Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

I'll take the five books, thank you. Have you seen anything interesting, Shadlah? I'm on a shopping spree..

Joanna

If Lady Heidmarch is surprised by Joanna's excitement about the faire, she doesn't show it, "By all means, go and visit Lady Midnight's show... there is much to be learnt of cultures of the world through petty entertainments such as these. Besides, after what I have heard of your time in Ravenmoor and your explorations of the 'Crow'... I do believe you a moment of pause would benefit all of you". When Joanna asks that Unselm enquire about the Golden Key, Lady Heidmarch assures her that she will ask Unselm to do exactly that...

Teldon and Briana

Agent Sylvain laughs at Teldon's suggestion, "You are a shrewd man Pellius, a shrewd man... indeed there shall be, whilst we are the sole providers of such relics into Magnimar, a period of high exclusivity... It is the kind of business opportunity that the Consortium relishes. Twenty-Five hundred you say? Well..." Agent Sylvain grins, "...that is what I shall market it at then".

When Teldon goes on to suggest that he may be able to assist Agent Sylvain with the Consortium's future Osiriani relics, Agent Sylvain is quite pleased... indeed, he seems almost relieved, "It would serve the Consortium well to have an expert such as yourself available... our next shipment will, if the winds are gracious, make port in a week... if you were in Magnimar, could I count on you to assist me with the appraisal of what we have found?"

...and then, as another agent comes into the chamber with a scroll and a velvet pouch of coins, "Ahhhh... the proceeds from your items at our auction... would you mind signing for them? I wonder Pellius, what are your longer term plans? Your grasp of the antiquities market is too keen that you could ever be satisfied with simply collecting... I wonder... have you ever considered joining an organisation such as ours?"

Joanna thanks the Venture Captain with a small smile before falling silent once again. After a minute or two, as she is looking up at the sky above her, she finds herself asking one more question.

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing in avoiding my stepmother?"

In Dockway...

Zee looks over the collection of books and maps about the Mushfens, trying to find one that might aid their journey to the Lady's Light.

In the Inner Sea World Guide, there are rules for copies of volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles, which can grant skill check bonues in specific situations. I was hoping to find a book (not necessarily an actual Pathfinder Chronicles volume) that would assist our journey in a similar way.

Joanna

Lady Heidmarch pauses for the briefest of moments, "Forgive me if I answer your question with another question... what do you think will happen when the erstwhile Lady Whitehall finds you? Do you believe that you will be able to continue your life as an Iomedean paladin? ...as a Pathfinder? ...living free with your friends? What do you want Joanna... do you wish to return to the Whitehall business?"

Lady Heidmarch puts a hand lightly on Joanna's, "Your stepmother is looking for you Joanna... and some of the people she has engaged to do so are, how shall I put this, they're not the kind of people that your father would have dealt with it".

Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah

As the store owner had suggested, there are indeed many books relating to the Mushfens... although, the closer they get to the Lady's Cape, the more sparse they become on details...

Certainly, if the right kind of books on the Mushfens are purchased then I would anticipate granting bonuses on Survival Checks whilst out near the Lady's Light.

Pellius checks the contents of the sack to ensure they match the receipt and then signs for them. "I have, in fact, considered that very thing," he confesses, "I'm not yet ready to stop mounting expeditions and taking private commissions, but I have been looking to add a safer, steadier revenue stream to my portfolio... perhaps an ongoing venture I can invest in and help to nurture?"

Joanna opens her mouth to answer, but slowly closes it as memories come to the surface. There were the times she'd been shunned by her sisters or had returned the favor. There were the times she'd been scolded for playing with wooden swords or practicing with one of her friends. Then there was her father's death. Her losing her friends one by one as they could no longer come over, and she was rarely allowed to leave. The first ball, and the grand disappointment as she found herself cut off from her peers again, and again, and again. Her step-mother's constant, cutting remarks on her figure, or lack thereof, and her lack of grace. Her sisters spreading rumors about how many people she'd slept with, and the stigma that she could never shake. All of the times she'd been kept from the family chapel. Every day she spent locked in her room as she awaited the next dreaded ball. All of it came on so quickly, she barely had the time to sort it out, but there was one thing that stood out above all the other memories, one thing she feared more than anything else, she realized as she pulled her knees tight to her chest there on the bench.

