Session 29
Return to the Bar, Return of the Elf (2025-03-01)
Preparations and Plans
Chimes continues its odd attempts at humour, receiving a gentle pat from Siz and playful banter from the group. Mia, Det, and Siz prepare to return to The Bar and investigate further leads on Magrete Steel's disappearance. The group discusses the idea of confronting the mysterious Elf, suspecting he may appear during their journey or upon arrival.
On the Road
The group jokes about giving Chimes a body—perhaps a robotic one or even a Roomba. Chimes dreams of mobility and bemoans its lack of legs and liquor tolerance. Siz proposes building a modular body; Det wonders aloud about Ysoki cheek pouch volume; Mia texts Charles for any updates en route.
Arrival at The Bar
The familiar bartender welcomes them, his shirt reading: “Toss a coin to your—”. Mia shows him the bounty hunter symbol, asking if he recognises it. He does—confirming that at least one person seen at the bar wore it, though he didn’t identify them as bounty hunters at the time. Det, Siz, and Mia all order drinks, attempting to keep things casual.
Gathering Information
The bartender recalls a strange woman—quiet, punctual, and ghost-like—who frequented the bar for two weeks, always taking the same seat and drink. She fits Margrete’s description and seems to have vanished without notice. Meanwhile, Siz uses her heightened senses to analyse the room and the patrons—catching scents, but none immediately alarming.
Sudden Interruption
One of the patrons in the bar walks through a shadow—when he steps out, he has become the Elf. He saunters up with a "Sup?" and disrupts their cautious surveillance. Siz recoils: "So much fudge!"—the Elf now radiates an unmistakable scent she cannot ignore.
The Elf Speaks
Mia and Det question him directly—why he keeps showing up, how he seems to know things before they happen. He replies evasively, suggesting they are merely "running in front of him by accident." He finally offers a name: Aib. He claims names have power, so "Aib" will do—for now.
Chimes is introduced to Aib, replying with "Hello Elf!" from wherever it's been carried. Det notes an odd sensation—a persistent tingling in the back of her head—coinciding with Aib’s appearance.
A New File Appears
Before the conversation can go deeper, everyone’s phone pings simultaneously. A new message from Charles Bouvier arrives:
- "Hey, I had some guys dig something up, it's not much..."
- The file is titled: bouviercasefile2.pdf.
