After the faith barge has been dealt with, the captain and crew resume their posts. A quick adjustment of the foremast, and the Abacus is again on it's way down the Glass River. Passad and the dwarven duo emerge from below decks. Passad, normally jovial, is sporting a petulant expression. Addressing the Pathfinders, "Well I trust we can all agree that wen't horribly wrong. Well, let us not dwell on unpleasantness. We near the Grey Revelation Inn. It is best if you are prepared to give the innkeeps a decent cover story as to not attract undue attention to yourselves. It is my humble opinion that you all should pose as merchants seeking a way station for a regular trade caravan. This would give you a viable reason for using the Inn's facilities in order to assess it amenities." The Kalistocrat searches the Pathfinders faces for any indication that they have reacted positively to his suggestion. At this pause, Metella interjects. "Really Kalistrocat? That is absurd. You should pose as religious pilgrims seeking answers to spiritual questions that require privacy and freedom of movement." She claps a hand on Augustus' shoulder, "And don't go blaming yourself for the faith barge. It is likely that we if we stopped at Xer would would have faced the same opposition. I for one am grateful that you heeded my advice." Passad's face is as readable as a child's nighttime story. With a withering glare, the Kalistocrat and dwarves decent into the holding area.
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Xûll looks utterly flummoxed. Wrong? he mouths as Passad accompanies the dwarves belowdecks.
"Me was to be saying 'well done on strategy perfectly executed' but me not sure no more," Xûll turns to his companions, "What be Gracious Host Owner of Boat Abacus Canny Merchant Temel Passad have problem with? Was this not plan?"
Xûll takes in a deep breath, calming himself as the last of the bloodrage leaves his system. "So, what be next move? Me still like plan of mercenaries. We must select plan of Passad or dwarves? Or select plan of own? Me not want insult both... me not want insult no-one."
Passad turns, "My dear Shoanti. If we are trying to get in and out undetected, we should have stopped at Xer, and paid the toll. Now we have a missing faith barge that I am sure that someone will come looking for it. I just hope you can make it to the inn, and rescue the dwarves before a of faith barges shows up." Taking a calming breath, 'A thousand apologies. You are the Pathfinders and I am, as you say, a merchant. I trust your tactical decisions are better than mine. As for your cover story, you can choose whatever you feel will best enable you to rescue the dwarves undetected. I cannot promise that it doesn't sadden me that you have not sided with me, but you have your mission and I have mine."
Metella chimes in, "You made the right call with faith barge. Passad just has his underclothes in a twist because, like the products from the Five Kings Mountain, our ideas are just plain better. He'll get over it. Although I do agree that when you value our opinion in these matters it makes us hopeful that you will agree with us in, other matters."
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"With all due respect Master Passad, as worried as you are about a now missing faith barge, you cannot deny the ruthless efficiency of what just happened. Had I known of the forced servitude of these sailors, I would have been far more eager to enact this plan. We will all sleep well tonight knowing many men now have freedom tonight, where only hours before they did not. And to the point, we are still technically undetected, considering the only ones who detected us are no longer able to report us."
Pooka turns to his companions, doing his best to remain diplomatic, in spite of the obviously upset merchant. No sense in ruffling his feathers any more.
"Please allow us a moment to discuss this in private as we approach the inn. Please also understand that whatever the methods, the purpose of this mission is to rescue the dwarven contingent. We are well on our way to doing that." Pooka finishes with a smile.
"It seems we are bound to upset one or the other. The second plan makes no difference to me, we are lying either way. We already have Metella's favor, we may as well cement the deal with her, and hope we can curry Master Passad's favor in another way. What do you think?"
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"It make sense. We be told to get deal with dwarves or trade man. It look like dwarves best bet now," Xûll shakes his head again, "Me still not understand why Gracious Host Owner of Boat Abacus Canny Merchant Upset by Success Temel Passad not happy. Is best be pilgrims then. Me not have knowledge of such things, but me know how talk smooth and me tattoo look religious. Sun look like pilgrim. Sun know of religion? What for Pooka and Augustus-Aeyon-Though-Everyone-Call-Him-August-For-Short?"
