"I think they may be asleep, lets meet them in the library tomorrow as agreed."
Davian agrees, but with a slight reservation.
She seemed so determined to find them a moment again.
The cleric continues to accept the noblewoman's company for as long as she wills it.
--
The following morning, Zal, Zaeta, and Davian, find themselves back in the library. Cara, the brawler from before, was notably absent.
Surprisingly, in addition to Cara's absence, the Crown-Princess was present, dressed in what seemed to be a nondescript uniform more akin to a mercenary, than the ruler, with the form-fitting light stone armor being a new addition alongside the stone mace she bore before.
She was talking to Marsailles, the Guildmaster, who had a grim look on her face. Also present at the moment within the library was a few other bodies:
The most standout one was a small green-skinned humanoid with pointed ears. Its hair was the color of seaweed, and had plenty of shells decorating as hair accessories. It was dressed in full stone armor with a finish of sand, and carried a helmet under its arm. It had an appropriately sized two-handed greatsword strapped to its back, and it's expression shared in the seriousness of the moment.
There was also the woman from before, who spoke with her hands. Her metallic scythe was menacing as always, and her revealing attire, fixed by Zaeta the day before, was again in tatters. Perhaps it was a design choice...? She had one hand adjusting her glasses as she crossed her free arm under her chest. She seemed to be a bit angry.
Across from her, a man dressed in a stone battle harness and fur protection observed silently, his helmet fully covering all facial details. Its design seemed to be in emulation of scarier animals, given the horns and markings it had. He was leaning against a column, a one-handed iron made axe at his side.
Then there was Norme, the mage from the other day. Jezebeth standing at side was always a sight to see. They seemed to be highly invested in the conversation. Their outfits were slightly different, but both wore the same outfit, traveling robes that a traveling mage would wear. Each also had matching spellbooks and the trademark hats that were much too big.
The priestess from the day before was back again it seemed. Her little charm necklace was clearly visible now, and had several small falling stars made of gold, each with a fiery red ruby for the centerpiece. Her robes were also indicative of Melleaun shrine maiden designs, but with hues of black, red, blue, green, and white woven throughout in chaotic patterns. Her longbow was on her back, though its design seemed radically different from Arenstone bows, and was made of wood. Her quiver was full.
Lastly a Gnome girl and a Human man stood in attendance as well. The girl was mostly a normal human color as far as her skin went, but her flowing hair was multi-hued in a myriad of orange, green and yellow, and she wore outlandish glasses with black frames and one lens red contrasting the other's blue. She was dressed much as a traveling performer might be; one who played instruments, told jokes, did comedy, and perhaps dabbled in magic and swordplay. The stereotypical bard or musketeer. She practically bounced in place and never stopped smiling.
The man was sleek, wrapped in a hooded cloak, and had plenty of daggers across several sheaths. He looked no nonsense, and was fiddling with his gloves, giving a bare minimum of attention to the conversation happening. His lighter outfit was still made with stone, and was for sure not just ordinary cloth. Not one to mess with for sure.
"...eems that we're in a bit of a bind then?"
"A perilous situation, perhaps. I am pleased it did not befall us far later. However, I must ask you to ensure they have a suitable replacement."
"They will have one! I stake the honor and reputation of Respite on it! Wahahaha~!"
At this, the Crown-Princess and the Guildmaster both turned to face you guys, their faces decidedly their neutral selves, with Estelle's confidence, and Marsailles' smile.
"Good morning! Welcome back to Respite! Wahahaha~!"
Zaeta, well-rested and ready to start their quest, is surprised at the amount of people that she encounters in the library. She has a lot of questions, but not wanting to spark another unpleasant encounter, simply responds to Marsailles:
"Thank you."
Davian, uncertain of the gathered personage, including the crown-princess, before him, bows respectfully to Marsailes and then more deeply to Princess Estelle.
"Thank you, Guildmaster."
"Your Royal Highness."