The unbearable solitude.

"I– I don't want to be alone," she answers in a soft, shaky, sob-choked voice. "If she had the chance, she'd put me in a gilded cage and weigh me down with golden chains to sell me at the highest price, and she'd make sure that I was alone,. No friends. No one to come to my aid. No hope."

The young paladin curls into a tight ball next to Lady Heidmarch, her entire being trembling in fear.

"I– I can't go through that," she admits, "I just can't."

Joanna

Lady Heidmarch's voice is soothing, "Joanna... whilst you are a Pathfinder under my charge, there is no reason to fear being 'imprisoned' or to feel alone. Your friends have been through very much together, in such a short time, and the bonds of friendship are strong indeed. They will... we will... protect you from anything that 'Lady Heidmarch' attempts"

...and then, with her tone containing a little more steel, "You need to be ready for the day that 'Lady Heidmarch' finds you... that day will surely come and you must be prepared for it. You will need to know, in your heart, what it is that you want... whether you want to fight to be a Whitehall... or to let your 'Mother' take the name". A soft hand rests on Joanna's shoulder as Lady Heidmarch's voice loses its harshness once more, "That day is not today through Joanna... today, be a friend to your companions... and, in the days to come, be a Pathfinder".

The sound of the door to the Manor opening followed by the tapping of a cane against the marble floor announces the return of Unselm, "Ahhhh, Unselm has returned... I suppose your friends won't be too far behind".

Teldon and Briana

Agent Sylvain smiles, "Ahhhh... the thrill of the expedition - indeed, what can replace the excitement of seeing your treasures in their original setting... and the satisfaction of knowing that it was you who discovered it", there is a knowing twinkle in the Aspis Consortium Agent's eye, "Except maybe the buzz of the auction? Of seeing the fruits of your research and your boldness transformed into bulging coffers"

Examining the statue of Anubis in more detail, Agent Sylvain considers Teldon's words, "The Osirion expedition may take another full year to realise its full potential... if you were willing to invest in that, you would be assured of a reasonable return... and would, of course, see the entirety of the haul before it is offered out to other collectors. Would such a venture be of interest to you?"

Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah

Assuming you are done at the booksellers, where are you headed next? The Church of Pharasma to determine whether you can obtain some of the texts that they have been buying? Back to the Heidmarch Manor? Without wishing to unduly influence your decision... if you head back to the Manor then I think we will push on to Lady Midnight's Travelling Faire... and then, on the morrow, back to the 'Crow' and / or sorting out your apocalyptic texts.

"It would indeed," the young entrepreneur answers, "perhaps we can have another receipt drawn up and I can place this gold back in your care?"

After settling and signing the terms of his investment, and offering some historical and religious insights on some of the pieces, he prepares to leave. "One other thing, Agent," he asks on the way out, "I was asked recently about Thassilonian apocalyptic literature and, I must confess, I'm not very familiar with the rare books trade in Magnimar; can you suggest any brokers?"

Dockway...

Zee selects Survival In the Mushfens, a book detailing the flora, fauna, and dangers that lurk in the Mushfens. She also buys Days and Nights on the Yondabarki: A Riverman's Life, an autobiographical memoir written by a riverboat navigator with long discussions about the people who live on and near the Yondabarki River. There is a long chapter about the boat getting swept into the Mushfens after a flash flood, and what they had to do to survive and navigate back to the river.

After making her purchases, she turns to her friends. "So... shall we pay the Pharasmins a visit?"

"Agent Sylvain? Is there a reason for the renewed interest in Osiriani artifacts?" 'Eudomia' asks curiously as 'Pellius' concludes his business dealings and they prepare to depart. "I know some of it is dictated by ah...whatever fancy strikes the nobility at a given time, but is that all?"

Joanna listens, and knows that Lady Heidmarch is right. She would have to choose to fight for her family, her home, and her very name, though that day isn't today. She looks up and wipes the tears from her gray eyes and gives the Venture Captain a sheepish smile.

"I should apologize, milady, for being a silly, foolish girl. You're right," she tells Lady Heidmarch, "and I will have to stand up to her one day. I just pray that I'll have the courage."

Hearing Unselm's arrival, she straightens her clothing and her hat before smiling a little more.