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August smiles at Xull, and begins speaking with a laugh, though it is clear his actual feelings quite clearly mirror his words. "Passad is a wanker."
"I will protect him if there is danger, and put my life at risk to keep him safe... if we must... but I will not choose a course simply to tickle his ego," says August, his dislike for having to abide the self indulgent merchant beginning to brim to the surface. "The dwarves appear to be able to offer every service Passad can, so I don't see any reason to placate him. I'll be civil enough to him, but I can't say I'm excited to follow his plan."
"Sun," August turns to the elder man in the group. "Looks like you'll be taking point, doing the majority of the talking, and we'll... umm... pose as your bodyguards,"
The sailing is again smooth, and although the Pathfinders are vigilant for another faith barge they spy nothing.
As the Abacus tacks around a gentle curve, they hear the captain barking orders to the crew. Again training their eyes towards the bow, the Pathfinders see a small, heavily vegetated island directly ahead of them. The north branch is clear of any over hangs, while the south branch contains wayward branches creating a high overhang. Neither branch would impede the swift traveling of the Abacus.
Sun recognizes that the island is probably home to some sort of avian predator, but is unable to ascertain any additional information.
The crew still seems to be scrambling about, and the captain has yet to issue a clear order to the crew on which path to take. He glance furtively towards the Pathfinder.
Knowing if they were attacked by some avian predator, the south branch would impede its flight, they suggest to the captain to take the south branch. So advised the Captain quickly regains his composure and barks orders for the Abacus to turn towards the south branch. The Pathfinders, although vigilant, do not see the winged-reptilian form about 4 feet long bust from the waters beneath. In it's mouth a snake writhes furiously around before the reptilian form bites it in two. Each half falls dead to the deck before the reptile turns it gaze on the Pathfinders. Issuing a screech of challenge, it lands on the Abacus.
Adhering to it predatory instincts, rushes at Augustus.
Xull instantly recognizes the reptile as a river drake, related to dragons. he knows that they are resistant to acid, and have an acid glob that entangle foes. This one seems smaller than normal.
Reeling back from the vicious blow, the drake screeches in a high pitch voice, and begins looking to head once again into the water.
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"Stupid beast, this is one ship you'll regret looking for a meal on!"
Pooka snaps off a command to Luna, who begins bolting for the reptile across the decks with Pooka directly in her line of movement. The halfling takes two quick steps forward and leaps up into the air.
And lands perfectly in the saddle, with Luna moving underneath him and hardly breaking her stride. Pooka lowers his lance as they move towards the creature, angling it in for a quick kill.
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Off balance from the tail slap, Augustus' vicious swing goes wide. Luna, carrying his halfling master, slips on the snake's innards, and Pooka's lance swings wide.
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Sun sees the battle ravage quickly, his comrades taking and dealing swift hits upon each other. The Pooka and Luna rush past him on his left side, so Sun takes a step around the center mast to his right. Taking a quick calming breath and closing his eyes, a small crackle of lightning starts to generate around his right shoulder. Snapping his eyes open and focusing on the reptile he quickly makes a throwing motion towards the reptile, allowing the lightning to run down his arm and arc over to his target.
Sun's lightning arc sails wide past the drake, he must be aiming carefully to make sure he doesn't hit one of his comrades.
The drake inhales swiftly, and unleashes a blob of acid. Xull, Pooka, and Luna are covered with a sticky goo that begins to hiss as it eats away at them.
Reflex Save vs DC 12
Luna takes 1/2 damage, Xull and Pooka take full damage, and are entangled.
The drake, badly wounded, takes flight hovering 10 feet above the ship, hovering, giving Augustus, Xull, and Pooka an AoO.
Current Conditions: Augustus -9, Pooka -15 + Entangled, Xull -9 + Entangled, Luna -4, Drake -18
Everyone is up, Augustus, Xull, Pooka AoO!!
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Pooka ducks his head to avoid the goop as it flies in his direction, which is enough to help Luna avoid the brunt of it. He grits his teeth as the acid burns, lashing out when he sees an opening as the drake lifts off.
