her”.

Misha would be an obvious suspect for the most part, but Ishya did feel different from the other two given the reason for termination. Ambika was not particularly inclined to trust Nieven and his words, but she was a professional and despite her personal biases, the latter had not actually done anything to her detriment just yet.

With that, the two would visit Ishya's residence as per the given address, and met with an unhealthily skinny Gremling who opened the door warily and appeared unassuming, her face on the sullen side but not so much as to show a clear expression... Then she saw Nieven, and suddenly she was hysterically screaming, and attempted to slam the door shut only for Ambika to put one foot to the door and prevent Ishya from doing so.
"Stay away! Stay away from me, you disgusting elves! All of you are the same! Use me and use me and use me then abandon me once I can't give you what you want!" A stark difference from the descriptors used by Yoriko. Whatever happened to Ishya, she was broken, and now her self-defence mechanism is redirecting her rage at Nieven and his ilk.

Ambika was looking to Nieven to gauge his response when she caught a little glimmer in the corner of her eye, and she immediately forced the door open, intercepting the throwing knife with her instrument case. It was then that the pieces finally came together. This was a set-up. A pair of assassins would then break in from Ishya's studio windows, and another pair of thugs would flank Nieven on his sides.

Following his genius idea and suspicions the pair left the estate bidding farewell to Yoriko and the servants. Arriving outside the first thing Nieven did was look at the address and led himself and Ambika to where Ishya had made her abode. It took no time at all to find thanks to his navigational excellence.

Nieven would call out, “Hold on Ambika I got this”, before knocking on the door and yelling, “Hello there yes it is me Nieven Oakenthorn now please do open this door we are looking for an Ishya Matahari are you home?”.

Quickly enough the door swings open revealing a malnourished but normal-looking gremling. Expecting immediate praise or adoration the sylvan elf was surprised to instead receive screaming and hysteria. Why was that the total opposite reaction even from his enemies, ‘was my hair out of place?’ he thought worriedly as Ambika kept the door open with her foot. However, as the enraged gremling artisan began her insane ramblings it made a little more sense.

Simply scoffing in irritation Nieven retorts with sass, “Girl what are you even talking about? Racism is not a very flattering color on you so I recommend trying something else. First off don’t you dare have me and disgusting in the same sentence I will have you know I am quite dashing and beautiful. Secondly, I am not interested in your art and you seem very unstable. We are simply here to ask you some questions relating to Lady Marie’s suspicious passing”.

However before he could continue asking questions, assassins in front of him and another pair would appear on both sides of him.

“Ehehehe hello there fellows, to what do we owe the visit? What do you all? Are you some sort of festive ninja here to give us information…Or assassins here to get the jump on us?”, Nieven would grin excitedly to show off his combat prowess.

Ambika was never a conversationalist and much preferred to speak through her actions, and so she would have no words to spare Ishya other than "Hide. Now."

One of the assassins tried to lunge after Ishya, only to be prevented by a chained weight[1] thrown at their knee, partially crippling them. Ishya's studio was a relatively narrow space that left not much room for anyone to maneuver around, which meant that wide sweeping movements would leave one more disadvantaged than when they started.

The other assassin took the opportunity to try to blindside Ambika, only to have a floating caltrop[2] stab onto their clothed face, drawing blood and flinching backwards from the pain. She then looked for Ishya once more to check where she was, and noticed her cowering inside one of the closets. Turning her attention back to her assailants, a blade would be swung towards her neck, which she barely dodged as she bent backwards and threw a smoke grenade straight down, allowing her to instantaneously warp[3] behind the assassin and introduce them to a nice dose of fear-inducing steel[4], driving them to pick up their fellow ally and fleeing to kingdom come.

With the assassins out of their collective hairs for the time being, Ambika would check on Nieven to see if he needed any assistance on his end.

---

[1]Kusarigama

[2]Minor Trickery on Caltrop

[3]Evasive Grenade Arts

[4]Fear Tip

Nieven didn’t pay any attention to anyone else besides himself and his enemies in front of him. Figuring that Ambika could take care of Ishya while he took the spotlight during this ambush. There were two assassins one to his right and one to his left as he stood in front of the door and in the alleyway they were previously standing in. The Sylvan elf couldn’t help but let out a haughty laugh as the two assassins approached him, armed with a knife and a war hammer.