"Thank you for being there for me. I promise that I will never forget, and I hope that when I do take my place as Lady Whitehall, we and our houses will be friends," she says before standing up, feeling better than she had been. "do you want me to let Mister Unselm know where to find you?"

Arsith pays for her love books -30 GP and listens to Miss Z.

Why not? I still consider the church of Pharasma as allies, I hope they will be willing to speak to us about this kind of book, even if the subject is touchy. We'll ask nicely, with a big smile. Even if that doesn't work, that won't hurt.

Joanna

Lady Heidmarch shakes her head when Joanna asks for forgiveness, "There is nothing for you to apologise for… go and see Unselm by all means, ask him to show you to the kitchens and make yourself something to eat… soon enough, I’m sure, your friends will be here and maybe you can allow yourselves the gaiety of Lady Midnight’s Faire?”

Teldon and Briana

Agent Sylvain, smiling widely as Teldon agrees to re-invest his profits from the auction back into the Osiriani venture, has a contract drawn up by an aide whilst he ensures that both 'Pellius' and 'Eudomia' are entertained and plied with wines. As the conversation moves away from Osirion and towards the apocalyptic texts of old Thassilon, Agent Sylvain gives another sly grin, "Ahhhh, now what you are talking about there, my learned friend, is a very profitable area indeed... some two or three years ago, the church of Pharasma started to horde such texts... they scoured the shops, the collectors, the libraries of Magnimar... paying premium prices for the tomes that they found. Needless to say, the Consortium has been collecting such items to sell on to the Pharasmins - from Kaer Maga, from Riddleport and from Korvosa we have brought such texts here and sold on for handsome profit. Indeed, three days ago we sold an ancient text for ten times what we may once have been able to ask for it".

"I'm afraid my dear Pellius that, if you do wish to obtain such texts that you will need to deal directly with the Church... and, given the manner in which they have been collecting this literature, I doubt that they will be minded to sell anything to yourself".

And when 'Eudomia' turns the conversation towards the sudden trend for Osiriani artefacts, Agent Sylvain wonders out aloud, "Who can tell what it is that piques the interest of the collector so much? Is it the artistry or the history of these ancient relics? Maybe it is the gods to which the artefacts pay homage to... and the fact that they differ to those that are venerated here in Varisia? Or maybe it is simple one-upmanship between rival collectors? ...the thrill of the knowledge that you are the sole possessor of truly unique pieces. This venture that we...", when Agent Sylvain refers to 'We', it is obvious that he is now including 'Pellius' and Eudomia' within the term, "...shall need to walk a fine line between maximising our profits whilst we are the sole purveyor of Osiriani relics and that of flooding the market such that our profits diminish".

Anything more with Agent Sylvain? Or off somewhere else?

Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah

The store-keeper smiles when Ziomarra places the books that she has found upon the counter, "These are fine texts... fine texts indeed - neither of these titles remain on our shelves for very long when we are fortunate enough to find copies"... there is a momentary pause whilst the man looks at the friends - clearly assessing what they are likely to be able to pay... "One hundred and fifty for the two of them... and that, young lady, is a bargain".

These books, once the friends have had time enough to study them will give +2 Circumstance Bonuses as suggested by Ziomarra.

…and, with their business complete, the friends make their way into the busy streets of Magnimar – the church of Pharasma in Keystone, their destination. It is the early evening and the sun has dipped far enough from the heavens to cast shadows across the tight streets… here and there, street lamps are being lit to illuminate the way, the smells of the city subside in the cool evening air and voices call out to each other… and one topic, above all others, seems to be repeated… ‘Lady Midnight’s Travelling Faire’ is in town today…

"Thank you milady," Joanna says with a curtsey, "and I will. I just hope the others get back soon so we have some time to actually go."

With that, she excuses herself to find Unselm and ask him to show her the kitchen. Now that Lady Heidmarch had mentioned it, she was getting hungry.

Pellius thanks his new business partner for the information and bids him ado. After leaving the Bronze House he looks for somewhere in dockway where he and Briana can change back into their regular clothes before hiring a carriage to take them up to Heidmarch manor.

Dockway...

Zee attempts to haggle the price down as far as she can; for sake of time, as I'm not that inclined to roleplay the transaction, let's say that 150 is the final price agreed upon.

Keystone...

As she walks with her friends to the Temple of Pharasma, Zee notices the posters advertizing "Lady Midnight's Traveleing Faire."