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-Posted with Wayfinder
Startled by the sudden flight of the drake, Pooka fights against the globs of acid burning his flesh, his lance misses the drake. Recovering quickly, with the drake hovering though, it makes an easier target and he is able to nick a wing.
Current Conditions: Augustus -9, Pooka -15 + Entangled, Xull -9 + Entangled, Luna -4, Drake -22
Augustus & Xull AoOs, Augustus, Xull and Sun are up
Augustus again shows more enthusiasm than prowess, and misses the drake as it takes off. Wounded in the wing, the drake teeters and Xull pierces it in the sternum. The drake falls lifeless to the deck.
The Pathfinders, on Sun's suggestion, search the island and find the river drake's nest. There they find a small stash of uncut garnets and gold nuggets.
Passad and the dwarves again emerge from below decks. Passad is the first to congratulate the Pathfinders. He directs most of his speech towards Xull. "Well done! Well done indeed. The Pathfinder Society continues to amaze me, and it seems to me increasingly prudent to enter into a business arrangement that would certainly be to our mutual benefit—particularly for those with an eye for spotting profit. Let me make my case simply: my trade network is growing and already blankets the Inner Sea like no other, and the dwarves cannot hope to compete with the prices I offer. Let us not forget that the Pathfinders have had many mutually profitable business dealings with me in the past.” Metella, again flanked by the yellow scarved Amauhak, quickly joins the discussion, and she also directs most of the speech towards Xull. “Yes, Temel has his bejeweled fingers in many pies and can offer cheaper wares, but consider the advantages of a business relationship with my mercantile concern: our network is many centuries old, and the quality of our goods is unrivaled. Furthermore, an arrangement with a firm with such deep roots in the Five Kings Mountains would reinforce the military alliance the Society is already negotiating." In order to sway the Pathfinders' opinion, Passad gives them a Potion of Cure Serious Wounds and Metella also offers her Potion of Bear's Endurance.
Current Conditions: Augustus -9, Pooka -15, Xull -9, Luna -4
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Sun steps in to graciously accept the offerings by both Passad and Metella with a bow. "Thank-you both very much for the kind words and gracious generosity. These will both go a long way to rescuing the dwarven captives." Sun says to bot Passad and Metella, meeting there eyes directly for a brief moment. "However, if you'll excuse me, I need to tend to the wounds of my comrades from the reptile I was worried about. I don't want them to fester at all."
Sun uneasily walks around the boat, warily of another reptile ruining his day, to each hurt member, first using his actual cure spell prepared before pulling out his wand of cure light wounds.
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Pooka shakes off the acid spittle and breaks free from its entangling grasp.
"That was a mess. You ok girl?" Pooka goes about searching over his canine mount for any lingering acid globs or other injuries.
He bows to the merchants as they both offer their sales pitch.
I am beginning to think we are not here to impress them and convince them to join us, but in fact to listen to which one makes the best case to allow them to join us. Ahhh the true key to selling anything. Convince them that what you have they cannot live without... It seems they would fight over which one would have the privledge of allying with us.
"I do not doubt that there is considerable opportunity within this massive organization for the society to be an incredible benefit to both of you, master Passad and lady Metella. The battle at the worldwound will require a steady stream of support, and there are connections to be established all across the inner sea region, and so much more to explore. Rest assured, we have already made glowing notes in our journals about the incredible hospitality, and remarkably expedient accomodations in making this mission, thus far, a resounding success. Now I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, we still have the most important task to complete, but if recent history is any judge, the aid you both have offered so far should make this next part go quite smoothly."
"Thank you Sun, that was much needed, for all of us it would seem. I knew this wand would come in handy, especially after that last mission hunting down the druids. This trip has proven to be quite an interesting one. I daresay this smooth river would be a bit more enjoyable if not for the oppressive religious fanatics that control it."
