[Salone]

Alabaster Manstrode

Originally Posted by Lawtan

You mentioned problems in the cooking process - possibly a distraction of some sort - along with missing your medication. Would you detail precisely what happened at that time? Anything odd stick out?

Oh, well, as you know something always goes wrong in the kitchen. Whether it be the soufflé turns out underdone or the ham is, in fact, a turkey. I had a wonderful bottle of Brindle's 45 Select already, well, selected, and had gone to remove the ham, which was not turkey, from the oven. After planning the meal out and making the cuts for each plate, I realized that I had forgotten where I had placed the bottle. I went to replace it, and after returning with a bottle of Atherton Whitlow's Exclusive I realized I had somehow just overlooked the Brindle's on the counter. Can happen to anyone, in the heat of the kitchen. And as far as my medication, well, I am such a fuzzlenugget when it comes to remembering where I put it. I'm always losing bottles and finding them in strange places. I keep quite a few spare on hand in my room just in case, but I do try to keep at least one with me. Not as spry as I used to be, sadly.

Originally Posted by Lawtan

As the first person to find the now departed Lady Tavish, would you describe in detail the scene when you first beheld this tragedy? Any stray clue could aid our look for the murderer.

Why yes, yes of course. I had wheeled the cart back in to the kitchen, and had come under incredible pain. I went to my quarters to retrieve another dose of medicine, and realized I was nearly empty and have forgot to visit a chemist for more. I came back to the kitchen to see if I could find the bottle that I had misplaced, and noticed broken glass and a spill on the steps leading down in to the wine cellar. I proceeded down the steps and found Giselle Tavish lying unresponsive on the floor, with several wounds about her body. I attempted to rouse her to no avail, and that is when I went to find the rest of the dinner party. 'Tis a shame, really. The poor girl seems to have drank herself under the table rather quickly and then slipped and fell down the stairs. Or, perhaps she was pushed. This evening has turned rather dreadful I'm afraid, and my personal health is not faring much better.

Originally Posted by Illusion

You have served Lady Scrimshaw for quite some time, have you or Lady Scrimshaw have any knowledge in the field of medicine?

Of course, The Lady Scrimshaw received a wonderful education in many fields while growing up. Her library contains a plethora of books that cover the fields of medicinal remedies and alchemy, as well as compounding. I've poured over a few myself to assist her when she has been sick, to keep her from the prying eyes of the common doctors of Finch's Hollow. However, my knowledge is only basic at best. I do have a lot of experience with the, er, drug of the night, but only from personal use. Too much of it can really cause adverse affects, even death. I hate to say it, but it's one of the reasons I am so, well, shoddy with my current attentions to The Lady Scrimshaw. I would say the both of us have passable, general knowledge on the subject of medicines.

Originally Posted by ml1201

Who all knows about the medicine you take, such as those who know the amounts and those who just know you take it. Well, that you know of that know about it.

Oh, I'm sure the entire town of Finch's Hollow knows, if anyone even cares to. As far as the amounts, any of the physicians in town would know that. And I'm sure anyone that asked them would know the same. I wish there was some way to keep them from blathering on about personal information to others. It's one of the reasons that the Lady Scrimshaw is so private, she doesn't trust these so called men of medicine to keep shut about her. I don't know who all would know, but I can assure you that it would be incredibly easy to find out.

Originally Posted by AutobotDen

Do you have any suspicions on who the responsible party or parties may be? I only ask because every possibility should be considered, and it may be some detail that someone noticed but didn't realize was significant that solves this tragedy.

Oh, I have suspicions yes, but they may be entirely unfounded. Just from knowledge of their past and skills alone, the Lady Molatto could be a prime candidate. She was a soldier after all, and has a history of quiet disappearances and indirect, er...adjustments of people's lives. Not to mention a temper that tends to flare. As far as anything pointing to her, there are rumors that she has done work for Tavish. But, I've also heard rumors that she is a vampire, werewolf, some sort of ghoul, so rumor is not to be a substitute for fact here. Mr. Tavish could have done it, although I do not believe he would kill his most hated political enemy at a table surrounded by other people, including the head of the Watch. That man plays simple, but he is a cunning one, I must admit. I admire his business dealings. As far as Bosney goes, well...I don't know if you know this, but Bosney doesn't exactly have a spotless history himself. He supposedly went missing during a battle once, and it ended up being a catastrophic loss for his side. Some of his comrades claim that it was desertion, and Treylbach had been making quiet inquiries in to the matter. Not that quiet mind you, if even I know about them. So there is that to consider. Why he would want to murder Giselle though, I couldn't tell you. And that is if he is the murderer!

Obviously, I have full confidence that my Lady Scrimshaw is not the murderer you seek, but you must know that of course I would say that. At this point, I almost wonder if I am somehow the unwitting murderer. I must say, a lot of the evidence does point at me. I would have complete control over the meals, I could have easily lied about stepping away from the kitchen. I'm afraid to say I really don't have much of an alibi to clear me of the crime. This must be absolutely dreadful for you. I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more assistance.

Originally Posted by Demonskid

Where were you between the time you left the dinning hall after Lord Consul Gunther Helkonan-Oscar-Seclassi Treylbach's death and discovering Giselle Tavish's body?

I commend you on pronouncing his entire name! Well, let's see...I wheeled the cart back in to the kitchen, as I was planning to serve the next course of the dinner. Although now in hindsight, I realize that that was most likely in poor taste. Ah, no pun intended! If that was a pun. Forgive me, I am terrible at humor.

I was in the process of getting things ready when I began experiencing chest pains. I took one of the service halls to my quarters to pick up more medicine, and spent quite a time rather tearing my room apart looking for the rest. Apparently I've forgot to replace my usual stock. I came back to the kitchen to double check if I had overlooked my bottle, and that's when I noticed the broken bottle and spilled wine on the staircase, which led me to poor Giselle. I hope it was quick for the poor girl, I feel just dreadful about this whole evening.

Originally Posted by Demonskid

What did you do with the bottle of Atherton Whitlow's Exclusive?

I served it with the meal, of course. It was still chilled, and I thought it would make a better pairing with the meal than the previous selection. Personally I find it has a sharper taste that compliments the more higher class taste buds, and is an excellent compliment to tonight's servings. It's not as sweet as Brindle's, but I personally think it is a much more refined wine. It's a treat of a spiced flavoring, and the aroma is particularly catching, not like the sweet berry scent of Brindle's. Besides, I believe the quality and service of Brindle's has gone rather downhill recently, as when I was restocking the Brindle's, I noticed it was a few ounces shorter than their previous offerings. It's a shame that they think they can short such a class of customer.

Originally Posted by CupcakeDolly

Earlier, you mentioned using a service hall to reach your room. Can you describe the layout of these halls? Who would know about them and have access to them?

Oh, they're a maze really. All throughout the place, let's one get around to assist guests and visitors without being seen by them. You can find them going back and forth right outside the doors to most of the larger rooms of the estate. As far as access, well, they're not exactly locked. Quite easy to navigate if you know where you want to go, they're all clearly labeled for when temporary staff must be hired for an occasion. You have to spell out everything for those kinds. I'm sad to say that it is hard to find good help these days.

Originally Posted by AutobotDen

Does anyone else know the layout of the service halls?

As far as having it memorized? I suppose the Lady Scrimshaw would, as she does own the estate. However it is clearly labeled and has multiple sections with directions all about to help new hires navigate, so even a complete stranger could find their way around with ease if they wished.