“Ahahahaha, really do you honestly think you could take me down right now? Gosh how utterly ridiculous of a thought, well then let us not keep you waiting. I’ll soundly beat you into the ground and you’ll see your grave mistakes then”.

He would then pull out his lance from his back and steady himself just as one of the assassins swiped at him with her knife. Parrying the incoming blow with his weapon he pulled back his weapon and thrusted forward landing a direct shot (1) at her stomach and knocking her back. The other assassin would try to use the distraction to lift his war hammer and strike down at Nieven. However, before he could slam down his weapon he felt a large sharp cutting pain as a cone of wind (2) escaped Nieven’s mouth sending him flying and crashing a few feet away.

The two assassins groaned in pain and struggled to get back with the sylvan elf simply chuckling, “Have you had enough yet? I told you you were dealing with the best fighter Charon has ever seen. For the sake of time I’d recommend just laying down and accepting defeat”.

Seeing that they were outclassed by a long shot the two assassins decided to get up and quickly run away.

“Yes that’s what I thought ta ta now assassin ninja fellows”, Nieven would call out giving them a wave before turning around and entering Ishya’s home, “Hello, how are you doing here? Is everyone alright?”.

---

1. Lance Thrust
2. Wind Cutter

Seeing that Nieven was handling his enemies just fine, Ambika would opt to check on and try to speak to Ishya, who just shrank even further inwards, trying to become one with the closet she was in.
"Leave me alone! Just leave me alone already!" The Gremling's tears were flowing uncontrollably.
"I will as soon as you answer my question. Just one. Please." She needed confirmation, and if it were any other scenario she would've had more, but in this case one singular word would suffice.
"Haysinthe?" That whatever colour on Ishya's face immediately desaturated into pallid whiteness told Ambika all she needed to know. However, it seemed Ishya's lips could no longer hold her peace now that the cat was out of the bag.
"I... I couldn't say no... And it cost me everything," Ishya wept as she grieved her loss, unable to find it in herself to verbalise the secret that turned her life upside down. Ambika had no real idea what it entailed, but only because nothing was beneath the Haysinthes when it came to destroying whomever they perceived to be their enemies.

Ambika would allow Nieven to say his piece, assuming that he would have words for Ishya, regardless of whether the latter had any desire to even hear them. Once whatever conversation that led to ended, Ambika would inform him on what was actually going on.
"Marie is alive. There is a potion that allows people to all but appear to be a corpse. Their artisanal talents meant that it was easy enough for them to fake the time of death."
Ambika then continued, "Ishya was the bait. Their real target... is me." And it could only mean that the Haysinthes have learned of her dear Florentio's passing. Nothing like framing the death of another to ruin one's image in society, after all. "And knowing how Marie operates, there is probably someone out for you as well. Killing multiple birds in one stone is one of her favourite tactics."
"You are not safe here, Ishya." At the very least, getting her away from Sol City was a priority. The immediate sphere of the Crown's influence was much too dangerous.

The Sylvan elf entered the house and sat on a nearby chair as he listened to Ambika ask a simple question that seemed to almost break the poor artisan’s mind further as her cries grow louder and louder. It was interesting what she said in response, not being able to say no and it cost her everything. What they could even mean no one knew and especially considering their only witness was wailing and crying in despair. It was at that moment that the kind and compassionate stepped forth and placed his hand on the gremling's shoulder.

“So look I’m sorry that things have happened and now you feel like you’re at a complete loss for options. I can’t say that I know exactly what’s going on but we’re trying to help you, we’re trying to make things right with everyone. However, in order to do so we must get your help. I'll put aside your lack of manners and promise we’ll do our best to help out. Now that’s a promise from Nieven Oakenthorn so you know it’s as good as gold”.

Stepping back and giving the gremling some time to process her emotions and his benevolent words, Nieven began hearing Ambika’s explanation of events.

“Ahhhh why that seems to be quite brilliant indeed a perfect way to fake your death Lady Marie sure is a tricky noblewoman. Wait oh gods, so now they are after you, why? Who is Florentio? What should we do now?”