As dusk settles over the river like a cozy blanket, the Abacus rounds a gentle curve and the Pathfinders spy a pleasant country inn at the top of a small hill. The captain and crew steer the ship to the north bank of the Glass River where a pier in a moderate state of disrepair ambles into the water. The sailors quickly secure the boat to the more sturdy pillions, and the Abacus rocks gentlly in the evening breeze. Passad and the dwarves once again call the Pathfinders over for a brief conference. Passad begins, "We shall wait out the night here while you head to the inn. We will pray for your continued success." In rare agreement, Metella also wishes the Pathfinders a safe journey. Before climbing off the boat and onto the pier, yellow-scarved Amauhak grabs Augustus' arm, "If it can be helped, refrain from shedding Razmiri blood on Razmiri soil." The Pathfinders start at this unprovoked sage advice, before grimly pressing on with their mission.
After climbing an ambling stone slope, the Pathfinders approach a wooden gate. A sign above wide wooden gates reads, Welcome to the Gray Revelation Inn. The gate leans open invitingly, and the smell of fresh flowers wafts on the cool breeze.
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Knowing the importance of not giving away their association with the society, all of the regalia marking Pooka as a member of the Liberty's edge faction remain stowed on the ship. His tabard and gear are all free of any symbol or identifying marking.
Before approaching the inn, Pooka turns to his companions. "Whatever our cover story is is somewhat immaterial. Either way, we must lie to those who ask questions, and try to cause as little disturbance as possible as we figure out where our dwarven friends are. I am not entirely sure where to start here, so I am open to ideas. Otherwise I suppose we make our way in, look around, and review what we have found, hopefully in the privacy of a room. I would suggest for continuity's sake, we go with the cover story that we are acolytes, seeking religious truths, as Metella suggested. Hopefully she will be right in that it will allow us a measure of privacy as we conduct our true business."
Pooka makes his way up to the Inn and into the courtyard, taking a look around to get his bearings and take in the surroundings. Luna strides beside him comfortably, saddlebags carrying the pair's extra gear. She stops and sniffs at the myriad of scents available to her, pausing to chew on one of the inviting flowers and pawing at the ground to churn up the scent veiled behind the soft soil. Finding an appropriate spot, she relieves herself near a flower bed, making sure that if any other dogs are around they will know she dropped by to say hello.
"Luna, Hup".
Luna trots obediently back to Pooka's side as the two make to enter the common room and secure lodging for the night.
After Luna relieves herself, the Pathfinders make their way into the Courtyard. The profusion of flowers planted around this lovely courtyard fills the air with an enchanting fragrance. An oaken door to the north is the obvious entrance to the inn, while the south are the broad doors of a stable. Wooden gates allow egress to the west and east, and a roofed well lies at the east end of the main court.
A young man emerges from the stable doors and approached the Pathfinders.
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"Me be thinking Pooka right, we guards of druid holy-man Sun. Is correct, so not so much lying need be done," says Xûll, a big grin on his face, "Good reason to be carrying weapons, too. Always good for to be getting out of trouble."
As the young man approaches, Xûll waves him away, "No be having horses."
Xûll strides south north into the Common room and up to whoever is behind the bar, "Greetings, me be Xûll the Outcast, formerly Shoanti trader. We accompany Sun, holy druid, on mission of much importance. Require room of privacy and be left alone. We be having monies to pay for requests. Is good or is problem?"
The Shoanti flexes his tattooed muscles, smiling a friendly smile as he places both elbows on the table.
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As Xull speaks to the person behind the bar, August stands close to Sun, his hands folded across his chest. The man flicks his head slightly, tossing a stray strand of blonde hair from covering his eye. Looking around the room, August makes it no hidden fact that his is guarding the elderly man.
While watching out Sun, August steps between his charge and any random which passes close by to the Druid, interposing himself between Sun and any possible threat, real or imagined.
The Pathfinder breeze past the man emerging from the stables, he looks at them with a blank expression.
As you enter the Common Room, dark oaken tables, chairs, and benches fill this comfortable L-shaped common room, and the faint odors of tobacco and ale permeate the air. Narrow windows with panes of smoked glass along the north and south wall allow some light into the welcoming space.
An old, matronly woman clad in peasant clothing and an apron sits at the center-most table of this room. Her voluminous white hair is piled atop her head and secured in a conservative bun. She wears a red scarf about her neck and a wry smile on her face.