Pointing at one of the posters, Zee suggests, "Perhaps when we have finished our business, we should attend the Faire. I, for one, could stand to have some fun for a change!"

Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah

Arriving at the relatively modest church of Pharasma, the friends are instantly struck by the relative quiet surrounding the building... an almost soporific atmosphere appears to extend out from the austere walls... and, making their way into the temple itself, the silence is near deafening. Approached by a cloaked woman, the friends are guided towards a small pool where they are encouraged, without words, to sit...

When the woman slips the hood of the cloak back, Arsith recognises Sister Ashell... and in a voice almost entirely devoid of emotion, "Sister D'Arabiane, it is pleasant to see you again... I had heard that were you no longer of this church though... what can I help you with?"

Once back into their regular clothing and safely on their way up to the Manor Briana turns to Teldon. "Well, I suppose it's good to know that the market in Magnimar seems largely untapped for a lot of these artifacts. But that was very strange about the Thassilonian texts - I wonder what the church of Pharasma knows that compels them to buy up all of those tomes?"

"I'm not sure," Teldon answers with a far off look, "but it makes me all the more concerned about our new associate, Jasper... Jo and Shadlah and Arsith seem to think he's a helpless eccentric in need of protecting but I suspect the fact that his god is driving him towards the very same apocalyptic texts that the Pharasmins feel compelled keep out of the hands of others is no accident..."

"And so you really do believe that all of these roads are leading to the same thing - the shards. What do we do once we've found them all?" she continues, looking a bit worried.

"I don't have enough information yet to theorize on how the shards are related to all of this, but I know that I feel safer with them in our hands than in anyone else's..." Teldon replies reassuringly.

With a beaming smile, Aristh walks to the priestess, and takes her hands

Sister Ashell, it's a pleasure to see you again too. I might have left the church, but I still consider myself as an ally, and a friend, to the Pharasmin.

Here why I'm here: we are looking for books about apocalyptic cults and beliefs. To be more specific, we need informations about the worshipping of Groetius, to better fight it. I understand that such a request might be surprising. We sought about such books on the market, but we were told that the inquisitors of Pharasma took every book relating to the subject.

Sister Ashell frowns, ”As you know, some of those texts that you talk of are considered to be heresy sister… they place the Harbinger of the Last Days above all things - even beyond our Lady of Graves. Inquisitor Draxes, you must remember him surely, he has been quite outspoken on this matter… all texts that foretell the ‘End Times’ or, worse still, propose to bring down the ‘Gibbous Moon’ are to be located and, by whatever means necessary, secured by the Church. It is, I am afraid to say, quite unlikely that the Inquisitor will release any of these tomes to yourselves… no matter what the purpose may be”.

The Pharasmin stands, and sliding the hood back over her head, ”Regardless, Inquisitor Draxes is en route to Kaer Maga as we speak – he will not be available for you to make representation to for at least two weeks… maybe more. It was good to see you Sister D’Arabiane… you look… well”, and, with a little tinge of sadness in her voice, Sister Ashell leaves…

Thank you for your kind words, Sister Ashell. Take care of yourself, and may Pharasma don't call you too soon to Her Gardens...

Arsith traces the holy spiral of Pharasma on her heart,with two fingers, and bows to the priestess before she leaves.

Turning to the two other girls, and to Miss Z in particular

At least we tried. Can I take a few minutes to pray to Pharasma, before we go, for the soul of our deceased friend?

"Yes, I suppose better us than most of the other people who'd have them - like the Tower Girls," Briana agrees. "I just hope that those stones Lady Heidmarch has been providing are able to keep suppressing the shards' side effects...especially once we start to gather more of them together."

Just killing some time making chit-chat with Teldon but I'm good to move our part of things back to Heidmarch Manor whenever :)

Teldon looks at Briana and smiles. "We can worry about saving the world tomorrow," he says taking her into his arms and kissing her neck, "tonight let's find something fun to do?"

I'm ready to move on too

Looks like everything has aligned to move us along...

Joanna has around an hour or so at the Heidmarch Manor after her discussions with the Venture Captain before, announced by the clattering of carriage wheels on cobbles, Briana and Teldon return from their appointment at the Bronze House... and only another half of an hour before, on foot, Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah - having walked quite the distance through Magnimar's districts whilst bearing a number of sizeable tomes - make their way back to the Pathfinder Lodge.

