Cronk's Take On Things

JP with mdman, Redsword, and Cindy

Elizabeth was tired, but there was only two more meetings to get through. Another knock indicated it was time for the next one.

"My Lady," then Sung paused. "Are we addressing the Doctor and his monsters correctly? Do you think we are chasing the wrong leads? The Children of the Sea are a part of this and probably financed some of his work. Should just go after his supply chain, choke him out, and make him move and make mistakes. Part of me I know is thinking like a military strategist." Sung looked down at the floor something he did not do much. Sung seemed to be dealing with something.

"Even in my dark days, I did not do much of this sneaking around or spying. So forgive me, I am somewhat weak in that area. In some ways, I wish I could just find him and cut his head off as bad as that sounds. I can feel old emotions coming to the top. The old Dark me awaking again." expressed Sung quietly.

Cronk waited for Harold to announce his presence, then entered and spoke. “Cronk agree.”

The throbbing headache Cronk had after the conflict was gone, thanks to the bourbon the maid had left for him. He had completed over half the bottle when Harold had arrived.

“Evil Doctor must die!” Cronk insisted.

"Mr. Cronk, we are trying in that." Elizabeth said. "Mr. Sung, I do understand the idea though we still don't know where excatly Lamaire is getting his supplies. It's my hope that by inflatrating the cult we can get information and more of a handle in Lemaire. If he's creating the monsters for the cult, then cult needs to be stopped as well." As for Sung's other comments. "Mr. Sung no one can be expected to be good in all areas we have others who are well versed in the art of spying. We will use their expertise." Elizabeth didn’t think addressing the last part, was a good idea with Cronk in the room. "Perhaps we should pick up the rest of that topic later."

Elizabeth then turned to Cronk, "Mr. Cronk how are you fairing, after our encounter with the monster?" First thing to ask.

Cronk realized he would be known now since he had gone into Sokratis’ office. He would not be one for spying. Cronk had no idea how to be covert.

“Cronk good to go,” he replied. “Pain in head gone with bourbon.”

Cronk grinned. “Don’t think Cronk killed monster. Suddenly got weak. Neck snapped.”

Cronk paused before asking, while pointing to both Lady Elizabeth and Sung, “You good?”

"Glad to hear, the pain in your head is good." Elizabeth smiled slightly.

"You definitely weakened the monster. The ones injected with Lemaire's serum do not seem to live long." Elizabeth explained. "Your contributions to the fight were many."

"Yes, Mr. Cronk, thank you. A little sore bit nothing a few days rest won't take care of." The Eldren, was thinking things would have been a lot worse of Cronk hadn’t been there.

"Mr. Cronk do remember about Mr. Sokratis Staniadis' office. Anything you can tell us. The layout, others that might have been there. Anything unusual you might have seen, other than the statue."

Cronk stood still to put all his energy into thinking. If Pretty Flower were present, she’d swear that she heard cranks and gears turning.

“Slits in wall across from entrance,” Cronk said, as he was envisioning the time inside. “Big enough for crossbow or pistol. One Orc two humans. Humans had pistol. Orc nothing. All way back hall was same gold circle with white, Cronk not sure, maybe beads? design. In office same but bigger.”

Elizabeth mentally noted what Cronk said. It sounded like the same design that she had seen and Vor had a drawing of. "That is excellent information, Mr. Cronk."

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "When you spoke to Mr. Staniadis did he say anything that might be of importance?"

Sung had been quiet contemplating this feeling he was having. He was listening to Cronk and took note of what he said. for an Orc he was smart quick thinking. Sung was glad he was on the team and loyal to the core. Sung hoped he was worthy of that. This last fight has awakened something in him. He would wait to ask Cronk questions.

Cronk thought hard. He visualized the meeting in the office, trying to remember. That’s how Cronk remembered things. He had to relive it in his mind. It was Cronk’s version of a photographic memory; it was just underdeveloped.

Cronk placed a finger to his chin. Sometimes that helped. “Sokratis say Evil Doctor has lab. Not sure where.” He went further back in the conversation. “Says Evil Doctor mostly in alley or docks.”

"Well, that is useful information." Elizabeth said, thoughtfully. Part of her thoughts was trying to figure out what to do with that information. She was impressed by Cronk's memory and wondered of with practice he could get even better at it, as it seemed like a possibile talent just on that edge of not being very trained.

Sung seemed to be thoughtful and just to be sure Elizabeth inquired. "Mr. Sung did you have anything to ask?"

"Mr. Cronk, If we took you to that place would you recognize it?" asked Sung. Not that they knew but if there was a chance he would not pass it up.

Cronk thought some more, trying to remember landmarks. “Few blocks after wall Lady Elizabeth knock over. After alley street kids play. Cronk go back to help.”

He remembered his thoughts of the kids. The thoughts that Cronk would have been in the streets had it not been for Lady Elizabeth.

"Thank you, Cronk. I forgot about the wall. Also, have you had fighting lessons?" ask Sung gaging Cronk's abilities.

“Cronk fight,” he explained. Trying to explain his style, Cronk continued. “Cronk bash, smash, and crash.”

Speed wasn’t Cronk’s thing. He had to build up to top speed, which took a while. Cronk was stronger than an ox, muscle bound. His muscles had muscles. It suited Cronk’s style of fighting. Other forms took a clear and level head. It took Cronk too long to clear his mind.

"Well, you seem to adapt at using your strength. Did anyone teach you any of that, or is it just something you're good at?" She rephrased Sung's question.

Cronk didn’t think he had done anything special. He only did what had come natural. He was a brawler, and that’s how brawlers fought.

Cronk wasn’t used to someone from high-class compliment him. As for women, the only thing they had complimented on was the fact he had big hands and feet, which usually alluded to another body part.

Cronk shrugged. “Cronk just fight. No teacher.”

"I understand Mr. Cronk I have nothing else for you. I would like to do some sparring with you at some time. I think you would be a good challenge for me. I think you for your time, Mr. Cronk.

"I have nothing else, as well." Elizabeth said. "Mr. Cronk if there is anything you need please let one if us know. Please let Harold know to fetch Miss Lagrave for me. Thank you."

Mr. Cronk bowed, remembering the Wise One’s words. On the way out, he looked at Harold. “The Lady would like to see Miss Le Grave.”

The name made Cronk think of a grave. It was a name that belonged in a cemetery. It was interesting that the name belonged to the Masked One. The monster hunter.