Welcome to the Grey Revelation Inn. I am Addas Grymble. It is a pleasure to meet you Xull. We don't get many travelers through here lately. What is this important mission of yours? Not too many people pass through Razmiran. Usually they skirt around us. Rooms aren't a problem, but my sisters are in the kitchen right now making a scrumptious dinner. Please have a seat."
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"Addas Grymble, be you having troubles understanding meanings of word 'private'?" asks Xûll, his smile unabated as he passes her a gold coin, "Many druids be having secret druid business. Even be having secret language. Is best," for us, "If Addas Grymble no ask questions of Druid Sun's mission."
His stomach grumbling, Xûll looks to the seat, "Dinner do sound good. Me happy to enjoy. Me thinks Druid Sun and he companions be happy eat, too. Four plates, please. Have you goat's milk?"
A bit taken aback at Xull direct answers, her grin momentarily slips, before quickly coming back. "Secret is it? Not too many druids worshiping the Living God around here. But just between us, hospitality is our creed, though like all Razmir we honor the Living God as our overlord. Come by the river did you? What did you think of Xer? That town is really taking off. We were hoping that more river traffic would see some more patrons. As you can see we are light on patrons." She waves her hand at the empty common room, save for herself and the Pathfinders. She chuckles a little at the end. "Any news would be appreciated. We don't get too much of that here in the country."
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"Me not think much of Xer, nor of faith barges. Faith barge stop us to ask many questions," Xûll eyes her reaction carefully, "But we be having correct answers. Not need give answers to Hospitable Host Addas Grymble, though. Not talk to anyone in Xer about news. We not much liking conversation. Sorry, no know of news except that faith barge go missing. You hear of? Officials on faith barge we meet not tell us details. Me suspects they know more, but not tell anyone."
With that Xûll takes his seat, and leaves the others to enjoy conversing with the other townsfolk for now.
I hope Xûll's navigation of the truth is okay... he is a skilled diplomat, after all.
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"Me not think much of Xer, nor of faith barges. Faith barge stop us to ask many questions," Xûll eyes her reaction carefully, "But we be having correct answers. Not need give answers to Hospitable Host Addas Grymble, though. Not talk to anyone in Xer about news. We not much liking conversation. Sorry, no know of news except that faith barge go missing. You hear of? Officials on faith barge we meet not tell us details. Me suspects they know more, but not tell anyone."
With that Xûll takes his seat, and leaves the others to enjoy conversing with the other townsfolk for now.
Pooka remains silent, with the large Shoanti handling the difficult questions. He keeps his eye on Luna as she wanders around, cleaning the floor of any stray scraps.
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As sagely as Sun can muster, he stands close to the opening of the door while Xull does his conversing with the bartender. His bare head gleams as freshly polished in short-notice haste, arms hanging loosely at the side, and a distant look upon his face as if lost in deep thought. Once seeing Xull take a seat, he slowly walks over to sit down opposite of him.
Speaking in druidic, Sun gestures and smiles happy about the place while waiting for the meal to arrive.
Addressing Xull, "Well like I said, not a lot of news reaches us out in the country. I'd like you boys to meet my sisters. After that, a nice meal and you can tuck in for the night. How long will you all be staying?"
Addas pushes back from the table and leads the Pathfinders into the kitchen. There they see two women who are almost identical in appearance to Addas. The first, introduced as Eugenia, wears a yellow scarf around her neck. She is hovering over a cutting board, laying into a piece of meat with a big cleaver. You can't really tell what it is she is cutting from behind the large pot, but she has a fair bit of blood on her apron. "Hello boys. Stew will be ready in minutes. Why don't you all head back to the Common Room and we'll bring it out soon."
The other sister, introduced as Gap-toothed Tarsi, takes good stock of the Pahtfinders. She has her sleeves rolled up, and has bright red stains all the way up her forearms. "My my my, are you all skinny. Except that big Shoanti. Now that is a . I will make sure to bring you a double portion. Run along now and let us get dinner finished."
The Pathfinders follow Addas back out, and she gathers them drinks. Unfortunately, no goat's milk for Xull, but water and beers abound.
