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"Hi Solveig. Call me Quasit, everyone does. It's a dumb street name that stuck."
"Milani... isn't she a goddess of underdogs or freedom fighters or something? I seem to recall some halflings back in Absalom singing about her one night." says Quasit. She drops her pack off her shoulder and looks around. "So, yeah, let's talk about the current power structure. Queen Elvanna wants to take over the world, so we're here to stop her. For better or worse, that means helping Baba Yaga come back. Which means we're here to steal Baba Yaga's Hut. I don't suppose you know where that is, do you?"
A woman walks in from the other room and looking right at Quasit immediately says "Well, I thought I heard a demon in here! And you picked up a couple more I see." she says with a combination of excitement and irritation. Her comment on additional folks is neutral in tone, and a questioning appraisal of the two new members of the party follows. She wears white with a red scarf, and walks with a noble's assurance and posture.
Tezuzu can likely tell easily that she is a white witch, for she has that manner of walking like she owns all she sees, her accent, the silver fox, that is obviously a familiar from the intelligence in it's eyes, that she has grasped in her arms and much lighter clothing than most folks wear.
Solveig smiles at Quasit, Why yes she is. And it does indeed sound like you found help. She gives Ringeirr a big grin. Well met Quasit. If that is indeed your plan, I will do everything I can to support you. As for her hut, it is near. However, the merchant quarter had been blocked off since her hut had some unexpected impact on the area. For a time it was simply on display there. However, when her time came and passed, a forest grew in the area. The Queen's guard has managed to keep in contained, but as such it would be near impossible to get by the guards. However, I do have an idea..
She looks with surprise at Selena, I take it you know my new guests.
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Fin looks genuinely dumbfounded. This fellowship had so many partings...the names of former companions flood his mind. Yu Khan…Alexia…Carianna...Ibona…Selena…Tyrael…Hace...all either dead or abandoned the quest, never to be seen since…until now…
Fidgeting a bit as he watches Quasit’s reaction, recalling, Q and Selena went together like oil and water. The Elf composes himself, gives a friendly smile to his former companion, and bows. ”Greetings Selena, you look well. It’s been a while...what have you been doing since we parted?”
Queen Elvanna wants to take over the world, so we're here to stop her. For better or worse, that means helping Baba Yaga come back.
"We're going to do more than stop Elvanna, we're going to teach all the witches a lesson!" Maka punched her open palm, causing a small burst of flames.
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She looks with surprise at Selena, I take it you know my new guests.
"What are you worried for? Meeting up with old friends is a good thing." Maka said with a laugh as she walked up to Selena with a bow. "Hi, I'm Maka Na'Shota, disciple of the Dragon's Eye Monastery."
Solveig nods at Mama's statement. Well met Maka. I hope you are right. It seems you all have some catching up to do in addition to getting comfortable. Rest, though I'm afraid it is not safe to use the baths above us, we do have access to warm water. She excuses herself before leaving for a moment to retrieve a jug of wine and some cups. So that you might drink to this reunion. I will arrange for a meal. I can share my proposal then.
I am Solveig Ayrdahl, a cleric of Milani who oversees individuals of mutual interests in addressing the current power structure in the region.
Tezuzu will almost chuckle before saying "Well that is a very pleasant way of saying 'rebellious malcontent bent on toppling the established order' is it not?"
He will bow politely to Solveig "I am Tezuzu Curseclaw expert forger, dabbler in necromancy and divination, master of the second most powerful and sinister art on the material plane, bureaucracy." raising his head he will add "And if you are no friend to the white witches then I suppose I am also your friend."
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Upon Selena's approach the carrying case at Tezuzu's side will erupt with shaking and snarling as Yang Shih jumps out of his cage and dashes up to Selena growing in size to the length of a wolf as it snarls angrily at the white which.
Tezuzu shouts not angry but loud enough for his companion to hear him and know he's serious. "Zhak Xiavkai Cki Zkaw Cwikiacah"
He will press two fingers between the ridge of his beak as if he has a migraine and speak as his familiar turns back into it's smaller form and trots back to it's box. "Apologies, He shares my dislike of white witches. Had I known we were to associate with....the likes of her...I would have latched his box."
His eyes narrow unsure and he asks Selena "I see my companions know you; I do not. Who are you and what are you doing in a place like this?"
Bulvi turns to Selena and nods sympathetically. "Given you're here I imagine you're political approach has gained less results so far than you had hoped."