From there, the cleric held his tongue unless addressed directly, awaiting for Lady Zal's cue.
Lady Z court the end of the conversation, guessing that something had befallen their companion Cara Thrace.
Seeing her highness, She did the right greetings for the situation, and to her and the others in her entourage demand it by custom and rank.
When done she says with the dry cold wit of a Drow Matron.
"I see that Cara Thrace is late, or should that be THE late
Cara Thrace is late?"
She scrutinises the bunch to see of there is the lightest acknowledgment of truth to her words.
"Late is not the truth of the matter. Unfortunately, your companion proved most vexing. She has deserted the mission without warning, and thus is now a danger for the information she knows. I cannot allow the three of you remaining to travel without a fourth, so I have once again requested the aid of the Guildmaster."
"Yep! Respite is always available, no matter the call!"
The woman raised her hands in the air in a triumphant posture, a serious look crossing her face.
"Rest and Respite for all!"
Returning to her normal stance, she beamed a bright smile.
"So, with my approval given, I want the three of you to discuss among yourselves, and with the members of Respite. Pick one of them to tag along with you guys. Don't be shy! Everyone here will be glad to help you (mostly)! Ask them whatever questions you need, and let me know once you've chosen!"
With that done, Marsailles and the Crown-Princess both stepped aside to converse further, leaving your trio to your devices as far as recruitment goes.
"Late is not the truth of the matter. Unfortunately, your companion proved most vexing. She has deserted the mission without warning, and thus is now a danger for the information she knows. I cannot allow the three of you remaining to travel without a fourth, so I have once again requested the aid of the Guildmaster."
The cleric's face becomes downcast. Damn it, Cara! You are in such trouble right now!
"So, with my approval given, I want the three of you to discuss among yourselves, and with the members of Respite. Pick one of them to tag along with you guys. Don't be shy! Everyone here will be glad to help you (mostly)! Ask them whatever questions you need, and let me know once you've chosen!"
As the guildmaster and the crown-princess move away, the remaining three glance at each other, unsure how to proceed after such a bombshell as one of their number, a supposed 'savior-of-the-world', ran away with the princess's platinum!
With a little cough, Davian steps forward to the gathered guild members."Hello and good morning to you all. For those who don't know me, my name is Davian Dreamspun, cleric to The Keeper of Dreams, Desna." Gesturing to the ladies to his side, Davian continues introductions. "To my right is Lady Zal -Azra Qlin-Zra, investigator for the Arenstone Army, and Zaeta, a powerful wood oracle."
Turning back to the gathered guildmembers, the traveling caravan man asked, "Would you please introduce yourselves?"
Zaeta nods at Davian, approving of both her introduction and the proposed introductions of their options.
She already has some ideas from sizing people up, but someone the fit with the party was essential.
Looks over the gathering with her Investigators eye.
"Thank you everyone for offering to help us at such short notice. Everyone please put your hands up. As you know her highness is here and would like one of you, as a personal sign of respect to herself, that you one of you join our band to save the world. Now this is a very secretive mission. Knowing about it and running away may place us in danger, as so few know what we need to do, just her highness, her inner group of advertisers, them over there. And lets not forget the WHOLE court, when she made a public proclamation outlining just what we where meant to do and how we would do it. If you don't wish to join us as the 4th member please put you hand down now."
She looked over the few hands that went down.
"Thank you for your honesty, now if you have no combat experience outside the city or state, please put your hands down as well. Thank you, now if only speak one language please put your hand down. If you have a family with young Children please put your hand down as well. Again thank you. If you have no skill with range weapons please put your hand down, if have never seen someone close to you die please put your hands down now. If you have never been hit by a magic ray please put your hands down. If you have never camped out in an hostile wildness for more than a week then put your hands down now. If you don't know what small unit tactics are then put your hand down. Well then we have a few left. Those left we will interview one to one, the rest, thank you for your time and have a good day, you may go."
She looks to her fellows.