Outside, the sun has dipped fully below the horizon and the noise of evening within the city fills the air...

Leaving it to you to discuss how things went and what your plans for this evening (if you are heading to the Faire) and tomorrow may be...

"Something fun?" Briana asks, looking a little surprised as she settles into Teldon's arms for the rest of the journey. "You know...I think I'd like that. We've not really had a chance to do anything fun since...well, I'm not sure when. The festival in Ravenmoor...well, I don't like to think about it much," she says quietly.

"Anyway, I'm sure we'll figure something out," she adds quickly, not wanting to dampen the mood too much.

*****************************

At the sound of footsteps that herald the arrival of their friends, Briana looks up as Arsith, Zee, and Shadlah enter Heidmarch Manor carrying a bundle of rather large books. "Oh! You've been shopping! Do you need any help with those?"

Trailing behind Ziomarra and Arsith in silence, Shadlah simply hefts the books she's been assigned to carry and watches the stony paths travelling under her feet. When the harrower suggests attending the faire, she glances at the back of her head, frowning slightly. "I have not been to such a thing before," she states. "Perhaps we should."

==Briana and Teldon==
Joanna meets the pair as they walk in and after exchanging some pleasantries, she turns to Teldon and tries her best not to squirm.

"Teldon, I—" she begins, having to pause as she tried to put her thoughts into words, "I wanted to apologize. I didn't mean to cause the argument that followed after Kandamerus left, and I know you were trying to help and mean well. Can you forgive me for that?"

==When Everyone Arrives==
Joanna helps the others find a place to set their tomes down before turning and breaking out into a wide grin.

"I suppose that all of you have heard about the travelling faire in Ordellia, since the posters were everywhere on my way here. I wanted to know if all of you would like to go and have some fun tonight, since this might be our last chance to relax for a little while," she says as she starts to bounce on the balls of her feet in excitement.

In the carriage
Teldon considers Briana's question as the carriage clatters along. "Our first night back in the Crow..." he answers, "everyone else was setting up camp and we sat together while you painted a copy of that mural and I sketched... it wasn't raucous fun, but it was still fun wasn't it?"

**************************

upon returning to the manor
Teldon frowns at his friend. "Jo," he says seriously, "I forgive you, but I fear you are greatly mistaken about Jasper... if he succeeds in his aims it will mean the end of us all, and all those we love. And there is enough clarity to his vision that the church Pharasma has been zealously removing books about the subject of his quest from circulation. I know you have a distaste for dishonesty but we need Jasper's help right now, and we need him to think us his allies so that we're positioned to discover his progress and prevent his success; and I accomplished that."

**************************

when the other's arrive
Teldon's eyes light up when the others enter with a load of books. "What bounty is this?" he asks stealing glimpses at the titles, "do you mind if I read some of these too?"

==Briana and Teldon==
"I know," she says quietly, "not about the books and the Pharasmins, but about Jasper. I'm– I just worry about others. I don't like others getting hurt even if they are able to take care of themselves, especially when they are helping us. I'm sorry if I made things worse, or if I hurt you. I know you're a good man, but there are times where I find myself taken aback by the methods you've chosen. Maybe I'm just too naive."

Arsith giggles, putting the whole collection of love books into Teldon's hands

I don't mind if you read these books..because I bought them for you. I want to apologise, Teldon, because my words earlier were maybe too harsh. In any case, you were totally right, if I had any concern about our guide's safety, I should have told Lady H. I honestly didn't realised how hard and dangerous our trip might be, and even then, I had no right to blame you. Please accept my sincerest apologies, and this little gift.

Zee adds, "I'm not sure if you'll be more interested in Arsith's books or in what I purchased." She shows Teldon the copies of Survival in the Mushfens and Down the Yondabarki. "A little light reading for our expedition."

She then shares what they'd learned at the Temple of Pharasma with the others.

The friends have around an hour at the Heidmarch Manor, time enough to eat a light supper, to change out of clothes that are dusty from a day's hike around the city and to catch up on what they have achieved, before there is a knock at the door. Lady Heidmarch, opening the door smiles and, in mock apology, "I'm afraid that I have taken the liberty of booking you a carriage for the evening... you have endured much and an evening at Lady Midnight's Faire is the very least that you deserve".