"Honestly... I don't think so. It got a lot more complicated with Hace leaving before even a day had passed. It muddied the waters more than a little. I'm confident she's still interested in me but-" He shrugs. "It might turn into something serious but I'm finding it hard to read her. She's very open in many ways but- clearly she comes from a very different culture so she might be very open about this too but it might get awkward potentially! Maybe while we are here I can get a chance to talk to her... before something else happen."
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Fin ponders as he senses the tension in the room. Don’t know if this reunion really needs alcohol...but I could use a drink nonetheless...
The ranger bows to Solveig and pours some wine. ”Thank you for the hospitality, m’Lady, a meal would be most welcome. Where is this access to warm water you speak of? I’d like to wash up before we eat...”
Solveig greets Tezuzu in turn, "Well met. I do think have a concern of those that would take power at the cost of others. Perhaps not all white witches follow that path? She inclines her head toward Selena.
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Solveig returns with a simple meal from a room off the main area where the living quarters are situated. Dried fruit and a selection of root vegetables. The local staple of fish is complimented by small steaks. She nods in Findurel's direction, "You're most welcome. Please, enjoy. It is difficult to obtain bread that isn't supplemented with bone meal these days. And that, I will not peddle in. The fish are freshly from market and the steaks are fresh cut from a moose captured in the wilds just yesterday.
As the party partakes, she explains. "As I mentioned, although Queen Elvanna put Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut on display in the city's Market Square, a thick forest teeming with strange creatures sprouted around the hut almost overnight. The Winter Guard, under the command of one of the queen's great-great-granddaughters, a White Witch named Nazhena Vasilloiovna, has cordoned off the entire Market Square. She takes a drink, seemingly to moderate her excitement, Solveig visibly brightens as she continues.
The Heralds, those loyal to the cause, have made careful and tentative contact with the remains of the Iron Guard, the former military order loyal to Baba Yaga that Elvanna replaced with her own Winter Guard. Several of the Iron Guard's commanders survived Elvanna's purges and were driven underground, but they hunger for the chance to reclaim the city as the first step to freeing Irrisen for its true mistress. The guard is just waiting for an opportunity to launch a counterstrike against the WInter Guard, but one thing stands in their way - one of the Winter Guard's commanders, the white dragon Logrivich. She pauses to eat a few bites of dried fruit before continuing in a more practically minded tone.
Those that operate with me from the relative safety provided here are not trained soldiers. We survive by keeping our heads down and quietly helping the oppressed of Winterthrone. She nods in Ringeirr's direction. If you all were to remove the threat of the dragon, I believe I could convince the Iron Guard to strike back at the Winter Guard. Such an uprising would be sure to draw troops away from the Market Square, opening a path to reach the Dancing Hut. She eats some more before nodding. That is the gist of what I have in mind. Take your time to digest both your meal and what I have shared. You are free to take shelter here as long as you like.
Upon learning that Selena is a winter witch, Maka's instinct wasn't far from Yang Shih's. Her fists balled tightly and smoke began to rise from them as she struggled to remain composed. Taking a deep breath, Maka forced herself to relax, reminding herself to trust in her friends. "You haven't put any childrens' souls in to the dolls have you?" She asked Selena with clear suspicion.
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Adding her magic bottle of booze to the table, Maka began to stuff herself with food. "Thankyou!" she managed to mumble through a mouthful of food. As Maka ate, she nodded along with Solveig though was clearly paying more attention to her food. This changed at mention of the dragon, which caused Maka to bolt to attention. "There's a dragon!? Of course we'll fight it." Maka's toothy grin spread from ear to ear in her excitement. "White dragons are the ones with ice right?"
As Tezuzu's pet approaches, Selena's scarf extends outwards and down ready to block the creature. Selena looks more annoyed than worried.
"I am Selena Snoe Yelizaveta, eldest daughter of Lady Morwena Yelizaveta and Lord Roland Snoe. It's generally a bad idea to judge people by what they are rather than what they do. I'm sure a great many people of Badelund would very much disagree with your assessment concerning their baroness. Like our companions here, I find the queen has become a bit of problem, endangering Irrisen."
