Thursday, March 9th, 1817
Menthil Daily
WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN SEWER BENEATH HEARTH UNIVERSITY
Age: 16-18
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Last seen in the lower boroughs near Kensington
If you have any relevant information, please contact Menthil Police Department.
I'll focus on the criminal activities section of the Menthil Daily.
"I wasnt very satisfied with the glance I stole on the carriage ride.
Clearly, a murder at the very least, sewerside. Without studying the crime scene, there isn't much to see."
He was in his new apartment; it had come fully furnished. The apartment wasn't extravagant by any means.
It had 1 master bedroom upstairs and a guest bedroom and bath attached on the 1st floor. It opened into a tiny parlor, which led to a living room; from there the kitchen and staircase.
The guest room was just past the staircase, upstairs the bedroom had a small terrace attached.
He wasn't sure if it was the landlord or the previous tenant, but there was some lavender growing in a rectangular pot overlooking the terrace.
The apartment cost him a whopping 3 pounds a month, and he had agreed to 3. Leaving his total wealth in absolute tatters, he could do nothing but hold back the tears.
"I've got 4 pounds, 8 crowns and 56 pence left," Helena said, "I'd earn 25% of my pay until my debt is settled.
I won't exactly have to tighten my belt. Actually, I'll have quite the surplus all things considered.
Perhaps I should save that money for bribes. I'm sure I'll have to grease some paws now and again on the job.
Nonsense, if it happens as such, I'll file a claim for my cost with Helena!"
Cheering himself up, Asher continued reading.
Police are seeking any information pertaining to a suspected dangerous individual. Please contact Menthil Police Department directly if she is spotted.
We strongly advise the public not to approach her. Her last known whereabouts is Urbs Stellarum, where her involvement is suspected in several disappearances.
Female
Age: 18-25
Hair: Red
Eyes: Grey
Height: 5'8
There was no picture below this article, unfortunately. But with such attention-grabbing features, I suppose it isn't essential.
It's not as if you'd see one person with red hair and grey eyes in a lifetime.
Asher finished reading the rest of the criminal activity police report. He didn't find anything particularly interesting. Maybe growing up in the lower boroughs made him jaded.
He brewed himself a cuppa, then ripped several pieces of rye bread onto his plate.
"Maybe I can start buying wheat bread now that I have some extra income."
Asher tidied up his kitchen, leaving the dishes in the sink for later.
Today would be his first day of work officially.
Assistant Detective Moretti!
"Hehehehe."
Asher went to wash up in the upstairs bathroom, flicked some water on his hair, and tamed it best he could.
"Oh, for heaven's sake bloody hell." Somehow, all of his undershirts were dirty. He grabbed the least offensive smelling one. In an effort to avoid the consequences of being late on his first day, he quickly threw it on.
Donning the rest of his clothes, he exited his apartment before joining the queue for the public carriage.
Asher was sitting near the back of the carriage, enjoying his window seat, grateful he wasn't outside.
Reaching into his jacket, he checked the time quickly. After putting the not very memorable trinket back, he paused for a moment.
Frowning, Asher noticed the undershirt he put on in his haste was wet. Not dripping or anything, but it was more than a bit damp.
"How did that happen? I've not done a wash since last week. I suppose the lads the Housing agency sent must have accidentally gotten it wet on the way to Colloway Street."
Feeling more than a little disgruntled, Asher steeled himself for a chilly morning.
Luckily, Henry seems to keep his fireplace burning at least in the mornings. The smoke I saw from the chimney on Tuesday must have been from him.
As the carriage meandered past Crestcheek Street, Asher alighted after paying his fare. Cold wind immediately greeted him, pricking his skin and sticking to his undershirt like glue.
He walked towards the Consultancy building, opened the landing door, and made his way up the stairwell.
About halfway up, he noticed a bump on the handrail he'd been clutching. Frowning slightly, Asher looked down in curiosity. There, on the wall-facing side of the polished handrail, some wood had been carved away. The result was the likeness of a goat head, seemingly in tears.
Asher spared it a glance before continuing upstairs.
Entering the lobby, he saw Liz sitting at her desk, wearing a modest periwinkle dress.
"Good morning Liz, you look lovely today."
Liz looked like she had seen an exotic animal, perhaps a unicorn.
"Ah, thank you, Asher. Would you like something to drink? I hope things haven't been too difficult. Relocating can be a hassle."
"Coffee, bit of cream please. It's been rather easy, thankfully accommodations were available. I'll see you in a while, Liz. I need to see Henry for self-defense training."
"Very well, I'll bring your coffee in a moment."
Asher walked towards the hallway. Counting 4 doors down, he took a left, knocked, and then opened the door.
Henry was in his usual spot, sipping a steaming mug.
He turned towards the door as Asher entered, then Asher felt something hit the side of his head and his vision went dark.