...and so, ushered towards the carriage waiting outside the Manor with some parting words from Lady Heidmarch, the friends are whisked through the night towards the fields beyond the walls to Ordellia. The Venture Captain's last words? "I hear that it is Masquerade Night at the Faire... there are masks awaiting you in the carriage"

I will let you folks have fun deciding / describing what type of mask you are wearing whilst at the Faire... or whether your character chooses not to!!!

Clattering through Magnimar's districts, the friends are soon in Ordellia... and the carriage is caught within a slow-moving crowd - hundreds, if not thousands, of mask wearing folk - all seemingly making their way to Lady Midnight's entertainments. The carriage's driver knocks on the roof and then, peering through the window, apologises, "Afraid this is as far as I can take yer... Seems that the masquerade night is going to be the most pop-you-ler yet!!!"

Joining the crowd, the friends slowly make their way through the colourful district of Ordellia and, passing through the city gates, enter the fields beyond the city... lanterns, lamps of fireflies and more than one arcane floating globe illuminate the tents, stalls and open area around which people are congregating. Moving towards the group, a garishly dressed fellow on stilts, his face hidden behind a harlequin's mask calls out, "Welcome!!! Welcome to you all!!! We have such entertainments for you on this momentous evening!!! We have whirligigs, we have food from the four corners of the known world, we have theatre... such wonderful performances, there shall be dancing, we have fortune tellers... and our Circus... Enjoy yourselves... Leave behind the worries of the day and embrace the fantasy of Lady Midnight's Carnival and Faire!!!!"

You can find all of the above entertainments in Lady Midnight's Travelling Faire... and more besides!!! What are you folks up to?

Would it be okay to assume that Joanna was able to get her red and black outfit cleaned and patched up?

Would it be okay to assume that Joanna was able to get her red and black outfit cleaned and patched up?

Yeah, no worries... Joanna was at the Heidmarch Manor for an extended period of time compared with other folks.

In the Carriage (Briana and Teldon)

"Yes, that was fun," Briana admits. "I'm glad you understand, too...most people don't seem to think of something like that as fun unless they've got a bit of an artistic streak in them as well. Not to mention there's nothing wrong with companionable silence from time to time either," she chuckles.

Heidmarch Manor (Briana, Joanna, Teldon)

Briana fidgets, almost wondering if this were a conversation best had just between Joanna and Teldon. Could she really trust herself to be impartial when it mattered?

"Maybe that's why we're still together now, as a group," Briana offers quietly. "Each of us brings a different outlook to the table and even when we don't always agree, we still grow from the experience."

Heidmarch Manor/Carriage Ride/Faire (All)

"We learned the same about the Pharasmins during our visit at the Bronze House," Briana explains as the group passes the newly-acquired books around. "And who knows how long it'll be before we're able to return to Magnimar once we leave for the Lady's Light? It sounds like we may just have do without any additional information on the matter for awhile, unless we get lucky somehow."

Later on after dinner and some more relaxed conversation, Briana is a bit surprised to find the group ushered off to attend Lady Midnight's Faire. She looks over at Teldon and giggles. "Guess we've found our fun for the evening - or rather, it's found us!" As she looks over the selection of masks waiting for them, she selects a simple but elegant silver cat mask and slips it on just before the party is forced to leave the carriage and continue on foot. "How do I look?" she asks. "Oh! And what should we do first?"

Zee seems rather delighted as she finds a black, feathered mask fashioned like a raven, and quickly dons it.

Hearing the barker call out the various entertainments available, Zee says, "I would like to see the circus, then perhaps see what sort of plays they are performing! What would the rest of you like to see?"

Teldon spots a fairly masculine black lion mask and claims it.

we can both be cats, he thinks with half a chuckle.

Taking hold of Briana's hand he offers, "I am entirely yours, do with me as you please; in whatever order you wish."

Joanna finds herself in a bit of a bind, finding herself unable to chose between two masks she liked that matched her red and black outfit she had been profusely thankful to have mended and cleaned at the manor before changing. That is, until she found a black and red wolf mask and dons it with a grin.

"All of it," Joanna blurts out with a laugh at Zee's question, her excitement as obvious as the grin on her face. After a moment, she calms down and says, "The circus and then a play would be fine with me. I would love to have some time to play some games and see what they have for sell if there's enough."

