Lela
The one eyed mage stayed silent through the winter cold, watching this suited man before her waiting in the bridge. She'd spoken to him, but no response. No reaction. Merely looking at the metal pocket watch in his grasp. Such strange behavior never faltered, even when the second and third of the curious adventures looking into this quest, a tall and muscled blonde woman and a white haired elven woman, appeared and tried to ask for more information as well.

She huffed, eye shifting away to look out at the frosted scenery as the suited figure closed the device shut and finally spoke. She'd barely been there for more than five minutes and already this felt like it was going to be troublesome. She'd of left, but this was a test for the crew. She had to make results to prove her loyalty. 

**-to the Alabaster Estate, at your service."**

The butler's words flowed in her ears, the dragon woman turning her attention back as note of the cold atmosphere was not the best place to discuss details. Watching as everyone began to make their way up the stairs and headed inside the manor. The room was somewhat cold, the snow and blanketed atmosphere outside creating shadows that darkened the room. Had it not been for the fire trying its best to stay lit in the fireplace nearby, the whole manor surely would have become a freezing death trap enveloped in darkness. Still, such an atmosphere did not distort the beauty of the halls and ornaments. Wisteria glanced framed paintings on the walls, antiques that were created by skilled craftsmen few could obtain, the floors meticulously cleaned despite the few people who probably made their way all the way out here. The manor was well taken care. Nobody could deny such a claim.

Wisteria listening as Hermac mentioned it be best to speak of why they all came out to such a place, the dragon woman turned her head ever so slightly to the hallway they were meeting in, the sound of a haggard string of coughs echoing from a far distance.

*Must b

E Alabaster. He sounds almost on death's door.*

An orb of molten amber closed shut, the fire mage turning back to the butler as he stated the basics of their mission and the great reward should they succeed. It teetered between a line of basic understanding and uncertain oddity. It sounded far too simple. Simple enough that just about anyone could do it, but the desperation in the man's voice called for much more concern.

Not to mention the crypt in question. It was a death trap. It's history and legends of what was held within didn't travel far beyond old stories, but she knew them well enough. There was dark magic in there. Threats that would kill most for sure. She'd gone there once on a whim a long time ago and seen what made its home there.

"You want us to go to *That* Crypt*?" Wisteria asked, knowing of the one the man was talking about. She looked to the butler, arms crossed and staring the man down. "When I heard the reward, I thought it was too much at first, but now I understand why your little flyer was so vague. You must be quite desperate."
Ray
It certainly seemed like the butler wanted to keep with time however he could. It was actually rather surprising to see such dedication these days. She could appreciate it.

At the introduction of the butler, and the confirmation that she had arrived at the correct estate, a soft sigh of relief escaped her. Finally, she could get out of this damned frost. She was quick to follow the butler and make her way inside, marvelling at the weapons. The craftsmanship was exquisite on many of them, the quality unmatched. But whilst she could tell that many would make for grand weapons, she could also see that plenty had lost their edge due to time. A pang of sadness was felt in her chest as she saw such beautiful tools be used for simple display. Alas, there was naught she could do, unless she simply planned to take every weapon for herself. There would never be the time, however.

The coughing was what drew her attention next, a horrid sound. Her eyes shot to the hall, half expecting some dying creature to make its way into the room. When nothing appeared, she could only imagine the state such a person would be in to make such a sound. The cold was certainly not the best place for them. An unlucky place to build such a manor.

Her heart jumped as she heard the price of the reward. Such a high amount would not only be able to keep her well fed for weeks, but pay for plenty of high quality materials. It sounded perfect. Much too perfect.

When the mage began to voice her opinion, a flash of confusion shot through her eyes. She was not familiar with Forstead, nor its surroundings, was this some sort of local legend? Perhaps a cursed crypt, filled with horrors unthought of. Strange creatures that walked through the shadows, or perhaps simple ghouls. It brought a bit of worry into her mind, as Wisteria said, it seemed like the estate was growing rather desperate. In Thyri's mind, that meant two things. They were the first set of adventurers that had actually shown up.
.

Or the rest of the adventurers had never come back.

It certainly wasn't a very kindly outlook. Was the reward greater than the risk? Well, only time would honestly be able to tell. Thyri crossed her arms as she thought for a moment, glancing over to Wisteria. "Ya know of this place? Any information yer willing to share? Ain't been to Forstead before."

Might as well try her best to work as a team, even if it had been quite some time.
Wanita
While waiting, the white haired elf removed her cloak hood and observed the other two ladies and the man sitting with the pocket watch. As soon as the man with the pocket watch stood up and escorted everyone inside, she looked around taking mental notes at everything. Then she focused her attention when the man began speaking, noting that whoever the loud wheezing cough was coming from was near death's door. 

Allisara listened and her eyes widened a little in shock at the amount of gold being offered for this task. She had no idea what this crypt was that they were having to go to, but guessing from the reaction of the lady with one eye it wasn't going to be an easy task. Alli rarely went after missions or quests that were very vague from the beginning, but for some reason this had her interest but she needed to know more. Not just from the one eyed lady that knew about the crypt but from the one in charge of the reward and who came up with the task.

"If yer wanting us to continue with this task into what sounds like a sketchy crypt, and with two of us not being extremely knowledgeable about Forstead ya mind sharing a bit more information about what you are asking us to do Mr Cromwell and what this crypt is? You seem quite desperate and the man you're the caretaker of per say is inching closer to meeting with Mortem."

Then Allisara shifted her gaze towards Wisteria and Thyri.
** **

"Seems it's just the three of us who are brave enough or stupid enough to do this. Introductions would probably be wise so we at least know each other's names. I'm Allisara, nice to meet you all and hopefully we don't end up dying with this task."

After everyone had given their names, Allisara once again looked around and had one more question for the butler. 

"You said we'll be able to rest here, I have a question in regards to that. And I don't mean for it to sound rude, so apologies if it does. Are there any rooms that aren't close to the man in the other room? Just want to get some good rest before we set out."

Her tone was kind and curious, no malicious intent within anything she had said in her time here. She was thankful she decided to wear her cloak to keep her warm as well, the fire wasn't keeping the room too warm but it was doing the best it could. Allisara was also hoping they wouldn't be setting out anytime soon, she had to make sure she was prepared for this mission. She would need to sharpen her weaponry and mentally prepare for it, as it was going to be a demanding one.