New Avalon

[yamikuronue]

Erika nods. "I'm beginning to suspect that the answer may be personally relevant to my life."

[CalamityJade]

"...It's a symbol that seems to be only on some of the writings and text from the city's foundation. You might find this interesting, but New Avalon is actually QUITE old despite the name being the same for centuries. That symbol...only shows up in reference to two things in all my research. First being the Keystone, and the second to the Resident."

[Hammer Sister]

"The Resident?"

[CalamityJade]

"A phrase that comes up several times. Many believe that the Resident was the name of the highest Welcomed. Someone that the city that was to look over the people in it, Welcomed and Waiting alike. In more modern times, that would be the Mayor...however some other researchers and minds have started wondering if that was the phrase for the Spirit of the City."

[yamikuronue]

"The mayor's supposed to be looking out for people?" asks Erika, a touch bitter.

[CalamityJade]

"The Mayor is charged with protecting the people in the city. They are always Welcomed and there are notes of Mayors that were unfit having...problems."

[yamikuronue]

"What kind of problems?"

[CalamityJade]

"The kind that require fairly quick elections for a stand-in until another shows up."

[yamikuronue]

Erika visibly pales, wincing.

[Hammer Sister]

I think we've got all we can. I also think I need to get Erika out of here, and ask her a few questions; I need to make sure she's OK...

Rob quickly reviews the notes he's been making; he is satisfied he has enough to proceed with for now.

"It looks like our business is concluded; thankyou for your time Dr Harrisberg, your help is very appreciated."

[CalamityJade]

"Grand, just don't go disappearing as well. Rather deal with you than those guilded idiots trying to figure out why they can't find one person." And back to his usual gruff self. "And if you break anything on the way out, I'll see to it that you replace it."

[yamikuronue]

Erika gives a solemn nod to the doctor on her way out the door. She's quiet as they leave, turning the conversation over and over in her mind.

[Hammer Sister]

Initially, Rob remains silent as they walk through the museum; however, it isn't long before he speaks up.

"There's something bothering you, isn't there? And I don't mean that engine; it's something more serious than a couple of oddly-spaced gears."

[yamikuronue]

Erika sighs. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," she warns him.

[Hammer Sister]

"My job requires me to keep an open mind at all times; you may be surprised at what I'm able to believe."