Cultural Differences OR I just want my merchant's license.

Chapter 8: A Fortuitous Encounter

Now the party's investigation of Geoffrey officially began. Lucas, after much pestering from Amora and Rari, allowed himself to be dressed up so that he might walk into the government building and get some information. They borrowed some items from Reginald's suitcase as well as a few interesting dress items that Amora had brought for her more interesting performances.

The disguise didn't start well, as Amora put too much effort into making Lucas as feminine and coy as possible. Eventually though, Rari helped reign her in and composed a less garish disguise. Despite her early attempts putting make-up on Lucas, Reginald had to admit that Amora's work was quite impressive.

Lucas was successfully transformed into a halfling of slightly greater age with a mustache and very finely made crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. It was by no means perfect. Anyone who got close to him would see its flaws, but it was good enough for Lucas.

Walking over the bridge to the town council building, Reginald spoke to Lucas.

"You know," he said, "You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Lucas smiled and gave Reginald a firm pat on the back. "Don't worry," Lucas said. "I've done this plenty before. I'll be fine."

Besides Lucas's infiltration, the party had decided to let Zoe scout around the outside by herself to see if she could find Geoffrey herself and watch him. Kalin volunteered to hang around the outside of the building in case anything went wrong. Reginald wasn't entirely sure what she planned on doing, but she seemed confident enough. Besides, if Kalin was with them, then Reginald didn't have to stick around. What Lucas was doing was a bit too close to breaking the law for Reginald's tastes.

Zoe slunk into the grass around the edge of the Government building while Lucas waved goodbye--making his way up to the two guards around the entrance. Lucas greeted the guards with candor. The guards seemed not to recognize him yet, so that much was going well. While Lucas started making conversation, Zoe vanished from sight; A strange thing since she wasn't anywhere near a building corner. It was as if the grass and shrubbery had swallowed her whole.

"So," Rari said, turning to Amora and Reginald, "I had a thought. Since we don't really have anything to do right now, how about we go visit that other guy? The guy named Cooper."

"Okay!" Amora said without hesitation. "That sounds like fun."

Reginald took another look at Lucas with the guards–still conversing. He couldn't tell how well it was going and that was starting to make him nervous.

"Yes," Reginald said, "I think that would be nice." For Reginald, anywhere away from here would be nice.

"Alrighty," Rari said with a smile, "Let's go ask somebody where his house is."

###

With Rari and Amora that task was hardly a challenge.

The elderly lady they tapped on the shoulder turned around to charm and smiles. She didn't stand a chance. Even with Rari's somewhat demonic appearance, Amora's sweet demeanor melted away their iciness, and the older lady pointed out a small house near the outskirts of the village. With a wave and a compliment or two to the stranger, Rari and Amora swept Reginald off towards the house.

Amora was moving with a bit too much enthusiasm for Reginald; He was a bit out of breath by the time they arrived at Mr. Cooper's doorstep. Then, before Reginald could gather his voice, Amora knocked on Mr. Cooper's door with a rap tip tap tap.

"You know," Reginald said, looking at Amora, "We could at least try to see if he's home first."

"Oh," Amora said, "Sorry I didn't think of that. Sounds like he is though,"