As Tezuzu's pet approaches, Selena's scarf extends outwards and down ready to block the creature. Selena looks more annoyed than worried."I am Selena Snoe Yelizaveta, eldest daughter of Lady Morwena Yelizaveta and Lord Roland Snoe. It's generally a bad idea to judge people by what they are rather than what they do. I'm sure a great many people of Badelund would very much disagree with your assessment concerning their baroness. Like our companions here, I find the queen has become a bit of problem, endangering Irrisen."
Maka ran Selena's response through her mind a second time before angrily shaking her head. "That's not a no!"
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Observing the interaction, Fin downs a bite of fish followed by a healthy swig of wine to wash it down. "Maka, while she despaired a bit before our parting... something most of us had done to some extent during our journey up to that point...I can say Selena stood with us in opposing Queen Elvanna. While she and I weren't always on the same page on some matters, I can say with confidence that she is no child-killer..."
Turning back to Solveig, he says, "As for this dragon...where does it reside? And how easy is it for us to get there? I'm assuming wherever it is, the place is probably well guarded. We'll need to know as much info as you have so we can properly plan how to go about this..."
He then looks to the white witch, adding, "Selena, since I'm assuming you've been here longer than we, perhaps you have an idea about the dragon as well?"
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"Don't bother, Maka. You're not going to get a straight answer from her." Sakitu casts a withering stare at the one person she hoped she wouldn't see again. She started to turn to sit at the table with the food then spun back to face Selena. Pointing a finger straight at her she spoke with barely contained fury. "You treated us like dirt, or worse. And then because we didn't agree with your plan, you just left us. What is it people say? 'I'm dead to you'. Yeah that's it. 'I'm dead to you!' So there!"
With a huff Sakitu again turned her back on the white witch and sat at the table. With aggressive motions she grabbed some food and stuffed it in her mouth.
As the steam slowly seeps out of Sakitu's ears, she calms down enough to listen to Solveig's plan. Her previous anger is replaced with anxiety. "Your plan is for us to face a dragon?" She isn't surprised with Maka's response but she looks at Quasit for a reaction followed by an icy glare at Fin for bring Selena into the conversation.
Solveig nods at Maka, "I believe so. She eats some and responds in more detail with Findurel's question. The dragon was given hold over a clock tower, which was heavily retrofitted so ice trolls can patrol within. The dragon itself removed the faces of the clock so as to make for itself a perch. Beyond that I don't know for sure, but some have said a witch was relocated to the tower also. She takes a sip of her drink and continues. I can of course provide some supplies. And if you are willing to face the creature, there is a personal matter I feel bad requesting you consider as you are there. She hesitates, continuing. But of course, you may have more questions. No need to decide right away.
"I am Selena Snoe Yelizaveta, eldest daughter of Lady Morwena Yelizaveta and Lord Roland Snoe.”
Tezuzu will snort ”Typical of Jadwiga, I pose a beautifully philosophically open question as ‘Who are you?’ and you reply with meaningless bloodlines and parentage.”
”It's generally a bad idea to judge people by what they are rather than what they do. I'm sure a great many people of Badelund would very much disagree with your assessment concerning their baroness.”
Tezuzu thinks over this statement before replying ”I believe I said dislike white witches emphasis on the plurality as a concept or structure. Not as though I am judging them each individually, and I apologized for my companions rude behavior. I am sure I shall have plenty of opportunity to judge you specifically if we are to be working together. Perhaps you will end up growing on me, much like a fungus.”
”Like our companions here, I find the queen has become a bit of problem, endangering Irrisen."
Seeming to calm down some Tezuzu grabs a cup of wine and knocks it past his beak in one shot before chirping ”’A bit of a problem’ is quite an understatement.”
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Fin notes the icy glare from Sakitu and shrugs. "When going up against a dragon, I'll take all the help I can get...and if there is a witch stationed at this tower, whom better to counter her than a witch that's on our side? And lest you forget, Selena is the reason Bulvi is no longer blind..."
The Elf looks around at his companions, gauging their reactions, thinking, I had some issues with Selena...but she cured Bulvi's blindness...and she could be a valuable ally here...
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Quasit had crossed her arms and was leaning against a wall, looking at Selena thoughtfully while the others spoke their mind. When the young witch began talking in her usual manner, Quasit just smiled and shook her head.
Finally she speaks up.
"Fin's right." she says. "We never would have closed the portal at the Pale Tower without her. And whatever else she is, she's no friend of Elvanna. She stood beside us all through those fights, including against Radosek and that ice dragon."
