Earlier that morning, Detective Alton meets with Asema Vonner, the prosecuting lawyer assigned to their case in front of the imposing structure that is the embassy for the Second Strabthine Empire in Two Rivers. Vonner is a necropolitan, and a shadow elf on top of that. Her wax-rubbed skin is a cool grey, and she dresses in a conservative blue gown with a matching hat. Discolored patches on her skin show old damage that has been repaired by her taxidermist.

“Are you sure you want to bring them in this early?” Vonner asks, as the two elves, living and dead, wait on their escort onto the property.

“I know it seems preemptive.” Alton smooths down her coat nervously with one hand. In the other she holds a folder filled with notes. “But I have just enough information to prove to myself that the victim lied to us, but not enough to prove his innocence legally.”

“We’re not normally in the business of running defense, Imryll.”

Alton shrugs.

“It’ll help get us in the direction of the actual killer, and that’s help we need.” They stop talking when the stern faced guards approach to lead them inside. Necropolitans and worshipers of the Undying Court are not usually welcome anywhere near this place, and hardly ever inside.

Today the Strabthine ambassador makes an exception on both counts. She meets her guests in an office on the first floor of the imposing marble building. The ambassador is a short woman, with deeply tanned skin and dark hair with only a faint hint of gray. She wears a white suit, emblazoned with the crest of the Empire over her heart. She sits in a wheelchair, with an ornate heavy crossbow placed on the table in front of her.

One of the guards introduces Alton and Vonner, and presents them to the ambassador, introducing her as Legate Cyneberg Lander. Lander, understandably, does not stand to greet them. The title defines the ambassador as a military veteran rather than a civilian envoy.

“Please be seated. I understand you two have information about two of our citizens.” Lander fixes the two of them with her intense green eyed stare. The detective and lawyer take seats across from the legate.

“Indeed, Legate,” Vonner offers, “a knight paladin from your nation stands accused of the elimination of the existence of his own daughter in the Inter River district. We would like to offer our cooperation in case your Empress desires oversight of this investigation.” Her voice is dry, but her taxidermy is of high enough quality that it does not rasp.

“This is an unprecedented suggestion.” The legate folds her hands in her lap. “Is there something you expect from us?”

“We have reason to believe that the victim was dishonest when we took her statement.” Alton keeps her tone even. “I would like to hire an independent magic expert to verify the accused’s story.”

“Is there a reason you cannot instead verify the victim’s story,” Lander asks, showing concern.

“There is,” Vonner answers. “Our laws do not allow us to continue questioning a person who has ceased to exist when they tell us not to speak with them further. We respect the privacy of the permanently dead.”

“These are the facts of the case so far.” Alton passes her folder with notes across the table. She has to scoot it carefully around the heavy crossbow that takes up most of the space.

“I understand.” Lander takes the notes. “I will take some time to read through this. Would it be acceptable for me to meet with the detectives on this case to get an update this evening?” She thumbs the thin stack of pages.

“That is acceptable to me,” Vonner answers, “Detective Alton will be available to meet you with her captain at the Inter River Police Station at the sixth bell.”

“I will examine the facts and provide a recommendation for an independent caster at that time.”

Alton relaxes in her seat, she had accomplished all she had hoped.

“The guards will see you out.”

Recognizing the dismissal, the detective and the lawyer stand and leave the room. The guards who had so quietly ushered them in, escort them right back out to prevent any detour into private parts of the embassy. Their international relations are, as always, strained. Perhaps this unlucky case can change that for the better. Perhaps it will instead give cause for making it worse.