Conch KingdomBoard

London 1861, late autumn.

Ashworth Bookstore

You sit across from one of your few friends in this world, Kosciuszko Ashworth, an acclaimed historian, staring down at his new wooden chess set. He had carved the pieces himself, the odor of varnish still present on his hands and set.

"It's your move," he says, tapping the game clock, it's rhythmic ticking floating through Kosciuszko's large bookstore.

(Kosciuszko's bookstore is large and well organized, overlooking a busy London street. The constant bustle of hooves and footsteps outside blends to mimic the sound of a waterfall or rushing stream.

Kosciuszko's expertise lies in military history, and his input has helped you on a few cases over the years. You visit him every few weeks, and over time you've watched his bookmark diligently travel through volumes detailing the Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1815).)

You look up at Kosciuszko. (Kosciuszko studies the chessboard, deep in thought. You notice bags under his eyes. Up late the last few nights? You can smell varnish on his hands, from meticulously fashioning the chess pieces and finishing them. You spot flecks of black and white ink on his fingers. Kosciuszko is a well known and respected in his field of study.)

He's carefully focused on the chess game, brow furrowed in concentration, hand scratching his messy red hair. You've always been a loner through life, and you consider Kosciuszko one of your few true friends.

"Checkmate," you say as Kosciuszko chuckles and slides back into his chair, running a hand through his hair.

"Good game," he says. "I thought I had you for a minute. I truly do enjoy these games, as infrequent as they are. I know how work as a big famous detective keeps you busy."

You crack a smile. Some of your recent cases had landed in the paper.

"The newspapers just make it harder for me to go undercover," you joke. "I'm better when criminals don't know my face."

"Are you working on any big cases currently, hotshot?" asks Kosciuszko.

"No, but I'm sure it won't be long before I'm entrusted to catch another raving lunatic or greedy killer," you respond. "But enough about me, you have big news too, am I right?"

1 - "You're engaged."

2 - "You finished writing another research paper."

3 - "You're moving out of London."