January 10 - Lausanne

[Mephistophilis]

Andrew takes the letter out of his pocket and lays it down in front of him. 'Dr Lorien asked us to pass on his reply in person.'

[robertod]

Edgar narrows his eyebrows, tries to recall, then replies in amazement…

"Ah.. now I remember. Have you really come all the way here for that? Yes, I had written to the Loriens as I was curious to know more about a scroll that had come into my possession. I acquired it during the war, trading it from a Frenchman in exchange for rations and cigarettes. The owner was named Raoul Malon, who said only that it had been in his family for some time. It is a confusing mixture of Turkish words written in Arabic letters, I had it translated little of it. It looked very ancient. The scroll refers to an artifact known as the Sedefkar Simulacrum, a humansized statue either made in or found in the rubble of Byzantium. The last owner of the statue was a French nobleman, a Comte Fenalik, who lost it after arrest and imprisonment just prior to the French Revolution. All trace of it has since vanished. but the Loriens place should be where his villa was built. I felt that, if I could know more about this thing, maybe I could make some money out of it."

He pauses.

"Well, I was right. Since you came here because of that, the thing must be important. What did the Lorien say about it?"

[Mr. Handy]

"He had no knowledge of it," says Felicity, "but we are interested in purchasing the scroll from you."

[SaintMeerkat]

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Archie smiles warmly and nods. "Of course...of course," he reassures Edgar. As a physician, he occasionally encounters caretakers who are a little naive about just what is involved in caring for a loved one at home, but he decides to drop this for the moment.

As Edgar begins to speak about the simalcrum, he can't help but start to rub his left arm. It is still tingling, and though he is starting to get worried, he doesn't want to mention it to anyone else yet. He has a buddy who is a nerve specialist back in London. He should be able to fix Archie, right as rain.

"Yes, we are very motivated buyers," he adds to Felicity's announcement. "What would you take for it?"

[Mephistophilis]

'Could I take a look at this scroll? I know some Turkish.' asks Andrew. Still alert to signs that Wellington is deliberately trying to deceive them.

[aine]

“And I have some experience with ancient documents.” Adds Clarence. “Maybe we could shed some light on your mystery.” He thinks about the spell folded up in his inside jacket pocket.

[robertod]

The front doorbell rings, interrupting negotiations. Edgar strolls downstairs to get the door, leaving the investigators alone with William, who communicates by taking out his notebook and scribbling out inanities: “A fine day today” and “Welcome to Lausanne.”

Edgar returns two minutes later with a large Frenchman, introducing him as “my old friend, the Duc des Esseintes.” The Duke is a dapper, rotund middle-aged Frenchman. His hair is dark and well groomed, his moustaches are tastefully waxed. His eyes are a watery blue. His spats are impeccable.

Edgar describes the Duke as an amateur occultist. He is also interested in the scroll.
Des Esseintes smiles, then makes a doubtful face.

"Well, to tell the truth... I would like to see the scroll before I make bid. Is it really that ancient? I guess your guests here are also interested in taking a look at it. Am I right?"

"I would love to oblige" says Edgar, amicably.
"Except that it rests in a bank vault at present. I suggest that you all come along to a meeting of the 7:30 Club tonight, where a deal can be made regarding the scroll, and a pleasant evening had by all."

Edgar explains that the 7:30 Club is an informal discussion group which meets on occasion in a local cafe. The regular membership is three, both the Duke and Edgar being members, and whenever possible they bring along outsiders to enliven the conversation.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, that sounds wonderful," says Felicity, always eager for a night out at a club, even if it is just a cafe.

[Mephistophilis]

'Of course, we would love to. May I ask who the third member of the group is?'

[SaintMeerkat]

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Archie greets the new arrival warmly in French before returning to his native tongue.

Once there is a pause in the conversation, he chimes in. "I am glad to hear that the scroll is currently safe and secure. If you are going to be bringing the scroll to the meeting, I trust you will allow us to accompany you there and to the meeting. The Count is welcome to join us, of course."

[aine]

“Yes, we’d be more than happy to accompany you.” Clarence agrees. “ Would you oblige us with notes of interest as we pass through your beautiful city?”

[robertod]

Edgar responds to Andrew...
"Oh...the third member is Maximillian. He is a dear friend of mine...a bom vivant".
Edgar smiles politely.
"I'm sorry, nothing personal against you gentlemen and… madam, but I don't like being accompanied by strangers when I go to my bank. Besides… I still have a lot to do here at home."

Having said all this, Edgar apologizes for the fact that he must bid the investigators farewell, as he has many things to do todayl. Before he ushers the company out the door, he asks the Duke if he has the time to furnish the investigators with a brief tour of the city?

"But of course," replies the Duke.

[Mr. Handy]

"I'm sure I'll enjoy meeting Maximilian," says Felicity. "I'm rather a bon vivant myself. And it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance too, Your Grace," she adds to the Duke. "A tour sounds delightful."

[aine]

“Hmm.” Says Clarence giving Andrew and Archie a meaningful look. “I suppose you two don’t have time to join Felicity and me on the tour? What with that report you wanted to write up. You could always join us once you’ve finished.”

[SaintMeerkat]

OOC:   See next message.

[Mephistophilis]

Andrew sighs theatrically. 'I suppose duty calls...'

Thinking we could trail Edgar? That's risky if he spots us.

[SaintMeerkat]

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OOC:   I just realized that I could have done this in character, as well. Sorry.

Archie thanks his host warmly, and once they are well away from the door, he leans in to the other and say, "You know, given our experiences so far on this quest, I think we should give our new friend a secret escort. Just to make sure that both he and the scroll are okay... What do you say, friends?"

[robertod]

OOC:   Two separate threads are ready: 1) Felicity and Clarence touring the city with the Duke 2) Andrew and Archie spying on Edgar