Then she turns to Selena. "I'm curious though, Selena. After you left us, where did you go? And how did you end up here? I would think this was the last place you'd want to be."
To Solveig, she adds another thought. "Oh yeah, and by the way -- Nazhena? We have some history with her. We're the ones who stormed her Pale Tower, killed everyone inside and closed her portal. And with all the mirrors in there, I'd be willing to bet she knows us. And would love the chance to kill us all slowly. If she was here dealing with the Hut, it explains why she wasn't at her Tower when we hit it."
She walks on a bit more, then adds: "You know Hace loved her, right? I think that's why he left, really."
Solveig nods slowly as she takes the details in, "It seems you all might be soon to cross paths either way. Let us finish our meal and I'll see what more details I can find. In the mean time, the merchants have relocated from the square to buildings down the road a bit. If you all have business you need to take care of you may find at least a few reputable merchants. She pauses, continuing hesitantly after finishing up her drink.
If you're willing, I believe there may be a renowned artist - Bella Blvorica within the dragon's tower. It would be a shame to have such a remarkable talent suffer under the greed of Logrivich.
Maka says "That's not a no!" Selena looks at her with a glimpse of confusion which clears up as Fin speaks "He speaks truthfully. We have enough problems with child theft just from the fey, I'm certainly not going to make them worse, and doing that doll thing to a person's soul should be reserved for criminal of high order, not the people."
In response to Sakitu, "I had a few things to check on, and couldn't have you follow me. I only said those things to make sure you wouldn't. Though, I disagree with your methods in general, we have the same goal, and soon your methods will be needed a great deal. So can we tackle a dragon now?"
Texuzu gives a philosophy vs bloodline remark, and Selena laughs with humor "Usually 'who are you' is code for 'What is your name and social status.' As for who I am in a philosophical sense, that is a question no one can answer in words, only actions in pressing situations can answer that."
Selena very obviously ignores Quasit's question about where she went, turning the topic back to "Now about this dragon..." and pays attention to that topic.
Tezuzu will cock his head at an angel examining Selenas statement as it hangs in the air "Ah, but you have given so much by the actions of your response from this exchange alone. It is good to see that whatever foul thing they do to winter witches in training that turns your heart to ice hasn't chilled the warmth of humor for you."
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Tezuzu will carefully eat his food while digesting the conversation occurring at the table "So I suppose Quasit talking the dragon out of being our foe is off the table?" he will turn to Maka and ask dripping with sarcasm "But what if Logrivich is destined to one day start an orphanage or save the world, or both?"
He will pause to enjoy more wine "I have no issues personally in putting the dragon down. What kind of supplies can you provide us, do you take requests? And what is so important about this artist Bella Blvorica?"
After mulling it over some Tezuzu will conclude "I would humbly ask that you spare me two nights not including tonight to allow me to ply my work in restoratives before we strike. What time do you all think we should attack? I am fond just before dawn."
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Fin nods his head as Solveig finishes speaking. ”So we have ice trolls and a witch in addition to this dragon? Hmmm...think we should scout out this tower during the day, from a distance of course, if possible. Is the tower in a public place so we could perhaps get a feel for it without drawing any undue attention? As for when to strike, while I prefer going in under cover of darkness, it depends on if the Queen’s guard patrols the area around the tower and, if so, on what kind of schedule...”
He drinks a bit more wine before continuing. ”And, as Q mentioned, we need to upgrade our gear desperately. These reputable merchants that you mentioned are nearby...do any of them sell magical items? Or do you know of any capable of enchanting weapons or armor?”
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Sakitu just shakes her head while keeping her eyes down at the table. "I can't believe it. Another dragon and tower. " She mumbles to herself a little bit then sighs. "And you are right, Selena did help us there." She peeks her eyes up to take a look at Selena.
Sighing again, she stands up from the table and walks over to her. She holds out a hand. "Ok. I'll try to leave all of that in the past." She flickers back and forth between her fox form and human form, obviously agitated and anxious about everything that's going on.
She returns to the table. "Oh ok. So we're going to check out the tower from a distance. Sounds good. And more equipment? That sounds good too." At Fin's mention of magical weapons her eyes light up. "Yeah! That would be fun."
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Tezuzu will carefully eat his food while digesting the conversation occurring at the table "So I suppose Quasit talking the dragon out of being our foe is off the table?" he will turn to Maka and ask dripping with sarcasm "But what if Logrivich is destined to one day start an orphanage or save the world, or both?"