About 15 minutes later, Eugenia emerges with a bowl of steaming stew, and it smells delicious. Eugenia asks Addas to help Tarsi finish the dessert. Addas heads into the kitchen while Eugina remains. Eugina addresses the Pathfinders, "The key ingredient is the aromatics we grow here. Probably smelled them on your way in."
She continues to make small talk, until Addas reemerges from the kitchen with red-stained hands. Eugenia gets up to return to the kitchen.
Addas again addresses the Pathfinders, "We have plenty of guest bedrooms in the west wing, along with some baths. We also have a sitting room and more rooms in the east wing. Standard prices, and that I need up front. Tarsi is putting the finishing touches on a special dessert. Should be ready soon. I guess you'll turn in after that?"
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Speaking as slowly and deeply as he can, Sun speaks directly to Addas. "I would like to do a bit of light walking if possible Master Addas. Being cooped up on a small boat does not lend itself to proper walking. As the saying goes, a 1000 steps after a meals helps the digestion after all. And besides, if the dessert is a special as it sounds I might be tempted to indulge too much. Any problems if I were to say, walk around and admire this beautful inn you have here? I would love to take a moment to admire the aromatics outside and any hand made carvings you have inside hanging on the wall.
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Pooka leans over to to his companions during one of the moments the ladies are bustling about, keeping his voice low.
"Does anyone else get the feeling we just walked onto the set of a master theater horror show? I can't shake the feeling we are about to find out what dwarf tastes like... Did that yellow scarf look like the same one Amauhak wears? Makes me wonder if that's the same kind of scarf all the emissaries wear. We know the dwarves are here somewhere, but something about this place is just... off."
Pooka stands up to stretch, prompting Luna to stand up and wag her tail.
"Pardon me ladies, my partner here needs to use the ladies room, if you catch my meaning. She's been cooped up on that ship for some time now, so I think she needs to stretch her legs and run for a few minutes. Otherwise she chews up everything in sight. Better a quick run through the fields now that having to pay you for a chewed up stool leg."
Pooka smiles politely and heads outside with Luna at his side. He nods and smiles to each of his companions, silently inviting them to come with him if they choose.
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Luna follows her master outside and is again assaulted with the aroma of the flowers. She sniffs and circles and sniffs some more, eventually settling on a place to squat. As soon as she is done, her ears catch a clicking noise she recognizes from her master, perking up her ears. A quick hand signal and her nose goes back to the ground, moving a little faster now, searching for another familiar scent.
Sun, studying the stew, does not notice anything untoward.
In response to his question, Addas responds, "You are more than welcome to walk the grounds. The courtyard is not too large, but feel free to walk the paths. We take much pride in our horticulture."
Addas nods to Pooka as he leaves with Luna.
Making a circuit, Luna smells the familiar scent of small game, but her war training kicks in and she remains focused on the task at hand. She does not indicate that she smells anything other than what a normal dog would smell outdoors.
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"I can't shake the feeling we are about to find out what dwarf tastes like... Did that yellow scarf look like the same one Amauhak wears? Makes me wonder if that's the same kind of scarf all the emissaries wear."
Xûll eats his stew delicately for such a big man. He delights in the earthy flavors present in the water and pushes his chair back, very satisfied with the meal.
"Me thinks Holy Druid Sun has right of things," says Xûll to Addas, "Me be joining Holy Druid Sun for walk. Please, Excellent Bartender Addas Grymble and sister to Marvelous Cook and Mistress of Stew Tarsi Grymble, be letting us know when rooms be ready. If it be okay with Grymbles Three, we be having dessert in room."
Xûll bows politely and leaves the table to stroll with Sun and Pooka.
"Find anything, Pooka?" he whispers when Augustus joins them and he is sure they are alone, "Me thinks they definitely be knowing more than letting on. Ever since Pooka mention yellow dwarf-scarf, it been worrying me. We should be looking around for secret entrance or sign of cellar. Me knows if me be needing keep dwarves somewhere at Inn, me be using cellar.
"Me has possibility of plan," Xûll says, a grin on his face, "If no be finding anything, just take out women. Wait for no-one around and get jump on them. Not kill, just in case, but me thinks they be knowing things. Me be good at extracting information. What you think?"