"That thins the pack, now, Interview time"
At Davian's request, each mercenary introduced themselves, responding positively to the natural friendliness Davian had. Most spoke Common.
"I'm Titania, a Nixie from Feyfaire, and the best Paladin of Abadar you'll ever meet in your lifetime!"
"... ... ...! ... ... ..."
"The name is Roland. Of Itrilia. Just tell me what needs to be done, and I'll do it."
"Well, we met already, but I'm Norme, a wizard who was in training!"
"You still need to train me, shortstack! Tee hee hee~ I'm the lovely Jezebeth, companion of Norme!"
"My name is Yoriko, and I am a humble servant to my god. You won't go wrong with me!"
"Hey, my name is Trick, and you seem like really cool people! I love really cool people! I wonder what I can accomplish with really cool people!"
"Andreas. Assassin."
Then they focused on Zal as she spoke. As Zal went down each criteria listed, hands remained raised until the mention of family. At that, Andreas, and Roland lowered their hands.
Ranged weapons proved to be what lowered Titania's hand, as well as Mikaiela's hand. For those close to them dying, Norme lowered his hand.
When the mention of magical rays came up, Trick lowered her hand. That left Yoriko as the only one with her hand still raised. Thus when Zal finished speaking, Yoriko would approach the trio of you.
"My my, seems I'm the only one fitting by your strict standards. This must be a blessing. I won't second guess it. Ask whatever you must ask."
Davian takes a moment to examine Yoriko's manner of dress.
Zaeta listens to Lady Zal's overly burdensome requirements, and realizes that it doesn't matter whatsoever who she wants to accompany them, since it seems to already be decided.
"Nice to meet you, Yoriko. What god do you serve?"
Placing her hands together before her as if entering prayer, she responded.
"I worship Dahak, a deity you likely have not heard much of. His worshipers are few in number, but we are a devoted group."
With a soft smile, Yoriko continued, resuming her at ease posture.
"Rest assured, his clergy are gifted portions of his powers as blessings to bestow upon others in his service. As a result, I am more than capable both in battle and out. If your wounds are severe, I can patch you up. I'll keep myself healthy as well, so you do not need to worry about my well being."
She wore her soft smile and clasped her hands, showing an expression of excitement at the thought of adventures beyond normal guild work.
Zaeta continues to address Yoriko.
"Welcome to the group. I'm Zaeta. Looking forward to working with you.
"Rest assured, his clergy are gifted portions of his powers as blessings to bestow upon others in his service. As a result, I am more than capable both in battle and out. If your wounds are severe, I can patch you up. I'll keep myself healthy as well, so you do not need to worry about my well being."
Davian's expression stiffens a bit, being unable to place the name of Yoriko's god. Yet it softens back to a smile.
"Of course we shall worry about your well being. No one is an expendable resource. It is greatly fortuitous to have another dedicated healer in our group, if only temporarily. Welcome Yoriko, daughter of Dahak."
"Well we can get to know each other better on the way to the location on the map. For now lets get what we need for the trip, do some reserch here see whats known about the location and head off"
She says
"I wish to purchase a healer's kit before we leave", Davian chimes in. "To take care of any unforseeables."
Looking to the half-drow noble, the desnan asks, "Lady Zal, can you think of a shop nearby where I can purchase one?"
"Shop close no, unless they have one here, but market yes, healing stalls and all four streets away"
Yoriko nods.
"If it's a Healer's Kit you need, you could use one from the Guild's First Aid supplies. I'll go and fetch it for you."
Yoriko was gone for about half a minute, returning with a Healer's Kit in hand.
"I trust this will do nicely?"
Davian accepts the healer's kit with grace. "Thank you very much, Yoriko."
The desnan turns to the half-drow noblewoman. "There. Not having a healer's kit was my main concern. I can't speak for our other party members, but I am ready to leave at your leisure", Davian said with a slight bow.
"I am ready as well." says Zaeta.
"Well if we are all ready then lets head out. We need to get a march on anyone who wants to stop us"
She says.