Now that I think about it. I don't think any of you have seen Joanna this bubbly before.

To Briana's surprise, Teldon's choice of words conjures images that have absolutely nothing to do with the faire whatsoever and she's immensely thankful for both the mask and the dim light hiding her face.

"Um, the circus! The circus sounds like a grand place to start!" she blurts out.

And like a grand distraction!

Arsith picks up an elegant white butterfly mask, and put it on

Lenore loved butterflies... She always called them "flying flowers"

Shadlah hesitates before climbing into the carriage and sitting somewhat stiffly in her seat. As the books are passed around, she runs her hands over the covers, before handing them on wordlessly. She's last to don a mask as if hoping to get out of doing so, but eventually, she settles on an earth-toned creation styled after the coyotes of the plateau. As she ties it around her head, she's surprised by how quickly her perception changes. With the mask, she's faceless, nameless.

As the options are listed off, she opens her mouth to respond, as her stomach starts growling. Clearing her throat, she puts in with, "I think I would like to see the food before anything else."

Oh, the trick is that you don't have to see the food before anything else. You have to see the food before Joanna. Just kidding, of course, Jo.

She smiles at the paladin, hoping she won't take the small joke badly.

Then, suddenly, Arsith's mood darkens, and she sweeps a tear from her cheek

Approaching the circus tent, the friends pass a multitude of food stalls and tents… some, mainly those selling traditional Varisian cuisine, have quite sizable queues whereas others, selling more exotic wares from far-off places, seem to be attracting less folk… The closest of the stalls is simply titled 'Food From the Earth' - the smell of fresh popcorn and hot apple cider emanates from a simple brown tent. Tightly woven net bags filled with kettle corn hang inside the tent while a grill in the centre is covered with deliciously scented corn on the cob in various styles and a large steaming pot. A large bowl is filled with lemons and pouches of peanuts are nestled in a large woven wicker basket. A tall, rotund man, wearing a mask that makes him appear bald, meets Shadlah's eyes as she looks around the food stalls, smiles at her... a wide buck-toothed smile...

Nearby, the mouth-watering smell of cooking meats wafts out from a pristine white tent, and a thin column of gray smoke drifts up through the hole in the canopy, much like a chimney. Inside the cover of the white tent a gray haired female dwarf of about 100 years bustles about, serving customers and seasoning meats. A younger dwarf, male but bearing a familial resemblance, namely the same wide but stubby nose and oddly angular chin, cooks meat skewers over a low burning fire with a grill placed over top of it... every so often, the elderly dwarf woman chastises the younger one...

There are many other stalls, so much so that there is almost too much choice, and whilst the friends are deciding on which foods to sample, they can see the garish posters outside the circus tents – advertising 'Clowning' for the next hour or so... then the 'Wild Trapeze' and then... near midnight, 'Lady Midnight's Famous Menagerie'.

Trying one of the Food Stalls and then into the Circus?

"Would anyone like to try the Osirian food stand? Or maybe it's Katapeshi... I can never tell the difference, and I think a lot of the time vendors sell both." Micah inquires eyeing the virtually non-existent line. "Its actually quite popular in Absalom. There's a goat and garbonzo bean soup that I like, and all manner of kebabs- which are seasoned meat on skewers, and there's this one thing that's like a pasty stuffed with chicken, cinnamon, almonds and raisins... it doesn't sound like a good combination but it is."

Whilst Teldon guides some of his friends towards the exotic stalls, the rotund man calls out to Shadlah, "Hey miss... we got boiled peanuts, we got chicken wrap... say, you got a sweet tooth? Choco-nanas ain't just fer kids... how about some of our famous cider? We've got it hot or cold... how about a nice hot drink to keep yer warm whiles you enjoy Lady Midnight's?"

...the smell of food, mixed with wood smoke, hangs in the air and creates a certain warmth to proceedings - and from near the circus, the wild sound of piped instruments starts to blare...

"Katapeshi for me please!" Briana smiles. "I've not tried much but I remember it's usually rather spicy. Maybe just a small kebab for now though, I'm still fairly stuffed from dinner."

As the sound of instruments begins kicking up she looks around excitedly. "Is it starting already? We'd better hurry if we want seats!"