Kelda looks at the old man, "Does this cute little creature belong to anyone here? We were just wondering, because they don't usually have their winter coat yet, and he seems pretty friendly."
Astoria smiles and asks. "Curious little guy isn't he?"
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Kelda nods, "Yeah, I have a horrible weakness for cute fluffy animals. Just look at his cute little paws, and his sweet little face." She says while holding out a small piece of her eggs for the little beggar.
Lysithia observes both the dwarf's action and the ermine's response. It didn't seem like he fount ti familiar, meaning it must be a new arrival.
"That thing came out of the woods a few weeks ago, looking ragged and about ready to die," the old man answers. "Left it alone because I figured nature would take its course. As you can see, the damned thing is as fit as a fiddle now. Likes to creep in here, especially when there's a wizard or the like around. Seems fond of them for some reason."
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Kelda looks around at the others before looking back at the old man, holding her hand out to the weasel, "So, if he wants to come with us, and everyone is okay with it, it would be okay to take him?"
"Good riddance, I'd say," the old man remarks.
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Kelda holds out another piece of dried meat to the furry creature, "What do you say little one? Would you like to be friends?"
"Sounds like he might have been a familiar or companion to someone once, so he prefers the company of people." Lysithia says with a smile, "I'm fine with him coming along with us if he wants to."
"I wonder if something happened to his master?" Astoria wonders.
"Sounds likely given the condition he was in when they first saw him." Lysithia surmises.
"Welcome to the group," Lup says to the weasel as he slides his plate over so the furry friend has better access to it.
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Astoria is sure that the weasel's master is still alive, since many familiars die when their masters do. However, something must have changed due to the ferret wandering around as freely as it is.
The weasel sniffs this bit of meat Kelda offers but hops onto the table to eat from Lup's plate. It stuffs its mouth with some of the eggs before climbing off the table and curling around Astoria's seat.
Kelda chuckles, "Well, he has a healthy appetite." She looks over at Lup, "We can get you another plate if we need to Lup."
Looking back over at where the furry critter lays curled around Astoria's chair, "So...what do you think Astoria? It seems pretty comfortable there by your chair, do you think we should take it with us...? I've never dealt with a familiar before, so I'm not sure what we should do." She says, while looking around at the others. She had seen plenty of wild animals before, but none like this weasel before. She wasn't even really sure what a familiar was, or what would happen if they took it out of the area....but, maybe Astoria and Lysithia could figure it out since they seemed to know about this kind of thing. She contemplates to herself as she eats her own breakfast.
Astoria gives the furry creature a pat on the head. "I think that's up to him but I don't see a problem with it. If I had to guess I'd say his master replaced him or set him free."
”Thanks for the offer but this is fine,” Lup says as he eats around what the weasel took.
As they discuss further what to do and Astoria offers a hypothesis he offers another ”Hopefully the master isn’t trapped or in danger. But probably not likely with how calm this one is acting, they’re not missing any fur either.”
"True. I guess if he's free to, he'll come along with us." Lisithia adds.
She thinks for a moment, "Oh...okay, I didn't know that. It's too bad we can't just ask him what happened."
After finishing his breakfast, Gavril looks to Kelda. "Are ye ready t' go or do ye need t' get yer things?"
She thinks for a moment, "Oh...okay, I didn't know that. It's too bad we can't just ask him what happened."
"I might be able to do that tomorrow. I can focus my magic on communicating in animal speech at dawn."
Kelda checks her person and around her before looking back at her Da, "I think I have everything, we can go if everyone else is ready." She says before looking back at Lysithia, "If he comes with us, that would be great. Then we kind find out what actually happened."
"Marina and I need to grab our things," Gavril says. "We'll be right back."
The dwarf and his wife head back to the room to gather their belongings. Gelda and Harnan also head back down the hallway.
"Well I guess as soon as they get back we'll head out." Lysithia says checking her gear.
The dwarves return and Gavril tips the old man before heading for the door. "Let's get going."
Kelda nods at Lysithia as she re shoulders her hammer, "Yep." She says, sounding a little distracted.
After her Da comes down and pays the old man, Kelda shakes herself from her thoughts as they prepare to leave.
She looks to see if the weasel will follow them, as she takes Lysithia's hand, and walks out the door behind her family.
Lysithia takes a deep breath as they set off, holding Kelda's hand, taking in the early morning.
Astoria finishes he hearty breakfast and grabs her pack. "I'm ready too."
”Same here,”” Lup adds after finishing off whatever the weasel left him.
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The weasel stands on its hind legs in front of Astoria and reaches up with its front paws.
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"You want to come with me little guy?" Astoria asks before gently picking up the furry creature.
The weasel squeaks happily before clambering up Astoria's arm and curling around her neck.
'l I guess that settles that. Let's get going." Lysithia says with a smile, as they set off.
Looking back at Astoria and her new furry companion, she gives them a smile as they all head back out onto the road together. She was glad the weasel decided to come with them.
You head out into the balmy morning and towards the north once more. The road slightly veers away from the forest and towards farmland, where you can see a few modest homes. Only a handful of people walk along the roads as you continue your trek. Around midday, the heat of the day rising, you come to a small hamlet a few meters from the road.
Gavril points to a pavilion tent set up with tables and chairs away from the rest of the structures. "We'll have a light meal and get going again."
Kelda nods, "Aye, that sounds like a good idea." Giving Lysithia's hand a light squeeze, they follow her family to the pavilion.
Taking stock of the area, Lysithia nods, happy to get out of the midday heat for a bit. She smiles, squeezing back, a quiet expression of affection.
As they head for what looks like a picnic area, Kelda keeps an eye out for trouble.
Kelda takes a good look around and just sees a few people going about their daily lives. As you approach the tent, a stout-looking man approaches the group. "Welcome, welcome! I have fresh greens, hot bread and sizzling deer steaks along with the finest ale in these parts. There's some apple juice too, if that's what you're after."
"That sounds wonderful!" Lysithia says as they enter.
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"Yes it does sound lovely. Thank you." Astoria adds politely.
Entering the tent with the others, Kelda breaths in the wonderful scents as her stomach lets out a loud rumble. Blushing furiously she says, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was so hungry."
"Just bring us a bit of everything," Gavril says. "I'm sure we're all pretty hungry."
The stout man nods and brings several plates of everything, setting them on the table.
Kelda takes a little of everything and puts it on her plate, along with some ale to drink.
Turning to Lysithia she asks, "What would you like to have?"