The Harvest Festival. It was one of the few times of the year that Leya felt truly happy. Just the energy in the air and the activities that transformed Three Oaks lifted Leya's spirits like nothing else. The halfling sighed as she walked the streets of the town. Zachary sure seemed busy lately... and even a bit worried. The obvious reason could have something to do with the dwarves that lorded over their town. But the seer couldn't shake the feeling it was something else.
A young child ran laughing past Leya and snapped the halfling out of her introspection. Now wasn't the time for worry. It was a time for joy and happiness. With a weak smile, Leya headed towards her house, a light but chilly breeze ruffling her clothes and serving as a reminder that winter was not far off.
Upon reaching her residence, she noticed a yellow gourd had been placed on her windowsill, a grinning face carved into the flesh of the vegetable. A spirit lantern most likely. The halfling reached out to examine it further when she noticed a piece of paper inside of the object. Reaching in carefully with her small hands, Leya grasped the small note and pulled it out, squinting in order to make out the script.
Your assistance is needed. Come to the house of the pearl after dusk, the day after the festival. One will be sent to guide you there.
For a second Leya was confused at the vagueness of the message, and then she realized that vagueness and codewords were often the work of the Hand of Jorin. The fact was further enforced by the small hand printed on the lower corner of the note. So she was being called upon to carry out a task instead of delivering it for once?...
Leya was terrified.
She didn't know if she could do it. What if she messed up? What if she didn't find the one meant to guide her to the shrine? What if she never attended this meeting at the shrine? Her insecurity growing, Leya whirled around and headed towards the one place she always knew would provide help if she was in a bad situation. The Speaker's house.