"Or maybe a fighting monastery like Master Isa!? But it will be hard, even with how good at words Quasit is. Dragons are super smart, and don't usually pay attention to us. So you have to get their attention and respect, which is hard because of how super tough they are. But that's also what will make this such a good fight!" Maka responded, completely oblivious to Tezuzu's sarcasm. Her eyes shined with visions of fire and ice and battles to come.
Tezuzu sits silently and stares a thousand yards as though something has been fundamentally broken inside of him before he is finally able to collect himself. "Maka, I mean this in the kindest possible way. I am not sure if your relentless optimism is a god-like wisdom or the result of some sort of brain trama....." he knocks back another glass of wine "...It is really unrelenting in how charming it is in either case."
Solveig pauses for a moment before responding to Tezuzu's inquiry about Bella, I had the chance to see a performance. Even to speak with her for a time. She was a guest for a special performance here in Winterthrone until that dragon took her. No one deserves that.
She turns to Findurel, The clock tower is very much in a public location. It is near the main enterance to Winterthrone, east of where we are now. With the Merchant square blocked off a slight detour south is needed before one makes way back to the main road. From what I recall there is a gate around the area, but I do not know if it is secured. As for the merchants they have a great deal of items. Though, depending on your papers I would encourage caution at what you purchase openly.
Bulvi tutted at Tezuzu "We're going up against a power mad inhuman queen who has dragons for minions and wants to descend the world into an unending winter... we need Maka's enthusiasm to bolster our own."
"I do not look forward to this fight, we should do whatever we can to be prepared for this fight. We need to make sure it can't just breath fire on us from the skies without ever landing."
"I just don't know yet, if she just wants to be friends thats alright too. Friends are good too. If she wants more, we will see. You're a good friend Quasit. It's a shame Sakitu and you didn't work out." Bulvi gives her a playful grin. "I mean that's what Ibona told me after all."
Ringeirr, who has quietly been listening, eating, and drinking smiles. "I think you all have plenty to talk about. I have some things to check on. I will come by first thing in the morning. Is there anything you need from me? He finishes the bit of food left on his plate and finishes his drink.
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Solveig's pause before speaking about Bella makes Quasit listen for some reason.
"We'll find her." she says to Solveig, rather solemnly.
"I'm guessing a white dragon probably breathes cold, not fire? And if it is living in the belfry of a clock tower with the clock faces punched out, I'm guessing it can fly. So we need the ability to fly and the ability to withstand cold. Then we might have a chance. Does anyone know if white dragons are vulnerable to fire? If so, Maka might be our secret weapon."
"Why cold? I mean it could be electricity... but if it likes the cold around here maybe it doesn't like heat."
Bulvi puffs up his chest. "No one can my good woman."
"Ibona did but she was nice enough in her own way. I can't blame people for wanting to get away from this. It just seems too big. At this stage anyone willing to pitch in for a while is something. But the rest of us are managing to scrape through."
Solveig seems relived at Quasit's reply. "Thank you for trying. In terms of supplies I'm afraid all I have is a couple of potions and a few fireworks so that you can send a signal from the tower once Logrivich is dead. As conversation continues, Ringeirr rises from his chair and bids the group farewell until morning.
"Maka, I mean this in the kindest possible way. I am not sure if your relentless optimism is a god-like wisdom or the result of some sort of brain trama....." he knocks back another glass of wine "...It is really unrelenting in how charming it is in either case."
"Aw thanks, my dad used to tell me I was unrelenting too."
"Don't worry we'll save your friend, you don't have to act tough. We'll save anyone we can." Maka said with a toothy grin to Solveig.
"I do not look forward to this fight, we should do whatever we can to be prepared for this fight. We need to make sure it can't just breath fire on us from the skies without ever landing."
Finishing her meat, Maka let loose a loud belch with an accompanying gout of flame. "Then I'll breath fire on it back! Oh, but we should get some weapons and protections for everyone else huh?"
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Fin arches an eyebrow, briefly, as Solveig mentions Bella, but says nothing of it. "No worries, ma'am, we will do our best to rescue the lady...
"Think it be too late to hit the market today; perhaps in the morning. When is the market open, m'Lady?"
Looking to Bulvi, Fin says, "I agree with Q...being where we are and considering the color of the dragon, I suspect it'll breathe something akin to ice...if I recall, I think blue dragons are the ones with electric breath..."