Nieven's display of compassion towards Ishya came as a genuine surprise to Ambika, and she could see a hint of Florentio in the interaction unfolding in front of her. The Gremling simply continued to weep, her whole being aching too much to gather herself for any other response.

"The Haysinthes are easily one of the most vindictive noble families out there, and they just so happen to be Sun Elves, so they enjoy holding grudges for their eternities. Even has an entire long-term hit list for when they need to wait generations before ruining their enemies." Ambika had the dishonour of helping out in one of those attempts, after all, even if the targets were... entirely acceptable by that point.
"To put it simply, Marie sold me out. Whether it was for self-preservation or further ingratiation does not matter. What matters now is that we get out of Capitol Landing before the situation further escalates. We ought to make our way to the port post-haste. Though if you have other ideas on where we could hide Ishya, I will hear it."

"Is there anything you would like to bring with you, Ishya?" Ambika turned around to ask the poor Gremling, who slowly, but surely moved to pick up her artisanal tools. Probably the only thing she had left.

The Sylvan elf nodded his head as Ambika began explaining what was going on: “I see that sounds sensible and lines up with what I just saw happen. As for elves holding grudges for eternity, I would have to agree. I myself have held grudges since I was a small child and will never let them go ever”

He would raise his hand angrily, “I still shall never forgive Feiber Hefuns for stealing my spotlight during the Annual Noble Banquet with his rendition of the same song I sang”.

“So you are on their list of enemies and they are actively hunting you and want you dead? Their vengeful attitudes are so petty and evil. Part of me even respects their dedication honestly. Attempted assassinations, Tell me about it, I’ve had that happen to me a few times people can be so jealous sometimes. That sly fox Marie truly deceived us all. Figured she was dead and gone. Why did I even call her dress beautiful and between you and me it definitely was not. Considering that I have been placed into this situation and am now associated with you they’re probably after me as well now. Getting out of here and lying low seems reasonable as for Ishya let’s just take her with us”.

Nieven then helped Ishya grab her things not wanting to wait to be ambushed again and quickly made their way out of the studio and towards the streets. Hurriedly trying to make it out of Capitol Landing and away from the wrath of the Haysinthes.

Nieven's pettiness was reminding her of Florentio in a different way, alright. Gods know he loved to annoy her with minor inconveniences here and there during their adventures, though that largely subsided after they had their first child. Children tended to change people, and fortunately for the family, Florentio's was for the better.

"They are petty and evil, alright. So much so that infighting among even blood relatives was commonplace. And Marie is a total manipulative bastard, through and through." Ambika could give him that much. "It is settled, then. Here is hoping Marie does not have any more surprises for us."

The three would make their way to Gold Port, though Ambika had concerns on whether they could even secure a trip off the island on such a short notice. The ticket office was already closed by this hour. It was then, though, that the same runner from the morn deftly walked across and slipped an envelope into her hand. Opening it up, it read:-

Consider this a parting gift.

Enclosed within was a map to an obscure part of the harbour, where a private ship sat with nothing to show its affiliation. Ambika did not like her chances in the slightest. The Haysinthes had no qualms with sacrificing people in the pursuit of their agenda, after all. As though sensing her hesitation, however, Yoriko would appear from the cabin room, glaring angrily at the old woman.

"Well? Are you going to board the ship or not, you three?" Disdain dripped in every syllable of the Yata's words. Come to think of it, Marie's always treated her daughter as more of a tool, didn't she? There were probably further machinations involved, then. Specifically, a way to ingratiate her family with the Haysinthes further... while keeping the retired assassin's ire at a manageable level and preventing easy retribution by making it hard for her to be around Sol City.

"We will likely live, but we will have to play along with Marie's theatrics." Ambika whispered to the two. "I will restrain her. Get the ship moving once you get on board." A smoke grenade would be thrown onto the ship, obscuring it from view for the most part and an instant later, Yoriko would feel the sensation of cold steel[1] on her neck.
_{"I hate it when she's right,"} she uttered under her breath. _{"Why is your family always such a pain to deal with?"}

_{"So do I,"} Ambika could only agree to the first statement. _{"And I can say the same for yours too, Yoriko."}

---

[1]Kusarigama