Heather
Marsila Vema
The Marvelous Malefactor 
Vallen, Taemar

"Thank the gods." She muttered out relieved, tired of the constant rejection given towards her pleas as she moved from one table to another. Her gaze shifted towards her right while turning her head only a nudge. The man who had spoken out instantly caught her attention with his eccentric appearance. She had never seen a mask similar to the one he currently wore, finding it quite eerie. Without another thought, Marsila pulled herself away from the table she had been leaning over and strode towards the stranger. She pulled one of the chairs out from the opposite end of his table and placed herself down. 

"I'm looking for an older couple, Michael and Arielle Vema. I only just found out they are missing and I don't know how long for. I'm surprised **No one** Noticed their disappearance nor does it look like they give a damn which I blame this bloody plague for." Her voice rushed as she spoke, doing her best to remain calm even though she could feel the tears fighting their way to the surface. She could once again feel the heat arise against her chest, the amulet emitting a soft orange glow beneath the material of her shirt. "I will pay you a pound in silver pieces. I know it's not much, especially if their trail leads us out of Taemar but it is all I have and I am desperate."

Marsila placed her hands on the table before entwining her fingers together. She held her breath as she waited for his answer, tapping her heels against the floor nervously. The poor woman wondered what could be happening to her parents this very moment. She could only hope they were in no danger but the twisting sensation in her stomach told her otherwise. It never helped that there was a plague killing people while making some temporarily psychotic before finally succumbing to the illness.
Kevin
Danico Felrantres
The Marvelous Malefactor
Vallen, Taemor

"That plague. Strange thing, huh?" He muttered in response to the girl mentioning the plague. An enigma even Danico- a man who has one foot ahead of almost every situation, couldn't figure out. Though unintentionally derailing the topic, his relaxed and casual attitude serves as a sharp juxtaposition to the girl's emotional state. 

"Let me stop you there." He interrupts with a raised hand, his body language neutral and casual, his arm folded in front. "Keep your money. I don't want it. I've enough money to do what I do, no more, no less." His position begins to turn to seriousness as he speaks with the look of a businessman. "Rather, if you've the aptitude, I have a request of my own. Tit for tat, as they say." Reaching into a pouch on his side, Danico pulls out an odd feather- long and thin, it's a light grey-blue colour with a few spots of dark brown by the tip. "There's a.. *Pet* I'm after. If I help you, you will retrieve it for me." Danicos voice turns serious, like his request is no longer a request but a demand. "I've no time since I have to attend this council everyone's so concerned about."
Robert
The Grunewalds
Grunewald Castle, Taemar

Dusk fell over the towering castle as Kenmath scurried through the corridors to light every sconce. The darkened halls were flooded with an orange glow. The *Nest* Had been swept away by Prince Auburn and Princess Wilhelmina. They volunteered to decorate the dining hall once they found Kenmath was foaming at the mouth over not having enough time to cook and clean. 

Garlands of wildflowers dangled down from the ceiling above the dining table, concealing the *Birth of Walburga* Mural. The dried hog's blood had been scrubbed off the table and floors. Wilhemina arranged long tapered candles with flowers sealed into the wax to act as the centerpiece. She tied the last flower garland to the back of a chair when King Gregor entered, dressed with his fur coat and brass crown. His beady eyes scanned the dining hall and he snorted. 

"I've died and gone to hell," He remarked, tearing the garland of daisies off of his chair. Wilhelmina and Auburn blinked at him, unbothereed by his lack of taste. Zehennagel, formally known as Spitze, sat on his haunches in the corner of the room, licking up his tears as they fell down his cheeks. 

"Sire, preparations for the feast have been completed!" Kenmath cried out in glee as he burst into the dining hall. He was excessively sweaty and his eyes were bright. He had put on a hat with a sparse amount of pigeon feathers for the occasion. 

"Excellent. And what of the—"

"They have arrived, as well, Sire," Kenmath said. He motioned behind him to a pair of darkly cloaked figures standing on either side of the door. Their faces were concealed and they made no movement to indicate that they were living beings. A corner of Gregor's mouth went up in a pleased smirk. 

"Then I suppose we can open our gates and begin to welcome our guests," Gregor said. "Kenmath, pour the blood wine. I do not want anyone to go thirsty while they are here."

And with that, the gates to Grunewald Castle opened, expectant.