The ranger turns Quasit. "Q, do you think we should scout the tower this evening or tomorrow morning, before we hit the market? And should all of us scout or just a few?"
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The ranger turns Quasit. "Q, do you think we should scout the tower this evening or tomorrow morning, before we hit the market? And should all of us scout or just a few?"
"I'm reluctant to go back onto the streets myself today -- I'm *sure* I'd run into Greta again. Not to mention I generally made a spectacle of myself in the Howlings. Scouting seems to me like it's a one man job, maybe two. Under the circumstances, I'd say you're our best scout Fin. And if you want to take someone with you to be safe, I'd say ask Selena to join you. She knows the people and the customs of this place. And if you get into trouble, she can send her familiar back here with a message maybe."
"As for timing, I think just before nightfall makes sense, so we can see who's coming and going as we move from day to night. I think we want to know (A) how many guards and ice trolls are guarding the clock tower, (B) how many ways in or out are there, and (C) how active is the dragon -- is it actually watching the streets, does it go out on patrols, that sort of thing. And if you see it, try and gauge how big and old it is."
"What do you think?"
Solveig smiles as she describes the merchants in the area to Findurêl "The enterprising operate all the time it seems. Usually by first light merchants start setting up. Timing depends on how crowded the main entrance is as people make their way through the gates. The best merchants have a supply of good locally so set up as soon as they can.
Tezuzu will give Solveig a serious look ”I shall bring her back to you, you have my word. Least I could do considering your hospitality.”
As the party continues plotting Tezuzu will chime in ”If memory serves true I do believe this dragon will breathe ice and it stands to reason it would be vulnerable to fire.” He will chirp up while Quasit discusses scouting ”I am very sneaky when I need to be and have rather keen eyes, but I would prefer not to do reconnoissance given choice. I can make myself available if you ask it of me, however.”
He will then add on to her listing ”...(D) A good escape route through the streets away from the tower. (E) A place hidden from public close by so we might ward ourselves with magic without drawing eyes. (F) A good meeting place should we get separated.” Tezuzu lists off excitedly clearly very pleased to involved in planning.
Solveig cleans up after the meal, but returns to the shared space after. She leaves the bit of wine that is left and brings a few cups. She encourages each of the group to pick one of the small living quarters as their own for the duration of their stay.
Those who decide to join the scouting party head out when they are ready. With a rough idea of the direction of the clock tower and sense of the detour of roads to follow around the merchant quarter from their host, they are able to plan their approach.
Selena tags along, though before leaving she shifts into her wolfish form "This is how I'll be in public from now on, and call me Myrda."
Selena, showing her youth, is a bit caught up in just the fascination of being out in a major city for the first time (freely anyway).
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Fin will exit through the boathouse with Myrda, where the party first came through...he’ll try to time his exit with others, and will take the circular road south, going around and away from the blocked area, figuring that to be a more highly patrolled area...he’ll keep an eye out for any patrols, mirror men, winter wolves, ice trolls, etc.
He’ll calmly walk around the circular road, mixing in with any crowds when he can, and take the eastern branch towards the clock tower. As he gets to the intersection where the road continues straight towards the tower and to a gate, he’ll take the southern road. He’ll go just a short ways south, and when he doesn’t sense or see anyone near, he’ll turn towards the buildings between the road and the tower, and go stealthy. Fin will use any shadows, foliage, structures, or otherwise to hide as he moves as he looks for a good place to conceal himself as well as observe the tower and the area around it...
Once settled, he’ll look for patrols, entrances to the tower, and, of course, he’ll look for the dragon in the clock tower...
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Sakitu is glad to wait in the hideout while Selena and Fin go out for the rescue. With those two gone, she approaches Quasit. "Wow. What a surprise. I mean Selena. Right? Well, you guys all seem good with her so I am too." The long and stressful journey has taken a toll on Sakitu. She slumps into a chair. "I just hope we can be done with this whole thing soon. I never realized that an 'adventure' would be like this. Maybe my parents were right. Maybe I should have gone to visit my aunt."
She fidgets with a loose strap on her bag.
Once Fin & Selena leaves Tezuzu will cautiously approach Sakitu and ask with concern in his voice "I know I do not know you that well, but are you going to be alright? You seemed quite upset earlier. Yang Shih needs to burn off some energy. I was planning on playing hide and seek with him and explore this place a little. If it would lift your spirits you are welcome to join."